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THE DEANE PAPERS.
VOL. IV.
1779-1781.
I
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NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
PUBLICATION FUND.
XXII.
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS.
EDWARD F. DE LANCEY,
DANIEL PARISH, JR.,
CHARLES ISHAM.
COLLECTIONS
OF THE
NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
FOR THE YEAR
1889.
PUBLICATION FUND SERIES.
NEW YORK:
PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY.
MDCCCXC.
•
|
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY, 1890.
PRESIDENT,
JOHN ALSOP KING.
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT,
JOHN A. WEEKES.
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT,
JOHN S. KENNEDY.
FOREIGN CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
JOHN BIGELOW.
DOMESTIC CORRESPONDING SECRETARY,
EDWARD F. DE LANCEY.
RECORDING SECRETARY,
ANDREW WARNER.
TREASURER,
ROBERT SCHELL.
LIBRARIAN,
CHARLES ISHAM.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
FIRST CLASS FOR ONE YEAR.
BENJAMIN H. FIELD,
CHARLES HOWLAND RUSSELL.
SECOND CLASS-FOR TWO YEARS.
JOHN S. KENNEDY,
FREDERIC GALLATIN,
GEORGE H. MOORE, LL.D.
JOHN A. WEEKES,
THIRD CLASS—FOR THREE YEARS.
WILLIAM DOWD,
EDWARD F. DE LANCEY,
JOHN W. C. LEVERIDGE.
FREDERICK STURGES,
FOURTH CLASS-FOR FOUR YEARS.
DANIEL PARISH, Jr.
DANIEL HUNTINGTON,
ANDREW WARNER,
JOHN A. WEEKES,
FRANCIS TOMES,
JOHN A. WEEKES, Chairman,
DANIEL PARISH, JR., Secretary.
[The President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Librarian.
are members, ex-officio, of the Executive Committee. ]
COMMITTEE ON THE FINE ARTS.
JACOB B. MOORE,
HENRY C. STURGES,
GEORGE W. VANDERBILT.
DANIEL HUNTINGTON, Chairman.
ANDREW WARNER, Secretary.
[The President, Librarian, and Chairman of the Executive Com-
mittee are members, ex-officio, of the Committee on the Fine Arts. ]
THE DEANE PAPERS.
ARTHUR LEE TO RICHARD HENRY LEE.
Paris, July 5th, 1779.
THE enclosed authenticated copy of my letters will
shew you that in those which were published under the
signature of Philalethes they have omitted these essen-
tial words—Ce n'est pas une affaire de Commerce que
nous traitons, mais de la Politique la plus etendue.
This would have directly defeated the conclusion they
have imposed upon the public, "that it was an affair
of commerce." Those of M. Beaumarchais of which I
shall send copies as he has given them to me, will also
defeat their other conclusion that Mr. Deane procured
these supplies, because it will appear that everything
was settled concerning them, and the sending of them
commenced before his arrival in Europe. I send you
as a duplicate copies of my letters in Beaumarchais
hand as Mr. Francis must acknowledge. There is a
key to all that is said and insisted upon about returns,
and that is, that it was to serve as a cover to the trans-
action should it ever be discovered. This I stated
originally to the Committee, so it was stated to me
at first, and so I always understood it. Notwithstand-
ing this, if M. Beaumarchais can prove, or has proved,
that he was obliged to borrow and furnish money him-
self for the purchase of these things, undoubtedly he
must be paid. And this may perhaps explain a pas-
sage in one of his letters, which is-les difficultés que
l'ai trouvées dans ma negociation aupres du Ministre
m'ont fait prendre la partie de former une Compagnie
VOL. IV. I
2
THE DEANE PAPERS.
qui fera passer au plutot les secours de munitions et
de poudre a votre ami. All this I consider'd as a
farther cover, because from the character I had heard
of him, it would have been utterly incredible to me that
he could really form a mercantile company or that any
Merchants could possibly be found to risque such sums
in the uncertain state of things, and upon my bare
promise of returns. Neither had I ever, as I wrote
him, considered it as a mercantile transaction. But if
he can prove otherwise, incredible as it may seem, I
can only say I was deceived.
M. Beaumarchais has discovered a great deal to me
in conversation on this subject, which shews what
iniquitous means have been used by Mr. Deane to
keep me in the dark and get this business settled
by secret and indirect means. I shall state the whole
to Congress by the first opportunity. At present, I
shall only observe that M. Beaumarchais makes it
appear that he lent Mr. Deane 30,000 liv. for some
private scheme of trade, and 20,000 liv. for his
pocket, as Mr. Deane pretended, the last of which
sums he has not repaid, and probably intended should
be charged to the public in M. Beaumarchais general
demand, and so pass unnoticed. He lent also 4,800
liv. to Mr. Carmichael, and at that very time both
these Gentlemen were filling his ears with tales about
me, and have been very industrious in endeavouring to
obtain a payment of his demand at Congress, which
neither of them, while they were here, would ever
inform Dr. Franklin and myself they believed to be
just. Neither those Gentlemen nor Mr. Gerard are,
as I conceive, disinterested witnesses in this business.
It ought to be in M. Beaumarchais power to clear up
the matter without having recourse to such suspicious.
evidence by the testimony of those who constitute the
Company and supplied the money. If such persons
exist, their coming forth will decide whether it was
public or private money.
But of this Congress are the Judges. I have done
THE DEANE PAPERS.
3
my duty to the public, and sustained in this, as in
every other instance, not a little abuse for having done
So. My wish ever was, and is, that justice may be
done. With regard to what I wrote him of officers
and engineers, it was, I think, founded on the Com-
mittee's letter to me; but what I intended was, that
they as well as the ships should be sent as an aid
by France, and not quartered upon the American
establishment; much less did I ever propose to give
them rank and commissions in the army. It is not a
little surprizing that if Mr. Deane did indeed, as
is now pretended in his excuse, adopt this measure
from my proposal, he should never have wrote me
a syllable about it, nor have consulted me on the
subject.
The most vigorous movements are making by
France and Spain for pushing the enemy to the
utmost. On their side every effort is exerted as at
the last extremity. Their Militia voted double, all
protections taken away, companies and individuals
raising regiments and equipping ships. I cannot but
think, tho' they rejected the motion for it in both
Houses, that they will withdraw their troops from you,
because as it is beyond all probability that they can
support them from Europe, they must otherwise
leave them to perish. You will hear of a blow being
struck against them soon, which they little expect and
which it is not proper for me to mention. They are,
and are likely to continue, without allies; and if all
human things be not fallacious, they must be com-
pelled to submission soon. But it will be always safer
on your side to act with vigour, and not depend too
much on others. I am tired of my 340, a, xxxi, and
wish I were at 191, 6, xxxvii.
Farewell.
[ARTHUR LEE.]
To the Honble R. H. Lee, or F. L. Lee, or Samuel
Adams, or James Lovell, Esq" at Congress.
Bancroft Mss., Lenox Library.
4
THE DEANE PAPERS.
WHITEHEAD HUMPHREYS ON THOMAS PAINE.
MR. PRINTER,-In one of the publications under the
signature of Common Sense is this very trite and com-
mon though just observation: "an anonymous detrac-
tor is the serpent of society;" how much more he that
detracts merit, who boldly obtrudes his person upon
the public view, it is to determine. The palm of
matchless impudence shall be his, and he may boast
unrivalled the contempt of shame.
Any man who reads the story of a worthy citizen
whose ease, health, and pleasure having been sacrificed
in the public service, is prosecuted and persecuted by
beings who owe security to contemptibility, and im-
portance to malevolence, will feel the emotions of hon-
est indignation. His astonishment will be equal to his
indignation that bold assertions, without evidence to
support them, and dark insinuation devoid of probabil-
ity, should for a moment turn the tide of popular opin-
ion against the friends of mankind. Should we hear
that some faithless Carthaginian had taken refuge in
Rome from the justice which pursued his debts or his
crime; that having vainly opposed the measures taken
for public liberty and safety, at once a sudden con-
vert he had mouthed at Hannibal, and bellowed out
for Fabius that wormed into notice by a talent for
abuse, he had been raised to a confidential office by a
faction who laboured to undermine the great Fabius
himself, the Saviour of his country; that to forward.
the views of his patrons, and promote the interest.
of his natal Carthaginian soil, he had betrayed the
confidence reposed in him; that he had wantonly
wounded the fairest character, branded the firmest
patriots with the imputation of sinister views, and
charged the generous and disinterested with an inordi
nate thirst for dishonest and disgraceful gain; that he
had endeavoured to spread far and wide doubts and
suspicions of the senate, to sap the confidence of the
J
THE DEANE PAPERS.
5
·
Romans, to weaken their councils and distract their
views; that when chosen a tribune of the people, he
had laboured to keep even bread itself from the army,
under pretence of a public scarcity, and thus to leave
the country a prey to her foes; and that notwithstand-
ing all this the Romans should listen to and confide in
this man, this faithless Carthaginian. Should we, I say,
hear these things, what should we think of the Romans?
Change but the name, my countrymen, and the story
is told about you. The Romans were an honest, unsus-
pecting people and so are the Americans? Who was
an Englishman? Tom P—. Who was a Tory?
Tom P
Who wrote Crisis, and abused Howe?
Tom P Who was made secretary to the commit-
tee of foreign affairs? Tom P Who recom-
mended him to that office?
Who betrayed
state affairs? Tom P-
For whom did he betray
them?
Who has traduced the tried friends
of America? Tom P. Who has endeavoured to
raise suspicions against congress? Tom P. Who
was made a committee man? Tom P
- Who pro-
posed a resolution to the committee to prevent supplies
from going to the army? Tom P. Who main-
tains Tom P-? Nobody knows. Who is paid by
the enemy? Nobody knows. Who best deserves
it? Tom P———.
I have long been a spectator of the calumnies thrown
out against some of the best and fairest characters on
this continent, and beheld their silence with astonish-
ment. I could attribute it to nothing but the con-
sciousness of innocence, or the timidity of guilt; prone
to think charitable on the one hand, but deeply alarmed
on the other, I waited the evidence which could justify
such assertions. It did not appear; but instead of it
new and accumulated charges were made, and they
were received with the same contemptuous or callous.
insensibility. I set myself to inquire into the private
characters of the gentlemen traduced, and I found them
to be directly contrary to the allegation made. Upon
6
THE DEANE PAPERS.
+
publishing the journals of congress I find that such of
them as are members of that body have preserved a
conduct totally different from that which had been at-
tributed to them. I again examined the various publica-
tions, to discover, if possible, some foundation on which
these high wrought charges could be supported. My
search was in vain, unless indeed I was disposed to take
assertions for proof. I then drew a comparison between
those who made the assertions, and those against whom
they were made; and if property, probity and honor,
with unshaken perseverance in our, righteous cause,
through the most gloomy prospects and distressful cir-
cumstances, if these things are of any weight, the
balance is clearly in favor of the accused. If these
things can be admitted, as pledges to our country for
the fidelity, the attachment and the zeal of her citizens,
if these can form a shield against the shafts of detrac-
tion, those shafts must fall blunt to the earth. Being
therefore fully convinced of their integrity and inno-
cence, and being convinced that not only from justice.
but also from interest the public ought to cherish those
servants whose talents have been eminently useful, I
cannot do better than unravel from time to time
motives and views, the knowledge of which will enable
the world to read writers as well as writings. I shall
not attempt to defend any man or measure that does
not deserve to be defended, and if in the course of
what I shall say, those are dragged out who now lie
behind the curtain, they must thank themselves for it.
Let the dogs be silent, or the huntsman shall appear.
In Hall and Seller's Gazette, of the thirtieth of June,
there are two papers, the one signed Common Sense,
and the other Tiberius Gracchus, both of them lev-
elled at a member of congress, supposed to be the
author of a paper signed Americanus; both of them
founded on a supposition that he had contended for
excluding America from the fisheries. If this gentle-
man has meddled in the government affairs of Penn-
sylvania, let him answer for himself; but he and every
THE DEANE PAPERS.
7
other our representatives in congress has a right to
expect protection from the virtuous Whigs of America,
while in the execution of his duty. I have reason to
believe, and authority to say, that the Hon. Mr. Morris
was not the author of the piece signed Americanus,
and neither saw it, heard it, or knew of it before the
publication; that neither he nor any other man_now
in Congress ever held up an idea of ceding to Great
Britain, or any power on earth, the right of fishing;
and I call upon those gentlemen for the proof, if any
they have, to contradict me, in order that the man, or
men, who shall have wantonly or wickedly misrepre-
sented the debates of that honorable body, may be
held up to the reproach they justly merit. The in-
sinuation against that gentleman with respect to our
finances is equally ill founded, and the minutes and the
members of congress cannot but bear witness to his
zeal for private justice, and to promote the public
interests. Those who advanced their money to the
United States in the hour of danger and distress, when
to so much greater private advantage they might
otherwise have employed it, are bound to a grateful
acknowledgement of his exertion in their favor; and
as far as America may derive credit from the reputa-
tion of honesty and fair dealing, so far will she feel an
equal obligation. Alike unfair and far more despica-
ble is the insinuation against another member of that
honorable body. To whom is our country most in-
debted? Is it not to those who risqued most for her
salvation? Those who could suffer much and gain
but little by the contest, exhibited real patriotism; but
where is the merit of those who, safe in insignificance,
could lose nothing in storm, and might even hope for
a share of plunder in a general shipwreck, who might
be raised into importance by a turbulency of spirit,
and satiate the lust of power by embarking on a
troubled ocean? Is there a man among us whose con-
sequence is derived from the calamities of his country,
and though she should be plunged in inextricable
8
THE DEANE PAPERS.
十
​debts to gratify private ambition, hath a certain exemp-
tion from the common calamity? Who can pay noth-
ing, because he has nothing to pay? Timothy, art thou
that man? If thou art, then be thou the advocate for
war! For inexpiable war! But can you, my country.
men, who feel the weight of it; whose toil, whose
riches, and whose blood must be expended to support
it? Can you wish to prolong its distresses, to renew
the cries of the orphan and the widow, to increase the
number of those who groan in captivity, to add weight
to their chains, and aggravate the afflictions of the
afflicted?
K
From the moment that the question of the fisheries
became a public topic, my curiosity has been excited
to examine it. Great authorities appear on either
side. One party contending that a nation may law-
fully hold them exclusively; the other that all nations
have an equal and common right. Different nations.
have patronized the different doctrines. England hath
maintained the former, and Holland the latter, for
more than a century. Much ink and much blood have
been spilt upon the occasion; but, after all, it remains.
as such things usually do, quite undecided; and the
arguments of either party are made use of as best suits
the interest and conveniency of states. I am firmly
persuaded that the God of nature intended the large
fisheries, now alluded to, as a common benefit to all
his creatures; and in this persuasion I do not hesitate.
to affirm that it would be a species of treason ever to
give up, in the most distressful situation of our affairs,
a right so important to America. And if, after a
peace, Great Britain should disturb us in the exercise.
of that right, I conceive such disturbances to be among
those lawful causes of war which would justify us in a
declaration of it. And in calling upon our allies to
assist us.
It is absurd to suppose that Great Britain would
insist on our renouncing this, our claim of right. It
would be both impolitic and unjust. It would be the
THE DEANE PAPERS.
9
downright Popery of politics, which, not content with
the free enjoyment of its own opinions, would force an
assent to them from the rest of mankind. But would
it be wise in us, after Great Britain shall agree to
acknowledge our independence, which on our own
principles necessarily involves the common right of
fishing; would it, I say, be wise or politic to refuse
the offer, and to carry on still farther this destructive
war purely to compell the king of Great Britain to
renounce the heresies contained in the works of Sel-
den and other such writers, and avowed, declared, and
maintained in divers public acts of the said king and
of his predecessors, to force from him a confession that
the doctrine of exclusive right to seas, bank, and fish-
eries is erroneous, impious, and absurd; to oblige him
to retract all such aforegone declarations, and in the
most clear, positive, and express terms acknowledge
that America and all other nations have a common
right to take fish in those places in the seas which he
hath heretofore claimed as his own? Motives of inter-
est and policy would undoubtedly prevent Great Brit-
ain from commencing hostilities by plundering our
fishermen; but motives of pride, and what she calls
national honor, would equally prevent her from making
the desired acknowledgement.
As to the calling on our allies to prosecute the war
with us for this end, I cannot think it so clear as some
gentlemen seem to do, that they would incline to it.
We should think it very ridiculous if the most Chris-
tian king should require us to carry on the war until
his brother of England should renounce the title, King
of France. Perhaps it would not appear much more
wise to the French ministry, should we require them
to carry on the war until he shall renounce the claim
to be king of the fishing banks.
If there be on earth an undoubted indisputable right
of individuals or of nations, certainly it is the right of
private opinion; and so long as opinions are not accom-
panied with injurious acts, it is at best but an absurdity
IO
THE DEANE PAPERS.
to contest them. Here then stands the question, is it
just or prudent to continue the present war, in order
to compell Great Britain to acknowledge that we have
as good a right to the fisheries as she has? Is it prob-
able that other nations will stand by and see these
thirteen great and powerful states maul and pummel
the two little weak and insignificant islands of Great
Britain and Ireland, until she makes such acknowl-
edgement-an acknowledgement which, consisting of
mere words, would neither validate our claim, nor
secure us in the peaceable exercise of our right? Cer-
tainly it becomes those either indoors or out, who
maintain this doctrine, to provide solid argument and
powerful fleets. Until this be done, neither Common
Sense nor Uncommon Sense, Tiberius Gracchus nor
Tiberius Nero, shall ever persuade me to be of their
party. Nor do I believe that invective abuse, or any
other the embellishments which adorn their oratory,
can persuade the citizens of these United States to
desert those whose firm councils have gained applause
abroad, and merited confidence at home, while they
prudently labour to fix the great object of American
independence, and establish that peace, liberty, and
safety, which are the objects of the present contest;
and however it may suit the factious views of some
men to continue the war, or whatever hopes they may
entertain who expect to ingratiate themselves with the
common enemy, by sowing dissentions among us, and
diminishing the respect which is due to congress, you,
my dear countrymen, are too wise and too honest not
to discern your friends from your foes. Examine for
yourselves, determine for yourselves, and let those feel
your resentment who deserve it.
CATO.
Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 9, 1779.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
I I
THOMAS PAINE TO WHITEHEAD HUMPHREYS.
In the Evening Post of last Friday, July ninth, in a
piece under the signature of Cato, the following que-
ries, with their answers and inuendoes, were put :
·Tom P———.”
، ،
"
Who was an Englishman?"
Who was a Tory?" "Tom P
Who wrote the Crisis, and abused Howe?" "Tom
P———————.
")
"Who was made secretary to the committee of for-
eign affairs?" "Tom P -.'
"Who recommended him to that office?" "
"Tom P
((
((
66
(6
Who betrayed state affairs?"
For whom did he betray them?" "
Who has traduced the tried friends of America?"
"Tom P-
""
((
""
""
""
"Who has endeavoured to raise suspicions against
congress?" "Tom P
""
"Who was made a committee man? "Tom
P———————.
"Who proposed a resolution to the committee to
prevent supplies from going to the army?" "Tom
P.'
66
66
""
Tom P—————.
"1
"
Who maintains Tom P-?" "Nobody knows.”
Nobody knows.'
، ،
Who is paid by the enemy?"
"Who best deserves it?"
I do not take notice of these queries, &c., from any
apprehension of their being credited to my injury, but
to expose the meanness of the wretch who published
them.
""
""
As I take it for granted he meant me, and no other
person, I sent to the printer for the name of the au-
thor, or of the person by whose authority he published
them. Mr. Towne, the printer, came to me in about
two hours after, and told me that "he had not liberty
to give him up."
If the author chuses to submit himself to be sus-
pected for a lying incendiary scoundrel, by advancing
I 2
THE DEANE PAPERS.
what he dares not own, he is, for the present, welcome;
but unless he gives up his name, or the printer for
him, the one or the other will probably meet with
treatment different to what they expected.
If he alludes to my publications respecting Mr.
Deane, I reply, let Mr. Deane answer for himself. He
is on the spot, so am I. I can but consider myself,
and I know I am considered, both by friends and ene-
mies, as a principal means in rescuing this country from
imposition and a dangerous species of monopolising; for
what can be more dangerous to her commerce and
her honor than members of congress forming trading
companies in partnership with their ambassadors ?
The state of Virginia, on discovering that three of their
delegates were partners in this company, not only
appointed others in their room, but have passed a law
to prevent such practices in future; and I hope every
state will, in some line or other, do the same. If the
exposing this company was revealing a state secret,
or if stating the loss of the dispatches, or saying that
the supplies, represented as a debt by Mr. Deane,
were offered and intended as a present to the states,
were revealing state secrets, I confess myself the per-
son who revealed them; and in so doing I have done
the states justice, which I should not have done had I
acted otherwise. But the exact state of the case is,
that I have told the truth, and concealed the secret.
I have lately taken up the subject of the fisheries
in behalf of the right of America, yet this wretch,
whoever he is, has thought proper to abuse me for it
in the Evening Post. I have published one piece in
Messrs. Hall and Seller's paper of June thirty on that
subject, in answer to a piece on the same, signed
Americanus, and I now republish it in this paper, that
every man may judge for himself what sort of a being
this unknown Cato must be.
If men, under the hope of being concealed by a
printer, are to publish what they dare not own, the
public will for ever be held in confusion. British emis-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
13
saries, British prisoners, and disaffected refugees, will
embarrass every measure, and endeavor to defame
every character, however fair, that stands in their way;
and for this reason, were it for no other, I conceive
that the name of no writer, in the present state of
things, ought to be concealed when demanded.
THOMAS PAINE.
Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 16, 1779.
1
*
WILLIAM LEE TO RALPH IZARD.
k
Frankfort, July 17, 1779.
X
*
*
This is the state these gentlemen [passengers re-
cently arrived at Amsterdam from Boston] give of
Mr. Deane's party in Congress. The Delegates of the
four Eastern States (who know him best) in general
against him; Pennsylvania divided; Maryland for
Deane; Virginia divided; North Carolina for Deane;
South Carolina divided; Georgia for Deane. My
first short reply to Mr. Deane, sent from hence via
Holland in February, is arrived in Boston.
Ford's Letters of William Lee, page 713
REPLY TO THOMAS PAINE.
TO MR. PAINE, SIR,-Your anger and threats afford
much diversion to those who know your history and
character, and though all have not been informed of
the part you acted, whilst in the service of Mr. Aitken,
as a writer for his magazine, yet all are not ignorant
of what it was. Previous, indeed, to your throwing off
the tory, and commencing Whig, which was not done
by you until some time after the commencement of
hostilities, nor until Mr. Aitken had discharged you
14
THE DEANE PAPERS.
from his service on account of your inveterate hatred
to every thing produced in favor of the liberty of these
states, the world knew little or nothing of you more.
than they did of your inferior but brother devils, who
laboured at the press.
Like a brazen trumpet, by being blown into, you
have sounded far and wide; and, like a drum, the
more you have been thumped and beaten, the greater
noise you have made, until one must suppose you
have brought yourself to imagine that you have per-
suaded the world to think you a person of very great
importance, a real Whig, and a man of spirit. Pray,
did not your shoulders ache at the recollection of past
flagellation, when you threated the author of Cato, or
the printer, with your vengeance? You must con-
clude the world is extremely ignorant, or very forget-
ful, when you set forth your own importance, your
services, and your character. Suppose you knew the
author of the piece signed Cato, what would you do?
Order your attorney to prosecute him, as you promised
to do in the case of Major Clarkson last winter?
Which promise you never performed, or, what is more
probable, no attorney could be found that would de-
scend so low as to be concerned for you.
Or if you
knew the author, would you make him feel the effect
of your enraged valor? It is but just that you, who
in the course of the last twelve months have pub-
lished more falsehoods and abusive calumnies than you
have written pages, should have credit when you stum-
bled on the truth; therefore when you take it for
granted that Cato meant you, and no other person,
you speak the truth. It is impossible that he could
mean any other, for there is not a person in the thir-
teen United States (and for the honor of humanity I
hope there is not in the world) to whom the queries,
answers, and inuendoes, published by Cato, will so
well apply as to yourself. Do you flatter yourself that
repetition will convert sophistry into reasoning, or
falsehood into truth? You surely must, or you would
THE DEANE PAPERS.
15
:
not have republished in the Evening Post your miser-
able performance in Messrs. Hall and Seller's Gazette;
nor again assert the stores obtained out by Mr. Deane
were intended as a present, whilst the resolutions of
congress (which hon. body must know as much of the
matter as yourself) directly contradict you.
Your signing your name at large gives not the least
weight to your assertions, whilst the records of congress
speak a different language. See their unanimous
resolution of Jan. 12th, and their subsequent one of
June 5th. You have no right to know, nor will you
know the real Cato, until you so far retrieve your lost
character (if you really ever had a good one) that it
will not be beneath a gentleman to cane you; at
present you are so many degrees below that point,
that if you consult the safety of your shoulders or pos-
teriors, you will never attempt to rise from the point
you are in, unless you judge both the one and the
other sufficiently callous, from repeated applications,
to hazard the experiment.
You seem to be fond of the term scoundrel; take,
therefore, my last advice to you-
Go home, thou scoundrel, to thy native soil,
And in a garret labor, starve, and toil.
A FRIEND TO CATO AND TO TRUTH.
Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 22, 1779.
WHITEHEAD HUMPHREYS TO THOMAS PAINE.
THE galled horse winces.
Thomas, you seem to be in a passion. Has Cato
ruffled the smooth surface of your temper? Who
could suppose that you would be wounded by such
weapons? But truth is powerful.
You charge Cato with being a lying incendiary
scoundrel. Cato laughs at your rage. Why don't
you answer the queries? Being abusive won't serve
16
THE DEANE PAPERS.
your turn, for the public expect answers; aye, and
satisfactory answers too.
Cato asked you questions, and he asked questions
also of one whose abilities and perseverance have
acquired the respect of his enemies and the confidence
of his friends. That gentleman had a right to expect
that he should not have been coupled in the same
paper with you; for though this may have done you
honor, it could do him none. He would not have
been questioned, if his zeal had not been excited by
misrepresentations, and if that ill directed zeal had
not been misrepresented. Cato is not infallible; but
he is not a fool, nor does he speak from prejudice.
or malevolence. That gentleman has answered the
queries by his silence; he was probed, but he did not
flinch. Had you been untouched, you also would
have been silent; or, if you did speak, you would have
answered not by calumny but by argument.
You have attacked many innocent men, and they
have given candid answers to your foul charges, or
treated you and your charges with equal contempt.
These are marks of innocence. Why could you not
profit by their example? But truth is powerful.
You affect to believe that nothing in Cato's perform-
ance will be credited to your injury, but you shew all
the horrors of your own feelings, and disburthen your
tortured spirits in the reproachful aclamations of a
convict.
You say, "I can but consider myself, and I know I
am considered both by friends and enemies, as a prin-
cipal means in rescuing this country from imposition
and a dangerous species of monopolising."-That you
yourself believe this is possible, because it is possible
that you have a greater defect of understanding than
of integrity. What your friends believe, it is needless
to inquire; for how far you may have duped them, or
how far others may have duped you, is alike indiffer-
As to enemies, you may soon convince yourself
that you have as few as any man living; for upon
ent.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
17
the closest scrutiny, you will hardly find one quality,
either of your heart or your understanding, which,
exerted to the utmost, would raise a higher emotion
than contempt.
You cannot divert public attention by bringing
again before them the threadbare unsupported story
of congressional monopolizers. It is as much beneath
the public candor to credit these idle tales, as it is be-
neath the dignity of the public servants to confute them.
We know whence they took their origin, and how
you gleaned them up, the precious crums which fell
from the rich man's table. We know the industry
used to collect evidence in support of them, and the
futile ridiculous ground on which those persons stand
who make such charges. We know too the source of
the Virginia law, and how the plan was laid for it in
Philadelphia, to be revenged on one who would not
sacrifice his honor and conscience to support the
family compact. You indeed may not be acquainted
with these things, for your employers know you too
well to trust you. Thus you stand forth a happy
instance to shew how a man may avoid a full partici-
pation in sin by being a notorious sinner.
Do you think it possible for any one who knows
you to read without laughter the last paragraph of
your manifesto? Shall I transcribe it? Yes-and
you will hardly charge me with slandering you when
I say it is yours, for you have signed your name to
it; and you will hardly charge me with slandering you
when I say (what you yourself have said) that you are
the author of all the writing under the signature of
Common Sense. And the world will not charge me
with slandering you when I say that writings more
abusive than those, and a character less fair than that
of their author, are not to be found in the circle of
existence.
Yes, Thomas, it is your sweet self which says, “if
men, under the hope of being concealed by a printer,
are to publish what they dare not own, the public will
VOL. IV.-2
1
18
THE DEANE PAPERS.
for ever be held in confusion. British emissaries,
British prisoners, and disaffected refugees, will embar-
rass every measure, and endeavor to defame every char-
acter, however fair, that stands in their way." From
thy own mouth will I condemn thee. Hast thou not
endeavored to embarrass every measure, and to defame
every character that stood in the way of the enemy?
In the way of those who labored in the service of the
enemy? In the way of conciliation with Britain?
Base conciliation on the odious term of submission, and
through the vile channel of low emissaries? Spies!
Spies! Highly recommended indeed, and patronized
by those whom this country had unwarily trusted.
Have not you embarrassed every measure, and defamed
every character that stood in the way of a junto, who
have endeavored to subject all things to themselves,
all power, civil, military, and marine? Who have
endeavored to remove every person that would not
mingle in their factious views; and to place none in
office but their friends, relatives, and dependents,
against whose malevolence the unsullied name of the
great American patriot was but a slender barrier,
whose victim was a Washington], and whose idol a
Lee]? Have you not, against the stubborn convic-
tion of your own soul, supported, defended, and ex-
tolled this factious junto? Fie on't! Oh, fie!
But you would insinuate that Cato is some British
emissary, because he defames the character, however
fair, of the great, the glorious, magnificent, magnani-
mous, most monstrous Tom. Had Cato been a British
emissary, you would not have need to ask his name.
He would early have been announced to you. Aye,
and full early would you have found that Cato was a
very civil man. As civil a man perhaps as Doctor
Berkenhout. You, upon your floor of office, was master
of every secret. You are not to learn, therefore, that
this Doctor Berkenhout, however protected and sup-
ported, and however his errand was excused upon the
flimsy pretence of philosophical researches, and how-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
19
ever civil he may have been to you, was nevertheless
a spy from Britain; or, if you like the term better, a
British emissary. Tell us, since you have so excellent
a knack of telling the truth, while you keep the secret
-a thing not very difficult for those characters who
are not believed, even when they speak the truth--tell
us, I say, the truth and keep the secret of what passed
between Doctor Berkenhout and your friends, not
yourself, for no man is bound to become a self accuser.
Tell the truth and keep the secret of what passed
between Mr. Temp[1]e and your friends; and since
you know so well, and have so often entertained the
world with the supposed debates of a certain assem-
bly, tell the truth, but carefully, yea, most carefully
conceal the secrets, how and by whom these emissaries
were defended within the doors. These are secrets
which must soon be known; these are truths which
you tremble at.
And is it for you to ask the name of a publisher?
Go, wretch, hide thy pitiful head in oblivion. Crawl not
from thy den, but with boding bats and the night owl;
and when thou present thyself unto the gazing moon,
shew her a spectacle of horror. To the whips, the
scorpions of guilt, I leave thee. To despair, to shame,
to the anguish of contempt, I leave thee. May the
balm of repentance sooth thy agonizing soul. Mayest
thou soon be forgiven, as thou must soon be forgotten;
and when disease and poverty shall overtake thee, and
when thou in vain solicitest from thy present coadju-
tors the poor pittance of misery, mayest thou receive
it from their hands whom thou hast injured.
f
-
-
CATO.
Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 24, 1779.
PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Philadelphia, Saturday, July 24, 1779.
A town meeting being to be held on Monday next,
the following letter sent to Robert Morris, Esq, en-
20
THE DEANE PAPERS.
closing a report, are published for the consideration of
the people previous to the meeting.
Philadelphia, July 21, 1779.
SIR, We received your favour of June 26th, inclosed
in your subsequent letter of July 7th, and likewise saw
the same published in Mr. Dunlap's paper of the 5th,
and Mr. Bradford's paper of the 14th instant. Our reason
for not waiting on you again is assigned by you, partly
on account of your indisposition, and partly by the
publication itself, because it was not appealing from a
report, but prior to a report; and it was not any part
of our intention to have published any report without
first presenting you with the whole.
Enclosed is the report we shall make to the town
meeting on Monday next, and which we shall publish
in the paper of Saturday; and think it our duty to
furnish you with a copy thereof, for your perusal, ani-
madversion, or explanation.
In our conduct in this business we have strictly ad-
hered to facts, and scrupulously followed candour and
justice; and tho' the relation may in some parts appear
unpleasant, we hope you will acquit us of exaggeration.
We observe, both in your conversation with us and
in your letter of June 26th, and publication of the same
date, that you expressed some concern that your name
had been so disadvantageously mentioned at the last
town meeting. It often happens that those who ought
to be the first, are the last persons to hear circum-
stances respecting themselves.
The cargo in question had created much conversa-
tion before any town meeting was thought of.
Its
remaining so long in the river without any proposals
for sale, and a public guard being placed over it, gave
rise to many conjectures, among the rest, and which
was a very general one, that it was the property of
Mr. Silas Deane, and detained by Congress till he
should settle his accounts; and as your connection with
Mr. Deane had been known from an account published
C
THE DEANE PAPERS.
2 I
by you in February last, the Idea, without the assist-
ance of any thing malignant, easily extended to your-
self, and perhaps quickened other apprehensions, when
it was first given out that you was become a pur-
chaser of the whole; and however unwilling Mr. Morris
may be to acknowledge the term engrossing or monop-
olizing, yet as he did not import the cargo, and did,
in partnership with Mr. Solikoff, get the whole into
his possession, we are at a loss to find any other name,
tho' the expedition with which he entered on the sale
abates the rigorous sense generally applied to these
words.
On the part of Mr. Solikoff there is something very
nearly akin to forestalling; for tho' the possessing him-
self of a promise of the whole cargo was not, as we at
first apprehended, before the vessel arrived, it was on,
or before, the day on which the cargo became legally
merchantable, which we presume takes place as to
public sale from the time she is entered with the Naval
Officer, which was on the 25th of April.
You mention your having entered, or intended to
enter, into treaty for a remaining part of the cargo,
which is described by you as unsuited to the season
and country.
As we have not seen the invoice, and
cannot learn, from those who have seen it, what part
thereof can properly come under that description, wet
leave it to Mr. Morris to give what satisfaction he may
think proper, either to us or the town meeting, or by
any other means he may chuse.
We are persuaded that enquiries of this kind are
attended with niceties and difficulties, which would be
innovations on the rights and freedom of trade at any
other time than this; but, embarked in a cause which
has been in a great measure supported by generously
surrendering individual ease and advantage, we are
persuaded that Mr. Morris can but approve the prin-
ciple which the public, and we by their authority, have
proceeded on, and to which himself on many occasions
has contributed.
22
THE DEANE PAPERS.
As we are not authorized to condemn, so neither
can we justify; and are persuaded that when Mr. Morris
reflects on the uneasiness which such a mode of pur-
chasing has occasioned, that he will take measures in
future to prevent the same consequences; for tho', as
a merchant, he may be strictly within rules, yet when
he considers the many public and honorary stations he
has filled, and the times he lives in, he must feel him-
self somewhat out of character.
If Mr. Morris pleases to convey anything to us in
answer to this and the enclosed, we shall deliver it with
these at the town meeting, and do every thing in our
power to remove uneasiness and restore tranquility and
public friendship.
We are, sir, your obedient humble servants,
Timothy Matlack,
David Rittenhouse,
Thomas Paine,
Charles Wilson Peale,
J. B. Smith.
The Pennsylvania Packet, July 24, 1779.
TO SIMEON DEANE.
Philadelphia, July 27, 1779.
DEAR BROTHER,-I sent you a Dictionary, by Mons.
De Francy, which doubt not you have received, but
until I have letters from you acknowledging it will
make no use of it. We are here in the greatest pos-
sible anarchy and confusion. On Saturday night the
house of Mr. Humphreys, a respectable citizen, and as
true and brave a Whig as any in this State, was forced
by the rabble, excited and led on by two of the Com-
mittee. He was from home, but returned just after
they had entered in search of him. They had knocked
down and wounded his Sister, a young lady in the
house, and were returning just as he made his way
through them into his house. He armed himself, and
THE DEANE PAPERS.
23
stood on his defence, whilst they insulted and abused
him, and, to intimidate him, led up a file of Soldiers
armed; but he bravely defied them all unitedly, and
without any assistance from the authority of the City
or his neighbors dispersed them. This daring out-
rage, though not the greatest that has been committed
here, has alarmed the citizens; and yesterday there was
a Town Meeting, at which the Committee found them-
selves greatly embarrassed and were severely cen-
sured. Mr. R. Morris was acquitted of every charge,
and greatly applauded. This indeed looks favorable;
but its meeting stands adjourned until this morning,
and the proceedings of this day will shew what will
probably be the event. The contest is between the
respectable citizens of fortune and character, opposed
to the constitution of this State, and people in lower
circumstances and reputation, headed by leaders well
qualified for their business, and supposed to be secretly
supported by the Press and Council. However things
may end, it may at this instant be truly said, there are
few unhappier cities on the globe than Philadelphia,
the reverse of its name, in its present character, which
I hope will not be its situation for any time.
It is a melancholy reflection to think, that whilst
our common enemy is wasting our sea coasts, and lay-
ing our fairest and most peaceable towns in ashes, we
are quarrelling among ourselves, and can scarcely be
constrained from plunging our swords in each others
bosoms. Fairfield, Norwalk, and the country between
them, are plundered and burnt to almost the last house
by the enemy; New Haven was plundered and the
stores on the wharf burned, and many houses in East
Haven. The individual acts of barbarity you must sup-
pose many and atrocious; they are so, almost beyond
description or example. The enemy have evacuated
the State; the surprise of their garrison at Stoney
Point was a most gallant affair and conducted in some
degree to make them retire from Connecticut. Lord
Cornwallis is arrived at New York with some recruits,
24
THE DEANE PAPERS.
and it is given out that Admiral Arbuthnot may be
daily expected with a large reinforcement. I doubt it,
though our friends in France write positively on the
subject. He must have sailed in May, which induces
me to think his destination changed, and that his being
bound to America was given out rather as a blind.
I send you two letters from Mr. Limozin which I
opened, impatient for news from France, from whence
I received nothing by letter. Pray write me your sit-
uation and what you have suffered, also how the Land
Office goes on. I send you part of two papers by
which you will see how Payne is handled; there are
two more still severer, but I have them not by me at
this time. The verses merit preserving.
Our brother B. D. is gone to Boston; he has been
successful in privateering lately, in the Mars particu-
larly.
I am, my dear brother, most affectionately yours,
S. DEANE.
Ford's Correspondence of Samuel B. Webb, II., 185.
STATEMENT OF CHARLES WILSON PEALE.
MR. DUNLAP,--Please to publish the following letter
of Mr. Deane to Capt. Peale, which was left with him
by Silas Deane, John Nixon, and James Wilson, Es-
quires, together with my answer to their demand.
THOMAS PAINE.
Philadelphia, July 27, 1779.
Mr. Peale.
SIR,-You declared yesterday, to the citizens met at
the coffee-house, that a bribe or salary had been offered
Mr. Thomas Paine, to engage him not to write or pub-
lish any thing respecting me or my affairs. As such
an assertion must tend to prejudice my character and
conduct with my countrymen and fellow-citizens, I now
call on you for the name of the person or persons who
THE DEANE PAPERS.
25
made this offer to Mr. Paine. Justice to the Public,
as well as to my character, requires that their names
should be known, and authorizes me to make this
demand of you.
I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
Mr. Peale.
SILAS DEANE.
Silas Deane,
John Nixon,
James Wilson,
Market Street, July 28, 1779.
GENTLEMEN,-Capt. Peale having this morning shown
me the above letter, and named the gentlemen who
accompanied Mr. Deane, and as the matter relates
particularly to me, I have to reply, that as I was not
present at the Coffee-house at the time to which Mr.
Deane refers, I cannot be a judge of what particular
conversation passed; but if anything there spoken
referred to an offer made to me last winter, which for
sundry reasons I thought it my duty to decline, I
shall, in justice to Capt. Peale as a friend, as well as for
the satisfaction of the public, publish in next Satur-
day's paper the whole transactions respecting the offer
in question.
I would likewise observe that I was coming down
Market street at the time Mr. Deane, Mr. Nixon, and
Mr. Wilson were standing at Capt. Peale's door; and
as some of them saw me, they might have had the
satisfaction from me which they required, had they
waited till I came up, which was within a few minutes.
of their going away.
I am, Gentlemen, your obediant humble servant,
THOMAS PAINE.
M
Esquires.
Philadelphia, July 28, 1779.
Mr. Deane.
a
SIR, Mr. Paine has been grossly abused in
public paper by an anonimous author whose name
26
THE DEANE PAPERS.
had been concealed, and believing Mr. Paine to be
a firm friend to America, and my personal acquaint-
ance with him gives me an opportunity of knowing
that he has done more for our common cause than the
world, who had only seen his publications, could know,
I thought it my duty to support him, and gave to the
public the intimation which you mention in your letter.
That letter I have put into the hands of Mr. Paine,
and he will publish the whole of the transaction, by
which means you as well as the public will obtain
in due time the fullest information.
I am, Sir, your most humble servant,
CHARLES WILSON PEALE.
To Silas Deane, Esq.
The Pennsylvania Packet, July 29, 1779.
DENIAL BY ARTHUR LEE.
To the Printer at Poughkeepsie.
In justice to the character of an accused absent
man, the printers of news-papers in this and the neigh-
bouring States are requested to publish the following
translation of a letter, written to the Editor of the
Leyden Gazette, dated at Paris the 8th of February
last, by Arthur Lee, Esq., upon his seeing Mr. Deane's
publication of the 5th of December.
A*
Fish-kill, 29th July, 1779.
Doctor Lee's Letter to the Printer, published in the
Supplement, Aux Nouvelles extraordinairies de divers
Endroits du numero XVI. De Leide le Fevrier, 1779.
Upon the subject of the letter which has appeared
under the signature of Silas Deane, I pray you, Sir, to
*Samuel Adams to Arthur Lee. "Your letter to the editor of the Leyden
Gazette, written upon your seeing Mr. Deane's first publication, fell into my
hands about a fortnight ago. I published it with a few loose observations in one
of our newspapers. -Wells' Life of Samuel Adams, III., 61. The denial was
printed with some verbal changes from the above in the Connecticut Gazette
of July 28, 1779.
""
!
2
THE DEANE PAPERS.
27
give the following answer to the public. That I
declare in the most solemn manner that all the accusa-
tions which it contains against me are absolutely false.
The particular detail of proofs which demonstrate not
only that the accusations are false and scandalous, but
also that the accuser has, with the most perfect reason
and justice, lost the confidence of the public, is due to
the Representatives of the people of the United States
assembled in Congress, of whom I am the servant;
and this detail I cannot give without their permission.
In the mean time I assure myself that a clear and
positive denial will be received by every honest and
impartial person as a sufficient answer to simple accu-
sations, manifestly dictated by the spleen of a dis-
graced man.
[Signed]
ARTHUR Lee.
The New York Journal, August 9, 1779.
THOMAS PAINE'S EXPLANATION.
Mr. Dunlap,—Please to insert the following.
T. P.
Silas Deane, John Nixon, and James Wilson,
Esquires, having called on Capt. Peale, and left with
him a letter signed Silas Deane, dated the 27th instant,
respecting intimations used by him, Capt. Peale, at
the Coffee-house, on the morning of the 26th instant,
relative to some pecuniary offers made to me; and
Capt. Peale having shewn me that letter, which,
together with my and his answer thereto, were pub-
lished in the Pennsylvania Packet of Thursday last,
in which answer of mine I engaged to give the infor-
mation required in this day's paper.
On examining Mr. Deane's letter a second time, I
see the request is for the name or names only, and not
for circumstances of the affair in question. To give
the one without the other might be made an ill use of,
and to give both in the present situation of things,
1
28
THE DEANE PAPERS.
without first referring the matter to Congress, might,
as far as I am able to foresee, produce considerable
inconvenience.
So far as respects the three gentlemen in question,
I shall give such answers as ought to suffice them, and
that part which may be supposed to belong more gen-
erally to the public, I entreat them to leave to my dis-
cretion. Had there been no peculiar nicety in this
affair, I undoubtedly should for my own sake have
published it before now, because in any light in which
it may be viewed, it will add to my reputation.
Therefore, it is sufficient on my part that I declined
the offer; and it is sufficient to Mr. Nixon and Mr.
Wilson that they were not the persons who made it,
or, I believe, knew anything about; and on the part of
Mr. Deane it is somewhat extraordinary that he should
stir about this only, who has taken everything else so
quietly. It is likewise more extraordinary that he
should stir at this particular time, because I cannot
suppose he is ignorant of a letter of mine to Congress,
dated so long ago as the 23d of April, where I men-
tioned the same affair to which, I presume, Capt. Peale
alluded; and I gave my consent that Mr. Thomson
should shew Mr. Deane that letter, upon condition
that he does not commence a quarrel with Mr. Car-
michael for dubbing him at Nantz with the title of
a
After informing Congress that an offer had been
made to me, I added "that however polite the pro-
posal might be, or however friendly it might be de-
signed, I thought it my duty to decline it, as it was
accompanied with a condition which had a tendency to
prevent the information I had since given and should
still give on public affairs." The offer was made both
before and after I made my resignation on the 8th
of January. It was first put in general terms, after-
wards in particular ones; was pressed on me with a
great deal of anxiety, and amounted to more than
twice my salary in Congress.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
29
i
I cannot possess myself of the mind of the gentle-
man who proposed it, so as to declare what every
intention of his might be, but I well know that the
acceptance of it would at that time as effectually have
prevented the publication I gave in Mr. Dunlap's paper
of the 16th of February, respecting the supplies and
the loss of the dispatches, as if my silence had been
made the express condition of my acceptance.
Having said thus much, I think it a prudent step in
me to refer the affair first to Congress. If they please
to call on me for particulars, I will furnish them; and
I am persuaded the honest and well wishing part of
the public will rest satisfied with this, as there are
matters connected with it which might, either by mis-
take or design, be made a very ill use of.
go
There is not a man in the Thirteen States, so far as
his powers and abilities extend, that will further or
do more in supporting the cause of America than my-
self, or of any country connected with her. This every
one knows who has any intimate acquaintance with
me; and according to my opinion of things and princi-
ples, a man needs no pecuniary inducement to do that
to which the two-fold powers of duty and disposition.
naturally lead him on.
Having thus far satisfied Mr. Nixon and Mr. Wilson,
I take the liberty of asking Mr. Wilson if he is or
was not directly or indirectly a partner in the Foreign
Commercial Company, in which Mr. Deane, with sev-
eral members of Congress at that time, and others
were concerned.
And exclusive of all other questions to Mr. Deane,
I desire him to inform the public for what purpose it
was that he remitted over to Mr. Samuel Wharton of
London 19,520 livres, eleven days after the Treaty of
Alliance was signed. I presume he will not undertake
to contradict the fact; if he does, I can prove it.
THOMAS PAINE.
P. S. As to Whitehead Humphreys, I give him my
full and free consent to publish whatever and when-
30
THE DEANE PAPERS.
ever he pleases, and under any signature he likes best;
promising on my part to make no reply thereto, if he,
Whitehead Humphreys, will to each of his future
pieces add at the bottom the following words, viz.:
"This is published by the same person who inserted
several libellous productions under the signature of
'Cato,' in Benjamin Towne's Evening Post of July,
1779, which were so infamously false that the author
or carrier of them, in order to avoid the shame and
scandal of being known, tied the Printer down to such
strong obligations to conceal him, that nothing but a
halter could extort it from him."
Philadelphia, July 30, 1779.
The Pennsylvania Packet, July 31, 1779.
JUNIUS ON THOMAS PAINE.
For the Pennsylvania Packet.
It is long since my mind has been made up on Mr.
Paine. I never thought so contemptibly of the literary
fame of Pennsylvanians as to suppose that the palm
of learning was to be bestowed on him, or that he was
to triumph over all the energetic plans that have often
been displayed in the present contest on behalf of our
country. Since his late publications against Mr.
Deane, I firmly believed that in the arts of sophistry
and quibble few, if any, could equal him, and had got
myself into that strain of ideas of him, that I conceived
no falsehood, however palpable, beneath his acceptance,
and no character, however illustrious, above his daring
calumny. Convinced of this, I remained silent, satis-
fied that the pit he dug for others, must at last close.
on himself, and that after the glare of a passing me-
teor had been his, he would sink again into primæval
insignificance. As far as events have yet unfolded his
roll, my opinion stands justified, and humanity now
bids me pity, that stumbling on the brink of popular
TIIE DEANE PAPERS.
31
odium, he sees not how near he approaches to where
he imagines he is leading others.
Already, countrymen, he stands denied by Congress
as a writer of untruths; by citizens of eminence and
worth as a calumniator and tool of a faction opposed
to the liberties and independence of their country;
and exposed to all of you, as wishing to make you
parties in his quarrels, and that your exertions should
in his defence cause to flow a torrent from the veins of
your best citizens, which himself has neither the cour-
age nor presumption to attempt to draw.
Permit me, fellow citizens, wherever you are, in your
remotest settlements, I call on you, Pennsylvanians,
to bear testimony to that noble spirit which dignifies
our brethren in the capital, whilst I disclose to you
those daring attempts which may not have reached
you, as they were transacted here, and which their
constancy and virtue overcame. A reputable spirited
citizen of this place, by name Whitehead Humphreys,
-no Tory-but a man who had accompanied your
arms to battle, and conscious of the dignity of the
office, had gloried in defending your rights and liber-
ties when attacked from distant shores. This man
thinking Mr. Paine what Congress, many eminent
citizens, &c., had long since thought him, viz., a dis-
turber of the public peace, a spreader of falsehoods,
and sower of dissension among the people, had car-
ried to the press some performances for your informa-
tion, submitting them and Mr. Paine to your judgment;
for so doing he was called to the Coffee house, and
there arraigned before a respectable number of citi-
zens. For what? For having retaliated on Mr.
Paine his own indecent productions, and for having
tried to convince you of the baseness of his designs.
All the pieces he had carried to Mr. Towne were read
before them, and unbounded rage was expected to
follow, to the utter destruction of this, your fellow-
countryman—When lo-Select a bright page in the
annals of fame to record the story. That virtue which
>
A
32
THE DEANE PAPERS.
was ever yours, when opposing tyranny, flew to his
aid, and the freedom of the press was decreed what
it really is, the palladium of your rights and great
basis of your liberty and independence. Shall I re-
count to you the arts made use of to avert this de-
cision? It was offered to vote, whether Mr. Paine was
a friend to America; if he was, W. Humphreys was
so, too, and therefore on a par with him. It was said
Mr. Paine was a public man; if true, are public trusts
sanctions from attacks from the press? If they were,
how often has Mr. Paine violated the rights of pub-
lic men, by indiscriminately attacking them?
It was said that Mr. Paine had been offered a bribe
to desist writing against Mr. Deane. If this was true
(which I do not believe), the friends of Mr. Paine strove
to get W. Humphreys put to death for writing against
him. And if money was offered in one case, death
was threatened in the other; and which was most de-
terring, I leave you to judge. If Mr. Deane was
anxious, Mr. Paine was tortured with apprehensions
of Humphrey's pen, and here at last the matter stands
even; but in this day's paper is the performance sol-
emnly announced to you as elucidating the affair of
the bribe, and in the name of Liberty, what does it
amount to? A connected series of sophistical evasions,
which your own good sense must find out, bears
neither the marks of candor or ingenuity. I will
spend a few moments in examining them.
On exam-
ining Mr. Deane's letters, he finds that Mr. Deane re-
quests the names of the party, not the circumstances,
of the offer of the bribe. Now how could Mr. Paine
possibly give the one without the other? and does not
common sense point out, that if Mr. Paine had said,
“Mr. made the offer," the name and circumstance
were already told, and without saying this he could
not give up the name, for putting a name on blank
paper without any else, would not do it. He writes to
refer the matter to Congress, and why so? It appears
Congress were informed in his letter of April last,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
33
and they have never noticed the matter yet; still it
must be referred to them. But how is this to be done?
Will Mr. Paine stoop to wait on them again? No. The
united Representatives of America in Congress assem-
bled, must call on him. He says, if Congress please
to call on me for particulars, I will furnish them. Is
this sufferable? Must our country, thus collected, bend
to him, or he to them? Whether Mr. Wilson was
concerned in a Commercial Company, or Mr. Deane
in sending money to England, what had all this to
do with the case in point? A great deal. For it is
thrown out to divert your attention from it. Mr. Paine
says he stands acquitted at all events, for he refused
the bribe. Well he might refuse it, for its not being
enough for aught we know, and how then does he stand
acquitted? Let us try then if we cannot see fur-
ther into this matter. Perhaps a gentleman knowing
Mr. Paine's profession to be that of a writer, might
offer him a salary to hand his history embellished to
posterity; if that interfered with Mr. Paine's communi-
cating intelligence to the public, that gentleman might
know nothing of it, and this Mr. Paine acknowledges.
Suppose a ship-carpenter employed in building a pub-
lic vessel; is that to bar every man from applying to
him to build a private one, or is the offer to be con-
strued into a wish of his desisting to build the public
one? Surely not; he might be able to build them
both; perhaps the public might not be in haste with
theirs; perhaps a thousand things might occur to make
his compliance with private views not inconsistent
with the public weal.
But the man who thus equivocates, be assured has
nought to tell. Mr. Paine is no self-denyer; he has
been lavish of public secrets, and I dare say is not
over careful in concealing his own.
This is apparent;
for if it was improper the public should know all of
this matter, it was equally so they should know any
thing of it, unless, indeed, he meant by insinuation to
foment jealousies, destructive of your peace and hap-
VOL. IV.—3
34
THE DEANE PAPERS.
1
piness, which really, from his writings, appears to be
his intentions. Do you think it unlikely, fathers and
countrymen, that the British foe may have pensioned
a man like this to raise distrusts against those men
who have fought them bravely in the field, and baffled
them in council, for interest is a leading principle, and
what could advance theirs more than this? By such
a man they sap all public confidence, sow discord be-
tween the States in union, between us and our allies,
thereby involving us eventually in one common ruin,
in which he could lose nothing, having nought at
stake. I do not say this is his case, because I do not
know it; but I say it is probable, and he who so freely
suspects others must in his turn pardon suspicions.
Heartily congratulating you, my fellow-citizens, for
your zeal and firmness in support of liberty, you may
be assured you will soon reap its effects; by support-
ing liberty at home, you will secure it from abroad, and
remain that happy soil (destined the happiest 'neath
the cope of Heaven) where tyranny is equally hated
and resisted, whether it flow from a king, Lord and
Commons, or from intestine foes. To latest ages may
you remain, as you deserve to be, the envy and the
glory of surrounding climes.
JUNIUS.
Saturday, July 31st, 1779.
The Pennsylvania Packet, Aug. 3, 1779.
ANSWER OF ROBERT MORRIS TO THE PHILADELPHIA
COMMITTEE.
To the PUBLIC.
In Mr. Dunlap's paper of Saturday, the 24th of July,
is published a letter signed T. Matlack, David Ritten-
house, Thomas Paine, Charles Wilson Peale, and J. B.
Smith, together with their report on the transactions
relating to the cargo of the polacre Victorious. I re-
ceived these papers at noon the 22d July, and immedi-
ately wrote an answer; as I was going out of town, I
THE DEANE PAPERS.
35
1
left it with one of my Clerks to copy, and deliver to
some one of the Committee. He tells me, that having
called several times on Mr. Matlack, and not finding
him at home, he had no opportunity to deliver the
letter until Saturday morning, which I mention in jus-
tice to the Committee, as by this accident they had
not an opportunity of sending my letter to the press.
I suppose it would have been read at the Town Meet-
ing, on Monday the 26th, had their report been taken
But it was agreed that this was unnecessary, in
which I acquiesced, considering it as an acknowledge-
ment on the part of the Committee that my conduct.
was not reprehensible.
up.
When a report of the General Committee was read,
on the subject of Mr. Holker's affairs, which is also
published in Mr. Dunlap's paper of the 24th, I could
not refrain from saying a few words in justification of
that gentleman and of myself. I gratefully acknowl-
edge the patience with which I was heard by my fellow-
citizens, until my sensibility was so strongly affected
by their repeated plaudits, that I could not give utter-
ance to what I had intended to say further on that
subject.
A gentleman present made a motion for approving
my conduct, but put the question himself, which ought
to have been done by the Chairman; the Chairman did
not repeat it, and therefore (from this irregularity),
although I have the pleasure to say that the appro-
bation of my conduct was almost, if not altogether
unanimous, the vote taken upon the occasion has not
appeared among the resolutions of the Meeting signed
by the Chairman.
It would be tedious, and perhaps unnecessary, on this
occasion, to go through the arguments which might be
urged on the matter in question, relative to Mr. Holker
and myself. I am confident that a full investigation of
the transaction will rebound much to our advantage,
and I shall therefore only repeat the declaration I made
upon my word and honor to my fellow citizens in the
1
36
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Į
X.
State-house Yard, that I was not myself, neither was
Mr. Holker, to the best of my knowledge and belief,
either directly or indirectly, concerned in exporting
from this Continent, since the embargo took place, a
single barrel of provisions, except on account of His
Most Christian Majesty, for the use of his seamen and
troops.
Had the letter and report first mentioned been con-
fined to this city, or the question on my conduct been
regularly put, I should not have given the reader this
trouble; but as the former is published, and the latter
is not published, it became my duty to relate what had
passed, and to subjoin the letter I wrote to the Com-
mittee, as they had not an opportunity of sending it to
the world with their own, for the reasons before men-
tioned. It is in these words:
Philadelphia, July 22, 1779.
GENTLEMEN,-I was honoured with the receipt of
your letter of the 21st this day at noon, and take the
earliest opportunity of replying to it. I beg leave to
make my acknowledgments for the assurances you give
of your intentions to remove uneasiness and restore
tranquility and public friendship, and trust that efforts
to this purpose will meet the applause of every friend
to our country. Permit me to testify the pleasure I
feel from your professions of candour, a virtue which,
as it is necessary, so is it to be expected in those who
have been entrusted by our fellow-citizens to make that
enquiry, which, as you well observe, might at any other
time be deemed an innovation on the rights and free-
dom of trade. Relying on that candour I shall study
the greatest brevity, that I may not give you or them
unnecessary trouble.
I am satisfied in my own particular that the enquiry
has been made, as I hold myself ready to answer every
investigation. At the same time it may perhaps be
worthy of consideration how far, in times differing
from the present, innovations upon the freedom and
THE DEANE PAPERS.
37
1
rights of mankind may be sanctioned by those acts,
which I again repeat to you I do not regret so far as
my conduct is concerned. It was not my intention to
appeal in the publications you allude to, either from or
prior to your report; my reasons for publishing are
fairly stated, and the thing itself was indispensable.
I need not take any notice of the conjecture formed of
Mr. Deane having property in this cargo, as I am con-
fident that you, Gentlemen, are convinced they were
ill founded. I cannot help differing from you in opin-
ion that the transactions in question have any thing in
them of engrossing or monopolizing. I may not be a
judge of the legal sense affixed to these terms, but in
reason and common sense they seem to mean the pur-
chasing a large quantity of any commodity, and keep-
ing possession of it until the consequent scarcity
enables the holder to extort from the public or private
necessities an unreasonable profit; and this I am told
is the legal signification. But it will be admitted on
all hands that I made as speedy sale as possible; con-
sequently, when the variety of the commodities of
which this cargo was composed is considered, and that
many of them were unsaleable, I must appear, what I
really think I was, the fair and open Merchant, who
by contributing to the immediate purchase encouraged
the foreign commerce, and by expeditious sales, with
moderate profits, supplied the necessities of my fellow
citizens on the most reasonable terms in my power.
I
have said above that many of these commodities were
unsaleable, and in my former letter that they were un-
suited to the season and climate. You seem to call for
some explanation of these things. It is needless to
enumerate the articles, and the shortest explanation is
this, that these articles have been constantly exposed
to sale from the first opening until this time; they still
remain, and I shall be much obliged to any person who
will become the purchaser of them. You will pardon
me, Gentlemen, for differing from you in one sentiment,
"That I must feel myself out of character, though
38
THE DEANE PAPERS.
strictly within rules as a Merchant, when I consider the
stations I have held, and the times in which I live."
Thoroughly despising those pedling tricks which have
latterly been practised and are frequently adduced to
disgrace trade and traders, I declare that the character
of a real merchant, a generous, open and honest mer-
chant, is a character I am proud of. It is the profes-
sion to which I have been bred from my earliest youth;
the station in which it has pleased God to place me;
and if I have acted as consistently in every other sta-
tion, I may look back with pleasure. If I have other-
wise erred in my conduct, it has been because the line
in which I moved as a merchant, precluded me from
the study of those subjects which are necessary for
political life.
Since you have been pleased to furnish me with a
copy of your intended report for "perusal, animadver-
sion or explanation," you will doubtless excuse a few
short observations on it. The double species of
engrossing you mention, 1st, of the promise, and 2dly,
of the cargo, I cannot easily comprehend. The en-
grossing of promises would be but a bad speculation
in these days, nor would any man be envied for hav-
ing a large stock of such commodities as promises are
generally experienced to be. If Mr. Sollikoff's offers
for the cargo had been rightly understood they would
not have been accepted; it would have been disposed
of otherwise; and of course the promise he obtained
would have been of no benefit to him or injury to any
body else, had his bargain been valid. I think I have
clearly shewn the cargo was not engrossed, but fairly
purchased, and immediately offered for sale at a mod-
erate profit. This promise was obtained by Mr. Solli-
koff before his application to me, and of course if there
were anything blameable in it, I must be clear, and
still more so when it is considered that I limited my
concern in the purchase to a price then generally
deemed moderate, and which the supercargoes refused
when they came to understand it. For all which re-
:
THE DEANE PAPERS.
39
lates to the Commercial Committee of Congress, I
have to observe that as I knew nothing of any treaties
between them and the owners of the cargo in question,
I am neither chargeable with keeping it out of their
hands or trifling with them. And for any profit which
was unnecessarily to be made out of the public, I say
that had the Commercial Committee purchased the
whole cargo on the best terms that could then have
been made, and taken out the articles wanted for the
public service at the price I sold them, they would
have lost more on the sales of the remainder than was
gained as a profit on the sales of these articles to them.
If this state of the case be just, and really believe it
is, the public made a profit by me, instead of paying
one to me. That I offered these goods to the Agents,
rather than to the Commercial Committee, was purely
because I was ignorant the Committee made such pur-
chases; and the more so, as I had once the honor of
being a member when such purchases were not made
by them, but by the Agents, and therefore not being
acquainted with any change in the mode of proceed-
There is a
ing, thought I was pursuing the true line.
small mistake in your report, which I doubt not you
will readily perceive. You say that I gave as a reason
why the owner found me a convenient purchaser that
I could furnish tobacco, &c.; but you will recollect
that my transaction at that period was not with the
owners, but with Mr. Sollikoff, who found me to be a
convenient person to be concerned with him because
I had tobacco. A small alteration of this kind will
give a different face to the relation, and render the
remarks which the Committee have made upon it un-
necessary.
Having thus hastily gone through your letter and
report, I trust, Gentlemen, that all defects will be sup-
plied by your candour and love of justice. These,
with the firm reliance I have upon my fellow-citizens,
and the consciousness of the rectitude of my inten-
tions, form the most solid ground to expect that those
40
THE DEANE PAPERS.
who may be empowered to acquit or condemn, will
honor me with their acquittal, whenever the question
shall be fairly and impartially put.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, your most obe-
dient and very humble servant,
ROBERT MORRIS.
To Timothy Matlack, David Rittenhouse, Thomas
Paine, Charles Wilson Peale, J. B. Smith, Esquires.
I regret it as a great misfortune that I have been so
often forced to claim the public attention to vindicate
my own character and conduct. I wish to live a quiet
private life, under the protection of good laws wisely
administered; and notwithstanding the pain I have
suffered from the attacks unjustly made upon me, I
have been much more concerned from public consider-
ations at the many publications of this sort which have
appeared. For ill founded accusations tend not only
to destroy the confidence absolutely necessary for the
conduct of our affairs, but they weaken the effect of
those which may at any time be made with justice and
truth.
ROBERT MORRIS.
Philadelphia, July 31, 1779.
The Pennsylvania Packet, Aug. 5, 1779.
JAMES LOVELL TO SAMUEL ADAMS.
August 3d [1779].
OTHER Packets than what I have mentioned in my
last have arrived, so that I can keep by me several
papers belonging to you and not rob you or give you
trouble to copy.
I want R. H. Lee and you and my-
self to have a set of essential vouchers. Send me,
therefore, what you have to spare, and call on me for
what you wish to possess relative to disputable facts
interesting to the reputation of any of our public.
friends or foes; for of both sorts have our officers been.
You will see Mr. John Adams before I shall.-R. Izard
G
THE DEANE PAPERS.
41
complains of brutish treatment in the manner and air
of Franklin's refusal of a draught for Izard's support,
which Arthur Lee and John Adams thereupon paid.
F[ranklin] has sent me a very long private letter
dated July 22d, 1778, forwarded Feb. 25, 1779, and
reaching me July 27th; it is in answer to mine of
May 25, 1778, and probably fabricated after Deane's
publication appeared in Europe.
I rejoice at the spirit of money-lending and tax-pay-
ing in your quarter; the third spirit is rightly placed in
the rear.
It was not calculated for a leader.
I have marked with a X what papers I have of
yours. I have also by another way the paper inclosed
in Sept. 12th.
I have received your favor of July 19th by Express,
and the Gazettes inclosed, with two lines July 22d;
hope to be able by Mr. McLane to say something of
the conduct in Chestnut street, and at the corner of
Front and Chestnut as well, as about my ruining family.
I begin to grow most seriously allarmed on account
of them. Calculation shows me that I must not go
decently clad or they must not be fed. Nay, both I
and they naked, meat, drink and house rent are beyond
my income.
It seems to me that the vexations of a
seat in Congress are now known and avoided. Pray
look out seasonably for Men willing to do the work as
well as to accept the honor of an election, and for our
country's sake, I pray they may not only be willing to
work, but work faithfully. All is done that could be
accomplished concerning the existence of Marblehead,
Cape Ann, &c., and enough is done for an honest, able
Negociator to proceed upon. We have no authentic
accounts of what the Gazette of this Morning men-
tions respecting Prussia; but I think it by no means
improbable from what foundation A. Lee laid and
William was prepared to continue.
Let me hear from you as often as may be.
With much Regard, your Friend and humble Servt.,
J. L[OVELL].
42
THE DEANE PAPERS.
I have kept Jan. 9, Feb. 3, Mar. 6, A. Lee's, and
Mar. 13th, Gridley's.
[Enclosure.]
Deane owns he got his recall the 4th of March, yet
he imposed himself on the public so as to be presented
on the 20th. He disposed of public money to others.
and took largely of it himself.
March 15, assignation of Mr. Deane to Jas. Barnet
d° 17,
to B. Nicholson
250
240
dº
to H. Johnston & I All.. 1,4CO
d°
25 & 27,
17, on Receipt to S. D..
d°
24,
to S. D..
30, pd down on Rect. to S. D..
30, pd on Rect. to S. D.....
D
•
•
• •
4,8co
2,400
26,715
4,800
Thus Mr. Deane, no longer a Commissioner, takes
out of public treasure entrusted to the Commissioners
only, in the space of 13 days, 38,718 livres. But the
Banker, Mr. J. Adams, and young Mr. Franklin can
testify that house rent, furniture, carriage, and even
his servants' wages have been paid since out of the
public money. The expenses of his voyage were
defrayed by his most Christian Majesty.
Mr. Deane concealed his recall from his colleagues,
says Arthur Lee; but I am not convinced by the proof
he gives.
COPY OF A. LEE'S LETTER TO THE HON. BENJAMIN
FRANKLIN.
March 13, 1778.
DEAR SIR, I have been told that there is news of
Congress having recalled one of us from this Court.
If any intelligence has been received of it at Passy, I
beg the favor of its being communicated to me.
I have the honor to be, &c.
16
THE DEANE PAPERS.
43
Ad
THE ANSWER.
Passy, March 13, 1778.
DEAR SIR, I have been told that some passengers,
landed at Orient from an American ship, report that
Mr. Adams is coming out to replace Mr. Deane; but I
have received no advice of that kind from Congress,
and I suppose that, if true, he will bring their orders.
with him.
I have the Honor to be, &c.,
B. FRANKLIN.
I from Congress, there is perhaps cunning in this.
Arthur Lee says as to my being at once "joint Com-
missioner at the Court of Versailles and sole Commis-
sioner at the Court of Madrid," it is a wilfull and
shameless perversion of truth for as shameful a pur-
pose—that of deceiving the public and caluniating
their absent servant. I have seen Mr. Deane read my
Commission more than once-" Provided always that
the said Arthur Lee shall continue to be possessed of
all the Powers heretofore given him as a Commissioner
at the Court of France, so long as he shall remain in
and be present at the said Court." This wise and
economica! Measure of Congress excited infinitely
Mr. Deane's spleen, because either in his misconcep-
tion or misrepresentation it showed an extraordinary
confidence in the man he hated and whose ruin he
meditated.
Mr. Deane published on the 5th of Dec., 1778; on
the 14th of Sept. preceeding, Doctor Franklin had
been chosen Minister Plenipotentiary here, and conse-
quently I was no more a "Commissioner at the Court
of Versailles." Was Mr. Deane in Philadelphia igno-
rant of this? He asserted that on the 5th of Dec.,
which he knew to be untrue; and this with the worst
and basest of all purposes-the imposing upon the
people to induce them to censure Congress and myself
unjustly.
Mr. Deane informs the public that unfortunately
44
THE DEANE PAPERS.
for them I gave universal disgust to the nation whose.
assistance we solicited. He had taken the business of
the Commissioners so much to himself that not one in
a million knew that I was a Commissioner; not one in
a hundred of the letters from the different parts of the
Kingdom bore my name.
See the fact and the reason
from Messrs. Delaps of Bourdeau. Jan. 3d, 1778,
"We wrote several letters addressed to your direction,
to which we received answers only from Messrs. Frank-
lin and Deane, which gave us room to imagine you
were absent, in consequence of which, we replied only
to them gentlemen." Neither these letters nor answers
in general were communicated to me. There could
not be a thing more notorious than that I associated
with and cultivated the French people ten times more
than Mr. Deane.
I am forced to give a single week's engagements to
dine. Thursday, Monsr. Turgot; Friday, Count Sars-
field; Saturday, Count Welsh; Sunday, Prince Tin-
gry; Monday, Dutchess D'Anville; Tuesday, Mr. de
Sartine; Thursday, Marschal Duke de Mouchy; Sat-
urday, Duke D'Aien. I did not, it is true, strive to
have my Name trumpeted at the Coffee houses by the
gift of recommendatory letters, which were counted
as contracts binding on Congress, which I had it from
Count de Vergennes himself that he disapproved of.
-See Mr. Boux's complaints, No. XXII. Congress
know the Money and disquiet these ill judged and pre-
sumptuous proceedings cost.
Bancroft Mss., Lenox Library.
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, Friday, August 6, 1779. Resolved,
That the several Commissioners, Commercial agents,
and others in Europe, entrusted with public money,
be directed to transmit, without delay, their accounts
and vouchers, and also triplicate copies of the same to
the Board of Treasury of these United States in order
for settlement.
;
THE DEANE PAPERS.
45
Resolved, That a suitable person be appointed by
Congress to examine the said accounts in Europe, and
certify his opinion thereon previous to their being
transmitted.
Resolved, That the Board of Treasury be directed to
report for Mr. Deane a reasonable allowance for his
time and expences from the expiration of three months
after the notice of his recall to the present time.
A motion was made by Mr. Samuel Hartington,
seconded by Mr. John Fell,
That the honorable Silas Deane, Esquire, late one
of the Commissioners at the Court of Versailles, and
political and commercial agent, be excused from any
further attendance on Congress, in order that he may
settle his accounts without delay, agreeable to the
foregoing resolution.
A motion was made by Mr. Henry Marchant, sec-
onded by Mr. Thomas McKean, to amend the motion
by striking out the words "in order," &c., to the end.
Question, Shall those words stand? Passed in the
negative.
A motion was made by Mr. Merewether Smith, sec-
onded by Mr. Samuel Holton, to amend farther by
striking out "excused," and in lieu thereof inserting
'discharged."
Question put, resolved in the affirmative.
So it was resolved, that the honorable Silas Deane,
Esquire, late one of the Commissioners at the Court
of Versailles, and political and commercial agent, be
discharged from any further attendance on Congress.
Journals of Congress.
¡
JAMES LOVELL TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
Philadelphia, Aug. 6, 1779.
(Private.)
HONOURABLE SIR,-Your favor of July 22d, 1778, for-
warded from Nantes by Mr. Williams the 25th of Feb.
46
THE DEANE PAPERS.
this year, arrived here not 'till the 31st of July. I
wonder the more that so very few of your letters reach
Philadelphia in the course of a year, as Mr. Dumas
finds means to convey a series above the number of
the alphabet in the same term of time, and is also
in continual correspondence with you.
It is needless, at this season, to take up the different
parts of your long letters, for which, however, I feel
myself much obliged to you. But, I cannot omit to
notice that you are totally mistaken as to "partial
objections" having been before Congress at the time
of their dissent to the 11th and 12th Articles. It
is true that, since that period, much has been read
from the persons you suppose to have written on that
subject.
You will long eer
long eer now have seen the use which
has been made of my letter to you respecting Mr.
Deane's recall. I at least made a show of a disposi-
tion to befriend him. I really had such a disposition,
and, early on his arrival, let him know what had
grounded that proceeding in Congress, in hope that
he would not be driven by a false jealousy, which
he discovered, so far as to suffer wreck upon the
quick sands of indiscretion. All my aim was in vain ;
he has been borne headlong. His publication of
Dec. 5th has, in my opinion, totally ruined his claims
to any public trust on account of his hability in affairs ;
and however you may not discover the great malignity
of his innuendoes, you cannot but see and own that
his peice contains downright lies, which must be pointed
out to the public, who have not yet your good grounds
for conviction. There is not a single circumstance
mentioned against Mr. Lee which is supported, except
his not having the confidence of the French Court.
The Ministers must have been angels of light not
to have conceived prejudices in consequence of the
indefatigable acts of one who thought himself saddled
when a colleague of sense, honor, and integrity was
given to him by Congress. The Ministry were mis-
;
1
THE DEANE PAPERS.
47
led; but the consequence does not follow that there-
fore Congress should destroy an able and faithful
servant. What slippery ground would this make for
our Ministers abroad? Will there not probably be
ambitious men always in Congress to trip them? But
I drop the disagreeable subject and go to the pleasing
office of assuring you of the attachment with which I
am, Honorable Sir,
Your most humble servant,
Hon. Doctor B. Franklin.
JAMES LOVELL.
Holbrooke Mss.
JAMES LOVELL TO ARTHUR LEE.
(Private.)
Philadelphia, Aug. 6th, 1779.
DEAR SIR,-The Originals, duplicates, or triplicates
of all you wish to have reached us, I believe, have safely
arrived, and you may depend on a diligent use of them.
It was unfortunate that we were not favored with
many of them before Henry Francis and S. Adams
left this Stage of their Exertions for their country
and for virtue in general. However, I shall think this
circumstance a fresh Call upon my industry, a quality
which is an object of the hatred of your foes, who
have found themselves long ago mine in consequence.
I own no first in that quality except Mr. Laurens, who
wants no spur but the simple knowledge of injuries
done to the worthy to make him enter directly upon
their defence.
I have urged an hundred times what you have at
length quoted to me from Whitlock. But there is
really no such thing as a Committee of Foreign Affairs
existing no secretary or clerk-further than that I
persevere to be one and the other. The books and
papers of that extinguished body lay yet on the table
48
THE DEANE PAPERS.
of Congress, or rather are locked up in the Secretary's
private box.
There was a motion, as I have before told you, to
chuse a new Committee; the House would not so insult
me. An indifference then took place as to filling it
up upon presumption. I suppose that a little leaven
leaventh the whole lump. It would be impossible
that you could have enemies in a Committee where was
one so to arrange vouchers of your industry, capacity,
and honor, as it is thought I am able to do.
The state of Mr. D[eane] is exactly the reverse
of what letters have announced in France; but I will
give you one or two copies of the scraps which have
been made use of here to prove the only point on
which your enemies finally rested, and which is now
the only possible ground of hope to them of overcom-
ing your views for the public good.
Nothing has apeared here that will prove a direct
patronage and assistance of your inveterate foe from
that quarter which you name in one of your letters to
Frank or Richard; but every thing short of that has
taken place. You will not think I am a meer " Innuen-
do-Man," as R. H. calls D[eane], after you get the
copies above mentioned.
How do you reconcile the conduct of Congress on
June 5th, respecting De Francy's business, with the
ideas of the total extinction of joint powers in the
Commissioners for special purposes after the ap-
pointment of the minister plenipotentiary for general
concerns?
The list you give of letters written on and before
the 5th of Dec last, differing from one now before me,
of receipts, I give it that you may see you have not
sent a list of all we have receved, nor have we receved
all you have registered.
1778. Jan. 5, 6, 15, 31; Feb. 10, 15, 28; April 1,
2, 4, 8; June 1, 5, 15, 17; July 16; Aug. 7, 11, 21, 27,
31; Sept. 9, 30; Oct. 5, 19; Nov. 4, 15, 18, 20, 29;
Dec. 5.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
49
}
1779. Jan. 5, 28, 15, 20; March 7; April 6.
Izard, Jan. 18; March 4.
Adieu, and prosper,
((
J. L[OVELL].
Lee Mss., Harvard University.
COMMUNICATION FROM ROWLAND.
No. I.
<
MR. DUNLAP,The public may now see by the
printed Journals of Congress, that the Hon. Arthur Lee,
Esq., continues in high confidential place in Europe,
under the authority of these United States. They may
see that there was an extraordinary division of senti-
ment among the Members of Congress, on April 3d,
in regard to that continuance—4 to 4, and 4 divided.
They will doubtless conclude that the division was
chiefly, if not intirely, a consequence of Mr. Deane's
publication in your paper of December 5, last year.
And they may also imagine that the same cause will
produce, in a degree, a similar effect on the minds of
many persons in Europe. You have shown in your
last paper that Mr. Lee apprehended this.
But you
quoted, from the Connecticut Courant, an uncorrect
translation of his letter of February 8th to the editor
of the Leiden Gazette, of the 23d, which is truly as
follows:
pray you, Sir, to give the public the following
answer to the contents of a letter which hath appeared
under the signature of Silas Deane, viz.: That I de-
clare, in the most solemn manner, that all the accusa-
tions against me which it contains are absolutely
false. A particular detail of the proof which will
demonstrate not only that those accusations are false
and scandalous, but also, that the accuser has, in all
reason and justice, lost the confidence of the public,
is due to the Delegates of the United States in Con-
gress assembled, whose servant I am; and I cannot
give this detail to the public without their permission.
In the meantime I assure myself that a CLEAR AND
VOL. IV.-4
►
50
THE DEANE PAPERS.
POSITIVE DENIAL will be regarded by every honest and
impartial person as a sufficient answer to BARE ACCUSA-
TION, manifestly dictated by the rancour of a man DIS-
PLACED.
[Signed]
ARTHUR LEE."
The letter is introduced by a remark that an affair
of Mr. Deane's with the Lee family had, more than
any thing else, contributed to give credit to the report
of a division in Congress. The public, watchful for
the prosperity of their own affairs, and at the same
time justly tender of the honor and reputation of
their official servants, seldom need more than to be
furnished with a true state of facts, to enable them to
draw the most judicious conclusions, and to distribute
their praise or blame with conspicuous equity. If Mr.
Deane's insinuations against Mr. Lee have a solid
basis, if his allegations can be supported by good
vouchers, Mr. Lee ought not longer to hold a confi-
dential trust; but if traduced, the public countenance
in his favor, manifested by their continuing him in
office, will at once be recompence and glory. An in-
vestigation of facts connected with this business is but
a decent mark of respect, due to the people of these
United States, from every individual who is in any way
particularly capable of coming honorably at the truth of
them. It is chiefly from a sense of this duty that I ask
a column for to-morrow in your widely circulating
paper. I have an inferior motive, which is a report
that Mr. Deane will soon leave Philadelphia, being
discharged from any further attendance on Congress.
My patriotic endeavors may therefore become depre-
ciated, on a delay, by a surmise that I waited for
his absence before I chose to appear openly to coun-
teract his publication above referred to. I would not
indeed have rested even till now, if I could have dared
to present to the public eye only the most glaring
presumptions and uncontrovertible inferences. Facts
alone suited me.
C.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
51
I believe I cannot, without being tedious, furnish
for this time more than one specimen of the manner
in which I mean to proceed; but that one will secure
for me the public attention hereafter.
Mr. Deane says: "Immediately, on the arrival of
the news of General Burgoyne's surrender, a treaty
with France seemed to the British Ministry more near
and more probable; your Commissioners, therefore,
were continually sounded, indirectly, as to their dis-
positions for reconciliation. About this time Mr. Lee's
Secretary went to and from London, charged with
affairs which were secret to your other Commissioners.
Conjectures were formed, it is true, and with the more
reason as Mr. Lee was dragged into the treaty with
the utmost reluctance. It was agreed that this im-
portant matter should be kept a profound secret, yet,
a few days from the signing, it was pointedly declared
in the House of Commons by the Hon. Charles Fox,
Esq., the friend of Lord Shelburne; this gave addi-
tional weight to the other circumstances.'
""
Here are several insinuations, one fact, and part of
another. To which I contrast the following: On De-
cember 4th, 1777, Mr. Jonathan Loring Austin arrived
in Paris with the Saratoga Convention. Astonishing
as it may appear after Mr. Deane's assertion, Doctor
Lee had not any secretary at that time, Mr. Sayer
having left him the June before at Berlin. He did not
take another till late in January, 1778, when he
employed a Major Thornton, who had been chosen by
Messrs. Franklin and Deane to carry a letter from the
Commissioners to Lord North, Mr. Lee never having
before seen or heard of him. On December 11, 1777.
Dr. Franklin writes to Sir Grey Cooper: "We have
prevailed with a gentleman, Major Thornton (to us
much a stranger, but who appears to be a man of hu-
manity), to visit the prisoners, and give from us some
relief. This gentleman remained in London part the
3d of January, as appears by some of his letters; an
unlucky letter, as I shall show hereafter. I cannot tell
52
THE DEANE PAPERS.
1
exactly the day of his return, but having behaved with
laudable spirit on this occasion, he was sent to England
by Dr. Lee on February 11th, and a second time on
April 30th, 1777 for purposes seasonably communi-
cated to proper persons in France, and known now to
Congress. I proceed to the insinuations of half fact:
Charles Fox is made the 'friend,' while others say
he
is notoriously the family-foe of Lord Shelburne; and
the speech of C. Fox is omitted. Why? Because
he declared he had seen a letter of Dr. Franklin's, in
which that Commissioner of America says to his cor-
respondent at London, 'ten days ago the Deputies of
Congress signed, with the French Ministry, a treaty
of commerce wherein all the formalities customary
between nation and nation contracting have been sol-
emnly observed.' Vid. Courier. de l'Europe, Feb.
24, 1778. If we suppose Mr. Deane did not early
know as well as others what C. Fox had uttered in
February, let it be kept in mind that Mr. Deane did
not publish till the December following.
"""
I have only taken up the paragraph of the publica-
tion now, as connected with the insinuation that Mr.
Lee had betrayed to the enemy "an important matter
agreed to be kept a profound secret. I leave the
candor of the public time to weigh the veracity of
Doctor Lee's accuser as to the facts advanced therein,
and to assay exactly the value of his current innuendos.
But it is proper here to mention that the missions of
the Secretary to London have been insinuated to be
for stock jobbing purposes; and that Doctor Lee, dis-
daining the suggestion, has been happy enough to
trace out a curious scene, in which the crime falls back
upon the pate of the accusers, as I shall endeavour to
shew in considering again that letter of Thornton's
which I have called "unlucky." I shall not what is
said of Doctor Lee's being "dragged into the treaty
with the utmost reluctance." And I shall show the
very honorable nature of the only two letters which he
has written to Lord Shelburne, after parting from him
"
""
THE DEANE PAPERS.
53
in London to become our Commissioner, his Lordship
not having directly or indirectly attempted to draw a
third from him.
ROWLAND.
The Pennsylvania Packet, August 10, 1779.
COMMUNICATION FROM THOMAS PAINE.
MR. DUNLAP,-On the Saturday preceeding the
election of a Committee for the city and liberties, I was
under an engagement to publish, in your paper of that
day, an answer to Mr. Deane's application to Capt.
Peale, respecting some expressions used by the latter
at the Coffee-house, on the morning of the last Town
Meeting.
It was unpleasant to me to find myself obliged to
say less in that publication than was generally expected,
and it was not till after I had made the engagement
that I saw the necessity of being somewhat reserved.
I am persuaded Mr. Deane is not so ignorant of the
matter as he affects to be, and that he only wanted to
be furnished with an opportunity to make an ill use of.
I had likewise another reason, which was, that as
Mr. Deane had applied for some information to Capt.
Peale, which myself only could give him a proper
answer upon, I intended, by not doing it in the public
papers, to improve it into an opportunity that should
bring him and me face to face, as well on that as on
other matters; to accomplish which, and likewise to
prevent any ill use being made of the publication above
mentioned, I sent the following letter to Mr. Deane the
next morning.
Market-street, Sunday, August 1st, 1779.
SIR,-If you really wanted the information you ap-
plied for to Capt. Peale, I shall in this letter put you
in a way to procure it. You will at the same time
please to observe that I was not at the Coffee-house
54
THE DEANE PAPERS.
when the conversation passed to which you allude in
your letter of the 27th ult.; neither can I learn from any
person what the precise words were, some representing
them more and some less. I cannot make myself a
judge of that part of the business, neither will they
affect one way or other the matter in question. If it
should turn out (as it will not) that no offer was made.
to me for any purpose whatever, your affairs will stand
just as they did; and if the contrary should be found,
and that your affairs were some way or other connected
with that offer, they will not appear the better for it.
I believe Capt. Peale's motive for mentioning it was
to silence the groundless and illiberal reflections of
those who endeavoured to give out that I wrote for
reward, when I made my publications on your affairs.
In those publications I have done honor to the gener-
ous people of France, to whom we are happily allied;
I have done justice to the States, and no injustice to
you ; and so far, Sir, from being paid for writing them,
I might have been rewarded either to have let them
alone, or to have concurred in measures that might
have been pointed out to me. What those measures
were was not mentioned.
I had many reasons for not giving the whole in the
paper of last Saturday, which I am persuaded every
well wisher to his country, could he know and feel
these reasons as well as I do, would honor me for. By
not doing it, I submitted myself to a temporary incon-
venience; yet had I done it without taking the neces-
sary precaution to prevent misrepresentation I am
well aware of the ill use would have been made of it.
I ought to have expected that on the appearance of
Saturday's paper you would have requested Congress
to have enquired into the matter, and desired I might
have been immediately called before them.
Your
neglect in so doing shows, to me at least, that you are
not very anxious, and that your application for a name
was to answer some other end than barely to know.
A name might have served a purpose, and added to
¥
THE DEANE PAPERS.
55
the false coloring which have been industriously cast
on the Committee for detaining the flour, and enquir-
ing into the circumstances of the exportation of that
article, been ungenerously and illiberally played off to
suit the purpose of an election now on hand.
Sir, make your application to me in company with
any three gentlemen who are or have been members of
Congress, and I will meet you at any time and place.
to be agreed on, within the space of one week, in com-
pany with three gentlemen of the same rank, and give
every particular and circumstance that you may re-
quire, or I can recollect, respecting the matter in
question.
-
If you chuse to confine your request to three Mem-
bers of Connecticut,* I will confine mine to three who
now are or have been Members for this State. If you
chuse to be more general, I shall of consequence have
a right to be the same. I will likewise submit myself
to be asked by you any questions respecting any of
my publications, or any part of my conduct, and I shall
likewise claim the right of asking you any questions
respecting such parts of your conduct as my publica-
tions have animadverted upon; and any questions on
either side which shall be deemed improper by the
gentlemen present, shall be answered or not at the
choice of the party to whom they shall be put.
You will please to favour me with your answer to
this some time to day, the sooner the more agreeable.
I am, Sir, your obedient humble servant,
THOMAS PAINE.
Silas Deane, Esq.
In the evening I received the following.
I
Turner's-Lane, Sunday afternoon, 1 o'clock.
SIR,-Your letter of this day was this moment put
into my hands by Col. Mitchel. I am engaged in com-
pany and shall not return to town until evening. I
*Mr. Deane is a native of that State.
56
THE DEANE PAPERS.
shall take the first convenient opportunity to give you
a proper answer.
I am, Sir, your humble servant,
SILAS DEANE.
Mr. Paine.
The next morning I received the following evasive
refusal of the proposal I had made.
Philadelphia, August 2, 1779.
SIR,I was well informed, and I firmly believe, that
Mr. Peale said at the Coffee House you had been
offered a bribe not to write against me.
From hence
it would naturally be supposed that I had directly or
indirectly been concerned in that offer. I therefore
called on him for the name or names of the parties. As
to the circumstances, they can be of no consequence,
for I am confident that upon an investigation of the
matter, evidence must appear to exculpate me from
the charge, much more satisfactory to the candid and
honest part of my countrymen than any thing it is
possible for you to say.)
Mr. Peale's and Mr. Paine's intentions are alike
indifferent-you engaged to give the information
required in Saturday's paper; you have not done it.
But you speak of some proposition made to you, and
you could not possess yourself of the mind of the gen-
tleman who proposed it so as to declare what every
intention of his might be, but that you well know the
acceptance of it would have effectually prevented your
publication of the 16th of February. From hence, this
one thing at least is evidently apparent, that you are
far from acknowledging the offer alleged by Mr. Peale.
It is by no means my business to investigate the
bargains you may have made for the use or abuse of
your pen; and did I desire it, you are the last person
to whom I should apply for the real state of facts. If
you or any other shall affirm that I, or any person by
my order, or with any knowledge, made you directly or
B
THE DEANE PAPERS.
57
indirectly any offer whatever, to purchase your silence
with relation to me or my affairs, it will become me to
require the name or names; but at present it is quite
sufficient to assert the falsity of such allegations.
Since you appear solicitous to know the reasons of
my silence in regard to your publications, I will give
you one which your own consciousness must convince
you is quite satisfactory. (As Mr. Paine cannot bring
any evidence whatever in support of his charges, the
injustice of which he must be himself fully convinced
of, it would not only be beneath the character of a
faithful public servant, but an insult on the public can-
dor, to attempt a confutation of them.) You have, it
seems, left the investigation of your bribe to Congress.
I am content. Let them investigate it, if they think
the importance of the thing merits enquiry. In the
interim, you and your friend Mr. Peale may at your
leisure determine whether you told him a falsehood,
or he told one to the people at the Coffee-house; or
whether, if some person has really bribed or offered to
bribe you, it not now incumbent on Mr. Paine to men-
tion the name as publicly as Mr. Peale mentioned the
thing.
But as
The citizens of Philadelphia may also determine
whether they have not a right to insist on it.
Mr. Paine's publication contains a sufficient disavowal
of Mr. Peale's assertions, I am satisfied; and I pray you
to believe that I am far from having so much respect
either for the person or character of Mr. Thomas
Paine, as to covet any conversation or intercourse with
him which is not absolutely necessary.
I am, Sir, your humble servant,
SILAS DEANE.
To Mr. Paine.
I now think it full time to take my leave of Mr.
Deane; neither can he, after declining the fair and
open offer I made to him, have the least pretence to
complain. (If he be an honest man, and 'innocent of
i
58
THE DEANE PAPERS.
the things which he well knows I suspect him guilty
of, he would have met me on the ground I proposed,
glad of the opportunity of proving me wrong)
Why he should affect to be satisfied, or what right
he can have to conclude "that my publication contains
a sufficient disavowal of Mr. Peale's assertions," I am
quite at loss to find out. Mr. Peale has a much greater
right to say that Mr. Deane admits what he asserted
at the Coffee-house, by his declining to meet Mr. Paine
on the subject.
I believe Mr. Deane expresses himself very sincerely
when he declares how little respect he has for me.) I
have resigned one salary under Congress, and declined
the offer of two others of more value, that I might be
perfectly at liberty to do the country justice against
his impositions, and it is not very natural he should
express himself otherwise. I therefore pardon the
affront for the sake of the truth it contains, fully be-
lieving it to be the honestest expression he has used
since his return to America.
I am but at little loss to guess the quarter from
whence the late abusive pieces signed Cato, and others
of the same cast, really came, and the end they were
designed to answer; but so much have the authors of
them been mistaken, that, without the least endeavors
of mine, the resentment they hoped to excite has fallen
upon themselves; and they have, at the same time,
added to my reputation by bringing my refusal of an
advantageous offer into public notice, which otherwise
might have rested in oblivion, or been very little
known, it being near seven months since the affair
happened.
But must it not appear very extraordinary that the
man who last winter threw a whole country into the
utmost confusion under the pretence of serving them,
should now shrink from a genteel and honorable op-
portunity of vindicating himself from the heavy sus-
picions that have since taken place against him? If
he be not guilty, the offer must have been agreeable;
THE DEANE PAPERS.
59
I have
and if he be, he had best take care of himself.
by me copies of several letters he has wrote to Con-
gress complaining of my publications; but why do not
his connections in that House, if they think him inno-
cent, demand an hearing for him, or why does he not
demand one for himself, or why does he not accept
that which I have offered him? I have waited beyond
the time of a week to give him an opportunity of
acceding to it, notwithstanding his declining it in his
letter to me.
Upon the whole, is it so light a matter to be sus-
pected of defrauding the country of a very large sum
of money and embezzling the public dispatches to con-
ceal the delinquency, that Mr. Deane does not think
it worth his while to vindicate himself from the sus-
picions? Or can he be so foolish as not to see the
suspicion is become almost universal? The silence of
that Congress he once so much confided in, his own
silence, and the silence of his most intimate connec-
tions, all tend to show that something is the matter.}
T. P.
The Pennsylvania Packet, August 10, 1779.
JAMES LOVELL TO SAMUEL ADAMS.
Philadelphia, August 12th, 1779.
Ir behoves you to be very industrious in inform-
ing good men what has caused certain delays in the
proceedings here for some months back. Let them
know that there has not been any proof of an honest
intention in Britain to treat of peace; that France and
Spain indeed seemed earnest to know our ultimata,
especially in points which were nearly allied to their
interests-Florida and Newfoundland.
I have said good men. I esteem Mr. Ellis Gray
one. I have seen his allarms and sentiments. I have
a desire that such a man should be well instructed
in the grounds of the conduct of the delegates both
60
THE DEANE PAPERS.
in regard to ultimata and the business of our Com-
missioners. The party here have industriously sent
Paca's and Drayton's paper to Boston, and Mr. Cush-
ing has seen it, and makes just such an use of it
in his letters as you can readily suppose he gives
other people's remarks, but you cannot swear it is
giving his own opinion. Other folks and people can-
not account for the vote of the Massachusetts dele-
gates, after the information from the French Minister.
I again repeat that I hope Mr. Gray will find from
you, principally or secondarily, that the support of a
virtuous officer is exceedingly interesting to Republics.
Where salaries and fees are the temptations to serve,
as in Monarchies, there may be a levity as to changes.
But the grand test in Republics should be good be-
havior. But no say some folks and some people,
what is it to the public whether an officer is accused
rightfully or wrongfully, if the state is like to be injured
consequentially? What honest man will venture to
become a successor to an office vacated on such princi-
ples? We must let men see that capacity, honor, and
integrity shall support them against all the undermin-
ing arts of the vicious or the darts of malice.
I suppose you will readily see the subordinate line
in which one of the letter writers acts. I conceive the
copy of Paca's and Drayton's paper was not sent to
either of the gentlemen above mentioned. I should
begin to think better of the gemmen here, if they were
in correspondence with so virtuous a man as Gray.
I mean you should only know he has written for
your clue, not for a direct ecclaireissement.
As to
the other, you must have had twenty opportunities of
knowing he has seen Paca and Drayton's performances
without my telling you.
Hezekiah Ford arrived August 1st in Virginia. He
left Mr. Adams June 29 off the Western Isles. Mr.
Adams had good news. Ford will be here in a few
days, when I will write more fully.
We are boguing about pay for life. The Bear is
1
2
THE DEANE PAPERS.
61
•
in licking; but it will be a Bear after all. But the
Massachusetts delegates had better not oppose it, be-
cause the opposition delays business.--If Mr. J. Adams
should happily land in your quarter, I hope he will let
people and folks know that he has attested sufficient
vouchers to prove that A. Lee has been most falsely
accused and greatly injured.
Yours,
J. L[ovell].
Bancroft Mss., Lenox Library.
JAMES LOVELL TO RICHARD HENRY Lee.
[Philadelphia], August 17th, 1779.
Dear Sir,—Your favour of the 7th is in my hand.
I am surprised that you had not then heard of the
arrival of Ford on the 1st, at Metompkin. Mr. Adams
was at Braintree on the 3d, and Count Luzerne in
Boston. I have no despatches from either, but I
have a letter from Nantz of May 25th, an extract of
which you will see in the paper of to-morrow, as well
as the continuation of Rowland's communications,
of part of what you think ought to be published.
You talk of your having a sort of right to a copy
of the papers sent by Arthur. You little know of the
droll motion made by your merry friend to stigmatize
Arthur for having enclosed to an individual what he
desired might be communicated to a select committee
of Congress, to prevent the consequences of a palam
examination of the vouchers. But as on the one hand
I contended for an open reading of the whole that was
sent, I most easily convinced the House that every
officer in their service has a right to communicate such
papers as these in question to any individual friend, on
whose judgment he chooses to depend, either to pre-
sent or burn resignations, memorials, and defences,
these being personal concerns; and I mentioned hav-
ing by me some things, thus enclosed, upon which
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I should act my sovereign pleasure. I thought this
necessary, that I may act with good grace, if I should
see cause to give in any of the papers now in my
trunk, at a time when it would not be possible to prove
a late arrival. The motion was withdrawn, inch by
inch, I pledging myself to prove that Congress never
had an official paper kept from them by the mode
mentioned in the motion, viz., covering despatches of a
minister to an individual. I mean, I pledged myself,
so far as concerns Arthur Lee, Esq. Your brother
was totally mistaken as to D's credit here; but I wait
with impatience to know more by Mr. Adams. Our
Penobscot expedition is not yet well over.
Collier
may do great hurt there. I have a few lines from Mr.
Samuel Adams; he is, as you think, greatly engaged
in town and body meetings, and in the general assem-
bly. They have great expectation of mending the
currency by vigorous taxation and loan; but I look for
credit to the poor eastern states mainly from a success-
ful expedition, though even in that case W. H. D. will
be against them. He spouted an invidious motion
about their fleet to relieve South Carolina and Georgia.
Observe the cursed rascality of sending to New York,
as well as to Boston, the Paca-Drayton effort. Though
in the former case, there is a supererogatory section of
its being a committee information.
I find that paper is stolen from me. It was either
Poughkeepsie or Fishkill; you can get it by inquiring
of your printer. I have recovered it.
I have recovered it. The party are
provoked beyond measure at seeing the vouchers sent
out by Rowland; but I tell them "they are free for
any member who chooses to use them, only it is at his
peril, if he does not guard against offending France,
Spain or Prussia, or exposing honest whigs to danger.
The affair of Barker Fort can be put in a light to
damn D.'s virulence, exerted under pretended care
of the public safety. Simple views must be first given
of the state of facts, and at the close a freedom in
inferences, reflections, and brands may be taken; in-
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63
deed, this part may be performed in the different
states upon an exhibition of vouchers here. It will
have more effect by springing from different quarters ;
the main point will be to establish the propriety
of supporting merit in republics against envy and
falsehood, rather than suffering it to be crushed from
a foolish idea of convenience to the public. The con-
trary would be to induce eventually a maximum, to
avoid a present quid detrimenti. I wish your health
may suffer you to attend to this. Speeches should be
short to be generally read.
J. LOVELL.
I will attend to your request about Beaumarchais'
charge. I have no reason now in favour of giving the
resignation, but rather the opposite.
Life of Richard Henry Lee, II. 146.
COMMUNICATION FROM ROWLAND.
No. II.
66
MR. DUNLAP,-I have said that the news of Bur-
goyne's surrender arrived in Paris December 4th, 1777,
when Doctor Lee had no Secretary; and that Febru-
ary 21st, misprinted by you 11th, cannot be termed
about that time," so as to answer the malignant pur-
pose of the published insinuation. But Mr. Deane
himself had an acting Secretary, living under the same
roof with the Commissioners at Passy, who went off
express for London the very day the news arrived.
An appeal for the truth of this is made to Mr. Austin,
who carried the dispatches to France, and to other
Americans who were in Paris or in London at that
juncture. Whatever of infamy was in that transaction
was charged upon Mr. Lee in common with his col-
leagues, as may be seen by Thornton's unlucky letter,
long concealed from Mr. Lee. Lord North told Mr.
Hartley last Saturday, the 3d of January, 1778, that
he knew of several persons who had come to London
(6
64
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from Messrs. Franklin, Deane, and Lee; and that
Doctor Bancroft had been sent by those gentlemen on
stock jobbing business." Worse may be seen by the
following certificate, dated Paris, the 11th of April,
1778: "I do hereby certify, that I was shewn a letter
in London, dated the 27th of January last, which I was
told was written by Doctor Bancroft to Mr. Wharton,
informing him, that he might depend upon it, he had
it from the very best authority that the treaty with the
Court of France was to be signed the 5th or 6th of
February, and desiring him to make his speculations
accordingly; in the above words, or words to that
effect. I do also certify, that I have seen Doctor Ban-
croft's hand writing on other occasions, and that I
believe the above-mentioned letter to have been writ-
ten by him."
M. LIVINGSTON.
[Signed]
Witness, Geo. Digges.
This certificate is from a gentleman of unimpeached
character, some time Lieutenant on board the Boston
frigate, which he quitted with a recommendation to
Congress from the Commissioners. He now com-
mands the Governor Livingston, and is hourly expected
in America. Here is the secret betrayed not after, but
before, the treaty was signed. I deal in facts. They
are other people who throw out insinuations about
Secretary Bancroft's best authority, and the corroborat-
ing circumstance of Samuel Wharton's draft of Feb.
17, 1778, for 19,520 l. 14 s on Mr. Silas Deane.
I will finish this business quite, now it is on hand.
Thornton was unlucky in telling Mr. Deane and Doc-
tor Bancroft about Doctor Bancroft's and Mr. Deane's
speculations in the stocks. There were soon whispers.
that Thornton had been concerned. Mr. Lee taxed
him with it, but was satisfied, by the sight of a letter
from Mr. Wharton, that tho' strongly solicited,
Thornton would not hold a correspondence with him.
The whispers grew stronger during his absence.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
65
}
Droll arts were used, but in vain, to deprive him,
while innocent, of Mr. Lee's confidence. At length
the right mode was pursued. The man was inveigled
into delinquency; and being called to render an ac-
count, he absconded. These things appear by letters
from Mr. Lee, and other papers. He writes to Thorn-
ton, May 17th, 1778. "I received yours of the 7th
and the newspapers. I mentioned to you the charges
against you here of stock-jobbing. You must avoid
giving any foundation for them.
You know the quar-
ter from which the accusation comes. It would be
doubly improper for any one employed by me to be
doing that which in itself is wrong, and which I am
censuring in others." He writes to a friend in Lon-
don, July 25th, 1778. "As Mr. T's conduct has
appeared to you suspicious, I shall be obliged to you
for any information that may be relied upon relative to
his proceedings, which are the more to be watched as
he has staid a long time contrary to my orders, alledg-
ing sickness." It is needless to give other extracts.
What satisfied Mr. Lee was Mr. Austin's testimony
that he had seen a note of Mr. Wharton to Mr. Thorn-
ton for 500 1. payable on condition that war should be
declared before a certain day.
I promised to show the honorable nature of the only
two letters written to Lord Shelburne by Doctor Lee
after he became our Commissioner.
Gla
66
'Dec. 18, 1776.
"MY LORD,—A very few hours after my last letter
to your Lordship, brought me the desire of my coun-
try to serve here in a public character. Your Lord-
ship, I hope, thinks too well of me to suppose I could
hesitate a moment. In fact, almost the same moment
saw me bid adieu, perhaps forever, to a country where,
from choice, I had fixed my fortunes, and to a people
whom I most respected and could have loved. But
the first object of my life is my country; the first wish
of my heart is public liberty. I must see, therefore,
VOL. IV.-5
<
66
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the liberties of my country established, or perish in
her last struggle.
"In truth, I have long despaired even of a struggle
for liberty in England. I will not insult Scotland with
the idea. It is not the subtle Wedderburne poisoning
the fountain of public security; nor the ruthless Thur-
lowe, deliberately butchering the liberties of his coun-
try, that makes me despair; but and yet, perhaps,
the people are only not virtuous, and America may yet.
with a sort of filial piety, reanimate her expiring Con-
stitution.
"Our pater patriot, with whom and Mr. Deane, I
am joined in power, is in good health and spirits. If
fate will have it that America, as she has reared her
temples and her altars to Liberty, must furnish her
victims too, I know not where she can find a sacrifice
more respectable.
"Should the event of this measure be found fatal
to England, it is the perfidy of her Ministers, which
would never offer any thing that could be trusted, which
compels it, and to which the consequences are justly
imputable.
"I beg your Lordship to remember me as one who
can never cease to have the most perfect esteem for
you. I have communicated to the Abbé Raynal all
the facts I could collect, in answer to his questions.
He will write to you soon.
"May I beg to be remembered to our friends in the
College, and to those out of it, who, I hope, will always
do me the honor of remembering me--Col. Barré, Mr.
Dunning, Doctor Priestley, Doctor Price, &c.
I have the honor to be, &c."
44
"Dec. 10, 1777.
"MY LORD, I have the honor of enclosing you the
copy of a letter, transmitted at the same time, to the
first Lord of the Treasury. The honor of the nation
and the rights of humanity are too much interested in
the object of it, not to receive your Lordship's advo-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
67
cation. The enclosed papers contain the principal
transactions between the northern armies. The burn-
ing defenseless towns and every thing before him, as
General Clinton has done, will probably draw upon
him and his the vengeance which such enormities
deserve, in spite of all the endeavors of Congress to
prevent any hasty retaliation. The South-Carolina
Gazettes mention the arrival of an American Captain
who had been taken by Captain Jarvis, and who men-
tions with the highest praise the generous and humane
treatment he received from that officer. We have had
from other prisoners accounts equally to his honor,
which I am sure will give your Lordship pleasure.
Capt. Jarvis may be assured that such conduct will
command from us the praise and esteem which is
always due to a generous enemy.
"The necessity which has made us enemies for a
time, and separated us forever from the same govern-
ment, has not altered the esteem felt for the good and
wise in England. Among these I hope your Lordship
and your friends will accept an assurance of my respect
and friendship. I condole most sincerely with the
family at Coombwood for the misfortune at New-
York.
"I have the honor to be, &c.,
"A. LEE."
I must not now send you counter proofs to the
insinuation that Doctor Lee was "dragged" into the
treaty, because I shall, perhaps, fancy to give extracts
from all those of his public and private letters written
about that period which have come to my view. I
cannot close, however, without noticing the insidious
use of the singular number. There were two treaties.
Did he not joy and rejoice at the treaty of Alliance?
He objected to one single article in the treaty of com-
merce, which the equanimity of France readily abol-
ished upon a suggested wish of Congress.
ROWLAND.
The Pennsylvania Packet, Aug. 17, 1779.
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THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF Congress.
Philadelphia, 18th August, 1779.
SIR, I do myself the honor of enclosing a memo-
rial, which I beg of you to lay before Congress as
early as may be, and I flatter myself it will be taken
under their consideration as soon as is consistent with
the other important affairs before them.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
SILAS DEANE.
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., I. 214.
MEMORIAL.
To the Honorable the Delegates of the United
States of North America, in General Congress
Assembled.
The Memorial of Silas Deane, late one of their
Commissioners at the Court of Versailles, and their
political and commercial agent, respectfully showeth-
That he engaged to serve these States as their polit-
ical and commercial agent in January, 1776, and soon
after embarked for Europe.
That, on his arrival in France, he diligently applied
himself to render these States every service in his
power, as well in the political as in the commercial
line.
That, previous to the arrival of the Honorable Doc-
tor Franklin, in the month of November following,
with a commission appointing him one of your Com-
missioners at the Court of Versailles, your memorial-
ist had contracted for large supplies for these States,
and had begun to ship off the same for this Continent,
which, with the political concerns intrusted to his care,
engrossed the whole of his time and the utmost of his
attention, meeting with difficulties and embarrass-
ments, which the situation of affairs in France, at that
time, threw daily in his way.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
69
That, on the arrival of Dr. Franklin, many circum-
stances conspired to increase the difficulties in the way
of completing of those contracts, which lay wholly in
your memorialist; in addition to which, the executive
part of the business of the Commissioners in contract-
ing for and purchasing clothing and other stores for
the armies of these States, the soliciting for supplies
and assistance, and the procuring of ships to transport
the same to these States, fell, in a manner, wholly on
him; and the obstacles he met with, and the embarrass-
ments he found himself constantly under, were such
that nothing but the hopes of procuring for his coun-
try the most important and seasonable supplies ani-
mated him to persevere amid the many difficulties
which surrounded him.
C
That his situation and conduct at the time, having
been already laid before Congress, need not be par-
ticularized at this time; it is sufficient to say that,
on the 4th of March, 1778, when all the stores your
memorialist first contracted for were shipped, as were
those purchased afterwards by himself and the Com-
missioners, his then colleagues; and when the treaties
of alliance and commerce, being happily completed,
your Commissioners and agents found themselves, for
the first time, at liberty to transact their affairs openly
and with the protection of the court; and when your
memorialist found himself in a situation to complete.
the shipping off the stores still on hand, and to close
the accounts of the several purchases made, and of the
expenses thereon, he received the order of Congress,
of the 8th of December, 1777, for his immediate
return to America. Though your memorialist has
at all times paid the most ready and implicit obedi-
ence to the orders of Congress, yet, situated as he
then was, and as the affairs of the Commissioners and
his own were, he then thought, and is still of opinion,
that his immediate return might have been dispensed
with until the accounts of the Commissioners, as well
as of his own transactions, should be adjusted and
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closed, had it not been for an object of the best im-
portance to these States, which then presented itself,
to obtain which, he then, and still, considers himself
justified in neglecting every other consideration.
Your memorialist, therefore, knowing that it was
impossible, without delaying his return for many
months, to call in and close accounts open with persons.
who had been employed in different ports in France
and Holland, by the Commissioners, in, procuring the
stores, and that to attempt to do it would expose his in-
tention of returning, which it was necessary to be kept
secret to effect the other purpose (already explained
to Congress), he resolved on immediate compliance
with the order received, and left Paris on the 30th of
March, taking with him an account from the banker
of all the moneys received and paid out, on account of,
and by order of, the Commissioners, in order that Con-
gress might have an authentic and exact state of their
funds in France; which general account, with a par-
ticular explanation thereof, he laid before Congress
immediately after his return, and to which no excep-
tions have ever been taken that have come to his
knowledge.
On the arrival of your memorialist on the 10th of
July in this river, and on the 12th in this city, he, with-
out delay, applied to Congress on the subject of his
return; his repeated applications to Congress, and the
answers he has received are before them, and need not
be recited here. Congress must also be sensible of
the delays he has met with, and have some idea of
what he has suffered thereby. Your memorialist, from
his first arrival in America to this time, having repeat-
edly solicited Congress, as well in person as by his
letters and petitions, that they would inform him if
exceptions had been taken, or charges made against
any part of his conduct, and that he might be heard
thereon if there were. He has been the more urgent
and pressing on this subject, knowing that his conduct
had been misrepresented by his enemies whom he left
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71
at Paris and at Nantes, and on account of the many
false and abusive publications in the newspapers since
his return. As his letters and petitions on this subject
are still before Congress, your memorialist need not
to repeat them, or the substance of them, at this time,
but begs leave to observe that, from the resolutions of
Congress of the 6th inst., by which he is discharged
from any further attendance on Congress, and by which
the several Commissioners, commercial agents, and others
in Europe, intrusted with public money, be directed to
transmit, without delay, their accounts and vouchers,
and also triplicate copies of the same to the Board of
Treasury of these United States, in order for settlement,
he is obliged to conclude that congress are satisfied
with his conduct whilst their political and commercial
agent and Commissioner, and that they do approve
thereof so far as the same has come to their knowledge,
and that there are no charges against him before Con-
gress, and that it is the resolution of Congress to have
all the accounts of their Commissioners and agents.
settled without delay; this resolution, which your
memorialist petitioned for in October last, as by his
letter of that date, still before Congress, will appear,
obliges him without further loss of time to return to
France, previous to which he requests the attention
of Congress to his situation in a few particulars.
First, that it was his immediate compliance with the
orders of Congress, and to render these States an im-
portant service, which occasioned him to leave France
without first settling his accounts, and finally closing
every transaction he had been concerned in, either as
the political and commercial agent, or as one of the
Commissioners of Congress.
Secondly, that though he is interested in the final
settlement of those accounts, Congress is no less so;
and that he cannot return to France and attend the
settlement of those accounts, and for their final appro-
bation, and being passed at the Treasury Board here,
without a very great expense both of time and money,
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for which no provision is made by the said resolutions
of Congress.
Thirdly, that the person to be appointed by Congress
to examine the said accounts in Europe, and certify his
opinion thereon previous to their being transmitted, is
not by said resolution empowered, in case he shall find
a balance due to either of your agents or Commission-
ers, to order the same, or any part thereof to be paid;
and that your memorialist, well knowing that a con-
siderable balance is, and will be, found due to him,
which, considering the accidents of war, he must
remain long deprived of, if, previous to its being paid,
his accounts, though examined and approved of in
France, must be transmitted for the final examination
and approbation of the Treasury Board. That, at the
same time that he has no objection to that mode of
proceeding, being at all times desirous to prevent any
possibility of error in the final settlement, and that
Congress may have the most clear and ample satisfac-
tion as to every part of his conduct, he can but inform
Congress that his private fortune, which has suffered
greatly by his absence and the depreciation of money,
must be totally ruined if obliged to wait so long a space
of time for the balance due to him; on which your
memorialist most respectfully entreats of Congress that
the circumstances of his return to America, and his
situation since, as well as the necessity of his return
to France without loss of time, may be considered by
them, and that such provision may be made therefor
as shall appear just; and that the person to be ap-
pointed to examine his accounts in Europe, and to
certify his opinion thereon, may be empowered and
directed to order him the payment of the balance which
shall be found in your memorialist's favor, he giving
security to be accountable therefor in case that, on the
final examination of his accounts by the Board of
Treasury, there shall be found any mistake or erro-
neous change therein. Your memorialist flatters him-
self that his request will appear reasonable and just
J
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73
in the eyes of Congress, and that they will grant him
the prayer of his memorial; and he, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray for their and his country's glory and
happiness.
SILAS DEANE.
Philadelphia, August 16, 1779.
Case of Silas Deane, Seventy-Six Society, page 77.
COMMUNICATION FROM ROWLAND. No. III.
MR. DUNLAP, Mr. Lee" was dragged into the treaty
with the utmost reluctance," says S. Deane. I shall
make it appear that, from the moment the treaty was
taken up by the French Court, Mr. Lee was anxious.
for its conclusion, rejoiced in the event, and expressed
most sanguine expectations from it. The success at
Saratoga reached France December 4, 1777. On the
18th the Commissioners jointly, with equal warmth of
expression, communicated to Congress the assurance
of a speedy alliance. On the 19th, Mr. Lee writes to
his brother Richard Henry: "Our joint dispatches.
will inform you how near we are to a conclusion of
what must settle the question between Great-Britain
and the United States for ever. I see no reason to
doubt the good faith of what they promise here, and
much to admire the substantial wisdom of it." On
February 5, 1788, to the same: "The delay of our
dispatches enables me to add this to my former, and
to assure you that the business has gone on with all
possible dispatch, and that in all human probability
my next will inform you of its happy conclusion." On
the 9th, to his brother Francis: "I congratulate you,
with all my heart, on the treaties which Congress will
receive by the frigate that brings this." On the 17th,
to the Hon. S. Adams: "Let me embrace you, my dear
friend, on the accomplishment of all our labors by the
treaties which will accompany this, in which the Lib-
erty, Sovereignty, and Independence of the United
74
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1
States are secured. I thought it absolutely necessary
that we should urge the insertion of Sovereignty, that
there might not hereafter be any question on that
head, as there was long in the case of the United Prov-
inces and the Swiss Canton." On the 28th, to the
Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs: "Our
general dispatches will convey to you the bills as they
are now passing in the Parliament of Great-Britain,
for appointing Commissioners to negociate with their
deluded subjects, and declaring in what manner they
will be graciously pleased in future to exercise the
right of taxing us. It would not be doing justice to
their bills to attempt any comment upon them. They
speak for themselves, and loudly, too; but the Minis-
try of England give out that they have dispatched
half a million of Guineas to pave the way to a favorable
reception of their propositions. And I know from
the best authority here that they have assured Count
M. of their being sure of a majority in Congress. By
such base arts do they endeavor to cover their naked-
ness and sustain their desperate cause. France has
done us substantial benefits-Great Britain substantial
injuries. France offers to guarantee our Sovereignty
and universal freedom of commerce. Great Britain
condescends to accept our submission and monopolize
our trade. France demands of us to be independent.
Great Britain, tributary. I do not comprehend how
there can be a mind so debased or an understanding
so perverted as even to balance between them." On
March 1st, to the same: "I was in hopes to-day's post
would have brought us news from England, and the
acts for negociating with you. If we may judge of
them from the bills, they will be an everlasting proof
of the feebleness and folly of our enemies. I trust
their Commissioners will return as they came, unless.
they have power and do acknowledge clearly and fully
the Sovereignty and Independence of America as an
indispensable preliminary." On the 19th, to the Hon.
Henry Laurens, P. S.: "Tomorrow we are to be
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75
presented to the King of France, and the English
Ambassador quits this Court without taking leave. War
must immediately be the consequence, as these move-
ments have been determined upon from the treaty of
amity and commerce which we have concluded with
this Court having been announced in form to that of
London. The consequence of this, in relieving our
country from the chief weight of the war, cannot but
follow, and I congratulate you upon it most sincerely."
On April 4th, to the same: "I trust he (Mons. Ger-
ard) will conduct his negociation agreeable to what
appears to me to be the disposition of the Court and
Ministers here-fairness and generosity." I restrain
myself from adding extracts of what Mr. Lee has
written to Governor Henry and others, tending to
illustrate the point of his sanguine expectations of the
consequences of the alliance with France; having
proved that he wished for it, and rejoiced at its com-
pletion, no one can doubt concerning the true grounds.
of that wish and that joy.
It is proper here to notice the insinuations respect-
ing an improper connection between Dr. Lee and Dr.
Berkenhout. The ideas of the former as to an accom-
modation with Britain being a good appendix to the
anecdotes of his strong attachment to our present
allies. Doctor Lee not only communicated to his col-
leagues a part, as Mr. Deane says, but all of the corres-
pondence alluded to, which concerned them jointly.
He went further. He laid it before the French Minis-
try, and his answer was made by their unanimous
consent. Very unlike this was Mr. Deane's conduct
in two cases, which may be hereafter mentioned. Nor
was Berkenhout's correspondence with Mr. Lee broken
off by
"Howe's success," but because the English
Ministry understood there was a difference between
Dr. Franklin and Mr. Lee, which rendered it useless
to treat with them. This report had been propagated
industriously both in France and England, during Mr.
Lee's absence at Berlin, indubitably by the man and
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THE DEANE PAPERS.
the tools of the man who thought himself "saddled
with a colleague of strict honor and just economy.
Mr. Deane tells that Berkenhout said, after his release
from prison here, "that he had letters to the Hon.
R. H. Lee, Esq. from the Hon. Arthur Lee, Esq.
This falsehood may, possibly, have originated with
Berkenhout. Mr. Lee not only did not write a line by
Berkenhout to his brother or any other person in
America, but neither he nor Mr. Temple ever apprized
Dr. Lee of their intentions of going. He was informed
of it by others, just about the time of their sailing, and
had some correspondence concerning it. A good
American Whig, now in France, and the author of
some late interesting notice to Congress, wrote to Dr.
Lee from London, May 1st, 1778: "I hope you are
satisfied about Temple and Berkenhout; the doubts
are great here. If you think they are right, let me
know, that I may satisfy myself and others. To which
an answer was given, May 11th, " T. and Dr. B. never
apprized me of their going. I thought well of their
intentions in general, but this adventure gives no proof
of the soundness of their judgment. I am of opinion
they will not be suffered to land without taking the
oath of allegiance; and it seems to me that their
errand is somewhat dangerous on their part, and very
foolish on that of their employers." This shews what
he thought ought to have been the consequence of their
coming. It seems one of the men is yet in employ, for
Dr. Lee writes, January 5th, 1779: "The inclosed copy
is of a letter from Dr. Berkenhout, by which Congress
will see how much our enemies are distressed, and yet
how inveterate they are in their persuasion that be-
cause every thing is venal among themselves, therefore
it must be so among us. It looks like a visitation upon
the King of England and his advisers, that experience
never makes them wise. They see and have seen, or
rather feel, the necessity of making peace. They have
tried all undue means in vain, and yet they still persist
in dishonoring and disgracing themselves by a repeti-
})
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77
tion of ineffectual attempts, and neglect the only obvi-
ous means pointed out to them by Congress for
obtaining upon honorable terms the pacification for
which they will shortly be obliged to sue most humbly.
Xtmasday, '78.
ONCE more (as Ranger says) safe to the temple! I
hate all your bloody-minded rogues on both sides the
question. Peace, everlasting Peace, is my hobby-horse
and my pride; illam Coluisse artem quae humanum
genus conservare docet. I dreamt last night that you
and I met somewhere on the Continent of Europe;
whether it was at Paris, at Spa, at Bruxels, or at Aix la
Chapel, I am not certain. I thought I had ten thou-
sand things to communicate; that we entered deeply
into several important disquisitions; that every ob-
stacle vanished before us; that we restored the jarring
world to harmony, and that emoluments and honors
were the rewards of our labour. If you have had any
dream of this sort, tell me so, and I will meet thee at
Philipi, be that where it may.
These are times, my friend, when much may be ex-
pected, because much may be done. Do not treat this
matter lightly. Tell me only that I may come with
safety, that you wish to see me, and that, notwithstand-
ing all you may have heard, you believe me when I
swear by our ancient friendship that I am
SEMPER EADEM.
Mr. Lee, as before, communicated his intended reply
to his colleagues and to the Ministry. His letters to
and from Mr. De Vergennes do him much honor, as
well as the following answer sent to London :
Paris, January 7, 1779.
YOUR favor of the 25th did not reach me so soon as
by the date it should have done. I congratulate the
ladies very sincerely on your safe return from an ex-
pedition the fruitlessness of which I could easily have
78
THE DEANE PAPERS.
foretold. My waking opinion is, that a meeting any
where will be equally fruitless on any other plan than
that marked out by Congress; that without the con-
currence of our allies, no Conference will be held or
treaty made; that you will come with safety and effect,
if armed with adequate powers, to acknowledge the
Sovereignty of the United States, and are content with
terms consistent with the most perfect good faith to our
allies.
On these conditions our jarring worlds may harmon-
ize again; and I am persuaded that delay will only add
to these demands, and render the blessed work of peace
more difficult. However we may lament the calamities.
of war, we are determined it shall not end but in per-
manent peace and safety.
You have always known me to be sincere, and you
may be most assured that I never was more so than
at present. Adieu.
I fear I have already engrossed more than the por-
tion you promised me of your paper.
ROWLAND.
The Pennsylvania Packet, Aug. 24, 1779.
Proceedings of Congress.
Philadelphia, Thursday, August 26, 1779. The
Committee on the Treasury, in obedience to the order
of Congress to report a reasonable allowance for the
time and expences of Silas Deane, Esquire, from the
expiration of three months after the notice of his
recall from Europe, finding the said three months to
expire on the 4th of June, 1778, report
That a warrant issue on the Treasurer in favour
of Silas Deane, Esquire, late Commissioner of the
United States at the Court of France, for ten thousand
dollars in full consideration of his time and expences
I
THE DEANE PAPERS.
79
during his attendance on Congress from the 4th of
June, 1778, until the 6th day of August, inst.
A motion was made by Mr. John Dickinson, sec-
onded by Mr. Cyrus Griffin, to strike out "ten
thousand.'
The States being equally divided, the words were
struck out.
A motion was made by Mr. Joseph Spencer, sec-
onded by Mr. John Dickinson, to fill the blank with
"fifteen thousand.'
""
The yeas and nays being required by Mr. Laurens,
it passed in the negative.
A motion was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by
Mr. James Searle, to fill the blank with "twelve thou-
sand."
The yeas and nays being required by Mr. Nathaniel
Peabody, it passed in the negative.
A motion was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by
Mr. William Sharpe, to fill the blank with “ten thou-
sand five hundred."
The yeas and nays being required by Mr. Nathaniel
Scudder, it was resolved in the affirmative.
as
On the question to agree on the resolution
amended, the yeas and nays being required by Mr.
Laurens, it was resolved in the affirmative.
Journals of Congress.
COMMUNICATION FROM ROWLAND. No. IV.
MR. DUNLAP, My plan has been to notice in order
such parts of Mr. Deane's address of Dec. 5, 1778,
as called in question Doctor Lee's fidelity to America
and to her ally, intending afterwards to make some
remarks upon other passages less material to the pub-
lic. I think I have gone thro' with the first class,
except a single instance. Mr. Deane told the world
that "a gentleman of character told him that his corre-
spondent in England had seen a letter from the Hon.
80
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Arthur Lee, Esq., dated the very day on which the
treaty was signed (tho' it was not finished until near
nine o'clock at night), in which were nearly these
words: “This day the new partnership was signed and
sealed, and the new house will begin to do business.
immediately; if the old house means to have any
thing to do further, and means honestly, they must
make their proposals immediately." Had Mr Deane
named this gentleman of character or his correspond-
ent, Mr. Lee or any other person could have traced
and refuted the falsehood. But as it was contrived,
Mr. Lee could only place his denial against Mr.
Deane's affirmation; and though the public mind
might not decide absolutely, yet it would be tainted
with the suspicion that there must be something
in the accusation, or a man would not hazard his
name to it. Mr. Lee has been more fortunate
than Mr. Deane intended, as may be seen by the
following letters:
COPY OF A LETTER FROM THE HON. ARTHUR LEE,
ESQ., TO MR. SAMUEL PETRIE IN PARIS, DATED
PARIS, APRIL 8, 1779.
SIR,—It appears, by a letter lately published in the
London papers, that Mr. Silas Deane has desired his
correspondent in Paris to obtain from you "a copy
of the letter which you received in March last from
London, which gave the information of the signing
the treaty."
It is probable you are not unacquainted with Mr.
Deane's having accused me publicly of being the
author of that information so given, of the signing of
the treaty, and this (as he says) upon the authority
of a respectable person in Paris, who had received
such a letter as he writes for a copy of from you.
Į therefore beg that you will do me the justice to
inform me explicitly whether you gave Mr. Deane the
information upon which he founds his accusation,
and who the person is in London who pretends to
THE DEANE PAPERS.
81
have seen a letter written by me, giving intelligence
of the signing of a treaty with France, and dated the
night it was signed.
I am sorry to trouble you on such a subject, but
you must be sensible, Sir, how necessary it is that
an untruth of this nature, whether lightly or mali-
ciously asserted, should be traced to its author.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
[Signed]
ARTHUR LEE.
EXTRACT FROM MR. PETRIE'S ANSWER.
Arthur Lee, Esq.
"SIR.-In compliance with your request, in your
letter of yesterday, to be explicit, I now inform you
that I do not recollect ever showing any letter to
Mr. Deane that I thought had any reference to you
but I well remember reading to him a paragraph out
of a letter received from London, stating that intel-
ligence of the signature of the treaty with France had
been transmitted there the very night on which it was
signed, expressed in terms which could not have been
misunderstood; and which intelligence, from a concur-
rence of circumstances, appeared to have been com-
municated by your brother, the Alderman. Of this
fact I cannot suppose you ignorant.
"When I showed this letter to Mr. Deane, I meant
only jocularly to upbraid his secresy respecting a
transaction which I understood your brother had unre-
servedly communicated several weeks before, but I
had no idea of bringing censure upon any person
whatever."
[Signed]
S. PETRIE.
Paris, Rue St. Anne,
Friday Morning, April 9, 1779.
THE HONORABLE A. LEE'S ANSWER.
Paris, April 9, 1779.
'
Sam. Petrie, Esq.
SIR, I had the honor of receiving your answer of
this day's date to mine of yesterday. It is entirely
VOL. IV.-6
82
THE DEANE PAPERS.
satisfactory as to myself. But I cannot help believing
your correspondent was mistaken as to my brother's
having been the writer of such a letter, because I did
not inform him that the treaty was signed till long
after, and I am most sure he did not know it at the
time he is supposed to have given the intelligence.
I am obliged to you, Sir, for the readiness with
which you have given this satisfaction, and beg you
will believe it was with much regret I gave you the
trouble.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
[Signed]
ARTHUR LEE.
Besides infidelity, Mr. Deane wishes the world to
have an impression of Dr. Lee's incapacity for execut-
ing a political commission. For he says that "by a wan-
ton display of his errand, Mr. Lee gave great and just
cause of distrust to the Court of Madrid," and hints
that, therefore, he was restricted to the city of Burgos.
He says, also, that Mr. Lee "was so unfortunate as to
do nothing at Berlin, unless, indeed, we may give the
name of business to the loss of his papers, by which a
discovery was made of the secrets of his colleagues,
and the British Ministry enabled to counteract the
measures taken for the benefits of America."-Here I
am staggered in my first intentions. I was to give
facts. I am prompted to supply their place by the
highest wrought execrations upon a man who knew
that he was delivering in both instances the most
downright falsehoods, which no one could prove by
producing vouchers without. running into an indiscre-
tion, greatly criminal, both in regard to Spain and
Prussia. Have I not produced enough on other points
to show that I can command the most authentic
papers? Will not a sensible public readily conceive
that the disposition of Spain and Prussia is to be
declared by themselves in their own time? I shall
only now assert that Dr. Lee was, in both cases, an
able, judicious Agent. The time may come when I
THE DEANE PAPERS.
83
may tell what great things Mr. Lee had done within
the compass of Mr. Deane's knowledge at the time of
his publication.
ROWLAND.
The Pennsylvania Packet, Aug. 31, 1779.
ARTHUR LEE TO
MR. DUNLAP,-I have lately seen published several
extracts from letters said to have been received from
Baltimore, but which had very much the appearance
of having been written in this city. However this
may be, I send you an extract of a real letter from
Paris, and if the person whose strange conduct is the
subject of the letter wants to know more of the mat-
ter, you may direct him to me.
I am, Sir, your humble servant, &c.
Paris, May 21, 1779.
SIR,—It is long since I felt, in common with every
other well-wisher to the cause of Liberty and Truth,
the obligations I was under to the author of Common
Sense, for the very able and unanswerable manner in
which he has defended those principles. The same
public motives, I am persuaded, induced him to ad-
dress the Public against Mr. Deane and his associates.
The countenance and support which Deane has re-
ceived is a melancholy presage of the future. Vain,
assuming, avaricious, and unprincipled, he will hesitate
at no crime to cover what he has committed, and con-
tinue his career.
The atrociousness of this man's conduct will in all
likelihood produce the punishment of his crimes. Of
one thing, however, I am most certain, that if a full
and fair enquiry be not immediately made into the
expenditure of the public money, if every attempt
either boldly to resist or artfully evade a just and real
settlement of the public accounts, or if collusive settle-
ments are permitted, the impunity and success of the
84
THE DEANE PAPERS.
past will encourage such crimes in future as will dis-
appoint us of all we have been contending for.
The suspicions so generally entertained against
those who have had large sums of the public money
are substantiated by the studied delays, the artful
intrigues, and constant evasiant evasions they employ
to prevent a real, and procure a collusive, settlement.
The impunity with which Mr. Deane has traduced and
calumniated Congress to their face, the indulgence
and even countenance he has received, the acrimoni-
ous and uncandid spirit of a letter concerning Mr.
Paine's publications, which accompanied a resolve sent
to Mr. Gerard, are matters of deep concern here to
every friend to America.*
We have hazarded much and labored much to vin-
dicate and establish the liberties which public virtue
must support, and which corruption will infallibly de-
stroy. It is still our duty to endeavour to prevent the
fatal prevalence of this poison, and I pledge myself
to you, to Liberty, and to my country, that no con-
sideration shall ever withhold my utmost contribution
to so necessary a work.
The Pennsylvania Packet, Aug. 31, 1779.
DEFENCE OF JOHN JAY'S LETTER.
MR. DUNLAP,-In your packet of Tuesday last is
an anonymous publication, which introduces a letter
said to have been written at Paris, praising the author
* The letter here alluded to can be no other than that signed "John Jay,"
and published in Mr. Dunlap's paper of Jan. 16th. It is very extraordinary that
Mr. Jay should write such a letter, because it contains the same illiberal reflections.
which Congress as a body rejected from their resolve of Jan. 12, as may be seen
Con-
by any one who will peruse the proceedings of Congress for January last.
gress have since declined to give countenance to Mr. Jay's letter, for though he
had a public authority for writing a letter to Mr. Gerard, he had no authority for
the reflections he used; besides which, the letter would be perfectly laughable,
were every circumstance known which happened at that particular time, and
would likewise show how exceeding delicate and cautious a President of Congress
ought to be when he means to act officially in cases he is not sufficiently ac-
quainted with. [Note written by Thomas l'aine.]
THE DEANE PAPERS.
85
of Common Sense, and contains strictures on the letter
from the President of Congress to Mr. Gerard, on the
13th day of January last, which covered the resolutions.
of Congress of the 12th day of the same month, ex-
pressing their disavowal and disapprobation of certain
groundless assertions of Mr. Thomas Paine. Among
other strictures on that letter, the author is pleased to
assert, "that Congress have since declined to give coun-
tenance to Mr. Jay's letter."
As the Public may not generally know that Mr.
Thomas Paine was the publisher of these strictures, it
may be
proper to inform them that the letter in ques-
tion was publicly read in full Congress, and without a
single dissenting voice ordered to be published.
IN CONGRESS.
January 14, 1779. Ordered, That the foregoing
resolution, and also the resolution of the 12th, on the
publications in the Pennsylvania Packet of the 2d and
5th instant, TOGETHER WITH THE LETTER OF THE
PRESIDENT TO THE MINISTER, COVERING THE RESOLU-
TION, and the Minister's answer, BE PUBLISHED.
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
Extract from the Minutes.
IN CONGRESS.
January 12, 1779. Congress resumed the consider-
ation of the publications in the Pennsylvania Packet
of the 2d and 5th instant, under the title of Common
Sense to the Public on Mr. Deane's affair, of which
Mr. Thomas Paine, Secretary of the Committee of
Foreign Affairs, has acknowledged himself to be the
author; and also the memorials of the Minister Pleni-
potentiary of France of the 5th and 10th instant re-
specting the said publications: Whereupon,
RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, That in answer to the
memorials of the Honorable the Sieur Gerard, Minister
Plenipotentiary of France, of the 5th and 10th instant,
86
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the President be directed to assure the said Minister
that Congress do fully, in the clearest and most explicit
manner, disavow the publications referred to in his said
memorials; and as they are convinced by indisputable
evidence that the supplies shipped in the Amphitrite,
Seine and Mercury were not a present, and that His
Most Christian Majesty, the great and generous Ally
of these United States, did not preface his alliance with
any supplies whatever sent to America, so they have
not authorised the writer of the said publications to
make any such assertions as are contained therein, but
on the contrary do highly disapprove of the same.
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
Extract from the Minutes.
The following is a copy of the letter from the Presi-
dent of Congress to Mr. Gerard, covering the afore-
going resolution :
Philadelphia, January 13, 1779.
I
SIR, It is with real satisfaction that I execute the
order of Congress for transmitting to you the inclosed
copy of an act of the 11th instant, on a subject rendered
important by affecting the dignity of Congress, the
honor of their great Ally, and the interest of both
nations.
The explicit disavowal and high disapprobation of
Congress relative to the publications referred to in this
act, will, I flatter myself, be no less satisfactory to His
Most Christian Majesty than pleasing to the people
of these States. Nor have I the least doubt but that
every attempt to injure the reputation of either, or
impair their mutual confidence, will meet with the in-
dignation and resentment of both. I have the honor
to be, Sir, with great respect and esteem,
m
Your most obedient and most humble servant,
JOHN JAY.
To the Honorable the Sieur Gerard, Minister Plenipo-
tentiary of France.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
87
To which Mr. Gerard returned the following answer :
Philadelphia, January 14, 1779.
SIR, I have received the letter with which you
honored me the 13th instant, inclosing me the resolve
of Congress, in answer to the representations I had
the honor to make them on the 5th and 10th.
I intreat you to receive, and to express to Congress,
the great sensibility with which I feel their frank,
noble, and categorical manner of destroying THOSE
FALSE AND DANGEROUS insinuations which might mis-
lead ignorant people, and put arms into the hands of
the common enemy.
To the King, my master, Sir, no proofs are neces-
sary for the foundation of a confidence in the firm and
constant adherence of Congress to the principles of
the alliance; but his majesty will always behold with
pleasure the measures which Congress may take to
preserve inviolate its reputation. And it is from the
same consideration, I flatter myself, he will find my
representations on the 7th of December equally worthy
of his attention. I am, with respect and consideration,
Sir,
Your humble and most obedient servant,
A true copy.
GERARD.
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
The Pennsylvania Packet, Sept. 7, 1779.
HENRY LAURENS TO RICHARD HENRY LEE.
Philadelphia, Augus 31st, 1779.
MY DEAR SIR,-Since the date of my last trouble,
the 24th instant, I have been honoured with your
favours of the 13th and 23d; the former by an express
messenger, who assured me he should not return till
this day, but I learned last night, at Mr. Lovell's, that
he went off suddenly on Sunday. Yesterday I re-
ceived at Congress two packets and one small letter
88
THE DEANE PAPERS.
"
directed to you; these, I apprehend, came by the east-
ern post. At Mr. Lovell's request, I shall send them
to him, to be forwarded in a proper manner.
I am
sorry to find you continue an invalid; but how can it
be otherwise, if you also continue to fatigue both body
and mind? You must not allow the attempts and de-
signs of wicked men to operate in the very manner
they would wish; let us proceed fairly, and softly, and
wisely, and truth will drive them out of their entrench-
ments; they are now closely hemmed in and cannot
escape. On Tuesday last, at the reading of a letter
from A. Lee, Esq., I moved to commit that letter,
together with Mr. Lee's vindication, to a special com-
mittee; besides the reason of the thing, I grounded
my motion on a commitment of a late memoir from
Mr. Deane, a copy of which you will receive herewith.
You will give this performance a more proper name.
The motion was laboriously opposed, and, in C. T.'s
language, after some time spent in debate, ousted
by a motion for adjournment. On some day since
Tuesday a report from the Treasury was taken up,
recommending a warrant to issue for ten thousand
dollars to the Hon. S. D., Esq., in full for his expenses
from the 4th June, 1778. I opposed the payment of
that, or any other sum to Mr. Deane, until he should
account for the large sums of public money which
have been in his hands. The question was put, shall
ten thousand stand? Lost; motion to insert fifteen
thousand? Question lost; to insert twelve thousand?
Lost; to insert ten thousand five hundred? Carried,
even by voices who were against ten thousand, or any
sum, because they were worried, and had been wor-
ried. This deficiency of firmness and perseverance is
the source of much irregularity and much evil in public
business. The yeas and nays were called for in every
stage, and finally upon the resolutions. I reflect with
pleasure that I stand uniformly through the whole.
A question was asked of the treasury, has Mr. Deane
given in an account of his expenses? Artfully replied
THE DEANE PAPERS.
89
to, by a gentleman who had formerly given proofs of
his abilities in answering interrogations, not a regular
one! not a regular one! This gentleman perfectly well
knew that Mr. Deane had given in a very minute one,
amounting to 29,000 dollars, and upwards; he also
knew the artifice which had been practised by one of
his colleagues at the board, to repossess Mr. Deane of
a paper, which he discovered could not be crammed
down the throats even of the treasury. I had seen
that account, and had been promised a copy of it; but,
as I am informed, Mr. Deane, the very next morning,
acted a high passion of offence at so shameful a de-
mand, and his zeal for the public good carried him
rather beyond the tone of prudence. He ordered that
the account should be immediately carried back to the
demandant, with a declaration that Congress would
allow no such accounts. As Mr. Deane has not judged
it proper to return that, or any other, 'tis not to be
doubted but that a gentleman of Mr. Deane's candour
now regrets his rashness in parting with the original. I
received this relation from one of those worthy friends
who sincerely wish to see right done, but who will not
encounter trouble necessary to accomplish right. I
shall endeavour to trace this matter to its source, and
possible the whole House will be informed of it. Sat-
urday last a letter from Mr. William Lee, accompanied
by his vindication, was brought into Congress, but the
"order of the day" laid those papers asleep; yester-
day an attempt was made to keep them out of hearing
a little longer. I complained heavily of the innova-
tion, and after much debate they were in part read.
The House grew thin, and at length, only eight states
being present, adjourned. I believe I am wrong. Wil-
liam Lee's papers were read, those from Arthur Lee
were not. My colleague Mr. Drayton had been con-
fined to his bed some three weeks past. When I
learned that he was really ill, I could not refrain from
visiting him, his permission being previously obtained.
When I approached his bed, he clasped my hand, and
90
THE DEANE PAPERS.
wept affectingly; after recovering his voice, he signi-
fied great satisfaction at seeing me, and particularly
requested I would write a state of his case to Mrs.
Drayton. The physicians think him dangerously ill;
say he may live one or two weeks longer; that if he
has strength for the discharge from an abscess in his
side, they shall raise him again, but that he will remain
an invalid several months. Upon Mr. Drayton's re-
covery, or upon the arrival of another colleague, my
continuance here partly depends; but I am much in-
clined to return homeward in the course of the next
month. I believe I shall have the honour of waiting
on you before the first of October. Finances as they
were. News from Penobscot very unfavourable, but
no particulars. I would compound for the loss of all
our ships, provided the soldiers and sailors escape
capture. Dunlap's paper of this morning will present
Rowland some intelligence. I beg, sir, you will pre-
sent my compliments to your brother. I shall have
much to say to both you and him when I have the
happiness of meeting you; deferring to that time will
be the best. Many clouds will in the mean time pass
away, and subjects in embryo be matured. I remain,
with sincere esteem and respect,
Your obliged and faithful humble servant,
HENRY LAURENS.
Life of Richard Henry Lee, II. 14.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF Congress.
Philadelphia, September 4th, 1779.
SIR,—I take the liberty of addressing you on the
subject of a memorial I presented to Congress, and
pray you would inform me what the determination of
Congress has been thereon.
I have the honor to be, with the most sincere
respect and attachment, &c.,
SILAS DEANE.
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., I. 214.
1
THE DEANE PAPERS.
9 I
TO BARNABAS DEANE.
Philadelphia, Sept. 7th, 1779.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-I have only to acquaint you
that I propose leaving this city on Saturday or Sun-
day next for Headquarters, where I must meet you, as
it will delay me, and counteract my designs, to go on
as far as Wethersfield. My expectations of justice from
Congress are at present closed, and I have marked out
the line of my future conduct, on which I must wish to
confer with you. I do not wish to have you set out to
meet me until you hear from me, which shall be by
express, appointing the place of our rendezvous; you
will therefore hold yourself in readiness to set out on
my sending to you. I have letters from our Simeon
Deane in Virginia, who was well the first of this month.
I am, my Dear Brother, your's,
S. DEANE.
B. Deane, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
THOMAS PAINE ON THE LETTER OF JOHN JAY.
MR. DUNLAP,—In your paper of August 31st was
published an extract of a letter from Paris, dated May
21st, in which the writer, among other things, says:
"It is not long since I felt, in common with every
other well-wisher to the cause of liberty and truth,
the obligations I was under to the author of Common
Sense, for the able and unanswerable manner in which
he has defended those principles. The same public
motives, I am persuaded, induce him to address the
public against Mr. Deane and his associates. The
countenance and support which Deane has received is
a melancholy presage of the future. Vain, assuming,
avaricious, and unprincipled, he will stick at no crime
to cover what he has committed, and continue his
14
career.
"The impunity with which Deane has traduced and
92
THE DEANE PAPERS.
calumniated Congress to their face, the indulgence
and even countenance he has received, the acrimo-
nious and uncandid spirit of the letter concerning Mr.
Paine's publications, which accompanied a resolve sent
to Mr. Gerard, are matters of deep concern here to
every friend to America.”
By way of explaining the particular letter referred
to in the above, the following note was added:
((
The letter here alluded to can be no other than
that signed 'John Jay,' dated January 13th, and pub-
lished in Mr. Dunlap's paper of Jan. 16th. It is very
extraordinary that Mr. Jay should write such a letter,
because it contains the same illiberal reflections which
Congress as a body had rejected from their resolve of
January 12, as may be seen by any one who will peruse
the proceedings of January last. Congress has since
declined to give countenance to Mr. Jay's letter, for
though he had a public authority for writing a letter
to Mr. Gerard, he had no authority for the reflections.
he used; besides which, the latter would be perfectly
laughable were every circumstance known which hap-
pened at that particular time, and would likewise shew
how exceedingly delicate and cautious a President
ought to be when he means to act officially in cases
he is not sufficiently acquainted with."
Every person will perceive that the note which ex-
plains the letter referred to, is not a part of the letter
from Paris, but is added by another person; and Mr.
Jay, or any other gentleman, is welcome to know that
the note is of my writing, and that the original letter
from Paris is now in my possession. I had sufficient
authority for the expressions used in the note. Mr.
Jay did not lay his letter to Mr. Gerard before Con-
gress previous to his sending it, and therefore, though
he had their order, he had not their approbation.
They, it is true, ordered it to be published, but there
is no vote for approving it; neither have they given it
a place in their journals, nor was it published in more
than one paper in this city, except Benjamin Towne's,
!
THE DEANE PAPERS.
93
tho' there were at that time two others. Some time
after Mr. Jay's letter appeared in the paper, I ad-
dressed another to Congress, complaining of the un-
just liberty he had taken, and desired to know whether
I was to consider the expressions used in his letter as
containing their sentiments, at the same time inform-
ing them that if they declined to approve what he had
written, I should consider their silence as a disappro-
bation of it. Congress chose to be silent, and conse-
quently have left Mr. Jay to father his own expres-
sions.
I took no other notice of Mr. Jay's letter at the
time it was published, being fully persuaded that when
any man recollected the part he had acted, not only at
the first but in the worst of times, he could but look
on Mr. Jay's letter to be groundless and ungrateful;
and the more so, because if America had no better
friends than himself to bring about independence, I
fully believe she never would have succeeded in it,
and in all probability been a ruined, conquered, and
tributary country.
Let any man look at the condition America was in
at the time I first took up the subject, and published
Common Sense, which was but a few months before
the declaration of independence; an army of thirty
thousand men coming out against her, besides those
which were already here, and she without either an
object or a system; fighting, she scarcely knew for
what, and which, if she could have obtained, would
have done her no good. She had not a day to spare
in bringing about the only thing which could save her,
A REVOLUTION, yet no one measure was taken to pro-
mote it, and many were used to prevent it; and had
independence not been declared at the time it was,
I cannot see any time in which it could have been
declared, as the train of ill-successes which followed
the affair of Long Island left no future opportunity.
Had I been disposed to have made money, I un-
doubtedly had many opportunities for it. The single
94
THE DEANE PAPERS.
pamphlet, Common Sense, would at that time of day
have produced a tolerable fortune, had I only taken
the same profits from the publication which all writers
have ever done, because the sale was the most rapid
and extensive of any thing that was ever published in
this country, or perhaps any other. Instead of which,
I reduced the price so low, that, instead of getting, I
stand thirty-nine pounds eleven shillings out of pocket
on Mr. Bradford's books, exclusive of my time and
trouble; and I have acted the same disinterested part
by every publication I have made. I could have men-
tioned those things long ago, had I chosen, but I men-
tion them now to make Mr. Jay feel his ingratitude.
In the Pennsylvania Packet of last Tuesday some
person has republished Mr. Jay's letter, and Mr. Ger-
ard's answer of the 13th and 14th of January last; and,
though I was patiently silent upon their first publica-
tion, I now think it necessary, since they are repub-
lished, to give some circumstances which ought to go
with them.
At the time the dispute arose respecting Mr. Deane's
affairs, I had a conference with Mr. Gerard, at his own
request, and some matters on that subject were freely
talked over, which it is here unnecessary to mention.
This was on the 2d of January.
On the evening of the same day, or the next, Mr.
Gerard, though thro' the mediation of another gentle-
man, made me a very genteel and profitable offer. I felt
at once the respect due to his friendship, and the difficul-
ties which my acceptance would subject me to. My
whole credit was staked upon going through with
Deane's affairs, and could I afterwards have written with
the pen of an Angel, on any subject whatever, it would
have had no effect had I failed in that or declined pro-
ceeding in it. Mr. Deane's name was not mentioned
at the time the offer was made, but from some conver-
sation which passed at the time of the interview, I had
sufficient reason to believe that some restraint would
have been laid on that subject. Besides which I have
THE DEANE PAPERS.
95
1
a natural inflexible objection to anything which may
be construed into a private pension, because a man
after that is no longer truly free.
My answer to the offer was precisely in these words:
Any service I can render to either of the countries
in alliance, or to both, I ever have done and shall
readily do, and Mr. Gerard's esteem will be the only
recompence I shall desire." I particularly chose the
word esteem because it admitted of no misunderstand-
ing.
On the fifth of January I published a continuation
of my remarks on Mr. Deane's affairs, and as I have
ever felt the highest respect for a nation which has in
every stage of our affairs been our firm and invariable
friend, I spoke of France under that general descrip-
tion. It is true I prosecuted the point against Mr.
Deane, but what was Mr. Deane to France, or to the
Minister of France?
เ
On the appearance of this publication Mr. Gerard
presented a memorial to Congress, respecting some
expressions used therein, and on the 6th and 7th I re-
quested of Congress to be admitted to explain any
passages which Mr. Gerard had referred to; but this
request not being complied with, I, on the 8th, sent
in my resignation of the office of Secretary to the
Committee of foreign affairs.
In the evening I received an invitation to sup with
a gentleman, and Mr. Gerard's offer was, by his own
authority, again renewed with considerable additions.
of advantage. I gave the same answer as before.
I was then told that Mr. Gerard was very ill, and
desired to see me. I replied, "That as a matter was
then depending in Congress upon a representation of
Mr. Gerard against some parts of my publications, I
thought indelicate to wait upon him till that was
determined."
In a few days after, I received a second invitation,
and likewise a third, to sup at the same place, in both
of which the same offer and the same invitation were
96
THE DEANE PAPERS.
renewed, and the same answers on my part were given.
But being repeatedly pressed to make Mr. Gerard a
visit, I engaged to do it the next morning at ten
o'clock; but as I considered myself standing on nice
and critical ground, and lest my reputation should be
afterwards called in question, I judged it best to com-
municate the whole matter to an honourable friend
before I went, which was on the 14th of January, the
very day on which Mr. Gerard's answer to Mr. Jay's
letter is dated.
While with Mr. Gerard I avoided as much as possi-
ble every occasion that might give rise to the subject.
Himself once or twice hinted at the publications, and
added that “he hoped no more would be said on the
subject," which I immediately waived by entering on
the loss of the dispatches. I knew my own resolution
respecting the offer, had communicated that resolu
tion to a friend, and did not wish to give the least pain
to Mr. Gerard by personally refusing that which from
him might be friendship, but to me would have been
the ruin of my credit. At a convenient opportunity I
rose to take my leave, on which Mr. Gerard said,
"Mr. Paine, I have always had a great respect for you,
and should be glad of some opportunity of showing
you more solid marks of my friendship."
I confess I felt myself hurt and exceedingly con-
cerned that the injustice and indiscretion of a party
in Congress should drive matters to such an extremity
that one side or other must go to the bottom, and in
its consequences embarrass those whom they have
drawn in to support them. I am conscious that Amer-
ica had not in France a more strenuous friend than
Mr. Gerard, and I sincerely wish he had found a way
to avoid an affair which has been much trouble to
him. As for Deane, I believe him to be a man who
cares not who he involves to screen himself. He has
forfeited all reputation in this country, first by prom-
ising to give an "history of matters for the people to
know," and then not only failing to perform that
THE DEANE PAPERS.
97
VOL. IV.-7
promise, but neglecting to clear his own suspected
reputation, though he is now upon the spot, and can
any day demand an hearing of Congress, and call me
before them for the truth of what I have published
respecting him.
Two days after my visit to Mr. Gerard, Mr. Jay's
letter and the answer to it were published, and I
would candidly ask any man how it is possible to
reconcile such letters to such offers both done at one
and the same time, and whether I had not sufficient
authority to say that Mr. Jay's letter would be truly
laughable, were all the circumstances known which
happened at the time of his writing it.
Whoever republished those letters in last Tuesday's
paper must be an ideot or worse.
I had let them pass
over without any other public notice than what was
contained in the note of the preceding week, but the
republishing them was putting me to defiance, and
forcing me either to submit to them afresh, or to give
the circumstances which accompanied them. Who-
ever will look back to last winter may see I had my
hands full, and that without any person giving the
least assistance. It was first given out that I was
paid by Congress for vindicating their reputation
against Mr. Deane's charges, yet a majority in that
House were every day pelting me for what I was do-
ing. Then Mr. Gerard was unfortunately brought in,
and Mr. Jay's letter to him, and his answer were pub-
lished to effect some purpose or other. Yet Mr.
Gerard was at the same time making the warmest
professions of friendship to me, and proposing to take
me into his confidence, with very liberal offers. In
short, I had but one way to get through, which was
to keep close to the point and principle I set out
upon, and that alone had rendered me successful. By
making this my guide, I have kept my ground, and I
have yet ground to spare; for, among other things,
I have authentic copies of the despatches that were
lost.
98
THE DEANE PAPERS.
I am certain no man set out with a warmer heart
or a better disposition to render public service than
myself, in every thing which laid in my power: my
first endeavour was to put the politics of the country
right, and to show the advantages as well as the
necessity of independence; and until this was done,
independence never could have succeeded. America
did not, at that time, understand her own situation;
and though the country was then full of writers, no
one reached the mark; neither did I abate in my
service, when hundreds were afterwards deserting her
interest, and thousands afraid to speak; for the first
number of the Crisis was published in the blackest
stage of affairs, six days before the taking of the
Hessians at Trenton. When this state was distracted
with parties, on account of her Constitution, I en-
deavoured, in the most disinterested manner, to bring
it to conclusion; and when Deane's impositions broke
out, and threw the whole States into confusion, I
readily took up the subject, for no one else under-
stood it; and the country now see that I was right.
And if Mr. Jay thinks he derives any credit from
his letter to Mr. Gerard, he will find himself de-
ceived; and that the ingratitude of the composition
will be his reproach, not mine.
COMMON SENSE.
The Pennsylvania Packet, Sept. 14, 1779.
ARTHUR LEE TO SAMUEL ADAMS.
Paris, Sept. 19th, 1779.
DEAR FRIEND,-I had the pleasure of receiving
yours of the 1st of August a few days since, from the
hands of Mr. Knox. I cannot express to you how
much the late proceedings at Philadelphia have injured
and degraded the character of America in Europe.
You are sensible how much mischief they have done
in America. There is nothing consoles me for the
THE DEANE PAPERS.
99
particular injuries I have suffered but the conscious-
ness of having done some, and intended more, service
to our country. I did hope, that as those who went
from hence were the worst of men, they would find no
encouragement with you; and I am most persuaded
that the real design of those who support them is to
betray their country, to which in all probability one
powerful mover is the half million of guineas which I
informed Congress the British Commissioners carried
with them for such purposes. Time, prudence, and
attention will perhaps trace and discover the appli-
cation of that sum.
I have observed it to be an invariable part of
Deane's policy to accuse some one else, in time, of the
crime he himself has committed. When I, therefore,
connect his conduct in America with his private meet-
ing here with Paul Wentworth, Lord Mansfield's
agent, who from his attempts upon me I know to be a
most subtle tool of corruption, I cannot help believing
he went over with his plan, to which the character and
complexion of those who joined him give great credit.
Among them all, there is no man more dangerous or
desperately wicked than C. [Carmichael?] Subtle, in-
sinuating, false, persevering, and ambitious, he will
assume any character and perpetrate any villainy to
accomplish his purpose.
When they wrote me from Nantes of the invectives
he was daily uttering against my then colleagues, and
his determination to impeach them when he got over,
my answer was, that it was only a stratagem to get at
their sentiments, and cover his real designs against me.
The event has proved I was not wrong. He appears
to me to be one of those extraordinary characters,
whose minds teem with incessant mischiefs to which
their treachery gives a plausible cloathing, and in whose
smiles there is most danger. The first time I came
over to France, when they had opened my dispatches
to the Secret Committee, and had probably planned the
converting the supply into a Mercantile job, I was
1
100
THE DEANE PAPERS.
secretly informed that they had made attempts at Ver-
sailles to shut me up, which would have ended in the
loss of liberty and life. I was assured that it was
actually under deliberation. I at the time regarded
the information as the invention of him who gave it.
But I am now satisfied that, as they apprehended that
I would not only complain of their conduct, but bear
witness against the attempt upon the public purse,
nothing is more probable than that it was true.
Such men, supported as they are with you, and
assisted from hence by the old man and his associates,
are not to be trifled with; nor is it possible to say at
what atrocious acts they will not aim. This I know,
that their avarice and bad ambition are boundless.
They are, as you say, possesst of much sophistry, and
their cunning has taught them to take their stand upon
ground from which it is impossible to drive them
without such a disclosure of state secrets as woud
hazard the great cause and our national character.
Were I not restrained by this consideration, I think I
could unfold to the public such facts as woud ruin
them forever.
In these circumstances our task is delicate and diffi-
cult. We are on a precipice surrounded on all sides
with waters deep and dangerous. To balance so as to
prevent their purposes on one hand, and the advan-
tages which foes or friends may be inclined to take of
our dissentions on the other, is what requires all imag-
inable steadiness, sagacity, and circumspection. I can-
not help hoping that the arrival of M. de la Luzerne
and M. Marbois, who are certainly men of honor and
good intentions, will deprive them of their chief sup-
port; and that our friend Mr. J. Adams, with many
other gentlemen who went about the same time to the
different states, fully impressed, from their own obser
vation, of the conduct of the junto here, will open peo-
ple's eyes; and that a better choice of those who are
to represent them in their great council will redeem
us from our desperate situation. Perhaps a well-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
IOI
weighed and timd protest against any mischievous.
measure they may carry in future, especially the ex-
culpation of Mr. Deane, will be the means of hastening
this change. It will be a deep misfortune if the name.
of Congress should lose of its lustre in Europe, and of
its credit and confidence in America, which with such
men and such measures I fear is inevitable. For my-
self merely, I am perfectly indifferent. I have sub-
mitted to vindicate my conduct to Congress from all
Mr. Deane's aspersions. I shall trouble myself no
more with these or any other, but reserve my vindica-
tion for the public at large, when times of less delicacy
require less reserve.
The combined fleets of France and Spain are re-
turnd to Brest, sixty six in number, after chasing that
of England of 38 into port, and taking the Ardent, a 64
gun Ship. Soon as the equinoctial season is over, they
will go out again; and if the English can possibly aug-
ment their number to nearly an equal force, there will
probably ensue a conflict that must decide the war. If
not, they will be blocked up, and the invasion will take
place. The other Powers seem determined to preserve
an exact neutrality.
I am much your debtor for the comment on my short
address. That address would not have been necessary,
if the conduct of Congress had not given countenance,
in the opinion of all men, to Mr. Deane's absurd per-
formance.
Commodore Gillon informs me, that he has written
to Mr. President Jay the particulars of that shameful
and illegal business of attaching the Alliance frigate to
an amphibious squadron of French cruisers; subjecting
her to the orders of such a person as Capt. Paul Jones;
giving Continental commissions to a number of French-
men; and putting them on court martials upon Amer-
ican officers. There is some apprehension that this
information will be withheld from Congress; as, tho'
intended to be laid before them, it was not expressly so
desired. The truth is, that this squadron of Jones's is a
wh
I02
THE DEANE PAPERS.
project of Chaumont and Williams, and the matter is
so artfully conducted, that they can either declare them
public or private property, as may best suit their in-
terest and future contingencies. For these private pur-
poses, and to expose the persons and property of those
Americans who went over possessed of full knowledge.
of the mismanagement here, the Alliance was refused
them as a convoy, and withheld from rendering the
essential service she might in protecting such impor-
tant stores, and so much private property, as well as
in defending our coast from the depredations of the
enemy.
I am much obliged to you for the introduction to
Dr. Gordon, whose character I respect, and whose cor-
respondence I shall cultivate with much pleasure. Mr.
J. Adams, I hope, will be immediately chosen into Con-
gress, where he will be able to render his country very
essential service from what he has seen.
It is a negotiation for a general peace, at which cor-
rupt and interested men will have an opportunity of
giving the deepest wound to the interests of our coun-
try. As this is an event which may take place soon,
the earliest preparation and precaution is necessary.
What lines shoud be drawn, what concessions can be
made, what accessions shoud be demanded, what bar-
riers fixed, are questions of great moment to the future
peace and prosperity of America.
I am, with unalterable esteem, yours most sincerely,
ARTHUR Lee.
Bancroft Mss., Lenox Library.
TO JOSEPH Reed.
Philadelphia, Sept. 20th, 1779.
SIR, Your Letter of the 4th Instant, in answer to
mine of the 30th of May last, was delivered to me by
your Brother, whom I fully satisfied that the demand of
THE DEANE PAPERS.
103
Mr. Williams, and that made by me, are for distinct and
separate sums of money, and by no means a double
demand, as you express it. Your Brother promised me
to explain the matter to your satisfaction, and to call on
me in a day or two, and let me know how it should be
settled. I since learn that he is gone out of town, and
that without saying any thing further to me on the sub-
ject. You tell me your intention is to pay the money in
case you are clearly indemnified from Mr. Williams's
demand, and all the papers cancelled. I am ready to
indemnify you against any demand of Mr. Williams, on
account of the bill or letter of credit given your Brother,
though there can not be the least possible ground for
requiring any such indemnification, since, the bill taken
up and cancelled, no further demand can be made
thereon. And to put this matter beyond a doubt, I send
you inclosed a copy of Mr. Williams' account with your
Brother. Your Brother gave Mr. Williams a receipt for
the ballance, on account of the Commissioners. Mr. Lee
protested against allowing this ballance to Mr. Williams
in the settlement of his accounts; and this, as Mr. Wil-
liams informs me, obliged him to apply to you, your
Brother having promised him that, if the Commissioners
did not allow it, you would repay him. It is therefore
somewhat extraordinary that the payment of this money
due to me should be put on the condition of my indem-
nifying against the demand of Mr. Williams for a differ-
ent sum. In a word, Mr. Hodge, now in town, was
knowing to my paying your Brother the money, and to
the disinterested motives on which I did it. He was
also well acquainted with your Brother's situation after-
wards, at Nantes, when, after having expended the
money received of me, Mr. Williams relieved him and
advanced him money. Your Brother acknowledged this
to be the true history of this affair when he waited on
me; and, indeed, should he say otherways, Mr. Hodge,
and other Gentlemen now in Philadelphia, know the
facts to be as I have stated them. This being simply
the case, I submit to yourself whether your insisting on
-
104
THE DEANE PAPERS.
an indemnification from me against all demands of Mr.
Williams, the cancelling all papers, and that I find a
surety therefor, is reasonable or just. You will take
your resolution as to the payment of this money or not,
as you shall judge best. I only wish to know if I may
depend on it or not, that a correspondence so mutually
disagreeable as our present may be closed?
I am Sir, your Humble Servant,
DR.
[Enclosure.]
MR. JOHN REED in account with JONATHAN WILLIAMS. CR.
1777.
240 001 Dec! 30th By Bill of Ex-
360 00
cess, &c., on Dennis
120 00
96 00
47 12
960 00 Feb'y 11.
1777.
Jan'y 23d To Cash..
August 20 "' ditto.
Octob! 17th "ditto..
Nov! 29. "ditto..
Dec
13.
"ditto..
30. "ditto..
<<
•
1778.
Jan'y. To protested bills...1584 05
charges of noting
them.
(C
5 02
Feb'y 23 To pd Madm
Bisson...
To charges of
protesting the
two bills....
25th To cash.....
Nantes, Febʼy 25th, 1778.
112 17
25 18
720 II
4272 05
[Signed]
S. DEANE.
Debendt for £70
Sterling.
1778.
•
•
.1584 05
By ditto on
ditto for
£30 St'g. 683 00
By his or-
der on S.
Deane,
Esq'......600 00
By Receipt
on acct. of
the Com-
missioners
of Con-
-
gress.... 1405 CO
4272 05
J. WILLIAMS.
The above is a true Copy of Mr. Williams's Account
with Mr. John Reed, delivered to me by Mr. Williams
at Nantes.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
105
WILLIAM PACA'S REPORT ON ARTHUR LEE.
For the Pennsylvania Packet.
WHEN a part only of the proceedings in Congress on
a particular subject is not only published, but also mis-
stated [sic], and especially when the part so published
is of a secret nature, and for that reason no mention is
made of it in the Journals of Congress, there is the
greatest room to imagine that the publication is intended
to answer some insidious purpose. The subjoined paper,
which is falsely styled "A Report of a Committee of
Congress, "* is of that nature; for the truth is, that Mr.
Paca of Maryland, and the late Mr. Drayton of South
Carolina, who actually signed the paper, were never ap-
pointed a Committee for that purpose; but officiously,
and without the knowledge of Congress, and, therefore,
we may presume with some sinister view, took upon
themselves to wait on Mr. Gerard, and from him sur-
reptitiously obtained the said paper, which one of the
gentlemen read and laid it on the table, and there it
rested, and still rests without further notice.
As it appeared first in the New York Journal, printed
*The paper referred to above is as follows (From the New York Journal of
August 9th, printed at Poughkeepsie): For the information of the good people
of the United States of America, I send you for publication a report of a Com-
mittee of Congress, made to that body on the 30th of April last. The infor-
mation contained in this report, being of the highest authenticity, it is evident
that Mr. Lee could do this Country no essential service as a Commissioner, either
in France or Spain. What then could have induced 14 gentlemen in Congress,
to vote for his continuance (22 being against it), and some of them to assert that
he was the properest person to represent these States at the Court of Madrid, is
hard to conceive; but how they can reconcile their conduct to their constituents,
it now become necessary for them to explain. Facts speak for themselves, and
are placed in a clear light, by the following report of the Committee of Congress,
appointed to that business. [Here follows the report printed in Vol. 3, page
437.]
+ Surreptitiously, because at the time of their procuring Mr. Gerard's opinion,
a question was pending before Congress, “Whether Mr. Gerard should be applied
to on such an occasion?" which was very properly opposed. This question had
been moved by Mr. Paca, seconded by Mr. Drayton, who, after delivering at the
table the subjoined paper, withdrew their first motion for enquiry. Had Mr.
Gerard been fairly apprized of these circumstances, he would not have made him-
self a party in the factious proceedings of interested and prejudiced individuals
of Congress.
G
106
THE DEANE PAPERS.
at Poughkeepsie, it seems as if the publication was
intended to serve some private end in that state. How
far cabal and intrigue here may have had a share in the
business, and whether the indirect management of Doc-
tor Franklin and others, friends or partners in trade of
Mr. Deane, drew such declaration, as is mentioned, from
Count de Vergennes, I shall not now examine. I
would only recommend it to those persons in the State.
of New York who elect the Delegates to Congress for
that State to enquire,
Ist. Whether any, and which, of their Delegates did
urge in Congress that Mr. Duane should give a verbal
narrative of his transactions in Europe, instead of a writ-
ten one, notwithstanding it was represented in oppo-
sition thereto that a verbal narrative, in case he was
guilty of the abuses he was suspected of, would leave
him at liberty to say and unsay, to explain away and
evade matters, just as it might best suit the purpose of
eluding public justice.
2d. Whether any, and which, of their Delegates urged
in Congress that Mr. Deane should be excused from
answering questions which tended to criminate himself;
a proposal which implies a conviction in the author and
abettor of it, that abuses had been committed, and could
have no other end than to screen the party from detec-
tion.
3d. Whether any, and which, of their Delegates voted
for the recal [sic] of Mr. Izard and Mr. William Lee;
and immediately afterwards also voted for this very
extraordinary motion: "That those Gentlemen be in-
formed that it is the sense of Congress that they need
not repair to America," by which means all enquiry and
information relative to the merits and demerits of the
several Commissioners, so far, at least, as an examina-
tion of those Gentlemen would throw light on the sub-
ject, were entirely cut off.
4th. Whether any, and which, of their Delegates were
concerned with other persons in trade, or made pro-
posals for that purpose which were refused.
D
THE DEANE PAPERS.
107
5th. Whether any, and which, of their Delegates ever
shewed improper attention to Tories, and intermeddled
in the parties and politics of this State.
6th. Whether any, and which, of their Delegates com-
municated the aforesaid pretended Report to the Printer
of the New York Journal; what his views in so doing
might probably be; whether by holding up that testi-
mony against Mr. Lee, he meant that people should from
thence infer that Mr. Deane, Mr. Lee's opponent, was
entirely innocent, and his own conduct, therefore, in sup-
porting Mr. Deane, highly commendable; whereas
nothing is more clear than, altho' Mr. Lee may be a
very ungracious Minister, that Mr. Deane may have been
a very iniquitous agent; that while both of them may
deserve contempt, their respective partizans are un-
worthy the confidence of a free and virtuous people.
Men who will deliberately go unjustifiable lengths in
supporting a servant of the public, must be actuated by
motives that are incompatible with the public welfare.
It seems highly probable that if the honor and interest.
of our country had been duly attended to, that Mr. Lee
would have been recalled, and Mr. Deane detained till
he had rendered a satisfactory account of the vast sums
of public money which have passed thro' his hand.
HONESTUS.
The Pennsylvania Packet, Sept. 23, 1779.
TO SIMEON DEANE.
Philadelphia, Sept. 28th, 1779.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-I have not received any letter
from you for several weeks, and had it not been for the
setting out of Mr. Gerard and other events, I should at
this time have been to meet our brother at the eastward.
I set off positively to-morrow, shall return as soon as
possible, and then set out to see you in Virginia, whence
I propose embarking for France. A. Lee's commission
-
108
THE DEANE PAPERS.
is superceded, and Mr. Jay appointed Plenipotentiary to
Spain, by which the whole of the family are disposed
of; though the mischief they have done is in some in-
stances irreparable, yet their dismission is a favorable
event and gives almost universal joy. I say almost, for
the Junto, though broken, are not destroyed. The
removal of these men is some satisfaction to me, and in
part repays me for what I have suffered, and the indig-
nities thrown upon me whilst persuing my opposition
against them. I pray to have the earliest information
of the arrival of the Fier Roderigue, in which ship I
hope to be able to embark for France, and have written
to Mr. De Francie on the subject; pray put him in
mind of it, if you see him. I have nothing particular to
add, but am, as [always], My Dear Brother,
Yours,
Col. Webb.
S. DEANE.
Ford's Correspondence of Samuel B. Webb, II. 204.
To COL. SAMUEL B. WEBB.
Murderers' Creek, Oct. 15th, 1779.
MY DEAR COL. WEBB,-I promised myself the pleas-
ure of seeing you at Head Quarters, but have been dis-
appointed, not only of this, but of receiving any letter
from you by my brother. I return to Philadelphia to-
morrow, and after a short stay there, shall proceed to
Virginia to embark. I shall write you from Philadel-
phia, and, therefore, refer you at present to my brother
for particulars. I pray to hear from you by every
opportunity, and that you will be assured I am ever most
affectionately your sincere Friend & Very Humble
Servant.
SILAS DEANE.
Ga
Webb Papers, property of Mrs. Henry H. Oberly.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
109
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TO JAMES LOVELL.
Passy, Oct. 17, 1779.
*
X
-X-
*
*
I AM glad to understand that Congress will appoint
Mine will
some person here to audit our accounts.
give but little trouble, and I wish much to have them
settled; and for the future I hope I shall have none to
settle but what relate to my expenses.
The quarrel you mention between Mr. Deane and
Mr. Lee I have never meddled with, and have no inter-
tion to take any part in it whatever. I had, and have
still, a very good opinion of Mr. Deane for his zeal and
activity in the service of his country; I also thought
him a man of integrity. But if he has embezzled pub-
lic money, or traded with it on his private account, or
employed it in stockjobbing, all of which I understand
he is charged with, I give him up. As yet I think him
innocent. But he and his accusers are able to plead
their own causes, and time will show what we ought to
think of them.
*
*
*
X
*
With great esteem, &c.,
*
FROM JOSEPH Reed.
X
B. FRANKLIN.
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., Wharton Ed., III. 384.
[Philadelphia, Nov. 12, 1779.]
SIR, I received yours of this morning; when my
Brother returned from you he informed me that he had
some papers which would be necessary to explain Mr.
Williams's demand, and which he would bring or send
up, but the vessel sailed without my hearing from him
again. However, he declared explicitly that Mr. Wil-
liams' demand was for the money advanced on account
of the £50 Sterling Bill drawn on Rumsey, which was
all that was material; for, knowing the state of my own
affairs, I never intended to give him a credit beyond the
I IO
THE DEANE PAPERS.
£50. And I believe if you look into the letter wrote.
by him to you, there will not be found the most distant
intimation of your advancing him money. I recom-
mended him to your civility and notice, conceiving I
had some pretensions so to do, from having been instru-
mental in advancing Col. Webb to be an Aid-de-Camp
to General Washington, a thing which he had long
wished, and I recollected how much you interested your-
self in his favour in a conversation we had at a tavern
in Front Street just before you sailed. The account
you have sent is intirely new to me, and I cannot help.
being surprized that Mr. Williams, without any authority,
or even a letter of recommendation, should advance
such sums of money, unless he meant to do it upon the
personal credit of the drawer. At this rate my Brother
might have ruined me and all his friends in this Coun-
try. Nor have I any thing to add to my proposition of
the 4th September. You and Mr. Williams appear con-
nected together. He has made a demand on the same
ground with yourself; surely it is reasonable, if I pay
you the money, the circumstances being so unsettled,
that I should be secured against a repetition of the
demand by him. I have nothing to do with any other
demand of Mr. Williams's but this £50, and therefore
your indemnification will only reach it; and as you re-
quire definitive answer, you will please to consider this
as such. The correspondence being, as you justly ob-
serve, mutually disagreeable, it is quite my wish to close
it, and am, Sir,
Your very Humble Servant,
Silas Deane, Esq.
Jos. REED.
-
Thomas Mss.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, November 16th, 1779.
SIR,-As I have received no answer to my memorial
of the 16th of August last, I conclude none will be
THE DEANE PAPERS.
III
given, and, consequently, that I am laid under the
necessity of returning to Europe in the best manner
I can, and at my own expense.
I must confess, that when I reflect on the part I have
acted, and the returns made me for my services, I have
nothing but the consciousness of having done my duty
to my country with zeal and integrity, and of having
been successful in the important affairs I engaged in, to
support me. Previous to my embarking, permit me to
assure Congress that my respect for them as the repre-
sentative body of these States is not lessened, nor my
zeal for the service, prosperity, and happiness of my
country abated, by the treatment I have met with. The
expense of time and money which I have suffered by my
detention in this city, with the further expense I am
now unavoidably forced to make, fall heavy on the small
remains of a very moderate fortune; but as I go to
vindicate what is dearer to me than either life or fortune,
my honor and character, as the faithful servant of these
States, and confident that in doing this I shall render
essential services to my country, I cheerfully submit.
On the 26th of August last I received an order on
the continental treasurer, signed by Joseph Nourse, for
ten thousand five hundred dollars, said to be in full
consideration of my time and expenses during my
attendance on Congress from the 4th of June, 1778,
until the 6th day of August last.
I mean not the least disrespect to that honorable
body, nor do I feel the slightest emotions of resentment
towards those of them who opposed the grant even
of that sum to me; but the same feelings which prompt
me to further sacrifices, forbid my acceptance of a sum
so inadequate to my actual expenses, and confident that
the day is not far distant in which I shall demonstrate
not only that the public monies and supplies from
abroad have been at first obtained principally by my
agency, but that the disposition of them, so far as
depended on me, was made with the utmost possible
economy and perfect integrity. I refer to that time the
II 2
THE DEANE PAPERS.
discussion of what recompense is due me for fourteen
months' attendance in Philadelphia, in obedience to the
orders of Congress, and for the other services I have
been so fortunate as to render the United States. I
have so often troubled Congress with my letters, and
been so particular in them respecting my situation and
affairs, that I need only refer to them at this time, par-
ticularly to my letter of the 22d of May last, and to sub-
mit the whole to their wise and mature consideration.
I have the honor to be, with the utmost respect to
your private as well as public character, &c.,
SILAS DEANE.
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., I. 215.
TO BARNABAS DEANE.
Annapolis, Dec. 2d, 1779.
MY DEAR BROTHER,—I came to this city the night
before last, having been detained by the badness of the
roads and the illness of J. Sebor, who has a slight fever
and cold. The rain has stopped me here since, and I wait
the fair weather only to proceed. Though I have noth-
ing material as to business to write, yet the progress I
make in my journey, and my situation from time to time,
will not be indifferent to you. I hope to be in Williams
Burgh in five or six days, if the weather permit, where
our Brother Simeon Deane was a few days since, in
good health; but as to business, it is as much lottery,
hazard, and uncertainty in the South as in Philadelphia
and the North. The late Convention of Five States,
said to have been held at Hartford, and their circular
letter, has caused much speculation, and must produce.
great confusion here, as well as thro'out the States.
To regulate prices whilst money is fixed on no cer-
tain basis is inconsistent and absurd in itself, and, of
course, impracticable; but restless and feverish bodies
will shift from side to side, and try every posture for
relief, tho' reason and experience tell them it is to no
THE DEANE PAPERS.
113
purpose whilst the real Cause of their malady remains
untouched. This is, in fact, our present case; and as
quacks in medicine never give over their experiments.
whilst the patient is able to swallow their potions, or
whilst they can force them down his throat, so the quack
politicians now swarming in every State, and in every
corner of them, push on from expedient to expedient
until we, their patients, may land where God only
knows. I have been most hospitably entertained here
by my old friend S. Chase, Esqr., who corresponds with
our Simeon Deane in Virginia. As the Weather prom-
ises fair for tomorrow morning, I shall pursue my jour-
ney, and write you again soon from Williams Burgh.
Meantime my love to Sister H. B. and compliments to
all friends. Adieu.
S. DEANE.
B. Deane, Esqr.
FROM ROBERT MORRIS.
Thomas Mss.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF Congress.
Williamsburgh, December 18th, 1779.
SIR,-When I did myself the honor of writing you, on
the 16th of November last, the order of Congress in my
favor on the Continental treasurer for ten thousand five
hundred dollars being mislaid, was not enclosed. I now
take the liberty to enclose it, and have the honor to be,
with the most sincere respect and attachment, etc.
SILAS DEANE.
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., I. 216.
Philadelphia, Dec. 28th, 1779.
DEAR SIR, -General Schuyler had left this city before
your letter of the 29th ulto. came to hand, consequently
I was deprived of the opportunity of presenting for his
perusal your Narrative and Memorial, but if he returns.
VOL. IV.-S
J
نا
C
*.
I 14
THE DEANE PAPERS.
hither I will remember it. I am sorry you was obliged
to leave your companion on the road, and fear you had
but an unpleasant journey; however, if you at length
safely arrived to the end of it, and in the full enjoyment
of that mirth and happiness which usually takes place at
this Season, you will think yourself compensated for the
trouble and fatigues you have encountered, and I very
sincerely hope this is your situation; my best wishes
will attend you wherever you go, and my best services
are at your command wherever you can find use for
them. I am told that an embarkation of Troops has
actually taken place at New York, and sailed, supposed
to be destined Southward, but no certainty of their des-
tination. We have a report here that Pensacola is taken
by the Spaniards; should it be true, perhaps that event
may claim Sir Harrys attention and disconcert his
schemes a little.
As we have no news, and I dislike to write politicks,
I shall not take up your time, except to tell you that
your friends here are well, and to request my compli-
ments to Col. Harrison, Col. Banister, and such others
of my friends and acquaintance as you fall in with.
I am, very truly, Dear Sir, your obedt. Servt.,
ROBT. MORRIS.
Silas Deane, Esqr.
Virginia.
Thomas Mss.
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, Thursday, January 13, 1780. A letter
of the 18th [of Dec.] from Silas Deane was read, inclos-
ing the warrant in his favour, dated August the 26th,
1779, for ten thousand five hundred dollars, which he
returns, agreeably to the intimation in his letter of
November 16th.
Ordered, That the warrant be sent to the Board of
Treasury, and there cancelled.
Journals of Congress.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
115
}
*
!
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
Passy, Jan. 27, 1780.
*
X
*
*
*
I THANK you for your information relating to the bat-
teries opened against me in America. I since hear
that a motion has been made in Congress, by a Caro
lina member, for recalling me, but without success; and
that A. Lee has printed a pamphlet against me. If
my enemies would have a little patience they may soon
see me removed without their giving themselves any
trouble, as I am now seventy-five. I know not what
they can mean by saying that I opposed the settling of
Mr. Deane's accounts. I have no interest to induce
such opposition, and no opposition has been made.
The Congress appointed Mr. Johnson of Nantes to
audit them; he refused the service, and Mr. Deane
was, till very lately, absent.
*
*F
*
*
*
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., Wharton Ed., III. 476.
X
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRess.
Passy, March 4, 1780.
*
X
*
X
X
X
*
I HAVE sent to Mr. Johnson the vote of Congress
relative to the settlement of the accounts. He has
expressed his readiness to enter on the service. Mr.
Deane is soon expected here, whose presence is very
necessary, and I hope with his help they may be gone
through without much difficulty. I could have wished
it had suited Mr. Lee to have been here at the same
time.
*
*
X
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., Wharton Ed., III. 536.
116
THE DEANE PAPERS.
FROM BENEDICT ARNOLD.
Philadelphia, March 22, 1780.
I
DEAR SIR, I wrote you the 8th ulto. by Colonel
White, since which I have not had the pleasure of
hearing from you. I now take the liberty of transmit-
ting to you the proceedings of the Court Martial on
my Trial, which I must beg the favour of you to have
translated into French and published when you arrive.
in France, and dispersed wherever you think necessary,
the expense of which I will repay you with thanks.
believe you will be equally surprised with me, when
you find the Court Martial have fully acquitted me of
the charge of employing public waggons, of defrauding
the public, or of injuring or impeding the public service,
and in the next sentence say, "as requests from me.
might operate as commands, I ought to receive a repri-
mand." For what? Not for doing wrong, but because
I might have done wrong; or, rather, because there
was a possibility that evil might have followed the good
I did. I believe their sentence will, in future, prevent
any officer from employing public waggons to remove
private property, however necessary it may be.
Two days ago Mrs. Arnold presented me a fine son. She
is remarkably well, and joins me in best respects to you.
I have proposed to the Board of Admiralty an expe-
dition which will require three or four hundred land
forces to act in conjunction with the ships; the matter
rests with General Washington. If the men can be
spared, and my plan takes place, you will hear from me
soon. If it should not, I propose going to Boston, with
the intention to take the command of a private ship.
I shall be happy to hear from you at all times, being
very sincerely and affectionately, Dear Sir,
Your friend and Humble Servant,
B. ARNOLD.
P. S.-Please to present my best respects to your
Brother.
Hon. S. Deane, Esq.
Mss. Harvard University.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
117
FROM ROBERT MORRIS.
Philadelphia, March 31st, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,-I expect this will find you near ready
to embark for France, and as M. de Francy goes with
you, I have thought it proper and prudent to send him
copies of your letter and my own to Mr. de Beaumar-
chais respecting my money in his hands. He received
by the Luzerne, Capt. Bell, the originals, and may pos-
sibly have paid the money, as I desired, to my bankers
in Paris; but if he has not, I hope upon your represen-
tations, aided by M. de Francy's, may procure it being
done without farther trouble to me and without any
longer delay. I ordered it into the hands of Messrs.
Le Coulteulx and Company of Paris, and hope you will
see it lodged with these Gentlemen on my account when
you are in Europe.
I would have you inform yourself well whether it is
practicable to make sale of vacant lands in America by
sending our drafts or surveys, descriptions and cer-
tificates, to ascertain the situation, qualities of the land,
title, ect., and in what part of the continent lands are
most desired by such persons as would be inclined to
speculate, for I am ready to join you in any operations.
of this kind that would turn adventageously to ourselves,
as well as those who may purchase from us, and I would
not wish to engage in it on any other terms.
-
Reflecting on the unrestricted abuse you have suf-
fered, and not knowing whether you have any evidence.
with you to shew that your particular friends were not
infected with the pestilence of the times, I have suddenly
and hastily scribbled a letter to Dr. Franklin in which
I have expressed pretty concisely the sentiments due
to him, you, and myself. I consider that we have been
fellow laborers in the vineyard, and although our works
will speak for themselves before that impartial master
who knows all actions and the secret springs that give
rise to them, yet the evidence of one honest man in favor
of another is but too often necessary to protect virtue
118
THE DEANE PAPERS.
and innocence against the shafts of malice and envy in
this short-sighted world.
In short, if you think that letter ought to be delivered,
deliver it; if not, you may suppress it. For my part, it
is the mere dictate of the honest sentiments, and unless
it will answer a good purpose, I would not have you
put it to any use whatever.
I have not any news to tell you as to political points;
I don't like to meddle with them. However, I may say
that the affairs of finance are not well understood in
Congress, and their regulations, meant for the best, gen-
erally operate badly. That is like to be the case in the
last instance, but the thing will bring its own remidy
like most disorders in the human body that arise from
repletion.
The fever that threatens destruction, brings about a
purification that restores the patient to good health.
So in this redundancy of paper circulation, after all the
feverish palliations of restrictions, regulations, limita-
tions, ect., are found ineffectual, they will be universally
condemned, cool taxation will take place, and common
sense-not you friend Common Sense-take place in the
minds of the people. Then, and not till then, will our
finances be put in the train that they ought to be.
This, I think, is now the most formidable enemy we
have to contend with; but still I wish for an honorable
and speedy peace.
Mrs. Morris joins me in wishing you
health, happiness, and safety, for the same reason we
think you deserve these enjoyments.
I am Sir, your Friend and Servt.,
Silas Deane, Esqr.
ROBERT MORRIS.
Deane Papers, Conn. Hist. Society.
FROM ROBERT MORRIS.
Philadelphia, March 31, 1780.
DEAR SIR, The packet enclosed herewith is from
my worthy friend John Shee, whoom you must remem-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
119
ber, and I think if you do, you will recollect that he is
deserving of that esteem and friendship which most of
his acquaintance, as well as myself, entertain for him.
He has a large family to provide for, and with more
patriotism than prudence (his circumstances considered)
he lent too much of his property to the public, thereby
cramping himself in the prosecution of mercantile busi-
ness. By my advice he has deposited the Loan Office
Certificates mentioned in his papers (being only a part
of what he professes) in the French Consuls office, and
I promised to interest you in accomplishing an advan-
tageous sale of them in Europe. I am sure you will com-
ply with this request, and I promise gratefull acknowl-
edgements and returns for your services, both by Mr.
Shee and myself. He will request you to deposit the
money arising from the sale of these Certificates in the
hands of a banker in Paris, advising Messrs. Jonathan
Nesbitt & Co., of L'Orient of your proceedings from
time to time, & subjecting the said money to their
drafts, as they are to ship Goods out to Mr. Shee for the
amount; it is also probable they may put of some of
these Certificates in payment for goods, respecting which
I think they and you had best to correspond.
I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate Friend and Obedt.
Hble Servt.,
ROBT. MORRIS.
Silas Deane, Esqr.
*****
-
}
ROBERT MORRIS TO BENJAMIN FRANKLin.
Philadelphia, March 31st, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—I do not know that what I am now going
to write is in the least degree necessary, or that Mr.
Deane will thank me for it, but the thought has just
struck me, that as he has constantly and invariably
manifested a warm attachment to your person and char-
acter, in his examination before Congress, in his publi-
Thomas Mss,
I 20
THE DEANE PAPERS. ·
cations, and in all his private conversations at which I
have been present, it might be some satisfaction to you
and him to have a testimony of this kind from a friend.
to you both, who, having nothing to seek or ask for him-
self, can mean nothing but to promote that harmony and
friendship which he wishes to continue in existence
between two worthy men; I consider Mr. Deane as a
martyr in the cause of America. After rendering the
most signal and important Services, he has been reviled
and traduced in the most shamefull manner. But I have
not a doubt the day will come when his merit shall be
universally acknowledged, and the authors of those cal-
umnies held in the detestation they deserve.
w
My own fate has been in some degree similar. After
four years indefatigueable service, I have been reviled
and traduced for a long time by whispers and insinua-
tions which at length were fortunately wrought up to
public charges, which gave me an opportunity to shew
how groundless, how malicious, these things were; how
Innocent and honest my transactions. My enemies,
ashamed of their persecution, have quitted the pursuit,
and I am in the peaceable possession of the most hon-
ourable station my ambition aspires to, that of a private
citizen of a Free State. Yourself, my good Sir, have had
a share in these calumnies, but the malice which gave
them vent was so evident as to destroy its own poison;
they could not cast even a cloud over your justly and
much revered character. These things have taught me
a lesson of philosophy that may be of service. I find
the most usefull members of society have most enemies,
because there are a number of envious beings in the
human shape; and if my opinion of mankind in general
is grown worse from my experience of them, that very
circumstance raises my veneration for those characters
that justly merit the applause of virtuous men. In this
light I view Doctor Franklin and Mr. Deane; and under
this view of them, I assert, with an honest confidence,
that I have a just and equitable title to a return of that
friendship which I think it is honourable to profess for
- .
THE DEANE PAPERS.
I 2 I
them with that degree of truth and affection which im-
presses me to it.
I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and very humble
Servt.
ROBT. MORRIS.
His Excellency Benj. Franklin, Esqr.
Minister Plenipotentiary, Paris.
TO JOHN BANISTER.
Holbrooke Mss.
Williamsburg, April 8th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-My brother was not able to effect any-
thing at Richmond, tho' he waited several days for the
purpose. Mr. Southall told him, as we went up, that he
had between three and four hundred hogsheads of to-
bacco on account of the Company. On his return to
Richmond he could obtain no decisive or direct account
about it, and, in short, they seemed disposed to trifle with
him. As I am very anxious to have this matter settled,
I must intreat of you to go over to Richmond and urge
the matter in person. You being interested equally with
myself, and as desirous as I am to have it closed, makes
me take the liberty to urge you to take this trouble on
you. We have nothing new here; the Fier Roderique
is almost loaded. My most respectful compliments wait
on Mrs. Banister, and wishes for your prosperity and hap-
piness.
I am, with much esteem, Dear Sir, Yours, &c.
S. DEANE.
Col. Banister.
K
Thomas Mss.
TO JOHN HOLKER.
Williamsburg, April 17th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I received your favors inclosing a letter
from Mr. Bromfield, and should have done myself the
I 22
THE DEANE PAPERS.
honor of writing on that; and several other subjects.
before this; but hearing Bromfield was at Portsmouth, I
sent the letter to him, and expected his answer to for-
ward to you, when, to my surprize, I learned a few days
since that he was actually sailed for France, and whither
before or after the receipt of the letter I know not. I
took the liberty of accompanying the letter with one
from me, reproving him for his neglect, and urging an
immediate settlement if he arrive in France; as he car-
ries out effects with him, there can be no difficulty.
You mentioned to my Brother in your letters the trunk
of silks, and the bills I drew on Mr. Grand. As to the
former I have repeatedly written Monsr. Chaumont on
that subject, and informed him of the arrangements I
had taken; some one of those letters must have come
safe to his hands, and met with his approbation. I hope
now to see him sooner than any accounts can be trans-
mitted. As to the bills, it is impossible that any diffi-
culty can arise, for I remitted long since to Mr. Grand,
immediately after our proposed adventure from St.
Eustatia failed, your bills, to the amount of those I drew
in your favor. I hope to get away in three weeks at
farthest, and shall be happy if I can render you any
service in France, in return for the many friendly offices
you have done me there, as well as in this country. If
none fall within my narrow sphere, you have at least
my best wishes for your health, happiness, and pros-
perity; and that after having served your King and
country faithfully in America, you may meet with those
honors and rewards which I well know you merit, and
which will not, I am confident, be refused you by the
generous Prince you serve. I shall [send] you a part-
ing letter, and possibly a long one, before I [set out].
I therefore will only add to this that I am ever, with
much respect and attachment, your sincere Friend and
very Hble Servt.,
S. DEANE.
Hon. John Holker, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
123
1
·
TO RICHARD ADAMS AND TURNER SOUTHALL.
Williamsburg, April 17, 1780.
GENTLEMEN,-We embrace this opportunity by Monsr.
Audaine to pray that you would send us a state of the
accompts of Adams, Deane & Co.; we are equally
interested to have them settled, and, expecting to leave
America in a few weeks, at farthest early in May, are
equally anxious to have that concern adjusted previous
to our sailing for Europe. As we learn that little or no
business has for some time past been done on behalf
of the company, we conclude that little or no time is
requisite for the adjusting and closing its affairs, and
that they are before this compleated. Your sending
the accounts by the first post, and a copy by Monsr.
Audaine, will much oblige us.
We remain respectfully, Gentlemen, your most Obedt.
and Hble Servts.,
Messrs. Adams & Southall.
Mr. John Shee.
S. DEANE.
LAZARUS DE VRANEY.
Thomas Mss.
TO JOHN SHEE.
Williamsburgh, April 17th, 1780.
SIR, I received yours of the 29th ulto. with the
accounts of certificates enclosed, and will attend to your
directions as to the disposal of them. The Fier Rod-
erique is now nearly loaded, and I hope will not be
obliged to wait for any thing after the first week in
next month. Should you have any further command
in France, shall be glad to hear from you. Mr. Morris
will write me after, and your letters inclosed in his will
not fail of reaching me.
I am, with respect, Sir, yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
124
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Postscript of a letter to Robert Morris, Esqr. (Copy
of the letter on file.)
[Williamsburgh, April 17, 1780.]
I RESUME my pen to say one word on the subject of
vacant lands mentioned in yours. It is what I have.
considered after, and will be the first, or one of the first,
objects of my attention in Europe. My general ac-
quaintance, not so much among merchants, on this sub-
ject, as with gentlemen of another order, who, whilst
they wish to increase their fortunes, are too ignorant,
as well as proud and indolent, to engage in commerce,
will enable me, I think, to do something in that way, if
anything in an honorable way can be done; and unless
this traffic can be in that stile, neither of us would, on
any terms, be concerned. I have cast often in my
mind what part of our vacant land would be at once
the most inviting and advantageous to foreigners. I
am still at a loss to determine. Most men attend but
to the present moment, and to them the most immediate
profit is captivating. East of Hudson's River and North
of N. England, taking the continent into our view, will
be the strongest, the healthiest, and, if we include Can-
ada and Nova Scotia in this land scape, the most popu-
lous, and ultimately the richest part of these States; but
this must be the work of ages, [to] contemplate it as a
great object, just perceptible through the
the confusion, and storms of several centuries.
there is no pre[sent] [tem]pting object to private
adventurers. The land West of Hudson's River and
North of Pensylvania are good in their soil, and the
lakes and waters there communicating with Hudson's
River, the Delaware, the Susquehannah, and with the
waters of Canada, give them every way the preference
to the former. Indeed, I know of no inland Country
that exceeds it in point of situation; but the soil and
Here
·
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125
climate are unquestionably good, and settlers on these
lands will reap more immediate advantages than in
almost any other, everything considered; but the cli-
mate is cold and the country mountainous. These are
capital objections with most of the European adven-
turers, whose object is a sudden and easy acquisition of
interest, but they are of but little weight with men who
mean to settle themselves and provide for their de-
scendants on those lands. The next prospect we have
of vacant lands are those South and Westward of the
last, and are, first, the great tract between the western
frontiers or mountains of Pensylvania, Virginia, and
North Carolina (South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida
are not to be taken into consideration), and the River
Ohio. This is a fine country, of prodigious extent, and
in high estimation in Europe; tho', in fact, it is on
several accounts less valuable than the last mentioned
tracts, and every way inferior to that contained between
the River Ohio and Mississippi. You will, perhaps,
demand my reasons for this assertion. I began to write
a post script of one side only, and I am already on a
subject which, if fully treated, requires a small volume
rather than a letter. No matter, you will find some
leisure moments to read it. If not, it will light a segar
and help to your pleasure and amusement one way, at
least. Neither the country on the East, nor that on the
- West side of the Ohio, can ever receive any advantages
of commerce, either in importation or exportation; but
by the Mississippi or Canada, and the country on the
West side the Ohio, is the best situated for either. The
lands are equal, if not superior, in goodness, and is bet-
ter watered, and the settlers will not be exposed to
those violent civil contentions as those on this side.
of the Ohio will inevitably be, and that within a very
few years. The seeds are already sown, and the fatal
harvest is sure, unless something next to miraculous.
prevent. The other States will dispute with Virginia
about the Ohio, or, as they call them, Kentucky, lands.
The inhabitants are a set of hardy, unpolished hunters,
अ
-
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living at this time without any other law or police than
what necessity and fear of the Indians dictates. They
already meditate independence of Virginia, and what
little submission they profess to it is meerly temporary
and unsubstantial. This is the general view I have
of vacant lands on this continent. In the second divi-
sion I think a speculation will answer well, and in the
last, in the third, I have not so high an opinion of it, for
the reasons I have given, and from the most perfect
intelligence which I have obtained since my being here
from many of the actual inhabitants at Kentucky, who
have been down here the last winter. Tho' they are
cautious and will not publickly avow their intentions, yet
being more unguarded to me as a stranger and disinter-
ested person, I know they are determined that absentees
shall not hold large tracts of land among them without
settling and defending them. You can easily conceive
how popular such a doctrine must be the moment they
have power to put it in practice. Their strength is
daily increasing. They have now at least three thou-
sand men fit to bear arms on the spot, and they are per-
fect Tartars, for they live solely on meat. Their children,
as soon as weaned, are fed with Bear and Buffaloe, if not
raw, at most not half-roasted. These inhabitants have
not-you may be surprized, but it is a fact-had one
mouthful of bread amongst them for near six months
past. Judge, then, what a race of men are coming for-
ward. However, I submit it to your judgment where
the best speculations can be made; but I think the most
immediately profitable ones are those in the second
division, the greatest but more distant, between the
Ohio and the Mississippi. Wherever you purchase
and wish to sell again in Europe, be careful to have a
good draught or chart and description of them, and let
them be such as you will wish to sell a part and retain a
part. The holding a part yourself will be an inducement
to foreigners to become interested. The lands being
judiciously chosen, one half or less may be sold for the
purchase money and the residue kept for a higher
.
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127
market or for improvement. If you approve of these
outlines, I will take an Interest with you in any pur-
chases you make of lands, with the view of disposing
of in this way; and as soon as you hear of my sail-
ing, send on letters for me on the subject. I cannot
procure funds for the payment of the interest you may
give me in them until some time after my arrival; but
as I sell, will pay the money to your order in Europe.
I pray you to write me in answer to this; for tho' I hope
to be gone before your letters come to hand, yet it is as
probable I may not, and, at any rate, the letter may
soon follow me.
Adieu.
Mr. Robert Morris.
TO ISAAC MOSES.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Williamsburg, April 17th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—My last was the 28th of March, since
which I have none of your favors; the Fier Roderique is
almost loaded, and my patience long since exhausted.
Tobacco is now at 50 and rising, or, rather, money fall-
ing. The inclosed hand bill is from a gentleman of my
acquaintance in Charleston. You may before this have
later news; however, I send you this, and wish it was
better. If the enemy come to these Capes, I have reason
to apprehend the worst ; no troops, a few batteries, but no
body to fight them. A scattered militia with few arms,
but neither ammunition or provisions [cipher translated],
and the people despising Congress, and disaffected. In
a word, the affairs of Virginia are as bad as is possible.
The late resolutions of Congress begin to affect every-
thing here, whether for the better a short time will
determine; at present no one is fond of dealing in any-
thing but tobacco, and the traders mark their goods at
so many pounds of tobacco per pound, &c., instead of so
many shillings or pounds. As the schooner Chance
-
;
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+
sailed early in March, I hope to hear from her before I
sail; if she return safe I will leave it with you to keep
her going in the manner you judge best for our mutual
interest. My brother lately purchased the third of a
fine brigantine and 250 hogsheads of molasses; the
cargo is selling at Baltimore, and the brigantine fitting
out for Gottenburgh or elsewhere to the north of Europe.
Have you correspondents there? If so, send me their
names and a letter to them; enclose it to my Brother.
The Brigantine arriving safe will change her owners and
go to St. Eustatia; this may be to our mutual advantage.
Have you heard from Tallmadge about the affair at
New York? Write me in your next how the late reso-
lutions of Congress affect you. If I am gone, your letter
can soon follow me. I shall write you again before I
sail; meantime, I am, with esteem, Dear Sir, yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. Isaac Moses.
To BARNABAS DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Williamsburg, April 20th, 1780.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-I received yours of the 27th
ulto. yesterday. Is paper scarce, or is your time too
precious to spare more than for six or eight lines to an
absent Brother? I hope in ten days to set my face for
Europe; my heart has long since been sick, not of Amer-
ica, but with distress for her. Our Phaetons, like their
predecessors, have shewn themselves able to set a world
on fire, and not how to enlighten and govern it; and, as
they have the goal in full view, strain every nerve to
reach it, and to acquire the glory of running our public
faith, honor, and credit out of breath. I am really
ashamed of Mr. Hancock's conduct, and dare not write
to him least I should say something harsh to a man I
have respected, and whom I ought to pity, if real neces-
sity is the cause of his trifling with me; but his refusal
to answer my letters, after advancing near three hun-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
129
dred pounds sterling to serve him, is without excuse, and
is a conduct unworthy either of gentleman or merchant.
Write him and tell him you have it in orders from me to
have the bills protested, and the debt put in suit if he
trifles any longer on the subject; the money received
pay the whole to Isaac Moses, taking his receipt there-
for, a duplicate of which inclose me, to care of our
brother here. Our Simeon Deane has made one or
two lucky strokes this winter, in which something hand-
some will be cleared. The partnership of Adams, Deane
& Co. is dissolved; the depreciation and other unfavor-
able circumstances rendered it of but little profit.
Charlestown, I fear, is gone, and with it the State, for
the present; and as I have been for some time the sport
of cross accidents, I am not without fear of our being
blocked up in this bay. I dare not in imagination real-
ise so distressing an event; it would render me almost
desperate. I have seen authentic accounts from Charles-
town to the 2d instant; they were then beseiged, and in
but an indifferent state of defence. Here we are in a state
most absolutely undefenceable, and if the enemy arrive
with any force, every thing in the lower parts of Vir-
ginia must be at their mercy. This country is intersected
with great rivers from one to three miles over, and
navigable for ships of the line far up, the inhabitants.
scattered and but badly armed. The State of Virginia
has not a town or city (tho' they have many cities) so
populous or well built as Middletown or Wethersfield,
and the rich planters live many miles from each other
in most parts. You may travel often in the heart of
Virginia from five to ten miles without seeing a single
house or field. The gentlemen are men of spirit, are
hospitable, and live high when the means are in their
power; the lower order are indolent, poor, and I may
almost say uncivilized.
uncivilized. Their slaves are the wealth and
support of the first order; and the second, the moment.
they can purchase or hire a slave or two, leave off labor
and imitate their superiors in dissipation and gaming,
the fatal vice of all, a very few excepted. The man who
VOL. IV.-9
130
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means to be happy himself, and to enjoy the pleasure of
seeing the human race happy around him, has no right to
go farther southward than Philadelphia, if so far. Gain
only can tempt a sensible man to exceed those limits.
I have a letter from Jonathan Williams in France of
November last, which tells me my son was well; I feel
much for him, my only hope, and almost the sole object
I wish to live for; my other family connections are dear
to me, but they are (thank God) capable of providing
for themselves, and are in a good way. If any accident
happen to me, my son must be yours, and our brother
Simeon Deane's. I need not remind you of past occur-
rences in our lives, to urge you to the most attentive
and parental care of him; it would argue a doubt of
your gratitude and fraternal affection. You will think
I write this in a gloomy, desponding turn of mind. I
do not, but I am not gay. I am sorry to see others
so when our public prophets are so serious and alarm-
ing, but I do not despond; a consciousness of the recti-
tude of my intentions and the disinterestedness of my
conduct support me, and I trust will, to the last, what-
ever may happen.
At York, June 2d. I came to this place yesterday to
embark. The uncertainty I have been in since writing
the above has prevented my writing, but I am really
surprized at your silence. I have written a very long
letter, 36 pages, to Congress; sent it open to Mr. Wil-
son to peruse and deliver; a copy will be left with
our Simeon Deane. I have demonstrated in that what
injustice has been done me, and remonstrated, they
perhaps will think too freely. You have formerly asked
me how you should employ what money you held of
mine, and what might arise from the sales of my furni-
ture. I would have you interest me to the amount
in any adventures of yours you judge most promising,
until you hear from me; if Mr. Webb continues to re-
fuse to accept the terms I offered, pray obtain of him,
the accounts made out by Joyce the winter before I left
Wethersfield, and a list of the notes and bonds in my
THE DEANE PAPERS.
131
1
name left in his hands at that time. I would willingly
suffer much to settle and close with him, for I am sorry
to find he thinks himself intitled to all I ever have or
may hereafter labor for, or, what is the same thing, that
it should go into his hands in a hodge podge, common
stock way. I pray I may be mistaken; but I think,
after figuring away awhile, and blowing up his brethren.
with the notions of fortune and quality, all will be dissi-
pated, disappear, and then he will amuse the world and
gratify my enemies by laying all on me.
It is in vain to look back. I have enough to do to
look forward, and ward against future strokes. I have
written to him and send you the letter open; seal and
deliver it, but first take a copy. I keep one, but it may
be lost. You will find among my papers, inventories
of all the estate of Mr. Webb, and accounts made out
by Joyce under my direction, ready to settle. You will
also find an inventory of the notes, &c., payable to me ;
pray obtain and preserve them. You will, I expect,
regularly credit me for the use and improvement of my
interest in your hands at what it may be worth. I have
left, among other papers in the hands of our Simeon
Deane, an estimate of my accounts against these States,
more particular than what I left you. I sent you, when
I went abroad before, my will; I have now made a new
one, therefore destroy that. I suppose my late wife was
buried near my first. I desire you to erect a table to
her Memory, of the same fashion as the first; and when
you do it, acquaint the family, and let them direct the
inscription; as I shall be absent, it will be more proper
for them to do this last office for one whose memory is
equally dear to them and me. I believe I mentioned.
to you the outlines of my plan if I arrive safe in France.
I have been more particular with our Simeon Deane
here. I propose without delay to carry my son to
Geneva and fix him there, at least for four years-it will
not cost me much over one hundred sterling per annum
—and then put him to that business which may best suit
his inclination and improvement. Should any thing fatal
132
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十
​I
happen to me, I must pray you to execute this plan as
to him, and indeed it may in such case be necessary for
one of you to go to France, as well on his account as to
finish what affairs I may have unclosed and unsettled;
but I will not anticipate. I hope very soon to receive
your letters in France, and that you will be a more
punctual correspondent to me there than whilst in Vir-
ginia. My compliments to all friends, in particular to
General Saltonstall's family. I wrote him and son
Dudley by Capt. Rogers of Brantford, but received no
answer. Just tell me what became of D. Saltonstall's
affair. My love to sister H. Buck.
I am, with true fraternal affection and friendship, dear
brother, yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
B. Deane, Esqr.
To ISAAC MOSES.
Thomas Mss.
Williamsburg, April 20th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I received your favor of the 11th and
note the contents. I am greatly surprized at the pro-
test of my bills. I left in Mr. Grand's hands on my leav-
ing Paris, by his own account, signed, more than thirty
thousand livres, and impowered him to receive a still
greater, then my due; except your bills, and those I
drew in favor of Mr. Holker, I have not drawn on him.
Mr. Holker gave me bills on Mr. Chaumont to the
amount of those I gave him, which, on our proposed
Sugar voyage failing, were remitted by your house in
St. Eustatia to Mr. Grand for my account; but as I left
power with Chaumont to dispose of my funds, I perceive
the cause of my treatment, under which I am not easy,
but must be patient. My Brother wrote me many
weeks since that Mr. Hancock had accepted my bills,
they were to almost three hundred pounds sterling;
THE DEANE PAPERS.
133
this money he will pay you. For the deficiency on the
bill account, I will make provision in Europe imme-
diately on my arrival. You say the expense of the
schooner run us in debt 30,702. 6. 1., and that my share
is £5,140. 9. 2.
But as I am one third owner it must
be 10,267. 8. 81, which, with the former ballance, I will
make good, as the money was at the time of advancing
the same. But as the schooner, accidents excepted,
must be now on her return, I do not incline to sell;
if she return I am content to sell my third with the
rest, and that out of the returns you disburse yourself,
accounting with my brother Simeon Deane therefor; if
she fail in her return, I will enable him in my absence.
to account to you therefor. I have already sent you
copy of the Loan Office Certificates, and a certificate of
your interest in them, but I will, before I sail, send you
a copy of the Consul's Certificate to me, indorsed to
you. I had little hopes of them before I received the
intelligence you sent me from M. Myers. The credit
of Congress with foreigners has long since been lost,
and deservedly; is it much better with the Americans?
I know not how it is with you, it is absolutely gone
to the Southward, I have seen letters and accounts
from Charlestown to the 2d. The town was then
invested by sea and land, except on Cooper River,
by which a communication was then open, but expected
hourly to be closed. The gentleman who writes,
appears to be in low spirits, therefore may possibly paint
things darker than they are; yet I know him to be a
man of veracity, and a friend, and if the scene is half
as dark as he paints it, it is gloomy enough. The
Fier Roderique is now within a few hogsheads loaded,
and as soon as the other ships join her, which will be
in the course of ten days, we shall sail, if happily we are
ahead of the enemy.
I am, with esteem, yours, etc.,
Mr. Isaac Moses.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
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THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO SAMUEL CHASE.
Williamsburg, April 23d, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I wrote you a long letter the 28th ulto.
and made no use of our cypher; not having any letter
from you since, gives me some uneasiness. Pray let me
know if you received it.
received it. For news I refer you to the
papers. I saw a letter from Charlestown the 30th of
March, which leaves me no hopes for that place, except
what arise from the bare possibility of some lucky
chance of war. If the enemy succeed, they will be in
this bay in the course of next month in force. Georgia
is totally gone, and the common people in the back of
South Carolina have many of them taken the oaths to
the King of Great Britain, and accepted of a neutrality
from the moment the town falls. The whole State is
gone; and when we shall recover that State or Georgia
is uncertain. [Cipher translated.] The actual situation
of Virginia is affecting, a great languor and in difference
has succeeded every order of Congress in Virginia. In
one word, the enemy will find no body to oppose them
here, nor do I believe that a gun will be fired at them
in Carolina, that is in the lower parts. You know best
how it is with you. The enemy masters of Charles-
town, and strongly posted at Portsmouth, will at pleas-
ure lay all the low countries of Virginia, North
Carolina, and the whole eastern shore under contribu-
tion and at their mercy, and become masters of the
sole remaining staple of our commerce. Lee is still in
Berlin. Letters from Bancroft, as to remittances, are
very discouraging. Spain begins to suffer heavily.
Gibraltar is relieved, and the fleet of Spain defeated.
These are disagreeable subjects. I hope to sail at
farthest in fifteen days; this is some relief, but I shall
leave this country with a heavy and forboding heart.
I have had the fortune of Cassandra hitherto; my pre-
dictions have [been] universally disbelieved and dis-
regarded, and yet, unfortunately, have been fulfilled.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
135
Our Phaetons, like their predecessor, know how to set
a world on fire, but not how to hold the reins of gov-
ernment, any more than he to manage those of the
Chariot of the Sun. I find they drive at present furi-
ously, and cast behind them honor, credit, and national
faith, as too cumbrous for them in their race. Is it diffi-
cult to see where they will land us? Will it not be in a
chaos and confusion, thro' which it appears to me that
no human eye can penetrate? If, happily, yours can, and
if you discover a safe landing, pray comfort me with
an account of it. I depend on your answer to this
before I sail, and therefore do not delay of writing.
May you be happy, let what will happen to one who
esteems you, and is with great sincerity, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P.S.-You have seen in Dunlap's paper a pretended
letter from General Clinton; it deserves no notice in
itself, but much from the effect it must have. The
people, both high and low, catch at it as something of
the utmost importance, and count on it as a certain
information that the enemy will soon be driven from
the continent; they congratulate each other, and spread
the joyful news round the country. The more sensible
and observing give it a second reading and examine it;
they find it spurious. Meantime General Clinton by
his operations gives it the lie, and the spirits of the
people, raised without grounds, sink in proportion
below the just standard, and finally disbelieve every
thing, however well founded. This is the fruit of such
publications. They are useful at times, and under
certain circumstances; but never unless conducted
by a masterly hand, who can defy detection until
the important purpose aimed at is fully obtained.
Mr. Samuel Chase.
Thomas Mss.
136
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO JOHN BAPTISTE LAZARUS THEVENEAU DE FRANCY
Williamsburg, Sunday, April 24th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, Mr. Rose could not wait on you, and
business prevented me. I have seen and discoursed
with a sensible gentleman from Charlestown late in
March; his account confirms the description which our
friend Lastagette gives, and leaves me not a doubt of
the fate of the town. My friend, do not be amused
with a pretended letter from General Clinton. I am
surprized that any one can be deceived by so gross
and palpable forgery, yet the multitude are catching
at it, as if it was a genuine letter; be assured it is a
forgery calculated to keep up the spirits of the people,
and rely upon it, the enemy have lately received a
strong reinforcement from New York, and are deter-
mined, immediately after the reduction of Charlestown,
to come into this bay; this renders every moment
precious and important, if we would escape the enemy,
who will, most undoubtedly, if they succeed to the
southward, be here by the middle of the next month.
I have given you this intelligence, not to alarm you,
and I know you do not willingly lose any time, but
to advise you to sacrifice every lesser consideration to
the important one of escaping them.
I am most sincerely and with much esteem, Dear
Sir, yours &c.,
S. DEANE.
Monsr. De Francy.
Thomas Mss.
TO ISAAC MOSES.
Williamsburg, April 28th, 1780,
Dear Sir,—I wrote you the 20th, since which am
favored with yours of the 14th inclosed to my Brother,
who is now at Portsmouth. Must refer you to my last,
in which I have taken notice of the ballance due you.
As the schooner Chance sailed early in March, if no
accident happens to her, I hope she may return; but
THE DEANE PAPERS.
137
wish you may not have ordered her into this bay. A
sloop of twelve guns and a brigantine of sixteen took a
ship of the Capes, which was a prize to the Baltimore
fleet, and ordered in here. The privateers are said to
belong to Goodrich, and a man just from Norfolk says
that a boat of two swivels, and small arms only, had
taken five of the shallops going up the bay. As these
shallops can be of little or no value to the captor, and
as this boat cannot expect to take any of our sea ves-
sels, I conjecture her to be a spy boat after intelligence;
tho', as the enemy have certainly many friends and
correspondents near the Capes, I knew not why she
ventured up the bay so far. No intelligence from
Charlestown, my anxiety is inexpressible. Mr. De
Francy is gone for the last time up the river to close all
affairs and hasten away; yet from a trifling, indecisive
method of doing business on one side, and the most
provoking delays on the other, I have every thing to
fear. Inclosed is the copy of the deposit, attested by
the Consul here, with my certificate at bottom. I have
no tobacco, but will consult my Brother on his return.
It is now at fifty pounds Virginia currency pr. ct., and
no body fond of selling for paper at that; they barter
almost intirely at present. How goes on the new
scheme of finance? Cornwallis in, and Charlestown
blocked up (God forbid it should happen), but if it
should, where shall we be? I am led to presume the
schooner arrived safe, as a Captain from thence says
they all got in to St. Eustatia. The loss of the ship with
the brass cannon is unlucky, as a part would have
helped us towards expences. Should the schooner be so
fortunate as to return before I sail, shall write you on
the subject; if not, will leave directions with my Brother
to write you. I shall probably write you once more
before I sail.
Meantime, I remain with respect, Dear Sir,
Mr. Isaac Moses.
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
138
THE DEANE PAPERS.
د.
[Enclosure.]
Williamsburg, April 28th, 1780.
I CERTIFY that Mr. Isaac Moses, of the City of Phila-
delphia, is interested in the forgoing Certificates to [the]
amount of Forty Thousand Dollars, which I received
to dispose of to best advantage for him. Twenty Thou-
sand are the property of a friend of his, received as
above, and forty Thousand my private property ; and, in
case of loss of the forgoing original, I hereby impower
the said Isaac Moses to call for and receive the whole
of said Loan Office Certificates, to be accountable for
Forty Thousand thereof, and the interest arising there-
on, to me or my order. In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above
named.
SILAS DEANE.
[Seal.]
Test.-Jacob Sebor.
Thomas Mss.
TO RICHARD ADAMS AND TURNER SOUTHALL.
Williamsburg, May 2d, 1780.
GENTLEMEN,-Your favor of the 25th is before me.
Neither Mr. De Francy nor my Brother are in town, yet
I can but make one or two observations for your reflec-
tion. When I was at Richmond last February with Col.
Banister, Col. Adams must remember that it was then
agreed to close the partnership; that he then told us the
whole could be closed and settled in a few days, as there
were no outstanding debts; that it was then advised, and
agreed to by Col. Adams, that what money was on hand
should be instantly laid out in tobacco or other articles.
When last at Richmond I had not the pleasure of seeing
Col. Adams, and was surprized to hear that the Company
had a considerable sum of money on hand, every hour
sinking in value. Col. Southall informed [me] that a
large quantity of tobacco was on hand, and that the
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139
7
Company's accounts should be drawn out without delay.
My Brother returned from Petersburg to obtain them,
and a general state of the joint concerns; he waited
several days to no purpose. On the point of leaving
the Continent, Mr. De Francy and self applied directly
to you, in answer to which we are told the accounts are
not ready, and are referred to my Brother for a sight of
letters which passed between you and him, and to form
our judgment on a dispute between you; this is the
more surprizing, as you cannot have forgot that my
Brother had the misfortune to loose all his papers, and
among them, letters and copies referred to in yours, and
that you are in possession of the originals of his and the
copies of your letters. I am well acquainted with the
general history of the transaction you refer to; I am
too nearly connected to sit in judgment on this affair,
but this I am confident of, that my Brother did not sell
goods to receive the pay twelve months after in tobacco.
or money at the option of the purchaser, when money
was depreciating every hour. The letters which my
Brother wrote me at the time, speak a very different
language, and common sense can never suppose a man
capable of any business to be guilty of such unpardon-
able folly; in a word, the question is plainly this: shall
you now pay to him the quantity of tobacco due to
him more than a year since, or the money which to-
bacco then sold for, in the present depreciated state of
the currency, that is, one-fifth of the value of what was
then mutually acknowledged to be his due? I wish, with
you, to avoid submitting this to indifferent persons, and
had rather suffer much than to have such a question
publickly agitated between gentlemen I have had a con-
nection with and an esteem for. The advantage of pay-
ing in money is, I suppose, to the benefit of the Company.
They will judge for themselves; but for me, I never have,
nor will be, benefited by the depreciation. I have suf
fered essentially by it, but whatever injustice I have, or
may, meet with, shall never induce me to be unjust.
You have my sentiments freely, and, not accustomed to
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disguise my feelings, I must tell you it gives me pain to
find, by the delays made in the stating these accounts,
that the Partners are trifled with, and must suffer ma-
terially. If I receive no state of them before my leaving
America, I shall consider the affair, under the depreci-
ation and other circumstances, as being desperate. As
to a ballance of money on hand, it is very extraordinary
that any money of the Company should be kept on hand
and suffered to run down to nothing, or next, in value;
it is still more so, and absolutely inexcusable, after what
passed between Col. Banister, myself and Col. Adams
at his house. From that time, at least, the Company are
not to suffer by a depreciation, as tobacco could then
have been purchased at little more than one-half its
present price, and Col. Adams was advised to realize in
that or other articles, which on a settlement should be
sold, and the proceeds divided. As it will be eight or ten
days before I sail, hope for your answer to this, and that
it may inclose a state of the accounts of the Company.
I am, with Esteem, Gentlemen, your most Obedt. &
very Hble Servt.,
Ch
S. DEANE.
Messrs. Col. Richard Adams & Turner Southall, Esqrs.
Thomas Mss.
TO ISAAC MOSES.
Williamsburg, May 6th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, -I wrote you by the last post, to which
have little to add. [Cipher translated.] By a person ar-
rived in town last night, we are told that the enemy had
carried the out lines of Charlestown after a sharp and
bloody conflict. This account, though but too probably
true, does not come well authenticated. Letters of the
22d of last month mention that the enemy had then
nearly completed their blockade of the town, and that
all communication would, in a short time, be cut off.
After the capture of Charlestown, we may expect them
in this bay every hour, and sorry I am to tell you, our
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141
situation grows worse every day. As to any effectual
resistance, if the enemies of England do not come to
our assistance at Charlestown, the place is inevitably
lost. Nothing of resistance will be made in the lower
parts of Virginia-or the same as none.
I expect Mr.
de Francy every day from up the country, and hope
to hasten him away immediately; for if we delay ten or
fifteen days longer, I fear we shall not get away at all.
From this day my anxiety on this account is inexpres-
sible. My best wishes attend you. Adieu.
S. DEANE.
Mr. Isaac Moses.
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Mr. Robert Morris.
Thomas Mss.
Williamsburg, May 6th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I have written you a very long letter
by last post, to which refer you. Our last news from
Charlestown is, that the out lines had been carried by
the enemy, after a bloody conflict. This was brought
to town last evening. Though but too probable, the
way it comes leaves room for doubt. Authentic intelli-
gence, as late as about the 22d of last month, says the
town was then nearly invested on every side, and that all
communication would in a few days be cut off. I hourly
expect Mr. De Francy from up the country, where he
has been these ten days past, closing his accounts. On
his return I hope to embark. Our old friend President
Laurens is on his way to embark from this bay, and
with us, I suppose, if he can get a passage.
Under
our present circumstances this is not the most disagree-
able of my prospects. The apprehensions
of being
blocked up give me too much anxiety to think of any
lesser evil. I have no time to add, save that I am, with
the most sincere Friendship & Esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours,
S. DEANE.
G
Thomas Mss.
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TO WILLIAM LIVINGSTON.
Williamsburg, May 6th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, Mr. Norton of this city has received
letters from his Brother in London, by which he ex-
pects him and his family in New York early in this
month, on their way to Virginia, and, being acquainted
in your State, has asked me to recommend them to the
friendly notice and assistance of my friends there, among
whom I have the honor of counting your Excellency,
and to assure you that whatever assistance you afford
them will be gratefully acknowledged by Mr. Norton
and lay a fresh obligation on me.
I am, with the most sincere Respect & Attachment,
Your Excellency's most obedt. & very hble. Servt.,
S. DEANE.
Governor Livingston.
To PHILEMON DICKINSON.
Thomas Mss.
Williamsburg, May 6th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, Mr. Norton of this city expects that his
Brother and family will arrive in New York some time
this month, on their way to Virginia, and, being unac-
quainted in your State, has desired me to recommend
them to the civilities of my friends in New Jersey,
among whom I have the pleasure of esteeming yourself,
and of assuring you that whatever civilities or assistance
may lye in your power to afford them will be gratefully
acknowledged by Mr. Norton. I expect to sail in a
week or ten days. My Compliments to Mrs. Dickinson.
I am, with the most sincere Esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Gen. P. Dickinson.
S. DEANE.
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143
TO JOHN BANISTER.
Williamsburg, May 9th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—I wrote you on the 8th ulto., since which
have not received any of your favors. I am sorry to
find Messrs. Southall & Adams disposed to put off a
settlement of the Company's accounts, and, as I think,
to trifle with us in a manner I did not expect. They
now set up a dispute with my Brother, the grounds of
which are, they purchased of him early last spring a
quantity of goods to be paid for in a certain time in
tobacco at Ten Pounds the hundred. My Brother
having then other prospects in view, wrote them, pro-
posing to release the tobacco and receive the money in
lieu. This they refused to consent to. Soon after he
had the misfortune of having his books and papers, and
among them their letters, fall into the hands of the
enemy. They now insist on a right of paying him in
money; as he depended on the tobacco, and as the
nominal sum is not now in value more than one sixth
part of what they mutually contracted for, I am really
surprized that any men pretending to the character of
honest merchants can make so unjust a proposal; nor can
I believe they make it with any other view than to find
an excuse for putting off a settlement whilst they specu-
late on our funds. Inclosed is a copy of my letter to
them on the subject, which I wish you to shew to Col.
Harvey, now at Richmond, and, if possible, that you
and he will bring about a settlement without delay.
The Fier Roderique must sail in a few days, and I am
extreamly impatient to be gone, or I would meet you
at Richmond. I hope these gentlemen will close the
accounts justly, for it must give me pain to leave the
country with so unfavorable an opinion of persons I
have been connected with, as I otherways certainly
must. Present my compliments to Mrs. Bannister, and
accept my best wishes for your prosperity.
I am, Dear Sir, with sincere Esteem, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Col. Banister.
Thomas Mss.
144
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO SAMUEL CHASE.
Williamsburg, May 9th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-Yours of the 2d is before me; I hope
to sail soon. No news from Charlestown, which gives
me some hopes. The Assembly of Virginia made a
House last Tuesday, Col. Harrison, Speaker, have not
as yet heard of any thing done. The internal police,
as well as finance of this State, are most wretchedly
deranged at present; the sale of the back lands has
brought into their treasury between one and two mil-
lions of pounds, and Colonel Clark's Quixotte expedi-
tion to the Illinois has cost them nearly four millions,
and he is now ordered to abandon the country and to
retire on this side of the Ohio.
The removal of the seat of government has dis-
pleased everyone in the lower parts of the State, and
too many are, in consequence of that impolitic measure,
and of the immense taxes coming on them, become in-
different as to what may happen, and there are (not a
few) who openly go still farther; in short, our prospects
darken in my view. Congress has become absolutely
contemptible. The credit and honor of the nation
totally violated and lost; and that of private sales is
now to be tampered with. I can but express my appro-
bation of the firmness of your Senate in refusing to
pass the Confiscation Bill; the cool and sensible
part of this State already repent their passing such a
law here. Some of the bad consequences are already
begun to be felt, more will inevitably follow soon.
The more of any article is put on sale, the lower the
price, and it is the height of madness and folly to
depreciate the value of landed estates at a time.
when heavy taxes are to be laid on them. The sales
of forfeited estates and of the back lands will in a
few months sink the price of real estates near one-
half; in the old settled parts of Virginia they already
feel it sensibly. I wish the new money may not meet
the state of what preceeded. I hate to augur evil only,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
145
and that continually, but I really fear that individual
States will find it impossible to regain a credit which
the whole have unitedly lost, or, rather, thrown away.
I expect De Francey every day, and after his return a
very few days will set us afloat. My best wishes attend
you, and am with great sincerity your Constant Friend
and very Hble. Servt.,
S. DEANE.
S. Chase, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
TO JOHN BAPTISTE LAZAURUS THEVENEAU DE FRANCY.
Williamsburg, May 10th, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,-I this moment received yours of the
8th. As this will probably meet you on the way down
I have only to say that the Letter of Messrs. Adams &
Southall to me, in answer to ours by Monsr. Audaine,
is a convincing proof of the determination of those gen-
tlemen to trifle with us. Did I think it possible to
settle with them, I would not spare any time or trouble.
to do it; but I am convinced they have no such inten-
tion, and the dispute with my Brother is a meer pre-
tence to drive off the settlement; otherways, why did
not they mention it when we were all at Richmond
together? I wish to get out of any connection or con-
cern whatever with those men, and this experiment will
make me more cautious in future how I form connec-
tions. I have written them a sharp letter on the sub-
ject, which I will shew you, and explain the whole.
You say you will be in town on Thursday, that is, to-
morrow, at farthest. I am rejoiced to hear your ships
are in such forwardness. God send that we may be
soon free from these men, and escape even worse. I
gave the arbitration of the cannon to Mr. Rose, who
sent it to the Governor, and a duplicate is kept by him.
for you to sign.
to sign. I cannot send you particulars, but the
amount agreed on is 3,600. 2. 15., tobacco equal to 360
hogsheads, and 65 lbs. of tobacco. We called in Mr.
VOL. IV.-10
-
146
THE DEANE PAPERS.
1
Norton as a third Person, though we did not greatly
disagree at first, and at last were unanimous. I have
reviewed and reconsidered the subject, and think, on the
whole, that both parties ought to be contented. The
cannon are cheap enough at 360 hogsheads of tobacco,
and the tobacco is better for you than the cannon.
We
calculated the stores, viz., balls, rammers, &c., agreeable
to the invoice you gave us, and have made an exact
estimate of every article, which I will shew you, and
have inserted the same in our awards. Mr. Rose is
well satisfied with our estimate. Believe me, my friend,
I feel for you most sensibly under your vexatious situa-
tion. Keep up your spirits, and let us hasten to more
agreeable scenes to recruit our almost exhausted spirits,
as well as our worn out patience.
I am, with sincere Respect and Friendship, My Dear
Sir, Yours,
S. DEANE.
P. S. I have no tobacco to ship, or would embrace
the opportunity offered.
Mr. De Francy.
¡
To
TO JOSEPH WHARTON.
Thomas Mss.
Williamsburg, May 10th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I this day received yours of the 2d, and
note the contents. On my arrival in France, I will, if
your brother is still there, inform him as you have
directed; also represent your situation to Mr. Tardy.
As to lands which you propose to sell, it will be neces-
sary for you to send me an explicit power to contract
in your behalf; I can then agree for the sales, in a
manner binding on both parties. The way I propose
is this: the agreement to be made that on your signing
the deed, and delivering the same to the French Minis-
ter or Consul, you shall be entitled to draw for the
purchase money, which the purchaser shall be obliged
THE DEANE PAPERS.
147
to pay at sixty days sight to your order; as soon, then,
as I make a sale, you shall be informed of it, and by
the first opportunity send to me an attested copy of the
deed, lodged as above directed, and your bills for the
money to be applied or payable as you shall direct.
This I conceive to be the most simple, as well as safe
method. Let me advise you to procure a good draught
or chart of the lands, and a brief description of their
advantages in point of situation, water courses, timber,
&c. Tho' it may be difficult to get this done at
present with the exactness wished for, yet it is of
importance that you send the best you can procure; it
will materially help the same. As to the lands in Pen-
sylvania in which you are about to speculate, I will be
one quarter concerned, and I will leave directions with
my brother Simeon Deane here to correspond with
you and to furnish my quota of the money. You must
manage this affair in Philadelphia, and as fast as you
obtain grants, send to me copies of the same, and the
best charts and description you can obtain, in the man-
ner already mentioned, with power to sell in France, or
elsewhere in Europe, one third, or one half, or more,
as you shall judge best; but I think it adviseable to
sell at least to amount of the purchase money paid at
first, as in this way a certain profit is realized, and
increasing in value. It will be a very easy task to clear
up the money transaction between your brother Samuel
Wharton and me. But I am not fond of publications at
present; my first and main object is to settle my accounts.
with the Congress, and by mathematical demonstration
shew the world that they are much in my debt in money
matters as they are on other accounts; this done, their
ingratitude and injustice to me will appear in a just
light, and cover those who, by their cabals, have been
the authors of the abuse I have met with, with indel-
ible infamy. This I am sure of doing in a few
weeks after my arrival in France; but as I am exposed
to many accidents in my voyage, I have written, and
shall send a letter to Congress before I sail, fully
-
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refuting Mr. A. Lee's,* and freely expostulating with
them; this letter I will order to be shown to you and
others my friends, and if any fatal accident happen to
me, to be published. Nothing but the critical situation
of public affairs has prevented my publishing for more
than twelve months past, and still prevents. In short
our enemies rely, with but too much ground, on our
party quarrells and divisions, and every proof of them
gives fresh spirit to their operations against us; but no
consideration shall induce me to suffer my character to
be finally blasted by a set of men whom I have not
only served, but saved from absolute destruction. As
to speculating in the back lands of this State I have
no disposition. I consider the title on many accounts
doubtful, not solely from the claims of other States or
individual companies, but from the inhabitants actually
settled, and settling there, who are a sett of the most
lawless barbarians, and who will ultimately divide the
land as they please, and among themselves, without
regard to grants, deeds, or patents from Virginia or
any other body. The best speculation at present in
Virginia is in lands in the old and cultivated parts,
where they are daily falling in value; but the best time
to engage in them is not yet arrived, and at any time.
it will not be so good as to the northward, except for
monied men, who mean to improve them immediately.
I shall probably sail in eight or ten days, and will write
you immediately after my arrival; however, send on
your letters by every opportunity to the care of Doctor
Franklin, or by the way of Virginia, under cover to my
Brother at this place.
Wishing you prosperity, I am, with sincere esteem,
Dear Sir, your most obdt. & very Hble. Servt.,
SILAS DEANE.
Mr. Joseph Wharton.
Thomas Mss.
* Lee's letter to Congress appeared in the Penn. Packet of March 4, 7, and
9, 1780. An article by Joseph Wharton, in reply, was printed in the same paper,
March 10, 1780.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
149
Mr. Isaac Moses.
TO ISAAC MOSES.
Williamsburg, May 11th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I received your favor of the 2d, and
observe the contents. Nothing from Charlestown nor
any other quarter. I most sincerely lament the death
of my friend Don Juan, and greatly fear it may prejudice
an affair I have in Spain. I am now waiting only for
the return of De Francy from Richmond, the Fier
Roderique being entirely ready; but I pray you con-
tinue to write me, under cover to my Brother, and give
the earliest intelligence what may be the fate of the
schooner. I hope soon to be once more afloat, and am,
with best wishes for your prosperity, Dear Sir,
Yours &c.,
S. DEANE.
TO JAMES WILSON.
Thomas Mss.
Williamsburg, May 13th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—I received yours of the 20th ulto. this
day. Gratz, who set out with my letter last January,
is, I am told, still in Virginia. This has prevented
our corresponding during my detention here, as in
your letter is inclosed our cypher. I would have
sought some other safe conveyance, but he has been
promising every day this three months to set out
to-morrow. I have not time to notice your many im-
portant subjects in yours; indeed, there is no need of
my attempting it, as I understand them well, and shall
most carefully attend to them. Am sorry to hear of
the death of our good friend Don Juan, but hope it
will not hurt our affairs abroad, where, if I arrive safe,
I hope to put my former as well as present affairs on a
respectable footing, and to make (what necessity alone
will force me to do) Congress to blush for their con-
150
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·
duct towards me. You must have observed that the
letter published as Arthur Lee's was fabricated in
America, & probably in Philadelphia, it is dated 10th
Feb., 1779, and quotes parts of a publication of Master
Rowland's in Dunlap's paper of the 31st of August
following. Is it not surprizing that Congress did not,
when this letter was read to them, discover the for-
gery and the vile purposes it was intended for? Or
were they so pleased at hearing me abused that they
passed by this imposition on them? Wharton is an
honest and spirited man, and he writes in that stile.
I wrote him last post, and inclosed a letter from
Mons. Monthieu; ask him to shew it you. Monthieu
was one of the principal contractors for our supplies
after the long wrangling and abuse of Mr. Lee against
him and others, and his charges of their being con-
cerned with me to impose on the public in their
accounts. Mr. Monthieu, Mr. Chaumont, Mr. Will-
iams, and others have had their accounts credited and
scrutinized; the result was they were approved of, and
a ballance found in their favor, Mr. Johnson the Con-
gress Auditor being one of the referees. This is doing
great part of my business to my hands; for my having
been obliged to leave these accounts unsettled, the
charges of money advanced remained, of course, gen-
eral charges without vouchers, and gave my enemies
the only advantage they had against me, which I could
not reply to with full demonstration. The accounts
of this kind at last examined, and found not only just,
but a ballance in favor of the individuals, prove to a
mathematical certainty what sum remains on me, and
how far I have been or have had the means to be a
peculator. The sum left on me (all the sums col-
lected) will not amount to more than 4,000 £ sterling,
nor, as I am fully convinced, much exceed 3,000 £, for
many small accounts of expenditures for public service
remain to be deducted; here, then, is the enormous
sum out of which, after deducting two years expences,
I was suspected of making such embezzlements and
THE DEANE PAPERS.
151
peculations as to occasion ye alarm to be sounded
thro' ye Continent, and on which Congress not only
refused me the rewards I had well merited in their
service, but treated me with Indignity and neglect.
I will not trust myself farther on the subject. I love
my country, but I feel (perhaps at times) too sensibly.
In short, nothing but a consciousness of the rectitude
of my conduct and a reflection on the material and
essential services I rendered my country, joined to a
most sincere contempt for the miserable and corrupt
wretches who have abused me, could support me. But,
my friend, when I bring the men who have lately com-
posed the great deliberative body of these States, and
the principal and important executive departments to
pass in review, I tremble for the fate of my country,
and my spirits sink.
I have written a very long letter to Congress, in
which I have expostulated and remonstrated with a
freedom which may possibly give offence; if so, I shall
be sorry, not for the cause, but for the effect in that
letter. I have stated my accounts, and proved what I
before asserted. I shall send it to you open, and a
letter with it, which will be my last, I hope, to you, on
this side the water. The partnership of Adams, Deane
& Co. is dissolved. After the misfortune of
my Brother
last spring, he gave up the whole management to Adams
and Southall, with whose conduct the partners here are
by no means satisfied; and as our other plans failed,
this became of still less consequence. Messrs. Adams
and Southall have taken on them to accompt to the
concerned; I wish they may do it to satisfaction. The
temptations offered by the depreciation have been too
strong for most of our countrymen. My brother will
probably wait on you in Philadelphia this summer,
and to him I refer you for particulars.
The Fier
Roderique is now waiting only for the ships up the
river to go under her convoy, and Mr. De Francey is
there, hastening them down. I expect him every day.
As I have promised you another letter I will not bid
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you farewell, but remain, with sincere Friendship, Dear
Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Mr. James Wilson.
TO JOSEPH WHARTON.
S. DEANE.
Mr. Joseph Wharton.
Thomas Mss.
Williamsburg, May 25th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—I wrote you a long letter the 10th, and
am this instant favored with yours of the 2d. As I
was so particular in my last, refer you to that. It
seems as if Arthur Lee and Ralph Izard, finding them-
selves incapable of doing more mischief in Europe, are
shifting the scene. It is nearly indifferent to me where
they are, but I fear that joining the faction here they
may do us much hurt as to the common cause; indi-
vidually I disregard them. I most sincerely rejoice
at the prospects you mention in your letter, and wish
that a detachment of the French fleet may be sent in
season to relieve Charlestown. Our ships to compose
our squadron are now all assembled at York. I leave
this on Tuesday to prepare a few necessaries, and hope
to sail in a few days after. We shall make about six-
teen or eighteen sail, mostly armed. Doctor Bancroft's
conduct in not writing is really astonishing and is un-
pardonable. We have nothing here of news, but hourly
expect important intelligence from Charlestown, as by
the last intelligence they had held out longer than was
expected. I hope they will come off victorous, which
will be a blow equal to any thing that has happened
during the War. I pray you to continue to write to
me, especially on the subject of lands, under cover to
my Brother here, or to France directly, where I hope
to be in a few weeks, and am, with esteem,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
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153
A
TO COLONEL DORSEY.
Colonel Dorsey.
Williamsburg, May 26th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—I wrote you the 13th, and have not the
pleasure of hearing from you since. Your son, whom
I met a few days since at Hampton, told me the Chance
was arrived; but from other accounts I fear he had
been misinformed. Pray give me the earliest intelli-
gence under cover to my Brother. Your letters may
possibly arrive after my sailing, but he will be charged
with my affairs here.
affairs here. The fleet is nearly ready for
sailing. It will consist of about fifteen sail of ships,
the Fier Roderique included. They are all of them
at York. Twenty-five sail left Hampton Roads on
Tuesday last for the West Indies. The arrival of a
number of vessells has checked the price of West India
goods, but the demand for the forces collecting and on
their march this way will keep them in demand. This
moment news is received of the surrender of Fort
Moultrie on Sullivan's Island. General De Kalb
leaves Petersburg this day with about 2,500 Men.
Could he arrive in season, Charlestown might be re-
lieved; otherways I fear much from it. I shall be
happy in any opportunity of serving you during my
stay in France, and am, with esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
To ISAAC MOSES.
Williamsburg, May 26th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-I shall go for York next Tuesday or
Wednesday to embark. Our fleet will consist of about
sixteen sail of ships, chiefly armed, with the Fier Rod-
erique. I may possibly write you from thence before
sailing. If not, I will only say as to the Chance, if she
arrive, it is my opinion it will be as well to make sale
of her; but if you choose to risque her again, I am
154
THE DEANE PAPERS.
content to share as before. Out of the sales of the
cargo pay your disbursements; and, if you sell the
whole, interest me as much as the ballance in such
other adventures as you are concerned in, and acquaint
my brother Simeon Deane therewith. I hope to be
in France in six weeks from this time, and tho' my
detention has been unfortunate for the plans proposed,
yet shall be in season to take advantage of the next
fall and winter, and to form my judgment as to the
continuance of the war. This day news arrived of the
surrender of Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island. Gen-
eral De Kalb marches this day from Petersburg with
about 2,500 men to relieve Charlestown. God grant
he may arrive in time! West India goods are at a
stand, by means of the late arrivals, but the demand
for the army will prevent their falling. Tobacco rises;
best James River at 65 to 70 ; rum, 35 £; salt,
25. Sugars in no demand; sell at about 180 £.
These are about the general prices. The people have
so reduced their consumption that small importations,
in comparison of former ones, have greater effects on
prices. The people [cipher translated] at large hold
Congress and their money in contempt, but the better
part suspend their judgment. The Virginia Assembly
has done nothing about their money as yet. Continue
to write me, and be assured I am, &c.,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. Isaac Moses.
P. S.-La Fargue tells me you had a hat of his for
sale among my things. Mention the price it sold at
in your next, that I may pay him.
TO JAMES WILSON.
Thomas Mss.
Williamsburg, May 28th, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,-This will probably be my last letter
from this side the water, and with it I send you my
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155
letter to Congress, open for your perusal, but so sealed
that by slipping a wafer under the seal it will not
appear to have been sealed by any other person than
the writer. You on the spot know perfectly well the
temper and disposition of Congress, and can judge of
the propriety of delivering this letter at this time. I
have asserted nothing but what Congress knew to be
true; but truth is oftentimes held as more criminal
than falsehood, and punished with greater severity.
You will see the motives for my writing. I may have
been too free. You, my friend, are the best judge,
and were I so happy as to have your advice in person,
I should not hesitate a moment as to this letter; but
a five months unfortunate detention in this disagree-
able place, having my private arrangements broken,
and our public prospects growing worse, may have led
me to say something improper, or to express myself
in a manner I ought to have avoided. To
To you, there-
fore, I submit either to deliver the letter immediately
on the receipt of it, or to suspend it until you hear
what may be the fortune of the Fier Roderique in
her passage. I would by no means have the letter
finally suppressed, and, should I be made a prisoner,
desire it may be instantly delivered to Congress. I
have no apprehensions of Congress being irritated
against me personally on this account, nor that they
can treat me worse than they have already done; yet
as there may be circumstances known to you, of which
I am ignorant, which may render the immediate
delivery of this letter improper, I submit it to your
judgment, and wish you to shew it to our mutual
friends in Philadelphia, and in particular to Mr. Mor-
ris, but in a way that it may not be known that such a
letter is in Philadelphia previous to Congress receiv-
ing it. I wrote you a long letter, I think on the 13th,
for tho' I kept a copy, the date happened to be omitted;
and to this hour being uncertain whether Gratz is
arrived at Philadelphia, I can make no use of our
cypher, but be assured I shall carefully attend to the
156
THE DEANE PAPERS.
contents of yours of the 20th ulto., and pray you to
write often and explicitly on the situation of public as
well as of our private affairs. I shall go to York this
week to embark, and hope to sail soon after. I most
sincerely wish you all possible felicity, and am, with
high Esteem and Friendship, My Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
•
James Wilson, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
GENERAL STATE OF MY DEMANDS ON THE UNITED
STATES.
I AGREED with the Secret Committee to embark for
France on the 20th of January, 1776; my expences
were to be borne and a Commission allowed me for
the purchases I made on account of the public. At
the same time Messrs. Alsop, Morris, Lewis, Living-
ston and myself contracted to supply these States with
Forty Thousand Pounds Sterling of goods, the Com-
mercial Committee contracting to furnish the funds
in Europe at my disposal, to run all risques, and, ex-
clusive of charges and duties, to allow the person
going to Europe a clear commission of 5 per cent. on
said 40,000 Sterling. See the Contract signed the
19th of Feb'y, 1776.
I undertook the voyage in both capacities, and had
my Commission made out accordingly, bearing date.
March 2d, 1776; also received instructions of the same
date to purchase 25,000 stand of arms, cloathing, &c.
(see instructions signed by the Secret Committee).
The Committee failed in supplying funds to the
amount promised, and consequently the goods ordered
were not purchased, but my whole attention turned to
fulfill the orders of the Secret Committee for cannon,
arms, &c., &c., &c., in which business, with that in-
trusted to me, I spent the whole of my time, from
my arrival in France until the receiving my Commis-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
157
sion from Congress to be jointly with Doctor Franklin
and Mr. Lee their Commissioners at the Court of
France. This Commission I received in Nov., 1776.
The purchases I had made previous were of the last
consequence to these States, and agreeable to the
tenor of my instructions, as I engaged in no private
commercial concern, as I had gone out on the express
contract of having a clear commission of five per cent.
on my purchases, I think that in all the purchases.
made by me previous to the arrival of my colleagues.
I am entitled to that commission. The purchases
made and sent out were nearly as follows, viz:
Of Monsr. Chaumont, Salt Petre, &
of Messrs. Delaps, Sulphur, to
work the same to amount of, as
pr. acct...
Of Monsr. Chaumont 2,000 Barrills.
of Powder, for which I gave my
private notes of hand to the
amount of... .
Of Monsr. De Beaumarchais 30,000
stand of Arms, Brass Cannon, &c.,
&c., &c., to amount of nearly..
To Commissions on 6,248,671 13. 6.
at 5 pr. Ct. is……….
To disbursements of various kinds,
viz., for intelligence, for relief of
Prisoners, escaping from England,
which, independant of private ex-
pences, must amount at least to.. j
To Commissions on
purchase of the
Magazine at
Nantes...
d on Goods bot
of him...
220,000
69,455 26
62,271 18 6
Livres 6,248,671 13 6
£312,433 10 o
186,399 15
6,000,000
10,000
O O
158
THE DEANE PAPERS.
V
།
#
d on Salt Petre
bot of Beau-
geard,
d on Goods bot
of M Chau-
K
mont after the
above..
d on Goods of
Sabatier fils and
Desprez, &c...
119,061
86,000
548,438 8 6
1,042,954 II O
On the above, say at 21 per cent.,
as I had then my expences borne,
but gave myself wholly to the busi-
ness, and the contracts were in
consequence well made..
To my time from Nov., 1776, to
August, 1779, the time of my dis-
charge being 2 years and 9 Months,
at 12,000 Livres per. annum, the
sum allowed by Congress to the
Commissioners besides all ex-
pences..
To my expences from the 6th of
August until my return to France,
supposed to amount
-
126,073 15
33,000
I 2,000
Livres 393,507 5 C
When it is considered that I have already spent
more than four years, and that it will probably be five,
before these accounts are fully closed, in the service
of Congress, to the almost utter ruin of my private.
fortune, and that the contract I went out on, promised
me a clear commission of 5 per cent., the above sum
will not be thought unreasonable. Had I paid no more
attention to the business of my country than my office.
of Commissioner simply required of me, and given
THE DEANE PAPERS.
159
almost ever so little to my private affairs, I could with
ease have made a much larger sum, and avoided the
cruel and base calumnies, with which I have been
loaded by those whom I not only served faithfully,
but saved from absolute ruin. The contract for arms
at Nantes, and for salt petre alone, cleared to Congress
more than the above sum; though badly managed
after my leaving France and the dismission of Mr.
Williams. During my conducting these affairs, I pur-
chased and fitted out the Deane Frigate, now in Con-
gress service, and other ships to the number of fifteen
sail, the greater part of them large ships, but one of
which miscarried. Without remittances from Con-
gress I often was in the greatest distress, and often
gave my own notes for goods purchased, even when I
had but little prospect of raising the money; and but
for the most urgent and continual applications to cer-
tain great personages, I must have sunk, loaded with
debt, and loss of credit forever. The amount of all the
purchases made by me of stores and goods, and ships.
contracted for, amount to more than Ten Million of
Livres, nearly the whole of which arrived safe in Amer-
ica, and that owing principally to the directions and
orders given by me in writing to the commanders of the
ships. The only ship which fell into the hands of the
enemy was that which, contrary to my orders, went to
Martinico. When to all this is added the hazards I
have been and must again be exposed to of falling
into the hands of an enemy enraged against me per-
sonally, on account of the services I have rendered
these States.
G
I am confident no unprejudiced person will consider
the above sum exorbitant. I have made the above
state to be laid before Congress, that in case of
accident to me, my son may not be left a beggar, as
well as orphan, by my devoting myself to the service.
of my country.
SILAS DEANE.
Williamsburg, May 29th, 1780.
Thomas Mss.
160
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO BARNABAS DEANE.
York, June 2d, 1780.
[See postscript to letter dated April 20th, 1780.]
To PHILIP SCHUYLER.
York, June 2d, 178c.
DEAR GENERAL,-I am now waiting at this place
for a wind, after waiting long for the ships to be got
ready, as I was so unfortunate at Philadelphia to have
but little time with you. I wish, by correspondence,
to keep up our acquaintance with each other, and in
some measure to supply what absence deprives us of.
If you have leisure to write me, our mutual friend, Mr.
Morris, will forward your letters.
I have written a long letter to Congress, and have
for some time hesitated as to its being delivered under
the present circumstances of public affairs. I have
written with a freedom which may, perhaps, be ill
received; but I have kept close to well known facts,
and whatever liberties I have taken with my avowed.
or concealed enemies, the letter signed A. Lee, written,
indeed, by his friends in America, but permitted to be
read in Congress and published, will justify me. I
need not attempt to describe my feelings to you, and
I am persuaded, when you reflect on my being forced
to make a dangerous voyage to Europe, on my own
expense, to justify my conduct, that you will think it
right in me to do all in my power to set it in as just a
point of light as in my power to do at this time, least
accident prevent my doing it at all.
I returned the grant of Congress for ten thousand
dollars (in full for my time and expenses in returning
to America and waiting 14 months on them) in as
decent a manner as I could, and it was accepted by
them; but my return has already cost me more than
THE DEANE PAPERS.
161
I
Fifty Thousand Dollars, which I have paid out of my
small private fortune, and which I am still every day
lessening. Though I have held neither fortune nor
any thing else in any competition with the service of
my country, yet such returns are really very mortify-
ing, and to me distressing. I am going abroad to do
the business of the public more than my own, yet
Congress have refused me any support. I have
clearly shewn that a ballance will be in my favor, yet
they have refused to make provision for the payment
of it, even on condition of their auditors finding it, as
I have asserted. Under these circumstances, I rely on
your friendly candor to make allowance for any thing
I may have said in my letter to Congress too free.
hope the faction which prevailed last summer in Con-
gress is effectually broken. No man has a higher
respect for the representative body of this country than
I have; at the same time, no one can have a worse
opinion of those who, by their factious intrigues,
brought that body into contempt in general, and
endangered the very existence of these States as free
and independent ones. In these greater mischiefs my
lesser misfortunes are, in some degree, lost, and I now
flatter myself that things will be managed in a differ-
ent manner, and that our country will see better times.
In a theatre where so many blunders have been
committed and mischief done, if the evil is not incura-
ble, you have a wide and ample field to exert your
superior abilities in doing much and great good to
our country, whose interests I shall ever bear nearest
my heart, and seek every means to promote.
I pray
you give my most respectful compliments to your col-
league, Mr. Livingston, and accept my best wishes for
your prosperity.
I am, with the highest Respect, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
General Schuyler.
VOL. IV.-II
S. DEANE.
UorM
-
Thomas Mss.
162
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO JOSEPH Webb.
York, June 2d, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,-Though the unkind reception which
my letter of November last met with, and your silence
since, have given me much pain, yet I can with great
sincerity assure you that my friendship for you, and
wishes for your prosperity and that of your family, have
never abated. If there was no occasion for my writing
in the manner I did, I am much rejoiced; but surely
the freedom of a friend, and one who from a long and
most tender connection interests himself deeply in
whatever affects you, even if his friendly freedoms
should not only be unnecessary, but unreasonable,
ought not to give offence where the intention is evi-
dently good thus stands the case between us.
I am
now embarking on a voyage, the issue of which is at
least very uncertain; and shall I, thus situated, use less
freedom than at other times? Or shall I appear by
silence to have forgotten you, by way of retaliation
for your neglect of me? I can do neither. I can play
the hypocrite but badly at any time, and I have neither
inclination nor interest to do it at this time; I must
therefore plainly tell you that your rejecting my pro-
posals, refusing the power I sent you, and dissatisfac-
tion at my refusal to put everything in the world which
was mine when I left Wethersfield unconditionally
into your hands, gives me ground to apprehend that
you have lent your confidence to men who, wishing
neither of us well, are aiming to draw you into a dis-
pute with me, and thereby to strengthen the hands
of those who mean me ill. If so, permit me to
caution you against going too far with them, or in
their direction. I am confident that the proposals
I have made you will justify me, and be esteemed
generous ones by every disinterested and informed
person in the world. They were once acknowledged by
you to be such; they are thought different of at pres-
ent. When I made them, I had fair and promising
Myou
H
THE DEANE PAPERS.
163
.
prospects before me, and I never had any in which I did
not wish you to partake. The scene is greatly changed
since we met at Philadelphia in 1778. A near pros-
pect of the peace and independence of our country,
which then was before us, and my almost certain one
of future private ease and independence, have vanished
together. No part of America was at any time in
greater distress or danger than all the southern parts
are at this moment; and, for myself, I am now under
the necessity of going into a voluntary exile, without
funds to support me, and wounded with the ingrati-
tude of those whom I have not only served faithfully,
but saved from destruction. Reflect a few moments, I
pray you, on the past and present. I do not aim at
moving your compassion, or at exciting your generos-
ity, but surely you cannot still think that the pittance
of estate which I have in Wethersfield, not amount-
ing in the whole to fifteen hundred pounds sterling
money, is exorbitant for a man who spent more than
ten years of the prime of his life, principally in taking
care of your interests and of the education of your
brethren. In the course of my management, had I
attended strictly to keep only within the letter of the
law, I must have made a very handsome fortune;
what the consequences would have been, everyone
acquainted with the circumstances of the estate at the
time know little or nothing could have been left, if
in reality the creditors would have been paid. I do
not repent of the line of conduct I took up. On the
contrary, I reflect on it with pleasure; and the many
opportunities afforded me in which I sacrificed my
personal emolument to the interest of an orphan
family, afford me in reflection infinitely greater satis-
faction than any which can result from the possession
of wealth. But if our sentiments on this subject are
as distant from each other as our persons are like to
be for some time to come, at least let us part friends;
or, rather, let us unite in trying to remove this only
possible ground for the interruption of that good har-
i
164
THE DEANE PAPERS.
mony which has subsisted between us from your in-
fancy. To do this effectually, let judicious and disinter-
ested men settle every thing betwixt us. I have often
proposed and wished for it since I have been obliged
to leave the country. I should, indeed, prefer a settle-
ment between ourselves; that at present is impossible;
and I wish that the men undertaking this may not
come to it as to dispute between parties, but to assist
to settle an account between two friends, one of whom
cannot possibly attend to it himself. You have an
inventory which will shew you the amount of sums
received and paid out; you were privy to the keeping
this account; you have the account made out from the
inventory the winter before my leaving Wethersfield,
ready for a settlement, and you have in your hands
notes payable to me or my order, and ballances on
book much more than sufficient to pay the ballances
remaining. The landed estate left by your honored
father has long since been divided, and in your posses-
sion; you know it never yielded me any profit at any
time; the landed securities are in the same predica-
ment, and you know well how much anxiety and vex-
ation, as well as money, the obtaining and defending
them cost me, and that the income never ballanced a
fifth part of my expences on them; these facts being
within your knowledge. I write freely to you, and
your brethren ought not to be ignorant of them, for
it will affect me sensibly to be thought, and perhaps
represented, by them as a defaulter, when I have done
not simply legal Justice towards them, but have treated
them with parental kindness.
At times I think my fate is peculiar, and a little
hard, but a consciousness of the rectitude of my inten-
tions and conduct prevents my repining, and has, as I
trust it will, afford me some cheerful moments in the
darkest scenes. I have many subjects to think of, and
some of them disagreeable ones, as well as peculiarly
interesting to me, but be assured no distance of place,
or change of circumstances, will ever abate my affec
THE DEANE PAPERS.
165
I
tion for your family; nor shall I ever, whatever I may
meet with, let pass unimproved any opportunity of
serving them which may come within my power.
have set down to write to Col. S. B. Webb, but a gen-
tleman from Long Island, telling me he was returned
there, I dare write nothing of what I wish to say to
him, except my best wishes for his speedy ransom and
prosperity. Pray, in your first letter, mention me to
him, and assure Col. Webb, your sisters, and Mrs. Webb
of my sincere affection and remembrance. I hope in a
year or two we may meet in peace and at ease, but if
not, He who directs knows best. I go perfectly re-
signed to my fate, whatever it may be in my voyage,
and therefore am not so unhappy as I should other-
ways be. God grant you may be perfectly happy and
all around you.
I have many letters to write, and
must therefore bid you once more adieu, and am your
sincere and Affectionate Friend,
S. DEANE.
Address to me under cover to Messrs. Samuel & J.
H. Delaps, Merchants, Bordeaux; or to Messrs. Fitz-
eau, Grand & Co., Bankers, at Amsterdam; or to Mr.
Grand, Banker, at Paris; but be cautious what you
write, unless a certain conveyance presents, and then
order your letters destroyed in case of a capture.
Mr. Joseph Webb.
To ROBERT MORRIS.
Thomas Mss.
York, June 4th, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,-I now expect to sail the first fair
wind. I hoped to have received a letter from you in
answer to a long one I wrote to you on the subject of
lands (the copy being put up with my papers, I cannot
refer to the date), but suppose you might fear your
letter would not reach me; whatever resolution you
come to, I wish to know it as early as possible, as the
166
THE DEANE PAPERS.
first person engaging in that business will have the
best chance of success. The encouragements given of
a French fleet raise our spirits greatly; its arrival must
be very seasonable at this time. Depend on hearing
from me from the first post I arrive at in France, and
as opportunitys offer and leisure permit, oblige me
with your letters. I have requested Mr. Thompson
to send me the Journals of Congress complete, and I
pray you to forward them. Present my compliments
to Mrs. Morris, and once more accept my best wishes
for your prosperity.
I am most sincerely, Dear Sir, Yours etc.,
Robert Morris, Esqr.
TO CHARLES THOMSON.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
York, June 4th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I am now waiting only for a wind, to
try if my fortune will prove more favorable at sea
than on shore. I expect to receive letters from Mr.
Morris, by every vessell coming, and pray you to
improve the opportunity to favor me with a few lines,
and send me the Journals of Congress compleat from
the first. I shall be happy if you can put in my
power to render you any services in France. Present
my compliments to Mrs. Thomson, and accept my
best wishes for your prosperity, and be assured that
no man is with more respect than, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
The latest papers will also be agreeable, but let them
come in a way that may not cost me postage, which
may be saved by inclosing them to Doctor Franklin.
Charles Thomson, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
167
TO ISAAC MOSES.
York, June 4th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-I am now waiting only for a wind, and,
having many letters to write, must be brief. I wrote
you the 11th, 13th, and 26th ulto., the contents of
which you will note, and write me under cover to Mr.
Simeon Deane here, or directly, as opportunity pre-
sents, to me in France. We shall compose a fleet of
sixteen sail, mostly large, and design for Rochfort or
Bordeaux, uncertain which as yet. I flatter myself
that the apprehensions of a French fleet coming on
the coast, will prevent the enemy cruizing for us,
for we are really too deficient in men to maintain
the ships as they ought to be, according to their
strength in guns. I wish I could hear of the arrival
of the Chance schooner; she must be arrived or taken
before this. Pray inform my brother, as early as you
are able to do it, as to her fate. I have only to add
my best wishes, and assure you
assure you I am,
I am, with great
sincerity, from, Dear Sir, Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. Isaac Moses.
TO JAMES WILSON.
Thomas Mss.
York, June 4th, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,-I wrote desiring you to shew the
letter of mine to Congress to Mr. Morris; suppose you
let Mr. Thomson have a private perusal of it. I rely
much on his judgment, and he knows perfectly well
the disposition and temper of Congress at the time.
I see by the papers that General Schuyler is at Phila-
delphia; if you think proper, shew it to him. You were
making purchases of lands up the Delaware; on reflec-
tion I am of opinion that those lands would answer as
well for a speculation in Europe, as any in America.
If you continue your purchases and incline to sell a
168
THE DEANE PAPERS.
part for what the whole cost, so as to realize a certain
profit, and continue the traffic, I will undertake for
you and be a part interested, or not as you choose,
and if you determine on any sale of the kind, I wish
to know it soon, as I expect to do something in that
way, and the earlier I know what extent I am to go to,
the better for those interested. I am now only wait-
ing for a wind, and therefore pray you to present my
compliments to Mrs. Wilson, and accept my best wishes
for your prosperity.
I am with sincere friendship and respect, My Dear
Sir, Your most obedt. & very hble. servt.,
S. DEANE.
James Wilson, Esqr.
P. S.-If you do not find strong reasons against it,
must desire you to deliver my letter as soon as you
can conveniently.
TO WILLIAM DUER.
Thomas Mss.
York, June 4th, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,-I have been much disappointed in
not receiving a line from you, acknowledging the re-
ceipt of my last, which was forwarded you by our
mutual friend Mr. Morris, but hope you will not fail
of sending on your letters, to meet me in Europe. I
hope to sail tomorrow or next day, if the wind favors,
and shall exert myself to put, as soon as possible, every
affair I am concerned in, on a certain footing, and par-
ticularly that on which we have lately written largely.
I have no doubt but the affair will be compleated to
satisfaction. The death of our friend Don Juan affected
me much, as I esteemed him for his honesty and good-
ness of heart; but I hope a certain affair will not suffer
by it. As Mr. Jay is safely arrived at Madrid, I shall
try to go there next winter, and to compleat the con-
tract for masts, in which I flatter myself I shall not
meet with much difficulty. I have no heart to enter
THE DEANE PAPERS.
169
on politics or news; as to myself, it may give you some
satisfaction to know that Mr. Williams, Mr. Monthieu,
and other accounts to which the principal objections
were laid to my general account, and on which the
faction founded their principal charges, have been ex-
amined and settled, and a ballance found by referees
(Mr. Johnson one of them) in their favor; this has, in a
great measure, done my business to my hand. I have
written a very long letter to Congress of 37 pages, in
which I have stated this, and remonstrated freely on
the injustice done me. I may probably give offence,
but as Congress had permitted the factitious letter
of Arthur Lee to be read, and as it had been pub-
lished, I thought it incumbent on me to take notice of
it; my letter, if necessary, will be published, as I have
left Copies. I call Arthur Lee's a factitious letter, but
it is more properly a forgery, as it was wrote in
America, and not in Paris, which is evident from the
letter itself. I have sent my letter open to our friend
Wilson, and he will probably take a copy; if so, call on
him when you are at Philadelphia and he will shew it
to you.
I have had strong inducements to publish
since my being in Virginia, but really, my friend, I do
not think either the circumstances of public affairs, or
my situation, just leaving the country, will admit of it;
it cannot be long before I shall demonstrate the falsity
of every suggestion against me, if I arrive in safety,
and we shall make the experiment the first fair wind,
which obliges me to omit many things I intended to
have said, and can only assure you of my esteem, and
that I am, most sincerely, Your Friend, &c.,
S. DEANE.
William Duer, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TO JOSHUA JOHNSON.
Passy, June 22, 1780.
SIR, I duly received the honor of your letter
acquainting me with your acceptance of the trust you
170
THE DEANE PAPERS.
were appointed to by Congress, and your readiness to
enter upon the execution of it. I have delayed hith-
erto requesting your coming to Paris for that purpose,
because Mr. Deane, who had the chief management of
all the mercantile affairs, and whose presence, as well
as papers, might be necessary to explain those transac-
tions, has been long daily expected here, having writ-
ten to me in December last, from Virginia, that he was
there on his way to France, was to sail in the Fendant,
a French man-of-war, for Martinique, and thence take
a passage hither. We have heard some time of the
arrival of the Fendant at that island, but I hear noth-
ing of Mr. Deane. When I reflect on my time of life
I grow more impatient to have those accounts settled;
if, therefore, Mr. Deane should not arrive in the
course of a month I must then desire you would come.
up. Bring with you, if you can, a good clerk that is
an accountant, to copy, etc., and let us do the business.
together as well as we can.
X
X
*
-
X
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., Wharton's Ed., III. S09.
*
FROM ROBERT MORRIS.
Philadelphia, July 3d, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I left off writing to you in Virginia
sooner than was necessary, under the expectation of
your leaving that country much sooner than you did,
and am by that means possessed of one or two letters
of yours that have not been answered. Such parts of
them as have regard to politicks I shall now pass over in
silence, which you will excuse, as you know my objec-
tions to writing on that subject at any time, but more
especially when the letters are exposed to the acci-
dents that occur on the ocean.
Your departure from Virginia, return into the
Capes, and departing again, have all been announced
here. We suppose you now safe off the coast of
America, and most ardently do I wish for your safe
THE DEANE PAPERS.
171
arrival in France, the news of which will give me real
pleasure. Come when it may, you will not have the
felicity of meeting some gentlemen there you expected
to see, as they are on their passage out here, as we
are informed; but no matter, you will steadily pursue
the objects that induced you to return to Europe,
which will enable you to set your transactions for
America in that just and fair light in which they
ought to stand, and give you that high share of merit
with your country that I do most firmly believe to be
justly your due.
I beg my best respects may be presented to your
fellow passenger, Mons. de Francy. As I suppose him.
engaged in a thousand agreeable scenes and pursuits,
I will not call off his attention by writing to him yet a
while; but he may depend on my steady attachment to
him, as his good sense and good conduct have made.
that kind of impression on me that will be lasting.
Pray present, also, my most respectfull compliments to
our worthy and venerable friend, Doctor Franklin ;
he has my best wishes for the continuance of his
health, spirits, and happyness. I also present my
respects, by your means, to Monsr. Chaumont and
Monsr. de Beaumarchais, gentlemen whose names ever
impress me with gratefull sentiments, on account of
their very important services to this country.
You will have heard the fall of Charleston. The
loss is, no doubt, a heavy one, and I do not suppose.
it will be regained any other way than by treaty, but
in that way it must and will be got back, for the pres-
ent possession of it by the enemy will advance them
very little in their attempts to conquer this country.
The force they must leave there in garrison weakens
their main army and renders them less capable of
operating where their whole force is necessary. In
short, we have got over the shock the loss first occa-
sioned, and now seem to feel no other uneasiness on
that score than what is occasioned by contemplating
the misfortunes, losses, and sufferings of the unhappy
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individuals that have been deprived of property, lib-
erty, or life on the occasion.
General Clinton is returned to New York, and is
now amusing himself and army with that kind of pred-
atory warfare which will disgrace the name of Britons
to the end of time. They lately landed in the Jerseys,
and burnt the village of Springfield and all the farm
houses they came near, until General Washington's
movements and some hot skirmishes with a brigade or
two of his troops and the militia of the country made
it necessary for him to retreat. They then went up
the North River, and it was expected, would have
attacked West Point. This, however, was too hazard-
ous an undertaking, and they returned part of the
way, landed on the East side of the North River,
burnt Tarry Town, and, it is said, are now laying waste
the country between the North River and the Sound,
as high up as White Plains. Surely Heaven will
never suffer these wicked men to go
to go unpunished.
Most anxiously do I wish for the arrival of the French
fleet and army, now daily expected to our assistance;
and in order to put General Washington on as respect-
able a footing as our present circumstances will per-
mit, we are setting on foot a spirit for private exer-
tions to favour and support the publick measures.
The ladies have made a liberal donation to the
American soldiers. A subscription is on foot for rais-
ing bounties to be given soldiers enlisting for the
A Bank is established in this city for the pur-
pose of facilitating supplies of provisions and rum for
the army, and I need not tell you the real satisfaction
I feel in being essentially useful in forming, promot-
ing, and supporting these measures.
war.
For it is in the line of private exertion that I shall
hence forward evince my attachment to my country
and its interests, being determined to keep myself
clear of all that public employment which exposes an
honest man to the envy and jealousy of mankind at
the same time that it lays him open to the malicious.
}
THE DEANE PAPERS.
173
attacks of every dirty scoundrel that deals in the
murther of reputations. I am hopeful that the exer-
tions of this campaign will end it to the advantage of
the allies, and if so I think Great Britain must be com-
pelled to listen to terms of peace founded in justice
and reason. And surely no man will say that it is
just or reasonable that this country should be again
under her domination, after having in times of peace-
full submission and chearful obedience to her will
attempted to deprive its inhabitants of that liberty
which the God of nature, the constitution of their own
government, and the laws of the land had given and
sanctified to them, and after having plunged daggers
in their hearts for not submitting to the full execution
of that attempt. In short, I think the people of Eng-
land will see their own ruin is involved in the prosecu-
tion of this wicked war, and as they have already
begun to establish committees, they will perhaps pro-
ceed to the choice of a congress next, unless their King
abandons his project of subjugation.
After declaring against writing politicks I have
inadvertently gone into it. I will now return to other
matters, and tell you that I have before me your letter
of the 15th April, from York, of which I presume you
have a copy; the post script thereto is what I particu-
larly have in view at this time. I have read and con-
sidered it with attention, and perfectly agree in your
opinions. It is my fixed intention to execute the plan
in some degree, but to what extent I can not now say;
my attention is exceedingly engaged by a great variety
of objects, my commerce increases on my hands, and
for twelve months or more much success has attended
me which naturally multiplies both objects and con-
+
nections.
My assistance is still necessary to Mr. Holker, whose
honesty, virtue, and merit entitle him to every thing I
can do for him, and I consider his country entitled to
my best exertions in their service, for their liberal aid
to this country; much of my time is devoted to pro-
X.
174
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mote their service and aid their pursuits, and I men-
tion these things to shew you cause for any delay that
may happen in this land plan, for to manage it as it
ought I must have time, attention, and money.
Be
assured that if I engage in it I shall meddle with no
lands but what I have reason to believe valuable, nor
transact any thing in such a way as to raise a blush
either in your face or mine at a future day.
I shall propose this affair to the consideration of
some others also, and when prepared inform you what
to expect. You will find enclosed herewith a letter
from Mr. Shee, whom I hope you will be able to serve
with good effect.
I intended to have written you a very long letter,
but can not find time to enlarge by this conveyence as
I am too much interrupted to proceed. Mrs. Morris
joins me in every good wish towards you, and I
Remain, Dear Sir,
Your affectionate Friend & Obedt. Servt.,
ROBT. MORRIS.
Silas Deane, Esqr., Paris.
TO JONATHAN NESBITT.
Thomas Mss.
Nantes, August 4th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-Inclosed is a letter from our mutual
friend Mr. Shee, sent me after my leaving Philadelphia;
as I am but just arrived, can form no judgment of the
success I shall meet with in executing his orders, and
as our public credit may be better in one part than
another in France, pray you would acquaint me how
they can be disposed of with you. I shall
I shall go for Paris
in a day or two from this, where your letters directed
to care of Monsr. Chaumont will duly meet me. In the
mean time, I am with more sincere Respect,
Yours, &c.,
Mr. Jonathan Nesbitt.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
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175
1
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Nantes, August 4th, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,-We arrived the 25th ulto., and the
26th I got up to Rochfort. We were fortunate in our
passage, except the loss of the Jane, for which I am
the more affected from our being interested in her. It
was absolutely impossible for her to proceed, and the
chances ten to one against her returning, had the sail-
ors consented to make the experiment. We took two
prizes, a ship and snow bound from St. Christophers
to Liverpool, their cargoes worth upwards of twenty
thousand pounds sterling. This will defray some of
the expences and losses of my friends, the owners of
the Fier Roderique. The ship mounted eighteen six
pounders, and fought at long shot more than one
hour, but struck as soon as we brought our whole
broadside to bear upon him. The captain was a true
British tar, and by his obstinacy and haughtiness gave
us a sample of his brethren in the same line. Capt.
Morton treated him and his people in the most polite
and generous manner, and he was our table and bottle
companion the rest of the voyage. Our arrival with
the whole of our convoy is considered as very for-
tunate, the enemy being in the bay, and very few
vessells escape them. I presume we passed them in
a very thick fog, which lasted for two days, off Cape
Finisteere.
I have sent on the letters you gave me, and as Mr.
Ross has taken his passage, and will probably be with
you by the time this comes to hand, I will not pre-
sume to enter on the situation of our affairs here. He
knows them better than I can pretend to, from the
short time I have been on shore, but in general I do
not like their complection. The enemy keep the sca,
and distress the trade greatly; but what is still worse,
the resolutions of Congress respecting their money in
March last, has given the finishing blow to our credit
with foreign nations, for the present at least. I arrived.
176
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in this city but yesterday; shall set out for Paris in the
course of next week, where I shall be more fully and
better informed, and from thence will write you more
particularly. Meantime I pray you to present my com-
pliments to Mrs. Morris, and be assured I am ever,
with the most unalterable attachment,
Dear Sir, yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Robert Morris, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
TO GOULARDE AND MOYLAN.
Nantes, 4th August, 1780.
GENTLEMEN,-Inclosed I send you a letter from
Col. Griffin, who gave me with it an order to purchase
for him a few articles in France; counting on you for
a reimbursement of this, I presume, he has advised
you in the inclosed. I shall go for Paris in a few
days, where your favors directed to care of Monsr.
Chaumont will meet me. I have the honor to be.
with much Respect, Gentlemen, Yours &c.,
S. DEANE.
Messrs. Goularde & Moylan.
TO SIMEON DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Nantes, 4th August, 1780.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-I am at last happily arrived.
We anchored the 26th, the 27th I went up to Roch-
fort. The heat was excessive, beyond what I ever
experienced; and the fatigues of the voyage brought
on a lassitude rather than any real disorder, and I
passed a week at Rochfort and Rochelle before I set
out on my journey. I came here yesterday, and shall
go on for Paris sometime next week, having recovered
myself perfectly from my fatigues. You must not ex-
-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
177
pect anything very particular from me as to the situa-
tion of our public affairs here; in general, I fear, they
are rather worse than what I predicted when in Vir-
ginia. The Enemy during this campaign have kept
the sea, and it was by the favor of a thick fog that we
escaped them. France and Spain will, however, have
an undoubted superiority in the West Indies, which
must bring G. Britain to reasonable terms next winter.
My son, I hear, is well; I met my friend Mr. de Mon-
thieu at Rochelle, who told me he was well grown and
spoke French perfectly well; in a word, he said I should
find him just what I could wish him to be. This,
even after making the discount essential on such occa-
sions, is very pleasing to a father who has not seen his
only son for four years; it revived my spirits, and did
more to shake off the disorders I felt creeping upon
me than all the doctors in France could have done;
and I have the pleasure to assure you that I do not
find that the abuse and ill treatment I have met with
in America have done me any injury here, but of this
I shall be a better judge in a few weeks. I shall not
have time to write our Barnabas Deane; send him a
copy of this. Arthur Lee sailed about three weeks
since; my letter to Congress must (if not already) be
delivered to them. As he is gone charged with all the
malice and revenge which hell is capable of inspiring
him with, and for me, having long since entered the
lists, I am determined to fight my adversaries in Con-
gress, or out, to the last, and in a manner that will not,
I trust, cause my friends to blush for me. We took
two valuable prizes on our passage, and, by accident,
missed taking of five. The two taken will amount to
upwards of twenty thousand pounds sterling; one of
them, of eighteen guns, fought us at long shot more
than one hour: The Captain being a resolute, hardy
seaman, would not strike until he saw us bear directly
upon him and prepared to give him our broad-side.
Tobacco was dull, at eighty livres, before our arrival;
I fear it will look down from that. I shall write you
VOL. IV.—12
178
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by every opportunity, and hope some of my letters
will come to hand. The resolution of Congress, of
March last, respecting our money, have done us infinite
prejudice here, and certain passages of their circular
letter, to which you will recollect that I often referred,
are thrown in our faces on this side the water, and with
justice, in my opinion, and Continental money and
Continental credit are, if possible, lower here than with
you. But I shall run into politics; I will therefore stop.
Praying you to present my compliments to our friends
in Virginia, I am, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S.-[Translated from cipher.] Congress are in
as much disgrace in Europe as in America, and the
Americans are almost ashamed to defend their nation
where they are sure to meet with Persons who com-
plain of being ruined by their trust in the honesty of
Congress. The merchants of Europe suffer greatly.
They think Industry ruined, and they call for Peace.
Both the Courts are making great pretence to con-
tinue the war. Nothing will be certainly decided this
season, unless events help England, which is most prob-
able. The success and confidence of the English are
increased. This may surprize you, but it is a fact.
Mr. Simeon Deane.
To SAMUEL CHASE.
Thomas Mss.
Nantes, August 7th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I have been about ten days in France,
having fortunately arrived at Rochfort. The enemy
were in the bay, and we passed them in a thick fog, as
we learn since our arrival. The commerce of this
· Kingdom has suffered much this season, and the
risque in going to and returning from America is
become so great, but more especially the state of our
money has well nigh discouraged every one from
THE DEANE PAPERS.
179
adventuring further. Political news I can give you
but little to be depended on, not having yet reached
the fountain; but in general England appears deter-
mined to prosecute the war. The success of Clinton,
and some advantages at sea, have raised their spirits;
on the other hand, France is making the greatest
preperations of ships, to increase their navy, and
America, the West Indies included, will be the theatre
of war. Count D'Estaing is gone to Spain to take com-
mand of the united fleet, which, if it is joined by that
at Brest, &c., will be much superior to the enemy, who
have hitherto during this season kept the sea. France
having sent a large fleet into the West Indies, neces-
sarily lessened their force in these seas. The disturb-
ances in London have been great, but are subsided,
and they are now hanging up the criminals in every
street; but of this the public papers will inform you.
Your staple, tobacco, was dull at 80 livres when we
arrived; I fear it will now fall even below that price.
I set out for Paris this week, and having many letters
to write, have only time to assure you I am, with sin-
cere attachment, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S. [Cipher translated.]-Compliments to Colonel
Dorsey, &c. The resolutions of Congress, of the 18th
of March, have done America prejudice in France and
throughout Europe. America has sunk in the credit
of the mercantile people of the world, and in the
political. The ministry of France has the report; it
will be made the most of in connection with the com-
plaints of the merchants. The resolution of Congress
have done us more mischief than the army of the
enemy. Our friends ashamed of us, our enemies
triumph, and an American in high credit in Europe
is unwilling to appear in public.
Parts from the letter of Congress, of the 13th of
September, are thrown in here, as "a bankrupt, faith-
180
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2
less republic." Read the letter, and then say what the
world has a right to say of America.
Adieu.
Samuel Chase, Esq.
TO BARNABAS DEANE.
S. D.
Thomas Mss.
Nantes, August 8th, 1780.
BRother,
MY DEAR BROTHER,—I arrived at Rochfort the 27th
ulto., and am here on my way for Paris. I desired our
Simeon Deane, in Virginia, to send you a copy of my
letter to him, not then expecting to have time to write
you by this conveyance. My son, I learn, is well at
Paris. Our passage was fortunate tho' tedious, being
forty-two days. We made two valuable prizes, West
Indiamen for Liverpool; one of them, eighteen guns,
fought us more than an hour. Our arrival with our
whole fleet was indeed lucky, as the English have this
season kept the sea, and done infinite mischief to the
trade of this kingdom. We are supposed to have
escaped by favor of a thick fog, as we passed near
their station. The tumults in London have been ex-
cessive; they are now appeased, and the King and
Ministry have gained, rather than lost, by that mad
maneuvre. They are now trying and executing the
criminals, in London, who have merited the severest
punishment. As to politics, I must be excused until I
get to Paris. We are impatient to hear of Monsr.
Terney and his forces gone to our assistance.
I hope
my countrymen will exert themselves, and drive the
enemy from New York this summer; this event will
give a new face to our affairs on both sides the water;
without this I must tell you they are, in my opinion,
more critical than ever, and at a proper time I will give
you my reasons. The resolutions of Congress on the
currency have put a finishing blow to our credit, pri-
vate as well as public, in Europe. You will present
THE DEANE PAPERS.
181
my compliments to Mr. Webb's family, to friends in
Connecticut, particularly Col. Wadsworth and Mr.
Hosmer. I am, my Dear Brother, yours,
S. DEANE.
[Cipher translated.] P. S.-Take care lest you go
too far in venturing on the new matter. If the times
turn worse, there is no prospect of our gaining the
venture. You may rely it will go the way of its prede-
cessor. Keep this to yourself, nor confide it to any-
one.
Mr. B. Deane.
To JAMES WILSON.
Thomas Mss.
Nantes, August 8th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—I have been in France but a few days,
arrived at Rochfort, and am on my way to Paris; can-
not, therefore, pretend to give you the state of affairs
with any certainty; but, in general, there appears less
hopes of peace than I expected. England appears
determined, though without one ally in Europe, and
shaken to the center by internal commotions; and
though the maritime neutral powers, from Holland
northward, appear to be forming a confederacy to
oppose the British claims of supremacy on the ocean,
yet neither king or parliament appear in the least dis-
posed to relax; on the contrary, their haughtiness
increases with the danger, and they seem as if they
meant to defy the world. Hitherto their fleet has kept
the sea this season, and with their cruisers have done
infinite mischief; it appears that we escaped them with
our little fleet in a fog, otherways I might now have
been in lodgings, free of charge, in London. The
success of Clinton, to the southward, has prejudiced
our affairs greatly, but the success of our enemies is
nothing in comparison to the injury which the resolu-
182
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tions of Congress have done us; their circular letter
of the 13th of Sept. last was translated and circulated
through France; it was universally read and admired.
When the resolutions of Congress in March last were
published, you cannot easily conceive what a reverse
it occasioned in the sentiments and opinion of Europe
with respect to us; in a word, it was the most fatal
blow that could have been struck at our credit, our
commerce, and our character as a nation. I try to
persuade myself and others that they are misunder-
stood, but never having understood them myself in
any other light than that of an implicit, if not an
avowed, breach of faith and a bankruptcy, what can I
say when questioned? Indeed, I have avoided as far
as possible entering on the subject, and for that pur-
pose have took care to see nobody since my being in
this city (three days since), a few old friends excepted.
Count D'Estaing is gone to Spain to command the
united fleet, and France is increasing her navy, having
many fine ships on the stocks and almost ready for sea.
The number of ships wanted for the American service
in the West Indies, as well as on the Continent, has,
as I have been informed, prevented their grand fleet
from putting to sea, so early and in France, this sea-
son, as last, but they will soon have a superiority in
the European ocean. I am impatient to hear of the
operations of Mr. Ternay; no accounts are as yet re-
ceived from him since his sailing. The taking of New
York will give our affairs a happy turn, very much
depend on it. I have heard nothing from Mr. Bird;
shall write you again from Paris on our particular
affairs. Pray write by every opportunity, and freely,
under the cypher, which I have now no time to make
use of. My compliments to Mrs. Wilson, and be
assured, I am ever, with sincere friendship and respect,
Dear Sir, Yours &c.,
S. DEANE.
James Wilson, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
183
To PAUL JONES.
Nantes, August 8th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I had flattered myself with having
the pleasure of meeting you in France, and paying
you in person my compliments on the honor you have
acquired personally, and on the reputation you have
given to the American arms in Europe; but being
obliged to pursue my journey for Paris, am disap-
pointed, and can only assure you that no man enter-
tains a higher respect for your person and services,
which will, I am confident, meet with due honors and
rewards on your arrival in America. I cannot sup-
pose that you flatter yourself to escape without finding
among the base, the envious, and the interested part
of our countrymen, men who will not only refuse you
the justice due to your conduct and bravery, but will
attempt even to go farther. Such characters are to
be found in every nation, and in every climate. But
though, unfortunately, America has at this time rather
more than its proportion, yet I can with pleasure
assure you that when I left America, there was but
one sentiment common to all parties respecting you,
and but one voice, which was what gave pleasure to
your friends.
I have taken the liberty of troubling you with a few
letters to my friends in America, which, on your
arrival, please to send to the post office; or, if at
Philadelphia, give them to our mutual friend, Mr.
Morris. Should any accident happen fatal to your
safe arrival, I desire they may be destroyed.
Wishing you a short and agreeable passage, I have
the honor to be, with the most sincere respect and
attachment,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
I shall be happy to hear of your success, and at all
times to render you any services in my power. A
184
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letter to care of Doctor Franklin will come safe to
hand.
Capt. Paul Jones.
TO SAMUEL AND J. H. DELAP.
Nantes, August 8th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, Mr. Harrison of Virginia sent me the
inclosed letters, invoices, and orders a few days before
I sailed, to which I replied that on my arrival at Bor-
deaux I should deliver them to you when I did myself
the honor of writing to you from Rochelle. I had not
these papers at hand, being packed up with my bag-
gage. I now send them forward, and pray you to
execute Mr. Harrison's orders. You will see that the
blankets wanted are of the coarse and common sort.
I hope, therefore, the proceeds of the tobacco may
be sufficient; if not, it will be best to make an equal
deduction on each article ordered. I shall go on for
Paris on Sunday, where I hope to have the pleasure
of hearing from you. Meantime I have the honor to
be,
S. DEANE.
Yours, &c.,
Messrs. Samuel & J. H. Delap,
Bordeaux.
Thomas Mss.
TO WILLIAM DUER.
Thomas Mss.
Nantes, August 8th, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,-Having been but a few days on
shore, I am not informed of particulars of which you,
as well as I, wish to be ascertained; I arrived the 28th
ulto. at Rochfort, and am here on my way to Paris,
and shall go on Sunday at farthest. You are sensible
how little dependence is to be placed on the news of
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185
3
2
1
the day in the out ports of this Kingdom, and there-
fore will excuse my entering on a detail of what is
reported and believed to-day, to be contradicted per-
haps to-morrow. In general I do not find that pros-
pect of peace which I flattered myself with. England,
though lately shaken to its center by internal commo-
tions, tho' without one ally, and tho' the Northern
maritime powers appear confederating to oppose her
sovereignty on the ocean, seems to increase her haughti-
ness, and her national spirit rises in proportion to the
dangers which threatens; in short, all parties are to
appearance resolved on prosecuting the war at all
events, and the only real dispute is, in reality, who shall
direct.
The late violences in London have issued in favor
of the Ministry. The horrid excesses and barbarities.
committed by the mob in London, under the name of
the Protestant Associations, have destroyed all the
associations in England, and cast a disgrace, however
unjust, on the very name of associations for the pres-
ent. Tho' the national debt of England is now at least
200 million sterling, the Minister raises money without
any perceptible difficulty, and stocks are higher than
they were two years since. The naval force necessary
in the West Indies and North America to give France
a decided superiority there, has given the English fleet
and cruisers an opportunity of keeping the sea this
season in Europe; they have greatly distressed the
trade. We escaped them by good fortune, in thick
weather, much to the surprize of our friends here.
Compte D'Estaing has gone to Spain to take command
of the united fleets, which will be unquestionably supe-
rior to the enemy, and we impatiently expect to hear
of something capital from the forces carried out by
Monsr. Terney in concert with General Washington.
The navy of this Kingdom is rapidly augmenting in
number, and I am credibly informed that by the close
of the year they will have upwards of eighty ships of
the line in commission, most of them fine new ships;
186
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!
t
all this effected without any new impositions on the
subjects, demonstrates the immense resources of this
Kingdom, and will, I hope, bring our enemies to reason
e'er it be long. As I shall write you from Paris, excuse
my adding any thing more to this of a public nature;
for our private concern I will say one word.
[Cipher translated.] The loss of Charlestown and
the situation of the southern states have done us great
injury in France and in Europe, but the resolves of
Congress of the 18th of March have given the death
blow to our national honor, and injured all. Espe-
cially the Letter of Congress of the 13th of September
last has been translated into French and spread. It is
now compared with our promises, and the more dis-
agreeable reflections made against us the more they
appear just. In short, the character and credit of it is
almost as low in Europe as in America. Jay is at
Madrid, but in a public character that can cautiously
assist any private attempts here at ventures as hinted.
Adams is nearly as unpopular as Lee at Paris, for
his manners are absurd.
Adieu.
1
Col. William Duer.
S. DEANE.
TO BENJAMIN HARRISON, Jr.
Thomas Mss.
Nantes, August 8th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—The fleet left the Fier Roderique off
the river Bordeaux, and finding myself obliged to
go on to Paris, I enclosed to Messrs. Delap your
orders respecting the proceeds of your tobacco, and
requested him to attend to them. The price of tobacco
is but dull at eighty livres, and with the difference of
weight and incident changes the net proceeds may be
inadequate to the whole of your order. I therefore
desired Messrs. Delap, should that be the case, to ship
you of every article in your order, to the amount of the
THE DEANE PAPERS.
187
net proceeds in proportion to the order given by you.
As you had not given a preference to any one article,
I judged this the most certain manner of answering
your expectation, and hope it will be agreeable. I
have nothing material to add, but to pray you to
present my compliments to your honored father and
family, to your spouse, and to be assured I am, with
sincere esteem, Dear Sir, Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Benjamin Harrison, Junr., Esqr.
[August 10th wrote Mr. Moylan, and inclosed the
above and the letter for Mr. Wilson, to be delivered to
Commodore Jones. S. D.]
TO CHARLES THOMSON.
Thomas Mss.
Nantes, August 8th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, -We arrived at Rochfort the 28th ulto.,
and I am now here, on my way to Paris; cannot there-
fore give you any thing in the political way until I can
obtain more certain intelligence than what is to be
met with here; in general there is no appearance of a
speedy peace, nor of any other powers engaging on
either side. The neutral powers are endeavoring to
form a confederacy for the protection of their com-
merce against the claims of Britain to search and de-
tain them if trading with the powers at war.
A con-
gress of ministers from all the Northern powers has
been proposed to be held at the Hague for this pur-
pose, but nothing has been done as yet, and in the
meantime the British ships search and detain neutral
vessells as formerly. Their fleet has kept the sea this
season, and greatly distressed the trade of this king-
dom. We narrowly escaped them by the favor of a
thick fog in the bay, where they had just before taken
great part of the inward bound West India men; this,
with their success in America, has increased their
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haughtiness, and they seem to defy Europe to unite
against them. Their stocks and public credit are
higher now than when I left France in 1778. It
appears that the theatre of the war will in future be
in America, the islands included, and that a superiority
there must finally decide the contest. We are impa-
tient to hear from Monsr. Terney, and our hopes are
principally grounded on the probability of his succeed-
ing, that is, as to affairs on the continent. Mr. Wil-
liams will send you by this ship the state of the account
of the articles he shipped you.
Please to present my
compliments to Mrs. Thomson, and to Mr. Dickinson
and lady; and be assured I am ever, with the most
sincere attachment and respect, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Charles Thomson, Esqr.
TO ISAAC MOSES.
1
"
S. DEANE.
-
Thomas Mss.
Nantes, August 9th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—I wrote you one line yesterday, just to
enclose a letter to my Brother; you will receive that
with this at the same time. I hear nothing of Mr.
Myers. As to Loan Office Certificates they will not at
present sell for any thing; possibly I may, however, do
something with them at Paris, for which I shall set
out in a day or two. I sent on your letter to Mr.
Delap, and wrote him on the subject, as I found it im-
possible for me to go that way at this time, without
great inconvenience. Tobacco was at 80 livres on
our arrival, which was the 28th ulto.; it has since
rather looked down from that. The most profitable
business from France at this time is to the West
Indies; sugar is 80 livres per ct., and I can but think,
with your connections at St. Eustatia, you may do
something worth your attention in that way. Capt.
Jones is the only vessel like to sail soon from these
parts. I hear there are several at Bordeaux, where I
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189
have wrote, and shall, as soon as I arrive in Paris, and
inform myself of the state of affairs, set myself to ful-
fil our engagements, in which I have no doubt of suc-
ceeding. If you can strike out a voyage in the sugar
way from St. Eustatia, I will take an interest to the
amount of five hundred pounds sterling, if my Brother
in Virginia is in a situation to supply the funds without
injuring his other concerns. The loss of Charleston,
and the damage done the trade of France by the
English fleet, and cruisers who have covered the sea
this season, have greatly discouraged the merchants;
but as to the American commerce, the resolves of Con-
gress of March last have done us more hurt than every
other circumstance. As I am only on my journey I
defer writing more particularly untill I arrive at Paris,
where at the fountain head I shall be able to form a
better judgment; meantime I am, with sincere esteem,
Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S. [Cipher translated.]-Americans are at this
time in bad credit in England, and unless we vanquish
the English in Georgia, or do some thing about New
York, I fear peace is far off. The action of Congress
of March last has ruined our Credit and Character as
a nation and almost as individuals. It will be made a
national affair, and the Court of England will see pay-
ment done to the English merchants at all events.
Mr. Isaac Moses.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TO THE
Congress.
-X-
PRESIDENT OF
Passy, August 9th, 1780.
X
*
*
*
X
THE unexpected delay of Mr. Deane's arrival has
retarded the settlement of the joint accounts of the
commission, he having had the chief management of
1.90
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the commercial part, and being therefore best able to
explain difficulties. I have just now the pleasure to
hear that the Fier Rodrique, with her convoy from
Virginia, arrived at Bordeaux all safe, except one
tobacco ship that foundered at sea; the men saved;
and I have a letter from Mr. Deane that he is at
Rochelle; proposes to stop a few days at Nantes, and
then proceed to Paris, when I shall endeavor to see
that business completed with all possible expedition.
*
*
*
X
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., Wharton Ed., IV. 22.
X
*
To WILLIAM DUER.
Paris, August 23d, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—I wrote you the 8th from Nantes, and
finding the ship is not yet sailed, add to what I then
informed you of.
you of. Our contract for masts is accepted
of by the Minister, on condition that the three first
cargoes pass examination. I have been here but a
few days, and have seen him but once. I hope to get
the examination made in America, and shall write you
again in a few days at large on that subject. I have
written to Mr. Jay, and inclosed our friend Don Juan's
letter to the Minister, which I have prayed him to
deliver and obtain an answer. I doubt not it will be
favorable. The small bills you remitted to Mr. Chau-
mont to answer the bills you drew on him in favor of
La Fargue have every one of them been protested. I
shall return them, and must pray you to take them up
of my brother, as the disappointment has been very
hard on this poor man. I have taken my old lodgings
with Doctor Franklin, and do not find my character to
have suffered here by the abuse I met with in America
during my absence from France. Would to God I could
say as much for our country, but I still hope for better
times. Something may be done with Morris in Amer-
ica. I shall attend to the subject the moment Ban-
croft returns. Francy is now absent on account of his
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191
My
health, but is expected to return in five or six weeks,
by time I shall have arranged some other affairs.
compliments to Robert Livingston, Esqr. What I
have added you may shew them in confidence not men-
tioning me, for I know how ready most are in [cipher
translated] America to make public whatever is written
from hence. Our affairs are at present more critical, in
my opinion, than at any former period. We disagree
and quarrel with one another in America in everything;
except Franklin and Mr. Deane, only two of us Com-
missioners or Ministers, among all, have ever agreed,
and rarely any individuals. The enthusiasm with which
France embraced our cause and us at first, is gone,
and the resolutions of Congress of the 18th of March.
last irretrevably damned our credit and honor. Add
to this the success of England at sea, and the language
held by Lee and others, and especially by Adams,
who not only in private, but in his letters to the
Minister, has asserted that America is not obliged to
France, but the contrary, and that England will gladly
settle with us at any price. These and other circum-
stances justify what I say, and call for your serious.
reflections. Adams has gone so far that the Minister
has questioned several about his letter, and remon-
strated severely against these declarations, on which
he is gone to Holland. In a word, Adams is as obnox-
ious in France as Lee, tho' not so much despised by the
people at large. I see but few people to doubt the most
disagreeable of all secret actions-infidelity by our-
selves. I am daily confirmed in my opinion that a plot
is formed and now executing to defeat our treaty with
France, and return to England on the best terms we
can, and that Adams and Lee are in it. Why, other
ways, would Adams wantonly risk a quarrel with
the people and Minister of France? That Adams
has done it is of public notoriety. The Ministers.
letters condemn it in strong terms; I have seen them,
and why does Adams go to Holland at this time? In
short, we are now in a very suspicious and disgraceful
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light. Our national credit is lost, and unless something
decisive is done this year against New York, the
English will succeed, and defeat our army. Mark the
event. Heaven grant I may prove a false prophet.
Jay and Carmichael are in Madrid, but in public
characters. Spain will not at present do anything,
and our credit is too low for a market any where. The
merchants in France execrate Congress, and lay more.
on that body than they deserve.
Adieu.
Col. William Duer.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Paris, August 23d, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I am very apprehensive lest my inat-
tention may have led me to commit an error in speak-
ing to you of the goods sent out to my brother, by
Mr. Ridley. As I never heard my brother mention
that gentleman's name, nor say any thing of goods
received on your account, I was induced to conclude
he had received none. After taking leave of my
brother at Williamsburg, he sent me a bundle of
papers, wrapped up and bound with a tape, super-
scribed "Papers of Simeon Deane." Supposing them
to be papers relative to his particular concern, I put
them away among other files without examining. On
opening my papers here, I find the inclosed, left, as
you will see, open for my perusal. You will see that
my brother received but one trunk, and that the prop-
erty of Mr. Mollier, which accounts for his not having
mentioned to me his having received any goods of
yours. I am extremely sorry for this accident, by
which you did not receive the letters and papers de-
signed for you, when I was at Nantes, but as they
will still be in season for your orders by Commodore
Jones, hope that no damage will ensue. I delivered
the letter for Mr. Alexander, and had the pleasure of
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193
•
dining with him on Sunday with Doctor Franklin,
with whom I lodge. When you are at leisure you will
remember my account and that of my brothers, to
draw them out; the letter I wish you to send on to
him, with your orders, by Commodore Jones, and dupli-
cates, as it is important he should be informed how to
proceed with the effects in hand. I have nothing new
to write, but with best compliments to Mrs. Williams
and Miss Alexander to assure you I am, with the most
sincere attachment and esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Compliments to Captains Green and Robinson; tell
the latter that Comm. Gillon has got the ship from
Amsterdam out to sea.
J. Williams, Esqr., Nantes.
To MR. HOLKER.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, August 23d, 1780.
DEAR SIR, -I parted with your son in Philadelphia
the last of November past, and left America the 9th
June. As I passed the winter and spring in Virginia,
I brought no letters from him, nor can give you any
news of him later than what you must already have
received. He met with a misfortune last winter by fire,
but his loss was not so considerable as was at first
apprehended, although I doubt not you have already
been informed; yet I cannot refuse myself the pleasure
of assuring you that he was very happily situated and
universally esteemed and caressed by the good people
in America, in Philadelphia in particular, where I
passed the most of my time in the same circle with
him, as agreeably as the circumstances of the country
would possibly admit of. I am told that you will prob-
ably be in Paris soon. When I promise myself the
pleasure of embracing you, and acquainting you with
VOL. IV.-13
194
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ー
​many things, which, though not of immediate impor-
tance, will not be disagreeable to you to hear; in the
meantime I pray you to present my compliments to
your spouse, and to be assured that I am
Yours, &c.,
Mr. Holker, Rouen.
TO CONRAD A. GERARD.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, August 23d, 1780.
DEAR SIR,— I flattered myself with having the pleas-
ure of meeting you here, recovered from the ill state
of health in which you left America, as well as from
the fatigues of your unfortunate voyage, but am con-
soled under the disappointment with the hopes that
leisure and retirement will soon re-establish and restore.
your health, and that I shall soon have the honor of
waiting on you here, and of paying you my respects
in person; in the meantime I congratulate you on you
being so fortunate as to arrive safe at last, notwith-
standing the misfortunes of your voyage. I left Phil-
adelphia the last of November, and was detained in
Virginia by the severity of the winter, which prevent-
ing us from loading or repairing our ships; it was
the 9th of June before we left York, and the 14th
when we got to sea. I cannot, therefore, give you
any news from America of a public nature with which
you are not already acquainted. Our friend Don
Juan died suddenly at the camp where he was on a
visit to General Washington. Mr. Gouverneur Mor-
ris, by the oversetting of a phaeton, fractured his leg
so that an amputation was necessary. He was recov-
ering. Our friends in Philadelphia were well, and de-
lighted with Chevalier Luzerne, who, I find by letters
from Mr. Morris and others, has at once succeeded
you in office, and in the respect and affection of Amer-
ica, and it is impossible that he should merit or enjoy
-
S
-
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195
greater than what fell to you, and which must ever be
preserved for you. I sent forward, by the favor of
your brother, a letter from Mr. Wilson, who acquainted
me with the subject; if any resolution has been taken
upon it, I pray to have the honor of transmitting it
to him as early as possible. I have taken my former
lodgings at Passy, where any letter you shall honor me
with will find me. Praying for the speedy re-establish-
ment of your health, I have the honor to be
Yours, &c.,
Monsr. Gerard.
TO JOHN JAY.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, August 23d, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,-I have been in town since Saturday
last, and now improve the first courier to open afresh
our correspondence. We received accounts in Amer-
ica, before my sailing, of your misfortunes in the
confederacy, your putting in to Martinico and subse-
quent safe arrival in Spain, and I now beg leave to
assure you I felt sensibly for you in every stage of
your adventures, and most sincerely congratulate you
and Mrs. Jay on your safe arrival, and on the addition
to your family which Doctor Franklin informs me you
have been blessed with. I left Philadelphia early in
December, and was detained in Virginia by the sever-
est winter ever known in America, and its conse-
quences until the 9th of June, when we left York, and
on the 14th got out to sea; the winter was so extreme
that the great bays of Chesapeake and Delaware
were frozen over, and coaches crossed from Annapolis
to Kent Island, and to Baltimore, as on solid ground.
This prevented our ship from either loading or repair-
ing until spring. From this circumstance you will
not expect from me any thing relative to the state of
American affairs later than what you must already be
?
196
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in possession of. The news of the surrender of
Charleston, the only event of importance since you
left America, was received, but on the day on which I
embarked; cannot, therefore, form any opinion what
effects it may have on the minds of the people at
large. Their spirits were greatly raised with the
expectation of the arrival of Mr. Ternay's squadron
and the troops. They were not, I find, arrived, at
least in New England, the 27th of June. I have
taken my old lodgings with Doctor Franklin. My
meeting with him and my other friends here has given
me the most sincere pleasure; and, being happily freed
from every political concern whatever, hope, that
whilst I enjoy the society of my friends here, my
enemies in America will forget me. Though, as I can
never forget my friends there, my anxiety for their
fate can but abate the pleasure which I enjoy from the
friendly reception I have met with here. Our late
worthy friend, Don Juan, died a few weeks before I
sailed. On my parting with him last fall, he gave me
the inclosed letter, under a flying seal, as it was pos-
sible I might have delivered it myself. It is on a sub-
ject of very great importance to me and those inter-
ested with me. I must, therefore, pray you to deliver
it in person in the state it is, or sealed, as you shall
judge most proper, and that you will inform me of the
reception it meets with, in your letters, under cover
to Doctor Franklin. Mr. Adams is still in Holland,
whither on a voyage of business or pleasure is
unknown. I expect to go that way this fall, and
southward in the winter. Wherever I may be, your
letters, directed as above, will be sure to find me, and
can never fail to give pleasure to one who so highly
esteems and respects you, and who values himself so
much on your friendship. I remember that I gave
you a cypher; I have with me the duplicate, but do
not use it in this, not knowing whether you have pre-
served yours. Indeed, I have nothing at this time
which requires me to make use of it, except my
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197
opinion of our political situation, and that is but
poorly worth troubling you with; but as your friend-
ship has set some value on it, and as a bystander often
sees as much of the game as those who play, I am
free, when it can be safely done, to open my senti-
ments to you on the subject with that unreservedness
what true friendship requires, and which our common
interest in the fate of our country calls for; and confi-
dent that they will not be communicated to any other
person, I shall on that subject write to you, not as to
a Minister, but as to a Friend. I pray you to present
my best respects to Mrs. Jay, and to accept my best
wishes for your mutual happiness.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
Mr. Jay,
Madrid.
TO JAMES Wilson.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, August 23d, 1780.
My mag ka
DEAR SIR, I wrote you the 8th from Nantes, to
which refer. I have been in Paris a week, and my
sentiments given you in my last are confirmed. I
have seen the Ministers and have taken my old lodg-
ings with Doctor Franklin. The letter from our late
friend Don Juan to the Minister, I send on this day
with a letter to Mr. Jay. I hope to succeed, as the
proposals made here on the same subject have been
approved of. I have not had time, from the number
of visits I have been obliged to make, to enter on the
subject of lands, except generally, and can only say I
think the prospect good. I have sent on your letter
to Mr. Gerard, and written to him myself on the sub-
ject. He is in Alsac for the benefit of his native air
and the waters, but his Brother, who has succeeded him
here, and to whom I gave your letter, assures me he
will return in about six weeks. I shall inform you as
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soon as any thing is done. We have nothing new, but
are impatient to hear from the West Indies and from
you. Mr. Adams is in Holland, whither on a journey
of business or pleasure is uncertain; but I am sorry to
find him (tho' by no means my friend) viewed here in
so disagreeable a light as he is. He has firmly at-
tached himself to Arthur Lee & Co., and invariably
promotes to the utmost of his power the ambitious and
dangerous views of the junto. He has given Doctor
Franklin and the Minister much trouble, and rendered
himself odious to the merchants; in short, he openly
declares that America is under no obligations to
France, but the contrary, which if it were as true as it
is the reverse, would be a very unpopular and impoli-
tic language. No prospect of peace at present. Shall
give you early notice of what passes here of impor-
tance. I cannot conclude without telling you that the
friendly and kind reception I have met with in France,
in a great measure ballances my sense of the treatment
I met with from my enemies in America. I pray my
compliments to Mrs. Wilson and to the friendly circle
we were so happy in, and be assured that I am, with
the most sincere attachment, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
James Wilson, Esq.
TO ISAAC MOSES.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, August 27th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—I wrote you from Nantes the 8th, and
have now been in this city a week. Nothing new has
occurred since my last. Moses Myers has not been
here, nor do I hear any thing from him, which surprizes
me greatly. There is no prospect of peace at present;
much depends on the issue of this campaign in Amer-
ica. I find what I wrote you from Nantes to be true
as to our affairs here. Loan Office Certificates are of
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199
Im
no value at all. I design to go for Holland in about
three weeks, and shall endeavor to ship from thence to
St. Eustatia some goods of which will give you season-
able notice. I have met with a reception here as
kind and generous as it was cruel and ungrateful in
America. I have been here but a week, which I have
spent in visiting my old friends, and have been twice
to see the Minister. As I have many letters to write,
have neither time nor a subject to enlarge on, but am,
with sincere attachment, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S. [Cipher translated.]—Our affairs are in the
most dangerous position. Our credit is gone entirely.
The power of England and Spain has raised greatly.
The power of France little or nothing. The French
fleet having been on the coast of England through
the summer, has retired and disbanded, and even in
the
of England the prices of funds are higher
than at the beginning of the war, and the English do
not propose peace. The merchants in England are
tired of the war. Mr. Adams has given great umbrage
to the Court, and offended by his conduct and his lan-
guage, and is gone to Holland in anger. More mis-
chief, indeed, or than Lee made here, is impossible.
From these hints form your judgement.
S. D.
Mr. Isaac Moses.
TO THOMAS MUMFORD.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, August 28th, 1780.
D
DEAR SIR, I received yours by your nephew, who
arrived at Paris some days before me, and most sin-
cerely congratulate you and sister Nanny on your
happy union. I esteem no persons more, and my esteem
being grounded not on accident, but on long and inti-
mate acquaintance, I have wished to see you united
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-
ever since your situation has been such as to permit
the same. May you be long happy in each other. I
am sure that you will, and that you will remember one
whose first wish and prayer is that you may be so. I
have many letters to write, and arrived in town but a
few days since, and having many visits to pay and re-
ceive, must excuse my not writing to your brother and
other friends in your neighborhood; be so kind as to
make an apology for me to them. Your nephew has
been sick of the fever and ague ever since his arrival,
but is now recovering. I really know not how to dis-
pose of him. It is impossible to place him in any rep-
utable house, without a sum of money, which I have
no orders, nor am in circumstance to advance; and
unacquainted with the language, or with accounts, he
can be of no service to me, and to send him back,
besides the disappointment and loss of time, will ex-
pose him to be made a prisoner, as very few vessels
escape the vigilance of the enemy, who at this time.
seem to cover the ocean in Europe. Our fleet escaped
by the greatest good fortune imaginable; first, by
thick weather off Cape Finisterre, and afterwards by
falling in with the land off Rochfort, not twelve hours
after the enemy had left the ground with several
prizes they had made within sight of the land. The
approbation which my well intended and faithful ser-
vices have met with from you, Mr. Hosmer, and a
few others, gives me great pleasure; and I must assure
you that the ingratitude and abuse I have met with
gives me no pain in comparison of what I feel at a
view of the desperate situation into which our affairs.
are brought by a set of men who, to promote their
private and sinister views, and to wound me, have
plunged daggers in the heart of our country. I do
not speak from personal chagrin, disappointment;
those sensations are in a great measure worn off, even
by the repetition of calumny, ingratitude, and abuse
which I have met with; and a man conscious of his
own integrity, and of having rendered his country the
1
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201
most essential services, such as have been acknowl-
edged and approved by the greatest monarch and the
first personages in Europe, requires but little aid from
philosophy to look down on and despise the malig-
nant envy and base ingratitude of any men or set of
men whatever. The abusive treatment I have met
with in America has done me no injury here. Would
to God I could say as much of my country! But
when an enlightened and generous people, attentive
to, and in some degree jealous of, our motions and
affections, find the man who put all to the hazard, who
laboured incessantly, and with success, to ally France
with America, received at first, on his return, with
coldness and neglect, and finally with indignity and
insult, they cannot avoid drawing the most unfavour-
able conclusions; especially when they add to this
the stile and conduct of but too many Americans on
both sides the water; on this side, of those even in the
highest posts of trust and confidence. Must it not at
once excite the surprize, if not the indignation, of a
French man, to hear an American plenipotentiary, sent
over to negociate a peace, declare in public, and with-
out reserve in his conversation, and even in his letters
to the Minister, that America owed no obligation to
France for their interposition? Similar to this has
been the language of two others, formerly Ministers
from Congress in Europe, and who, after rendering
themselves odious and contemptible here beyond what
you can have any conception of, are embarked for
America. Their character, indeed, has long since been
so well known here, that their stile of speaking could
have but little influence on the minds of people; but it
receives weight when enforced by a person of high
reputation in America for his political abilities and
patriotism, and who took an early and distinguished
part in our affairs. In short, my dear friend, the im-
pudence of these men, to say no worse of it, has
wounded us most essentially here, whilst the resolu-
tions of Congress of March last, and the general com-
Ad
202
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plaint of the merchants here of their losses by the
depreciation, and of the want of faith in Congress to
redeem their bills, have effectually ruined our credit,
public, as well as private; and I am sorry to tell you
a melancholy truth, that an American is now as un-
popular in France as they and their cause were popu-
lar when I left it two years since. There is no loan
made, nor a probability, scarcely a possibility, of one
in Europe. The trade of this kingdom has suffered
so greatly that insurance can scarcely be made at any
rate. And as men who suffer often are unjust in
their complaints, presuming on the right of a sufferer
to complain, so, too, many in this case charge every
thing to the American war. As I shall not by this
vessel write to any other of my friends in your circle,
I will be the more particular to you, confident you
will not misuse my freedom to you by communicating
this to any but those on whose prudence you can
rely, and that you will not let any part of it be made
public.
An armed neutrality is proposed between the Mari-
time Powers at Peace, and if credit is to be given to
public reports, it is near a conclusion; yet England
continues to stop and search and detain neutral ves-
sels trading to France or Spain. As formerly, that
nation at this moment acts a part equally surprizing
and unaccountable. At war with France, Spain, and
America; without one ally or friendly nation, Portu-
gal excepted; and menaced by the rest of the Mari-
time Powers in Europe, they do not relax in the least,
but assume an higher tone in proportion as the
number of their enemies increases. Their trade has
suffered but little, comparatively. Their stocks are
higher than they were two years ago, and the Ministry
find less difficulty in raising money. They have made
captures to an immense amount, and in the East
Indies command every thing at pleasure. The spirit
of the nation (though divided, and lately shaken to its
centre by the most violent and extraordinary commo-
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203
tion known in Europe for a century past), it is at the
highest pitch, and no call for peace, not even among
their merchants. These are facts which surprize me,
and I can neither explain or account for them easily
at this time. On the other hand, the resources of
France are naturally immense; and by the manage-
ment of a great financier, Mr. Necker, the whole
expence of the war has been hitherto defrayed with-
out one shilling charge or imposition on the people,
meerly by his economy. This demonstrates the
ability of France, and to what a length they may con-
tinue the war. They are increasing their navy with new
ships, building in all their ports. This seems to shew
as if, in the end, they must run their fierce and high
spirited rivals out of breath. To me there appears
every degree of probability that this must be the case
at last, but it is, at any rate, certain that peace is at a
distance; the favourable moments for effecting so
desirable an object have been trifled away; worse,
they have been murdered by low, pitiful intrigues and
cabals at Philadelphia. But time past is irrevocable;
the present only is ours, and it is now the time to look
forward, as well as round about us and within our-
selves, to rectify the horrid mismanagement our
affairs have been under; to quit at once that pitiful,
poor, temporizing system of expedients which has
rendered our credit, our faith, honor, and character
as a nation so low, and to adopt a different one.
If
you ask what, I say exactly the reverse of the two last
years conduct in almost every instance, and to act as
well resolve with vigor. When I left France two years
since, I little thought it possible that in so short a
space we could sink so low in the estimation of the
world here, as well as with ourselves. Most surely it
never was in the power of our foreign enemies to have
caused it. The cause has existed; it has originated
among ourselves, not from the professed tories or
concealed internal enemies; they never were of conse-
quence enough, either in number or ability, to effect
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it; but our wealth, our wicked and interested manag-
ers have brought it about, and I charitably and firmly
believe a majority of them, without intending it;
their attention was too much fixed on their petty
private objects to regard any thing else, much less to
foresee the fatal consequences of their conduct to their
country. Since then the causes of our evils have
originated among ourselves; it is in ourselves only
that the remedy is first to be searched for and applied.
If by our future conduct we acknowledge that we have
not virtue and resolution equal to this, the impartial
world will judge us deserving of whatever fate we may
meet with. For myself, I have done my duty and
served my country faithfully, disinterestedly, and with
success, whilst permitted to serve her. A conscious-
ness of this alleviates the pain I feel at the prospects
before us, though it cannot remove them entirely
whilst her interests and honor lye the nearest my
heart of any consideration whatever. If I were dis-
posed to be vain, I would draw a comparison between.
the situation and character of our affairs during the
two years I was in public employ and the two last
years which have succeeded; but I am not at present
inclined to justify myself or confound my enemies by
exhibiting the mournful contrast; it will better bear
the view at some future period. Besides, I have no
necessity to do this, as the comparison is daily made
in France by persons whose stations have enabled
them to attend impartially to the whole of our history.
You will excuse the length of this letter. Our country,
I know, is dear to you, and you are not afraid to
examine into its true situation and prospects. It is
no less dear to me. Though exiled and ungratefully
driven from it, and though I had resolved that in
future I would neither write nor, if possible, think on
our political affairs, and to attend solely to what I
have too long neglected, my private, yet my prevail-
ing passion bears down my resolution when I think
of America.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
205
For news I have none worth sending. All are in
expectation of some great event in America. In
Europe nothing general or decisive will be done this
season, nor any change in the general system, unless
the proposed armed neutrality lay the grounds for
one. If it should, as it is probable, the effects will not
be sensibly felt until another year. I accept with
affection your appellation of brother, and with my
best wishes for you and sister Nanny's mutual felicity,
I am, my Dear Sir,
Most sincerely yours,
S. DEANE.
I lodge with Doctor Franklin. Your letters directed
to his care will come safe to hand.
Thomas Mumford, Esq.
Thomas Mss.
TO SIMEON DEANE.
Paris, August 28th, 1780.
Dear Brother,—This is my third since my arrival.
[Samuel Wharton] having left Paris a little before I
got in, I had no time to settle with him; by Doctor
Bancroft's account he owes me a ballance of about five
hundred pounds sterling, or something over this sum.
Doctor Bancroft has ordered him to pay to you, on
my account, and I have written to him on the same
subject. I shall probably, in the course of the fall,
send you effects to amount of as much more. I wish
you, therefore, to persue the plan I proposed to you
of getting a good stand at Norfolk for a house, store,
and wharf, and if you can purchase one or two hundred
acres of good land in the neighborhood, to do it; if
heavy timbered the better. I shall go to [Holland]
this fall, and by the description given me of the mills
we talked of, they may be erected with little expence,
and must be of great profit. I shall carefully examine
and take a model of them. Meantime I think it will be
wise in you to extend your interest in the lands near
your old hiding place, if to be done on good terms,
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THE DEANE PAPERS.
but by no means purchase confiscated states; my opin-
ion of them is worse than ever. Mr. Williams by his
marriage is become heir to a part of Sproul's estate, and
is preparing to claim it. Claims will be made in great
numbers immediately on a peace, and I am convinced
that a restoration will take place of a great part at
least of them. The measure is not popular in Europe,
and at best is considered as precipitate, and looking
like a desire of plunder. I met my son well and finely
grown, and well advanced in his exercises for the
French tongue; he speaks and writes it perfectly well.
I have not yet resolved where I shall fix him, but
probably it will be at Geneva. I wish Mr. Ross could
get the falls at Richmond intirely into his hands.
I would take an interest, and, residing in Europe, as I
must for sometime, could send him out workmen to
render the affair of that importance it is capable of.
If you purchase as I have advised, let me know, and
send exact descriptions and surveys to me, as also of
the lands you proposed laying your certificates on.
It will be well to inform yourself in season of the
proprietors of the Dismal, what are their boundaries
and title, and what value they set upon it; for if the
other proposed scheme answers, those lands must be
valuable, and I have no inclination at present to labor
only for others, having sufficiently suffered already
by that. You must not expect any news from us of
any importance this season, though we shall be
greatly disappointed if you send us none from America.
If the proposed Neutrality Armed take place, it
will greatly change the course of commerce in Europe,
and even in America; for if Great Britain will not
venture on a war with Russia, Sweden, Denmark, and
Holland, they must admit them to trade freely with
the nations of war. This may produce great conse-
quences. A temporary advantage will certainly result
to France and Spain, as by carrying on their commerce
in neutral bottoms, they can employ the whole of their
seamen in their fleet offensively. I say temporary, for
THE DEANE PAPERS..
207
I doubt much whither it can be a lasting one, since
the employing foreigners in their commerce strikes
at the main basis of their marine, their native seamen ;
for suppose the whole of the sailors of a nation put
on board a fleet, and the merchant ships employed to
consist intirely of foreigners, they make great efforts
for a time, but as soon as the seamen in the ships of
war fall off by sickness and accidents unavoidable in
war, where are the resources to supply their place? And
must not the marine itself, under this predicament, for-
midable as it may be at first, become weaker every day,
and finally sink to nothing, with the extinction of the
present crews, which cannot be recruited, but from
foreigners who will not serve, or if they would, might
not be worthy of being trusted. This is a part of the ill
consequences I apprehend from such a measure; but
too many Ministers are disposed to temporize in
Europe as well as America.
I
Sugar is 80 livres per ct. in France, a much better
trade than tobacco, or any other on the continent.
have written to Mr. Thomas Mumford on the subject.
If you can contrive a voyage, I would gladly take an
interest, but of this I will write you again soon. Mean-
time I hope you have taken settled lodgings some-
where, and that you take care of your health.
have seen Sabbatier fils and Desprez but once, and
then at dinner. I gave them your papers to translate,
and shall in my next be able to write you on that
subject.
I
Meantime I am, My Dear Brother,
Yours, &c.,
Mr. Simeon Deane.
TO BARNABAS DEANE.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, August 29th, 1780.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-I wrote you the 8th from
Nantes. Have been here about ten days; found my
son in health and well advanced in growth, as well as
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in his improvements of mind. I shall probably remove
him to Geneva this fall, to finish his education. If so,
shall fix him there for two or three years at least. I
received your letter from New London, of the 22d
June, by G. Mumford, in which you say "public faith
and credit are at an end." As you know how often I
foretold and lamented this whilst in America, and that
the finishing blow was given before I sailed, viz., on
the 18th of March last, you could not suppose you
informed me of any thing new; but as I saw your
name among others to a resolution to take the new
paper, equivalent to silver and gold, I fear you have
suffered by that patriotic resolve, and that the new
currency is rapidly following its predecessor. It is what
I have apprehended from the first; and if it descend
more rapidly, shall not be any way surprized. That a
single state or individual should have greater credit
standing alone than when united with twelve others,
each having the same security to give, and unitedly
pledged, is not to be expected at any time; but impos-
sible after they have unitedly failed, and advertised a
dividend of six pence in the pound. From the moment
I saw those resolutions, I was convinced of the effects
they would have in America, as well as in Europe.
The resolutions arrived before me; I am not, there-
fore, surprized, though extremely mortified to find our
public faith and honor, and the very name of an
American, made "a by word and reproach among the
nations." Read the circular letter of Congress of
Septem! last, and then say if we can complain of the
character which Congress then gave and fixed on their
constituents in case certain events took place, which
events, they by their subsequent conduct, laboured to
bring about, and were, unhappily for our country, suc-
cessful. Sebor has been sick ever since his arrival
here, but is recovering. This, with visiting old friends,
&c., has prevented my enquiring much about business,
and for news we have none, but daily expect to hear
of something important from America and the West
THE DEANE PAPERS.
209
Indies. I have taken my old lodgings at Passy, with
Doctor Franklin, to whose care address your letters,
and let me hear from you often, and be more particular
in your letters than you have hitherto been. Present
my compliments to all friends in the public as well as
private line. Tell the latter I remember them affec
tionately, and the former that I have long since
watched their motions vigilantly, and that unless they
leave off resolving and temporizing, and fall to acting
vigorously, they will inevitably ruin their country.
Remember me most Affectionately to our sister and
the family.
Adieu.
Mr. Barnabas Deane.
Mr. Samuel Wharton.
P. S.—I lodge with Doctor Franklin.
VOL. IV.-14
S. DEANE.
To SAMUEL WHARTON.
Paris, August 30th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-Doctor Bancroft does me the favor to
inclose this; he has shewn me the contents of his letters,
to which beg leave to refer you, and have only to add
that you will greatly oblige me by remitting the sum
mentioned in his, as early as you can, to my brother
Simeon Deane at Williamsburg in Virginia, to whom I
have wrote on the subject. It is a great disappoint-
ment to me not to have had the pleasure of meeting
you here, as it, with many other subjects might have
been adjusted and closed. Should you be detained
for any time at L'Orient, I will do myself the honor
of writing you again, and pray your answer to this and
your future correspondence. If you sail before I have
time to write to your brother Joseph Wharton, pre-
sent my compliments, and tell him I shall write by the
first opportunity. The post will be gone if I add more,
save that I am, with esteem and attachment, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Thomas Mss.
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THE DEANE PAPERS.
To TITUS HOSMER.
Passy, near Paris, Sept. 1st, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-I have written a long letter to our
mutual friend Mr. Mumford, which he will shew you.
I have attentively examined the state of affairs in
Europe since my arrival, and reviewed our past as
well as present situation, and weighed the probability
of what our future must be; and the result of the whole
with me is that our affairs have never been in a more
critical state than at this moment, and that nothing but
a speedy peace can prevent the most ruinous conse-
quences. Spain does not appear disposed to acknowl
edge our independence, or to take any part with us.
In alliance with France they have come into the war,
and will continue it as long as the latter shall choose;
but hitherto they have been of very little, I may say of
no actual service, further than what credit their name
has given to the war. France has, by the bold econom-
ical regulations of Mr. Necker, supported the war with-
out one shilling additional expence to the Kingdom,
and will continue to do so, for some time at least, so
that they will not begin to borrow, or lay new imposi-
tions, untill England must have contracted an immense
debt; what they are already burthened with exceeds
any thing ever known or heard of in the history of the
world, and, what is more astonishing, they still support
their credit and raise money without any apparent
difficulty. In a word, the war is now become, on the
part of France, a war of finance and credit, and not of
decisive measures and hardy enterprize; this, of course,
tends to continue the war for several years to come,
and to prevent our receiving any effectual supplies in
money from France, whilst our credit being ruined we
cannot obtain any from any other quarter. Admiral
Graves being superior in force to Mr. Ternay, it is
casy to form a judgment in general of the issue of this
campaign on the continent, and to foresee that nothing
decisive will happen with you any more than with us,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
2 II
and that we must turn over another leaf of the chapter
of accidents unless a peace can be effected in the win-
ter coming. The British fleet has been at sea, and on
the coasts of France and Spain, until lately; have
greatly distressed the trade of this kingdom; they are
now in port, and the equinox approaching, there is no
probability of any thing further this season.
The pub-
lic attention is fixed on the proposed armed neutrality,
and many form the most sanguine hopes from it. I
confess I am very doubtful, first, whither the confedera-
tion proposed among the neutral powers will take place,
and, next, as to the effects of it on the present contest.
It is true that a formidable Russian fleet, that is for
number, is now in the Downs. But if Russia was
really disposed to act an unfriendly part tow'rds Eng-
land, would she at once put her whole naval force
(which is the case) into the power of the latter?
When I reflect further, that celebrated as this Empress
is by the panegyrists of the day, that she has on sev-
eral important occasions shewn herself as subject to
whim and caprice as any of her sex, I can form no
judgment with any certainty as to the event. Mean-
time, we are literally without money or credit; our
army dwindled to almost nothing, and without the
necessary supplies of cloathing and stores, and no
effectual measures taken, or resources established to
recruit the first and to furnish the latter. When I re-
flect further on that indifference and langour which
prevailed when I left America, and on the rapid de-
cline which our credit and public character have been
both in Europe and with ourselves ever since I left
France, in 1778, I tremble for the consequences if the
war is continued. Ever since our alliance public meas-
ures have been so conducted, by the distraction and
weakness of our councils, that we have been and are
now realizing the fable of the giant and dwarf who
made an offensive and defensive league together against
their common enemy. The blows which scarcely drew
blood from the giant, by glancing only, lopped off a
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THE DEANE PAPERS.
leg or an arm of his dear little ally; and on their vic-
tory, whilst the giant in full vigor and exultation sung
Te Deum, the dwarf, without legs or arms, and with
but one eye left, lay almost breathless on the field.
But what need of all this to one whose humanity and
true patriotism considers an honorable peace as the
most desirable event that can possibly happen, and
how (you will ask me) can it be obtained? I cannot
attempt, especially in a letter, to be particular on this
subject, though I am fully convinced that a peace may
be obtained, honorable, advantageous, and satisfactory
to all parties if the present crisis is improved, and if
wisdom and prudence preside in the negociations; but
if a haughty, menacing language is held on our part
towards even those who have assisted us in our dis-
tress, with a refusal to acknowledge favours received
from them, our allies will be justly displeased, our
enemies will improve the circumstances, and our fate
will be duly merited and inevitable. I refer you to
Mr. Mumford on the subject, and will only add that a
negociation for peace, situated as affairs are in Europe
and with us, is at once a most arduous and delicate
undertaking, and to succeed in it requires the art and
address of a courtier as much as the firmness of an old
republican; and that one who has not made it his great
object to soften and conciliate, to yield, and in degree
to conform himself, at least to give way for a time to
the passions, the vanity, and even the follies of those
he treats with, and who has not learned and practised
that first lesson for a negociator of peace under our
circumstances, to win his way by yielding to the tide,
has not the least chance of succeeding. Would to
God I could write on a more agreeable subject, but
what lies nearest, and with the greatest weight on my
heart (in spite of all my resolutions never further to
interest myself in public affairs) will dictate to my pen
whilst writing to my friends; and when I reflect on the
cruel situation to which we are reduced by the weak-
ness of some and the wickedness of others of a cabal
THE DEANE PAPERS.
213
equally known and execrated by both of us, I forget
the ungrateful and indignant returns I have met with
by their accursed intrigues and artifice, by which they
have involved the affairs of our country in greater diffi-
culties and distress than of my own in particular. I
have taken my old lodgings with Doctor Franklin, and
I shall be happy to receive a letter from you, which,
directed to his care, will find me, though I
may be
elsewhere at the time, as I propose a journey to Hol-
land this fall on my private business.
Present my
compliments to Mrs. Hosmer, and accept my best
wishes for your mutual happiness and that of your
rising family. I am, with the most sincere esteem and
friendship, Dear Sir, your most Obedt. Humble Servt.,
S. DEANE.
P. S.—I found my son well grown, and he speaks
and writes French perfectly well. He lives near me
at present. Doctor Bancroft lives in my neighbor-
hood, agreeably situated and much esteem'd.
Mr. Hosmer.
Thomas Mss.
To ROBERT MORRIS.
Passy, near Paris, Sept. 2d, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-Yours of the 3d of July I received
yesterday. I wrote you from Nantes the 8th instant,
and Mr. Ross not being gone, this may probably come
to hand at the same time. I have resolved, as often
as you can have done, not to meddle with or write
on political affairs, but having fewer private ones on
hand, I have broken my resolutions oftener.
But on
reflection I find such resolutions, taken in their fullest
extent, inconsistent with the duty we owe our country,
as private citizens, and with what we owe to ourselves.
You ought, considered simply as an American citizen
and merchant, to be well informed of such political
movements and events as effect the interests of our
214
THE DEANE PAPERS.
country and its commerce, without which you will not
be always master of the subject when you may have
an opportunity of serving the former, or of taking
benefit from the latter. I believe you will agree with
me in this, and this I will make in future the rule for
my political observations to you in my letters. You
will learn from Mr. Ross and others from hence, that
Loan Office Certificates are in no kind of credit in
France; that the very worst construction has been
made of the resolutions of Congress of March last; and
that, in consequence, public credit is gone, and private
very low, that no loan has been made; that there is
but little prospect, and hardly a possibility, of one;
that there is greater probability of a continuance of
the war than of a speedy peace; for that our enemy
seems to assume a higher stile in proportion to the
number of their opponents and their danger. These
facts you will be informed of, with many others; but
these you may rely on, and they may be of use in
your private, as well as public, concerns.
I have kept
copies of all my letters to you, and of the postscript,
among the rest, of the 15th April last. I am happy
to find our sentiments agree. I have only touched on
that subject since my arrival, but have found nothing
unfavorable, or that has given me cause to doubt of
success, in that way, but to the contrary. I will digest
my thoughts on this subject after making some further
enquiries, and write you particularly on it in a few
days. Mr. De Francy set off for Bordeaux a few
days after his arrival at Paris. I have the same.
opinion of him as you express, except that I do not
find that the pleasure and diversions of Paris have
much hold on him when business calls; this trait will
not lessen his character with you more than with me.
I have been so happy as to meet Doctor Franklin,
Mr. Chaumont, Mr. Beaumarchais, and the rest of my
good old friends here, in perfect health; this, with the
kind reception I have met with from them, has given
me the most sincere pleasure, and is sufficient to make
THE DEANE PAPERS.
215
me forget in some degree what I met with from fac-
tion and cabal elsewhere. I shall not have time by
this conveyance to write Mr. Holker. Present my com-
pliments to him, and tell him I received a letter from
his father yesterday from Dieppe, where he had re-
ceived one from me on his journey to St. Omers and
Dunkerque, from the last of which he will return by
Paris, to drink, as he says, a hearty bottle with me, and
enquire after Jack, from whom he complains of not
having received any letters for a long time. It cannot
be from any neglect of our friend, but people here do
not take into consideration the difficulties in the way
of our correspondence between the two countries. I
am rejoiced to hear of your success in commerce; if
knowledge and industry in business, and a generous
application of the profits resulting, entitle a man to
succeed, you must surpass any man I ever knew, which
I wish you to do, not on the consideration of wealth
meerly, but for the pleasure you will thereby enjoy
in being able to promote the ease and happiness of
others, whilst you provide for those whom nature and
affection have so nearly connected with you. As "an
honest man is the noblest work of God," so a well-
informed, extensive, and generous merchant is un-
questionably the most beneficial to the world, and he
may with great justice say:
"For forms of government let fools contest;
Whatever is best administer'd is best.
>>
-
I hope you will not charge me with pedantry for
having quoted a few lines which express my
express my sentiments
better, and in fewer words, than I am able to do myself.
The ravages of the enemy which you mention must
inevitably turn out to their own disgrace and disad-
vantage, but this does not take off the painful sensa-
tions we must feel for the present sufferers. As Mr.
Ross will inform you so much better personally, than
I can do by letter, of the present situation of commer-
cial and other affairs here, it is needless for me to
"
216
THE DEANE PAPERS.
enter on those subjects. I am now engaging on a full
settlement, or, rather, to state in a clear and simple
point of view every transaction I have been concerned
in, in Europe, and flatter myself that I shall get through
in a few weeks, in a manner that will justify your
good opinion of me; and the result I am confident will
not cause you or any others to blush for having been
my friends. The gentlemen whom you say I shall not
meet here, are probably by this time with you. I know
not what mischief they may cause in America, but in
France they have long since been held in too contempt-
ible a light to injure or prejudice any one. As the
only objection against me was my not having carried
out my accounts with vouchers, &c., it must be expected
they who joined in the complaint must produce on
their arrival the most ample and authentic accounts,
examined and certified by the Auditor of Congress
here, of the many thousand sterling they have received
for doing nothing, infinitely worse than nothing. The
fact is, they have never said one word to the Auditor
on the subject; how they will be treated time will
shew. I am not solicitous about it; my own affairs are
sufficient for me; but if Congress do not maintain a
consistent conduct toward all their servants, they will
stand justly chargeable with a partiality which will not
reflect honor on them; and it is with pain I assure
you they stand but too low already in the estimation of
the world here. Our friend Mr. Jay is at Madrid with
his family; have written to him, but there has not been
time to hear from him in return. He is in a private
character, and I hope enjoys that consideration and
respect which he merits so fully; but the cautious and
reserved conduct of those he has to attempt a negocia-
tion with, will, I fear, prove disagreeable and disgusting.
I will not say more lest I transgress the rule I have
myself prescribed as to politics. I have been twice at
Court, and shall go there occasionally, but on my pri-
vate affairs only, in which I shall succeed as to the
business of masts; but as it is impossible to obtain
THE DEANE PAPERS.
217
convoys, I fear little can be done at present, more than
to lay the foundation of something important, or a
year or two hence, as your land speculations will be
turned partly up the Delaware. I wish you to interest
me in any of them where the timber is to be had, in
pursuing the plan which I proposed in my postscript of
the 15th of April. The lands we may reserve to our-
selves may be those covered with this timber, and that
to the satisfaction of those who purchase of us the
residue; for the object of the purchasers will be fixed
on lands easily subdued, and capable of an early profit,
whilst we shall look to the future, as well as the present.
Among other bold measures of Mr. Necker, our great
financier, he has dissolved the Farmers General. I am
not well informed what system he will adopt in their
place, but probably such as will save us much expence
and imposition in our commerce in tobacco and other
articles in the same predicament. This man, though a
foreigner and protestant, is become absolute in the
finance department, which is the same as being entirely
and universally so; since he who commands the purse
has every thing in his power at court. His furnishing
money to equip the most formidable fleet France has
owned since the beginning of this century, and to sup-
port the war without any new tax or burthen laid on
the Kingdom, is at once a striking proof of his ability,
and of the dissipation of his predecessors in office. This
renders him dear to the nation; but as this immense
sum is saved out of what was formerly dissipated by
the dependants, agents, and servants of the court, he
must be feared and hated, rather than loved by them,
but he is become so necessary that he is secure. He
has dismissed lately, at one stroke, upwards of four
hundred household servants and officers of the King,
by which at least two hundred thousand pounds ster-
ling annual expence will be saved. By this you will
form some idea of the enormous and unnecessary
expences of royalty, and what abuses and embezzle-
ments had in the course of time crept in and been
218
THE DEANE PAPERS.
}
practised, as well as of the courage of the man who
has dared to make such a reform in what his predeces-
sors, even the most patriotic of them, never dared even
to examine, and in which the greater part of them
probably shared. I have only to wish that this great
man loved America better than I think he does; but I
am insensibly verging towards politics. I will there-
fore inclose you the Gazette, which our friend Holker
will explain to you. My compliments to Mrs. Morris,
and accept my constant wishes for your mutual happi-
ness. I am, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
I lodge with our venerable friend Doctor Franklin,
who seems to grow younger every day, and who
remembers and highly esteems you, though he seldom
writes to any one, except on special business.
Robert Morris, Esqr.
TO JOHN JAY.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Sept. 4th, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,—I wrote to you the 28th ulto., by
the courier from Versailles, and enclosed a letter for
the Spanish Minister, with a proposed contract, ap-
proved of and witnessed by our late friend Don Juan
Miralles], that I doubt not will arrive before this;
and though it is not time, as yet, for me to expect a
letter from you, I am very solicitous to have that
matter brought to an issue as soon as possible, and
therefore pray your kind attention to procure me
one as early as may be, that I may take the measures
necessary with my friends on the subject. We have
nothing new here worth sending to you; the late
capture has given much pleasure to us, but you had it
long before. I may, however, be permitted to con-
gratulate you on it, as I think the consequences will
THE DEANE PAPERS.
219
be greater than the event in itself, however consider-
able. I pray to be remembered most respectfully to
Mrs. Jay and Col. Livingston, and be assured I am,
with the most sincere attachment and esteem, my
Dear Sir, yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
I have a letter from Mr. Robert Morris, of the 3d
of July, you may have later, but I cannot omit say-
ing that all friends were then well.
His Excellency John Jay, Esqr.
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Sept. 4th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I wrote to you the 23d and inclosed
letters and accounts; but having received no answer,
I am apprehensive of some accident, knowing you to
be punctual in correspondence, as well as in other
matters. Pray, if you have not done it already, write
me by return of this post on that subject. The box
and other articles of baggage are still behind. Mr.
Richmond informs me of having received them and
sent them on to your care. I must pray you to en-
quire into the reason of their detention. La Farque
tells me his wife had sent on letters to him, just before
his arrival, directed to Nicholas La Farque in Phil-
adelphia; that the letters were sent to Nantes, per
post; they may possibly still lye in the office, and as
they contain some protested bills of exchange, I must
pray you to enquire if they still remain there, and if
so, to have them returned to my care. I wish also to
know in what time you expect to send off your stores
for America, and if I can obtain the freight of a few
tons of goods at the rate we talked of, or nearly at
that price. What I may want will be at most a meer
trifle of five or six tons. I pray you to present my
220
THE DEANE PAPERS.
compliments to Mrs. Williams and Miss Alexander,
and to accept of my best wishes for your prosperity.
I am, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. Jonathan Williams,
Nantes.
Mr. John Shee.
TO JOHN SHEE.
Paris, Sept. 4th, 1780.
SIR,—I received yours of the 23d of June last a few
days since, and am sorry to inform you that Loan
Office Certificates are in no demand in France, at any
rate. I wrote Mr. Nesbit on the subject, who informed
he could do nothing with them at L'Orient until some
change take place. They must remain unsold; but if
any opportunity offer me a possibility of complying
with your orders respecting them, they shall be com-
plied with. I have a prospect of doing something with
the shares of the Illinois and Wabash lands, but I fear
your limits are rather higher than they will go at.
The company limited theirs much lower, but I have
not as yet offered them. At any rate, choosing rather
to find how the mind of persons likely to adventure
stood effected towards such a speculation, I shall from
time to time acquaint you, through our mutual friends
Messrs. Morris and Wilson, of my proceeding in this
affair. I have, in the meantime, the honor to be, Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
GENTLEMEN,—I received
but a few days since; its
Thomas Mss.
TO MESSRS. FAIRHOLM AND LUTher.
Paris, Sept. 4th, 1780.
yours of the 10th ulto.
being directed to me at
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22 I
Nantes delayed its passage. I thank you for your
kind offers of service, and you may be assured that I
shall, as I did when in America, recommend your
house to my countrymen. But little can be expected
from thence in your way during the war.
On a peace
it will be considerable, and, I doubt not, you will have
a principal share.
I am, Gentlemen, most sincerely,
Yours, &c.,
TO ISAAC MOSES.
S. DEANE.
My compliments to Capt. Conklin, if not already
sailed; and if he should be delayed any time, I must
pray to be informed, that I may send a letter by him.
Messrs. Fairholm & Luther.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Sept. 7th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-In addition to what I have already writ-
ten you, observe the following for your direction:
[Cipher translated] The credit of France and Spain
is low in Europe. As to money, Spain obtained a
credit of the merchants last year of 800,000 Livres,
which was to be done by charging an interest bill until
the end of the war. The bills passed until a few days
since, when the merchants proposed to protest them.
Several have been returned. This has affected the
merchants in Europe, and it is hourly expected that
many of them will fail. This must be attended with
great loss and bad consequences; for, in a word, Spain
has neither money nor credit, and is as likely to
become bankrupt as Congress. This will surprize
you, and will not be believed in America, but it is
true. The French are exerting themselves to have
the bills of Spain protected, and its cred restored.
Possibly they may succeed, but credit lost is not easily
222
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any rate.
regained, and the loss will ruin many. This, with
other circumstances, renders our public concerns very
critical; and for our private ones, let me advise you
to be careful how you take any note on Europe, at
Communicate this to Myers in course.
dare not write to him, having no cypher, but he may
be put on his guard. Tell him I must depend on
remitting on his part. The price of French funds has
fallen on this event.
I
Mr. Myers left Amsterdam sometime since, as I
learn from Messrs. Fitzeau, Grand & Co., who have
written to me, but say nothing about the remittance.
of the schooners first cargo to St. Eustatia, which you
told was sent on, one third to my order. I am uneasy
about it, as the want, of it will disappoint me consid-
erably. Pray inform me how the last voyage turned
out, and send a state of it by several conveyances.
Use discretion in the above. I remain
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
To Isaac Moses.
TO FITZEAU, GRAND & Co.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Sept. 7th, 1780.
GENTLEMEN,—I received yours of the 1st, and am
happy to find that I shall so soon have the pleasure of
meeting Sir George Grand here, to which I shall refer
what I have to propose on several subjects. I pray
you to inform me, by the return of the post, if Messrs.
Samuel and Moses Myers of St. Eustatia, or Mr.
Isaac Moses of Philadelphia, have remitted any thing
to your house for my orders; they were to ship from
St. Eustatia 100 hogsheads of tobacco to your address,
the one third of which I was interested in. I have
also to pray you to forward the enclosed letter.
I
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223
尾
​propose to set out for Holland the last of this month,
but shall wait a little for the arrival of Sir George
Grand, as I wish to see him previously. I have the
honor to be with much respect, Gentlemen,
Yours, &c.,
Messrs. Fitzeau, Grand & Co.
S. DEANE.
Messrs. Samuel & Moses Myers,
St. Eustatia.
Thomas Mss.
TO SAMUEL AND MOSES MYERS.
I
Paris, Sept. 8th, 1780.
GENTLEMEN,-You will before this be informed of
my having been long detained in Virginia, by which I
was so unhappy as to miss finding Mr. M. Myers in
Europe on my arrival, which was about five weeks since.
As you have constantly opportunities of sending to
the continent, I shall take the liberty of troubling you
with duplicates of the letters, which I shall write direct
from hence, and pray you to give them to some per-
son of confidence bound for Philadelphia or Virginia,
with orders to destroy them in case of capture.
must also pray you to send me a copy of the schooner
Chance's first and second voyage. You will enclose
your letters to care of our mutual friends, Fitzeau &
Grand at Amsterdam. The uncertainty of any con-
veyance direct from Philadelphia, by which our friend
Mr. Moses might send me those accounts, makes me
request them of you, as you know me to be one third
interested. I pray also to be informed if the schooner
has been sold on her return to Philadelphia the last
time, or what has been her fate. I shall write you
again in a few days; meantime I am
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
224
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FROM JOHN JAY.
St. Ildefonso, Sept. 8th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—If I could easily be angry with an old
friend, I should be so with you.
Your silence is un-
kind, and the more so as you might probably have
communicated things useful, as well as entertaining.
Before we parted in America, you gave me a cypher,
and I really promised myself much from it on your
arrival in Europe. I could almost wish that the winds
had blown you this way. I would give a good deal
for a day's conversation with you, but that is impos-
sible. A correspondence is the only substitute, and,
perhaps, you have detached yourself too much from
public concerns and public men to be troubled with
it. I hope this is not the case. It would be wrong
to extend to a whole nation the resentments excited
by a few. Perhaps other reasons may have induced
your silence; whatever they may be I regret them.
I am, dear Sir, your most obedient Servant,
JOHN JAY.
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., VII. 299.
Adieu.
TO MESSRS. GOURLADE AND MOYLAN.
Passy, Sept. 13th, 1780.
GENTLEMEN,—I did myself the honor of writing to
you from Nantes the 8th ulto., but have not been
favored with your reply. I then sent to your care two
letters, one for Mr. Wilson and one for Col. Harri-
son, and forwarded to you a letter from Mr. Griffin.
The latter required me to execute a small commission
for him, in case he had funds in your hands. I shall
be obliged to you for a line on the subject, and have
the honor to be,
S. DEANE.
}
Yours, &c.,
Messrs. Gourlade & Moylan.
Thomas Mss.
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225
TO JOHN JAY.
Passy, Sept. 13th, 1780.
MY DEAR SIR,—I have written you two letters
since my arrival; the last on the 4th instant. As I
know not whither you may have preserved our cypher
I dare not be particular on subjects which you may
wish to hear from me upon. Mr. Searle has arrived
from Philadelphia. I have not seen him, nor has
Doctor Franklin; but I learn that he brings nothing
new. He landed at Brest. Two vessells lately arrived
at L'Orient which left Philadelphia late in July.
They brought no public letters. I have received one
from our mutual friend Mr. Morris, but nothing ma-
terial had then happened. In general the spirits of the
people were raised by the arrival of Monsr. Ternay and
the forces, but there had not been time for any opera-
tion. The dissolution of Parliament has employed
every body in electioneering in England, so that they
have no time to make and send us news from thence.
It is generally thought there will be very little or no
change in the members; but a new election makes a
new Parliament, which, though it is composed of the
old members, may pursue new measures, without the
charge of inconsistency or being responsible for what
was done by the old. I am persuaded some new
measures will be adopted, but whither they will tend
to continue or end the war is uncertain. I rather think
the latter from what I can collect. I have mentioned
in both my former letters the contract sent you; if
there is a probability of succeeding, and my presence
will in your opinion secure its success, or be necessary,
I will somehow contrive to pay you a visit, though it
will be inconvenient, and almost impossible for me to
do it, engaged as I am in settling former transactions.
I must depend on a letter, whenever you write Doctor
Franklin. My most respectful compliments wait on
Mrs. Jay, and my wishes for your mutual happiness.
VOL. IV.-15
226
THE DEANE PAPERS.
If Col. Livingston is with you, pray remember me
to him. I am, with the most sincere esteem, Dear
Sir,
Yours, &c.,
His Excellency Mr. Jay,
Madrid.
To JONATHAN NESBITT.
Mr. Jonathan Nesbitt,
L'Orient.
S. DEANE.
Passy, Sept. 14th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I received yours enclosing a packet
from our mutual friend Mr. Morris, but it was only a
copy of what he wrote me on the 3d of July. I must
therefore pray you to inform if you have any news
from America by those vessels, also what time it is
expected that Capt. Jones will sail, and if the vessels.
arrived may be expected to be dispatched soon, if
freight can be had, and at what rate.
I am
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
To
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Thomas Mss.
Thomas Mss.
Passy, Sept. 14th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—Your favors of the 7th is before me. I
will examine the account which, I doubt not, is right.
Meantime I am very solicitous about a box ordered to
your care from Rochelle of which you have the key,
if it is not already arrived. I must pray you to write
a line to Mr. Richmond, of Rochelle, in whose care
the box was left. I have in it some papers and books
which I greatly want. The vessel arrived at Brest,
brought a Mr. Searle, another American agent. We
THE DEANE PAPERS.
227
have not quite thirteen as yet in Europe, though nearly
that number. Let me see, W. Lee, Austin, Mazzei,
Smith, Pennet, Searle, Gillan, besides others that I
do not recollect, all soliciting to borrow money and
get a credit for goods. Mr. Searle has not been here,
though he brought letters for Doctor Franklin, nor do
I suppose we shall see him at all, unless by accident;
but by papers to the 5th July, I see that Congress.
have put the finishing hand to their resolutions of the
16th March, and have rendered it, as far as in their
power, impossible that their money should ever rise in
value above forty for one. I need make no reflection
on this. You know my sentiments on such kind of con-
duct; theirs is unparalleled in the history of man. By
Nantes I have letters to 23d July from Philadelphia;
nothing done at that date. If you receive any news,
pray inform me of it, for I am very anxious for the
fate of this campaign, in which I fear nothing will be
done; and to act mearly on the defensive after the
junction of the French troops, will be as bad or worse
to us than a defeat without them. My compliments
to the Ladies. I am, &c.,
S. DEANE.
J. Williams.
TO JOHN JAY.
Thomas Mss.
Passy, Sept. 18th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I received yours of the 8th this evening,
and this being my fourth letter to you since my arrival,
you must be convinced that your suspicions of neglect
on my part are groundless, nor is it possible for me to
be so taken up with any affairs, or so resentful for any
treatment I have met with, as to be unmindful of the
public affairs of our country or forgetful of my friends,
whither in public employ or not. As I passed the
whole of last winter and spring in Virginia, and left
228
THE DEANE PAPERS.
$
the continent early in June, I could not bring any
important accounts of public transactions which had
not long before my arrival been published in Europe,
and not certain of my cypher being in your hands, I
could not venture to hazard my private sentiments in
a letter liable to miscarry or be examined on the way.
Mr. Searle arrived here a few days since; he left
Philadelphia the 15th, and I have seen papers to the
25th of July. Nothing of consequence since the taking
of Charlston had happened. Monsr. Ternay and the
French forces arrived the 12th, at Rhode Island.
Admiral Graves joined Admiral Arbuthnot about the
same time, which gives the enemy a superiority at sea,
from which circumstance nothing decisive can be
expected this season, except Count Guichen go to
the northward, which from the near equality of the
fleets in the West Indies cannot be expected. Mr.
Laurens was about to sail for Holland when Mr.
Searle left Philadelphia; Mr. Adams has been there
some time. The temper of the Americans seemed to
be for exertions to the utmost this season, and their
spirits were raised by the assistance sent out; but an
inferiority at sea is an unfortunate circumstance, and
may prevent the happy effects otherway to be hoped
for. [Cipher translated.] But our greater misfortune is
our credit is lost in Europe, in France in particular, and
since the resolution of Congress of the 18th of March
last, it is almost as great a disgrace to be known to
be an American as it was two years since an honor.
Were I not an eye witness of the case, it would be
absolutely incredible. Fraudulent, bankrupt, and the
like characters we are now stigmatized with, and pas-
ages from the circular letter of Congress of September
last are thrown out against us on all sides, and in all
companies. What can we say? Laurens is coming
over to obtain a loan, whilst Mass., Pennsylvania, and
Virginia have Ambassadors in France for the same
purpose, who are foolishly making a parade and
bidding on each other. More ambassadors from separate
A
THE DEANE PAPERS.
229
states are on their way, whilst all of them have not
unitedly any credit left. What can this effect but to
prove our poverty and distress more fully to all
Europe? Adams went from France disgusted, and
left the court and people equally so with him. He
doubtless means well, but his character in France is
that of being a greater madman than Lee; indeed,
what greater folly can any one be guilty of than to
boast and threaten where he ought to sooth and con-
ciliate? And is it not the height of madness to do rude-
ness to our friends, and in the hour of our distress.
It is true the scheme of France is a ruinous one to
America. They are spinning out the war and making it
a war of feint against England rather than of bold,
determined action; but the resources of England are so
much greater than what previously France imagined,
that the length of time it will take to defeat them in
this way must ruin us, and I fear the indecision of this
behavior will do us more injury than if no force had
been sent out to America. Every ineffectual incour-
agement operates in a reverse ratio. This briefly is
my opinion on the subject: Lee's informants will not
fail to represent it in a worse light in America. They
will and do declare that the sending out troops is
an artful and insiduous scheme to continue the war,
and not a design to end it. From the temper in
which America was, especially the southern States,
when I left them, I fear the consequences.
You are
by this time tired; if not, I am. And therefore with
respects to Mrs. Jay, and best wishes for your mutual
happiness, I am most sincerely, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
His Excellency John Jay, Esqr.
P. S.-I greatly wish to see you, but the settling
the Commissioners accounts must take up some time
here. You know that the only objections against me
in America were on the score of those accounts having
<<
:
ï
1
230
THE DEANE PAPERS.
)
been left unsettled; yet Mr. Adams returned to
America without settling even his private accounts,
tho' he had not any other business, nor did any thing
else in Europe but spend money and keep the accounts.
No fault was found with him, but he was honorably
reappointed. Mr. Lee, who remained in France more
than a year after his recall, has not settled either his
public or his private accounts. Mr. Izard, Mr. William
Lee are in the same predicament. These men have,
each of them, as appears by the accounts, received
more than twice the amount of public monies which I
ever received, and have literally done worse than
nothing. But it is a subject which I will trust myself
no farther on at present; such ingratitude and injustice
are enough to make a stoic feel. There have been
causes for all this, and agents employed, not as yet
publicly known, and more than one of the latter on
the list of my pretended friends. I suspected this
before I left America; since my return I have demon-
stration of it. May you, my worthy friend, be so happy
as never to experience how painful and how cutting it
is to be treated with public ingratitude, edged and
drove on by the treachery of those in whom you have
confided. You merit a better fate, but that will not
secure you without that prudence of which you happily
have so great a portion, and of which I have had so little.
Nothing can induce me to take a journey into Spain,
except the desire of seeing and conversing with you,
or affairs of commerce in which I must engage to repair
my losses in the public service. But American com-
merce is at this time in as low a point of reputation as
our public credit, nor do I find one person out of the
many formerly so desirous to adventure who would
send a shilling that way sooner than to throw it into
the sea.
In short, France rings with complaints of
the heavy losses of Merchants by the depreciation in
America, many of whom put large sums in the Loan
Office when money was only four for one, and though
by the last resolutions Congress have promised to pay
·
THE DEANE PAPERS.
231
off those certificates at the rate at which money stood
at the time of their respective dates, yet when the
Circular Letter of last September is compared with
the resolutions of March 18th and subsequent ones,
fixing the depreciation at forty for one, and in effect
absolutely preventing any appreciation from that on
the paper current, they draw consequences the most
unfavorable (possibly unjust ones), and say, if Con-
gress can by those arts annihilate thirty nine fortieths
of their notes, nothing prevents their extinguishing a
still greater proportion of the residue, or even the
whole. It is to no purpose to reason from future
probabilities against facts, with men who suffer by
those facts, and that materially, for the present, at
least. In short, however well intended those resolu-
tions might have been, they have given a wound to our
credit as a people, as well as to individuals, which can-
not be easily healed. You know the state of politics
when you left America.
left America. They are, I believe, much the
same at this moment; but my long residence in Vir-
ginia gave me the means of knowing many things
which are not, I believe, generally understood, and
which I wish to communicate to you; but this requires
a personal interview. I shall go for Holland next
month, and soon after my return, to Bordeaux. This
will almost divide the distance between us, and, if pos-
sible, I will divide the other half rather than miss of
seeing you; but of this in some future letter. Meantime
I pray let not my letters depreciate like our paper. In
regards to yours, this is four for one, and each four
times as long, which makes sixteen for one, if I calcu-
late right. I am willing to allow you a considerable
discount, but so much will sink me too low in my own
opinion. In short, let me have your letters often, and
in some proportion to the length of mine. Once more,
Adieu.
S. DEANE.
Mr. Jay.
Thomas Mss.
•
----
232
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TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Passy, Sept. 19th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-Inclosed I send you a protested bill of
exchange drawn by a Monsr. Simonot, late a Captain
in America. I am assured he is now at Nantes, and
pray you to take necessary steps for the immediate
recovery or security of the money. The man deserves
no favor, having drawn the bill on a person neither to
be found or heard of. Mr. Simonot is a person of
good appearance, and was about four weeks since at
Nantes, to appearance settled there for some time.
Pray can you inform me of my box, &c., sent by the
stage with other things. I am both surprized and
alarmed at its detention. It contains among other
things, some papers and books which I am in great
want of, and have written to you already on the sub-
ject. The box was with Monsr. Richmond at Rochelle
four or five weeks since. I must pray you to make
enquiry and forward it on. Nothing new with us, but
I am, as ever, my Dear Sir,
Mr. Jonathan Williams.
Yours, &c.,
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Passy, Sept. 26th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—I received yours of the 19th last even-
ing; am very uneasy about the box, but hope that Mr.
Richmond has before this sent it on.
I have papers
in it, and therefore pray you, if not done by Mr. Rich-
mond, to get it sealed, that it may meet with no fur-
ther obstacles. As to the paper money, I am of your
opinion that the present policy of America is exerted
to prevent its ever rising above forty for one, rather
than pay it off honorably. It may come to that price
-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
233
for a time, but what security is there that it will not
again go down from that to sixty, eighty, or one hun-
dred? The only way to retrieve the credit of paper
is
by an honest payment of a part of it. Promises with-
out this are lighter than air, and proper only to help
to furnish the limbs of vanity. I have not resolved
as to freight; the moment I shall, I will write you,
which will be in season. My compliments to Mrs.
Williams and Miss Alexander. I supped last evening
with their father and Uncle, who I suppose write them
by the return of your servant. I am with sincere
respect,
Mr. Jonathan Williams.
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
To SAMUEL AND MOSES MYERS.
Passy, near Paris, Sept. 27th, 1780.
GENTLEMEN,-The schooner Chance in her first
voyage was owned by Mr. Morris, Mr. Moses, and
myself jointly. Mr. Moses did the business, and or-
dered her to your address, by our consent; and, as he
told us, directed the schooner to be loaded back with
salt, and the tobacco to be shipped for Amsterdam,
the net proceeds to be paid to Messrs. Fitzeau &
Grand, one third of which to remain for our separate
orders. On the return of the schooner, he told us
that his orders had been complied with, and that we
might draw for the amount of our separate interest in
that cargo, your disbursements on the schooner first
deducted. On the second voyage of the schooner,
he informed us that he had given conditional orders
to ship the tobacco to Holland, or return the effects
on board her to America, as circumstances might
direct. The schooner not having returned when I left
America, I knew not which you preferred; but to my
-
234
THE DEANE PAPERS.
surprize and disappointment, I find that nothing has
been lodged with Messrs. Fitzeau & Grand on my ac-
count. I remitted you in March, 1779, bills drawn
by Mr. Holker to the amount of 23,857 livres, which,
with a bill of my own, were to be vested in a voyage
then meditated by Mr. Holker, Mr. Moses, and myself,
with orders to remit the said bills to Messrs. Fitzeau
& Co. for my use, in case the voyage did not take
place. I find those bills were honored and paid to
your order, without any reference to me; this gives
me additional disappointment and uneasiness, from
which I pray you would relieve me by sending me an
account of the two voyages of the schooner, and when
I am to receive the effects of those bills. The esteem
I have ever had for you, I have always shewn on
every occasion which presented me for serving your
house, and I am confident you will not let me suffer
in this affair any further. My disappointment, and the
damage I must receive thereby in the measures I had
planned, must be very considerable at any rate. I
pray you to send duplicates of your letters to prevent
miscarriage. I am with respect, Gentlemen,
Yours, &c.,
Messrs. S. & M. Myers.
To WILLIAM DUER.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Passy, Sept. 28th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, The bills you sent Mr. Chaumont to
replace the money you drew on him for, in favor of La
Farque, have been all of them protested. Mr. Chau-
mont was much dissatisfied on the subject, and I have
promised him he shall be made good, and that I will
pay him the money, with damages and interest, which
amounts to upwards of sixty pounds sterling; and,
confident that you will not let me suffer for having
THE DEANE PAPERS.
235
addressed this affair at your desire to him, I must
rely on your paying my brother, Mr. Simeon Deane,
in whose favor I have drawn sixty pounds sterling on
account. As there is but one sett of the bills, I dare
not send back the originals, but you shall have copies,
and of the protests. Mr. Gerard is just returned to
Versailles. I have not yet seen him. The mast con-
tract may be relied on, but as
no convoys can be
obtained, it will be to no purpose to expend more
money on the subject until the peace, when we may
go on a certainty. I have nothing new to send you,
but am, with sincere Friendship, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Col. Duer.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
TO ISAAC MOSES.
Passy, near Paris, Sept. 28th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I have written many letters to you
since my arrival, by which you will find the situation
of our public, as well as private, credit here. The lat-
ter is not, however, quite so bad as the former. The
Loan Office Certificates I can do nothing with, and
the enclosed copy will shew you that I have no funds
to execute the plan we agreed on. I am informed
Mr. Myers did well at Amsterdam, and so much so
that he went no farther. Consider my situation and
you will do me justice. I doubt not you are disposed
to do it, at any rate; but the disappointment I have
met with, I know not how, calls immediately on you
for it. Without funds from you, and deprived of those
I relied on as sure, how can I fulfil any part of the
plan proposed? Besides, consider, I pray you, the
disappointment and uneasiness this has given me. I
can do nothing, but under new engagements in my
present situation, except for the three hundred pounds
236
THE DEANE PAPERS.
pre-
sterling of which I can really make no kind of use for
whatever you may dream of in America. It would
be the highest affront here to offer the security
of Congress for any thing. Times may change, but
until they do, no man who has any credit would
sume to offer Loan Office Certificates in payment for
any thing. I have no time to add by this conveyance,
which presents itself suddenly, but to pray you to send
me a state of our accounts, which I desire solely on
account of the schooner Chance, which has, though
successful, disappointed me. My compliments to Mrs.
Moses. I shall execute her orders, and send on by the
first sure conveyance. I shall compleat the mast con-
tract and some other things which I hope will be of
importance, at least in a peace, which I pray may soon
arrive.
I am, with much respect, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S.-I pray you give my brother Simeon Deane
a duplicate of the account you send me. As Messrs.
Samuel & M. Myers ordered out goods to the amount
of 23,857 livres, equal to £1,043. 14. 10. sterling,
from Amsterdam, with the bills belonging to me,
you will be pleased to send me the accounts of
the sales of those goods, and to remit me the
amount in good bills, the avails of the schooner's
two voyages, which, as she went safe, must be consid
erable; this, I pray you also, to remit me. Her first
cargo, you remember you told me, was shipped to
Amsterdam on our joint account, the avails of which
could not have been short of one thousand pounds
sterling; and, as your house has had the sole benefit
thereof, I presume you will account to me for the
profits on that concern, which, remitted me, will
enable me to execute the plan proposed in a most
extensive manner. Though I can do nothing with
the Loan Office Certificates, yet I shall ship about
THE DEANE PAPERS.
237
six hundred pounds sterling this fall in such goods as
we talked of. But I cannot go on without the above
remittances and funds from you for your part. As the
goods I shall send out, shall advise you in season, but
I must again tell you I rely on your settling and
remitting me the above as soon as possible.
Yours,
Mr. Isaac Moses.
TO SIMEON DEANE.
S. D.
Thomas Mss.
Passy, Sept. 29th, 1780.
men.
DEAR BROTHER,-By the enclosed letter to Mr.
Moses, including copy of what I have written to
Messrs. S. & M. Myers at St. Eustatia, you will see
how cruelly I have been disappointed by these gentle-
On my leaving America, there was a ballance
due Isaac Moses of about twelve thousand pounds, as
I ordered my brother to remit him, and left some arti-
cles in his hands for sale. I trust the ballance on the
whole was not more than seven or eight thousand
pounds, which at the discount at the time of advancing
will be somewhere about 200 or 250 pounds Pensyl-
vania currency. On his part he and his house have
received the proceeds of the one third of two cargoes
of tobacco in St. Eustatia, amounting to more than
sixty hogsheads for my share, out of which nothing is
to be deducted but a cargo of salt, and disbursements
on the schooner the first voyage in St. Eustatia; the
second cargo and out fitts having been all paid for
by the cargo of salt, except a ballance charged me in
the account, I referred to. Besides this they ordered
out from Amsterdam 23,857 livres, or £1,043. 14. 10.
sterling in goods, instead of applying the money to
replace so much for me with Mr. Gand at Paris.
This they did by authority of a general permission
238
THE DEANE PAPERS.
I
that if the sugar voyage did not take effect, and a
favorable opportunity presented for improving the
money, to do it for my advantage; though I afterwards
directed the contrary, and never imagined this to be
the case until I arrived. By this you will see that
Mr. Moses and his house must have at this time near
three thousand pounds sterling to account for to me.
I pray you, therefore, to make the settlement of the
account a serious matter, and as soon as possible
transmit me the state of it. I received of Mr. Moses
forty thousand dollars in Loan Office Certificates, for
which I am debtor three hundred pounds sterling by
agreement, and for which I shall ship him goods to
that amount this fall on his account and risque.
shall ship out in the course of this fall about £1,500
sterling to you, of which shall seasonably advise you ;
they will be goods for the next summer season, and
for which I shall order immediate remittances to be
made to amount of the first cost. I have urged Mr.
Moses to make me immediate remittances, and I pray
you to do the same, if to be done without loss, as with
three or four thousand pounds sterling I could do
something very clever, and to our mutual advantage.
I have written to you on the subject of lands near
Norfolk and in the Dismal Swamp. I am anxious to
know how you succeed, and whither shares in that
patent are to be purchased reasonably; if they are,
interest me, but take care that the title is indisputa-
ble. I have written to Coln. Duer to pay you sixty
pounds sterling; this and whatever you may receive of
Mr. Wharton apply in this way, and as much farther
as you shall judge safe, constantly advising me of
your proceedings. I shall go for Holland in about ten
days, from whence I will write you again; meantime I
am most affectionately, Dear Brother,
Yours,
Mr. Simeon Deane.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
{
THE DEANE PAPERS.
239
Mr. Moylan.
To J. MOYLAN.
Paris, Sept. 30th, 1780.
SIR, This is my fourth letter to you since my
arrival, the three first not having been honored with
any answer. I should not trouble you again were it
not on account of Col. Griffin, whose orders I wish to
execute, and to know if the letter sent you from
Nantes, inclosed for Mr. Wilson and Mr. Harrison,
came to hand, and were delivered to Capt. Jones.
Though surprized at the neglect my letters have met
with from you, yet being conscious of not having
merited it, but the reverse, I am not distressed on
that subject; but I presume whatever your sentiments
may otherways be, you will not refuse me the infor-
mation I request on the above, as I assure you I have
not the least disposition to continue a correspondence
that appears to be disagreeable to you.
I am, &c.,
To JONATHAN NESBITT.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Passy, Oct. 9th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I am informed that a ship is arrived at
L'Orient, which left Philadelphia the first of Sept. I
have not received any letters, therefore pray you to
inform me if she has brought any thing new, and that
you would inquire and acquaint me if Mr. Laurens had
sailed for Holland before the first of Sept.; also what
was the rate of exchange between Continental paper
and specie, between that and bills on Europe, how the
new money supported its credit in Pensylvania and
elsewhere. You mentioned to me in your last that
you should dispatch three swift sailing vessells this
month; pray how soon will they sail, and have you
still room for freight? When did Capt. Jones sail?
240
THE DEANE PAPERS.
You will much oblige me by satisfying me in the above,
and equally so by giving me an opportunity of doing
you a like kind office. In the mean time, I am, with
much esteem,
Mr. Jonathan Nesbitt.
Yours, &c.,
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Mr. Jonathan Williams.
S. DEANE.
Passy, Octr. 9th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I am still without receiving any account
of my box, long since arrived at Rochelle. I am really
surprized, as there has been so much time elapsed with-
out having any news about it, and exceedingly impa-
tient, as I have some papers in it of consequence to me
and to nobody else; pray oblige me so far as to make
effectual enquiry after it, and let me know when you
dispatch your ship with public stores. I pray you
present my compliments to Mrs. Williams and Miss
Alexander and to Capt. Green; pray, when does he
sail? I am, with sincere esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
TO JOHN JAY.
Thomas Mss.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Passy, Octo. 9th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-This is my fifth letter since my arrival,
and having received no acknowlegement from you of
the receipt of any one of them, I am a little uneasy
for the fate of them; in particular for that which in-
closed a letter from Don Juan to the Minister. My
last was of the 18th ulto., in which I wrote you my
sentiments on political affairs; nothing new has since
occurred to induce a change. Letters are received at
THE DEANE PAPERS.
241
L'Orient as late as the 3d of last month, when every
thing remained in status quo. A good understanding
prevailed between the American and French troops
the latter are entrenched at Rhode Island. Admiral
Arbuthnot was off the harbour with a superior fleet,
and Clinton threatened an embarkation of ten thou-
sand troops at New York to attack them. The New
England militia were called in to their aid. The
Northern privateers had captured and brought into
Boston nineteen ships of the Quebec fleet, valued at
four hundred thousand pounds sterling; they could not
indeed have been worth much less. This, every thing
considered, is of more consequence than the capture
off Cape Finisterre. From the West Indies nothing
new. The British Parliament meet the last of this
month, and, it is said, will be entertain'd with a pacific
speech from the Throne; indeed, from all I can learn,
it is probable that some overtures will be made which
I wish may lead to an honorable peace, but I dare not
make any dependence on it, though I think there is a
greater prospect of it at present than for some time
past. Mr. Searle sets off for Holland tomorrow, where
Mr. Adams has fixed himself and family. No news of
Mr. Laurens, whence Mr. Searle sets him down as lost.
I believe we are so much of the christian and philoso-
pher as to be resigned on the occasion; his arrival
can do no good at this time, for there is no money to
be borrowed in Holland nor any where else on our
account, and, if there was, we have so many agents of
private states bidding on one another, and proclaiming
thereby our wants as well as our folly, that no prudent
man would venture his money. Pray let me know
your true situation and prospects in Spain; I wish to
know them from the interest I take in whatever affects
you, as well as on account of our country.
[Cipher translated.] In short, I do not approve of
the conduct of France or Spain to America. Spain
evidently trifles with us in the face of all Europe.
France does much the same, but labors to save appear-
VOL. IV.-16
anfo
242
THE DEANE PAPERS.
ances.
The
Our cause has lost ground greatly in France.
Europe is more and more indifferent about us.
Armed Neutrality is at an end, or rather will never
take place. Our liberty and independancy is an object
which becomes every day more out of sight. America
begins to grow uneasy, and this fruitless campaign,
with other circumstances, will, I fear, totally crush us;
every American goes from France in disgust, though
I think without cause. The language held by Adams,
our minister for Peace, and his retiring to Holland in
disgust, has had more serious effects than is suspected
by most; in short, all these circumstances laid together,
I fear, if a Peace or truce take place, the first object of
the war on our part will have but little weight with our
friends, especially with Spain, who I am convinced is
very far from wishing us to succeed farther than to aid
her resentment against England. You can, doubtless,
set me right on this subject, but if you do not think it
prudent to do so, I will not blame you. My best com-
pliments wait on Mrs. Jay and Coln. Livingston, and
am, with sincere Friendship, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Mr. Jay,
Madrid.
TO JAMES WILSON.
[See appendix.]
S. DEANE.
gund
Thomas Mss.
Passy, Oct. 9th, 1780.
To GEORGE MERCER.
Paris, Octo. 13th, 1780.
SIR,-Yours of the 8th, I received last evening.
had the pleasure of being acquainted with two of your
I
THE DEANE PAPERS.
243
brothers at Philadelphia, one of them [James] then a
member of Congress, and the other [John Francis] an
aid-de-camp to General Lee, and afterwards at Wil-
liamsburg, where the latter spent last winter, and the
former some days on business. We lodged in the same
house, and being told that I was about to come to
France, he proposed writing to you; but uncertain
when I should sail, or where a letter might find you,
he prayed me to inform you that, in the late disposi-
tion of lands in Virginia, he had secured for you the
whole of your shares as an officer in the late war, that
he had also made some purchases in those lands in
which he had interested you, and that he had taken
measures to have them advantageously located. This
was his business at Williamsburg, where he mentioned
many other anecdotes which he wished me to com-
municate to you; but supposing he would write you,
or give me a memorandum, they have slipped my
memory. The above is the substance, however, of
what he desired me to tell you, and desirous of exe-
cuting your brothers orders, I enquired of Mr. Petrie
immediately on my arrival where you resided, and
mentioned to him generally my having seen your
brother, and my having a message from him for you.
I should be happy to see you, and to give you any
farther information in my power, and though by your
enquiries personally, I might recollect circumstances
which you may be interested in, yet as the above is the
essential part, you will judge of the necessity of making
the journey. I expect to be in Holland in about three
weeks from this time, and if you think it proper, can
give me a meeting somewhere on my rout, or at
Amsterdam; of this you will have sufficient time to
advise me. I have the honor to be, with much respect,
Sir,
Coln. Mercer.
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
-
244
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO JOHN JAY.*
Paris, Oct. 16th, 1780.
I
DEAR SIR,-Yours of the 2d, I received last evening.
Am much surprized at the miscarriage of my letter of
the 28th of August, nor can I account, for it actually
went under cover by the courier from Court. The
contents were not secret, though important to me, and
containing a letter of Don Juan [Miralles] to the
Minister of Madrid. Its loss cannot be repaired.
trust you will yet receive it. Captain Harding arrived
before I left Virginia, but I left Philadelphia soon after
you. My letters in future will come under cover, as
you advise.
Doctor Bancroft can best account for
his not answering Mr. Carmichael's letters, though,
from what the Doctor has told me, I am surprized
that the latter should be at any loss at all on the sub-
ject. I do not well understand your proposed addition
of cypher, and therefore must write in my former
method until you explain it more fully. I have now
replied to yours, and, having made out a letter as long
and as circumstantial as yours, might subscribe myself
yours, etc., but I cannot do it without telling you that
Í feel myself a little piqued at the shortness of your
letter in reply to two long ones of mine. I am equally
desirous, with you, of knowing many little things and
some great circumstances which, as your friend and
countryman, I am interested in. The affair of Mr.
Laurens you are acquainted with, by the public papers,
for which it is a fruitful and seasonable subject, as
that of electioneering is exhausted in England. His
son sailed ten days before him for Europe, but has not
been heard of.
Our forces in Carolina-under Gates-have been
defeated. Our loss is in Baron de Kalb killed, and
about 2,500 killed and prisoners. The account is,
I hope, exaggerated. Adams is in Holland, and has
* Translated from the cipher.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
245
?
power to supply the place of Laurens. Mr. Searle
is in Holland. You have the general American news
as early, probably, as we have in France; but as I
see almost every week some one from thence, I must
tell you that our affairs are not in a better state than
when you left Philadelphia. Many intrigues are on
foot in France and in Madrid as in America, and I
know so much of them as to caution you not to be
amazed at anything. A result may happen in three
months, at present not suspected on either side. Being
but a passenger, I have leasure for observation, and
from my past experience, and former as well as present
connections, am able to see as much of the game as
some who play the great hands. My best wishes are
for the Peace, Safety, and Liberty of America. This
was our early prayer, as you must remember. Lee
was at Philadelphia, publishing a new edition of Com-
mon Sense, with additions, etc. Nothing that he can
say, or Congress resolve, can alter facts; and having
received so much injustice and ingratitude from, and
seen so much practiced by, Congress on others, I am
become indifferent, in some degree, to what either of
them can say or do. I know the weakness of Con-
gress, to say no worse of it, and the malignity of Lee
and associates. But the situation of America wrings
my very soul. Ruined, on the one part, by weak, dis-
tracted councils, and betrayed, on the others, by those
in whom it was confided. It is too hard. But adieu to
politics. I promise to meddle no more with them in
our future correspondence, but to follow the example
you have set me in your letters, and write only on in-
different subjects. Your happiness and prosperity can
never be of this kind with me; and from that motive,
I wish to know, at least, the outlines of our situation.
But perhaps you think me gloomy, if not disaffected.
I can never be so to the interest of America-and
America will soon be sensible of it but I am not
cheerful, except when I am in the company of my
friends, and find them happy or hear that they are so,
246
THE DEANE PAPERS.
and when I cease reflecting on certain subjects, this is
sometimes the case. I hope it will soon be entirely
so. My compliments to Mrs. Jay and Col. Living-
stone, and am on all occasions, my dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend, and very humble servant,
S. DEANE.
The Hon. John Jay, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Passy, Octo. 24th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, -I received yours, informing me that the
box and bedding were sent on, or about to be. I
have sent repeatedly to the messagerie, but can hear
nothing of them, though the time is elapsed you fixed
for their arrival; as these trifles have unfortunately
been very troublesome, I have now only to pray you
to enquire if they are actually gone, and inform me by
what conveyance, that I may know how to come at
them. Is the ship from Bordeaux which is to receive
the cloathing arrived, and when will they probably be
shipped? Doctor Franklin has the gout very severely,
and I fear it will stick by him sometime. Things are in
some disorder in our neighborhood, though I hope
they will turn out better than what will probably be
reported to you, and it is by some propagated here.
America is so unfortunate as not only to have Britain
for her enemy, but most of her subjects who come
abroad become enemies to one another; except Doctor
Franklin's family, yourself, Doctor Bancroft, and
myself, with one or two more, I hardly know of any
that have harmonized or agreed well. Í flatter myself
ours will not be interrupted or broken. Lee and Izard
were at Philadelphia, where they were exerting them-
selves with a junto, both in public and private, to
injure Doctor Franklin ; fortunately for me, being out
of place, I am not of any consequence, but I can but
hint to you that the delay of the cloathing promised
THE DEANE PAPERS.
247
by the Marquis La Fayette in March last, to come
out with Mr. Ternay's fleet, will be improved to the
worst of purposes; and our army suffering for want,
will not attend to real facts, if, indeed, they can know
them, but reason only from what they feel. You are
as much in the way of news from America as I am;
but from the whole I can learn, there is a very serious
winter scene preparing for Virginia and the Southern
States. A large force is certainly about to sail from
England, and Clinton, relying on his superiority at sea,
was preparing for an expedition into Chesapeake Bay.
I will not add to this information, on which you may
rely, on any reflections of mine, but am, with compli-
ments to the ladies and Capt. Green and Capt. Robeson,
Dear Sir,
સ્વ
Mr. Williams,
Nantes.
Yours, &c.,
To CAPT. ISAAC ALL.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Passy, Octo. 24th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, -I received yours of the 16th, but this
day. I thank you for your kind congratulations on my
safe arrival, and return you the same most sincerely.
I should be happy to have a concern in a vessel
under your command, but am at present too much
engaged in old affairs to undertake new ones. As
you left Philadelphia so lately, I wish you would
inform me with precision of the following facts: the
value of Continental paper in specie, the rate of bills
of exchange purchased with it, the state of the new
paper, and the price of flour, of tobacco, rum, and
sugar in the new paper, or of other articles by which
I may obtain the real state of its value. You will much
oblige me by your information in the above. The
letter you refer to I did not receive, or should have
248
THE DEANE PAPERS.
answered it, being at all times desirous of your acquaint-
ance and rejoic'd to hear of your welfare. I am, with
much esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Capt. All.
FROM JOHN JAY.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Madrid, October 26th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,—At length your first letter, contrary to
my expectations, has arrived, and my attention to it
shall not be wanting. I have also received your
favour of the 18th, September; since which more of
my letters than one have, I hope, reached you, this
being the fourth.
I have read, considered, and reconsidered the facts
and reflections you communicate, and am persuaded
that the consequences you draw, though in a certain
degree just, are not quite so extensive as you seem to
suppose. I am not free from similar apprehensions,
but they are not so strong as yours. But however
well founded they may be, they ought only to increase
our prudence. If I had leisure, it would give me
pleasure to go largely into this subject; at present I
cannot, because matters of more immediate importance
engage me.
That you have been hardly treated I know, and
shall never hesitate to say; but I cannot think the
cases of the gentlemen are similar, or prove the points
to which you apply them. You was blamed, not for
omitting finally to settle your accounts in France, but
for not being in capacity to show (when in America)
what those accounts were; and I don't know that those
gentlemen were or will be chargeable with the like
incapacity. I mention this only to show the distinc-
tion between the cases.
How far the distinction is important, or how far
that incapacity could justify the treatment it occa-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
249
sioned, are other questions. For my own part, I
think it could not justify it. It will also remain a
question how far your measures were prudent. I
think some of them were, and some not; but this
inquiry 'requires many considerations and combina-
tions and circumstances which I must defer for the
present. The discoveries you allude to respecting
secret practices surprise me exceedingly. I have no
such suspicions; perhaps you may give more weight
to circumstances than they may merit. The inquiry
nevertheless is very important, and while any doubts
remain, the pursuit should be continued. Justice
demands that we should not, even in our opinions,
injure men who may be innocent; and prudence also
demands that we permit not a good heart to impose
on a good head, a case by no means uncommon.
I wish there were twenty other motives than those
you mention for your passing to Spain, exclusive of
the satisfaction it will give me to see you.
The
matters you mention are highly interesting in a public
and a private view. They cannot be so well handled
in letters as conversation. Whether it will be in my
power to meet you I cannot predict, and therefore
I cannot promise. It would be agreeable, but I have
hitherto found so many matters not to be neglected,
constantly demanding my attention, that I cannot
flatter myself with being more disengaged till the
greater objects of my coming here shall be either
attained or become unattainable. If I should never-
theless be able, I will; if not, I hope you will come on.
The attachment you express for your country, not-
withstanding your complaints of her ingratitude, does
you much honour. The injustice of resenting on a whole
people the mistakes or transgressions of a few is obvi-
ous; but there are comparatively not many who, under
similar circumstances, either think right or act so.
Truth is seldom so immersed in darkness as not to be
capable of being brought to light, if attempted in season;
and as the mass of the people mean well, they will finally
St
250
THE DEANE PAPERS.
do justice, though their mistakes and passions some-
times delay it. Persevere, therefore, do good to your
country, and evince the rectitude of your conduct while
in her service, I believe you honest, and I think you
injured. The considerations will always prompt me to
every friendly office in my power to render. I must
again advise you to collect, review, and ascertain pre-
cisely the evidence you may have or can obtain of the
duplicity of the persons you allude to, whoever they
may be.
I see this business in many important lights,
and the time may come when you may rejoice in all the
trouble you may now be at about it. Nay, all this evi-
dence, provided it should appear material, ought to be
committed to paper, and not permitted to diminish or die
in or with your memory; put it in the power of your
friends to vindicate your reputation when you may be
no more. It will be of particular importance to your
son, to whom you cannot leave a better inheritance than
a good, nor a worse one than a bad or doubtful reputa-
tion. Remember, too, that time is spending, men for-
getting or dying, papers wasting, etc., and therefore
the sooner you reduce these matters to a certainty the
better.
Mrs. Jay and the Colonel desire to be particularly
remembered to you. This will go under cover to Dr.
Franklin. Be pleased to assure him of my regard and
esteem, of which, also, believe you have no little share.
I am, Dear Sir, very sincerely,
Yours, &c.,
Silas Deane, Esq.
JOHN JAY.
Johnston's Correspondence of Jay, I. 455.
JOHN JAY TO GOUVERNEUR MORRIS.
X
X
Madrid, Nov. 5th, 1780.
*
X
*
X
I KNOW but little of what passes among you, and shall
be obliged to you for such traits of public and private
*
THE DEANE PAPERS.
251
matters as you may think interesting. I have had some
letters from Deane; he is much displeased with what
he thinks the duplicity of certain persons, who in par-
ticular I don't know. He is endeavouring to establish
here a bargain with Mirales about the masts, and talks
of coming here. How did you and he part?
*
X
*
*
*
*
To Gouverneur Morris.
Your friend,
JOHN JAY.
Johnston's Correspondence of Jay, I. 445.
TO JOHN PAUL JONES.
Paris, Nov. 15th, 1780.
DEAR SIR,-I should have answered your letter
respecting the Terpsichore Frigate in course, had it not
been for some hopes I flattered myself with of obtaining
what you requested. Doctor Franklin being severely
attacked with the gout, I did not incline to urge him
on the subject at the time. I have since laid the matter
before him, but I find him so distressed for want of
funds, that although he is sensible of the advantages of
your proposal, yet it is not in his power to do any thing
to promote it. This gives me real pain on your account,
but I confess still more on account of the public, as I
know you cannot fail of finding honorable service in
America; but a frigate under your command on the
American coast would be of great service to our country
in the convoy of their trade, as well as in distressing
that of the enemy. I take the liberty of enclosing you
a letter for Mr. Wilson, and will do myself the honor
of writing you again before you sail, especially if any
thing occur here. I could not, with any propriety, make
any application but to Doctor Franklin on the subject
of your letter, and from the above circumstance I found
him totally averse to any thing that might incur the
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:
least expence in the present situation of public finances.
I am, with the most sincere Respect and Attachment,
Dear Sir,
John P. Jones, Esqr.
Yours, &c.,
TO CAPT. ISAAC ALL.
S. DEANE.
1
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Nov. 15th, 1780.
You
DEAR SIR,—I received yours of the 10th, and thank
you for the intelligence you give of the state of the
Continental currency, though disagreeable enough in
itself. I do not fully understand your letter. Perhaps
I did not explain myself well in mine to you.
give me the prices current, I suppose, in Continental
money, and say rum at 22£. 1os. in the body of your
letter. You say the agents give £37. 10.
You say
Mr. Morris had received a large share of it, which
those who paid him were unwilling to receive again.
Was this the old money or the new? It is the state of
the new money I am most solicitous about, and you will
forgive the trouble I give you in asking of you one line
further on that subject. I thank you for your offer of
carrying letters or commands for me, and will improve
the occasion, in a post or two, to send you some letters
for America; and, if you do not sail soon, shall be glad
of sending out a trunk by you to my brother.
I am, &c.,
Capt. Isaac All.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
TO JOIN JAY.
Passy, Nov. 16th, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I received yours of the 26th, ulto. and 1st
instant, this day. I had begun to doubt whether my
THE DEANE PAPERS.
253
reflections on our political situation had not been a little
too free, which, with the total want of any news for a
month past, has caused my silence. For tho' I find
the settlement of accounts a much more tedious and
perplexing affair than I imagined, and which has called
for my whole time, yet I should have stolen an hour for
what is so agreeable to me, the conversing with you,
though but on paper. I am rejoiced to find my first
letter came safe to your hands, and hope soon to be
informed of the success of the application. Nothing
has occurred to change my reflections on the facts I
sent you the 18th, of Sept., and I am now convinced
that the consequences which I then drew are not only
just, but more extensive than what I then imagined,
and that, after all, our prudence and attention without
some fortunate events of war, will hardly be sufficient.
I confess that I have done wrong in touching on past
grievances, which are in a great degree personal, and
the more so since the complaining of them to you in
your situation was rather indelicate, as my complaints
are against those who are at the head of our public
affairs, and in whose immediate service you are; but in
writing to you, I considered the friend only. This must
be my excuse; and as I promise not to touch on this
subject in future, you will indulge me a little in this.
You say you do not find my case parallel with that
of the gentleman's I have compared mine with; that
I was not blamed for omitting to settle finally my
accounts in France, but for not being in a capacity,
when in America, to shew what those accounts were. I
confess to you I know not how I could have shewn what
the accounts were without having first settled them.
But, my Dear Sir, the case is different; I did shew
what those accounts were, as far as was possible, with-
out actual and minute settlement, having, within six
weeks after my arrival, laid before Congress an authen-
tic account of all monies received or paid out by our
banker, and a general account, or explanation, of what
the monies had been paid for. You were not then in
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Congress, and, therefore, it is probable that you might
not be informed of this fact. My case is not parallel
with the other gentlemen's, for they took their own time
to return; yet one of them (Mr. Adams), though he
had nothing to do in Paris, did not carry over any
accounts. Mr. Lee may, but he has never had any
examined, as directed by Congress. What his recep-
tion will be time will discover. You say you know not
if those gentlemen are or will be chargeable with the
like incapacity, but as it is a well known fact that their
accounts never have been settled, and that the whole
burthen of it is actually devolved on me, and that it is
not so much my own accounts as those of the Commis-
sioners at large that I am now laboring on, there can
be no doubt of this real incapacity, whether charged
with it or not. Mr. Lee and Mr. Adams received more
public monies than I ever did. Even Mr. William Lee
and Mr. Izard, the latter of which never made one step
out of Paris, or did any thing, except to receive his com-
mission, each received more; yet neither are blamed
for not accounting. But I have said enough on this
subject. You say it will still remain a question whither
my measures were prudent, and I thank you for telling
me you think some of them were not. This is a proof
of your friendship, and a stile in which, I think, one
real friend will write to another. I confess, on reflec-
tion, I do not approve of all the measures I took, but
they were such as the times dictated, and such as at the
time I judged most prudent. Though viewed at this
distance, they may be deemed less prudent than they
really were. I find most of them produced real benefit
to America, and that the worst consequences of any of
them have fallen solely on myself; but, allowing some
or all of my measures to have been imprudent, still my
complaint lies against Congress for not informing me of
what I had done wrong, that I might have had an
opportunity of vindicating myself in the best manner in
my power. Their refusal of this was an act of injustice
and tyranny which Monarchs themselves are but seldom
THE DEANE PAPERS.
255
guilty of. With respect to the duplicity of some of my
pretended friends in Congress, I had some suspicion of
it before I left America and since. I have more than
suspicion, I have full proof of it. Letters sent from hence
with express orders to be communicated to me, if in
Paris, and to be made use of in Congress for my justifi-
cation, were suppressed. I know they were received,
and I have copies of them. What is more, the persons
capable of this, and who appeared on all occasions pub-
licly to support me against the Lee faction, since the
displacing of them, men have declared they had no view
of serving me or my cause, but to make use of both to
destroy the Lee interests. Men who can act such a
part-I without blushing boast of it-must have adopted
the reverse of your maxim Nil utile nisi quod hones-
tum. This maxim is a good one, but much too old to
be adopted by most of our modern politicians in Amer-
ica.
-
I have now nearly finished the settlement of my ac-
counts and those of the Commissioners, the result of
which is a large ballance in my favor. Will this estab-
lish my reputation and procure justice for the injuries I
have sustained in my character and fortune? I do not
flatter myself with any such hope. The men to whom
I am to apply for this justice are those who have injured
me, and in doing it must condemn themselves, a self
denial or heroism not to be expected from them; but
supposing them capable of it, will this, will it recall the
envenomed shafts of calumny shot at me from behind
their shield? I grant that the bulk of the people mean
well, but from a suspicion that the greater part of men
in public employ are dishonest, a suspicion at this time
more prevalent with the people of America than with
any other, and which many in public employ are ever
propagating, you will find fifty, nay, five hundred, who
receive with open ears a calumny, and who will propa-
gate the same with as much industry as if their character
and interest depended on its being spread and believed,
to a single one who will take any pains to undeceive
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himself or others. This circumstance is sufficient to
deter almost any one from attempting to vindicate him-
self by publications, and to write down calumny, which
has more tongues and heads than a thousand Hydras.
I am fully sensible of the importance of the subject to
me, my son, and, in some degree, to my friends who
wish to be able to vindicate my reputation, and I have
collected materials, and have begun to arrange them for
a full and ample history of all my transactions whilst in
the public service. But I fear the times will not bear
the publication of it in America, as yet, and will it serve.
our cause to have it published in Europe? I know not
how it is with you, but in France the character of our
public men and measures is much too low already, and
our intrigues and cabals are looked on with contempt
even by our friends. Further, when I review what I
have seen and met with the last four years, I fear to
trust myself too suddenly on the subject. In short, un-
less a peace take place soon, or a change of measures,
publications will not be of any service either to me or
America, and this reflection alone is sufficient to restrain
me for the present. Mr. Williams has been abused
for serving the public. He has been represented in
America as a defaulter and speculator. To wipe off the
calumny he has had all his accounts and transactions.
audited by the Auditor of Congress; they have been
approved of, and mathematical demonstration given that
he was neither, but that he had served his country faith-
fully and for about two per cent., whilst the other agents
took five. His accounts, thus audited and certified with
vouchers, have been transmitted to Congress now more
than 12 months, yet by the last accounts they still lie
on file; the proofs of his innocence and services are
suffered to sleep. Is not this an instance how little
attention is given by Congress to the doing of justice to
their servants? Many in that body know (I believe all
do) that I entered the public service with a fair character
and an easy fortune. All America know that however
imprudent some of my measures appears, I rendered
-
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257
essential services to my country, yet Congress have
refused to do anything to rescue my character when
vilified by one of their confidential servants, or to repair
my fortune spent in their service. I can have nothing
to expect from them until times alter; this period, I
hope, is not far distant. I wait for it, and will be ready
to improve the favorable moment. Though I apologized
at first for entering on the subject, I fear I must do it
again, and repeat my promise not to enter on it again.
Would to God we could transport ourselves, not to Mrs.
Howes (Pa. is a disagreeable place at present), but to
some private interview for a week. The time would be
agreeably and, I doubt not, usefully spent. Count
D'Estaing is daily expected. The English fleet are at
sea; the last accounts left them off Ushant. Rodney is
gone to North America; no late news. I am glad you
are like to procure cloathing. Pray hasten it out, for it
is greatly wanted; all that was engaged here is still in
port and like to be so for some time. I wish there were
any grounds to believe the [cipher translated] report
from North Carolina of the appreciation of our paper,
which you will write me, but I assure you there are
none. I have letters from Philadelphia, in September,
and prices current, by which I find that the deprecia-
tion for four months past has been more rapid than at
any former period; 110 was given for a guinea, and
the State paper was following, though not so rapidly.
It is not so easy a matter to cure the wound given in
March last to public faith and credit as many sup-
pose it. You say that Spain wants much, and leave me
to make the comment. I need not this information to
settle my opinion as to Spain, when proud, insolent, and
obstinate they have engaged in a war in which they
have much to loose and can gain nothing. I expect
little from them but, by a show and parade, to alarm the
English during the war. This will gain them some
weight in a negotiation, but it will not be on our part.
Have you not heard of the toad that prayed for two
tails? Precisely their case. The maxim nil utile has
VOL. IV. 17
P
258
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as little force in America as in England, or in Congress,
where it has given place long since to another, which is,
that the end justifies the act, and that public necessity
will justify every act that occasioned Congress to emit
paper, to make it a legal tender, to force orphans and
widows and honest creditors to receive it equal to silver
and gold. Public necessity led them to pledge their
sacred faith and honor for the redemption of it, and
public necessity is to justify the damning of it intirely,
and is to justify the deceiving of the most innocent and
helpless part of the community, as well as all who have
voluntarily put faith in their promises. Are we the only
people who have a right to use the plea? I subscribe
to your confession of faith; but though men profess to
believe that they are travelling on to a better world,
they are generally willing to sell out their interest in
that to realize in this, and no men carry this kind of
stock jobbing so high as politicians, between whom and
the priests, who pretend to most knowledge and interest
in the future, we stand a great chance to be bled out of
both. France desires a peace as much and more than
England. The present unfortunate reports, it is feared,
will have a great impression in France, as their trifling
display has caused in America. The French are suc-
cessful in nothing, and, in addition to this, may at last
totally desert us. This needs no comment. The best
that can be hoped for is to escape by flight. The dis-
asters of this campaign in America, compared with the
promises with which it was opened, will show a languor
which cannot be misunderstood, and the full force of it
will be felt by the sufferers. The King's speech in
Parliament, the Army, and the whole of the Nation is
for war, at least with France. Their Funds do not de-
cline. The money for the next year is already secured.
These are astonishing facts, but such they are, and this
consequence is to be drawn from them: that if our
friends do not act in a different style and with more
energy they will fail, and for them we shall be ruined.
These are melancholy reflections. I will leave them.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
259
Laurens is not considered of any consequence by the
Ministry. All the noise made about him is to serve
certain purposes. His papers, etc., are all in the hands
of North. How could this happen? What must we
think of his permitting his papers to be taken? One
moment was sufficient to prevent this. He told the
Ministry, on his being ordered into prison, that it
was against the rights of nations to detain him. He
possibly thought his papers, etc, equally sacred. Not-
withstanding the power of England, the Ministry desires
peace. The French Ministry desire it still more.
America out of the question, their affairs might be set-
tled in one day. Hence, the ground for my fears. France,
in settling the account of the war to this time with Eng-
land, will be a sufferer, yet must be glad to get to the
point set out from. Spain is no better off, and for them
we have nothing to throw into the account against the
trials and sufferings taken from them. The war, then,
you will say, must go on. I know not which I dread
most, a continuance of the war or a negotiation. The
first will occupy our country with a foreign army, and
with that in the center of our country, can we be free?
And are bloody (Indian) mercenaries the only ones.
to be opposed? It is a dreadful alternative to be
reduced to the choice of tyrants after having risqued
everything to conquer one. Twenty thousand French
forces in America are talked of. If it take place, what
will be the situation of America? You will smile that I
distrust France. The last year's operations and the
present conduct will justify me in it. I should distrust
any one in such a situation. Ambition is disposed to
overlook all bounds and laws when armed with power.
Such intrigues exist in France as well as in Spain.
The independance of America is become an old story.
The first object of the war is already out of sight.
influence is next to ended. The only actual object is,
if England or France and Spain shall in future give
the law; but I have tired myself and you effectually.
My next shall be shorter, one thing in its favor. I
Our
X
260
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3
design and hope it will be on a more agreeable subject.
My compliments, etc.,
S. DEANE.
Hon. John Jay, Esq.
TO JOSHUA JOHnson.
Paris, Nov. 19th, 1780.
SIR,-In examining the accounts of the Commission-
ers for a settlement, I find you charged Octo. 3d, 1777,
to cash paid by order of B. Franklin and S. Deane,
nine hundred and four livres. Finding no account,
what the payment was for, nor recollecting any thing
about it, obliges me to pray you would favor me with
an account of the disbursements for which that pay-
ment was made; and as I have nearly closed the other
accounts, you will oblige me in sending it as soon as
you conveniently can by the post. I pray you to pre-
sent my compliments to Mrs. Johnson, and to be
assured I am, with much Esteem, Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Mr. Joshua Johnson,
Nantz.
Thomas Mss.
TO DARCY AND MOYLAN.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Nov. 19th, 1780.
Gentlemen,—I find, on a settlement of the accounts
of the Commissioners of Congress, that you are charged
Novr. 28th, 1778, to cash paid your draft, 246 livres
15s., but do not find the account of the disbursements
for which the draft was made; and as I am impatient.
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261
Messrs. Darcy & Moylan.
•
to ballance those accounts, intreat you to favor me with
this by the post. I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
TO JOHN PAUL JONES.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Nov. 21st, 1780.
DEAR SIR, Yours of the 17th, to Doctor Bancroft,
inclosing one to Doctor Franklin, came to hand in the
Doctor's absence. Mrs. Bancroft, opening it, put it into
my hands, and I have been this evening with Doctor
Franklin, who informs me he has accepted the bills you
mention, so that affair is got over; the other parts of
your letter will be attended to by Dr. Bancroft when he
returns, which will be in a day or two. Meantime I can
only say that no man feels more sensibly than I do for
the disappointments you have met with; every one who
knows any thing of my history will believe what I say,
but I have never lost sight of the great object, or suf-
fered my ardor to abate on account of any thing I have
met with, and I am confident that you are and will be
animated with same principle. I hope this will reach
you before you sail, and therefore pray your attention
to the inclosed. I most ardently wish you a prosperous
voyage and the success which you so greatly merit, and
am, with the highest Esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Capt. J. P. Jones.
Thomas Mss.
TO JOHN JAY.
Passy, Nov., 1780.
DEAR SIR,-In my last of the 16th, I took notice of
every part of your two letters of the 26th, ultimo and 1st,
instant, except your postscript. I should not have
troubled you with any remarks on Adams, and the stile
and conduct which he has uniformly held, had I not
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considered it as prejudicial to the cause we have en-
gaged in. I am perfectly willing that he should render
himself ridiculous; but the follies and indiscretion which,
under certain circumstances hurt none but individuals,
and serve to divert the public, may, under different ones,
produce the most extensive evils.
This man, who may have read much, appears to have
retained nothing, except law knowledge and the fierce.
and haughty manners of the Lacedemonians and first
Romans. These he has adopted as a perfect model to
form a modern republican by, and has actually turned
his brain so far as to think himself a Lycurgus or a Cato,
and that the stile in the embassy of Fabricius to Phyrrus
and others of that day is to be adopted at the present.
I have not seen him, but Franklin and Bancroft
assure me he is actually mad, and more so, though
in a different way, than ever Lee was. Certain it is,
Gentlemen here entertain strange ideas of him, and no
very favorable ones of those who employed him as one
of their ablest politicians. In a word, it is hard to say
if he made himself the most obnoxious at Court or
in Company. A man sent into a foreign country
in a public capacity is generally taken as a sample of
the people he represents. This needs no comment. It
may be said that faction and cabal advance men to
posts of trust, though every way improper, but in a
free government no faction or cabal is supposed capable
of this but by becoming the majority. The inferences.
drawn from this, and the uses which have been, and, I
apprehend, will be, made of them, are to me extremely
alarming. On a review of the history of states, politics,
and revolutions, we find the greatest changes have been
to appearances affected by the most trifling and often
the most despicable causes and agents; and when we
impute the revolutions that have taken place solely to
them, we can but pity mankind, whose repose and happi-
ness is exposed to be destroyed, and whose best con-
certed measures and fairest prospects may be defeated
by the most contemptible circumstances or accident.
A
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263
But on a nearer examination I am convinced that the
revolutions which have to appearances been founded on
trifling accidents are to be traced to a more important
source. The materials have existed and been previously
collected. The train laid, and the circumstances to which
the whole is attributed is only an accidental spark out
of many, any one of which is sufficient to fire the mine.
The great Duke of Marlborough was disgraced, and
the face of affairs in all Europe changed, apparently,
from a dispute about two or three pairs of gloves. Louis
the XIV. turned the whole force of France on Holland,
and came near annihilating that republic ostensibly on
account of some expressions of a burgomaster who was
in a public character at his court.
The real causes of
these and similar events must have existed previous to
the accidents that put them in motion. When the
cause for which a war is undertaken ceases to be popu-
lar, when a nation has become tired of it, and when a
court is split into factions, one partly deriving their
consequence and holding their posts from the continu-
ance of the war, and the other party sure to gain the
ascendant on a peace, in such a situation the most
trifling circumstances or accidents are sufficient to change
the face of public affairs.
I think you will understand my meaning better than
I have explained it. [Cipher translated. The Court
of France is divided. Faction and party begin to shew
themselves. Sartine is out. Maurepas is at this thrust
aimed at Necker. The war between them is become
mortal, and one must ruin the other, whatever be the
consequence.
I have no time to add, except that I
have in part fulfilled my promise in my last. This
letter is shorter, tho' the subject may be more agree-
able. I will not enlarge, but for once sending you a
sheet not entirely filled, subscribe myself most sin-
cerely Yours,
S. DEANE.
To His Excellency, John Jay, Esq.
Jay Mss.
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TO JONATHAN NESBITT.
Paris, Dec. 2d, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I send you the enclosed packet for
America, to be forwarded by Commodore Jones, ex-
cept those letters marked 2, which, being duplicates, I
pray you to send them by Capt. All, or the first vessel
sailing to America, with orders to destroy, in case of
capture, and in case of safe arrival to put into the post
office of the port. I wrote Capt. All the 15th, ulto., but
have no answer, at which am surprized, and fear he
may be sick, as I presume he has not sailed for Amer-
ica. I make no excuse for troubling you with this
packet, but pray if there is any thing here in which I
can serve you, you will favor me with your commands.
I am, with Esteem, Dear Sir,
Mr. Jonathan Nesbitt.
Yours, &c.,
TO JOHN PAUL JONES.
S. DEANE.
-
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Dec. 2d, 1780.
DEAR SIR, I wrote you the 21st, ulto., the result of
my interview with Doctor Franklin on your account,
since which I have received none of your favors. Our
mutual friend Doctor Bancroft shewed me your letter.
to him, by which I find you were like soon to be again
at sea; may your voyage be prosperous and short as
possible. I have taken liberty to send our mutual
friend Mr. Nesbitt a packet of letters, which pray you
to take charge of. I should have enclosed them direct
to you, but presumed it possible you might be already
sailed, in which case the packet might be returned to
me with additional expence. I sincerely wish you could
carry with you not only news of important relief to
America, but the relief itself with you; their situation
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265
this winter must be distressing, but I really hope that
something effectual will be done. I am not naturally
disposed to be over sanguine on any prospect, and I
have had sufficient experience to cool the little extra
of that which I once had, and being entirely out of any
political line, I am become a simple observer of what
passes, but not an indifferent spectator of what effects
my country or friends, among whom I hope I with
justice consider you. I pray my compliments to all
friends on your arrival, and am, with sincere Esteem
and Attachment, Dear Sir,
John Paul Jones, Esqr.
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS TO COUNT DE VERGennes.
December 2d, 1780.
MONSIEUR LE COMTE,-Ce n'est qu' avec la plus
grande circonspection que j'ose aujourd'hui parler d'une
chose qui n'a pas un rapport direct avec mes affaires per-
sonnelles : mais le spectacle d'un honnête homme souf-
frant, par l'injustice, ou plutot par l'ingratitude de son
pays qu'il servit avec tant de zêle, m'arrache au silence
que je me suis imposé. Le pauvre M. Deane, ramené
en Europe pour terminer toutes les affaires de commerce
qu'il a entamées pour le Congrès, croyait trouver ici
des fonds à lui qui le ferait subsister jusqu'à son retour
à l'autre continent; ou la reddition de des propres
comptes lui ferait rentrer toutes les avances qu'il a
personellement faite à sa patrie pendant le temps de sa
position politique en France. So itinfidelité, sort negli-
gence de ses agents ou amis, il se trouve aujourd'hui
manquant du plus étroit nécessaire à Paris. Il s'est
adressé à M. Franklin qui lui a répondu n'avoir aucun
ordre d'argent à son égard. Je suis le seul auquel il a
ouvert son cœur et montré une amertume qui approche
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I
de quelquechose de plus funeste. Je suis moi-même
percé si bas que je n'ai pas lui offrir que des ressources
éloignés. Mais je me suis dit après son départ, qu'il y
a peut-être une grande imprudence politique de pousser
au désespoir des gens qui ont rendu de grands services
à l'Etat; et ce que cette misérable republique naissante
ne cesse de faire à tous les hommes de mérite qui ont
epousé ses intérets. Je vois déja des defections si
funeste à da cause que je ne puis m'empêcher de fré-
mir sur de pareils exemples.
M. Deane est un homme
à la France, et son dévouement lui a valu presque tous
ses ennemis en Amérique. Croyez vous, Monsieur le
Comte, que jamais la politique française ait fait une
générosité plus utile et mieux placée que celle que
j'ose proposer à votre Sagesse? Un millier de louis
offert à ce malheureux ex-négotiateur eleverait son
cœur à une reconnaissance dont la France peut tirer au
jour le plus grand service. Il a l'âme belle et le cœur
sensible; il ne peut se passer d'un prompt secours, et
sous quelque forme qu'il lui soit offert, comme don,
comme pret, comme il vous plaira; cet argent sera
peutêtre placé au plus haut intéret: mais le ton pro-
fondément affecté dont il m'a parlé de son pays, de
lui, de son fils qui est au collège à Paris, de sa situation
actuelle, et de l'ingratitude qui la cause me fait frémeir.
Jamais, Monsieur le Comte, un avis oiseux, ou
hasardé, ne sorterai de ma bouche. C'est à votre
Sagesse à pèser celui-ci. Mon devoir est rempli. De-
puis quelque temps il est bien dun mon devoir; et
ceux qui arrêtent les grandes opérations du gouverne-
ment sur l'Amérique et celle du négotiant eclairé qui
brule de joindre un peu d'utilité à vos grands travaux
-ces gens là, dis-je, sont bien coupables à mes yeux!
Je renferme en moi la dure extention de cette idée pour
me borner à vous assurer du très respectueux dévoue-
ment avec lequel,
Je Suis, etc.,
CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS.
Archives Ministère des Affaires Etrangers, Paris.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
267
TRANSLATION.
M. LE COMTE,-It is with extreme diffidence that I
venture to speak today of a matter that has no direct
relation to my personal affairs; but the spectacle of a
worthy man suffering in consequence of the injustice,
or, rather, the ingratitude of his country, that he has
served with so much ardor, leads me to break the
silence that I had resolved to maintain. Poor Mr.
Deane, brought to Europe in order to conclude all the
business that he had undertaken for Congress, and
expecting to find the funds to enable him to live here.
until his return to the other side, or that the settlement
of his own accounts would reimbourse him for all
advances that he had made to his Country during the
period of his political mission in France, now finds him-
self without the means of subsistance through the dis-
honesty or carelessness of his friends or agents. He
has applied to Doctor Franklin, who informs him that
there are no instructions for furnishing him with money.
I am the only person in whom he has entirely confided,
and he shows a bitterness that borders on something
worse. I am myself so embarrassed that I can offer him
only temporary assistance; yet after his departure I
reflected that it was, perhaps, a grave political error to
drive to desperation those who have rendered impor-
tant services to the State, as this contemptible, new-
born republic continually does to all deserving men
who have forwarded its interests. Already I have
noticed desertions of such evil omen from his cause.
that I tremble when I think of them. Mr. Deane is a
partizan of France, and his devotion accounts for nearly
all his enemies in America.
Mad
Do you believe, Mr. le Comte, that French policy
has ever performed a generous act more useful or bet-
ter bestowed than this that I venture to submit to your
judgement? A million louis accorded to this unfortunate
ex-commissioner will awaken a sense of obligation from
which France may some day derive the greatest advan-
268
THE DEANE PAPERS.
tage. He is a man of fine feelings, and capable of
gratitude. He cannot do without prompt assistance,
and in whatever form it may come, as a gift or a loan,
or however you please, the money will, perhaps, be
bearing the highest interest. At any rate, I am uneasy,
observing his profound emotion in talking with me of
his country, himself, his son, who is at school in Paris,
his present situation, and the ingratitude that has occa-
sioned it. A trivial or irresponsible suggestion, Mr.
le Comte, will never come from me. It is for you to
weigh what I have said. My duty is done. For some
time past it is far from being my duty, and those who
retard the important operations of the Government in
regard to America, and of the intelligent agent who
ardently desires to effect something useful in connec-
tion with your great exertions, these people, I say,
have much to answer for. I suppress further comment.
in this strain, and only assure you of the devotion with
which I am, &c.,
CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS.
TO GÉRARD DE RAYNEVAL.
T
Passy, December 9th, 1780.
SIR, -Your obliging letter of the 5th did not come to
my hand until yesterday morning, and I have since been
confined to my Chamber by a severe Cold, which pre-
vents acknowledging in Person the sense I have of the
seasonable assistance offered me by the Count de Ver-
gennes.
I must, therefore, pray you to make him my grate-
fel acknowledgements, and to assure him that I will
improve the first moment my Health will permit me
to convince him that no imprudence or neglect of
mine has been the cause of the difficulty in which I
find myself involved, and from which He has gener-
ously offered to relieve me.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
269
I hope in a few weeks to have my accounts finally
and fully stated, and my affairs so arranged as to be
able to repay the sum lent me. But no time will
efface from my mind the sense I have of his kind-
ness.
I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir,
Your most humble Servant,
S. DEANE.
To M. Gérard de Rayneval.
*
Archives Ministère des Affaires Etrangers, Paris.
WILLIAM LEE TO ARTHUR LEE.
Anvers, Dec. 10th, 1780.
*
*
YOUR former minister, Mr. Silas Deane, we are told,
since his return to France, has been continually employed
in invectives against his country. According to him,
America is ruined, and must be subjugated by England;
therefore all the aid France gives is so much thrown
away. We are surprised at this, as he lives at Passy
with your minister, and seems to be his favorite and
prime councillor. Mr. Deane adds, also, that your grand
Congress is composed of fools and knaves; we hope he
has not experienced them to be so.
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
*
FROM JAMES WILSON.
K
Ford's Letters of William Lee, page 835.
Jan
Philadelphia, Jan. 1st, 1781.
fra
MY DEAR SIR,-Mr. Duer informed you of the rea-
sons why I could not write to you when he sent his
letters from Philadelphia. I have been since that time
favoured with yours of the 23d of August last, from
Paris. The former letter from Nantes, to which you
an
270
THE DEANE PAPERS.
refer, is not yet received. I most sincerely congratu-
late you on your return to that country which knows,
and which has the justice to acknowledge, your merits.
This congratulation, you must confess, is disinterested,
since the very event on which it is formed is likely to
deprive me, for a considerable time, of conversations
similar to those in which I was often happy, while you
was in Philadelphia.
You have heard, and you have been astonished at,
the infamous treason of Arnold. You will not be sur-
prised to hear that your enemies and mine have endeav-
oured to throw a shade over the characters of those
who had any acquaintance with him. Such endeavours.
have happily been as fruitless as they have been mali-
cious.
The affairs of Pennsylvania have taken, and continue
to take, a favourable turn. A number of very respectable
citizens are now in the General Assembly. Among
others, Mr. Morris, General Mifflin, Col. Bird, Col.
Patton, and Col. Delany. Mr. Morris, I have not the
least doubt, may be president next year, if we can prevail
on him to accept of the office. Our finances continue
still deranged, but our comfort is that our resources are
by no means exhausted. The army is in winter quar-
ters, a part near West Point, and a part near Morris-
town. The several States are making compensations.
for the losses which the troops have suffered by depre-
ciation, and are taking measures for compleating their
quotas of recruits by the opening of the next campaign.
A. Lee, has, I believe, been much disappointed on
and since his arrival at Philadelphia; no eclat, and no
proceedings against those whom he dislikes. The
venerable Doctor Franklin maintains his ground among
those whose opinions should be valued. Notice, indeed,
was given in Congress that a motion would be made
for recalling him. But those who gave the notice.
thought it prudent, when they saw its impressions, never
to make the motion.
I perused, with much satisfaction, your letter to,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
271
and am perfectly satisfied that every part of it is justifi-
able. Your strain is natural to one who has been most
injuriously treated, and who is conscious of having
merited a very different reception. Agreeably to your
desire, I shewed the letter to Mr. Morris and Mr.
Thomson. They were both of opinion that it was
prudent not to deliver it at that juncture. My own
sentiments coincided with theirs. I have since taken
the liberty of shewing it to Mr. Duer, who has taken it
with him to the State of New York. We think that it
may be usefully converted into a publication at a proper
season. As the contingency, on which you expressly
directed me to deliver the letter, has, fortunately, not
taken place, I have used the discretionary power you
gave me, and have acted for you as I would have done
for myself. This shall be my future rule.
We are every now and then encouraged by spirited
and successful enterprises in the Southern States. The
enemy must, upon the whole, have been great sufferers
by their expeditions into that part of the continent.
I am happy that the proposals made in France on
the subject of masts have been approved of. I hope
soon to hear, through you, of similar accounts from
Spain. The incursions of the Indians have prevented
any attempts to procure masts up Delaware, but I have
got near an hundred of tolerable dimensions, cut up
Schuylkill, which are ready to be brought down by the
first freshes. I sent Mr. Hatton, the inspector, to my
lands on Lackewaxin Creek, and he gives me a very
favourable report of the mast-timber on them. He ex-
plored the creek from its mouth to my lands, and
says there is only one obstruction in it, which, he thinks,
may be removed for one hundred pounds Pennsylvania
currency. So soon as the situation of the country will
permit, or guards for the workmen can be procured, I
will turn my most vigorous exertions to that quarter,
and have not the least doubt but that I shall meet with
success.
In your letter of the 4th of June last, you mention.
272
THE DEANE PAPERS.
my purchases of lands up Delaware, and ask me if I
incline to sell a part. To say truth, I think this is
rather a time for purchasing than for selling, if we con-
sider the present prices of back lands in this country.
Besides my tract on Lackewaxin Creek, on which the
mast-timber is, I have a right to some very valuable
lands, ten thousand acres of which be a few miles higher
up the creek. The titles are not yet fully compilated, and
cannot be so till the Land Office shall open. I would
sell those ten thousand acres with a warranty of the title;
that is to say, I would engage to return all the money
received by me, with interest, in case my title should
prove to be deficient. On this foundation I would sell
the land for three Spanish milled dollars per acre, or
money of France equivalent. This, I confess, is a
much higher sum than I could now obtain here for the
lands. But then, I expect that some years hence they
will be worth as much to me or any one else, and then
will encrease faster in value than the Sum at Interest
would do. In the mean time I could make other pur-
chases with the money. You now see the principles on
which I go.
I authorise you to make propositions
accordingly. They would suit only a person who could
afford to lay out a sum of money on a distant, but
profitable speculation. You know the situation of the
country, and how little land carriage there is to Phila-
delphia.
In any purchases I may make with views of this
nature, I shall be happy, if you chuse, to interest you
equally with myself, whether what I am now going to
mention take place or not.
I think that, at this period, a very valuable land
scheme might be formed and carried into execution by
gentlemen in Europe who have the command of money.
If it is extensive I would undertake the management of
it in this country. You would probably undertake the
management of it in Europe. But a fund of one hun-
dred thousand guineas, at least, would be necessary to
render it an object worthy of sufficient attention, either
THE DEANE PAPERS.
273
to those who should manage it or to those who should
embark in it. If there is any probability that such a
scheme will be adopted, you can say of me what you
think, from my character and profession, I deserve,
and no more.
I am anxious to know the fate of my nomination to
be Advocate General. While I am in suspense it is
impossible for me to apply with a sufficient degree of
attention and industry, either to the duties of the office.
or to the pursuit of my private practice. I rely on your
good offices concerning this subject. I have written on
it to Mr. Gerard. I have also communicated to him
several things relating to the Ilinois and Wabash land
companies. To these communications I beg leave to
refer you.
It will always give me very particular satisfaction to
hear from you. Mrs. Wilson desires me to present
you her best compliments; please to offer mine to
Doctor Franklin.
I am, with great Affection and Esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours very sincerely,
JAMES WILSON.
Hon. Silas Deane, Esquire.
X
FRANCIS DANA TO JOHN ADAMS.
X
-X-
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Jan. 1st, 1781.
*
**
SOON after my arrival here, which was on the even-
ing of the 23d, I had a visit from Francisco [Silas
Deane], a long one, during which we went over much
political ground, which convinced me every thing we
had heard of the extraordinary conversation of this
man was strictly true. Our country, according to him,
was already conquered; the power of Great Britain
rising above all control; that of her enemies almost
spent; Holland absolutely to be crushed in the course
VOL. IV.-18
-
274
THE DEANE PAPERS.
of three months; the armed neutrality in consequence
annihilated; the British manifesto extolled for its co-
gent reasons above all the similar acts of the belligerent
powers; all Europe blind to their own interests, which,
in fact, were in direct repugnance with those of Amer-
ica, particularly those of Holland and all the northern
powers; Congress a mere cipher, having lost all its
influence every where in America; and, to crown the
whole, an apology for the infamous apostate Arnold. I
kept my temper and heard him out. You may easily
conjecture what my feelings were on such an occasion,
and I manifested them in some parts of my replies.
X
*
X
X
Works of John Adams, VII. 350.
X
X
CERTIFICATE FOR JOHN SHEE.
Paris, Jan. 13th, 1781.
I CERTIFY that I have not sold or disposed of any of
the within mentioned Certificates,* which the Power of
Attorney annexed impowered me to have done, and
this day I have, pursuant to the request of Mr. Shee,
deposited this instrument, and the power of attorney
sent me by Mr. Shee, in the hands of his Excellency
B. Franklin, Esqr., Minister Plenipotentiary of the
United States of America in France.
S. DEANE.
Holbrooke Mss.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TO CHARLES W. F. Dumas.
Passy, Jan. 18th, 1781.
X
*
*
*
X
*
You will receive this by Mr. Deane, who has a great
regard for you, and whom I recommend to your civili-
* See Deane's letter of Sept. 4, 1780.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
275
1
ties, though the gentlemen at present with you may be
prejudiced against him, prejudices that time will cause
to vanish by showing they were groundless. I enclose
a packet for Leyden, which I shall be glad to hear is
delivered safe, and therefore desire your care of it.
I am, etc.,
B. FRANKLIN.
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., Wharton Ed., IV. 239.
TO SAMUEL DELAP.
Paris, Jan. 21st, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I have been expecting almost every
week for some months past to set out for Bordeaux,
which has prevented my writing; but am unexpectedly
turned another away, being obliged to set out for Hol-
land tomorrow. Though I long since knew I must make
that journey, yet I intended to have delayed it until
spring, and promising myself the pleasure of waiting on
you, and in person adjusting accounts which have too
long lain unsettled, I have until now omitted mention-
ing the subject to you, but as I am confident you are as
sollicitous as I can be to have them closed, I pray you
to send them to Paris, inclosed to me under cover to
Doctor Franklin, Minister for the United States of
America. As I shall not be above three weeks at most
on my journey, I hope to find them here on my return,
and it shall be my first business to have them settled.
I must be the more earnest with you on this subject, as I
have now nearly finished the accounts I have any con-
cern in, either of a public or private nature, and by your
assistance shall be able to compleat a settlement im-
mediately on my return. I have the honor to be, with
much Esteem and Attachment, Dear Sir,
Yours, etc.,
Mr. Delap, Bordeaux.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
276
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO JONATHAN NESBITT.
Paris, Jan. 22d, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I have taken the liberty of sending to
your care the enclosed letters, which I pray you to for-
ward by Capt. Bell, or the first vessel going to Amer-
ica, desiring the Captain, or whoever you trust them
with, to destroy them in case of capture. I should pre-
fer the Luzerne especially, commanded by Capt. Bell, to
any other vessel, had I freight for America; but I have
none, nor do I know of any of my friends who want
to send that way at present. I shall set out tomorrow
for Holland, and on my return shall write you; in
the meantime, if any letters or intelligence arrive from
America for me, I pray you to send the same to Doc-
tor Bancroft, under cover to Doctor Franklin. I have
the Honor to be, with great sincerity, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. J. Nesbitt.
TO BARNABAS DEANE.
Paris, January 22d, 1781.
DEAR BROTHER,-This will be handed you by Monsr.
Caviere, whom I take the liberty of recommending to
your kind offices and best civilities. He will probably
arrive in New England and call on you in his way to
Philadelphia, in which case I hope that the young gen-
tleman will find a home at my house to refresh and
rest on his journey, and that it will be in your power
to give him such information as may expedite his arrival
at Philadelphia. I am, Dear Sir,
Barnabas Deane, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
277
TO THOMAS MUMFORD.
Paris, Jan. 22d, 1781.
MY DEAR SIR-I forward this to you by Mr. Caviere,
who is bound for Philadelphia, but will most probably
touch at some port in New England, and may, of course,
call on you in his journey to Philadelphia. I therefore
take the liberty to introduce and recommend him to
you as a very worthy young gentleman, who proposes
to reside in America for some time, and pray you to
afford him all those good offices and civilities which I
know you are always happy in having an opportunity
of shewing to gentlemen introduced to you. With sin-
cere and affectionate respects to your lady, I am most
sincerely your sincere Friend, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mumford, Esq.
TO JOHN JAY.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Feb. 23d, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-It is now several months since I have
been so happy as to receive any of your letters, and
as you must in that time have received several from
me, I am utterly unable to account for your silence.
I have nearly closed all my accounts, public as well
as private, but Mr. Johnson, the auditor appointed
by Congress, refuses to act, and Doctor Franklin says
he cannot act, nor can he even pay any part of the
considerable sum due to me without orders from Con-
gress. Thus, my Dear Sir, I have been abused in
America as a defaulter, whilst a large sum was due to
me, obliged to return to Europe at my own expence
to settle the public accounts, and am now refused pay
ment under pretence that the accounts and vouchers
must first be examined and passed in Congress. I do
not blame Doctor Franklin; he is sensible of my situ-
'મ
278
THE DEANE PAPERS.
ation, and acts the friendly part, but his hands are
tied up by Congress.
I will not venture to say any
thing further on the subject, least I give you offence,
which I know not but I have already done in my
former letter. I have several times wrote you on the
subject of a mast contract, which, with a letter from the
late Don Juan [De Miralles], I sent you last fall. I
must again pray you to inform me if it has been pre-
sented to the Minister, and what reception it met with,
and if there is a probability of its being accepted of.
As this is a subject of much importance to several of
our mutual friends in America, as well as to myself, I
must pray your attention to it, and that I may have an
answer as soon as possible. It is probable that I shall
return to America some time next spring; I wait only
to know the real situation of affairs there to take my
resolution. Our present accounts are extremely vague
and uncertain; in London they have published an
account of the revolt of Ethan Allen and the Green
Mountaineers, and of the whole of the Pensylvania.
Line, said to have happened the beginning of January,
but there appears great reason to set the whole down
as a forgery, though many circumstances are given.
Arnold has gone to the southward, supposed for Vir-
ginia or Maryland, with about four thousand men,
chiefly new-raised refugees and deserters. I think he
can make no great impression with such a body, though
he may be very troublesome.
Col. Laurens, Junr., is on his passage for France,
charged with some extraordinary powers and dispatches
to this Court. I know not the particulars, but I under-
stand he is to be in some kind an Envoy Extraordinary
for particular purposes and for a certain time only.
Col. Palfrey is coming with him as Consul-General in
France. This is the substance of our news from
America. I returned but two days since from Hol-
land, where for the present a dead calm prevails, all
commerce being suspended, and military preparations
moving too slowly to be perceived by a bystander,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
279
though I doubt not they are laying a good foundation.
You are no stranger to the genius of the nation. My
best respects wait on Mrs. Jay, and am with great
respect and attachment, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
TO ISAAC MOSES.
S. DEANE.
I have a letter from our friend Mr. Morris, who
with his lady have been very ill with a fever, but were
recovering. The last autumn was extreme sickly at
Philadelphia.
Hon. John Jay, Esq.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Feb. 23d, 1781.
DEAR SIR, -I received yours of the 15th, Dec., in
which you express your surprize and disappointment
at not receiving either letters or goods from me. As
to the former, I have written and sent on many, and
the inclosed copy of mine of the 28th, of Sept. will
satisfy you as to the latter. Though I have repeatedly
urged your house at St. Eustatia, in letters which must
have arrived safe, on the subject of the bills remitted
them, and on the affair of the schooner Chance and
her cargoes, I have not a line from them. I returned
two days since from Amsterdam, where I found that
the tobacco and the bills in which I was interested, and
on which I had relied, had been applied to the credit
of
your house in St. Eustatia, without the least refer-
ence to me. I presume, that you must have been ig-
norant of this when you wrote your letter of the 15th,
otherways you could not have been surprized at my
not sending goods. I am sensible of the advantages
which might have been made, which renders my situa-
tion more cruel, and from which I must pray you to re-
lieve me by liquidating that account and remitting to
280
THE DEANE PAPERS.
me the amount due to me, with which, if you send me
any funds at all, I can go on to ship out goods. But I
am not willing to hazard sending on a credit whilst
insurance is not to be had, and whilst in consequence
I cannot be certain of fulfilling my engagements. In
Holland nothing can be done at present; all business
is suspended, an universal embargo being laid on all
vessels, even to fishing boats. I suppose that Santo
Croix must now come in place of St. Eustatia with you,
and in Europe I think that Ostend and Gottenburg
or Marstrand must be the best ports to send to. You
will have heard of a certain gentleman's embarrass-
ment, and you know that my funds were principally in
his hands; and when I assure you that I have not been
able to touch one livre of them, you will judge of my
situation.
The number of Privateers from England have been
doubled in number since the declaration of war against
Holland, which, with the English frigates, have made
dreadful havoc on the Dutch commerce.
No pros-
pects of
peace nor probability of a loan for America.
England is preparing to make great exertions at sea
the next summer. They have near forty sail of the line
on the stocks, and a much larger number of frigates;
in short, they seem resolved to dispute the empire
of the sea with all Europe. I hope you will exert
yourselves in America, and not build your hopes on
troops from France, for I am of opinion that none
will be sent. The Loan Office Certificates are in the
same credit as when I wrote the enclosed. Tobacco is
rising, but advise you to send northward, and to send
only the James River quality.
I am with much Esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours, etc.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. Isaac Moses.
P. S.-I expected, when I wrote you in Sept. last, to
have sent out some goods; I have not sent out a shil-
-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
281
ling on any account, owing to the various and unex-
pected disappointments I have met with.
TO SIMEON DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Feb. 23d, 1781.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-I have not received any letter
from you since the one you wrote from Philadelphia
in Sept. last. I have written urgently to Mr. Moses
on the subject of my accounts with him, and pray you
to urge him on the same. As we are quite uncertain
as to the state of Virginia, I am extremely anxious for
you and your affairs there. I hope soon to receive
letters which may relieve me. No prospect of peace
at present. Great Britain appears resolved to hazard
all, rather than give up her claim over America, and is
now augmenting its navy greatly. The Dutch com-
merce has suffered immensely, and is now totally sus-
pended; not a vessel is permitted to put to sea on any
accounts by the States. I am just returned from Hol-
land; and though I found the nation greatly enraged
against England, I am sorry to say that I found noth-
ing like that active energy which is necessary to push
on a war with such a power as Great Britain. No loan
nor the prospect of any in Europe for us. But if
reports are true, our finances in America cannot be
worse than they are. [Cipher translated.] You are
not to expect any thing from France, unless promises
and delays, and then a trifle of money just to keep you
from sinking entirely. From Spain and Holland you
will not have even that, for they will not help us at all.
No troops nor money will be sent to America from
France, and England will prove strongest at sea, not-
withstanding the war with Holland. This for your-
self and friends. Our independence is nearly out of
the question, and if England centers its force on us,
will become entirely so, in my opinion. Indeed, with-
out money, credit, or friends, what can you do?
x
Y
282
THE DEANE PAPERS.
!
C
You have said nothing about your Brigantine more
than that she was unfortunate. Have you lost her en-
tirely? Pray be more particular in your letters, and
give me the state of the country. A voyage to Got-
tenburg or Marstrand would do well, if tobacco can be
got out. I am acquainted with a Mr. Chalmers of
Gottenburg, who belongs to a very good house there,
but it is to no purpose to talk of commerce if the
enemy are in your bay. I have now nearly closed all
my accounts here, but to no purpose, for I cannot
obtain the ballances, because Congress have not ex-
amined and passed them; and Mr. Johnson of Nantes,
appointed their inspector or auditor, refuses to act.
This is as cruel as it is wicked, but it is all of a piece.
I shall send my son to Geneva for two years, by which
time I hope the war may be over, and better days once
more shine on us and our distracted country. I have
thoughts of venturing once more to America with my
accounts, but the uncertainty in which I am with re-
spect to every thing there deters me from resolving
decisively. I fear that the coming season will increase
the distraction and distress of America beyond any thing
yet experienced there. The war with Holland is a most
unfavorable circumstance for us. You in America will
doubtless think differently, and conclude that England,
by having another on hand, will be the less able to carry
on the war against us. But we have too long been the
dupes of such hopes and prospects, which our ignorance
of the real situation, and disposition of the powers in
Europe, have made us rely on. The truth is, that Hol-
land is so totally unprepared either by land or sea for
a war, that they will not for six months to come be
able to do any thing effectually, if so soon; during this
time their commerce and foreign possessions in both
Indies will be ruined. The navies of France and Spain,
which depended on Holland for stores, will suffer
greatly, as well as the French foreign possessions in
particular; in the mean time we, by being cut off from
St. Eustatia and Curacoa, must suffer in proportion.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
283
England is in high spirits. Thirty-eight millions ster-
ling have been subscribed for the next year's service;
the ministry will probably want twelve or fourteen
millions. They have near one hundred sail of men of
war on the stocks, about forty of which are of the
line; by these they boast that during next summer,
and before the Dutch can begin to act, they will have
an addition to their navy equal to the whole force of
Holland, besides the advantages of seizing on their
commerce and possessions in the Indies before hand.
I know you will be told different stories, but I have
been on the spot, and I have no interest to deceive.
you or my countrymen. Holland is at this moment
as far as ever from making their cause a common one
with America. Spain acts in the same manner; and so
long as such a system as the present is pursued, our
country must remain the theatre of war, ravage, and
devastation. Do you flatter yourselves that Spain
wishes to see it otherways? Their conduct does not
shew it; and can any man of common sense suppose
that Spain wishes to see a mighty and warlike empire
established in the vicinity of all its wealth and treas-
ure? If this is common sense with you, it is not
so elsewhere. The more our unhappy country ist
exhausted, divided, and weakened, the less there will
be to be apprehended from them for a long time to
come. But I must quit the subject by saying in one
word that, unless our finances can be well established,
our army increased and supported, and the natural and
internal force of the continent brought to act with con-
sistency and energy, the game will soon be up.
I pray
you to present my compliments to all friends in Vir-
ginia, in particular to Cols. Harrison, Banister, and
Griffin.
I am, &c.,
Mr. Simeon Deane.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
284
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO BARNABAS DEANE.
Paris, Feb. 23d, 1781.
MY DEAR BROTHER,—I have received but one letter
from you since I left America, and that was written in
June last, at New London, and a very short one it
was. La Farque has sent out a box of goods which
I have advised him to send to yours or to Mr. Mum-
ford's care, as it may happen to fall most convenient.
His orders are to sell for hard money only, and to vest
the proceeds in a good bill on France, to be remitted
him as soon as possible. The case is marked N. L. No.
15, and is shipped on board the Marquis La Fayette,
bound for the first port she can arrive at to the
northward. I have inclosed the invoice to Mr. Mum-
ford by the ship, and have wrote him. We have little
or nothing new here, and are in the most vexatious.
uncertainty as to the situation of affairs in America.
Our friends who can give information to be relied on
seem to neglect or decline writing. You are yourself
one of the most culpable on this head. We have no
prospect of peace. Great exertions are making in
England to push the war next season with vigor at
sea in every part of the world. Similar exertions are
making in France; in Spain things move slowly, and
no attention seems to be given to anything but to
Gibraltar. In Holland, where I have lately been, they
move still more slow; their commerce is totally sus-
pended by a general embargo; what they had at sea
has been in great part captured by the English, who.
by striking so unexpectedly, have done much mischief
and will probably do still greater in both Indies. How-
ever, the Dutch are preparing to put force against
force, but as yet not a single ship of war has been
sent to sea by them, nor even a privateer. They have
immense stores on hand, and if they can be brought
to act with energy and dispatch, may have a formi-
dable fleet in six or eight months, but I think they
1
-
-
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285
#:
No
will not do any thing considerable at sea sooner.
loan for us, nor the prospect of any; in a word
America must exert its internal force, and use its
natural resources with consistency, energy, and vigor,
or the game will soon become a very dangerous one
on her part. I shall send my son for Geneva as
soon as the weather will permit, and fix him there for
two years. My accounts are nearly closed, but to no
purpose, for the ballances is refused me until the
accounts with original vouchers shall have been exam-
ined at Philadelphia, the auditor appointed here by
Congress having refused to accept his commission. I
make no comment on this; you will judge of my feel-
ings and sufferings on the occasion. If the cruel,
ungrateful, and unjust treatment of an individual merit
the attention of Heaven, some men will have cause to
fear. I declare to you, at the same time, that I feel
nothing for myself compared with what I feel for my
distressed, and, to all appearance, devoted country. It
is possible I may see you next summer, as I have
thoughts of coming over with my accounts in person,
but I wait to know what your situation actually is,
before I form any resolution. The ship that brings.
this comes with the stores promised last year.
told they have been ready above nine months. I hope
they may at last arrive safe and be of service, though
I am sure they cannot be in season. You will present
my love to sister Buck and the Captain, and compli-
ments to all friends; and write me oftener and more
fully.
I am
I am, Dear Brother, most sincerely yours,
S. DEANE.
The case is recommended to care Monsr. Pelletier,
second Captain of the ship.
B. Deane, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
286
THE DEANE PAPERS.
To THOMAS MUMFORD.
Paris, Feb. 23d, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Inclosed is the invoice of a case of
goods shipped to your address or that of my brother,
as it may happen to be most convenient; they are
mark'd N. L., No. 15, and belong to Nicholas La
Farque, who has served me from my first arrival in
France, in 1776, to this time. His orders are to sell
them to the best advantage, for hard cash only, and to
remit him the net proceeds in a good bill on France.
My desire of rendering some service to this poor man,
who has been rather unfortunate in his voyage to
America with me, makes me trouble you with this
small commission. If the ship should arrive at Phila-
delphia, which I do not expect, pray you to write to
Mr. Morris, our mutual friend, who knows the owner,
to execute the order. The box is consigned to the
care of Monsr. Pelletier, second Captain of the ship
Marquis La Fayette, to be delivered to you or your
order. I have written you several times, and have
received but one of your favors. Can give you no
other news than what the papers and persons going
from hence can acquaint you with. Tell your brother
that his son is well and with Doctor Franklin. Though
he may there learn the language and perfect himself
in writing, yet accounts being the object, it is neces-
sary he should send his directions. I have already
been at some expence, the account of which I shall
send him; but his son cannot be put to a merchant
without a considerable addition to it, which he has not
authorized me to make.
Wishing you and sister Nancy every human felicity,
I am, Dear Brother,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S. My compliments to all friends, particularly of
the family connection. I should write General Sal-
tonstall, but dare not do it at present, for fear I should
THE DEANE PAPERS.
287
offend him; for as his hopes are, I doubt not, as usual,
very sanguine as to the events of next year's cam-
paign, and of the favorable prospects before us, I
should perhaps offend him, or at least give him pain,
if I lessened or attempted to lessen them, which I
must infallibly do, if I touched on politics. Adieu.
Thomas Mumford, Esqr.
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Feb. 23d, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Your favor of the 21st of October was
handed me the day before yesterday by Mr. Hazle-
hurst, to whom I shall be happy to render service, and
which, as he designs for Holland, from whence I have
just returned, may possibly be in my power. I am
sorry to hear of your and Mrs. Morris's illness, and
hope that this fever will excite you to have, by some
means or other, your dyke meadows effectually drained
by large canals, with rows of trees planted on the
banks and on the sides of all your roads; this will
afford the most effectual prevention against such
autumnal fevers, so far as they rise from the tempera-
ture of the air, from which physicians agree they take
their chief source; this will also adorn and beautify
the country, and yield a real profit to the proprietors.
If you effect this, I dare engage that twenty years
hence-for by that time the trees will be well grown-
it will afford you as much or more pleasure, on reflec-
tion, as any of the political squabbles of the present
day, into which I find you are again forced. It could
not have been your choice; for me, I am almost deter-
mined to return to America this spring with my ac-
counts, for I can find no one here either to examine,
pass, or pay them, which is the hardest of the whole.
The ballances, confessedly my due, is very consider-
288
THE DEANE PAPERS.
}
able; and I have now, at my own expence, settled the
public accounts of my fellow commissioners, as well as
of my own, until my leaving France, and even until
the appointment of Doctor Franklin to be sole [com-
missioner] arrived; but out of a ballance of more than
three hundred thousand livres, I cannot obtain one sol
for my support, and from another quarter I have met
with no better treatment; and, as it was less expected,
affects me the more. But of this hereafter. If I re-
solve on returning, it may be deferred until I arrive;
if not, I shall state my case to you and a few friends
at large in writing. I have to this moment been un-
able to obtain a settlement of Capt. Bell's unfortunate
expedition to Marseilles. Mr. De Francy has under-
taken it. I expected when I went to Holland to have
found it furnished on my return; but it is not done.
I hope it will be in a few days. This comes by the
ship Marquis La Fayette, in which La Farque has
sent a case of goods consigned to our mutual friend,
Thomas Mumford, as the ship may most probably go
northward; but if she should arrive at Philadelphia,
pray you to enquire for it. It is marked N. L. No. 15,
and under care of Monsr. Pelletier, second Capt. of
the ship. Should it arrive, pray you to take charge of
it and write to Mr. Mumford, as the articles will prob-
ably sell better with you than to the northward. He
will undoubtedly order the articles to be sold at Phila-
delphia. I have taken the liberty to trouble you with
this small affair, as I wish to encourage the poor man,
who has been long attached to me, and who suffered
in his last voyage with me. As you avoid entering on
politics, you will allow me the same indulgence; but I
cannot but caution you against building too much on
the Dutch War. Évents will shew if my conjecture
is right or not; but to me it appears to be an unfavor-
able circumstance for us and for all the powers en-
gaged against England. You go on associating, resolv
ing, enacting, &c., to force a credit for paper. Are
Americans really ignorant of what has passed and is
THE DEANE PAPERS.
289
now passing in the world? If they are, we certainly
are not become proof against our own experience; and
all unitedly confirm the truth founded on reason and
the principles of commercial common sense and expe-
rience, that every coercion measure come into, to force
a credit on paper, ever has produced, and forever must
produce, a direct contrary effect.
I have seen the Philadelphia papers for Oct., Nov.,
and Dec., and, to my surprize, found them full of the
prescriptions of political quacks on this subject; and
of associations and tests, &c. It seems as if the hurry
and bustle of war had not left us no time to reason
on the nature and basis of all paper credit, or to reflect
on what we have experienced during the last five years
only. Spain is an absolute government, a kingdom,
possessed of the richest mines in the world. Spain
last year wanted money; they dared not to risque the
transportation of their treasures from the Indies; the
court, therefore, attempted to make use of paper.
Notes were issued, and capital bankers in Paris and
elsewhere engaged to give them a circulation. Not
content with this, severe penalties were announced on
any Spanish subject who should refuse to take them
as equivalent to silver or gold. The consequences are
well known. The paper, which, without those coercive
measures, might have possibly obtained a credit, de-
preciated instantly, the bankers were involved, and
came near being ruined. This happened last summer,
and there has been no course of exchange on Spain
since. No one will take a bill, even at Paris, without
an enormous discount, for every one presumes that the
power which can oblige him to take paper in lieu of
specie, however against his interest or inclination, may
force him to any thing else. This has given a capital
wound to the finance and credit of that kingdom, and
of its commerce; and I mention it to convince, from
experience on this side the water, the impracticability
of giving any extensive or permanent credit to paper
by coercive measures. Without intending it, I find
VOL. IV.-19
290
THE DEANE PAPERS.
myself in the midst of politics, though I begun my
letter with the simple and salutary subject of planting
trees and draining meadows. I will, therefore, break
off, wishing this may find you and Mrs. Morris re-es-
tablished in health, and in the enjoyment of your
wishes.
I am, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Robert Morris, Esqr.
N. B. Sent by the ship Marquis La Fayette let-
ters to Mr. Moses, Mr. Morris, Mr. B. Deane, Mr.
Simeon Deane, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Mumford.
To JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Feb. 23d, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I receivedy our favors of the 30th, ulto.
and 14th, inst. I have been five or six weeks on a
tour into Holland, which has prevented your hearing
from me; and as I returned but two days since, have
not time to send any thing by the ships, which I am
told will sail the first fair wind after the arrival of the
dispatches which set off this day. I thank you for
the notice given me, and pray you to write to my
brother Simeon Deane the state of the transaction
respecting the goods shipped to you from Holland on
his account, about which there was some misunder-
standing with the Commissioners. We have nothing
new from any quarter, and in Holland every thing is
in a state of torpitude beyond what you can conceive
of, all commerce suspended, and their warlike prepara-
tions go on (as yet) without either energy or vigor.
It is probable they will awake in about six or eight
months hence, and I do not believe they will sooner.
I am happy to hear that Mrs. Williams is recovering,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
291
and hope that her health may soon be re-established.
I am, with great esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Mr. Jonathan Williams.
Mr. Delap,
TO SAMUEL DELAP.
TO JAMES CUMMINGS.
S. DEANE.
Paris, Feb. 23d, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Above you have the duplicate of my
last, and on my return from Holland two days since,
not finding any letter from you, I take the liberty
again to address you on the above subject, and pray
that as soon as convenient to you, you will oblige me
by giving me an answer to the above.
I am, &c.,
Thomas Mss.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss
Paris, March 3d, 1781.
SIR,-I received your favor of the 26th, inclosing
Mr. Milne's of the 19th, Dec. last, from Philadelphia,
with his bill on me. As I have not disposed of the
interest of Mr. Milne in the Ilinois lands, nor am at
present able to do it at any rate, I am under the
necessity of returning the bill, which, being drawn.
conditionally, presume you will hold until some oppor-
tunity offer to make the sale agreeable to his directions.
I thank you for the advice of the vessels about to sail,
and I shall improve the occasion to write to Mr.
Milne on the subject. I am, in the meantime, re-
spectfully, Sir, your most obedt. servant,
S. DEANE.
Mr. James Cummings.
Thomas Mss
292
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO MESSRS. CATERS.
Paris, March 15th, 1781.
GENTLEMEN,—I embrace with pleasure the present
opportunity of introducing the bearer, Mr. Hazelhurst,
to you.
He is a merchant of Philadelphia, and visits
your country to view your manufactures, and for the
purposes of commerce, in which he has for many years
been reputably established in America. As he is but
lately from that country, he is able to give you the
best intelligence of the state of it; and being about to
send out goods, I doubt not that your acquaintance
with each other will prove mutually beneficial and
agreeable. I have the honor to be, with the most sin-
cere respect, Gentlemen,
Messrs. Caters,
Merchants, Ghent.
Yours, &c.,
TO JOHN JAY.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, March 26th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I received your favors of the 10th, and
thank you for the promise of a continuation, though
I wish either of us had more agreeable subjects to
write on.
I wish to God we could have twenty-four
hours only together. I think we should hardly close
our eyes during the time, and that I could convince
you of many things more important than the subject
on which you closed your last, and which would sur-
prize you.
But what avails it to make wishes for·
what cannot happen.
The British fleet sailed the 13th, and our next
news will probably be from your quarter. The taking
of St. Eustatia, and the immense plunder made there
by Rodney on the Dutch, as well as on France and
America, you will have at large in the Gazettes of
London. It may be exaggerated as some give out,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
293
but from my knowledge of the state of trade there, I
have reason to believe the amount given but toò near
the truth. The ship Marquis de Lafayette, with the
clothing and supplies for our army, is still at L'Orient,
and will probably remain there for a month to come;
at least it is said that she missed of her convoy to
Brest, and that two hundred of her seamen have been
taken to man the fleet. I know not the truth of this,
but it was creditably reported to me yesterday, on
which I conclude that it will require a month at least
for her to get ready and to obtain a fresh convoy.
fear this will add to our disappointments in America.
I
Mr. Dana is appointed to go to Russia, and I am
told that he sets out this week. Mr. Laurens, Junr.,
has been here about a week. He arrived in the
Alliance. He has been every day at Court, and
lodging at Passy. I have not seen him, but, from his
going so constantly to Court, hope he has prospects.
of success. I hear that he designs to return in about
a month.
Our last advices from America, are of the 15th,
ultimo from Boston, when nothing material had hap-
pened since Arnold's expedition to Richmond. The
New England States were laying heavy taxes, and
exerting their utmost to fill up their complement of
the army, which is a favorable symptom. I shall prob-
ably make a second tour to Holland, and still farther
northward in a few weeks, but hope for several of
your letters in the mean time, and am with real esteem
and friendship, Dear Sir,
Your most obedt. and very humble servant,
Hon. John Jay, Esq.,
S. DEANE.
Jay Mss.
FROM JOHN JAY.
Madrid, March 28th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, My last to you was of the 10th, inst.,
and I concluded it with a promise of a continuation,
294
THE DEANE PAPERS.
which I now set down to perform. The more I
enquire and hear about your contract, the more I be-
come convinced that it will never be ratified. The
prices affixed to the several articles are thought exor-
bitant, and I am well persuaded that the conduct of
those affairs will be referred to the person I before
alluded to.
Mr. Carmichael has been informed (I believe by
letter from some person in France) that you had, in
some late conversations on American affairs, spoken
much to their disadvantage and in a manner very dis-
couraging. I mention this that, if the report be ill
founded, I may desire him to undeceive his corres-
pondent. You must be sensible that such reports will
be no less prejudicial to you in America than in Europe.
Your reasons for not publishing your defence at
present do you honor. Let me advise you, however,
to omit no opportunity of authenticating the facts
essential to it, and to hold yourself constantly in
readiness to seize the first proper opportunity of con-
vincing the world that you merit the thanks, not the
reproaches, of your country. The duplicity of which
you complain, if well founded, is extremely reprehen-
sible, and I think ought, in that case, to be fairly and
fully exposed; but as no injustice wounds so deeply
as that which may be done to a man's reputation, care
should be taken that your proofs be adequate to your
assertions. I am the rather led to the remark by the
apprehension that your suspicions reach a gentleman
in America whom I verily believe incapable of such
conduct, and who, I have many reasons to think, really
wished you well. If upon any occasion his conduct
relative to you should have been wrong, I am confident
it must have been under the influence of mistake and
misinformation. I mean G[ouverneur] Morris. If you
should adopt your former idea of endeavoring to
establish your contract by a personal application to
this court (which, if soon done, might be worth your
while), I shall then have an opportunity of submitting
THE DEANE PAPERS.
295
*
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རྞ་
to your consideration the several reasons on which my
opinion of that gentleman's rectitude in that business
is founded.
I believe you innocent of the malversations imputed
to you, and I feel for you all that sympathy which
such an opinion must create in every honest mind.
Evils of this kind, tho' temporary, are severe, and
would be exceedingly so were it not for the prospect
of their soon ceasing. In this enlightened age, when
the noise of passion and party shall have subsided, the
voice of truth will be heard and attended to. It is too
true that mere private altercations have little effect
upon the public mind, few thinking it worth their
while to examine the merits of a dispute important only
to the parties. This is not your case; your commis-
sion, and the manner in which it was executed, will ever
be interesting to Americans, and therefore Americans
will always be ready to hear your cause and to deter-
mine it justly, that is, according to evidence. Keep
your eyes fixed to this object-an ounce of proof is
worth a ton of assertions-be unwearied in collecting
it. Spare no pains in ascertaining the facts necessary
to defend yourself or defeat your enemies. With
respect to your defence, it ought, in my opinion, to be
written with great perspicuity, and with the utmost tem-
per; that is, the materials should be so arranged and
embellished as that the reader may never find himself
perplexed in mazes, nor discouraged by mud and dirt;
but, on the contrary, easily find the way from the
beginning to the end. And the more agreeable and
entertaining it may be, the more he will be pleased
with it, and consequently with you. With respect to
temper, the caution extends beyond the language, in
which, however, I would not have a single hard word;
and for this very good reason, that I never knew an
instance in which they did any good, but many in
which they did much harm. As to hard things, they
respect facts and remarks as to the first, and know of
but one rule. It is never to omit publishing a fact (if
296
THE DEANE PAPERS.
capable of proof) against your enemy, provided it be
essential to your vindication against his charges, and
no honorary obligation forbid it; and on the other
hand, to beware publishing any anecdotes either so
trivial in themselves, or so little connected with your
defence, as to be imputable to malice.
I have known defences fail from various causes;
want of temper, negligence, too little delicacy with
respect to some persons and things, and too much
with respect to others, were the common causes. You
have time, and, I presume, materials enough to render
yours perfect in its kind; nay, you may easily render
it not only interesting for the present, but forever:
and were I in your place I would so connect and in-
terweave the important affairs of your agency with it,
as that it should live as long as they may be deemed
important, which, in my opinion, will never cease to
be the case. In a word, you may, if you please, build
your own monument, and inscribe upon it incontestible
evidence of your merit.
Think a little of this matter,
and tell me how you like the idea.
Adieu for the present; you shall hear from me again.
soon.
I am, dear Sir, with great truth and sincerity, your
Friend and Servant,
JOHN JAY.
The reason why I think if you mean to come this
way, you had better do it soon, is that you may see
Miralles successor, with whom more may perhaps be
done by a timely interview than any other method.
Silas Deane, Esq.
TO JOHN JAY.
Jay Mss.
Paris, April 8th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-My last was of the 26th, ultimo, and I
this day received yours of the 28th.
I assure you
that I never had any suspicion of Mr. G[ouverneur]
THE DEANE PAPERS.
297
Morris' acting with duplicity toward me, and am sur-
prized that any thing in my letters should give you
such an idea. Be assured, if ever I bring the charge
publicly against any one, I shall produce incontestable
evidence. At present the same reasons which forbid
my publishing at all, stand in the way of my saying
anything, except to my most intimate friends.
I am
glad to find that the motives for my silence have the
same weight with you as they still have with me, and
I thank you for communicating to me your general
sentiments on the part I ought to act; they agree
with my own. As to the objections to the contract,
I do not see how, if I were present, they would be
removed, as the prices agreed for are lower than
what England has ever given, and precisely what
France has contracted for in Peace.
<
As nothing can be done under the present situation
of America toward carrying the contract into execu-
tion, a journey on that account would be as fruitless
as it must be expensive. You tell me that Mr. Car-
michael has been informed by letter from France of
my using expressions of a discouraging nature as to
American affairs, and of my having spoken to their
disadvantage, ect., and tell me that such reports will
be no less prejudicial to me in America than in Europe.
I have no doubt whence this intelligence comes. If
you will believe what some gentlemen have written,
and probably will repeat, you must henceforth set me
down as a Tory and an enemy to my Country; but
neither the ravings of madmen nor the representations.
of designing ones can alter the nature of things, tho'
they may for a time injure an individual.
Too many of our countrymen bring over with them
to France all that spirit and violence of party by which
they were actuated in America, and think, or at least
pretend to think, they can no way so well serve Amer-
ica as by representing everything to be in the most
prosperous state. To me it has ever appeared absurd
to the last degree for men who are solliciting in the
298
THE DEANE PAPERS.
most pressing manner for assistance, to represent their
circumstances to be such that they can do very well.
without it; yet such has been the strange conduct of
too many of the Americans who come over. I arrived
in Paris in August last. I took a resolution before I
came over never to engage in the public affairs of this
or any other country, and nothing has presented here
to induce me to alter my determination. I had, how-
ever, a difficult part to act, as many questions must be
put to me which I knew not how to answer; whilst
silence or evasion would cause an unfavorable construc-
tion for my country or myself, or both. Thus embar-
rassed, I avoided going into company as far as I decently
could. The Resolutions of the 18th of March had raised
a general ferment here, and every one was loud against
them, from the Prime Minister down to the citizen.
I was called on often to explain them, and though I
have never had but one opinion of the proceeding,
which has ever been that it was unjust and impolitic
to the last degree, yet I did all in my power to mod-
erate the resentments of those who suffered by those
resolutions. It is true I did not justify them, and,
like Mr. Adams and some others, say that it was the
wisest measure Congress ever took, and that none but
rogues and speculators would find fault with it. Mr.
Searle arrived at Paris a few weeks after me, direct
from Philadelphia, and, it was reported, was charged
with some public commission. I never knew nor
inquired what it was.
The gentleman asserted upon all occasions that the
British forces were actually shut up and perishing by
want and disease in Charlestown; that Genl. Washing-
ton's army consisted of more than 20,000 effective men,
and that far from wanting recruits, more pressed to
enroll themselves; that America did not wish for
peace until England should be entirely humbled or
ruined—until, to use his own words, "that old lion's
claws should be cut and his teeth all drawn."
When any one, Frenchman or American, doubted of
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299
these assertions, he was sure to be answered with an air
of important contempt. "You will pardon me, good
Sir, I am a member of Congress, the only man that ever
came over to Europe in that character. I must know.
I have been Chairman of most of their Committees.
I think I ought at least to know,” etc. He asserted
that America alone was able to carry on the war, that
commerce had injured us, that the merchants of
America were, without example, such vile rogues and
speculators that it would be happy for America if they
were instantly extirpated; that those of France who
complained of the depreciation, were meer speculators
and pedlars, and that the goods sent out from France.
had done us more mischief than 40,000 Russians sent
out to fight against us could have done; that he
wished to God every American sent out to France
might be instantly hanged, without exception even of
himself, content, he said--a modern Curtius-to suffer
among them, since better men would succeed. This
is a faint sketch of the man's stile, as extravagant and
mad as it must seem to you. There are Americans at
Paris that went almost as far.
i
I could not agree with such men. I wished to re-
main silent, but, being called upon to give my opinions,
and that in such a manner that neither gratitude or
duty would admit of a refusal, I did what I trust you
and every other honest American would have done,
I told the truth. I did not scruple
I did not scruple to say that
our circumstances were very different, and I gave
my opinion as early as November last to the Minister,
thro' our mutual friend, that nothing short of money
and supplies for our army and a superior fleet could
save America, and that without these the American
war would soon be brought to a close, or to the most
dangerous crisis; for that our finances were totally
deranged, cur commerce nearly ruined, our naval force.
next to nothing, and our army suffered for want of
pay and clothing, and that instant relief was absolutely
necessary. This language I acknowledge to have held,
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}
and if it is discouraging or disadvantageous, I can-
not help it. It is the truth, and, in my opinion, the
language of sound policy. You must judge whether
my stile of conversation or the other was best calcu
lated to promote the interest of our country. Certain,
I am, however, that this, and this only, has given rise
to the reports propagated and spread in Europe, and,
I doubt not, in America.
You have now the whole ground for the report
transmitted to Mr. Carmichael.] I have been very
particular for your satisfaction, as I apprehend from
the stile of your letter that the report has made some im-
pression on your opinion. I would much sooner loose
it than sacrifice one syllable of the truth to retain it.
I
You observed to me in a former letter that you was
the servant, not the slave, of Congress, and therefore
could bear to hear the truth. Surely I, who am not
even their servant, may venture to tell the truth.
do not desire Mr. C[armichael] to try to undeceive his
correspondent, as you, out of friendship to me, pro-
pose, for I do not believe he wishes to be undeceived
himself. But between ourselves, and to go no further,
a letter from the first character in America, now be-
fore the minister, justifies all, and more than all I ever
said or hinted, and fixes the relief of America solely
on the point upon which I declared it to depend in
November last; viz., money and supplies for our army
and a superior naval force, without which, he says,
America must soon fall.
Was it inimical for me to declare the same thing
five months since, and to do every thing which a private
individual could do to persuade the minister of the real
wants and dangerous situation of America?
I have, perhaps, already tried you, but must add that
I have no personal pique against Mr. Searle or Mr.
Dana, or any of those who have set me down as an
enemy. I am sensible that their letters or reports or
opinions, only as to men and things, though related
by others, may have weight at a distance, so as to do
"
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301
me sensible injury; therefore it is that I have given
you a sample of the general tenor, as well as the
ground of them, and you must judge whether their
stile or mine was best calculated to serve America.
There can be no question which was the most conform-
able to the true state of our affairs.
As to Mr. S[earle], I most sincerely pity him as a
man whose head is turned, or near madness. Dr.
Franklin thinks him far gone in it, and I should per-
haps be of the same opinion were it not that I am
unwilling to give in to the idea that America has em-
ployed in its public departments more madmen than
almost any other country can produce; and, therefore,
that madness must be epidemical in our country.
The long spell of easterly winds has prevented any
arrivals for some time, so that we never have had a
greater dearth of news. God grant there may be
good on the way, and such as will restore peace.
Every one of the contending Powers wants it, and, if
I may venture to give my opinion, not one of them
will gain anything by a continuance of the war.
My compliments to Mrs. Jay and Col. Livingston,
and be assured that I am, with great sincerity,
Your most obedient and very humle. sevt.,
S. DEANE.
P. S. Mr. Laurens, Junr., is constantly at Versailles.
He lodges there. His commission, I am told, is to
sollicit in the warmest and most pressing manner for
the supplies which I before mentioned as indispensably
necessary. This, if further proof was wanted, would
justify me in having urged the same here six months
Mr. Laurens has conducted with great prudence,
and I most sincerely wish him success.
ago.
[Cipher translated.] The great Character is Wash-
ington, who says expressly that the war cannot be kept
up this year without money and a fleet superior to the
enemy.
His Excellency, John Jay.
Jay Mss.
302
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TO MONSIEUR MONPLAISON.
Paris, April 10th, 1781.
SIR, A box or case of goods marked N. L. No. 15
was sent from hence by the messagerie on the 10th, of
January last to your address, to be shipped on board
the ship Marquis La Fayette, to care of Mons. Pelle-
tier, second Captain. As no receipt has been returned
for it by Mons. P., the owners are uncertain whither
it arrived in season or not, and have prayed me to
write to you on the subject. I must, therefore, beg
you to inform me by the return of the post if it was
received and shipped, and that if so, you will inclose
Mr. Pelletier's receipt, if he gave any for it. You will
pardon my giving you this trouble, as the goods were,
one half of them, the property of a poor man who has
been in my service for some time.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Mons. Monplaison.
(N. B.-Sent duplicates the 23d, and another the 2d
May.)
TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, April 15th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-I take the liberty of inclosing a letter
from Mr. Lee, with which I should not trouble you
were my present circumstances different from what
they are; at any rate, the poor man must be relieved,
and I have already promised his landlord that his bill
shall be paid. I pray you to return me the inclosed
after perusing it. Mr. Lee had, without my direction,
applied to Mr. Beaumarchais after he informed me of
it. I mentioned his case to Mr. Beaumarchais myself;
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303
I am, with great
that is the gentleman he refers to.
respect, Dear Sir,
Your most obedt. and Very humble Servt.,
To
S. DEANE.
His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin, Esqr.
Holbrooke Mss.
Paris, April 16th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-As our mutual friend here has wrote
you several letters on the subject of our proposed
speculation, I shall say nothing further on it in this,
than that I am fully resolved to pursue it as far as
my stock or credit will go, though I should do it alone,
as I am confident that the profits will be more than
equal to the risques. This is to solicit your assistance
in placing my son in a good school, some where near
London, for a year or two. He is now sixteen years
of age, and, in consequence of the war, his education
has been neglected; he has been three years in France,
where, except the language, he has gained but little
useful knowledge. He is the only child I have, and
am, therefore, solicitous to place him where he may,
in two years time, be capable of going to some regular
course of business. As he is ingenious, modest, and
attentive, I flatter myself he may in that time acquire
the necessary rudiments of learning, for I design him
for the mercantile line of life. This letter goes by Mr.
Walpole, Junr., who returns in about a fortnight, and
who will put any letter you send me into my hands;
and by that time my son will be ready to set out with
Mr. Sebor, by whom I shall write you more at large.
I shall send my son as if going only to Brussells, and
he will pass to London under a borrowed name, which
the present unhappy contest, and the share I have had
in it, render necessary. We have no news so late from
America as what is in your papers; indeed, I have never
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known a greater dearth of intelligence at any time.
Pray send us good news, if you can; the best will be
that of peace, and the nearer the better.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
Mr. [not addressed].
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
JONATHAN WILLIAMS TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
Nantes, April 18th, 1781.
DEAR AND HONOURED SIR,-It is found absolutely
necessary for Mrs. Williams to take a journey and
reside some time in a high country in order to re-es-
tablish her health. In consequence of this, and in order
to produce to you all my accounts and vouchers, I have
determined to go to Passy, first leaving Mrs. Williams
at St. Germain; she recovered her health, when she
was last ill, at that place, and it is therefore the most
probable one to succeed a second time. We propose
to leave this on the first of next month, and, as we
shall travel but very slow, with private horses, it will
be about the 10th before we arrive.
When you have seen my accounts I trust you will
be satisfied with my conduct, and continue your con-
fidence in me, if there should be any new supplies.
ordered. Mr. Laurens, I understand, has a particular
mission to procure pecuniary aids, and if he succeeds.
in this I suppose there will be purchases to make.
By the connections I have formed, and the offers of
service that are made to me from every part of the
Kingdom, I am sure I am as able to do the business
to advantage as any man whatever. I would, however,
recommend that no cloaths of any kind should be made
up here.
I am convinced that it is very disadvanta-
geous. We do not want taylors in America, and we
can please ourselves much better; besides, cloaths
made up take up four times the bulk that goods do,
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305
and consequently the difficulty in transporting is four
times as great.
When I have the pleasure of seeing you, I will take
the liberty of giving you all my ideas on the subject ;
in the mean time I beg you will recommend my ser-
vices to Mr. Laurens, if he has occasion for them.
I travelled with Mr. Payne [Common Sense] from
L'Orient hither. I find he is a strong enemy to Mr.
D[eane]; he professes not to be so to you, but, on the
contrary, expresses himself respectfully of you. He
says, however, he laments that you should be the
friend and supporter of Mr. D[eane]. I suspect he
is a little of a Leeite, tho' he professes no attachment
to him; but I am sure he is attached to Iz[ard], and
they, you know, run in the same line. We agree ex-
ceeding well together, and are growing intimate. I
confess I like him as a companion, because he is a
pleasant, as well as a sensible, man, and I heartily
wish that party had not so good an assistant; I trust,
however, that when he has been a little longer in
Europe, and is made acquainted with Lee's rascality,
he will, like all other good men, despise the wretch.
I am, with the greatest Respect and Esteem, Dear
and hond. Sir, most dutifully and affectionately yours,
JONA. WILLIAMS.
Holbrooke Mss.
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Paris, May 2d, 1781.
DEAR SIR, Mr. Grieve will do himself the honor
of waiting on you with this, and I take the liberty of
assuring you in it, that he has on all occasions been
the warm and zealous friend of America, and, deter-
mined to make common cause with us, has lately be-
come our fellow citizen. He has an affair with respect
to some lands, which I believe lye in your neighbour-
hood, and in which I hope you will be able to give
VOL. IV.—20
306
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him some assistance, by recommending him to some
of your friends there. I have, therefore, on this ac-
count, as well as from my acquaintance with Mr.
Grieve, and my sincere wishes for his success in
America, taken the liberty to recommend him to your
good offices. I have the honor to be, with the most
perfect esteem, Dear General,
Your most obedt. humble Servt.
His Excellency General Washington.
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
His Excellency Gov. Jefferson.
.
S. DEANE.
Paris, May 2d, 1781.
GWE
DEAR SIR,―This will be handed to you by Mr.
Grieve, who goes to America with the resolution of
establishing himself in the United States, whose in-
terests he has (to my knowledge) at all times zeal-
ously espoused, and of which he has a few days since
qualified himself a citizen. He has an affair of some
importance in your State, in the adjustment of which
I flatter myself you may be of service to him, and
therefore take the liberty of recommending him to
your good offices. I have the honor to be, with the
most sincere respect, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
TO BARNABAS DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, May 2d, 1781.
Dear Brother,—Mr. Grieve, the bearer of this,
may probably arrive in some part of New England;
if so, I have prayed him to take my house in his
way to Virginia, where he proposes to go, and that he
will call on you.
He is a stranger in our country,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
307
though at all times its friend, which is, in a word, saying
every thing to recommend him to your warmest civil-
ities, and to every service in your power to render
him. I am most sincerely yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
B. Deane, Esqr.
TO SAMUEL AND J. H. DELap.
Paris, May 5th, 1781.
DEAR SIRS, -I should have wrote you before this,
acknowledging your last of the 6th, of March, but
that I expected, from the encouragement given me in
that, soon to be favored with a second letter inclosing
your accounts. Apprehensive that the multiplicity of
your affairs have made you forget or delay that, I
must therefore be permitted to remind you of it, and
to urge afresh the necessity of having them, in order
to close the public accounts of Congress, which you
must wish to have done as much as I can desire it. I
have waited here several months on those accounts,
and am now determined to leave Paris soon, whither
closed or not; but to leave them unsettled would prej-
udice me greatly. I shall probably put off my journey
three weeks or a month, and the receipt of your ac-
counts in that time will be extremely agreeable, and
of service. I am, with the most sincere Respect and
Attachment, Dear Sirs,
Messrs. S. & J. H. Delap.
Yours, &c.,
Thomas Mss.
FROM JOHN JAY.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Madrid, May 10th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I had yesterday the pleasure of receiv-
ing yours of the 23d, ultimo. Much time has elapsed
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since the date of my last letter, advising you of the
arrival of the papers about which you inquire.
It is true that I have in the interim received several
long and agreeable letters from you, and that I have
not replied to them. I do not wonder that you
thought my silence singular, and I should have
thought the same had I been in your situation.
These papers were to become the subject of inquiry
by a court said to be often influenced by light jeal-
ousies and suspicions. I had reason to think that the
contract would not be realized because it was made,
but only in case it should appear expedient that my
applications might have their due weight.
It was necessary that I should neither be suspected
of being concerned in it, nor of having any private
vicws to be served by it; for my being really disinter-
ested would avail little, if contrary suspicion should be
entertained. Appearances, though trivial, would then
over-balance assurances however honest, and any in-
formation or opinion I might give would be received
as partial and influenced.
C
Frequent letters to, and an appearance of an intimate
connection with, you were, therefore, to be suspended
for the present, and the utile to be preferred to the
dulce. I expected long before, though, to have received
a decided answer, but this day I have received none,
and I really believe that the whole business will be
referred to the successor of Mr. Miralles and adjusted
in America. If my conjectures are well founded, you
will easily perceive how the affair will terminate.
will depend on the ideas he may there gain, the con-
nections he may form, and the particular objects he
may have in view. You may ask, who will be the
person? I am not as yet at liberty to say a syllable
on this subject. As soon as I am, you shall know.
My last conversation with Mr. Galvez about the con-
tract was three days ago. He told me it was still
under the consideration of the Minister of Marine,
where I suspect it will long continue. I expect to
It
THE DEANE PAPERS.
309
hear more about it next Wednesday, and should any
thing new arrive you shall be immediately informed
of it.
I have pressed the necessity of a decision by observ-
ing that the season was already far advanced, and that
if the contractors were not speedily enabled to pro-
ceed they would not be in capacity to furnish supplies
so soon as the public exegincies might render it con-
venient, etc., etc. But you know too much of the
manner in which these affairs are often conducted to
suppose that things will be done merely because they
ought to be done.
What in the world could lead you to conjecture that
the subjects of some of your letters were disagreeable
to me? How could you imagine that because I am one
of the servants of Congress, that therefore inquiries
into the propriety of their measures must be offensive
to me?
There is, you know, a distinction between a servant
and a slave. As to the affairs which concern you per-
sonally, I am far from being indifferent. I wish them
well and justly settled on your account, and also on
the public account.
I wish that the conduct of our rulers may always
be worthy of their stations, and that their servants be
at no time objects either of improper resentments or
capricious partialities. Perhaps you think that while at
Philadelphia I should have been less reserved with you
on these subjects. When you recollect the situation
I was then in, you will not blame that reserve.
As a member of Congress, I could neither be
your enemy or advocate, and the fact is that I was
neither.
Sundry of the delays and acts affecting you appeared
to me unnecessary and improper, and on both prin-
ciples I opposed them, as you may see, by the pub-
lished journals. The reason which determined my
judgement on such of the points relative to you were
not personal in any sense. They are still fresh in my
310
THE DEANE PAPERs.
memory.
I think them as conclusive now as I did
then, and, under similar circumstances, should again.
give the like votes.
That Congress have used you ill, I admit, tho', per-
haps, you and I may differ as to the particular instances.
If your information is well founded that certain gentle-
men then supported you merely as a matter of political
convenience, their conduct was certainly very repre-
hensible. The letters from France to a member of
Congress, to which I believe you allude, I not only
heard of, but partially inspected. They were put into
my hands to read, but before I had leisure to do more.
than dip into them here and there, they were called
for. I had them long enough, indeed, to have read
them through, but the many official letters I was daily
obliged to read and write, together with my constant.
attendance in the House, left me little room for minute
attention to papers which I suspected would be read and
canvassed in Congress. Whether these letters were
ordered to be communicated to you or to Congress,
or whether they had or had not been communicated
to you, are matters respecting which I have no other
knowledge but what your letter conveyed to me. That
they were not communicated to Congress, I know,
and when told the reasons, thought them good. If I
remember right, they were that these papers had
already been showed to a great many of the members,
whereby a knowledge of their contents had been gen-
erally diffused; that, therefore, it could not have been
necessary to offer them to Congress as intelligence;
and, that being private letters, such a step, unsollicited,
might have been imputed more to a desire of scourg-
ing individuals than of informing the House, espe-
cially considering how the gentleman who had those
letters was then circumstanced with respect to the per-
sons affected by them. I supposed, indeed, that his
own discretion had been his only guide as to the use of
those letters, for there can be no doubt but that if he
had express directions to communicate them to you
THE DEANE PAPERS.
311
or to Congress, or to others, he ought to have done
it.
To be continued.
I am, Sir, Very Sincerely Yours,
To Silas Deane, Esq.
TO JAMES WILSON.*
JOHN JAY.
Jay Mss.
Paris, May 10th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—A Gentleman lately here from America
assured me that it was considered by our countrymen
as political heresy or treason to entertain a doubt that
France would, under any circumstances whatever, give
up our independency by withdrawing from its alliance
with us.
This way of thinking reflects honour on my
countrymen, as it must proceed from their resolution
to support inviolably and at all events their own engage-
ments; but too much confidence proves fatal to nations
oftener than too little, and it is not unseasonable for
them to review what has so frequently happened in
Europe under circumstances similar to the present, and
reflect on those instructive lessons which the history
of the last two centuries lays before us. What nation
in Europe has not during that period broken their
most solemn treaties and deserted their allies as often
as state necessity or public interest and safety dictated
the measure? I declare I know of none. England
(and until lately we joined them in it) has always been
very free in censuring the court and people of France
as the most perfidious of any in Europe; France has
retorted the charge, though to her honour she has
generally done it in a more decent language; but shall
we not be found equally in the wrong, if at this time we
think, speak, and act in the opposite extreme from that
in which we acted formerly? On an impartial review of
* One of the intercepted letters; see post, Oct. 20, 1781.
312
THE DEANE PAPERS.
the past and examination of the present, I confess I
think we shall; and if we eventually become the dupes,
and are sacrificed by our unsuspicious confidence, the
political world will judge, at least, that we were rather
too young and unexperienced for the great affairs we
engaged in. The style of Congress appeared to me, I
confess, a little too strong and presumptuous when, in
September, 1779, they declared that the independence
of America was as fixed as fate; this was, in a religious.
view, bidding defiance to Omnipotence, and placing
our independence on a basis which no civil government
or human system ever yet could boast of. Since my
return to Europe I have had leisure to take a calm
and unprejudiced view of our situation, and however
confident you may be in America, I can but have the
most distressing apprehensions for our future peace,
liberty, and safety; not that I have more reason to
distrust the good faith of France than that of any other
nation under similar circumstances, but I have every rea-
son to doubt of the favourable issue of the war; and if
it should be unfavourable, France has already declared
to the world the part it will take with regard to our
independence. I will explain myself. When Spain
offered to mediate, England insisted on France's with-
drawing the rescript of the 13th, March, 1778 (which
acknowledged our independence as preliminary to any
treaty). France replied that it was unreasonable in
England to require that at the beginning of a war (the
events of which were uncertain) which could only be
complied with at the close of an unsuccessful war.
This reply needs no comment. The war, though not
greatly unsuccessful hitherto on the part of France,
has been very far from being successful. France is at
this time a great loser on the whole; but whilst the
high style of England embroils that nation with other
Powers, and so long as we find employ for near one
half its forces, France will continue the war, and
encourage us by temporary and partial supplies and
most liberal promises. But a storm is gathering on
:
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313
the continent of Europe, and how soon it will burst,
God, who views the hearts of all men (the Emperor's
not excepted), only knows; but the moment it begins
we must bid adieu to every hope of aid from Europe.
The storm which we have been for six years tossed
by does not abate; and if we have any skilful pilots on
board they must see Scylla on one side and Charybdis
on the other, and that unless we make a safe port
immediately, we must be shipwreck'd on the one or
the other, and increase the list of those unhappy peo-
ple who, in every age, have been sacrificed, under the
appearance of friendship and assistance, to ambition
and interest. With our country ravaged and exhausted,
without any effectual aid, or perhaps any at all, from
our Ally, what have we a right to expect in the end (if
we continue to reject with contempt and insult every
offer of peace) but unconditional submission? Will
France in no case do at this time what they have
repeatedly done heretofore? I mean not to cast the
least reflection by referring to any particular instance;
what I have already said of nations in general will
clear me of having such intention. But we ought to
recall to our minds how often the people of Scotland,
since the beginning of this century, have been encour-
aged to rise in claim of their supposed rights, and of
those of the House of Stuart; stores, troops, ships,
and money have been sent to their aid; the conse-
quences are too well known to need repeating. At
the close of a war, not very unsuccessful on the part
of France, they were given up, and their Prince Charles
Edward, though he, as well as his ancestors, had
received as solemn promises from France to be re-estab-
lished on the throne of England as we can pretend to
have for independency, was ordered to quit the king-
dom; and on refusal was publicly seized on, and bound
like a common felon, in the streets of Paris, and
forcibly carried off. The interest of the nation was the
plea which justified the measure, and may not the same
again have equal force? At least our situation calls
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for serious reflection. We may at this time obtain all
and more than we first claimed; and, improving the
present moment, I will venture to say, more than we
can ever expect under any other probable, or almost
possible, circumstances. But there is a treaty, and our
public and national honor and character are pledged.
But if France, to whom it is pledged, trifles with us,
if unable or unwilling to assist us effectually, or if, to
serve its own views, it leaves us to wear out the force
of its hereditary enemy by our destruction, are we
holden to support our honour, pledged in treaty, at
such an expence? The universal maxim of all nations,
Salus Populi, suprema lex, will in such case have no
weight with us; persevering, we may possibly, though
not probably, effect with others the ruin of Great-
Britain; but if we and our country must be involved
and crushed by the fall of that paternal edifice, in
which we once took shelter, and in the beauty and
grandeur of which we once placed our greatest pride
and security, shall we act the parts of patriots or mad-
men? I know not how you will relish these reflec-
tions, but I cannot forbear making them, so long as I
can neither forget my country or cease to be anxious.
for its peace, liberty, and happiness. I wrote you a
few days since on private affairs, by the way of
L'Orient; I will therefore close this by assuring you
that nothing personal, though I have suffered more
injustice than almost any man of my time, has had the
least influence on my mind as to our general interests.
I have done much towards promoting a separation
from Great-Britain and for independency. I acted
from a sincere belief that it would soon and certainly
be effected, and that it would tend to our happiness
and peace; I now see no prospect of its being obtained,
and am fully convinced that the irreparable mischiefs
we have already suffered and must suffer, with the
temper and disposition of my countrymen, are such
that independency must prove a curse rather than a
blessing to us. From this persuasion I have written
THE DEANE PAPERS.
315
freely to many of my friends. Few men, not natives
of France, have juster or more favorable ideas of the
nation than I have, and shall ever entertain; nor
shall I ever be wanting in personal gratitude for the
many civilities and favors I have received from men
in place and out; but these ought and have not any
influence on my mind when the true interests of my
country are in question. I know, personally, but one
of the ministers; I esteem and respect him as much as
any man can do; but if I dared to intrude so far as to
hint my opinion to him, it should be not to pursue
the war another moment on account of our inde-
pendence, nor to hazard any thing for an object which
will never prove of that advantage to France in its
commercial interests which I once thought it would,
if, indeed, it can prove of any at all. But I have tired
you with the length of this letter; I will therefore close
with assuring you I am, with sincere esteem and
unalterable friendship, Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble Servant,
SILAS DEANE.
My compliments to Mrs. Wilson.
P. S.—When I query whether the independency of
America will prove of so great advantage to France as
was once imagined, I confine myself to advantages
merely of a commercial nature, to be derived from us
in that state. If France by our assistance succeed so
far as to ruin the commerce and marine of Great
Britain, and if we, in the course of effecting this,
become reduced to be in effect dependant on France,
there can be no question but that we shall be of
advantage to France; but such a supposition destroys.
every idea of real independency.
To the Honourable James Wilson, Esq., at Phila-
delphia.
The Royal Gazette, Nov. 21, 1781.
316
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO JAMES WILSON.
Paris, May 11th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, You will receive herewith a letter and
papers from my friend Mr. Walpole. He has shewn
me the contents. I need not, therefore, say any thing
more than that if you can serve him you will oblige me
every way, both in point of interest as well as friend-
ship. The last time I saw Mr. Gerard, he told me
that your affair was agreed to, and that the papers
would soon be made out and sent you. I hope this
is already done. He is now at Strasburg, and will
return in a few days; immediately after which I shall
wait on him again on the subject. The situation of
affairs in America have been such ever since my arrival
that nothing could be done with regard to the Ilinois,
or any other lands in America. I wrote to Col. Duer,
before I left Virginia, that as there appeared but little
prospect of obtaining convoys, it was my opinion to
desist from further expences for the present. I am
sorry my advice was not attended to; no convoy could
or can be obtained either here or in Spain. Mr. Jay
writes me that he can obtain no answer to the con-
tract which he gave the Minister, nor can we, I think,
rely on or expect that Court will pay us greater atten-
tions than they pay our country. In fact, they appear
disposed to know nothing of us either in public or
private.
Mag
Q
The contract with France is not in a much better
situation. It was accepted of, but conditionally only.
When I urge any thing here it is naturally replied, that
when the cargoes arrive and are approved of it will be
time enough to finish the contract without convoy, and
none can be obtained. No cargoes can be brought
over, even if they could be procured in America.
Thus, to all appearance, this is like to be suspended
during the war. The embarrassment in which I found
a certain gentleman on whom I depended here, has
hurt me in this affair, as well as in some others, exceed-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
317
ingly. In short, I despair of doing any thing in this
affair, or in the land way, so long as the war continues
and is so unfavorable to us, and I am sorry to tell you
that I see no probable grounds to hope for a speedy
end of our troubles. All parties in England appear
unanimous in one point, which is, on no consideration
whatever to give up our dependence on the British
Empire in some form or other. A large reinforce-
ment is gone for New York or Virginia, and a still
larger is preparing, and will probably sail sometime in
the next month. Holland has not as yet made any
reprisals. Many secret negociations are on foot with
the Emperor of Germany, with Russia, &c., the result
of which it is needless to conjecture about at present,
since in a short time the whole must be known. There
is no probability of any thing decisive this campaign,
unless it be with you, and of this you are the best
judge.
The Americans in general who arrived here give
strange and contradictory accounts of our situation,
and too many of them act as strange a part on their
arrival. They carry party matters as high here as
ever you carried them in America, at least they are
disposed to do so. Fortunately, I am in a city where
the guards and marachassee patrol the streets at all
hours. Other ways I might possibly be put in the
situation in which you once was. In a word, the man
who will not give up his right of private judgement is
sure to be set down as an enemy by these men; and,
having some obstinacy in my disposition as to certain
points, you must not be surprized if you hear me
announced as an enemy, a British partizan, and a
Tory. I regard these epithets as words, of course,
and hold the authors in too contemptible a light to
give me a moment's uneasiness simply on their account;
but I have seen (and I now reflect with pain on it) the
weight which intelligence from this side the water,
however ill founded and incredible, has ever had with
my countrymen. I forsee the injurious consequences
318
TIE DEANE PAPERS.
it must have with respect to myself, but a cool, reflect-
ing hour must arrive sooner or later, and to that I
patiently refer my cause. Mr. Laurens will be able to
give you an account of the disposition of this Court.
I am told—for I do not meddle with public affairs-
that it is good. He has, so far as has come to my
knowledge, conducted with prudence and firmness, has
attached himself to no party, but devoted himself to
the object of his mission, in which, I hope his suc-
cess may meet with grateful acknowledgments. I
have now been waiting six months, with my accounts.
ready for being audited, but can get no auditor, Mr.
Johnson refusing to act. He informed Congress a year
past of his refusal, yet they have not appointed any new
one, and I am refused even money for my expence.
You never informed me whither you received my
cypher; I therefore can hardly dare to write to you
in it, but if the following should be unintelligible, the
loss will not be great. [Čipher translated. Our affairs
are in a bad way. Adams is become unpopular in
France, both through his friends and his actions. He
has retired. Spain is, at the bottom, the enemy of our
independence; Holland the same. The councils of
France are weak and uncertain. One point is only in
view, and the way is to win England at our expence.
None pursue it with decision. Without it our cause
will be ruined.] Mr. Searle is in Holland. That
That gen-
tleman arrived soon after me, charged, as I have been
told, with a public commission from Pennsylvania. He
declared, on his arrival here, that Gen. Washington's
army consisted of near thirty thousand men engaged
for the war; that Lord Cornwallis was shut up in
Charlestown; that there was no difficulty in recruiting
the army; on the contrary, that men pressed to enroll
themselves; that America was never more unanimous,
did not wish for peace on other terms than the total
ruin of England; that our merchants did us infinite.
mischief and deserved all of them to be hanged; that
the goods sent over from France had done us more
THE DEANE PAPERS.
319
injury than forty thousand Russians could have done
fighting against us in our country, &c.
This was
strange language. You will hardly conceive it possi
ble for a man in his senses to be guilty of such extrava-
gance; but I assure you this was his common stile.
When a stranger doubted of the truth of it, Mr. Searle
told him: "Sir, I am a Member of Congress, have
been Chairman of most of their Committees. I am the
only Member of Congress ever in Europe. As such,
surely I must know." When an American doubted or
contradicted those assertions, he was immediately set
down as a Tory, an enemy to his country; and thus, for
attempting to prevent imposition on our friends here,
an imposition injurious to our true interests, I have
been marked out and described as an enemy. I have
freely and openly declared that without a superior fleet
and money and supplies for our army, the affairs of
America must be ruined. This I told the Minister at
first, and this I have, when obliged to do it, given as
my opinion.
The events of the war and our present situation
shew that my opinion was not ill founded. Was it a
friendly part to tell the truth, and shew the necessity
of aid, or was it not? For me, I thought, and still think,
that those men who represent America as in want of
scarce any thing, and unanimous and victorious, what-
ever their intentions may be, act an unfriendly part.
I leave you to judge. I wish to God you and a few
of our friends could have looked into Paris for half
an hour, and seen a man strutting about in his
uniform, with two enormous epaulets, and a green
ribbon with a black and white cockade, and the gen-
tlemen and ladies in the public walks staring at him,
and inquiring what foreign general officer that must
be. I think you must have been diverted. Scarce any
French officer, in circumstances to put on other cloaths,
ever wears his uniform, except when on immediate
duty; but our militia officers on their arrival in
France put on the most showy ones they can get,
320
THE DEANE PAPERS.
which leads to inquiries, the result of which is not
always favorable. Some of the Americans, and I may
say the most of them here, were as extravagant in
their stile, and equally violent against all who pre-
sumed to differ from them; thus Doctor Bancroft,
myself, and some others have been marked out by
them, and Doctor Franklin fares still worse in their
conversations. They have of late avoided his house,
and have abused him in all their private companies in
the most outrageous manner. As it is not improbable
that their letters to America will be in the same stile,
I have troubled you with the above state of their con-
duct, not that I have so little confidence in your good
opinion of me as to think you will readily believe the
reports sent over. I shall write to you again in a few
days; in the meantime I am, with great Esteem and
Friendship,
Yours, &c.,
J. Wilson, Esq.
To CONRAD A. GERARd.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, May 13th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I should have done myself the honor of
waiting on you before this time, but was told that you
was gone on a journey for some time. I now take
the liberty of requesting that you would inform me if
you shall be at Versailles through the week, and what
day it will be most agreeable to you for me to wait
on you. I want to confer with you on the subject
of the Ilinois lands and on Mr. Wilson's affairs.
I have the honor to be &c., &c.
Mr. Gerard.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
321
TO SAMUEL H. PARSONS. %
Paris, May 14th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I have not had the pleasure of any
letters from you since my leaving America, so that
though I have written several, am uncertain of any of
them coming to your hand. You doubtless must be
as desirous to know the true state of affairs on this side
the water, as I am to know how things really are on
yours. The few letters I have received have been too
short, and written with too much caution, to give me
the information I wish for, and the Americans who
arrive, run into such extremes that I know not what
to depend on. But a few weeks before the news of
the defeat of Gen. Gates in Carolina, we were told
by Mr. Searle, who arrived directly from Philadelphia,
that the British were shut up, and in a manner be-
sieged in Charles-town, that General Washington's
army consisted of more than 20,000 men, &c.; others
gave an account very different. In short, nothing can
be more contradictory than the accounts given by the
different persons who arrive in France, of the state of
affairs in America. I wish you could find time and a
safe opportunity to send me the truth, and the whole
truth; I assure you it would be of service, and tend
to prevent the mischiefs which flow from false and
exaggerated accounts transmitted from America, and
which are repaid with interest in the account sent back
to you of the state of affairs in Europe. The writers
and relaters of false accounts on both sides the water
have done us infinite mischief. The war itself was
occasioned at first more by them than by any other,
or perhaps every other, cause taken together, and
the continuance of it has been equally owing to them;
and in the beginning of the contest, the friends of
the British Ministry in America assured them that
America would not persevere in its opposition, and
* One of the intercepted letters, see post, Oct. 20, 1781.
VOL. IV.-21
322
THE DEANE PAPERS.
our agents and correspondents in London encouraged
us by assuring us that the majority of the nation was
in our favour; that Government would not go to
extremities; that Parliament would and must recede,
for that the nation was unable to make war and to
support it for any time. Thus false representations on
both sides laid the foundation for the scenes which
succeeded, and in which we are still involved; and a
continuation of the same kind of wrong and ground-
less information has kept up the action of this great
tragedy of errors. You have found so many of the
accounts transmitted you from Europe to have been
groundless, and so many of the flattering encourage-
ments and promises made you disappear and vanish
into air, their original composition, that I presume
you would now bear to hear the truth at large, if I
dared to send it you; and though it is hardly safe
for me to do it, I dare not send you any thing else.
Great Britain is neither exhausted nor dispirited, as
you have been taught to believe; the Parliament
appear more unanimous and resolved in the prosecu-
tion of the war than at any former period; and the
warmest opposers of the Minister unite with him in
refusing to accede to the independence of America.
The British fleet is evidently superior at sea to that
of our ally, and the former are preparing to augment
it by more than thirty new ships of the line, and near
forty frigates, actually on the stocks. The late sub-
scription to the new loan shews that money is not
wanted, tho' the national debt has become im-
mense; this is their situation. The state of our
friends has been as greatly misrepresented in America
as that of our enemies. I will not enter into particu-
lars, but I think you cannot rely on either men or
ships from hence, until very late in this season, if at
all. Mons. de Grasse has sailed with about twenty
sail of the line for the West-Indies, from whence, it is
said, he is ordered to America; but as Admiral Rodney
has a fleet nearly equal in force in the islands, I see
THE DEANE PAPERS.
323
Should such a ma-
no prospect of any thing decisive.
nœuvre be made, and should it take place, the French
fleet cannot be with you before August, or later, and
in these seas the maritime force of contending powers
appear too nearly balanced to expect any thing of
importance from them this Summer. I am fully of
opinion, however, that England enters on this cam-
paign with greater advantage than it has began any
one since France joined in the war; and if they
succeed in bringing the Emperor of Germany to inter-
pose in their favour, I think the balance will be
decidedly on their side. This will be known in a very
short time, possibly before I send this letter. Our
first object of the war was the repeal of those acts
of parliament which were injurious to our rights and
privileges; before this repeal was obtained, we were
forced to declare independency, and solicit an alliance.
with France, the hereditary enemy of England. By a
fortunate turn of our affairs, France was brought into
an alliance with us, and to guaranty our independ-
ence. Just at this time the Parliament of England
repealed the obnoxious acts; this changed entirely the
object of the war on our part, as well as on that of
England. It was no longer for the redress of griev
ances, but for sovereignty that we fought. At the
time in which France came into a treaty of alliance
with us, their object was to separate America for ever
from England, and thereby to weaken effectually a
power which for centuries past had given them more
uneasiness, and stood more in their way, than any
other power in Europe. From appearances they
judged that by a sudden declaration and vigorous
exertions the point would be gained in a very short
time, and at little expence either in men or money;
that England would be brought to consent to the in-
dependence of America; after which every thing else
would follow, of course, and in its proper time. But the
first stroke failed, the favourable moment was lost, and
all the preparations which had been made for im-
324
THE DEANE PAPERS.
K
proving it, served only to shew England the danger
it had been in, and to rouse the spirit of the nation to
make the most vigorous exertions. From this period
the object of the war became almost as much changed
with France as it had before been changed in America.
At first it was by a sudden stroke to force England to
acknowledge our independence and separation from
their empire, which being done, peace must have fol-
lowed, and time would have soon effected the rest; but
this failing, the original object was changed, or, rather, it
was thought best to obtain it by taking a different
line of conduct. England was loaded with debt, and
was violently agitated by parties; the opposition to
Ministers in Parliament and out, was formidable, and
appeared more so than it really was, from the English
freedom of speech in Parliament, and of publications
out of it. America was not perfectly unanimous in
any of its measures, except in the support gener-
ally of their independency; in this they appeared
sufficiently unanimous to prevent any fear of them
falling off or accommodating. Therefore what could
not be gained in one way, was to be attempted in
another. The weakening of England was the primary
and constant object, but the means for doing this
were changed. It was, as I have already said at first,
to be done by our being immediately established in in-
dependency, and the consequences which time would
naturally produce, would effect everything desired;
but this failing, through the same ostensible object,
that of our independence has been held up to view,
yet measures so very different have been pursued,
that their first object, so far as it respects us, has be-
come entirely changed, and the plan now is, as far as
we can judge by appearance, to weaken England by
spinning out the war, and of employing us against
them; and after England is reduced by these means,
our independence may possibly be established. I need
not point out to a man of your superior penetration,
the fatal mischiefs with which such a system is preg-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
325
nant. Whilst England is at war with France and
Spain united, we are left with more than one half of
its land forces, and a considerable part of its marine.
on us. We may struggle hard, and behave manfully,
but must be continually losing ground and strength,
whilst France, our ally with Spain, may possibly hold
a balance to the rest, without any material injury to
themselves, though the fact is, they have not done
even this hitherto. But supposing that England, in
consequence of such a system, should, in two or three
years, be reduced to receive the law from France and
Spain, in what situation must America by that time
be? And to what power can we look for relief, if
France or Spain, or both, should offer to dictate the
laws to us? Though this may not be the case, yet
nothing is more evident than that the present object
of France and Spain is to employ and waste the forces
of Britain at the expence of America. Evident as
this must be to every one who impartially reviews the
past, and compares it with the present, we are unwilling
to see or believe it, and are prevented from the exam-
ination by fair promises, generous professions, and just
so much and no more assistance as will serve us to
keep from sinking at once, or flying off to the other
side. In the mean time you must observe that Spain
has, from the first, refused to know any thing of us,
thereby holding it in its power to declare for or against
us, or to insist on any conditions, whatever an interest
may dictate, whilst America is bound by a secret
article of the treaty of Paris, of Feb. 6, 1778, to make
a similar one with Spain, whenever required; yet,
though this article was obtained from the American
Commissioners at the signing of the treaty at Paris,
and though Spain has been now for two years engaged
in the war, yet that Court still refuses to acknowledge
us, or to receive our Ambassador, through the Presi-
dent of Congress. I will not enter further on the
important, and, to me, painful, subject. I have already
said enough to a man of your penetration and judg
326
THE DEANE PAPERS.
ment, and have no need to go into a particular and
minute discussion. I will therefore finish my letter
on more private matters. You must recollect the
many and long conversations we had on the subject
of a settlement on the Mississippi, near the Illinois,
or on some other part of that fertile western country.
When I left America I intended to have made some.
attempt, at least, to interest some gentlemen in Europe
in the scheme, but the unfavourable appearance of
American affairs, and the uncertainty how the war
may terminate, have prevented me from saying any
thing on the subject. I have not, however, lost sight
of it; and if you continue in the same sentiments as
formerly, it will be well to turn your thoughts that way.
I can see no prospect of our being so happy, or of doing
something to repair the injuries we have done ourselves
and families in point of fortune, anywhere, as by such
an establishment. If we return to our dependenc one.
Great Britain, it will not probably be with unanimity;
and parties, animosities, and bickerings between the dif-
ferent governments, and even between individuals, will
probably exist longer than we shall, and render the
remainder of our lives disagreeable. On the other
hand, if our independence is established, the jarring
interests of the different states will be such, and so
many grounds for disputes are already laid, that we
shall be happy even to escape for any time the going
into a civil war among ourselves. By retiring westward,
which we may do, let the event of the war turn either
way, we may escape those disagreeable scenes which
await our country, and enjoy more satisfaction, as
well as find our account much better, in settling a
new colony than in mixing in the feuds and factions
of old ones, if, indeed, the report is true that Congress.
have offered to cede Louisiania and the navigation of
the Mississippi exclusively to Spain. I confess I
know not how this can be done, if they accept of it,
and America becomes independent on such cruel
terms; but I can hardly conceive it possible that such
THE DEANE PAPERS.
327
an idea could have entered the head of the weakest
and maddest of our politicians. I cannot expect that
you can have leisure to send me any digested plan on
this subject, but I pray you not to be sparing of
general hints, of the grounds and principles on which
you would wish to have one formed; and when you
write, send duplicates, that some one may reach me.
Address your letters under cover to Doctor Franklin,
who will know where to forward them. I have nearly
finished a third sheet, and have not the courage to
enter on a fourth; though in writing to you, I enjoy in
some degree the pleasure of conversing with you, of
which you know I am not easily tired. But I shall
write again in a few days, and in the mean time wish-
ing you all which one friend can wish or desire for
another, I am most sincerely, Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
SILAS DEANE.
Samuel H. Parsons, Esq., Brigadier-General in the
service of the United States America.
The Royal Gazette, Nov. 3, 1781.
$4
To BARNABAS DEANE.
Paris, May 14th, 1781.
Dear Brother, -I wrote you by the ship Marquis
la Fayette, and addressed to your disposal a box
marked N. L. No. 15, on account of La Farque. By
mistake, that box was shipped among the articles sent
out to the Marquis La Fayette. I therefore inclose
to you a certificate of the valet-de-chambre of the
Marquis, declaring the goods to belong to L'Farque,
by which you will be able to recover them, and dispose
of them as before directed. The ship must have ar-
rived sometime since. If the Marquis, on the suppo-
sition of the box belonging to him, has disposed of its
contents, pray get the net proceeds immediately re-
328
THE DEANE PAPERS.
mitted, as was directed in my letter, by the said ship.
I shall write you on other subjects in a separate letter.
Only two of yours have come to my hand; one of
July last, dated at New London, the other of Decem-
ber. Pray write me by every opportunity. Wishing,
you peace and prosperity,
I am Yours, &c.,
Mr. B. Deane.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
TO JONATHAN NESBITT.
Paris, May 14th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Inclosed you have a letter from our
mutual friend Mr. Hazlehurst to me. The letter
which he put into the post office here I have taken
out, and sent on to him; that written at L'Orient
must be still in that office. I pray you to oblige him
by inquiring for it, and either send it on to him or get
it franked and sent on to London. You will be
pleased to advise Mr. Hazlehurst or myself if you
find the letter or not; also, to let me know if you
have any safe opportunity for sending to America.
am, with much Esteem,
I..
TO ISAAC HAZLEHURST.
Yours, &c.,
Please to return me Mr. Hazlehurst's letter.
Mr. Jonathan Nesbitt.
1
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, May 14th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I sent on the letter which you put into
the office here, by this day's post, and have wrote to
Mr. Nesbitt to enquire for the other and to send it on
Y
!
1
"
THE DEANE PAPERS.
329
Zy
"
1.
!
1
to you, or to get it franked and sent on for London to
its address. I have no doubt but that he will recover
it, as the offices are very regular; but they send no
letters for London without their being franked. By
late letters from America, it appears that there had
been an action between Lord Cornwallis and General
Greene, near Guilford court house in North Carolina,
on the 15th March, and that the latter retreated; but
we have no particulars. Twenty-two ships, laden with
the spoils of St. Eustatia, have been captured by
Monsr. Le Motte de Piquet, and are arrived in France;
thus the robbers have been robbed in their turn.
shall probably see you in Amsterdam, if you make
any stay there; meantime, be so good as to write
to me. I am, with much esteem, Dear Sir,
I
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S.-I gave a receipt for the letter; you need
only acknowledge its coming to hand, there being no
need of a formal receipt from you.
Mr. Hazlehurst, Amsterdam.
TO BARNABAS DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, May 14th, 1781.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -I received yours of the 15th,
Feb. last, dated at Williamsburg. It relieved me in
part from the extreme anxiety I have some time been
under on your account. Were we under any other
than our actual unhappy circumstances, it would in-
deed be surprizing that of the many letters I have sent
forward one only has reached you. I am satisfied
they have not, all of them, been intercepted by the
enemy. I wish you had been more particular as to
the state of affairs in Virginia. You leave me uncer-
tain whither the affair of the Soucy is actually settled
330
THE DEANE PAPERS.
1
@
and closed, or only in the way of it, by reference to
Mr. B. Harrison, Jr. We have been told here that
Arnold has been at Williamsburg, but you say nothing
of it. You are, however, right in your conjecture that
the whole force of the enemy will be turned on your
quarter; considerable reinforcements are gone and
going over. The Fier Roderique is condemned, and
Mr. De Francy has gone to his native province for the
recovery of his health. If any thing can be more sur-
prizing than our wanton breach of faith in almost
every contract we have made, it is our belief that we
can still obtain a credit. You tell me that all new haz-
ards are forced from you, save broken reeds. I need say
no more of them. As to what Arthur Lee may say or
publish, I am become very indifferent. Other matters
press harder on me. The situation of my country is
such that it bears down every other consideration ;
nor do I think my countrymen will find leisure at
present to attend to his calumnies or my refutation of
them. I shall, therefore, continue silent, as much out
of respect to them as myself. Your misfortunes are
great; mine are no less so. Williams has deceived me
beyond any thing I could have conceived of. He has
nearly ruined himself, as well as me; and my friend the
Doctor [Bancroft] has thrown every thing overboard in
his adventures. Mr. Johnson refuses to act as auditor
of accounts, and Congress neglect the appointment of
any other, and at the same time refuse payment; in
short, I have little prospect of doing any thing to any
purpose. I was at Amsterdam last winter, and exam-
ined the mills you speak of. The construction is ex-
tremely simple, and they may be built by any ingenious
millwright. I have viewed other useful machines
which would answer well in America, in Virginia in
particular; but war has banished all useful improve-
ments, and were it not that the rest of the world are
enlightened, the next age in America would be dark
and barbarous. The loss of seven or eight years'
education of youth, the loss of all principle, of public
-
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331
or private justice, and a general licentiousness of man-
ners, exceed what any one can calculate, and are dread-
ful presages of what we are to expect, whither inde-
pendant or not. If the former, we shall be prepared
for the most terrible feuds and civil wars among our-
selves; if the latter, for slavery, if it be the interest of
the victorious to use us in that way. But I will turn
from the gloomy prospect. I shall go again for Hol-
land in three or four weeks, and shall take my son
along with me to fix him in some good house. As to
news, it is needless to say any thing. You have papers
which tell you all and much more than happens; but
this much I must tell you, there is no prospect of peace
this year. England is determined not to assent to
our independance under any circumstance whatever,
and rises in the stile of speaking and acting as its
enemies increase. The Dutch have as yet made no
reprisals, nor sent a ship to sea; it is said they are
preparing, but they move slow. England has 36 sail
of the line, from 64 to 100 guns on the stocks, and
forty frigates and sloops of war from 50 guns down.
Their privateers are numerous, supposed above three
hundred. The plunder of St. Eustatia, by the strange
events of war, has arrived in France, Mr. Le Motte
Piquet having taken upwards of twenty sail of ships,
returning with the spoils of that unhappy island. I
pray you to present my compliments to all friends, in
particular to Col. Harrison, for whose losses I am
sincerely affected. God grant us peace. I cannot
turn my face towards you with any other wish, nor can
I think of returning until it arrives. We have often
talked of the Dismal Swamp. Pray inquire who the
proprietors are, and what is their title; also, at what
price they estimate it. A good speculation may be
made that way when peace takes place. I shall pro-
cure models of the mills; but there is no advantage
in sending them over under our present circumstances.
Mr. Williams arrived here a few days since. I shall
get from him what you request. I am wishing you
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better fortune than your late.
Brother,
I remain, my Dear
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Peace
[Cipher translated.] You say the credit of Con-
gress is like their notes. It is still worse in France.
In short, all will soon be at an end with war.
only can save us from absolute ruin. Independence
is now out of the question, whatever you may think.
England is superior to all its opponents, or, at least,
equal.
Barnabas Deane, Esqr.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, May 15th, 1781.
SIR, On my arriving in France I applied to Mr.
Johnson to appoint a time for examining my accounts
and vouchers, which I told him would soon be ready.
He informed me that he had determined not to accept
the appointment, and that he had informed Congress
of his resolution some time before. Though this was
a severe disappointment to me, yet I flattered myself
that Congress would not delay the naming some other
to the office, and in this hope I came to Paris in
August last and entered on the adjustment of my
accounts, which have been for many months ready for
settlement, yet, to my extreme mortification, can not
get them closed for want of an auditor, or person
empowered by Congress to examine them.
I pray Congress would candidly review the circum-
stances I have been under from my leaving France in
April, 1778, to this time. After having to that time
faithfully and successfully served them, I was, in
obedience to their orders, obliged to make a voyage to
America, and to wait their pleasure in Philadelphia
for more than a year, unable to obtain their decision
on my conduct, though it was almost daily solicited
THE DEANE PAPERS.
333
1
by me; the only objection made was, that my accounts.
remained unsettled. As soon as Congress appointed
an auditor to examine them I set out on my voyage
to Europe, regardless of danger or expense, fondly
hoping that at last I should be able to close my
accounts and to receive the balance due to me, but
what was infinitely more important, to vindicate my
injured character. The expenses of my voyage were
great, and of ten months' attendance here have been still
greater, and though there is evidently a large balance
in my favor, I have been refused money for my sup-
port. I have never asked of Congress anything but
common justice in the payment of my just demands,
out of which I have now been kept for three years.
My necessities would long since have justified my
seizing on the public property here to the amount of
the money due to me; but I have been withheld from
doing it on account of my regard for the credit of my
country, and have rather chosen to be obliged to
strangers for money for my support. And to what
purpose is it for me to leave France and return with
my accounts and vouchers unaudited? It is equally
useless to transmit them in that state. My enemies
represented me as a defaulter, grown rich out of the
public moneys in my hands, and prejudiced the minds
of Congress so strongly against me, that all my efforts.
in America to obtain even a hearing were vain and
ineffectual. My present situation, as well as the state
of my accounts, give the lie to every assertion or
insinuation of the kind; yet I am still left to suffer
under the calumny in America, and to be obliged to
strangers for money for my support in Europe. I will
not trust myself further on the subject, lest something
escape me which may offend, without my intending it.
I hope Congress will impartially review my case in
every stage of it, and that they will not force me to
appeal to the laws of a foreign nation, or to the tribu-
nal of the public in Europe, for the recovery of my
right, and for justice to my character, which the great
334
THE DEANE PAPERS.
and first law of nature will oblige me to do, unless
immediately relieved by those who owe me, and more
who owe to their own character and to that of their
country, the justice which I demand.
I have the honor to be, with great esteem and
respect, &c.,
SILAS DEANE.
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., Wharton Ed.,
IV. 415.
TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
Paris, May 16th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I wrote you a few days since, inclosing
Mr. Monthieu's account, and duplicates of Mr. Van-
derperes papers, and took the liberty of desiring that
you would inform me when you sent off your dispatches
for America. I now take the liberty of sending you a
packet for America, and you will oblige me much by
putting it under your cover by Mr. Laurens. I should
not give you this trouble were it not that Mr. Laurens,
from political or other motives, has avoided me, though
I called at his lodgings. The letters are simply on busi-
ness of a private nature, except the one to the Presi-
dent of Congress, which is to sollicit the appointment.
of an auditor to settle my accounts and those of the
public in which I have had any concern.
I propose
doing myself the honor of waiting on you at breakfast
on Saturday morning, and in the mean time have the
honor to be, &c. &c.,
S. DEANE.
Doctor Franklin.
TO FERDINAND GRAND.
Thomas Mss.
[May, 1781.]
SIR,-Inclosed I send you two of the bills drawn as
you proposed. Being obliged to go out immediately
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335
after dinner, I pray you to send me by the bearer fifty
louis d'orrs, one-half in gold, and the other in silver.
I have inclosed my receipt, and am, with much Esteem,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
N. B.-The two bills on Monsr. Monthieu for 3,000
livres each at 3 usances.
To SIMEON DEANE.*
Thomas Mss.
Paris, May 16th, 1781.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-I expect by the time you re-
ceive this you will hear me announced, from letters
written by certain Americans on this side the water,
as an enemy to my country; though I do not imagine
you will credit such reports, yet I am persuaded you
interest yourself so much in what concerns me that
you will be glad to know what gave rise to them.
Too many of the Americans who arrive in France
bring with them all that spirit and rage and of party
by which they were actuated at home; they think, or
pretend to think, that the only way to serve America,
and at the same time to make their Court here, is to
represent the situation of our affairs totally different
from what it really is. In August last I arrived here;
Mr. Searle soon after me. That gentleman asserted
that the British were shut up in Charlestown, so that
he said “not a soldier dared to venture out far enough
to shoot a bird;" that General Washington's army con-
sisted of more than 20,000 effective men, well supplied;
that, so far from wanting recruits, men pressed for to
enlist; that America was in no way anxious for peace,
but, on the contrary, wished the war might be continued
until England should be humbled, if not ruined; “until
(said he) that old Lion's claws shall be cut, and his teeth
all drawn." When any one doubted of these and such
*One of the intercepted letters; see post, Oct. 20, 1781.
336
THE DEANE PAPERS.
like extravagant assertions, he was sure to be answered
with a most important air, “You must pardon me, Sir,
but I do know, for I am a Member of Congress, the
only one that ever was in Europe in that quality, and
I think I must know better than any other, having
been Chairman of most of their Committees." Those
who, from their personal knowledge, were able to bring
facts as well as circumstances directly in contradiction
to his assertions, were sure to be represented as Tories,
unfriendly, or as enemies to America; though events
too notorious to be concealed, and the representations
of Congress of the state of America, fully contradicts
his assertions, yet all signified nothing. The man who
ventured to question the policy or rectitude of any
measure of Congress; who could not agree that America
was able alone to support the war; that Great Britain
was exhausted, and become as weak as she was wicked;
that commerce had done us the most essential mischief;
that merchants, that is American merchants, who he de-
clared to be, in general, mere pitiful speculators, and
undeserving of the name of merchants, had, by their
trade, done us such injury that it would have been
well for America had they long since been extirpated;
that the goods sent out by France had been worse.
for us than if in their room forty thousand Russians
had been sent to fight against us; the man who
would not assent to these, and such like mad asser-
tions, but ventured to contradict them, was sure to be
noted down as unfriendly, at least, if not an enemy to
his country; and thus I was entered on his black list.
You will hardly believe it possible, that any man, with-
out being perfectly mad, could be capable of talking
in such a manner, yet many, as well as myself, can
assure you that this was the common stile of his con
versation; that he often went beyond anything I have
told you of; and what will equally surprise you is, that
there were at Paris Americans who joined him, and
acted as his echo; you well know that I am so inca-
pable of acting a tame, equivocal part, that I do not
.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
337
2
always act even a cautious one. I did every thing in
my power to discountenance this mad rant; this drew
on me the ill will of several of my countrymen whose
good opinions I wished to have in preference, tho' too
indifferent as to either to step aside from the line of
truth and candor to gain the latter, or to avoid the
former. I have said here (what is acknowledged even
by Frenchmen, and ought by this time to be known
in America) that Great Britain is not an exhausted,
contemptible kingdom, but on the contrary, that they
possess a greater share of energy and vigor, and are
capable of making greater exertions than any nation
in the world besides. Was it criminal to say what all
Europe acknowledges with surprise and admiration to
be the case? Was or is it high treason to call in
question the perfect wisdom and rectitude of any of
the measures of Congress, or to withhold one's as-
sent to assertions declaring that Congress never were
at any period so respectable both at home and abroad
as at this time? that they never possessed the confi-
dence of the people at large in so perfect a degree
as at present? and that America had never been at
any time more unanimous, or in better circumstances?
By Mr. Searle and some others it has been deemed
criminal, next to high treason, not to go those lengths;
indeed, one would imagine that he carried it still higher,
for speaking one day at table (a French gentleman who
understood English being present) on American affairs,
and the Americans then in Europe, he exclaimed that
he wished to God every American in France might be
instantly hanged, and that he would be content to suffer
among them, could that be effected, since by that means
a better set would be introduced.
-
I should not trouble you with these expressions,
which you can consider in no other light than the
ravings of madness, were it not that this gentleman
has been seconded and supported in this stile by some
Americans here, though I know of no one of them
who has gone by any means so far. What idea must
VOL. IV.-22
338
THE DEANE PAPERS.
foreigners have of us and of our councils, when they
hear a man who boasts on all occasions of being a
member of Congress, and to have had a principal
share in all our public measures, talk at such a rate?
You can easily perceive, and without my proceeding to
recite instances of nearly the same nature, which I
could easily do, sufficient to fill a large volume, whence
has arisen one of the principal causes of our national
character and credit having sunk so very low within
these three years past.
Though this letter and others I have lately written
contain my opinion of our affairs, and of the state as
well as of the views of the Powers in Europe with
which we have any concern, yet I have on no occasion
ventured to make it public in Europe, but have most
cautiously avoided giving of it, even in private con-
versation. I consider the people of America to be
still too violently agitated to listen to any thing which
appears to contradict their favourite wish; they have
been taught to believe that their happiness and that
of their posterity is inseparably connected with inde
pendency, or rather with their own Sovereignty. The
generous and noble enthusiasm which first inspired
them to oppose acts and claims injurious to our
rights and privileges, has been kept up after the claims
and acts have ceased to exist, and its force turned to
the support of independent sovereignty, a claim never
heard of on our part until since the year 1775. Yet
I cannot in justice to myself and friends conceal from
them my sentiments on the important subject, nor the
dangers which to me appear at the door. It is the
interest of each of the contending parties to make
peace as soon as possible, and nothing at this time.
prevents, but our claim of independent sovereignty,
which France by treaty is bound to support.
If we
consent with an accommodation with England, the
great obstacle will be removed; if we do not, it is
probable that the war will become more general, and ·
it is not difficult to foresee where we shall land, and
THE DEANE PAPERS.
339
in what condition in the general storm. Have we not,
by sending ambassadors to almost every court in
Europe, had an opportunity of trying the disposition
of the several courts towards us? Not one of them,
except Dr. Franklin, has been received; the others,
after an enormous and foolish expence, have returned,
or are still waiting with their credentials in their
hands, at some Minister's door, undistinguished
amongst the crowd of suppliants. Our submitting to
this, continuing to solicit under such mortifying treat-
ment, and our appointing an ambassador to Russia,
after having been refused audience almost every-
where else in Europe, but ill agrees with the character
of independent sovereignty. The spirit and manlike
boldness with which we asserted our rights, and ven-
tured singly to oppose Great Britain in the defence of
them, drew the attention of all Europe, and raised our
character high, and the very name of an American
became respectable; but the turn which our affairs
have taken since the year 1778, owing to the man-
agement of them by men intoxicated with the ideas
of sovereignty and the flattering prospect of becoming
ambassadors, envoys, &c., thus reversed the scene, and
convinced the world at large how unequal our gentle-
men in Congress are to the task of Sovereigns and of
great statesmen. Emoluments have had their weight
with these men; the Secretary to an embassy has not
been thought below their acceptance, especially as a
salary of 1000l. sterling per annum was attached to it.
The salaries to the different boards, though by no
means extravagant, have been tempting objects to
many; and the civil list of Congress, which has been
as rapidly increasing as that of France has been dimin-
ishing under the hands of its present minister of
finances, held out hopes, at least, to all.
It is no way
surprising that men in possession or in expectation
of sovereignty or its emoluments, should labour in-
cessantly to persuade America that its peace, liberty,
and safety cannot be secure but under an independent
340.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
democratical government. The men of this character
form a numerous body, and they "labour faithfully in
their vocations." It is to no purpose that the expe-
rience of all ages and nations of the world contradict
the doctrine which they advance; but few read the
history of past ages, and still fewer reflect on what
they have read, and on what the present time offers to
their most serious consideration. If we were contend-
ing only for momentary peace, safety, and liberty, or
only for the enjoyment of them for the present age,
with the offers made us, we must be more than mad-
men to continue the contest; but the professed object,
and the only one that can in any degree justify a
prosecution of the war, is the security of those bless-
ings to the latest posterity. Will an independent
democratical government secure them better than any
other? In the examination of the question, some re-
gard ought to be paid to what has passed in the world;
and we ought to inquire if any country ever was, for
any time, even for one century, at peace, free and
happy, under a democracy? For myself, I confess I
have never heard or read of such a country, either
antient or modern. All the antient republics were
aristocratical in a greater or less degree; the modern
ones are the same; and the moment that the democ-
racy in any state breaks down or subjected the aris-
tocracy, everything has ever gone to confusion; peace,
liberty, and safety have all been lost in the distractions
of democracy, which in a very short time has prepared
the way to absolute monarchy. But possibly America
has produced a race of men more simple, virtuous, and
patriotic than any part of the world has hitherto been
blessed with. If we are sure of this, we have some
grounds for making the experiment, if what has failed
in every other instance; but if in fact we find our-
selves agitated and led by the same passions as the
rest of mankind have ever been, we ought to pause
and weigh seriously whether in future we shall be
blessed for having fixed the peace, liberty, and safety
THE DEANE PAPERS.
341
of America on a sure basis, or, on the contrary, be
execrated for having destroyed the very basis and
foundation of good order and government, and entailed
on posterity all the miseries which anarchy or despot-
ism can inflict. It will, perhaps, be said that the
nations which have been so convulsed and distracted
by Democracy were previously corrupted. It may be
true; but did any nation ever retain that degree of
disinterestedness and of rigid patriotic virtue necessary
to support good order and government under a Dem-
ocracy, after they became rich and powerful? Fur-
ther, where is the nation that ever preserved it, even
in poverty, under a Democracy? I confess I recollect
no one. The Spartans, by banishing wealth and lux-
ury, and holding commerce, the parent of both, in
abhorrence, preserved their form of government (lib-
erty they never had any idea of) for many ages; but
their government was as far, or farther, removed from
Democracy than it was from absolute Monarchy. The
Romans began under a system of government partly
Royal and partly Aristocratical. The latter destroyed
the former, and, to support itself, mixed some portion
of the Democratic with the Aristocratic, to gain over
the people to assist them in the perpetual exclusion of
Royalty. The Democratic power was at first very
confined and limited, and the Aristocratic remained
for several centuries almost absolute; but in every
struggle between the two the Democratic gained more
or less the advantage over the Aristocratic, until after
the most violent and bloody contest the former came
off victorious, and the Roman empire became in effect
an absolute Democracy, which soon prepared them to
receive an absolute master. Cæsar, with the advantage
of victories and personal abilities unparalleled even in
the Roman histories, could not have succeeded, had not
the Republic been previously thrown into confusion,
and all principle and subordination destroyed by a
Democracy, at the head of which he for some time
placed himself to facilitate his becoming their sole
342
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Sovereign, Lord, and Emperor. But there is no
necessity for travelling far or searching into antient
history; nor should I have mentioned the above in-
stances but by the great stress laid by certain de-
claimers in American assemblies on the Spartan and
Roman government and their virtues, whilst it is evi-
dent they either know nothing of them more than
their names, or wilfully misrepresent facts. We have
had some small experience ourselves of democratical
government; and we cannot, from what we have seen
and experienced, but be able to form a judgement what
the consequences will be when it comes to operate in
full vigor and without restraint.
Absolute democracy and absolute monarchy are
nearly connected with each other, and even wise and
tried patriots have, in all ages, submitted to the latter,
to escape from the distractions of the former. Per-
haps the situation of our country upon every account
is such that it will not bear a strict comparison with
any other. I believe it to be the case; at the same
time I am of opinion that this is against us, under the
proposed government of a democracy.
At this time we are of some weight in the general
scale, and may, by improving it, be able, though not to
dictate the law absolutely, yet to obtain such terms of
peace as may come up to every reasonable wish. But
are we sure of obtaining the same when the great
contending Powers, tired of the war, come to settle
their differences by a peace? Shall we then find our-
selves in a situation to dictate or to be dictated to?
We have ranged ourselves on the side of France and
Spain against England, but shall we, in a treaty of
peace, be considered and respected as their equal, or
shall we be regarded in the settlement of their accounts.
as an article to be used in discount by either, as the
balance may fall? This is a serious enquiry, and
France has already put it in our power to answer the
question. When Spain offered to mediate between
France and England, the latter accepted the mediation,
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343
on condition that France withdrew their rescript of
March, 1778, which declared America independent.
To this France replied that England could not with
propriety demand of them a concession at the begin-
ning of a war, the events of which were uncertain,
which they could only be brought to grant at the close
of an unfortunate war. This reply of France says.
plainly, that if the war should be unfortunate on their
part, our independence may be given up, and shews in
what point of light we are considered. The events of
the war have not hitherto been fortunate on the part
of France and Spain, nor have they been greatly
unfortunate, though the balance (were the accounts
now to be settled) is against them. Future events
are uncertain, but should France or Spain unfortu-
nately loose considerably, we and our independence
remain as a pledge, by a restoration of which their
losses will be made up; if, on the other hand, Eng-
land proves unfortunate, the acknowledgement of our
independence may serve them in the same stead;
if the latter proves the case, as it possibly may, after
two or three years more of war, what by that time
will be our situation? Our country ravaged and
exhausted, our commerce destroyed, an immense in-
ternal and foreign debt contracted, the interest only
of which will be a greater tax than we ever had any
idea of before this war, to which will be added the sup-
port of civil government, as expensive, or more so than
formerly, and the expences of new establishments,
internal and external, such as Courts of Admiralty,
&c., Boards of Trade, of Marine, of Treasury, &c.,
&c., of Ambassadors, Envoys, Consuls, &c., which
alone will amount to more than all our former public
expences; besides, we must have a marine force, at
least, or we cannot expect to have our flag respected,
nor our commerce secure from imposition. Shall we
find ourselves equal to all this? Will the inhabitants
of America, taught to believe that they fought to
exonerate themselves from taxes, be contented under
-
344
THE DEANE PAPERS.
ten times the tax they ever paid, and to have the same
entailed on their posterity? In this state of weakness,
debt, and discontent, is it possible that we must lie at
the mercy of the victorious or most fortunate power,
which ever it be, at the peace? If England dictates
the terms of peace, we must be unconditionally at their
mercy; if France does it, we shall be equally so at theirs;
in this moment we may escape the danger of lying at
the mercy of either. France will not be able to dictate
the law to England without having previously so
effectually reduced that power as to render it unable
to interfere in our behalf, should any, even the most
cruel, terms be dictated to us. If this is a just state
of the case, and it appears to me such, we may possibly
enjoy a nominal independent sovereignty, but in fact
and reality may be dependant, and that unconditionally,
on France; on the other hand, should the war prove
unfortunate on the part of France, France may, agree-
able to their public declaration, withdraw its rescript,
which declared us independent, and leave us to uncon-
ditional submission to England. We are thus pushed on
by the continuance of the war towards the streights of
Scylla and Charybdis, but, thank God, we have not yet
arrived there, and if there is any prudence or skill with
those who are at the helm of our public ship, we may
land safe and honourably on solid ground. I have
given you, and that freely, my sentiments on our public
situation. Though treated with a degree of injustice
and ingratitude which has scarce a parallel in history
by a faction of my countrymen, my country and its
interests still lie nearest my heart. I have met with
many English, Scotch, and Irish families in the course
of my acquaintance in this country, who, following the
dictates of conscience, and what they thought to be
their duty, took part with the Stuart family, and who,
in consequence, had been proscribed, and driven from
their country under the loss of title, fortune, &c. I
was at first surprized to find that these people, though
many of them had been born in France, and inheriting,
"
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345
as one might suppose, the severest resentments against
England, still valued themselves on the country from
which they and their ancestors had been expelled
with the utmost marks of cruelty and disgrace, and, in
a word, in spite of all the varnish and paint that had
been laid on in the course of a century in France, the
original canvass was still visible in their sentiments
and actions. Since I have been in exile myself, my
surprize has ceased. I find it is not difficult to change
climate and country, but that it is impossible for any-
one, that is not either less or more than man, to con-
quer those early attachments and predilections which
every citizen of a free government has for his country
and its interests. My saying one word on the affairs
of America is one proof of this; but my letters being
filled with scarce anything else, shews that, whatever
resolutions I have taken to the contrary, I can neither
think nor write without touching, and even dwelling,
on the subject; in fact, it is the only one which lies
down with me at night and rises with me in the morn-
ing; it accompanies me in every circle, whether gay or
serious, and often makes me blind and deaf to every
thing else. I am sometimes attacked by prudence,
which asks me what I have to do, under
my circum-
stances, with the politicks of any country, or particu-
larly of one more than an other. She tells me, if I
have time to listen, which I seldom have, that of all
men I ought not to meddle; that, being fairly on shore,
though after suffering a shipwreck, I have nothing left
but to collect what I can of my fortune out of the
wreck, and make the best of it. Though judgment
pronounces fully in favour of this opinion, still I can-
not remain indifferent to what affects a country which
I must for ever call mine. I take up my pen almost
every day to write to some friend or other in America.
I determine not to let any thing political fall from it,
yet before I have finished one page I find myself in
the full force of a current which I cannot escape or
resist; but I will be carried on no further by it in this
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THE DEANE PAPERS.
letter. I promised myself with being able to do some-
thing in the commercial way. I have been disappointed
from various causes. I hoped to have finished my
accounts soon, and received the considerable balance
due me from Congress; but though my accounts, with
vouchers to support my demands, have been ready
more than four months, I can find no auditor. Con-
gress have been informed near a year since that their
auditor could not serve, yet they have not appointed
any other, tho' they knew I was waiting at my own
expence to adjust my account. The cruelty and in-
justice of this proceeding is too visible to require my
enlarging on it. I am discouraged in writing to men
who consider themselves omnipotent, and who have,
among their other attributes, taken that of doing in-
justice when they please, and justify all by the tyrant's
plea, necessity. Out of a balance of more than 300,000
livres, I have not been able to obtain one shilling.
By a prevailing junto in Congress, I have been repre-
sented in America as a defaulter grown rich at the
public expence; this was done to prejudice my country-
men against me, and to cover or justify their horrid
ingratitude, and at the same time to force me on a
dangerous and expensive voyage, to obtain justice
here, where they had previously taken such arrange-
ment as to counteract me in pursuit of my right. It
is true they appointed an auditor, but laid him under
such restrictions that they must have known at the
time that no man of spirit would accept the office;
and, on a refusal, they have neglected the naming any
other. Does this shew them acting like my creditors
in earnest for the settlement, or like shuffling, evasive,
debtors, who push it off by every means in their power,
to have some plausible excuse for the non-payment of
their debts? The world will determine without hesita-
tion, and I am resolved the cause shall be soon laid
before them. I despair of seeing of any change for
the better. I have long, tho' impatiently, waited for it,
to the almost total ruin of my fortune and prospects
THE DEANE PAPERS.
347
in life, and can any one blame me if I lay before the
world the history of that injustice and ingratitude
under which I have suffered, and of those vile in-
trigues and detestable cabals which have occasioned
the most complicated misery and distress to my
country? I am confident no disinterested or impartial
man will censure me for doing myself justice, and for
disabusing the public with respect to certain characters.
and proceedings. At the same time that I have ample
materials in my hands for doing this, I take no pleas-
ure in the idea; I have put it off as long as possible,
but I cannot forbear much longer. I hope this letter
will come safe to your hands; if so communicate the
contents to such of your and my friends as you judge
I
proper, but let no extracts or copies be made of it.
have already exhausted your patience; I will therefore
add only that I am, my dear Brother,
Most affectionately yours,
SILAS DEANE.
Simeon Deane, Esq.
Merchant, Williamsburg, Virginia.
The Royal Gazette, Nov. 10th, and 14th, 1781.
X
TO JESSE ROOT.*
Paris, May 20th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Presuming that you still continue in
Congress, and that the friendship which has so long
subsisted between us remains unimpaired, I have deter-
mined to write you a long and confidential letter on
subjects intimately connected to the well being of
our country. Some of the sentiments I am about
to communicate may, perhaps, appear inconsistent
with my former conduct and professions, and there-
fore it is incumbent on me to explain the causes which
have in any degree changed my political opinions. I
need not particularly recur to the origin of the present
*One of the intercepted letters; see post, Oct. 20, 1781.
348
THE DEANE PAPERS.
controversy with Great Britain. What I professed and
did at that period was professed with sincerity, and
done with the best intentions. But had I then foreseen
one half of the calamities that have followed the
measures of that time, instead of approving, I should
have most strenuously opposed them, for it must be
confessed that we were actuated rather by the appre-
hension of future grievances than by the actual press-
ure of any which we really felt; and, most certainly,
I should not have thought it either wise or justifiable
to run into the horrors of civil war without more urg-
ent necessity and a much greater load of oppression.
But, unfortunately, we, in America, were deceived by
those flattering accounts transmitted to us from Eng-
land, as much as the British government was deceived
by opposite accounts sent from America.
We were
fully persuaded that a majority of the people of Great
Britain approved our claims, and that a short suspen-
sion of commerce with that kingdom would obtain us
all we desired. Under this delusion we went forward
until hostilities suddenly began. Those who have
most studied human nature and the history of man-
kind, will best conceive the effects and changes which
followed. Inflamed, and afterwards exasperated, by
the provocations and ravages of war, our minds became
gradually alienated from that people whose ancestors
were ours, and to whom we had always been connected
by the strongest ties that can bind or unite societies of
men; we indignantly slighted that union which had
been esteemed our greatest glory and happiness, and
under whose benign influence we had increased and
prospered beyond example. With this change in our
sentiments, we heard of the British government having
engaged foreign troops to be employed against us, and
we naturally determined to follow the example, and
seek foreign aid from those likely to afford it. For
this purpose, and with this commission, I came to
Europe, and the Declaration of Independency soon fol-
lowed, a declaration which, though absent, I approved
THE DEANE PAPERS.
349
of, because I thought Independency attainable with
but little more difficulty or bloodshed, and that our
countrymen were wise and virtuous enough to use it
rightly and make it a blessing. I had, besides, other
reasons. I thought an independent government was
allotted to us by nature, and that the establishment of
it could not be long prevented after the change which
had taken place in our sentiments respecting it; that
to depart from the claim we had made to it would, at
that time and in that state of things, be like hastily
skinning over a wound corrupted within, and would
only convert to waste all the blood which had been
spilt in the contest, and entail on our children, if not
on ourselves, the necessity of shortly beginning and
supporting another. Actuated, therefore, by a desire
to spare the people of England, as well as of America,
from a renewal of such calamities, I heartily concurred
to negociating and signing the treaties with France,
and afterwards returned to America, in the hopes of
seeing our country soon restored to the blessings of
peace, commerce, and good government. I need not
tell you that the hope proved abortive, nor need I
explain to you how much I was disappointed and dis-
satisfied by the changes which had taken place in
America, and which were every day increasing. You
will recollect the conversations that passed between us
on this subject. I found, indeed, the hills, the moun-
tains, and rivers of America situated as formerly, but
almost every thing which had distinguished and done
honour to the inhabitants appeared to have changed;
the dangers of suddenly releasing a people from the
restraints of regular government, which were visibly
experienced. Noisy and designing individuals had
risen from the lowest order, and displaced the best
and most respectable members of society; the new
governments were almost every where feeble and ill
administered; anarchy and licentious violence fre-
quently prevailed, and even in Congress itself reason,
patriotism, and justice were but too often vanquished
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I
by faction, cabal, and views of private interest. But
what appeared a more alarming evil was the depravity
of morals which had taken place among our country-
men, and been encouraged, if not produced, by the
revolution, and particularly by the laws for making the
depreciated and depreciating paper currency a legal
tender, instead of its nominal amount in gold and
silver; laws which not only afforded temptations,
but in effect offered rewards to dishonesty, by ena-
bling those already in debt to liberate themselves
for a twentieth or thirtieth part in value of the
real debt, and encouraging all who could obtain
credit or property from others to withhold payment,
in the certain expectation of being able at a future
period legally to exonerate themselves almost for
nothing; laws by which more injustice seems to
have been occasioned than what was ever committed
under any other government, and among the same
number of people in so short a space of time.
do not mean, however, to censure our countrymen
with severity. I am persuaded that probity and good
morals were no where more generally prevalent than
in North-America before the late revolution, and that
any other people would have been at least as much
changed by the same causes and in the same circum-
stances. I could not avoid, however, regretting that
a similar change had taken place, and lamenting the
miserable prospects which were present on every side
Agriculture declining, the progress of arts and sciences
suspended, the education of the rising generation (the
hopes of our country) neglected, thousands of indus-
trious youth forced from the plough and other useful,
homely occupations, and prematurely destroyed by the
diseases, wants, and sufferings of a military life, whilst the
survivors, by exchanging their plain morals and honest
industry for the habits of idleness and vice, appeared
more likely to burthen than to benefit their country
hereafter; and, above all, the numerous causes and
sources of future dissentions between the different
THE DEANE PAPERS.
351
States left very little room for agreeable expectations
or ideas. Distressed at the prospect of these and a
thousand other evils, of which there appeared neither
a remedy nor an end, you will not wonder that I
quitted a scene so unpleasant, and came again to this
country, where I have had time and opportunity to
reflect dispassionately on the general state of things
and the probable consequences, so far, at least, as the
interests of our country are concerned; and from these
reflections, combined with all the facts and informa-
tions that I have been able to obtain, I have deduced
two propositions, of the truth of which I am fully
convinced, however extraordinary they may appear in
America. The first of these is, that there is no proba-
bility of our being able finally to establish our inde-
pendency; and the second, that, if it were established,
it would prove rather a curse than a blessing to us.
As I am persuaded that you will at least read with
attention and candour what I write on subjects so in-
teresting, I will enter into a particular consideration
of each of these propositions, and begin with the
first, which concerns the probability of our being able
finally to establish the independency which we have
assumed and declared. Experience has, I presume,
by this time so far corrected the vain opinions we
formerly entertained of our strength and resources,
that even the most insane of all our mad politicians
will hardly pretend that we can alone resist the force
of Great Britain. The final establishment of our in-
dependency must, therefore, greatly depend on the
assistance which other nations may be able and willing
to afford us; and I think it very evident that we have
most egregiously flattered and deceived ourselves on
this subject. There is, indeed, a generous propensity
in human nature which inclines mankind to favour
those who struggle against superior force in defence
of their freedom and just rights; and this propensity
led many individuals in different parts of Europe
(who considered us engaged in such a struggle) to
352
THE DEANE PAPERS.
bestow on us their unavailing good wishes and ap-
plauses. But it is impossible that the motives of our
revolt should have been really approved by the gov-
ernment of any kingdom or state of Europe, because
there is not one among them whose subjects and col-
onies were so free as those of Great Britain; and it
would have been manifestly absurd in any government
to vindicate our claim to privileges which at the same.
time it denied to its own subjects; and, besides, in-
surrections are naturally viewed with jealousy and
dislike by all regular, long established governments
as of dangerous example to their own subjects.
It happened, indeed, that Great-Britain, by her vast
acquisitions of wealth and power, had become the
object of envy and dread to certain European na-
tions, who, without expecting or intending that we
should ever become independent, were pleased at our
revolt, and rejoiced to see that kingdom weakening
itself by a destructive civil war; and least we should
be too soon subdued, and the mischiefs of our revolt
too soon terminated, a little scanty assistance was from
time to time secretly given to us, until this alliance was
publicly announced, and France engaged in the war
against Great Britain. It might have been naturally
expected that every other Power in Europe inclined
to favour our independency would have openly ac-
knowledged it after the example of France. Great-
Britain was then universally believed to be so weak-
ened and discouraged, that no nation could have been
restrained through the fear of incurring her resent-
ment; and, therefore, it is difficult to conceive why
any one really wishing for our independency should
have witheld from it the sanction of an open avowal
or acknowledgement, which would necessarily have
tended to finish the work and secure our future grati-
tude and friendship. But though more than three
years have passed since the French alliance was
announced, no other nation has manifested the least
intention to follow the example, or the least favorable
THE DEANE PAPERS.
353
inclination towards us; but several have, on the con-
trary, most unequivocally discovered that their wishes
and views are repugnant to our pretensions. The
government of Portugal very early proscribed all
intercourse with us, in terms of extreme vigor, if not
hostility; and this very proscription remains unre-
pealed. That of Denmark has denied our independ-
ency, and even forced out of our hands (as out of the
hands of pirates) several prizes which our ships-of-war
had taken from Great-Britain, and sent into the ports.
of Norway. The emperor is notoriously an enemy to
our independency. He retains an hereditary attach-
ment to Great-Britain, as well as jealousy to the
House of Bourbon, and views with impatience on
every side the territories of his ancestors possessed
by his neighbours. He is in the full vigor of his life,
master of the best-disciplined, most numerous and for-
midable army in Europe, and certainly is not without
ambitious, enterprizing views; so that, should the war
continue, we have everything to fear from his influence
and interference, which certainly will be against those
nations who possess the countries he wishes to regain,
and not against Great-Britain, who witholds nothing
from him, and from whom he has nothing to claim.
He has, indeed, already prepared the way to interfere,
by offering to mediate between the belligerent powers,
and you need not be told that an unsuccessful media-
tor almost always takes part in the quarrel. The
Dutch, though at war with England, publicly disavow
our independency, and so far from connecting their
cause with ours, that they notoriously would have
made a separate peace with Great-Britain, had not the
British government refused to treat separately with the
States-General; a refusal that manifests how little
the British Ministry feels itself embarrassed by these.
new enemies. Whatever you in America may imagine,
the true interests of the Dutch are by no means favor
able to our independency. They have no manufac-
tures of any consequence for our use, and as merchants,
VOL. IV.—23
354
THE DEANE PAPERS.
fishermen, and carriers, we should certainly become
their most dangerous rivals and competitors. Respect-
ing Russia and Sweden, they certainly cannot expect
to gain by our independency; excepting indigo and
rice, we have nothing for their use.
Russia exports
tobacco, and their other productions are all similar to
ours, and we should naturally interfere with them in
every market. The governments of these countries.
have never manifested the least disposition to favour
our independency; I think, at most, we can only
flatter ourselves that they will remain idle spectators.
Congress appear in deed to have formed very pleas-
ing hopes from the Northern treaty of neutrality, and
have consequently appointed a Minister Plenipoten-
tiary to the Empress of Russia, who is now on his
way to Petersburg, where he will doubtless find that
humiliating reception which their other Ministers have
met at every other court but that of France. It seems,
however, that no experience will cure them of the folly
of thus meanly exposing themselves to new insults.
Respecting the conduct and views of Spain, I think
they are of a nature that deserves our most serious
consideration, I had almost said detestation. You
know that a secret article was annexed to the treaty
of alliance with France, by which his Most Christian
Majesty stipulated, and the American Commissioner
engaged, that the Spanish government should be en-
titled to accede to the treaties made with France, or
to make other similar treaties with us, and we were
fully persuaded that government would, in a reason-
able time, accede to or make such treaties; otherwise
we most certainly should not have thought ourselves
justifiable in thus binding our constituents indefinitely,
and leaving the Spanish government absolutely free
respecting the time. Above three years have now
elapsed since this engagement was made on our parts,
and near two years since Spain has been at open war
with Great-Britain. No more time, and no more
better opportunity, can therefore be desired by the
THE DEANE PAPERS.
355
Spanish court for treating us, and yet there has not
been the least appearance of a desire to do it, or of an
intention ever to own us as an independent people;
though being at war with Great-Britain, no obstacle
or restraint can possibly arise from the fear of offend-
ing the British government. It is universally under-
stood that his Catholic Majesty after the peace of
1763, always retained a strong desire of revenging and
repairing his losses by the preceeding war.
The con-
troversy between Great-Britain and her colonies prom-
ised a favourable opportunity of doing this, and there-
fore he early began to equip a powerful fleet and make
ready to avail himself of future occasions and events.
The treaties which France suddenly made with us were
most certainly and avowedly contrary to the views of
the Spanish Minister, and there is not the smallest
reason to believe that any change favorable to us has
since taken place in the policy and designs of the Span-
ish court; but there are the strongest reasons to jus-
tify a contrary conclusion. That court professedly
came into the war from motives absolutely foreign to
our independency, and has since prosecuted it solely
with the view of recovering Gibraltar and the Floridas.
Especial care has been taken that not a single Spanish
ship or vessel of war (though many frequently pass by
our ports) should ever stop in any one of them, least
that court should incur the reproach of having assisted
or favored a people whom it neither acknowledges,
nor apparently ever intends to consider in any char-
acter but that of rebellious subjects of the British
Crown. Our operations and designs must indeed
necessarily have great influence on the progress and
issue of the war, and therefore the ministry of Spain
were naturally solicitous for information about them,
and to obtain it a Spanish gentleman was sent to
reside among us; but though Congress had at differ-
ent times appointed no less than three ministers to
the Spanish court, this gentleman was never permitted
to assume any public character, and therefore his resi-
356
THE DEANE PAPERS.
1
dence among us was a continual insult, an indirect
denial of our independency, so long as he lived, and
his death produced a remarkable instance of conde-
scension and inconsistency, not to say hypocrisy, in
Congress, who, to liberate the soul of the deceased
from Purgatory, very devoutly attended one of the
most superstitious rights of a religion which that body
but a little time before, in addressing the people of
England, had described as “having dispersed impiety,
bigotry, persecution, murder, and rebellion through
every part of the world." But this and all other en-
deavors to conciliate the good will of Spain appear to
have failed. Near two years have passed since Con-
gress appointed their president, a gentleman of distin-
guished merit and talents, as Minister Plenipotentiary
to the Catholic King, and he has not only been unsuc-
cessfull in the business of his mission, but is now
humbly waiting at Madrid without any probability
of obtaining the smallest acknowledgement or notice
of his public character. Supposing the government of
Spain to be most unalterably determined that we shall
finally be the dupes and sacrifices of this war, it might
still have been expected, that as we are fighting against
the same enemies, it would have assisted us with
some of the means to fight; but in this, as in other
things, we have been disappointed, not only from what
Congress expected from the "overflowing treasures of
Spain," but of what policy ought to have engaged that
court to afford us. The little paltry sums that have
been obtained (less than a mercantile house in mod-
erate credit might have supplied) have been dealt
out with such niggardly reluctance, that it manifests
the most beggarly meanness and insensibility to ac-
cept, and much more to sollicit them so long and
importunately. Nothing is more evident to me than
that Spain looks on our independency with jealousy
and aversion, as being a most dangerous example
to her vast American colonies, and of the most dan-
gerous tendency in respect to her future dominion
THE DEANE PAPERS.
357
over them. Indeed, she cannot desire that so re-
markable a revolt from the greatest power of Europe
should, by its successful issue, afford encouragement
to her distant provinces to make similar attempts,
nor can she wish that a new maritime empire should
rise up so contiguously to her treasures and Ameri-
can possessions, which at all times have been the
objects of her peculiar care and jealousy. An em-
pire too far removed from Europe to be restrained
by the power of Spain, and too near the sources of
that power not to excite the utmost fear and appre-
hension. So long as the Spanish government con-
tinues at war with England, so long it will naturally
wish us to be the instruments of injuring and distress-
ing that nation. But when the war ends, that gov-
ernment will undoubtedly wish to see us not only re-
duced again to the dominion of Great-Britain, but at
the same time weakened and chastised; so that instead
of affording encouragement to its colonies by a suc-
cessful revolt, we may serve as an example to deter
them from attempting to become independent. I think
it therefore evident that France, the only nation that
has acknowledged our independency, is also the only
one inclined to support it. How long that nation, con-
trary to the views of Spain and the rest of Europe,
will think it wise or necessary to continue the war for
our support, are questions that merit our most serious
consideration.
The only advantages which France can have ex-
pected from our independency, are a diminution of
the trade and power of England, and an increase of
her own commerce by a participation in ours; these
advantages doubtless were expected from the treaties
with America, and few measures of government ever
gave more universal satisfaction than was manifested
by the French nation when those treaties were an-
nounced; but since my return here I have seen that
satisfaction generally abated and succeeded by disap-
pointment, so that in truth but little benefit is now
-
358
THE DEANE PAPERS.
expected from our independency, at least by the most
discerning part of this nation. The merchants complain
of losses on almost every adventure to our country,
through the depreciation of the paper currency, the
breach of public faith, and other causes unfavour-
able to us. They complain of a general predilection
towards English manufactures, which, in spite of the
war, and the laws of the several states, are imported
through Holland, St. Eustatius, &c., and every where
purchased by our countrymen in preference to those
of France, or any other nation. Most of the French
gentlemen that have served in our army, or travelled
in our country, complain of a similar predilection in
favour of Englishmen, and manners, and a similar
aversion from those of France. They perceive a gen-
eral dislike of them among the people, and alledge
that French Officers who fight and bleed in our
cause receive fewer attentions and civilities from our
countrymen than are bestowed on British officers of
inferior rank when taken prisoners. In short, that our
manners, habits, propensities, and prejudices, are all
English as well as our language; and that neither
regard for our allies, the authority of our laws, nor
yet the animosities which the war necessarily pro-
duces, can engage us, even during its continuance, to
suspend the use of British manufactures, or lay aside
our former regard for individuals of that nation; and
it is, therefore, naturally concluded that when peace
shall be restored, whether we remain independant or
not, the greatest part, if not the whole, of our com-
merce, will certainly return again to its former British
channels, and that our former attachment to that
nation will again revive, so as to leave little or no
benefit to this country from our independence. Those
of our countrymen who visit France afford cause for
similar conclusions, retaining the same appearances,
manners, language, prejudices, affections, and aver-
sions; they are confounded with, and mistaken for,
Englishmen by all but those to whom they are per-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
359
sonally known; and as their peculiarities but ill accord
or assimilate with those of our new allies, they feel
like strangers or exiles from their country, and gen-
erally hasten through this kingdom to Ostend, Amster-
dam, &c., from whence, in spite of Dr. Franklin's earnest
dissuasions, and even the menaces of Mess. Adams,
Dana, Searles, &c., the greatest part of them secretly
venture over to England, and when arrived there (tho'
in constant danger of being imprisoned) they almost
believe themselves at home; such is the power of
old habits and early prejudices. You will not, there-
fore, wonder that a discerning, jealous nation like this
begins to think with Horace, Naturam expellas, &c.,
and to perceive that nothing will finally detach us and
our commerce from Great Britain, and that even if
our independency was established, we should soon be
again united to that country by confederation and the
closest alliance, and to contribute as much, if not more,
than ever to its trade and power. This, the most sen-
sible part of the French nation believe, and with this
belief it is impossible they should think it wise and
expedient to persist obstinately in wasting the force
and treasures of France, and endangering her posses-
sions, from an object unlikely to be obtained, and
which if obtained would afford no solid advantage.
You will not, therefore, be surprised that the war,
though begun with general applause, has now be-
come unpopular, as well as our cause in this country.
A great part of the nation ardently wish for peace, and
as our independency and engagement of France to
support it are the only obstacles, it is not likely the
nation will long look with patience on that which
notoriously opposes its desires, and even its felicity,
and therefore it cannot be reasonably expected that
France will long persevere in the war on our account.
A man must be little acquainted with history who
can imagine that because the French government
has acknowledged our independency, and entered into
treaties with us, that it will therefore never desert us.
360
THE DEANE PAPERS.
The same government had much oftener acknowledged
and asserted the right of the Stuart family to the
Crown of England, and had much oftener promised to
maintain that right, yet those promises were never
fulfilled; multitudes who trusted to them were deceived
and sacrificed; even the Pretender himself, notwith-
standing the most formal acknowledgements and fre-
quent promises, was not only abandoned, but, to
gratify the British government, was exiled, seized, and
ignominiously transported out of France. I have
many reasons individually to be satisfied with the
French Ministry, and therefore I would not mention.
transactions of this nature, even to you, were they not
so generally notorious. It may, however, appear in-
vidious, and it certainly is unnecessary, to recollect
such facts, or apply them to the present question,
because the French government has itself, with unusual
candor, publicly explained its opinion of the extent and
force of its engagements to us, when they say, in reply
to the demand of England that France would withdraw
its rescript of the 13th March, 1778, as a preliminary
to the mediation of Spain, that it was not reasonable.
to expect of them to do that at the beginning of a war
(the events of which were uncertain) which could only
be done at the close of an unsuccessful war.
France, therefore, holds herself at liberty to desert
our alliance and independency at the end of an unsuc-
cessful war; and, as the present is not pretended to be
a successful war, the inference is plain, and the time.
to apply it may be near. So long, indeed, as we are
able to support a great part of the war, and France
escapes any considerable disaster, this government
may not be in haste to abandon us, because we may
be thought the cheapest and fittest instrument for
weakening our parent country. But our resources,
credit, and ability to bear any considerable share in the
war will be soon totally annihilated, and when this
happens, I am fully convinced that France will no
longer suffer her treaties to deprive her of peace. Let
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361
us, however, suppose that France should obstinately
persist in the war, and even that Spain, contrary to her
system and views, should do the same in order to
establish our independency, still it does not appear prob-
able that this object would be finally obtained. The navy
of France has for some time been in the most formid-
able state to which it can be carried. That of Spain
had nearly attained this point of perfection before
she entered into the war; and yet, while both were
in this state, no advantages were gained over England.
What, then, can we expect hereafter when the navy
of both countries must daily decline? In France,
every seaman being at the disposal of government,
the greatest number of ships of war, can possibly
be manned, may be manned immediately by withdraw-
ing the seamen from every other service. At the
beginning of the present war, France attempted to
do this in some degree, by totally abandoning the
fisheries, the best nursery of seamen, and diminishing
every commercial branch of her navigation. It was,
indeed, intended to encourage the equipment of pri-
vateers, whereby a considerable number of seamen
might have been continually forming, but the dreadful
mortality which took place in the fleet under M. d'Or-
villiers, in 1779, frustrated this intention. Privateers
were then deprived of their crews, and since that time
it is only by particular permission and favour that sea-
men could be obtained to equip either privateers or
merchant vessels; no nursery of seamen therefore re-
mains, and yet a very great supply is wanted from
time to time in the French navy, through the practice
of crowding an unusual number on board their ships of
war, whereby a greater proportion are killed in action,
and perish by contagious diseases. Spain is equally
destitute of resources to supply the waste of her sea-
men, and therefore the maritime power of both nations.
must hereafter rapidly decline, and that of France
would be almost annihilated, if a continental war
should supervene.
On the other hand, the British
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navy is becoming every day more formidable; forty
additional ships from 50 to 100 guns, besides a much
greater number of frigates, are now on the stocks,
and when ready may be all manned, because the
British government, under its greatest embarrassments,
has preserved every resource and nursery for seamen
untouched; the fisheries, coasting trade, and other
branches of navigation have been all maintained, and
an incredible number of privateers continually em-
ployed, the crews of which may all be transferred into
ships of war, whenever it becomes necessary, so that
the marine of Great-Britain, by increasing on one
hand, whilst that of France and Spain diminish on the
other, will soon become greatly superior to both; and
when this happens, you need not, I think, be told the
consequences. You will doubtless hear in America,
as usual, that Great-Britain is exhausted, divided, and
discouraged, but such accounts are as fallacious now
as they were formerly. This might be demonstrated
by many facts, but I think it will not appear doubtful,
when you recollect the immense sum that was sub-
scribed in England for the service of the present year,
and that the British Court, far from fearing new
enemies, not only attacked the Dutch, but has since
refused the mediation of Russia in making a separate
peace with that republic. It has long been fashion-
able in America to rail at the British government, as
being not only wicked, but weak and incapable. These
imputations are, however, certainly repugnant to facts,
for it must be confessed that none of the belligerent
powers has displayed so much vigor and ability as
Great-Britain in prosecuting the war; and though
we may incline to shut our eyes against the truth, a
great part even of the French nation is just and gen-
erous enough to acknowledge and admire the superior
fortitude and intelligence with which the British
government has hitherto repelled and frustrated the
efforts of enemies so much more numerous. Indeed,
there never was a period in which the resources,
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363
bravery, and real greatness of the British nation were.
more eminently displayed than at this time. But
having discarded the remembrance of former friend-
ships, that "pride in the glorious achievements of our
common ancestors," and that "affection for the heirs
of their virtues," which Congress itself but a few
years since boasted of, we may be unwilling to ad-
mit this truth; it will not, however, cease to be the
truth. The sun will shine whether we open or shut
our eyes. Thinking ourselves alone almost able to
resist Great-Britain, we very confidently inferred that
the force of France joined to ours would become irre-
sistible; but we found ourselves mistaken. When
Spain joined in the war, we formed similar expecta-
tions, and they likewise proved fallacious. The same
hopes will, doubtless, be entertained in America from
the addition of Holland; and they will, I am per-
suaded, prove equally delusive. The British Ministers
certainly think they have more to gain than to lose
by the Dutch war, and hitherto events have confirmed
that opinion; but, should it hereafter prove erroneous,
they will be able at any time to make a separate peace
with that Republic, so that at best we can have no
dependence on any foreign assistance but that of
France and Spain; and the latter, being no way com-
mitted on our side, may at any time make a separate
peace as well as Holland.
Indeed, I have already
shewn it to be probable not only that Spain, but that
France also, will soon relinquish the contest. Should
both, however, persevere, we cannot expect a success-
ful issue. We have seen that the united forces of
both during two years, in which they were the most
formidable, have proved unavailing, even when our
credit and resources were inexhausted. How, then,
can we expect success hereafter, when the forces of
France and Spain are declining, and our own faith
and credit irretrievably ruined, our paper money, the
most important of all our resources, for ever destroyed,
several of the southern States already conquered,
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many of our countrymen disaffected, and many more.
wearied and discouraged by the long continuance and
hopeless appearance of the war, accompanied with a
multitude of difficulties which I need not mention to
you, but which utterly preclude the least probability
of our being able finally to continue an independent
people? If this be evident, as I flatter myself it is,
we are next to enquire whether the establishment of
an independent government, were it practicable, would
not be injurious rather than beneficial to us.
But a
few years have elapsed since you, and, I believe, every
other American, were firmly convinced that the peace,
freedom, and happiness of America could in no way
be promoted so well, and secured, as by a dependence
on the British Crown. We were then sensible of the
“inestimable advantages of a free English constitution
of government." We publicly ascribed our amazing
increase and prosperity to its "protection and encour-
aging influence," and declared that "we should ever
esteem an union with the people of England to be our
greatest glory and our greatest happiness." Had the
British Government at that period threatened to with-
draw its protection from us, and abandon us to that
very independency for which we are now suffering and
sacrificing so much, we should have been universally
alarmed, and have considered ourselves as menaced
with the severest punishment. Recollect the unani-
mous opinion of that time, and compare it with what
has since been taught and believed on this subject in
America, and then let me ask you whether this change
of opinion be the work of reason and experience, or of
exasperation and madness? And whether the sober,
unanimous conviction under which we and our fathers
had happily lived, and which our experience had in-
variably confirmed, is not more likely to be well
founded than any sentiments which the rage and ani-
mosity of civil war have produced, and which have
never been brought to any fair, dispassionate examina-
tion or trial? Should I ask the advocates of inde-
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365
pendency what benefits they expect which we did not,
and might not again, enjoy without it, I should proba-
bly be told freedom of legislation and of commerce.
It seems, however, to me that on both these subjects.
we are deceiving ourselves. There are few, if any,
benefits which we have not their attendant disadvan-
tages. There
There may be too little, as well as too much,
restraint in the making of laws; and the former excess
is full as mischievous and liable to abuse as the latter.
In those which were called Royal governments, the
exercise of the King's prerogative may have sometimes
prevented wholesome laws; but, on the other hand, it
has also prevented the people from injurious ones;
and if we were to review the legislative acts of the
several states since the revolution, we should find that
the facility in making laws has produced a multitude
of hasty and injudicious, not to say pernicious, ones;
and that the number of these has been greatest in the
States where the fewest restraints attend acts of legis-
lation respecting the freedom of commerce. I think
we have formed mistaken ideas of its benefits, and
that we have not sufficiently considered in how few
instances we have really suffered any considerable dis-
advantage by being restrained in our trade with foreign
nations, and how very little we shall gain by an ex-
emption from those restraints.
Among all the nations in Europe there is cer-
tainly none where commerce is so reputable, or
where it is carried on by men of so much fortune,
probity, and honour, as in Great Britain; and, con-
sequently, there is no where an American merchant
could obtain the same credit, or be served with the
same fidelity, as in England; and certainly the British
manufactures exceed those of any other country in
goodness and cheapness, excepting only a few articles,
the greatest part of which, by means of drawbacks on
exportation, may be obtained from England almost
as cheap as from the countries where they are made.
And on the other hand, if we were restrained from
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carrying some of our own productions to foreign
countries, the people of England were, in most cases,
restrained from buying the like productions of for-
eigners; so that we had all the advantages of a
monopoly, and, in general, a much better price than
we could have obtained any where else, besides large
bounties on our iron, naval stores, and other articles.
Should we be deprived of these advantages and boun-
ties, precluded from the privileges of British subjects,
and made liable to the alien's duty, a trade with for-
eign nations on such terms as they might chuse to
grant us, would, I think, prove an unusual compensa-
tion, and we should be soon desirous of returning
again to our former restraints, accompanied with our
former privileges. This is, however, but a partial
view of the subject. Absolute freedom of legislation
and commerce, or, in other words, independency, can
never be maintained without fleets, armies, ministers
of state, ambassadors, boards of war, of admiralty, of
treasury, and many other expensive establishments of
a sovereign independent government. We have here-
tofore enjoyed, and may again enjoy, the benefits of
all these establishments, as well as the protection of
the British fleets and armies, without any other con-
tribution or burthen than what resulted from a few
unimportant restraints on our trade, and certainly an
exemption from those restraints can never afford any
advantages equivalent to the taxes which the people
of America must necessarily bear to support independ-
ency, should it be established, not to mention `what
must be paid to discharge the enormous public debt
already incurred, and which remains to be incurred by a
prosecution of the war. And should we after all suc-
ceed, it will only be to set up and become subjects.
of a state which, as being the youngest republic, must
take the lowest rank among the nations of the earth,
instead of continuing, as we were, members of "an
Empire, which (to use the words of Congress) has
been the envy and admiration of ages." These, how-
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367
ever, are but a few of the evils to be expected from
our independency. You, my friend, know so much of
history, and of mankind in general, as well as of our
countrymen in particular, that a little reflection must
convince you that the democratic governments lately
formed in America are far from being suited to the
people there. I need not remind you of the tumul-
tuous disorder, ingratitude, violence, and injustice
which, in all ages and parts of the world, have attended
this species of government. I can only say, that if it
can be advantageous to any societies of men, it is
only to those which are small, and uncorrupted by
luxury or vice. Our own colony of Connecticut has,
I believe, experienced the best effects which a Demo-
cratical government is capable of producing; but these
effects have resulted wholly from the rigid morals, fru-
gality, and industry of the people. And we must not
forget that in the adjoining colony of Rhode-Island,
the very same government was attended with much
anarchy, faction, licentious disorder, and injustice.
And if we consider the late progress of luxury, immo-
rality, and vice, and the decline of public virtue among
our countrymen, there will appear but too much reason
to fear that the Democratical Government, established
in the united states will produce the same dreadful
effects which the history of the world informs us
they have invariably produced in every large society or
government where they have been established. But
the intestine disorders that may arise within each
particular state among its own inhabitants, are not
the only mischiefs to be expected. Greater evils, if
possible, are to be apprehended, from the contentions
of different states with each other. Considering
the various manners, prejudices, and prepossessions of
the people of the several states, and their discordant
opinions, claims, and pretensions, it seems impossible
that confederation can long subsist, or that we can
long remain at peace with each other, when relieved
from the present war with Great-Britain.
Hitherto
C
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G
the different states have voted supplies according to
the allotments and requisitions of Congress, but there
is not a single state which has not protested against
these allotments as being unequal, and claimed fu-
ture retribution. To allot the portions of public ex-
pence to each of the several states with exact justice,
will always be a difficult task, on account of their
continually varying circumstances; but when these
allotments are made as justly as possible, it is not
probable they will ever be satisfactory to all, so that
from hence a fruitful source of future discord will arise.
Virginia claims to itself almost all the valuable uncul-
tivated lands adjoining to the united states, and is
rapidly selling them; other states protest against the
injustice of this claim. Virginia and Pennsylvania
have already been nearly engaged in hostilities on
account of their boundaries; and hostilities were, some-
time ago, actually begun between Pennsylvania and
Connecticut on the same account, and are now only
suspended by the more urgent necessity of resisting
the arms of Great-Britain. There are similar disputes
between New-York, Massachusetts-Bay, and New-
Hampshire, which, though now dormant, would im-
mediately revive, should peace and independency be
established in America. I had almost forgot the in-
habitants of several inferior districts, who assume a
right of separating from the colonies, or states, to which
they have hitherto belonged, in the same manner as
those colonies have separated from Great-Britain, and
of being admitted into the confederation as distinct
independent states. One of these states in particular
(that of Vermont) is secretly abetted by some of the
New-England states against New-York; and though
Congress has undertaken the decision, it dares not
decide against the claim and pretentions of the people.
In short, the sources of internal commotion and civil
war between the several states are so numerous and
plentiful that it does not seem possible for peace and
union long to subsist among them, or that evils, even
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369
}
greater than those we have suffered since the declara-
tion of Independency, should be avoided after the
establishment of it. The protecting, mediating, and
restraining influence or power of some other nation.
is indispensably necessary to our well being, and cer-
tainly there is no other nation on earth so well suited
to this purpose by religion, manners, language, gov-
ernment, &c., or on which we can so honourably and
advantageously depend as Great-Britain.
If, then, there be no probability of finally establish-
ing the Independency we have declared, and if the
establishment of it be more likely to prove pernicious
than beneficial to us, what obstacle or objection is
there to prevent our renouncing the beneficial claim,
and reconciling ourselves again to the parent country?
Of all the various objections that have been made on
this subject at different times and by different people,
there are but two which deserve the smallest notice.
The first of these is, that the solemn acts and declara-
tions of the King and Parliament of Great Britain are
not to be relied upon; that when we shall have laid
down our arms, former pretentions may be revived
and new acts of Parliament made to subject our rights,
&c. If there be any force in this objection, it will
operate even more strongly against negociating for
peace than for reconciliation. A treaty of peace would
be an act of the crown only, and might be more easily
evaded than a solemn compact, in which the Parlia-
ment as well as the King would be a party. Those,
therefore, who, from apprehensions of this nature,
refuse treating for reconciliation, should not think of
treating for peace; they should resolve to prosecute
the war with unrelenting fury; to reprobate the folly
of Congress in sending Mr. Adams to negociate with
Great-Britain; they should forget how often that
nation has interposed to save the civil and religious
liberties of other countries against the ambitious views.
of France and Spain, and, regardless of the danger of
falling under the power of these our new friends,
VOL. IV.-24
370
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they should resolve never to sheathe the sword until
the British nation is exterminated. In this, and only
in this way, they will act consistently, and reconcile
their actions to that distrust which they profess to
entertain of the national faith of Great-Britain. Wise,
impartial men will, however, think that objections of
this nature come with very little propriety from the
people of America, who, as an independent people, are
too young, and even already have shewn too little
regard for their own national faith, to have a right
to distrust that of others; and especially of a nation
so long distinguished by a faithful adherence to its
engagements, and which, even at this moment, enjoys
the confidence of Europe more than any other, as is
manifested by the readiness with which the people of
all countries, even of France itself, still lend and con-
fide their money to the British government, notwith-
standing its embarrassments. But what renders this
objection more contemptible is, that it proceeds from
those very men who were most active in evading and
violating the most solemn engagements and the most
sacred obligations of justice respecting the redemption
and value of the Congress bills of credit. The last
objection against a reconciliation with Great-Britain
is, that it would be repugnant to our engagements
with France, and, consequently, dishonorable and
ungratefull in us. No man can be more jealous of the
honor of America, or more zealous in its support, than
I was, so long as even the semblance of it promoted
our public measures; but my jealousy and zeal were
naturally extinguished when Congress, on the 18th of
March, 1780, committed that very act which, but six
months before, they had unanimously and publicly
reprobated as "execrable deed," an "unpardonable sin,
and which, by their own judgment and sentence, would
justly "render us a reproach and a bye-word among the
nations of the Earth," and make us appear like a
common prostitute among chaste and respectable matrons,
&c." Such being our situation, such our crime and pun-
""
(4
Gl
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371
ishment, according to the decision and sentence of our
own representative, I do not conceive that any devia-
tion from our engagements with France can add to our
national dishonor; nor can I, indeed, discover any way
to escape this dishonor and infamy, but by deserting
that independency which we have so disgracefully per-
verted, and blending ourselves again with the British
nation; but I would not, even for so desirable a pur-
pose, commend an unjustifiable departure from our
treaties with France. It has already been demonstrated
that the French government considers itself as at lib-
erty to desert us at the end of an unsuccessful war,
and, consequently, we must be entitled to the same lib-
erty, and to the same interpretation of our engage-
ments. Should we continue independent, our treaties
with France ought to be most sacredly fulfilled; but we
never could have intended by those treaties to bind
ourselves eternally to fight for independency, even
when the attainment of it becomes evidently impos-
sible; and, when through our own incapacity, it is more
likely to prove injurious than beneficial to us. Such
an engagement, had we even been insane enough to
make, would be null, because it would be contrary
to the first laws and duties of nature. Politicians do
not.generally feel or expect much from sentiments
of national gratitude, yet I am far from wishing that
my countrymen should become ungrateful. I have
been, as you well know, most ready to magnify our
obligation to the French, as well from my personal
regard to that nation as from a persuasion that the
appearance of gratitude on our side would produce
beneficial effects. I was willing even to err by an
excess of grateful sentiments towards our new ally,
so long as that excess appeared harmless; but when a
claim on our gratitude is set up and opposed to the
peace and happiness of millions, it becomes proper, at
least, to enquire if it is well founded. In what, let me
ask, are we obliged to France? She scarcely knew a
single individual of our country, and therefore could
-
+
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THE DEANE PAPERS.
not have been actuated by any motive of regard for
us at the time when she began to afford us secret
assistance. It is with reluctance that I enter on the
discussion of this question, even privately, with you;
but it is as easy as it is expedient to ascertain the
views of the French government and its conduct
towards us. Envious as well as apprehensive of the
rapid increase of the British wealth and power, a
ruinous contest between different parts of the British
empire was naturally viewed with particular satisfac-
tion; and to prolong this contest, with all its de-
structive consequences, it was thought politic to assist
the weakest side, which was ours; enmity towards the
British nation, and not a regard for us was the pre-
vailing motive. In similar circumstances as much as-
sistance would have been given to any other people
under heaven, and there can be no cause for gratitude.
for any aid given in such circumstances, and with such
views. The first plan of the French government evi-
dently was to assist us just so far as might be abso-
lutely necessary to prevent an accommodation, and to
give this assistance with so much secrecy as to avoid
any rupture with Great Britain. On this plan succours
were first permitted to be dealt out to us by private
individuals, and only on condition of future payment;
but afterwards we were thought to be such cheap and
effectual instruments of mischief to the British nation,
that more direct and gratuitous aids were afforded us.
These were, however, soon discovered, and frequently
complained of by the British government, and as often
denied by that of France. The whole of the year
1777 passed in a succession of complaints from Lord
Stormont on one side, and of solemn denials, accom-
panied with the most friendly protestations and assur-
ances from the French minister, on the other. Each
complaint produced a temporary suspension of our
succours and a new contrivance for secretly convey-
ing them to America, and eluding the vigilance of
the British minister. While the French court was
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373
thus violating its engagements and promises to Great-
Britain, it does not appear to have ever expected or
desired that we should become independent, but, on
the contrary, to have always had in view and contem-
plation the time when we were to be subdued and
left at the mercy of Great Britain, and when it would
be highly dangerous for us to possess any evidence
of the assistance we had received, or of the fallacy of
those amicable assurances and protestations which
had been so often repeated to the British Ambassa-
dor; and accordingly all intercourse between the French
minister and us passed by means and channels suited
to the views I have just described. No written proof
of the least importance was ever left in our hands.
Even Mr. Gerard's letters appointing occasional inter-
views with us were always without any signature; and
though five hundred thousand livres were quarterly
paid to our Banker from the Royal Treasury, not
the smallest evidence of the source from whence that
subsidy came was permitted to remain in our power.
So much precaution did not pass unnoticed by us at
that period. I saw clearly, and with concern, that it
was dictated by a persuasion that we should be finally
subdued by the arms of Great-Britain, and an inten-
tion finally to desert and disown having ever had any
connection with us. Towards the end of the summer,
1777, this Court seems to have thought the time near
for so abandoning and disavowing us. The capture of
Ticonderoga and the progress of General Burgoyne's
army on one side, with the victory at the Brandywine
and the taking of Philadelphia on the other, convinced
the French Ministers that the period of our resistance
would soon come, and make them solicitous to remove
every impression which the assistance previously given
to us might have been made on the British Govern-
ment. Amicable protestations and assurances were
therefore renewed with unusual fervour; and least
words alone should be insufficient, they proceeded to
important and effectual acts of complaisance. Ameri-
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can armed vessels were every where arrested and de-
tained in the French ports, and afterwards only
permitted to sail under engagements to return home
without committing any act of hostility in the Euro-
pean Seas. Two valuable Jamaica ships taken by
American privateers, and brought to Nantz, were
wrested from the captors and restored to their former
British owners. Injunctions of a nature not to be dis-
obeyed were sent to all the ports affording us any
supply of military stores, &c., and, to gratify Lord
Stormont, the Captain of the ship Amphitrite was
thrown into prison for having carried such stores to
America, though with the privity and approbation of
this Court. The principal actor in this affair was
under the greatest apprehensions and alarm for his
own safety when a messenger arrived with the news
of General Burgoyne's army having surrendered to
that of General Gates. The news allayed his fears,
and stopped those proceedings by which the French
government had already manifested its intentions to
disown and abandon us. The impression which this
news made in England, and the intention announced
in Parliament of soon offering the most liberal terms
to America, produced a sudden change in the con-
duct and policy of this Court respecting us.
It was
perceived, or at least believed, that nothing short of
an open declaration in our favour would protract the
quarrel or prevent our reconciliation with Great Brit-
ain; and it was apprehended that, when reconciled,
both countries might turn their force against France,
England from resentment for what had been done, and
America for what had been refused for our support.
The French Ministry then appeared for the first
time to think seriously of promoting a final separa-
tion between us and our
and our parent country, being
convinced from the strength which we had manifested
in singly resisting the power of Great Britain, and
the general discouragement which notoriously pre-
vailed in that nation, that such a separation might
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375
be effected with but little difficulty, and no danger to
France.
The proposals of Congress therefore, which had been
left twelve months unnoticed, were suddenly accepted
and the treaties speedily concluded, and afterwards
hastily announced to the world, in order to frustrate
the pacific endeavours of the British Government, and
engage us to reject its liberal offers for promoting a
reconciliation. Having been personally engaged in con-
cluding and signing the treaties with France, and per-
sonally favoured and obliged to its Government, and
being also persuaded, as I then was, that those treaties
would prove infinitely beneficial to our country, I very
naturally approved of their ratification, and of the re-
jection of all terms offered by the British Commissioners.
Situated as I then was, and thinking as I then did, it
was impossible for me to act otherwise; but yet I shall
for ever regret that a majority of our countrymen were
not wise enough to know and pursue their true in-
terests, and to accept of offers which contained every
thing conducive to their future peace and prosperity,
and which, had they been accepted, would have saved
us and our parent country innumerable calamities, and
have preserved thousands of useful lives, with oceans of
kindred blood, which have been since offered up as a
sacrifice to our idol, Independency. Unhappily that
time and opportunity were irrecoverably lost, and all
regrets must necessarily prove unavailing. It now only
remains with us to employ all our thoughts and faculties
in repairing the mischiefs that are past, and stopping
their future progress.
-
In examining the motives and views of the French
ministry, there appears no reason to believe that the
change in its system and policy towards us, and the
treaties thereby produced, were the effect of a regard
for our country, any more than the preceding resolu-
tion to disown and abandon us had been.
In every
variation of conduct, this Ministry, like true politicians,
pursued what they considered as the interests of their
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country, regardless of ours; and though I have no
desire to censure them for acting from such motives, I
cannot admit that any just title to our gratitude can be
from thence derived. If we proceed to review what
has passed since the treaties were announced, we shall
doubtless find abundant reason to form the same con-
necessarily known the extent and nature of the succours
afforded to us by this government since the war, and
clusion. By your station in Congress you must have
I cannot believe, after mature consideration, that they
have been such as to lay our country under any great
load of obligation. I do not mean, like Mr. J. Adams,
to assert that "France has broken, or at least not ful-
filled the terms of her alliance with us ;" though, between
ourselves, I cannot but think there is some foundation
for such an assertion, by the letter, as well as the spirit,
of the treaty, the first article of which says, "If war
should break out between France and Great-Britain
during the continuance of the present war between
the United States and England, his Majesty and the
United States shall make it a common cause, and
aid each other mutually with their good offices,
their councils and their forces, according to the
exigence of conjunctures, as becomes good and faith-
ful allies."
((
It is to be remembered, that before France entered
into the war, we had alone supported a very unequal
contest with Great-Britain for near three years, and
had thereby incurred an enormous debt, and nearly
exhausted all our credit and resources. It might there-
fore have been expected, from the terms of our engage-
ment, that, instead of continuing to bear an unequal
share of the burthen, our own proportion would have
been lightened by our ally, in consideration of what
we had previously done and suffered alone. But has
this been in any degree the case? Is it even true that
France has since, in proportion to her superior wealth
and numbers, borne a just share of the war? No enemy
has ravaged or even landed within this kingdom; no
THE DEANE PAPERS.
377
Almost
new tax has been levied to support the war.
every thing expended is the fruit of economy, and has
been employed in building and sustaining a formidable
navy, and particular care has been used to expose it as
little as possible, in order that it may remain entire at the
end of the war. The same principle which has furnished
the means, appears, likewise, to direct the operations of
the war on this side, whilst England and America have
been wasting their strength and resources against each
other. Very strong and early representations were,
as you know, made, and from time to time repeated,
to this government, respecting the disorder of our
finances, and the absolute impossibility of supporting
the war, unless our ally would either lend, or assist us
in borrowing, considerable sums of money; but these
representations produced no effect, altho' France has,
from the beginning, always been able to borrow with so
much facility, that there could have been no difficulty
in affording us sufficient pecuniary aid, if the inclination
to do it had not been wanting. It is not until since the
alarming revolt of the Pennsylvania and Jersey troops,
that this government could ever be brought to promise
a single shilling towards paying the army in America,
and the sum now granted is placed under the direction
of General Washington in a way that manifests a total
want of confidence in Congress, and renders the Gen-
eral in effect independent of the body by whom he is
commissioned, and who will not dare either to dismiss,
or even to disoblige, him, because without his concur-
rence the army cannot obtain a single shilling. You
can best decide whether Congress has deserved this
distrust, not to say insult, but if that body has deserved
this, it certainly does not merit the confidence of
America; and, in either case, the preference shewn to
General Washington seems likely to produce dangerous
jealousies, to say no more. The esteem which I have
long entertained for him precludes every suspicion that
he will adopt, or become the instrument of, any im-
proper design. But this reference will doubtless be
-
378
THE DEANE PAPERS.
considered and represented in America as indicating
an intention in this government to attach General
Washington to the interests of France, and to support
him against all opposition; and it is easy to conceive
the animosities likely to result from such apprehensions.
Respecting the sea and land forces sent at different
times to America, they doubtless were never suited nor
intended to drive the British forces out of the United
States. Probably this government thinks that so great
a part of the British forces can no where be employed
and wasted so advantageously for France as in fighting
against the people of America, where they can do no
harm to the French nation, and where we are under the
necessity of opposing them; but were the British fleets
and armies transferred from the continent to the West-
India Islands, it would depend on our inclination whether
we followed them or not; and in either case, but
especially in the latter, the French and Spanish posses-
sions would be in imminent danger. These reasons.
sufficiently explain why, in truth, the French Govern-
ment never did nor will make any effectual efforts to
drive the English from New-York, &c. Respecting the
fleet and army sent last year to Rhode-Island, under
the command of Mons. de Ternay and Mons. de
Rochambeau, you who were in Congress need not be
told the purpose for which they were professed to
be sent; and probably by this time you will be con-
vinced that the great additional force which was prom-
ised, and of which the first sent was represented only
as the van guard, was really never intended to follow,
and that the true though secret object in view, was not
so much to act offensively against the British forces, as
to secure and hold Rhode-Island in the same manner
as Queen Elizabeth held cautionary towns belonging to
the Dutch. This Government has for a considerable
time been apprehensive that Great-Britain might soon
regain the Southern States by conquest or their own
defection; but it was also expected that the people
of New England, by more vigorous and persevering
-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
379
efforts, would still maintain the contest, even if all the
other States should be again reduced to their former
dependence on the Crown of Great-Britain. The har-
bour of Rhode Island is commodiously situated in the
center of New England, and was therefore thought a
desirable possession by the French Ministry, and a fleet
and army were accordingly sent to fortify themselves
and remain there, ready to favour and encourage those
among us who should appear more attached to the
French interest, and disposed to go the most desperate
lengths against reconciliation with Great-Britain, and at
the same time ready to overawe and restrain those of
a contrary disposition. Indeed, any one who considers
how long the French fleet and army have remained
in their station at Rhode-Island without having ever
received any order to engage in the smallest offensive
enterprize, and that no attempt has been made to send
even the smallest part of the reinforcements promised,
must conclude that this fleet and army were not sent to
America for our sakes, so much as to gain an advan-
tageous strong hold in our country, and a controlling
influence over the people there, in order to prevent our
reconciliation with Great-Britain, until we shall both
have so far weakened and ruined each other, that France,
with a formidable navy carefully preserved, will at the
close of the war have nothing to fear, whatever becomes.
of us or of our independency. Many other facts
might be adduced, but they cannot be necessary to
support this general representation of the policy and
views of France towards us, and to invalidate every
claim which may be made from thence on our gratitude.
If it be, then, true that there is no validity in either of
these objections, nor any probability of finally establish-
ing our independency, and if the establishment of it
would more likely prove prejudicial than beneficial to
us, it is high time to reflect on our situation, and in-
stantly terminate the destructive contest in which we
are engaged. Dr. Franklin's sentiments on the separa-
tion of America from Great-Britain, even after the
380
THE DEANE PAPERS.
declaration of independency, are very plainly as well as
forcibly expressed in his letter to Lord Howe: "Long
(says this venerable patriot) did I endeavour, with un-
feigned and unwearied zeal, to preserve from breaking
that fine and noble China Case-the British Empire; for
I knew that, being once broken, the separate parts could
not retain their share of the strength and value that
existed in the whole; and that a perfect re-union of those
parts could scarce ever be hoped for." I know of nothing
that has occurred since the date of that letter to induce
Doctor Franklin to change his private sentiments on
this subject. It is true that at that time a re-union,
though devoutly to have been wished for, could scarce
be hoped or expected, so long as every original cause of
the separation still existed, and were so many obstacles
in the way of the wished for re-union; but those having
been since removed, and America having fatally experi-
enced "that, separate, it does not retain even its share
of that strength and value which existed in the whole,"
on the Doctor's own principles, a re-union ought to be
hoped for and endeavoured after with unfeigned and
unwearied zeal by him and by every friend to America.
If our own future prosperity requires that we be again
united to Great-Britain, and if, through inability to
resist, we must eventually return to that nation, it is
both parricide and suicide to employ and waste our
strength and blood for the destruction of a country which
is shortly to become ours, and to which we must here-
after resort for protection and support against those to
whom we are now attached, and whose battles we are
fighting. But besides the folly and wickedness, we
ought to reflect on the danger of such conduct; for if we
cannot finally withstand Great-Britain, nothing can be
more hazardous than to provoke her resentment by an
obstinate and desperate resistance. If the United States
persist in rejecting all overtures for a reconciliation, and
be finally conquered after mischievously protracting the
evils of civil war as long as possible, what favour and in-
dulgence can they reasonably expect? These consider-
Tod
THE DEANE PAPERS.
381
!
ations are of the utmost importance to our future well-
being, and wretched will our condition doubtless be-
come, should they be much longer disregarded.
The causes which first occasioned the civil war have
long ceased to exist, the acts complained of have been
repealed, all rights of taxing us solemnly renounced by
the British Parliament, and offers made to us, at differ-
ent times, more than equivalent to all that was originally
demanded by our delegates in Congress. We, there-
fore, no longer contend for our rights, but for Sovereign
Dominion for a new object, to which we had originally
no claim, and which even after the commencement of
hostilities, we most solemnly professed to hold in aver-
sion and abhorrence. This is the idol which, in the
days of peace, and under the empire of reason, we
beheld with sentiments of detestation; but which, in the
rage and phrenzy of civil war, we have set up and wor
shipped. This is the false divinity whose votaries we
have become, and on whose altars we daily offer up the
dearest of all sacrifices, the peace and prosperity of
our country, and the blood of our nearest relations and
friends. To labour in curing this madness, and in excit-
ing forgiveness, peace, and brotherly love among the
contending parts of the British empire, would certainly
be a most laudable and meritorious employment; and
never did any contest afford so many reasons for charity
and mutual forgiveness as the present.
To err is
human," but in case of error, be it on either side, is
peculiarly entitled to indulgence from the other; the
cause of this dispute having been so intricate, and the
question of rights so doubtful, that the wisest and best
men would not avoid thinking differently about them.
Those, therefore, who unrelentingly cherish vindictive
resentments on this subject, and deny forgiveness to
each other, will have very little reason to ask or expect
it of Heaven. Let us, then, exert our utmost efforts in
promoting peace and reconciliation; if we accelerate
these blessings, if we contribute to revive "transcendent
relations" that formerly subsisted between us and our
((
382
THE DEANE PAPERS.
C
parent country, we shall deserve the applauses of pres-
ent and future generations, and in every event we shall,
at least, secure the approbation of our own consciences.
I pretend not to know exactly the terms on which a
reconciliation might now be effected, every overture
from Great-Britain having been treated with insult, and
considered by us as a proof of her weakness and our
own strength. No encouragement has been left to fur-
ther offers; on her part enough, however, has already
been offered to afford a basis for safe and honorable
negociation; and I am fully persuaded that every thing
which we ought to desire, every thing consistent with
our own and the general good of the empire may be
finally obtained, if we do not neglect the present oppor-
tunity, and wait till conquest supersedes all negociation.
It never can be the interest of Great-Britain to deny
our reasonable demands, because it can never be bene-
ficial to her to govern a people so remote, and so rap-
idly increasing, by force; and on our parts we should
recall and regulate our demands by those sentiments
which Congress professed even after the commencement
of hostilities. "Our breasts," said they, "retain too ten-
der a regard for the kingdom from which we derive
our origin, to renew such a reconciliation as might, in
any manner, be inconsistent with her dignity or her
welfare; these, related as we are to her, honour and
duty, as well as inclination, induce us to support and
advance." Every thing which we can ask consistently
with these sentiments, will not, I am confident, be
denied us. Respecting the first measures towards a
negociation with the British government, they must,
I think, begin among the people at large, in the same
manner as the first steps towards the present contest
originated. If the people in general be made sensible
of the mischiefs and dangers attending the present pur-
suit of independency, they will naturally assemble as
formerly, in town meetings, &c., and by suitable resolu-
tions will procure instructions from their several assem-
blies to their delegates in Congress, for promoting a
THE DEANE PAPERS.
383
negociation and reconciliation with the parent country.
And if it should appear that a majority of the states is
not inclined to negociate, in that case they never can
be in doubt about suitable ways and means to treat
separately.
If these facts and observations appear to you well
founded, I beg you will employ them in such way as
may be best suited to promote the salutary purposes of
this letter. I do not, however, wish that any part of it
should at this time be ascribed to me, unless there may
be more necessity for it than I can at present conceive.
of. I shall, however, acquiesce in every thing you may
think expedient in this respect, as I am confident
that, though our countrymen may not be yet prepared
for these truths, the time cannot be distant in which
they will be universally admitted, and when, recovering
from our present delirium, we shall reflect with anguish
of mind on the blessings we have lost and the miseries
we have suffered by our pursuit of independency.
When that period arrives, we shall equally regret and
wonder at our infatuation in desiring to separate from
a people to whom we were connected by all the ties of
consanguinity, mutual affection, and interest; by simi-
larity of religion, laws, manners, and language; and
generally by every thing fitted to bind mankind to each
other; a people justly celebrated above all others for
civil and religious liberty, for public and private virtues,
for philosophy, science, and arts, and generally for all that
exalts and adorns human nature; and we shall no less
regret and wonder that in thus breaking the "bonds of
law, loyalty, faith, and blood," in thus discarding all re-
membrance of former benefits, all "pride in the glorious
achievements of our common ancestors, and all affection
for the heirs of their virtues," and separating from an
empire which (by our own confession)" has been the
envy and admiration of ages," we should, at the same.
time, unite ourselves to, and render ourselves virtually
dependent on, a nation and government which we and
our fathers have considered as hereditarily inimical to us,
384
THE DEANE PAPERS.
to our religion, and to every species of freedom. As I
have devoted this letter solely to reflections on the
public affairs of our country, and have already made it so
long, I will not add to it by saying any thing more than
that I am, with the most sincere respect and friendship,
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
SILAS DEANE.
To the Honourable Jesse Root, Esq.,
Member of Congress, Philadelphia.
The Royal Gazette, Nov. 24th, 28th, and Dec. 1st, 1781.
TO BENJAMIN TALLMADGE.
X
Paris, May 20th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Your letter of September last did not
come to hand until a few days since. Its detention
is to me perfectly unaccountable. You ask me what I
think of our affairs and what will be the issue of them.
Thinking in the manner I do, silence on the subject
would be prudence, at least, in me; but it would not
be acting the friendly and open part towards you.
In a word, I think that our affairs were never at any
period in a worse situation than at present, and that
the issue of the war, if continued much longer, will
be in the ruin and slavery of our country.
You may
be assured that England is determined, on no considera-
tion, nor in any circumstances whatever, to admit of
our independency. That nation is neither exhausted
nor dispirited; its energy, resources, and national char-
acter never appeared in a greater and more striking
point of view than at this time. You are not to sup-
pose that all the powers of Europe have deserted Great-
Britain and become indifferent to the fate of a nation
which at different periods has relieved and defended
most of them when in the most imminent danger them-
* One of the intercepted letters; see post, Oct. 20, 1781.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
385
selves; nor have you any ground to conclude, as too
many rashly do, that because no power in Europe has
as yet declared for England, that, therefore, they all
(at least secretly) wish us success. There is no nation
at this day in Europe, except England, in which the
subjects are in reality anything more than the property
of government; for, except that arbitrary and tyran-
nical nation of Great-Britain, they are no where entitled
to any share in the legislation. The government of
Holland, about which you have heard so much and know
so little, is included in the above description, being a
absolute aristocracy, the members of which are not
chosen by the people, but by those who compose the
aristocracy. That government is, in its nature, as des-
potic as any in Europe, but, fortunately for its subjects,
the genius of commerce protects them from the baneful
effects of despotism. They think they are free. They
have not experienced the contrary, and, until lately,
have been happy. But is it not surprising that we
should imagine that monarchs who hold their own sub-
jects in chains should, from motives of disinterested
generosity and the love of liberty, assist a people in
their revolt from a government infinitely milder than
their own? A people whose first and favorite position
is that all men are by nature equal? Reflect coolly for
a moment if the sounding epithets of great, good, gener-
ous, disinterested ally, protector of the liberties of
mankind, &c., will protect you, and then answer me.
Few nations ever engaged in war but from motives of
ambition, interest, or revenge. The latter is notoriously
the sole motive in Spain for the present. Her interest
is incompatible with our independency in every point
in which it can be viewed. Spain is sensible of this,
and therefore will not acknowledge us. Can it be
believed that an arbitrary, despotic, and jealous mon-
archy can wish to see a mighty empire of confederated
republics, whose religion, genius, and form of govern-
ment are directly the reverse to, and naturally at war
with, theirs, established in the neighbourhood of all its
VOL, IV.—25
-
"
386
THE DEANE PAPERS.
treasures? at the doors of its unarmed and enervated
colonies? But Holland is also at war with England.
Rather say that England is at war with Holland, for the
latter has not as yet made a single reprisal; but if the
States, of Holland enter seriously into the war, they will
not do it on our account, nor will they take any part in
our affairs. They have told Mr. Adams so in plain but
modest terms repeatedly. They are not so much inter-
ested against our independency as Spain, but they are
far from being interested to have it established. Every
other power to the North are interested in a greater or
less degree against us, the natural produce of their
country being the same as ours. As to those to the
South, they must naturally be indifferent to our fate,
except Portugal, which is essentially affected by what
affects England, and is, of course, as great an enemy to
our independency as England can be; but the South-
ern powers, Spain excepted, are of very little impor-
tance in the present subject. If I were to hazard a con-
jecture, it would be that the Emperor of Germany &
Empress of Russia will ultimately take part with Eng-
land and decide the contest, and that the terms of
peace will finally be dictated by them. If we continue.
to reject all overtures until such an event arrives, uncon-
ditional submission will be our fate; but, if those and
all the other Powers in Europe remain peaceable spec-
tators of the war, it does not follow that Great-Britain
must fall. Her naval power and resources are equal to
those of all her enemies, and the war being solely mari-
time, the event must be uncertain. Great-Britain is
undoubtedly able to support the war for several years.
to come, and she is, at all events, resolved to hazard
every thing sooner than yield to our independency;
but suppose the war continued for two years longer,
and suppose at that period the resources and maritime
power of Great-Britain exhausted and broken, her
credit lost, and general bankruptcy and despair through-
out her dominions, and, finding no friend to interfere,
that she is obliged to receive the law from her enemies.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
387
This may afford a triumph for us for a moment, before our
resentments have time to cool, but when we have laid
down our arms and become cool enough to look round
and examine our situation, we shall find that we have
purchased this triumph at the price of the peace, safety,
and liberty of our country; we shall by that time find
our country exhausted and ravaged, an immense na-
tional debt on us, and the expences of our civil govern-
ment and public departments so greatly increased that
the burthen of the whole will be unsupportable. The
war has already cost us more than thirty millions ster-
ling, if justice were to be done to every one, and though
by the breach of public faith, and the highest act of
national injustice and despotism ever known, it is
liquidated at much less, yet two years continuance of
the war will leave us near that sum in debt. The new
established government will cost us ten times more than
the old ever did. We now expend near 20,000l. sterling
annually on foreign embassies and agencies; at the peace
these establishments must be enlarged, as well as the
expence. Congress must be supported in a certain
dignity, Boards of Treasury, of Marine, of Commerce,
&c., must be established with salaries sufficient to in-
duce men of abilities to serve. Consuls in the different
foreign ports must be appointed, a marine force must
be kept up to a certain degree, or our flag will not be
respected nor our commerce protected in any part of
the world. In short, from the best calculations I can
make, the expences of our public government will greatly
exceed 100,000l. sterling annually, independent of the
expences of the government of each particular State,
which will necessarily be increased; and if justice be
done our officers and soldiers in their half pay, the
expences of our new public government only will be at
least 300,000l. sterling annually. The proportion of the
public debt to Connecticut, supposing that State to
share one equal thirteenth of the whole, will exceed
two millions sterling. That state is the best able to pay
taxes of any in the confederation; will it be able to pay
388
THE DEANE PAPERS.
the interest only of such a sum, and its proportion of
the public current expences, in addition to those of their
private government? You know it is impossible. Will
the States, when peace leaves local prejudices, ancient
jealousies, and every other seed of contention at liberty
to spring up and operate, will they agree in the partition
of their public debts and expences, in the share of
vacant lands, of emoluments and offices? In short, will
they agree in any thing? Will the honest Farmers in
Connecticut be contented to find, that after they have
suffered so much in a war professedly undertaken to free
them from taxes and impositions, that their lands have
become mortgaged nearly to their value? Will not
discontent prevail universally in the States, between
each other, and among the individuals of each, and
will the Democratic system we have adopted have
sufficient energy to govern so extensive a continent,
uneasy and convulsed in every part? Will it be able to
prevent universal Anarchy, that natural child of De-
mocracy in every age and nation of the world? If ever
a state was calculated for Democracy, it must have been
Connecticut. An equality of fortune, the influence of
religious sentiments, sober, virtuous, and frugal man-
ners, with the small extent of territory, were all in our
favour, and we and our ancestors were happy under
an apparent Democracy. I say apparent, for we always
beheld and acknowledged a supreme power at a dis-
tance, and complied with its requisitions; but the case
will be materially different in future, if independency is
established at the peace. Besides, are our manners the
same as formerly? Have they been changed for the
better or worse? If civil feuds and anarchy prevail, we
shall lie at the mercy of any power that may be disposed
to interfere; it is next to impossible but that they will
not prevail, and I leave you to reflect on the conse-
quences. But if France and Spain succeed with our
assistance in ruining Great Britain, if they dictate the
law to us also? They certainly will; it is not in the
nature of a despotic victorious power to do otherwise;
THE DEANE PAPERS.
389
A
and if they dictate the severest conditions, to whom
have we to apply? No power on earth will be left to
take our part, no one whom either affection or inter-
est will induce to interfere. That great nation from
whom we have so often boasted of our descent, that
nation which has so often unlocked its treasures and
spill'd its best blood in the defence of the rights
and liberties of other nations, tho' strangers to her,
will not be able to reach a helping hand to her de-
scendants in distress; she may afford us her unavail-
ing pity, or offer feeble entreaties on our behalf, but
we have no reason to expect either. I view our
situation as with Sylla on the one hand and Charyb-
dis on the other, and our pilots drunk with the intoxi-
cating ideas of independent sovereignty, madly push-
ing us into that vortex in which our peace, liberty, and
safety will be swallowed up and lost for ever.
If you
ask me what is to be done, I say make peace immedi-
ately, on the best terms you can; the present moment is
a favourable one. We are now of more weight in the
scale than we can possibly be in a general treaty. At
the close of the war we may then find ourselves light
as the dust of the balance, at best but a meer article
to be set off to either side on a general settlement of
account. Mr. Sebor will write to you by this convey-
ance, and I leave him to inform you of Simonet's
villainy and imposture in the bill which he sold you, as
well as of other private matters, for I am heartily tired,
and my spirits are too low to attempt a more cheerful
subject at present. Wishing you success and happiness,
I am, with sincere esteem and friendship, my Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble Servant,
S. DEANE.
Major Benj. Tallmadge, at Gen. Washington's Head-
Quarters.
plan
The Royal Gazette, Dec. 12, 1781.
390
THE DEANE PAPERS..
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Paris, May 23d, 1781.
DEAR SIR, The original of which I sent you a copy
yesterday is in Mr. Grand's hands. The paper con-
tains nothing more than what is in the copy. If you
observe the date you will see that it was so soon after
the purchase of the magazine, and being before you had
done any thing considerable as to the disposing of it,
that you will be convinced the money could neither be
for rent or for advances made by Peltier. The sale of
the magazine was on the 27th, of March, 1777, soon
after which you made out an inventory marking the
surplus or deficiency of articles beyond what was ex-
pected, for I did not purchase from any exact invoice,
but generally. In the general sale, fusils, pistols, pieces
of arms, sabres, and swords are mentioned, and after-
wards Outils, endurnes, bigornes, et Utenselles servant
au reparation, de mes Armes, &c. On the purchase I
gave Mr. Monthieu my note of hand for the money,
which was paid by a bill on Mr. Grand the 10th of May
following. On overhauling the magazine many articles.
were found which Mr. Monthieu insisted were not in-
cluded in the sale, particularly some new brass furniture,
knives, &c. This occasioned some dispute. Mr. Mon-
thieu had also paid some expences after the sale, which
he claimed a reimbursement for; he also said he
ought to have had his money a month sooner. You
being at Paris, we verbally submitted the whole to
your judgment. This is simply the history, and the
cause of your being so inexplicit, as you express your-
self, must have been that you considered your award
as a verbal one, and had no expectations that the cer-
tificate given by you would be preserved; nor is it
probable that it would, had I not in my hurry given Mr.
Monthieu an order for the money on the back of it.
The word advance was, I suppose, used by you to save
the trouble of a particular enumeration, which would
THE DEANE PAPERS.
39 i
have been both difficult and tedious, and you put di-
rectly after that word, &c., &c. I remember you said
at the time that the new brass furniture was worth
much more than the sum given; but Mr. Monthieu
proposing to take that sum in full for the whole of his
demand on these heads, you awarded it. I have been
thus particular to enable you to recollect the circum-
stances, and to make the charge and credit as they
ought to stand. I know of no blame on your part.
If there is any, it lyes for my not having been more
explicit at first. I am yours, &c.,
Jonathan Williams, Esqr.
TO JAMES WILSON.
Mr. James Wilson.
S. DEANE.
Paris, May 23d, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-I have by some accident mislaid the
receipt you gave me for the Loan Office Certificates I
left with you for Sir R. Finley of Bordeaux. That
gentleman will probably write you on the subject in a
short time, and accompany his letter with this. I there-
fore pray you to pursue his directions with respect to
those certificates, and to render him any services in
your power, by which you will oblige a very worthy
man, as well as, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
TO CONRAD A. GERARD.
Thomas Mss.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, May 30th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-I received the letter you honored me
with the 28th, and am sorry I was not within when you
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called on me.
I shall be at home from 10 o'clock to
one this day; or, if more agreeable to you, will do
myself the honor of calling on you on the hour you
shall name. I have the honor to be, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. Gerard.
TO JONATHAN NESBITT.
Paris, May 30th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I received yours of the 21st, since which
I have obtained a thorough search to be made in the
post office here; but Mr. Hazlehurst's letter is not to
be found, and the master says it must still be at
L'Orient. You may possibly discover it by a second
examination, for which he will be greatly obliged to
you. Pray be so kind as to inform me if Capt. Darby
is bound for New England, if he wants freight, and
what are his terms. I want to send out a few goods,
but do not consider any adventure to the southward of
Boston as safe at present. Excuse the trouble I give
you, and be assured I am, with Esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. Jonathan Nesbitt.
Thomas Mss.
TO SAMUEL AND J. H. DELap.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, May 30th, 1781.
DEAR SIRS, -My last was of the 5th, by Mr. Mc-
Creery, since which I am still without any of your
favors. I am sensible of the multiplicity of business
in which you are engaged, and therefore can make
allowance for the length of time in making out your
accounts; but, apprehensive that the affair may have.
slipped your memory, I take liberty to remind you of
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393
the necessity I am under of leaving Paris, and the im-
portance it is of to the public, as well as to you and me,
that those accounts should be previously closed.
I am,
with sincere Esteem & Attachment, Dear Sirs,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Messrs. Delap.
Mr. Hazlehurst.
TO ISAAC HAZLEHURST.
Paris, May 30th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, Since writing and enclosing to you on
the 14th, your letter taken out of the post office here,
have received a letter from Mr. Nesbitt, in which he
says your letter put into the post office there cannot be
found; that the Post Master says it must have been
sent on to Paris. On this, I had the office here exam-
,ined, but no such letter could be found. I am surprized
at this, but know not where to look farther; but I have
wrote again to Mr. Nesbitt to make a second examina-
tion. We have no news of any kind. I am, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Thomas Mss.
[Not addressed.]
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
TO MESSRS. CATRES AND DE BAY.
Paris, May 31st, 1781.
GENTLEMEN,-I take the liberty of presenting my
son to you with this, and to pray that you would be so
kind as to recommend him to some private lodging,
decent, but not expensive, for the term of three or four
weeks, by which time I shall do myself the honor of
waiting on you in Ghent. In the meantime, I have the
honor to be, with much respect, Gentlemen,
Your most Obedt. Servt.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
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Mr. P. Wray.
To P. WRAY.
Paris, May 31st, 1781.
DEAR SIR, -My son finding an opportunity for going
to Brussels will put this into the post office there for
you. I am ready to enter on the speculation pro-
posed, having engaged all the articles necessary that
can be procured in France. When I was at Ghent
and at Lisle, I observed their linens, and they will
answer well in our market. I intend, therefore, after
having given the necessary orders here, to go and
make a large purchase, in which you are at liberty to
become interested or not, as you shall choose. I pro-
pose setting out in about ten days, previous to which
I expect to hear from you. We have nothing new.
I am, Dear Sir, Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
TO CHARLES THOMSON.*
Thomas Mss.
Paris, June 1, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-The famous Abbe Raynall has published
a new edition of his Histoire Philosophique & Poli-
tique. The Parliament of Paris have condemned the
book to be torn and burnt, his person to be seized,
and his estate confiscated. The Abbe, however, had
timely notice, and has fled. The Book is at present
both scarce and dear, or I would send it to you. The
liberties which the Abbe has taken with the Christian
Religion, and with the political manœuvres of France,
have caused his persecution. I am of opinion that the
latter has been the principal, for it is well known that
no country in Europe abounds more in Deist and
Deistical writers than this. As you must be anxious to
*One of the intercepted letters; see post, Oct. 20, 1781.
1
THE DEANE PAPERS.
395
know the sentiments of this celebrated and eloquent
writer with respect to the American revolution, I have
made a few extracts, and would gladly oblige you with
more if I had time; but having only borrowed the books,
I must return them as soon as read. Speaking of our
revolution he says: "Of all the energetical causes effect-
ing so many revolutions in the world, not one of them
have existed in North America. Neither religion nor
the laws were outraged. Martyrs or citizens had not
been massed out of their blood upon the scaffold. No
insult had been committed against morality, manners,
or customs, nor any thing dear to a people. Not a man
had been snatched from the bosom of his family or
friend to perish in the horrors of a dungeon. Public
order was not inverted. The principles of administra-
tion remained unaltered, and the maxims of government
continued what they ever had been. The whole
amounted only to this whether the parent country
had or had not a right, directly or indirectly, to put a
trifling duty on the colonies? For the grievances
accumulated in the declaration of independency amount
to nothing, because the first grievance a question
nearly metaphysical-was not sufficient to justify a
general commotion, and much less an insurrection, for
which a country is to behold herself deprived of the
hands that should have been her support, her harvests
ravaged, and her fields covered with the carcases of her
relations, or stained with her own blood."
On the Tender Act he says: "Were they [the Con-
gress] ignorant that the understanding is no more to be
controled than opinions? Did they not perceive that in
the present crisis every reasonable citizen was fearful of
exposing his estate? Were they not apprized that in the
birth of a republic they permitted deeds of despotism
unknown to countries already moulded into slavery?"
On our alliance with France, and the transactions of
that time, he says: "Tis the reproach of the Councils
of Lewis the XVIth, that they have tarnished the Maj-
esty of the first power upon the globe, by disavowing
396
THE DEANE PAPERS.
in the face of the universe, the succours clandestinely
given to the Americans. It is a reproach that the
intrigues of Ministers, or the ascendancy of certain
obscure agents, have engaged the nation in a destruc-
tive war, when the springs of government should have
been strengthened to heal the wounds of a reign the last
half of which had been contemptible and weak, divided
between plunder and disgrace, the meanness of vice,
and the convulsions of arbitrary power. It is a reproach
to have provoked to arms by an insidious policy, and to
become entangled in speeches unworthy of France to
utter to England, the language of a cowardly bravado,
giving the lie to projects already formed, and the real
sentiments of the heart's language, debasing him that
uses it, without deceiving those to whom it is spoken, and
which exposes to a disgrace profitable neither to the
minister nor the nation. Why ask, then, the reason that
men who have in their hands all the power of the nation,
and who to be obeyed have only to speak the word of
command, suffered themselves to be surprized in every
sea by an enemy whose constitution necessarily com-
pels them to be slow? Why suffer themselves by an
inconsiderate treaty to be entangled in the net of a
Congress that should have been held in a state of de-
pendance for their large and regular subsidies? Europe,
that has her eyes fixed upon us, beholds a grand design,
and not a well-judged step to accomplish it; sees in
our arsenals and in our ports immense preparations,
but no execution; sees menacing fleets, and little or
nothing effected; courage and bravery in individuals,
in the chiefs effeminacy and irresolution; here every
thing that bespeaks the strength and commanding
power of a great people, and there the weakness and
tardiness natural to the character and aims of the most
inconsiderable. It is by this striking contradiction
between our projects and our conduct, between our
means and the head that directs them, that the genius
of Great-Britain, stunned for a moment, recovered its
vigor; and to this hour 'tis a problem for Europe to
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397
solve, whether in declaring for America, we have not
ourselves increased the strength of England.”
Speaking of the motives of France on the treaty with
us, he says: "In fine, philosophy, whose first sensation
is a desire to see all governments just and all nations
happy, in glancing an eye at this alliance of a mon-
archy with a people defending their liberty, looks for
the motive. Too well she perceives that the felicity of
mankind is no part of it. She thinks that if the love of
justice had any influence upon the Court of Versailles,
it would have made a part of the first article, that every
oppressed people had a right to rise against their op-
pressors.
""
-
Speaking of the refusal on the part of Great-Britain
to accept of the mediation of Spain, on terms which
would, at least, have tacitly acknowledged our independ-
ence in fact, though not in right, he says: "If I am
asked for names to be given some years hence to the
firmness the English are now demonstrating, the answer
will be, I don't know. As to what they merit, I do
know. I know that the annals of the world rarely shew
a nation chusing rather to renounce her existence than
her glory."
With respect to the continuation of the confederacy
against England he queries: "Is it possible that a strict
union can long subsist between confederates of such
opposite characters as the hot, disdainful, and incon-
sistent Frenchman; the slow, haughty, jealous, and cold
Spaniard; and the American, who retains a lasting
regard to his Mother Country, rejoicing in the mis-
fortunes of his allies, as far as it is compatible with his
independence? Can those people, whether acting in
concert or separately, avoid mutual accusations, com-
plaints, and quarrels? Besides, history informs us that
few leagues have divided the spoils of the nation against
which they were aimed. Athens was victorious over
the Persians, Rome delivered from Hannibal, and, in
modern times, Venice escaped the famous league of
Cambray; and now, in our day, Prussia, by the genius.
-
398
THE DEANE PAPERS.
+
of only one man, made a head in Europe, and this should
induce us to suspend our judgment upon the issue of
the present war. In a word, if we consider the spirit of
the French nation, which is so opposite to that against
which they are contending, we shall see that the French
ardor is, perhaps, as ready to inflame as to extinguish
itself; that it hopes every thing at the beginning, and
that it despairs of all things when checked by an obsta-
cle; and that, as belonging to its character, it wants the
enthusiasm of success to acquire new successes.
That
the English, on the contrary, less presumptuous at the
onset, notwithstanding their natural pride, know how,
at a proper time, to fight with courage, rise with danger,
and harden themselves against the disgrace of adversity,
like the stout oak to which Horace compares the
Romans, which, smitten by the axe and hacked by the
steel, grows under the strokes, and draws fresh vigor
even from its wounds.
"}
He then considers the part which other European
powers take, and says: "It is odd that the nations have
not yet crossed the projects meditated against Great-
Britain. A general resentment for the injustice and
arrogance of this proud island must be the cause o
this inactivity; but hatred subsides when interest ap-
pears. "Tis possible for Europe to judge against her
own safety for the depression of the power of Great
Britain in the old and new hemisphere, and that, after
rejoicing in the humiliations and dangers of this proud
and tyrannical power, they take up arms to defend her.”
He enquires what will be the true interest of France
and Spain with respect to America, if victorious, and
gives it as his opinion that it will be their best policy
to have us divided, not between them, but between
ourselves and England. But I am tired with giving you
extracts; the above are sufficient for a sample of the
sentiments of this eloquent and popular author. He is,
perhaps, the most popular writer of the day in France,
and his exile will most probably encrease his popularity
here and indeed in all Europe. As you understand
THE DEANE PAPERS.
399
-
French, I have preferred the sending you the Author's
own words to any translation of mine,* and have al-
ready made this letter too long to add any thing more
than compliments to Mrs. Thomson, and sincere wishes
for your mutual happiness. I am, with most sincere
respect and attachment, Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble Servant,
SILAS DEANE.
Charles Thomson, Esq.,
Secretary to the Congress.
M
The Royal Gazette, Nov. 7, 1781.
To MR. HOLKER.
Paris, June 6th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, Mr. Hazlehurst of Philadelphia, now at
Amsterdam, writes me that he has bills drawn by your
son to the amount of forty thousand livres on Mr.
Chaumont, which are under protest. He is in great dis-
tress on account of the disappointment, and has prayed
to use my interest to prevent the return of the bills.
As no one can be more interested to prevent this than
yourself, I have taken the liberty to inform you of the
affair, being most sincerely desirous of serving your-
self and son, as well as Mr. Hazelhurst. Permit me to
suggest to you that it might be well for you to pass a
few days here as soon as convenient to you to do it,
the sooner the better. I dined yesterday with our
mutual friends Sabbatier and Desprey, who informed
me of other bills of your son's, to a considerable amount,
being under the same circumstances. You will excuse
the freedom I have taken, sensible that it proceeds.
from motives of friendship for all concerned. I am, with
compliments to your lady, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
:
S. DEANE.
Mr. Holker.
Thomas Mss.
* The English translation printed in The Royal Gazette, has been substituted
for the French in Deane's letter.
¿
400
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO JOSHUA JOHNSON.
Paris, June 6th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, Mr. Williams informs me that you have
a vessel bound for America, and would be glad to take
freight. I propose sending some goods to America,
and therefore pray you to inform me when your vessel
will sail, and for what port; how she is armed, and what
are the conditions on which you will receive goods.
We have no news of any kind. I am, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. Johnson, Nantes.
p
FROM ROBERT MORRIS.
Thomas Mss.
Philadelphia, June 7th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I have been long your debtor for two
letters, one dated the 4th, of August, and the other
from Passy the 2d, September, last year. I cannot
doubt your having reproached me for the long silence,
because my own feelings tell me you must.
It can
only be accounted for in the old way: the multiplicity
and variety of objects that I am doomed to be constantly
occupied by do not permit any part of my time to be
spared to things not absolutely necessary.
You will readily believe that I was rejoiced to hear
of your safe arrival in France, because it will enable
you to justify by incontestable facts and proofs that
character which has been so exceedingly traduced, and
which I long to see placed in that respectable and meri-
torious point of view which I believe it deserves; and
the sooner you shew your conduct in regard to money
matters to have been strictly consistent with that honor
and integrity that I believe to have attended you
throughout life, the better, as the infamous behaviour
of Arnold has put a weapon into the hands of your
enemies, which they make use of to this day, by giving
you every now and then a slashing stroke in coupling
his name and yours together in their publications, and
THE DEANE PAPERS.
401
always affecting to speak of you in the light of a con-
demned man, as you will see if you get the papers from
hence.
I expected to hear more from you respecting the sale
of lands, agreeable to the promise in your letter of the
2d, of Sept., but no later letter than that has reached me.
I conversed with Mr. Livingston on that subject. He
seemed to [approve] the scheme; but as we could not
conveniently bring any [thing] to bear, he told me he
would write to you respecting the sale of some part of
his own lands. For my own part, I have not done any-
thing, as no agreeable opportunity has presented itself.
Your political intelligence and observations were very
acceptable to me, for I do not object to receiving but
to writing such, which, as a merchant, I was ever very
adverse to, on account of the time such correspondence
requires, as well as on account of the inconvenience
that frequently results from intercepted letters. What
you say of Mr. Necker excites my admiration of his
talents and abilities, and my applause for the use he
makes of them. I must try to imitate his virtues, and,
if you will allow me to compare great things with small,
I must also endeavor to pursue his plans and systems
in reforming abuses and reducing national expenses, so
far as they can be or are adapted to the situation and
circumstances of this country.
You will probably have heard before this letter comes
to your hands that Congress have appointed me to the
important office of Superintendant of Finance; and
although my former experiences of the inevitable con-
sequences of becoming publicly useful, my interests, my
peace of mind, and domestic happiness, all forbid the
acceptance of this or any office whatever; and although
I had a thousand times determined never again to have
anything to do with public business, particularly as an
officer, yet the solicitude of my friends, the entreaties
of acquaintances, and, above all, the absolute necessity
of somebody undertaking to introduce vigor and system
into the modes of raising, and economy into the ex-
VOL. IV.-26
-
402
THE DEANE PAPERS.
penditure, of public revenues, determined me to hazard
everything, especially as Congress could not agree with
tolerable unanimity upon any other person.
I am just entering on my duties, but have not yet
qualified or taken my commission, as I think it best to
put my private affairs out of my own hands first. But
Congress are pressing their business on me, and I shall
soon be plunged over head and ears.
If I can but find my way through the labyrinth, all
will be well; and if I do not, it shall not be for want
of assiduity or exertion in the application of what little
abilities I possess. This you may depend, that I will
never give countenance to any measures that tend to
deceive and mislead individuals in matters of property,
for I hold it as essentially necessary for governments to
practice moral honesty, if they wish for success or sup-
port, as it is for an individual that wishes to maintain a
fair character.
Our present campaign, like most others, has opened
to our disadvantage; but you must know I am not apt
to despond, and I really expect that, like all the rest, it
will end in our favor. The tyranny and insolence that
never fails to attend our enemy when they have success
always lays the foundation for their humiliation. Duer
is at his farm in New York, Lady Kitty and their little
boy with him; all well and in good spirits when I last
heard of them.
Your friends are all well, likewise. I expect you will
write to me and tell me what you are doing, and when
you will return, for I confess I long to see the day when
you shall honorably remove those aspersions which have
been cast, and those suspicions that have been raised
by your rancorous enemies. You must consider this
as a kind of farewell letter, for I don't expect much time
for writing in future. I am, Dear Sir,
Your sincere and obedt. servant,
Silas Deane, Esq.
ROBERT MORRIS.
Deane Papers, Conn. Hist. Society.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
403
!
TO ROBERT MORRIS.*
Paris, June 10th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-The dangerous crisis to which our affairs
are rapidly advancing, affects me greatly. I can speak
of nothing else with attention when in company; it
excludes every thing else from my thoughts when
alone. We have been deceived, and that principally by
ourselves; we have deceived others unintentionally, I
charitably believe. The British nation has fallen into
errors equally great. Would to God this great tragedy
of errors could have a happy catastrophe! It is in vain
to blame our public managers, but it is wise in us to
examine our present situation, and to weigh the proba-
bility of future consequences. Experience has shewn
us that France is either unable or unwilling to assist us.
effectually, so as to drive the British forces out of our
country. Judging from appearances here, I might con-
clude that France is unwilling, as appearances warrant
such a conclusion; but when the conduct of men or of
a nation is capable of two constructions, I would will-
ingly adopt the most favourable. I know the inability of
the nation to assist us effectually, and they say they are
not unwilling. I ought to believe them, though I know
it is certainly inconsistent with their interest, and with
the safety of their foreign possessions, to remove the
war from our continent. But to which ever of these
causes we impute the continuance of the war in our
country, the consequences will be found equally per-
nicious to us. Great Britain is determined in no cir-
cumstances to admit the independency of America, and
so long as both parties remain inflexible, we shall con-
tinue to weaken, exhaust, and ruin each other; and
who will eventually be the gainers? It is, I think, time
for us to enquire how our account will stand on a close.
Let the contest close when or in what manner it may,
will independent sovereignty, in the hands of a democ-
-
*One of the intercepted letters, published with alterations in The Royal
Gazette, at. New York, Oct. 27, 1781. Reprinted by Deane in his Address to
the United States of N. A., 1784, with prefatory note. See post, Oct. 20, 1781.
እ
*
404
THE DEANE PAPERS.
racy, be a government under which our persons and
properties will be better secured than they were before
this unhappy contest began. Will our commerce flour-
ish more under independency than it did whilst we
were connected with Great Britain? This, I know,
is generally believed; it is even relied on as a principal
source from which we shall re-imburse our present
expences. The subject, however, merits an examina-
tion. If the restraints formerly laid on our trade were
overbalanced by the protection and encouragement
given to it; if, in a state of independence, that protec-
tion and encouragement must necessarily be withdrawn,
and our commerce with Great Britain and its posses-
sions become subject to all the duties and prohibitions
laid on the commerce of other aliens and strangers; if
our commerce with France and other foreign nations
must be subject to the conditions and restraints which
they shall see fit to impose (as must be the case) it
deserves enquiry whether we, in our commerce, shall
become gainers or not. I have examined the question
as thoroughly as I am capable, and am convinced we
must be losers. We complained of England for includ-
ing America in the Navigation Act, and other acts of
trade; but if the naval force of that nation rose, in con-
sequence of those acts, into a power sufficient to pro-
tect the trade of the whole empire; if the trade of
America was protected thereby, could it be unreasona-
ble that the trade of America should submit to those
acts and regulations which were the source of its pro-
tection and security? We complained that acts of par-
liament prohibited us from carrying certain articles of our
produce to foreign markets, and thereby gave England a
monopoly advantageous to her and injurious to us; but
it must at the same time be acknowledged that British
subjects were generally restrained from purchasing and
importing the same articles from other countries; so
that if England made a monopoly of certain articles of
our produce, she gave us in return a monopoly of her
market, and liberty of re-exporting our goods, if a better
A
THE DEANE PAPERS.
405
market afforded elsewhere. In this, the advantage lay
evidently with us. A great part of the articles thus
monopolized by England were such as could have been,
and were formerly, supplied by foreigners at as low or
lower rates than we could afford them. But the system
of Great Britain being, as you know, to promote the com-
merce of her own empire in every part of it, not only
restraints and duties were laid on foreign importations,
but bounties given to encourage the growth and impor-
tation of many of our productions, which otherwise
would not have found their way to Europe. Another
complaint was, that we were prohibited the taking from
foreigners, articles which we wanted, though not the
growth or fabric of England; but it is well known that
those articles, concerning which so much has been said,
formed but a very inconsiderable part of our commerce.
Every one who has had an opportunity of comparing
the manufactures of one nation in Europe with another,
of observing the different modes and principles of trans-
acting business, will at once give England and her mer
chants the preference. All the more solid, substantial,
and useful articles are made better and afforded cheaper
than any where else, certain linens from Russia and
Silesia excepted. And even those, as well as the less
important foreign articles, came to us, considering the
drawbacks in England on exportation, nearly, if not quite,
as cheap as we could have imported them directly. But
it has been also objected that foreigners were not ad-
mitted to bring their produce and merchandize into our
ports and trade with us. Of all the complaints made by
us on the subject of commerce, this appears to me the
most absurd and groundless. The exclusion of foreign-
ers from being the carriers for England is the corner
stone on which its commerce and maritime power arose,
and the principal cause of the increase of our commerce
and navigation; and if ever we should be independent
and at peace, and should neglect to pass acts to exclude
foreigners from being our carriers, we shall never be
either a maritime or commercial nation.
sig
P
406
THE DEANE PAPERS.
1
The parliamentary regulations and restrictions on our
commerce were a principal cause of the unhappy con-
test between the two countries, and we were impatient
under them, because we were apprehensive they were
part of a system to enslave us entirely; and thus think-
ing, it was natural that we should exaggerate their
hardships, and, in all our deliberations on the subject,
turn our attention to the restraint laid on trade, without.
considering the encouragement and protection given to
it. I do not mean to call in question the views or de-
signs of any one of that period. I believe that others,
as well as myself, had at that time but partially examined
the subject, and, in truth, we know that too many of
our leading patriots had little or no knowledge of com-
merce, its interests and dependencies. I confess, that,
on a more extensive view and impartial examination of
the subject, I think it evident that the restrictions which
were laid on our commerce previous to the present
dispute, were over-balanced by the protection and vari-
ous encouragements afforded to it by Great Britain.
But supposing that at the close of the war America
remain independent, what must be the future situation
of our coinmerce? Will independency, at the restora-
tion of peace, give commerce such a spring, procure for
it such new sources and encouragements as are neces-
sary not only to revive it from the ruined state in
which it now is, but to raise it still higher than it has
been at any former period? Or will independency prove
prejudicial to the commerce of America? This is a seri-
ous question, and the importance of it must apologize
for the length of my letter. I know that I am writing
to the first commercial character in America, but I also
know your candour and love of truth, and, therefore, I
venture to communicate to you my thoughts on this
subject, which, if just, you will approve; if erroneous,
you will correct. America left at liberty will, I am per-
suaded, take at the least three-fourths of all the Euro-
pean articles she wants from Great Britain. The supe-
riority of the British manufactures, their conformity to
G
G
THE DEANE PAPERS.
407
our taste and habits, the generosity and strict punctu-
ality of her merchants, and, above all, the credit which
they can give, and which no other nation can or will
give, must secure to that nation as great a share of our
trade as I have mentioned. But how are we to pay for
those purchases? Whilst we were part of the empire,
Great Britain gave a preference to our iron, naval stores,
pot-ash, flax seed, &c., &c., and encouraged the impor-
tation of them by bounties, and by laying heavy duties
on the same article from foreign nations. This will no
longer be the case; we have no reason to expect to
be even amongst the most favoured foreign nations in
the British ports. We have imagined that Great Britain.
could not support its commerce and manufactures with
out our productions, and without our markets, for a con-
sumption of theirs. This has been asserted in harangues.
and publications many thousand times within seven
years past. I confess that I once believed it, but obser-
vation and experience have convinced me that we have
been greatly mistaken. Of all the articles furnished
by us to Great Britain, I know but two, tobacco and
rice, which cannot be obtained as good and as cheap
from other countries. The consumption of rice in Great
Britain is very inconsiderable, and that of tobacco does
not exceed 20,000 hogsheads annually, on an average.
Other countries, indeed, can produce both these articles
at as low a price as America can; but the preference
given to them from America by Great Britain has for-
merly prevented their being cultivated to any extent.
It is well known that the island of Cuba, the coast of
Brazil, and many other countries produce tobacco of a
superior quality to ours; that the Ukraine is capable of
supplying all Europe with that article. Its cultivation,
it is true, is not yet carried to perfection there, but, as
it is, Russia at this time exports large quantities of
tobacco to France and to other nations. The same
may be said of many other countries respecting rice.
Indigo is produced in the southern parts of America,
and in the islands, every way superior to ours.
The
408
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as we
productions of Russia, Denmark, Sweden, &c., are the
same with ours, and, in exchange for them, those king-
doms take the same kind of merchandize from England
we formerly took. At best, therefore, we shall
meet with rivals in the British markets on our arrival
with our produce, and rivals in the purchases we wish
to make there. But we are supposed to be independ-
ent, and can, therefore, go where we please. But we
cannot find purchasers where we please, and the nations.
among whom we find then may lay what impositions.
they please on our sales. The northern powers in
Europe cannot become purchasers, for they have the
same articles to sell. France wants but a very small
part of our productions; it wants neither our iron,
pot-ash, flax-seed, fish, oil, or, in short, scarcely any
thing, except about 24,000 hogsheads of our tobacco
annually, our timber and naval stores; and for the
two latter articles, we shall find the same rivals in the
ports of France as in England, and in regard to the
first, the most important article of all, the cultivation of
it advances so rapidly in Flanders and in the Ukraine,
that those countries will soon rival us in the quality of
their tobacco, and, from the cheapness of labour, be able
at all times to undersell us in France and in all the
northern ports in Europe. We have no promise of a
preference in the market of France, nor the least ground
to expect it. Spain and Portugal, it is true, may want
our flour and our fish, if, contrary to all appearance,
we should have any of the latter. But they will want
little or nothing else, and our trade, be it whatever
it may, to the southern ports of Europe, and into
the Mediterranean, must at all times be exposed to the
Corsairs of Barbary. Those piratical states, who pay
little or no respect to the flags of the first maritime
nations in Europe further than they are paid for it, will
hardly pay any to the flag of a nation they have scarcely
so much as heard of, and of which, if they come to know
any thing, they will know that they can, in no case, have
any thing to hope or fear from.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
409
:
We have protested against the African trade; but if
we relax or rescind our resolutions on that subject, with-
out a marine to protect our commerce there, and with-
out either forts or factories on the coast, we can have
no share of it. We cannot flatter ourselves that we
shall be able to reduce either Nova Scotia or Newfound-
land, Canada or the Floridas; and if Great-Britain be
obliged, at the close of the war, to submit to the loss of
thirteen colonies, it is natural to suppose she will exert
herself to make the most of those which are left her.
We neither have nor wish for possessions in the West-
Indies. We formerly had a great and encreasing trade
there, but how much of it shall we retain as an inde-
pendent nation? If any part of the globe be depend-
ent on us for our produce, it must be the West-Indies.
Five years ago we rated our importance so high as to
believe that, from a suspension of trade with us, all the
manufacturing towns in England would rise, or at least
clamour loudly, in our favour, through the want of
employment; that Ireland would be ruined, only for the
want of our flax-seed; and that the British West-Indies
must perish by famine from the want of our productions.
But the experience of six years ought certainly to cor-
rect such erroneous ideas of our own importance, or we
must have been incorrigible even by experience itself.
Not one manufacturing town in Great-Britain has com-
plained for want of employ. Ireland has been supplied
with flax-seed at as cheap, or cheaper, rate than formerly,
and has found sufficient markets for her linen. The
West-Indies may have suffered but little diminution.
These facts ought to convince us that the world is not
so dependent on us as we have imagined, and by pur-
suing our inquiries we shall find that we are as much,
or more, dependent on our neighbours than they are on
us. I am not writing to one who declaims against
luxury without any conception of its effects, nor to one
of those who talk a great deal about commerce and of
its benefits, or of its disservices to a country, without
having the least idea of its nature, or the extent of
410
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its influence and power. I, therefore, may, without rea-
soning on the subject, venture to say, that the produc-
tions of the West-Indies are essentially necessary to us,
and that we can do no better without their sugar, rum,
coffee, cocoa, cotton, &c., &c., than they without our
flour, beef, lumber, &c., &c. Formerly, as British sub-
jects, we had the right of supplying the British islands
with whatever they wanted, and taking in exchange
whatever they had to dispose of. We paid no more
duties than our other fellow-subjects paid, either upon
importation or exportation. We had a right of carry-
ing to the French, Dutch, and other foreign possessions.
in the West-Indies all our productions, tobacco ex-
cepted, and of receiving in exchange from them what-
ever they could afford, rum and a few other articles
excepted. The articles we received from them were,
indeed, subject to a certain duty on importation into
America. But how was it then, and how is it now,
with the French, Dutch, and other foreigners, as to
our commerce with their West-India possessions? It is
true we were admitted into their ports, but our flour
was a prohibited article, and only admitted openly in
times of scarcity. Many principal articles of our
produce were in the same predicament. France, by
prohibiting our flour into her islands, shews that she
was in no fear of starving without supplies from us.
But what articles of their produce were we permitted
to purchase and export openly in exchange? Molasses,
or the wretched liquor which they distilled from it,
only; all others, such as coffee, cotton, sugar, indigo,
&c., we brought away as by stealth, and by the pur-
chased connivance of their officers. Has France bound
herself by treaty to give us more freedom of trade with
her islands than formerly? By no means.
We are to
be treated as the most favoured nation is treated; and
the subjects of the most favoured nation were never
better treated than the manner I have described. The
favourite article of my countrymen, molasses, the only
one of any importance which we were at liberty to
THE DEANE PAPERS.
411
import from the French islands, was taken care of by
Congress in their first proposals to France for a treaty.
I saw the importance of it at that time, and flattered
myself we had secured it without any real sacrifice on
our part; but Congress afterwards thought differently,
and gave it up. We have not, therefore, at this day,
any security, even for this single article. Every thing
rests on the general and vague terms of reciprocity,
and of being treated in the same way and in the same
manner as any, even the most favourite nation shall be
treated. But it may be said that the necessity in which
the islands must be for our produce will at all times
bring them to our terms, or, at least, to just and rea-
sonable ones. Let us examine the subject attentively.
The French islands can be under no necessity of
taking from us flour or salted provisions of any kind;
on the contrary, it is the policy of France to prohibit
them doing it, if so disposed; for by supplying her
islands with flour of her own growth and manufacture,
and with all kinds of salted provisions purchased in
Europe with her brandies, wines, &c., she encourages
the agriculture and commerce of her subjects in Eu-
rope, which is a prime object of every wise nation.
As to fresh provisions, her windward islands only, can
ever be in want of them; and, at most, the demand
is inconsiderable, and the business of supplying never
was, in the best of times, a profitable branch of com-
merce. Great-Britain, in possession of Canada, Nova-
Scotia, and the Floridas, can, from those colonies,
supply her islands with every thing they want at as
low, or lower, rate than we can. Wheat, lumber, fish,
horses, &c., have for many years since and before
the war been cheaper in Canada than with us; and
West India goods of every kind have been dearer.
Great-Britain, therefore, naturally must and will shut
her ports against us as a foreign, independent nation;
her islands will want nothing from us which they can-
not be supplied with from her own colonies on the
continent; and those islands produce nothing which is
412
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Pag
not wanted either in Great-Britain or in those colonies.
Good policy must, therefore, lead her totally to ex-
clude us from all trade with them. Our commerce in
this most important branch of it must, therefore, be
confined to the supplying the French, Dutch, and
other foreign islands and settlements with such articles.
as they will consent to take from us, and receive in
return molasses (openly so long as they shall think
proper to afford it to us free of duty) and such other
productions as they may be pleased to connive at our
smuggling. Thus in Europe we shall be either ex-
cluded from our ancient and certain markets, or, at
least, rivalled in them, and we shall have no certainty.
of new ones, nor any security against heavy duties and
impositions in such as we may be able to obtain. New
channels have been opened for supplying Great-Britain
with the commodities we formerly furnished to that
nation, and for consuming the manufactures we for-
merly took from her. It was the interest and policy
of Great-Britain to promote our commerce and fish-
eries whilst we were part of the empire. Accordingly,
she encouraged our ship-building by the purchase of
our ships, or by giving them freight; but, being inde-
pendent, the reverse will become both her interest and
policy towards us. Her ports will be entirely shut
against us in the West-Indies for the reasons already
given, and our commerce in that important branch
confined, as I have shewn, to the furnishing the French,
Dutch, and other foreign settlements with such articles
as they shall consent to receive, and under such con-
ditions as they shall see fit to impose, and in return
they will give us molasses, if they please, free of duty.
But their sugar, coffee, cotton, &c., will ever remain
prohibited articles so long as those nations are inter-
ested to make a monopoly of these articles in Europe,
both on account of commerce and revenue; and it is
impossible they can be interested to do otherwise.
When France was in possession of Canada, Louis-
bourg, &c., the government did not permit those colo-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
413
nies to receive sugar, coffee, or any of the productions
of those islands directly from them, but obliged those
colonies to take them from France, charged with
double freights, duties, &c.; and can we expect that
France will do for us what she ever refused to do for
her own subjects? That she will grant us privileges
which she never granted to any other nation? Can
we expect that Great-Britain, resentful on account of
her losses, and desirous of encouraging the colonies
which may remain to her in America, and which will
be able to supply her islands with every thing, can
we expect that she will permit us to trade with those
islands on any terms? It is repugnant to common
sense to suppose it. Congress, you may remember,
spent some months in debate about the fisheries.
They acted the parts of the hunters who quarrelled.
about the bear-skin; for England in the meantime
drove our allies, as well as us, entirely out of them.
Nor can France regain any interest in the fisheries
but by the sacrifice of some advantage which she has,
or may hereafter gain
But how are we to come in
for any share in them?
share in them? It will be to no purpose to
plead that our local situation gives us a natural right
to participate, and that we enjoyed that right from
our first settlement, &c. That we enjoyed that right,
with others, as subjects and part of the British
empire, is true, but we have separated from it, and
appealed to the sword. The sword has decided
against us on that subject; and shall we at the
peace have any thing to give or restore to Great
Britain equal to the purchase of what that nation is
almost as jealous of as Spain is of her mines? Will
France, after having regained a share in the fisheries
for herself, go still farther to obtain an interest in
them for us? Look into the treaty between us, and
you will find France and we acted a little like the
hunters I have referred to, in our division of New-
foundland and the fisheries; but it was made on con-
dition of a conquest of them by either or both of us;
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THE DEANE PAPERS.
that failing, France is under no obligation to guar-
antee any part of them to us; and what puts the
matter out of all question is, that it is not for their
interest that America have any share in the fisheries.
Deprived of these, and of almost all the West-India
trade, wholly excluded from that of Africa, as well as
from the benefit of selling our iron, pot-ash, flax-seed,
timber, naval stores, indigo, etc., advantageously in
Great Britain and Ireland, with few or no markets
opened for those commodities, what resources will be
left for our commerce? No nation in Europe, except
Great Britain, will give a suitable price for our indigo.
Ireland can be supplied with flax-seed, and lumber,
from the North, at nearly as cheap a rate as we can
afford those articles. Sweden and Russia can at all
times undersell us in the articles of iron, timber, ships,
naval stores of every kind, potash, &c. The bounties
on tar, turpentine, &c., being taken off, we cannot send
those articles to Europe without an insupportable loss,
and we cannot expect that any nation (like England)
will give us bounties on those articles. In taking a
view of the West-India commerce, I have said nothing
in particular of the Spanish, Portuguese, or Danish set-
tlements in America. I think you will agree with me,
that, as the two former have ever been, and most
probably will remain, shut against all strangers, noth-
ing can be expected from thence; and that as to the
latter, they are too inconsiderable to merit particular
attention, even were they not nearly in the same pre-
dicament with those of France and Holland, which
you know them in truth to be.
These external difficulties appear to me to be of
themselves insurmountable, but they are not all we
shall have to encounter, if we should, contrary to all
probability, continue independent. Without a marine
force, our commerce will be every where exposed to
imposition and insult, and we shall not probably be
able to support a marine. In truth, neither our friends
nor our foes can wish to see us a maritime power.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
415
But there will arise at the peace, and in a state of in-
dependency, other embarrassments and burdens on our
commerce. Our national debt, considering our ability,
will be immense, and we shall not easily agree in ap-
portioning of it to the several states. This, and a
multitude of other causes for dispute, are so certain,
and so likely to be productive, that it will be miraculous
if we can avoid a civil war with each other, as soon as
we shall be freed from foreign enemies. Heavy taxes
must at least be laid to pay even the interest of our pub-
lic debts, in the exhausted state in which the
peace will
find us.
We cannot think of lessening the principal
until the Continent shall have had some time to recover
itself. But the interest of our public debt, and the
expences of governments in each state, will (though
they must prove heavy) not be the whole of our
burthens. The civil list of Congress, including the
expences of their foreign ministers, consuls, &c., will
exceed all our former expences, public and private,
under our ancient government. Commerce, therefore,
will necessarily become the subject of heavy taxes,
because the landholders who are naturally jealous of
commerce, and not the merchants, will predominate in
making our laws and imposing our taxes.
A large
share of the taxes must, however, fall on the land
holder, which will oblige him to raise the price of his
productions, and this, with the taxes on trade, will en-
crease it to such a height, that we shall find no market
in which we shall not be undersold by foreigners.
You, who are perfectly acquainted with the disposition
of those who form the Congress and the Assemblies of
the different States, know that is very far from being
favourable to commerce. Their views are so contracted,
that they never have seen that agriculture and com-
merce mutually depend on and support each other.
The resolutions of Congress, in almost every instance,
demonstrate their ignorance of the principles and effects
of commerce; the non-exportation agreement (for which
I must blame myself as well as others) was a fatal
416
THE DEANE PAPERS.
same
measure; it laid the axe to the root of our commerce,
and our agriculture fell with it. That resolution shews
what extravagant ideas we then had of our importance;
we flattered ourselves that, by shutting our ports, we
should distress Great Britain and Ireland, and starve
the West Indies, so far as to effect our purposes. But
the operation of that resolve well nigh starved our
army and the poorer people, and brought distress to
the doors of every order. Unhappily but too many
of our leaders are still buoyed up with the
wild and groundless ideas; and when I hear men, re-
puted as the wisest and most enlightened of American
patriots, advance that commerce is rather injurious
than beneficial, and that it would be better to have
foreigners who want our produce to come and purchase
it than for us to carry it to them; that the whole at-
tention of America, as an independent nation, should
be turned to agriculture and the manufacturing of
articles of the first necessity-when I hear such doc-
trines advanced, and by men whom America has been
taught to look up to, and revere, and reviewing at the
same time the other circumstances which I have touched
on, I become doubtful whether our commerce would
not suffer as greatly from internal checks and embarrass-
ments as from external ones. But, my dear friend, we
are very far from the peaceable establishment of in-
dependency; so far, that I candidly tell you that I think
there is not any probability of its ever taking place, at
least in our day. The nations of Europe, France ex-
cepted, are all of them against it, and none more so
than Spain. France becomes every day more indiffer-
ent to it; but so long as we can be made their instru-
ments for humbling Great Britain, Spain will temporize,
and France will appear to be in earnest on the subject.
We are certainly the cheapest instruments they can
find, to employ full one half of the forces of Great
Britain; forces, which, if left at liberty to fall on their
foreign possessions, would soon reduce them to the state
they were in in 1762. But how dearly do we pay for
the services we are performing.
<p
THE DEANE PAPERS.
417
The powers of Europe, hitherto neuter, appear at
this time far from being indifferent to the fate of Great
Britain. Should any of them take part with her, the
war will assume a different appearance, and our fate
will become from that moment determined. I think
there is a probability of such an event taking place soon,
but my wish and prayer is for peace, and the re-estab-
lishment of America in her original rights. The present
moment is unquestionably the most important America
has ever seen; we are now of more weight in the
general scale than we can possibly expect to be here-
after. Should the powers of Europe once agree on
the terms of peace, our assent will hardly be asked,
and we should find it necessary to acquiesce in the
terms imposed on us. The present opportunity ought,
therefore, to be improved. England, it is true, has a
formidable league at this time against her, but we find
in ancient as well as modern times that nations less
able to resist, have been successful against leagues still
more formidable. I do not, indeed, recollect any one
league that ever came off victorious over the single
power leagued against. The cause is in the nature of
men and nations; it must, therefore, still exist in a
certain degree, and I know not why it should not even
in its full force. You will call this a political letter,
against which we have often protested. I intended it
only as a commercial one, but I could not examine the
future probable state of our commerce under independ-
ency, without entering on politics. I have tired you so
effectually by this time, that I will take my leave with
requesting that you will make my most respectful com-
pliments to Mrs. Morris, and assuring you, that I am
ever, with the most sincere esteem and attachment,
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
Hon. Robert Morris, Esq.
VOL. IV.-27
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
418
THE DEANE PAPERS.
·
Mr. Hazlehurst.
TO ISAAC HAZLEHURST.
Paris, June 12th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I received yours of 21st ulto. I can
get no intelligence of your other letter. Have writ-
ten to Mr. Nesbitt to repeat his inquiries at the post
office at L'Orient'; it is not in this. I wrote yesterday
to Mr. Holker, at Rouen, on the subject of your bills,
and I know of no other application that can be of ser-
vice to you.
I would advise you to write also to him,
and I doubt not he will exert himself to save the credit
of his son by taking them up; it is said his son is about
to return. We have no news.
Mr. Jesse Deane.
I am, &c.,
TO JESSE DEANE.
S. DEANE.
Paris, June 13th, 1781.
MY DEAR SON,-I wrote you yesterday, and this
serves only to cover a letter which you are to put into
the post office at Ghent. If you are near a convenient
place for it, bathe every day; but if you cannot swim,
be careful how you go into deep water; it is a healthy
and beneficial exercise which every person ought to
be master of, and you will be inexcusable if you
neglect learning it now. Take care of your health.
Present my compliments to Mr. Catres and Mr. De
Bay, and be assured of the constant paternal affection
of, my dear son,
Thomas Mss
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
419
TO JEREMIAH WADSWORTH. *
Paris, June 13th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-The appointment of an Ambassador to
the Empress of Russia has led me to make some
serious reflections on the idea which Congress enter-
tain of their own importance in the commercial and
political world; they appear to be persuaded that
every nation in Europe, England excepted, are inter-
ested to have us independent; and though they have
been told the contrary by every power they have ap-
plied to, except France, yet the flattering delusion
continues, and a minister extraordinary has been sent
to Russia. The fact is, that there is not one power in
Europe, except France, interested in having us inde-
pendent, and by much the greater part are interested
against us. The Emperor of Germany and King of
Prussia, not being commercial powers, can be very lit-
tle affected either way. Holland and all the North-
ern powers are naturally interested against us; their
productions and ours are the same in every article,
indigo and rice only excepted. Russia raises tobacco
for its own consumption, and begins to export large
quantities to its neighbours. The two great sources of
the Dutch wealth are their fisheries, and their freights
for other nations; in both these America must soon
interfere with them; the New Englanders began to
rival them in those branches of business before the
war. If we look Southward, Portugal owes its exist-
ence as an independent kingdom to England; were
England once so reduced as to receive the law from
France and Spain, Portugal would instantly become
annexed to the latter. The wealth of Spain lies in its
islands in the West-Indies, and in its provinces on the
Continent. Can Spain wish to see a mighty independ-
ent empire of confederate republics established in
* One of the intercepted letters; see post, Oct. 20, 1781.
420
THE DEANE PAPERS.
the neighbourhood of all its treasures? It is to the
last degree absurd to suppose that Court can be so
blind to the consequences which must soon result from
such an event. Whilst we continue dependent on Great-
Britain, and under its controul, Spain will have noth-
ing to dread so long as it continues to be on good
terms with the Court of London, and the European
connections and alliances of Spain will serve to pre-
vent that court from wantonly breaking with Spain;
but North America, freed from all European controul,
will be at liberty to break with Spain at any time,
without disturbing the peace of Europe, or interesting
any of its powers in the quarrel. The family connec-
tion between the Courts of France and Spain, and the
desire of revenge for her former losses, have led Spain
into a war; but it is evident that the Court of Spain
will not on any considerations make the war a common
cause with us. America out of the question, Great-
Britain is greatly superior to France and Spain united;
this France and Spain are sensible of, and therefore
give us good words and encourage us on, that Eng-
land may be weakened by our expence. France has
acted openly, it is true, but the assistance afforded us
from time to time has been calculated not to drive the
British forces from the Continent, but to keep us from
accommodating, and to employ their enemy within us.
Spain has given us a trifling aid in money, but in the
most secret manner, more like a bribe than a subsidy.
The other Southern powers are not in any respect
interested in our dependence or independence, but are
perfectly indifferent as to either; nor, if they should
interest themselves, would it be of the least conse-
quence. But, you may say, France having valuable.
possessions in the West-Indies, ought, on the gen-
eral principle which I have advanced, to fear the
consequences of our independence. Not at all. The
possessions of France, from their being islands, can
have nothing to apprehend from the independent sover-
eignty of the United States. France will, at all times,
1
THE DEANE PAPERS.
421
:
have a fleet sufficient to protect them, and it can never
be our interest to have any other concern with them
than in the way of commerce; but our position with
respect to Spain is different. Nothing but a river will
separate us, and the contrariety of our dispositions,
manners, and habits are such, that it is impossible, if
left to ourselves, that we should live for any time in
peace with each other. Congress, to induce Spain to
declare and act openly, have offered to cede the two
Floridas. It is really no great act of generosity to offer
what is not ours; but suppose Spain accepts and gets
possession of them, we shall thereby become still nearer
our neighbours, and quarrel so much the sooner.
Spain is not, however, or appears not to be, con-
tented with this offer; insinuates that Louisiana ought
to be thrown into the scale, on condition of her guar-
antying our independence. It is but too probable
that Congress will not even refuse this, if they are
persuaded that their independent sovereignty cannot
be established on easier terms. But no man of sense
and knowledge in these affairs can imagine that Spain
is serious in this demand, or that that Court means
any thing else by it than to gain time. Spain cannot
be ignorant that, from the day in which we become
peaceably established in Independent Sovereignty, she
must look forward to the loss of all her southern prov-
inces as an event certain, and not very distant; and
she must know, that though she obtain Louisiana, yet
the Allegani, or Western Mountains will be as insuffi-
cient a barrier between us as the Mississippi. I must
tell you that our independence is spoke of in a very
different stile here from what it was three years since ;
it is not viewed here in the light in which Congress.
speak of it when they say it is as fixed as fate (or, if
they mean any thing), as certain as those eternal laws
of nature which omnipotence itself cannot alter; on the
contrary, it is considered by every sensible man here,
as not only doubtful, but the probability greatly against
The consequences of American independence are
us.
422
THE DEANE PAPERS.
also estimated very different from what they were for-
merly in France. Experience has shewn that our attach-
ment to the English manners, customs, and to their
manufactures is such that, if independent and at lib-
erty to trade where we please, England will have the
preference. Almost every American who arrives in
France is impatient to get over to England; and the
severe laws you are passing on that subject may pre-
vent their ever returning to America, during the war,
at least; but it will not prevent their going over. The
laws ordering confiscation, &c., demonstrate more fully
than any direct language is capable of the predilection
of Americans for England. France, though at war
with England, permits her subjects to go to London
openly, and when they please, they taking out pass-
ports; and not a week passes but some of the citizens
of Paris go over to London, and there are now more
than four times the English goods consumed in this
city than there were before the war. The better sort
of people here, both at court and in the city, are now
become mad, as I may say, after every thing that is
English; and even the ribbons worn by the ladies at
court are, in a great part, from English looms.
1
I have been told that Monsieur Luzerne remon-
strated to Congress against our trading with England
or purchasing and importing its manufactures, and
that those laws have passed in compliance with his
remonstrances and requests. I am unwilling to believe
it; for, if true, we are become, and that voluntarily,
greater slaves to France than its own subjects are.
On whatever ground the laws have been passed, I
venture to predict that not any one good effect will
be produced by them, but the contrary. A little time
will shew what success Mr. Dana meets with at Russia;
but if he meets with any at all, I am greatly mistaken.
I know of no power in Europe, Portugal only ex-
cepted, that is naturally and necessarily more in the
English interest than Russia. I hear that your spirits
were greatly raised on hearing of the declaration of
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423
England against Holland; I expected it would be the
case, though, every thing considered, there is not the
least ground for encouragement from that event, but
the contrary. It is now more than four months since
England commenced hostilities, yet the Dutch have
made no reprisals, nor are they prepared to make any
at this time. Nearly one-half of the Republic are
violently against a war with England on any consider-
ations whatever. The views of England in declaring,
were to exclude Holland from the armed neutrality,
to dissolve at once a confederacy which at best could
not have lasted any time, and to deprive France and
Spain of their naval supplies furnished by the Dutch,
and the French islands of provisions by the same
channels. The purpose has been effected; Russia
offers to mediate, but refuses to take part with Hol-
land; Denmark has in effect long since deserted the
confederation, and the armed neutrality, on which I
never built any hopes, is come to nothing.
Before the arrival of Mr. Laurens, Jr., France
gave Dr. Franklin six millions of livres for the current
year; it has since added four more, and, as it is said,
has engaged to be our security for ten millions of livres
in Holland, if to be borrowed at four per cent. You
will be told, therefore, of twenty millions, and may
possibly receive that sum; but will that do more than
prolong the war another year? Without a fleet supe-
rior to that of England nothing can be done to any
purpose as to finishing the war. I wish I could give
you a more favourable account of affairs here, and such
as you wish to receive and credit; but I cannot do it
consistent with truth; and, though you are certainly
misinformed as to the face of affairs in Europe by men
who are either ignorant of them, and who are resolved,
at all hazards, to write what they know you wish to
believe, yet this will not justify my doing the same.
In a word, my friend, nothing short of peace can save
our country from ruin and slavery; and whatever you
may think in America, I am convinced that the terms
424
THE DEANE PAPERS.
offered by Great-Britain afforded a good room to open
a treaty on, and ought not to be rejected. This will
not, perhaps, be a popular doctrine at present, but it
must be sooner or later. For me, I have freely opened
my mind to you, and, though you may differ in senti-
ment, you will not, I trust, condemn the motive for
my having done it. I have long since had my accounts.
ready for settlement, and have been waiting here for
six months past, on heavy expence, unable to get
them audited. Mr. Johnson, nominated by Congress
as auditor, refused from the first to act, and Congress
have not named any other. Thus I am kept out of
my money in a cruel and unprecedented manner;
but I will not add on the subject at this time.
My compliments to all friends, and be assured that
I am, with much respect and friendship, dear Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
SILAS DEANE.
Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth,
Hartford, Conn.
The Royal Gazette, Oct. 31, 1781.
TO WILLIAM DUER.*
Paris, June 14th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-There has been lately published in the
English and Dutch Gazettes a resolution of Congress,
of March last, tending to forbid all intercourse be-
tween the inhabitants of America and Great Britain,
or on any account or in any circumstances whatever;
and it is credibly reported that all British goods, how-
ever the property of them may have been acquired
capture excepted), are declared to be contraband and
liable to be confiscated, and that an American in Eu-
rope or the West Indies who purchases goods of
British growth or manufacture will, on his importation
of them into America, be exposed to have his property
* One of the intercepted letters; see post, Oct. 20, 1781.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
425
Several
seized and to be fined, or, at least, censured.
gentlemen, late from America, have informed me that
such resolutions and laws were proposed before they
left the Continent; and the menace thrown out by
Messrs. Adams, Dana, and Searle against any who
should purchase British goods for the American mar-
ket leaves me in no kind of doubt that such violent
and inconsiderate measures have been actually adopted
by Congress, and by some, if not by all, the Assem-
blies. I know not what good effects are expected in
America from such resolutions; in Europe they are
esteemed impolitic and useless, at best, for any good
purpose. But what is to me the most alarming is
that those resolutions were taken in consequence of
representations made by the French Minister at Phila-
delphia. And are we, in all the pride of independent
sovereignty, become greater slaveseven than the sub-
jects of France? Is the Congress, and are our Assem-
blies, become so dependent on this Court, as to be
dictated to even by its Minister? The merchants of
France go freely to London, purchase goods, and
though they are obliged at all times, whether in peace
or war, to introduce them privately into the kingdom,
or pay a heavy tax, yet when once introduced they
sell them openly as English goods. They now adver-
tise them as such; and you can scarce go through a
street in Paris without seeing many stores over the
doors of which English goods, just imported, are ad-
vertised for sale. Congress have, within three years
past, acted so often in direct contradiction to their
own resolves and declarations that it is no way surpris-
ing that they have lost the confidence of the public.
On this side the water, at least, they have entirely
lost it. The King gave a large sum of money about
the time of Mr. Laurens's arrival for the use of the
army, but the Court had so little confidence in Con-
gress that the money was made payable to General
Washington's orders only; nor could they be induced
by the earnest solicitations of Doctor Franklin to give
-
426
THE DEANE PAPers.
Congress any controul over it. This shews either that
they have no confidence in Congress, or that they
mean to take General Washington and his army into
their pay, and make them subservient to their pur-
poses. Mr. Laurens obtained liberty to lay out a part
of the money in cloathing and necessary articles for
the army. The Ministers probably considered it more
for the interest of France, and better for the army, to
have such part of the money as must go in purchase
of cloathing, &c., laid out in France than sent in specie
to America; but what followed? Mr. Laurens sent
his agent to Holland, and laid one million and a half
of livres, nearly, in British manufactures. Thus, whilst
Mr. Adams was declaiming in Holland against all use
of its manufactures, and threatening every American
that should purchase them with being advertised as
the enemy of his country, the Agents of Congress
were publicly (and therefore, I presume, with his
knowledge) purchasing those proscribed manufactures
for public use. Can the annals of the world exhibit
more striking instances of inconsistency? This public
preference given to the manufactures of England, by
laying out the money granted by France in the pur-
chase of them, has irritated the Minister, and given
general disgust. Our affairs here will soon feel the
consequences; nor do I believe that we shall have
any credit at all, nor that our bills will be paid in two
months from this time. Mr. Laurens was not to blame
in this affair, so far as I know any thing of it; he
acted prudently, and for the interest of his constitu-
ents; he did what you and every honest merchant
would have done in his place. He had money to lay
out for the public, and he sought the best market for
the goods, most suitable, and such as were to be had
on the best terms. Besides, there was a strong ship
in Holland bound for America, in which they could be
transported at little risque. But what can be said of
Congress for passing resolves which they must know
will not be obeyed, and which, as soon as published,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
427
they themselves destroy by acting in direct contradiction
to them? What I have hinted about our bills keep
to yourself, or use it only to check any of our friends
who may be disposed to venture too deep in them.
You may be assured that no loan has been obtained in
Spain or Holland; that there is not the least probabil-
ity of any; that the resignation of Mr. Necker has
been a sensible shock to public credit in France; and
that great embarrassments are apprehended in a few
months on account of money; that too many begin to
consider every livre granted to America as so much
lost; and that Dr. Franklin is now under acceptances
for nearly three millions of livres more than he has
funds to answer for. These facts are sufficient for
your direction. The Doctor may possibly obtain fresh
grants. I doubt it. I know he has been refused, and,
I am told, in rather harsh terms. Congress drew bills
on Mr. President Laurens, as being in Holland, many
months before he sailed from America; they drew on
Mr. Jay long before his arrival in Spain. These bills
have been honoured, and you in America have been
taught to believe that it was from money received in
Spain and Holland. No such thing. Those bills
have been uniformly sent to Doctor Franklin for pay-
ment; even the salaries of Mr. Jay and Mr. Adams
and their suites have been drawn for on Dr. Franklin,
who has paid them out of the monies received here.
The Agents of private States sent over here on one
mad Quixotical scheme or other have been furnished
with money for their expences out of the sums granted
for the support of our army; our Ambassadors and
Agents have for some time past cost us at least twenty
thousand pounds sterling per annum; the relief of
prisoners and other contingencies, more than as much
more; all this has been taken from the money afforded
us by France for our army. Congress, though re-
peatedly advised by Dr. Franklin not to draw on him,
have continued to draw without bounds, and generally
without advice. By their conduct, one would suspect
..
-
་
428
THE DEANE PAPERS.
that they imagined that the Treasury of France was at
their disposal, and that they had a right to draw what
money they pleased from it. The Ministers here see
no end to this proceeding if permitted to run on; and
if the Agents and Ministers of Congress are permitted
to contract debts, and draw on them for the payment,
and if Congress are at liberty to draw unlimited on Dr.
Franklin, and they obliged to answer ultimately their
drafts, it is reasonable, therefore, to expect that France,
under this actual circumstance, will hold its hand, and
that you will soon find the bills of Congress protested
for non-acceptance or non-payment. Nothing prevents
it at this moment, but the fear of a violent revolution
with us.
Is it to be supposed that France will be con-
tent for any time to defray the expence of the various
Quixotical embassies Congress are sending to different
Courts? That she will continue to advance money to
be laid out under her eyes, in the manufactures of her
enemies, to the contempt of those of her own, and to
her real impoverishment? You who believe this have
faith indeed; but it is a question with me if it is such
as will remove mountains. I know and confess the
difficult situation of Congress; and I know also (what
I am sure that they will not confess) that they have
brought themselves into it by their cabals, their igno-
rance, and their mismanagement; but their present
embarrassments afford them no excuse for their in-
volving themselves in still greater. If you ask me
what they can do, I answer at once: Let them do
what for a long time past they have left undone. Let
them act an honest and consistent part; let them ac-
knowledge their inability; let them, in a word, lay
their case fairly as it is before their ally; let them
weigh fairly the probable chances for their succeeding
to establish independent sovereignty, and if they find
the probability against it, let them honestly confess it,
and put an end to the calamities of our country by a
peace on honourable terms. Perhaps to talk of peace
on other conditions than Great Britain asking for it
THE DEANE PAPERS.
429
on bended knees is Toryism with you; if so, I cannot
help it. I have for some time since had the fate,
though I shall never have the fame, of Cassandra. I
have predicted misfortunes and disappointments; no-
body has believed my predictions, yet they have
hitherto been uniformly verified by events. "I could
still prophecy, but the cold hand of despair is on me,”
and I will only add my wishes for your prosperity,
and be assured of my sincere respect and attachment.
I am, Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
SILAS DEANE.
To Col. William Duer.
The Royal Gazette, Oct. 24, 1781.
TO THOMAS MUMFORD.*
Paris, June 15th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, My last was of the 23d February,
which went by the ship Marquis La Fayette. My
brother will shew you a long letter of the same date
with this; you have in that my sentiments of our pres-
ent situation; I am apprehensive that they will not
coincide with what you in America wish to believe,
but that is not my fault. If I were as fond of mo-
mentary popularity as some men are, I should write in
a different style, and by exaggerated accounts of the
force and energy of our friends, and of the exhausted.
and distressed state of Great Britain, endeavour to
buoy up the hopes and expectations of my country-
men. Such letters would be sure to be read in all com-
panies, and select paragraphs printed in the papers,
prefaced with hints to inform the public from whom
the intelligence came; but I do not think that any
consideration can justify an American deceiving and
misleading his countrymen under their present ex-
* One of the intercepted letters; see post, Oct. 20, 1781.
430
THE DEANE PAPERS.
tremely critical situation; much less can a man be held
innocent in deceiving his friend, or even in not laying
before him the true state of affairs in which both the
one and the other are so deeply interested.
I have in my letter to my brother given briefly my
way of thinking and reasoning on the present posture
of the American war, and what relates to or is depend-
ent on it. I am confident that you know me too well
to impute my sentiments to caprice, disgust, or inter-
ested motives. At the same time you will not, I am
sure, approve of or adopt them; nor, on the other hand,
condemn without previously examining them with
coolness and impartiality. Few men are capable of
examining and reasoning justly on any complex sub-
ject while in the heat of battle, but after six years'
contest, it is certainly time to breathe and look round
us, to examine what the original object of the war
was; whether it is obtained in part or wholly; what
we have expended and sacrificed in the pursuit;
what our present situation is; what rational prospects
we have finally of succeeding, and whether the fruits
of final success and victory will over-balance the losses
and expence inevitable in the pursuit.
These are important questions; they are such as I
wished to see canvassed with that freedom and impar-
tiality with which everything that effects the liberty
and safety of a free people commands. The first ob-
jects of the war are fresh in every one's memory; they
stand recorded on the journals of the first and second
Congress, to be nothing less or more than a repeal of
the acts of Parliament injurious to our rights and lib-
erties; those acts have been finally repealed; the first
objects are, therefore, out of the question; but previous
to such a repeal Congress were forced into a measure
which they had before unanimously declared they even
dreaded as one of the greatest evils, viz.: that of sep-
arating America from Great Britain. Until the Parlia-
ment proposed terms of reconciliation, and as a pre-
liminary repealed the acts complained of, the original
THE DEANE PAPERS.
431
objects of the war remained, and independence became
a fresh object necessary to be pursued in order to gain
the first.
Independence was, and is, therefore, so far from
being a first object, that every idea of it was disclaimed
in 1774 and 1775, even after the last appeal to the
sword had been made. Independence, therefore, if I
may so say, was an auxiliary object to be pursued for
obtaining the primary; and after those were obtained,
it became itself a principle only from our having bound
ourselves by an alliance with France to support it, and
from a persuasion that the peace, liberty, and safety
of America could not any otherwise be so effectually
preserved and secured.
The object of the war has, therefore, been changed,
and is at this hour become a question not for certain
constitutional rights, but for sovereignty only. If
America cannot be either free, safe, or happy without
this sovereignty (at present the sole object), it must
justify the prosecution of the war; but if America may
be free, safe, and happy without this, and if it is far
from being certain that they will enjoy either peace,
liberty, or safety after acquiring it at the expence and
sacrifices which must be made previously, I think
the present proposals or terms towards an accom-
modation ought not to be neglected. I confess that
I once thought that the peace, liberty, and safety of
America could no way be so effectually secured as
under an independent democratical government, and
at the same time I doubted whether the Parliament
would consent to repeal the acts complained of, but
had no doubt of the ability of France to put us in the
peaceable possession of our independence; nor did I
at the time doubt but that the temper and disposition
of America was such in every part of it that such a
government would be the easiest and best; but three
years' experience has convinced me that I was mis-
taken in every one of those points on which I calculated.
I find that an independent democratical government
432
THE DEANE PAPERS.
is not equal to the securing the peace, liberty, and
safety of a continent like America. The discovery,
indeed, is not a new one, for every nation in the world
that has ever tried the experiment has found the same.
I find that France is either unable or unwilling to put
us into our wished state of independency, and that
whilst we are struggling for it, we are become volun-
tarily more dependent on France than ever we were,
or can be, constitutionally on England, and that the
real temper and disposition of America is such, that a
government of this kind cannot be supported for any
length of time, at any rate, and that whilst it may exist,
the peace and liberty of the citizens of America will
be precarious and uncertain, and that under the name
of independence we shall become more dependent
than ever. Though satisfied of these facts, I am open
to conviction; but having had more opportunities of
seeing and observing what has past than most of my
fellow citizens have had, I cannot but hint to my
friends my sentiments on our present situation, and
on the events, which to me appear inevitable, if we
refuse to listen to offers of an accommodation, and
resolve to prosecute the war at every risque.
Referring you to a letter to my brother, of this date,
I will only add to this that I most earnestly entreat
you to write me the true state of our affairs in Amer-
ica, and by several vessels, that I may be sure of re-
ceiving at least the certainty by some one of them, and
that you will omit no opportunity of acquainting me
with the welfare of our friends in general, of your
family in particular. My most affectionate wishes are
for your and sister Mumford's mutual and lasting hap-
piness, and am, with the most sincere attachment and
friendship, Dear Brother,
Your most obedt. and very humble Servt.,
To Thomas Mumford, Esq.,
Merchant, Groton, Conn.
S. DEANE.
The Royal Gazette, Nov. 14, 1781.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
433
TO BENJAMIN HARRISON.*
Paris, June 15th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I have written several letters to you
since my being in France, but have not been favoured
with any from you, which I attribute to the accidents
of war, and the confusion you must have been in since
I had the pleasure of seeing you.
I see by the public papers that the enemy have been
with you at Berkeley, and that they are still in your
neighbourhood. I doubt not that, as heretofore, your
hopes are chiefly grounded on immediate help from
France, or on some decisive diversion being made in
your favour. It would be very inconsistent with the
friendship I entertain for you and my friends in Vir-
ginia, to flatter you with any such prospects. The
war has taken an unexpected turn, and we have calcu-
lated on false or groundless principles. England is
neither weak nor exhausted, as has been represented;
its present efforts demonstrate this; its navy is supe-
rior, and is rapidly increasing; the navy of France,
and of Spain, has rose to its utmost height, and must
rather decline than otherwise. You will have no as-
sistance of any consequence from Europe until late in
the season. As for money, you will have ten million
of livres, possibly more, but beyond that is uncertain.
Holland wishes to accommodate, and probably will;
the war throws that Republic into the most dangerous
situation, and the French and English parties there
are nearly equal. At best we can expect no diversion
from that quarter until another year. Gibraltar is
revictualled and relieved, and the Spanish fleet blocked
up and insulted in Cadiz by Admiral Darby.
A large
reinforcement both of ships and troops are destined
by England for some part of the continent of Amer-
ica. The armed neutrality appears nearly at an end,
*One of the intercepted letters; see post, Oct. 20, 1781.
VOL. IV.-28
434
THE DEANE PAPERS.
or, at least, nothing can be expected from it in our
favour.
This is generally the situation of affairs on this side;
you best know how they are with you; but if half so
bad as have been represented, my fears and anxieties
are not ill founded. The war is but indifferently con-
ducted by our friends, if really we have more than one;
and on the other side an unexpected energy and vigor
has been shewn. I say if we have really more than
one friend; with me it is no question, for I am fully
convinced we have but one.
As to Spain and Holland, the independency of
America is what they can by no means wish or
desire; they give daily proofs of this by their actions;
and, after all, what is it we are contending for, and for
what do we put to risque every thing that is dear to
the present and future generation? The present offers
of England exceed our first demands; independence
alone, therefore, must be the present object. But did
we intend by renouncing a constitutional dependence
on, and connection with, Great Britain, to render our-
selves absolutely and unconditionally dependant on
France? Whatever we have intended, we have in
effect done it; and if we eventually succeed in the
attempt for humbling Great Britain, reducing her
navy, and obliging her to receive the law from France
and Spain, we shall rivet those chains which we now
voluntarily wear, in such a manner that neither we
nor our posterity will ever be able to shake them off.
I say if we succeed; for when I view the resources,
vigor, and energy of Great Britain, I am far from
being so positive as to the event as I know you have
been, and perhaps now are, in America. Though there
are violent parties in England, yet neither of them
are in favor of our independence. On the contrary, the
opposition, who have been represented as our friends
and patrons, are as much against us in this point as
the Ministers themselves; and though the former blame
the latter for having caused the war, and would per-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
435
haps agree to make larger concessions to us than what
the Ministers will consent to, yet not one of them has
ever ventured at proposing our independence.
The present Parliament is, perhaps, more determined
than the former on this subject; what, then, can be the
consequence as to us, if after two or three years longer
war, by the success of the arms of France and Spain
with ours, and the losses and debts of Great Britain,
that nation should be totally reduced, and brought to
receive the law from France and Spain, in what situa-
tion shall we then find ourselves, and what security.
have we that the same Powers will not dictate the law
to us? And should they do it in the severest manner,
to whom have we to look for aid or interposition?
Our once respected and powerful friend and parent
will be ruined, and that by our means, and there will
not remain a Power on earth to whom we can look
for interposition, should the most humiliating and cruel
terms be imposed on us. We have, by acknowledging
on all occasions the immense benefits we owe to
France, as it were mortgaged in advance our grati-
tude to, and dependence on, that Power. Is it safe, is
it politic, thus to throw ourselves absolutely into the
power of any state, though the most generous in the
world? What language France will hold on such an
event's taking place, we know not; but we know the
style and conduct of Spain, even before the event of
the war is known. They say, give us the Floridas.
Congress are ready to submit. They add: retire from
the Mississippi and Ohio, and give us Louisiana.
This is more difficult. Our ambassador is refused an
audience, and obliged to wait unnoticed among the
crowd of humble suppliants. Is not this sample suffi-
cient to shew us what we have, at least, to apprehend?
We have in part realized the fable of the stag and the
horse. You know that in a war between them, the
horse, too weak for the stag, applied to man for aid;
the man agreed on condition, on being permitted to
bridle and mount the horse; the horse submitted to
436
THE DEANE PAPERS.
this proposal of his ally; the stag was driven off the
field, but the horse ever since has been held by the bits.
and felt the whip. With us, indeed, the fable is but
partly realized; the stag still keeps the field, though
we have the bit in our mouths, and the rider on our
backs. But if we have all the success we can reason-
ably wish or hope for, what must be our situation
after two years war from this time? France acts wisely
in encouraging us to go on; so does Spain, though the
latter gives no open countenance to us; for whilst full
one-half of the British force is left on our hands, they
can struggle with the rest, when, if the whole were at
liberty to act against their foreign possessions, they
would in two years find themselves in as bad a situa-
tion as they were at the close of the last war. Spain
will not hazard any thing willingly, and they appear
to have equipped a fleet only to make a parade with;
the moment a British fleet appears, they fly into port,
and suffer themselves to be insulted. The visible
object of both France and Spain is to weaken England
at our expence, to exhaust its resources by forcing it
to continue an expensive war on our continent; and
by the time that England shall become tired of such a
war, or unable to support it longer, our country will
have suffered what ages will not repair. Nothing is to
be feared for a long time to come from Great Britain
and America, whether separate or united. Every
transaction, every measure of the two courts, points to
this as their only object; they carefully avoid every
thing decisive in their military operations, and afford
us just as much and no more aid as will keep us from
giving up.
To this point their whole attention is
directed. The last year France sent us a fleet and
army inferior to that of the enemy; but to raise our
spirits and animate us on through another year, assured
us it was only the vanguard of a much greater force
on its way.
We relied on this promise, which was
never meant to be fulfilled, and exerted ourselves to
the utmost, and suffered two states to be ravaged and
THE DEANE PAPERS.
437
subdued. During the campaign, whilst this vanguard
of our friends lay still and looked on last winter, our
army on the point of disbanding for want of pay and
necessaries, some money was granted, and more prom-
ised, but under such circumstances that every one
who knows any thing of affairs in Europe, knows there
is as little probability of its being obtained, as there
was of Mons. Rochambeau's promise to the assembly
of Rhode Island being fulfilled. In short, my friend,
we are acting over the fable of the dwarf and giant.
You remember that the dwarf having a quarrel with
the giant, made an alliance with a neighboring one, and
took the field; they soon fell in with their enemy, and
a battle ensued, when, though the dwarf behaved with
great bravery, and the action ended in favor of the
allies, yet the poor dwarf lost an eye and an arm,
whilst his ally received nothing more than a scratch
or two on the surface of his body. Encouraged by his
great and good friend, he made the best of it, bound
up his wound, and went in to renew the combat, in the
course of which he lost both his legs, and his remain-
ing arm; and whilst his great and good ally was exult-
ing on the advantages they had gained, and singing
Te Deum for victory, the poor dwarf lay on the ground
bloody, mangled, and almost breathless.
Excuse my
having given you two fables in one letter; it is not
from a spirit of pedantry that I have done it, but I
know of no words which can more forcibly represent
our true situation and danger.
In the days of Roman simplicity and virtue a fable
did what the intreaties, the eloquence, and even the
decrees of their senate were unequal to; it brought
the people to reflect, prevented a civil war, and
restored peace and harmony. Were I capable of
inventing a fable, or using an argument which would
have the same happy effect at this time, I should not
envy the greatest Roman his laurels and his renown.
I have, perhaps, tired you with this long letter, but I
know you will excuse me from the motive, even if you
I
438
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should differ from me in sentiment. We embarked
together at first in this cause, and, I presume, from
the same motives-the security of American liberty.
We have suffered, as well as done much, and surely
we cannot claim the title of freemen if we are not per-
mitted to communicate freely our sentiments on the
situation of our country; nor can it be treason to
recommend peace and accommodation, when without
it inevitable ruin is before us. I shall say nothing on
commerce, as I have not been able to do any thing
that way, and your present situation adds insuperable
obstacles. I wrote your son several letters soon after
my arrival, but have none from him. Make my com-
pliments to Mrs. Harrison, to your son and family, and
accept my sincere wishes for your peace and happiness,
and that of our country.
I am, with great esteem, Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
[S. DEANE.]
Hon. Benjamin Harrison, Esq.,
Berkley, Virginia.
{
The Royal Gazette, Nov. 21, 1781.
FROM JOHN JAY.
Aranjuez, June 16th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, -Your letter of the 8th April is particu-
lar on a subject on which, I confess, I wished to be
particularly informed. I approve of your having con-
veyed to the Minister what you conceived to be the
true state of our affairs. On such occasions policy, as
well as candor, forbid deception. How far it was
necessary or proper to mention the same things in
conversation is less clear, and if that was the case I
think it was not prudent.
[Cipher translated. As to Carmichael, he is igno-
rant of the contents of any letters that have passed
between us. I once had my good opinion of him, and
might have retained it. Álmost from the time we
THE DEANE PAPERS.
439
sailed from America he had not given me sufficient
cause to repent his being with me.
I cannot now go
into details. I wish to be in a situation of forgetting
them and him.] This must be entre nous.
I am told that Paine is in France, but, as far as I
can learn, the objects of his voyage remain a secret.
Mr. S[earle's] political reflections do not surprize me.
I wish, however, they had been spared, as many may
be led, from the extravagance of them, to consider such
assertions rather as gasconades than well founded
facts. It gives me pleasure to hear that France has
lately granted very considerable aids to our country.
They will be very seasonable in more than one point
of view. They will strengthen our hands and confirm
our confidence. Spain is going to do something
great, if we may judge from appearances.
I allude to
the armament preparing to sail from Cadiz. Gibraltar
is supposed to be the object, and the Duke de Crillon
is said to be commander in chief.
Treaties with the United States is a most momen-
tous and important subject, and therefore must
receive the most minute and deliberate consideration.
I am rejoiced to find that G[ouverneur] M[orris] is
not alluded to in your former letter. He is still in
Philadelphia, tho' not in Congress. It is a pity that
his time should be spent in private life, when it might
be employed with much advantage to the public. Mrs.
Jay desires me to present her compliments to you, and
I am, Dear Sir,
Sincerely your friend and Servt.,
To S. Deane, Esq.
TO JOSHUA JOHNSON.
JOHN JAY.
Jay Mss.
Paris, June 17th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I received yours of the 10th, and note
the contents. The time of your vessels sailing is too
near to do any thing in shipping goods, were there no
4.40
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other difficulty; but I really consider the risque of
going to Philadelphia or Baltimore too great at this
time. In short, the situation of the enemy in our
country and on the coasts is such, that it appears to
me that every adventure south of Rhode Island this
summer will run very great risques of being taken. I
shall take the liberty of writing to you in a day or
two, and to trouble you with a letter or two for Amer-
ica by your vessels. I am, with compliments to Mrs.
Johnson, very sincerely,
Mr. Johnson.
Yours, &c.,
TO SIMEON DEANE.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, June 18th, 1781.
MY DEAR BROTHER,—I have received only two let-
ters from you since my leaving America. I have
had a succession of disappointments in every thing I
counted on. Congress neglect in appointing any
auditor, and I think with design to keep off as long as
possible the settlement or payment of any thing. If
they pursue the course they are in, they will very soon
settle every thing; and after having reduced our
country to the most distressed situation, give up what
they have long since been found unequal to the
government of a great country. I have for ten
months been soliciting a settlement with Messrs.
Sabatier, and on account of the Union and the Deux
Amis; at last am told that they will neither settle nor
render any account until you shall have settled and
sent over your accounts of the Soucy, and of all your
other concerns for them in America. Those vessels
were insured, but they say they have money due from
you, and, therefore, will not account with me. You
must, before this, have been informed of the turn
which Mr. Chaumont's affairs have taken. Our friend
at Philadelphia, the Consul, must be a great sufferer,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
44I
I imagine, as he has bills under protest to a great
amount, and which, I fear, will be sent back. Pray
finish that affair of the Soucy, and every other in Vir-
ginia, and at least let us be ready to begin anew, let
us have ever so little left when the blessing of peace.
shall revisit our distressed country. Pray write, and
by several vessels, to Messrs. Sabatier and Desprey,
at least in what stage their affairs are.
I hope you
have settled them. I have done nothing, nor can I,
unless on credit, which my past misfortunes make me
afraid of attempting. My son is now at Ghent; he
left me about ten days since, and I propose following
in a week and fixing him some where in the Low Coun-
tries. Holland has not as yet made any reprisals on
England. There is no prospect of any thing decisive
in these seas this summer. Before this arrives you
will know, better than I can tell you, what dependence
is to be laid on assistance from here. The Emperor
of Germany has been for some time in the Austrian
Netherlands; he is evidently meditating something
great, either by peace or war. If by the latter, he will
take the part of England; and if by the former, he
will doubtless force Holland to a peace with England,
and to open the trade of his Netherland dominions.
The Court here are under great apprehension on his
account, and justly. A little time will let us into many
things impenetrable at present. I can only say I have
not the least hope of seeing the war terminated soon,
and none of ever having our independency estab-
lished. The shocking use we have made of it whilst
we have nominally enjoyed, forbid me even to wish
for it under the circumstances that I see must attend
it. I pray you present my compliments to friends in
Virginia. Write me often, and be assured of my
esteem and fraternal attachment.
I am ever yours, &c.,
Mr. Simeon Deane.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
442
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Mr. Nesbitt.
Paris, June 19th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-I take the liberty to enclose to your
care two letters, which pray you to send on by Capt.
Darby, or the first vessel going for America.
I pray
the Captain to sink or destroy them in case of cap-
ture. Excuse my giving you this trouble, and be
assured I am,
TO JONATHAN NESBITT.
Mr. Johnson,
Nantes.
Yours, &c.,
TO JOSHUA JOHNSON.
Paris, June 19th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-This serves to inclose two letters
which I pray you to send by your brigantine, with
orders to sink or destroy them in case of capture.
am, with much esteem,
I
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
TO JESSE DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, June 25th, 1781.
MY DEAR SON,-Your last letter was dated the 12th,
of this month. The post comes every day from Ghent,
and you are at leisure. Think, then, how very uneasy I
must be at not having received a line from you in
almost two weeks. I flatter myself that you are not
sick; if you were, Mr. De Bay or Mr. Catres would
certainly inform me. I am unwilling to think that
indolence and inattention have been the cause of
ม
THE DEANE PAPERS.
443
your silence. To what am I to attribute your not
writing to me? I am very impatient to learn what it
may be, and no one but you can satisfy me. I must,
therefore, as a parent and a friend, insist on your writ-
ing to me immediately. I have been delayed beyond
what I expected, but hope this week will set me at
liberty, and that in the course of the next I shall see
you; in the mean time be attentive to your reading
and writing, and every day translate French into Eng-
lish, and English back into French, which is the best
method I know of to render you master of both, and
let me see when I arrive a few specimens of your per-
formance.
I am, my dear Son, yours, &c.,
Mr. Jesse Deane.
TO JOHN JAY.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, June 25th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-My last letter to you was the 8th, of
April past in reply to one of yours of the 26th, of
March. As my letter went by your express, I presume
it must go sure; but receiving nothing from you since,
I know not to what cause I am to impute your silence;
whether to that letters having failed which, as I wrote
without cypher, I have some right to be uneasy about
on that supposition, or whether to the contents of it
having been unsatisfactory to you. The latter, if the
real cause, could give me the most uneasiness, as I
count on your friendship from the most sincere and
disinterested motives. I must, therefore, pray you to
relieve me from my anxiety, tho' it be but by one line,
just to inform me of the receipt of the letter, if it
actually came to hand; and if the latter cause has
occasioned your silence for almost three months, I
shall know it without putting you to the trouble of a
more full explanation; for on attentively reviewing my
444
THE DEANE PAPERS.
letter of the 8th, April, I find nothing in it but what
I approve of, both as truth and as good policy in my
former conduct referred to in it. If you think dif-
ferently, I am open to conviction, and am not too
proud nor too obstinate to confess my errors when
convinced. I have, indeed, wrote two letters to you
since the 8th, of April, but have not sent either of
them on, waiting to hear from you, which I hope you
will let me do by the first post after the receipt of this,
or by your first letter to Doctor Franklin. Should we
unfortunately differ as politicians, I see no reason why
that should interrupt our correspondence as friends.
I pray you to present my compliments to Mrs. Jay,
and to be assured that I am, with great Esteem and
Friendship, Dear Sir,
Your most Obedt. & very humble Servant,
S. DEANE.
His Excellency John Jay, Esq.
TO JOHN JAY.
Jay Mss.
Paris, July 2d, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Your letter of the 16th, of June came to
hand yesterday. By the last post I sent on a letter,
inquiring after the cause, rather than complaining, of
your silence.
To be free with you, I have been
apprehensive, ever since my arrival in Europe, that
[Cipher translated. Carmichael might do me ill offices
with you, but I find you know his disposition; and
though I feel most sensibly for you, I cannot but be
happy that
you have found him out, as I may say, and
most sincerely do I wish that neither of us may ever
find such another.
He has been extremely attentive to Dr. Franklin.
Not a post fails of bringing letters from him. Frank-
lin is old and loves to be flattered; and though he first
discovered Carmichael's treachery towards us, toward
THE DEANE PAPERS.
445
me in particular, yet he has regained apparently his
good opinion. I say apparently, for in certain matters
the Doctor is no more of a Philosopher than the rest
of the world. He has a grandson on whom he dotes,
and whom he wishes to fix as Secretary in France,
and therefore makes interest with everyone in Europe
whom he supposes to have interest in Congress.
Though Carmichael is so punctual in writing to the
Doctor, Beaumarchais, who lent him money when in
Paris, cannot get a letter from him. As to Payne, he
left America because he quarreled with everybody
there. He pretended, indeed, that he came to France
to get materials and to have leisure to write his his-
tory of the Revolution; and after being in Paris seven
or eight days, unnoticed by any one, he returned with
Mr. Laurens, for much better reasons than he had for
his coming, viz., to avoid starving, and to regain the
only theatre in the world on which he is capable of
doing mischief.
Mr. Searle is about to sail from Holland, unsuccess-
ful and disgusted. The aids granted by France were
indeed considerable; but if you do not know it already,
you must soon know that those aids are already ex-
hausted, and in such a way as has given this Court
disgust.
-
We have heard of the preparations in Spain for
something great, most probably a second Armada,
but we must hope the best. For my part, I freely
confide to you that I despair of seeing the war termi-
nated, either in our favor or for our honor.
Spain is as much our real enemy as England, and
France will take the first good occasion to desert us
and save appearances. Holland has refused to receive.
Adams' credentials, nor can we raise money there,
either on public or private account.] But I have
neither time nor inclination to pursue the subject. I
set out tomorrow for Brussels, to make the tour of
the Netherlands and Holland, but write and send on
your letters under cover to M. Grand, Banker, Rue
446
12
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Montmartre.
They will find me, wherever I may be.
I can never forget you, nor omit any good opportunity
for writing to you. My best wishes are for your and
Mrs. Jay's mutual Happiness. I am, Dear Sir,
Your friend and humble Sert.
S. DEANE.
Hon. John Jay, Esq.
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Jay Mss.
Paris, July 5th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I have been unhappy in not being able
to pass more time with you in Paris. I hope, how-
ever, on your and my return we shall be differently
circumstanced. I set off this day, and shall, at far-
thest, make a three weeks' tour of it; in the mean
time I pray you to write to me under cover to Dr.
Franklin, to be sent to Mr. Sebor at my lodgings,
who will instantly forward the same to me, and give
me your opinion of the vessel Capt. Falinge is gone
down to examine; also whether insurance is like to
rise or not from its present rate. If the vessel will
answer, shall be able to dispatch Mr. Sebor in her in
September, which is as early as I wish for. I cannot
write in French, and the Captain does not understand
English, or I would write to him. Pray tell him I
have the utmost confidence in his ability, which I
really have.
I hope, on your return to Paris, you will
find Mrs. Williams's health reëstablished. I regret
my not having had an opportunity of paying her my
respects in person, for no person can more sincerely
wish for your mutual happiness than, Dear Sir,
Your most Obedt. & Very Hble. Servt.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. J. Williams.
Thomas Mss.
,
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447
ARTHUR LEE TO SAMUEL ADAMS.
Phil., August 12th, 1781.
CHANCELLOR LIVINGSTON, after much manoeuvring,
was elected on Friday last. Upon the first vote Mass,
Conn., N. J., Del., and Va., were for me, and three
for the Chancellor; on the second, Va. was prevailed
upon to throw away its vote, and the Chancellor had
N. H., R. I., N. Y., N. J., S. C., and Geo.; on the
third, Mr. Smith for this state [Penn.], with his senses
hardly recovered from a fall which took them away
entirely, was brought in, and, in conjunction with Mr.
Clymer, carried the election.
By this success your worthy friend, Mr. Duane,
obtains three points; he gratifies his malice against
me, strengthens his interest with the French, and
prepares a vacancy for himself in the chancellor-
ship of New York. In my opinion, he has finessed
upon the present Chancellor, who will quit a certainty
for an uncertainty. This election is, I think, a very
serious evil to the Eastern States, and indeed to all;
for I can assure you that some things passed during
the negotiation of the treaty which convinced me that
there are deep designs against the fisheries. Dr.
Franklin, we all know, is devoted to these designs.
Mr. Jay and Chancellor Livingston are both enemies
to the Eastern States, and therefore it is reasonable to
apprehend that they will join with France in some
article relative to the fishery, which, though injurious,
will be ratified by the prevalence of a certain influence.
in Congress. I do not suppose Mr. J. Adams will con-
tinue in the commission under its present form; or, if
he should, he will be out-voted. Those New England.
delegates who voted for the Chancellor have, if I am
not much mistaken, given a mortal blow to the most
essential interests of their country.
As to myself, I think the event of the election is
448
THE DEANE PAPERS.
me.
fortunate; for if I had been elected it would have put
me to the disagreeable alternative of disappointing
the wishes of my friends, or entering into an adminis-
tration where the financier [R. Morris] and probably
the other ministers would have been in a cabal against
The minister of France here [Luzerne], and in
Europe the Minister for Foreign Affairs at the Court
of Versailles [Vergennes], with our minister there
[Franklin, and Mr. Jay and Mr. Carmichael at Mad-
rid, would have combined in endeavoring to embarrass
and mislead me. These are all my avowed enemies;
they are capable of everything to accomplish their
purposes; and in such a situation I could not expect
to do my country any service, nor even to escape dis-
grace and censure. It appears to me, therefore, that I
have had a fortunate escape; and when I consider
that the whole influence of the French Court, so
powerful at this juncture, with that of Mr. Morris
and Mr. Duane (who, having obtained absolution from
the assembly of his state, is returned with renewed
purity and power), have been incessantly excited
against me, there is no humiliation in the want of suc-
cess. I calculate the French influence to have carried
four states-N. H., R. I., S. C., and Geo., decidedly.
The same influence will be exerted to put Generals
Schuyler and McDougal into the War and Marine
Departments; and if this should succeed, we shall
have a complete New York administration constituted
by the French. Gouverneur Morris is clearly appointed
Deputy Financier.
It behooves the friends in America to look about
them and bestir themselves. The plot is deep, the
times are favorable to its success, and we may be fet-
tered before we are aware. Shorn of our strength by
a hand we do not suspect, it may be in vain hereafter
to cry out, "the Philistines are upon us.
""
Lee Mss., Harvard University.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
449
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Ke
Paris, August 24th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, Though I have been returned but a
few days, and in but indifferent health, I should have
wrote you; but until yesterday I was told you might
be expected here every day. I now find by Capt.
Robinson that we shall not have the pleasure of see-
ing you soon. I was at Ostend in the course of my
tour, and made some observations which I think may
be useful in an adventure to America. A swift-sailing
cutter may be purchased there, at least as cheap as
any where; the goods wanted in North America,
especially in the northern ports, where only any thing
can be sent with any degree of safety, may be had
there on better terms than any where else, and more.
suitable to the market. The vessel may be covered
by imperial papers and flag, out of danger in the
European seas, and by going north, about directly for
Boston or Portsmouth, little danger will be run, even
next to none, making her voyage in November. Capt.
Robinson is desirous of undertaking such a voyage.
The vessel, on her arrival, will sell to a good profit,
if it is thought best to sell her, rather than to make a
cruiser of her. If you approve of these hints, and are
inclined to be concerned, I will exert myself to take
a quarter or third. Your thoughts on the subject
will oblige me, as I intend a second journey to Ghent
and Antwerp some time this fall, where I have an
acquaintance with many of the best houses. I have
not as yet seen Mrs. Williams, for which I should be
unpardonable in my own eyes, had not my absence
and inevitable accident prevented. I most sincerely
congratulate you on her recovery, and the prospect of
your being soon blessed with her company. I must
see her before she sets out, and apologize in person.
News we have none. Our affairs in America wore a
gloomy aspect when the last accounts came away.
The indefatigable General Greene had been repulsed
VOL. IV.—29
450
THE DEANE PAPERS.
at Ninety-six, which he attempted to storm; and Lord
Rawdon, being reinforced by between two and three
thousand fresh forces, General Greene was retreating
towards Virginia by the interior parts of the country.
I fear he will find it even difficult to affect it.
man.
Young Mr. Mumford's uncle has written to me that
he has taken his nephew immediately under his pro-
tection, and prays me to place him at Nantes. You
know the character and acquirements of the young
His uncle is every way the first mercantile
character in Connecticut, and has been greatly suc-
cessful this war. I wish you to have his correspond-
ence, as you must be mutually satisfied with each
other, and I know no greater obligation that you can
lay on him than assisting his nephew to a place at
Nantz; if in your own house, the better. The
young man has not lost his time at Dr. Franklin's, but
he can gain nothing there in future, and time, at his
period of life, is peculiarly precious and important.
Excuse the interest I take in this affair, as it is to
serve an absent and an old friend; and if you can
assist me, I am confident you will readily do it.
I am,
with much respect, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S.—The expence of placing him in a good house
will be no objection.
Mr. J. Williams.
Thomas Mss.
TO ISAAC HAZLEHURST.
Paris, Sept. 5th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-We are told that Capt. Gillon has sailed,
but that he left his convoy with the goods bought at
Amsterdam behind. Pray write me how that affair
happened, and whither he left his passengers, as well
as the goods. I informed you generally of the course
Shaffer was in, when I saw you, but I did not then
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451
apprehend that the consequences would prove so
serious as they actually have. In a word, he was
arrested the day before yesterday as he was coming
out of the Palais Royal Garden; had his hands bound,
and was led off, first to his lodgings, and thence to
prison, like a common felon; everything, except his
cloathes on his back, seized on, his purse taken out of
his pocket, and his buckles taken from his shoes and
knees; and this in open day and in the street. I
leave you to imagine how the poor young man must
have been shocked at such unexpected treatment. He
obtained yesterday the liberty of seeing his friends in
the prison, and from what I can learn, he is charged
with having made a double, and consequently a fradu-
lent, sale of the vessel I told you of. He denies the
charges, but I fear that from his ignorance in business,
which is extreme, and from his presumption and rash-
ness, which have always rendered him deaf to the
advice of others, and being concerned with a sett of
knowing ones, without the knowledge either of their
language or their real character, that he has involved
himself in a very disagreeable, and perhaps disreputa-
ble, transaction; and I wish he may be able to get
clear of it, even by the sacrifice of the little which he
has left of what he brought out with him. I have not
seen him, nor shall I until I am satisfied whither he
has really acted the part his enemies charge him with,
or not. In the mean time I shall be ready to do what-
ever is in my power to get him out of this scrape and
out of this country, where he, as well as some others
of us, have remained too long, either for our profit or
any thing else of any advantage to ourselves or coun-
try. We have no news more than what you will see in
the public papers. Pray tell me if your bills, drawn
by Mr. Holker, are returned or not?
I am, with sincere esteem, Dear Sir,
Mr. Hazlehurst.
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
452
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Paris, Sept. 10th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I received yours of the 7th of June
last, and though I wished to hear from you often, yet
I never attributed your silence to any other than the
true causes, which you have given me in your farewell
letter, as you stile it, on account of your being about
to reimbark on the sea of politics. It is, my friend, a
tempestuous ocean, and, I fear, not well explored. I
am convinced that the motives which have induced
you to engage are the most honorable and disinter-
ested; but if you receive the letter I wrote you the
10th of June last, you will fully conceive what my
apprehensions must be for the issue. Any sentiments
unreservedly given in that letter anticipates any thing
on the subject in this; but in a word, if the men who
now apply to you in the hour of their discredit and
distress had in 1778 appointed you to the same impor-
tant office which they now force on you, our national
faith, credit, and honor would have been preserved,
and America would probably have been, before this,
blessed with an honorable and lasting peace. I sin-
cerely esteem your abilities equal to those of Mr.
Necker's, but your situation and undertaking is widely
different. Mr. Necker attempted, by lopping off the
rotten and useless branches of an old tree, in its nature
strong and vigorous almost beyond example, to give
it fresh force and consistency. You have to reani-
mate a young one, which, by bad managers, has,
even before it was well rooted, been lopped, peeled,
and undermined. The office you have undertaken is
at any time, and even in old establish'd nations, accus-
tomed for ages to all the variety of taxation and
schemes of finance, an arduous one; but, in the pres-
ent state of America, it appears to me a labor truly
herculean. If any man of my acquaintance is equal to
it, you are, and as you are accustomed to do business
in a clear and regular manner, I presume that one of
THE DEANE PAPERS.
453
your first steps will be to ascertain what the debt of the
public is at the time of your entering on their business,
which gives me ground to hope that my long neglected
account will now be adjusted and the ballance paid me.
When I returned from America to France, it was on
the presumption that such measures had been taken by
Congress that my accounts would be audited as soon
as ready. You must remember that as Congress
insisted on their being transmitted to them with their
vouchers before final settlement, I petitioned to have
orders given that the ballance, whatever it undoubt-
edly appeared to be in my favor, should be paid me on
my giving security to be accountable for any error that
might be made. This was refused me, and on my
arrival in France Mr. Johnson would not act as auditor.
He told me he had long before informed Congress
of his reasons for declining the service, and that he
doubted not but they would either satisfy him on the
subject or appoint some other immediately; but, to my
great disappointment, and to the almost total ruin of
my affairs, I have been obliged to wait here-it is now
ten months--with my accounts ready to be audited
and settled, without being able to get anything done,
or to touch one livre of the large ballance due to me.
I am informed that the accounts of Mr. Lee, though
neither audited in Europe nor offered for it by him,
have, notwithstanding, been passed by the board of
accounts at Philadelphia. This encourages me to send
the particulars of mine, and my general account cur-
rent with Congress. As I cannot be present myself,
nor send the vouchers, having no duplicates of them,
it is possible that Congress may object to the ordering.
me the whole of the ballance without first having the
vouchers examined and compared with the charges;
but as the smallest examination will convince them
that a large ballance is unquestionably due to me, I
trust they will no longer put off the appointment of
an auditor to examine and close my accounts, and that
in the mean time they will order me an immediate
454
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remittance, and impower their auditor to pay me with
interest from the time of the monies having been due.
I have stated the Commission account separate. You
must remember that the contracts with me by the
Secret Committee, and the Commissioner of Commerce
promised me five per cent. on the purchases made by
me in Europe on account of Congress, which I have
accordingly charged. The purchases made after the
arrival of my colleagues, though I was the acting per-
son in the greater part of them, and took on me a
business for which, being entirely independant of my
political commission, I was justly entitled to that com-
mission, which any other person would have been
allowed, yet as I did not intend to charge it at the
time, I have not done it now, though the expences I
have been at in returning, and my time and money
spent in attending here for a settlement, are sufficient
to entitle me to such a demand. In my accounts gen-
erally of expenditures and disbursements you will see
that all the money ever paid me or charged me, either
by Mr. Grand or Mr. Solier, the bankers for Congress,
amount to £150,389, 17, 11, of which sum £60,932, 0, 5
is made up of wrong charges, which I have explained
in the account, and to the greater part of which, that
of Solier's, you are knowing; this leaves the sum of
89,457, 7, 6, for me to account for. Out of this I paid
to relief of prisoners at different periods 19,223, 7, 10,
for the greatest part of which I have their vouchers.
This sum will not appear extravagant, nor convict me
of wasting the public money in unnecessary gratuities,
when you find that, within two years after my leaving
France, more than twice that sum was paid for that
purpose. I have Mr. Carmichael's receipts and ac-
counts for the money paid him, except for about 1,200
livres, for the sum of 47,899, 12, 6, paid officers going
out to America, and Americans in service of Congress.
I have their receipts for the whole; it cannot be
expected that I can have vouchers for every article.
I have, however, more than I thought I had before I
THE DEANE PAPERS.
455
examined my papers; indeed, I do not think that
there is ten thousand livres in the whole for which I
have not vouchers. I have charged my time up to
January last, not doubting but that when Congress
see, as they must, from the very first view of the
account, that, independant of my time and expences, I
have paid out for them near as much money as I have
ever received from them, they will think that the sum
charged by me for my time in returning and settling
their accounts ought to be allowed. With respect to
the commission account, you will recollect that on
my engaging to come to Europe in January, 1776, I
received orders to purchase goods to the amount of
£40,000 sterling, and was promised that the money
should be sent out with me, or remitted so early that
I should not be under the necessity of asking any
credit for them, and that at the same time I was
ordered to purchase brass cannon, cloathing, arms, tents,
&c., compleat, for an army of 25,000 men; and the
commission of 5 per cent. then and since given to the
agents of Congress was promised me. Though pecun-
iary considerations had very little weight in determining
me to undertake the voyage, yet my prospects were
favorable in that way, as the certainty, as I then sup-
posed, of having £40,000 sterling to dispose of in
Europe, which must obtain a ready credit for the other
articles to a much greater amount, would, by the com-
mission itself, advance my fortune and, by the extent
of the operation, obtain for me no small degree of
consideration in the mercantile world. I need not
repeat the history of what you know perfectly well.
In short, though disappointed of the funds promised,
and thrown into the most perplexed and embarrassing
circumstances, yet I succeeded in obtaining on credit
more even than I was directed to purchase, intent
solely on fulfilling my commissions in the most advan-
tageous manner for my country. I neglected my
private interest so far that, though it was for a long
time in my power to have paid myself my just due out
456
THE DEANE PAPERS.
of the public monies then in my disposal, yet I never
turned a thought that way, but relied entirely on the
justice of Congress to fulfil their engagements with
me. Some others in public employ acted a different
part, and at all times held money in advance in their
hands. At this time they find themselves at ease in
their circumstances, and uncensured by Congress or
the public voice; had I done the same, I might pos-
sibly have escaped the obloquy thrown on me-at
least I should have escaped the distress in which I
have been involved for two years past. But I will not
add on the subject, least I say something that may tend
to irritate others or myself, and be led to make re-
criminations foreign to the affairs in hand, which is
simply an account, in the settling of which facts and
figures alone are to be attended to. It matters not
how obnoxious I have been rendered to many, even
of my well meaning countrymen, nor by what means
this has been effected; were I even their enemy,
which it is not possible I can ever be, still honor as
well as justice would require that what is due to me
should be paid to me. I have for sometime since.
despaired of seeing justice done to my character until
the phrenzy and madness of the present time is over;
and I see by the public papers sent over from Boston
and Philadelphia that, unhappily for our country as
well as individuals, the wished for crisis is still at a
distance, whilst the most respectable characters in
Congress, or in the immediate service of their country,
are daily traduced and abused in your papers, and the
calumnies published with you transmitted here to be
spread in Europe; and this by men who, from their
station, ought to act a very different part.
What can
I expect I, who have long since been inured to their
calumnies, and have been refused either protection or
justice by those from whom I had the greatest right
to expect and demand both? I must patiently wait
for better times, with this melancholy consolation:
that it is hardly possible they can become worse. I
THE DEANE PAPERS.
457
think it is not improper to make one observation on
the subject of my accounts before I close. You will
see that the whole of my charges for my time, includ-
ing the last six months, and the expences of it, amount.
to 519, 57, 13, and that Mr. Izard, who received his
commission at Paris, where he had previously settled
himself and family for the sole purpose of educating
his children, and who never took one step or expended
one livre extra on account of his commission, received
6,000 livres of the public monies-more than two-
thirds of the whole sum which I received of the
bankers, and for which I am accountable; and, further,
I can but remind you to look at the prisoners' accounts.
in the Congress Commissioners' book, and you will
find very little charged before I left Paris-about 2,000
livres only; and from my leaving Paris, to the January
following, more than 3,000 livres are charged on that
account only. But I will not add to a letter already
sufficiently particular, to shew my right to demand a
settlement and payment of my account, and to have
that justice done which has been so long and so cruelly
refused me. I have addressed myself to you on the
supposition that it must lie within your department to
give orders on such subjects. If I am mistaken, you
will please to lay this letter and the accounts trans-
mitted before Congress, or that board which may be
charged by them with the management of their con-
cerns of this nature. My best compliments wait on
Mrs. Morris, and am, with the most sincere esteem and
respect, Dear Sir.
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Hon. Robert Morris, Esqr.
P. S. As I stated the general accounts of Congress
many months since, not only up to the time of my
recall, but to the time of Dr. Franklin receiving his
commission of sole Minister, and sent him duplicates
of the books, I presume you have received them
before this.
Thomas Mss.
458
THE DEANE PAPERS.
FROM CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS.
Paris, ce 11 Sep., 1781.
MONSIEUR,-Le réglement général de touts nos
comptes m'a donné une nouvelle occasion d'appro-
fondir avec vous tout ce qui tient a la premiere et
difficile mission que vous recutes du congrés général
en 1776, de venir chercher en Europe des secours a
vos compatriotes et d'acheter toutes les marchandises
et munitions que vous pouries leur procurer, sans
aucune autre titre, fonds ou crédit que votre seule
mission du congrès.
Je me suis aussi rapelé avec quel zéle, quel soin,
quelle constance et quels travaux vous avés commencé,
suivi et terminé l'opération délicate de tous les envois,
que J'ai faits à l'amerique. Si vos ennemis, depuis ce
temps, sont parvenus a diminuer le mérite de votre
conduite politique et commerciale aux yeux de vos
commettans; c'est un malheur pour votre pays et
pour vous, dont je ne puis que gemir, moi, premier et
continual témoin de vos grands efforts pour servir
votre Patrie. Ce sont ces efforts, Monsieur, qui m'ont
donné pour vous la haute considération, l'estime et
l'amitié que je vous ai vouées avec d'autant plus de
plaisir que nos sages Ministers et tous les gens eclairés
de ce Pays, n'ont cessé de rendre avec moi, témoignage
a votre prudence, a vos talents et a votre conduite en
Europe. Je réfléchis de plus qu'il vous est échapé de
me dire, en reglant nos comptes, que le congrès géné-
ral s'etait engagé envers vous lorsqu'il vous envoya en
Europe, a vous payer une commission de cinq pour
cent sur tous les achats de marchandises que vous
pouriés faire pour lui et quoique vous n'ayés pas poussé
plus loin l'explication, J'ai pu deviner que vous n'etes
pas tout a fait sans inquiétude aujourdui sur l'accom-
plissment de cette promesse. Mais, comme J'ai beau-
coup moins cherché a faire une Speculation de fortune
de mes envois a vos amis, que je me suis livré au
THE DEANE PAPers.
459
généraux desir d'etre utile a une brave nation qui con-
quérait le premier bien de l'homme, la liberté, je ne
pourais voir sans une extrème afliction que son premier
agent, que celui qui m'a tant aidé de ses luminères et
de ses travaux, restat sans dédomagement en récom-
pense.
En conséquence, Monsieur, je prens la résolution de
vous allouer, en vous priant de l'accepter de moi, une
commission de deux pour cent sur les retours que me
fera le congrès général, soit en argent, soit en mar-
chandises, pour la masse des achats en Europe dont
nous avons réglé les comptes; mais dans le cas seule-
ment ou vos ennemis entraineraient le congrès a vous
faire l'injustice de vous refuser la commission qu'il
vous a promise et qui vous est si légitimement due
sur ces achats.
Cette lettre, Monsieur, vous servira de titre pour
exiger de moi, ou de mes ayant-cause, la commission
de deux pour cent que je vous offre, en y joignant
seulement la preuve que le congrès vous aurait fait
l'injustice d'un refus entier et absolu d'une commis-
sion quelconque sur cet object. Je ne vous offre
qu'un faible dédomagement de vos peines, mais aussi
je le prens sur portion d'une commission de dix pour
cent allouée pour les miennes et qui, vous le savés,
est bien loin de remplir tous les vides affreux que ces
achats, mes envois et les retards de paiement pendant
tant d'années ont causé dans mes affairs.
Recevés donc cette commission, je vous prie, comme
un témoinage de l'estime, de l'affection et de tous les
Sentiments avec les quels J'ai l'honneur d'etre, Mon-
sieur,
Votre très humble et très obeissant Serviteur,
CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS.
Connu en Amérique pendant mes envois sous la
raison de Rodrique Hortales et Comp.
Thomas Mss.
460
THE DEANE PAPERS,
TRANSLATION.
Paris, Sept. 11th, 1781.
SIR, A full statement of all our accounts has
afforded to both of us a new occasion of estimating
all the difficult circumstances attending your first
commission received from Congress to obtain in
Europe supplies for your countrymen and to purchase
for them every sort of materials and munitions pos-
sible without other means, resources, or credit than
the authenticity of your credentials. I recall, more-
over, the ardor, the care, the persistency, and the
exertions with which you commenced, continued, and,
finally, concluded the delicate task of forwarding the
consignments prepared by me for shipment to
America.
If your enemies have subsequently succeeded in
belittling the value of your political or commercial
services in the opinion of those whom you repre-
sented, it is a misfortune for your Country and for
you; and, as an early and a constant witness of your
exertions to serve your Country, I cannot but deplore
it.
It was these very services of yours that inspired me
with the greatest regard, esteem, and friendship for you,
especially since our Ministry and all intelligent men
in our nation have, in common with myself, invariably
recognized your sagacity, ability, and irreproachable
conduct. I also recall that, in stating our accounts,
you inadvertently mentioned that Congress, when
sending you to Europe, promised to you a commission
of five per cent. upon all purchases that you might
succeed in making. Although you did not pursue the
subject, I suspected that you are at present somewhat
anxious in regard to the fulfillment of this promise.
For myself, because I have been influenced by an
inspiring desire to assist a brave people to win Lib-
erty-the supreme good of mankind-rather than to
น
THE DEANE PAPERS.
461
conduct a profitable speculation, I cannot hear with-
out distress that their first representative, and one
whose ability and exertions have rendered me such
efficient aid, should remain without sufficient reim-
bursement.
I have, therefore, decided, Sir, to offer to you, and
I beg that you will accept, a commission of two per
cent. on all returns that I may receive from Congress,
whether they consist of money or goods; that is, on
every purchase included in our accounts, yet only in
the event that your enemies prevail in influencing
Congress to withhold from you the promised commis-
sion justly due to you on these purchases.
This letter will serve as an order on me, or my
factors, for the two per cent. commission hereby of-
fered in connection with the proof that Congress has
done you the injustice to absolutely and entirely refuse
you any commission whatever on these transactions.
This is but a poor return for your trouble; but, on
my part, I deduct it from a commission of ten per
cent. allowed to me, which, as you know, is far from
repairing the immense losses suffered by me in conse-
quence of my purchases, consignments, and the delay
in payments extending over so many years. Accept
this commission, then, I beg of you, as a testimonial
of regard and affection, and of every consideration
with which I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your very humble and very obedient servant,
CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS.
Known in America, during my shipments, by the
title of Rodrigue Hortales and Co.
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, Wednesday, September 12, 1781. The
Committee, consisting of Mr. Clymer, Mr. Lovell,
462
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Mr. Sherman, to whom was referred a letter from S.
Deane, of the 15th of May last, report:
That provision is made for the examination of Mr.
Deane's accounts by the appointment of a vice consul.
Whereupon
Ordered, That Mr. Deane be informed of that ap-
pointment.
Journals of Congress.
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
most.
Paris, Sept. 12th, 1781.
Dear Sir,—I should have replied to yours of the
28th ulto. sooner, but for expectation of a letter from
Capt. Robinson which I received last evening. I con-
fess that I cannot see why insurers at Nantes should
ask 10 per cent. more on a neutral than on an open
and direct adventure; for supposing the British to pay
no regard to neutral flags, still this does not increase
the risque, but must only render the chance equal, at
The advantages which Capt. Robinson, as well
as myself, proposed from Ostend, were that a swift
sailing cutter might be purchased ready for the sea,
and of course no loss of time; that goods might be
procured at Ostend, the most suitable for the Ameri-
can market, and at the best rates; that a neutral flag
might secure the vessel whilst passing the north seas;
and that such a vessel sailing in October or Novem-
ber would, going north about for Boston or Ports-
mouth, run very little risque, whatever her papers
might be, and on her arrival in America would com-
mand a handsome profit, if we were disposed to sell
her.
These reasons had weight with us at the time, and
still have with me, though you, from greater experience
and knowledge, must be a better judge in this matter.
Capt. Robinson writes me that you are about building
a vessel for the trade between America and Nantes,
and proposes that Mr. Sebor and myself should take
THE DEANE PAPERS.
463
an interest; though I know of no gentleman with
whom I would sooner be concerned in the equipment
and command of a vessel, yet I have these objections.
The building a vessel will take up much time, and,
built on the present war construction for sailing only,
will not sell for any thing near her value on a peace,
which to me appears probable the coming winter;
at least if peace should not take place, the British con-
tinuing superior in the American seas, as well as on
the continent, little or no commerce can remain with
America after this year. Rodney is undoubtedly gone
for North America with nearly the whole of his fleet,
which will continue the superiority of the enemy on
our coasts as long as he remains there, which he
probably will until Monsr. de Grasse leaves Boston,
where he is gone, by the best accounts. These reasons
have induced me rather to be concerned in a swift cutter
direct from Ostend to Portsmouth in New Hampshire
than in any other American adventure. I had the
pleasure of passing a day at St. Germain, and to find
Mrs. Williams perfectly recovered. As to news, we
have none of any consequence from America, or any
other quarter, except what you will see in the papers.
This campaign will prove most probably as indecisive
in Europe as the preceding ones, except the taking
of Minorca, of which there appears to me great prob-
ability, should be followed with decisive consequence.
If you receive any news from America, I pray you to
communicate it to me by the first post. I am, with
great sincerity, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Jonathan Williams, Esqr.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
TO WILLIAM ROBINSON.
Paris, Sept. 12th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I received yours of the 8th last evening,
and, having written to Mr. Williams this day on the
464
THE DEANE PAPERS.
subject, need not be particular in this, as it would only
be a repetition of what I have said to him, and which
he will communicate to you. At present my views
are turned to the prosecution of the plan we talked
of from Ostend, by some means or other; should it
fail, or should I alter my sentiments from any new
events or new lights on the subject, and resolve to
make any adventure direct from France, I shall, on
every account, prefer a concern with you and Mr.
Williams to any other in that way; and Mr. Sebor,
who presents his best respects to you, is of the same
sentiments. I have the honor to be, with sincere
esteem, Dear Sir,
Capt. William Robinson.
Yours, &c.,
To BARNABAS DEANE.
S. DEANE.
1
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Sept. 13th, 1781.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-I am but this moment made
acquainted with the present opportunity for sending
to America, and the Courier Express goes off im-
mediately. I have only time, therefore, to tell you I
am at present well, though a few days since ill with a
fever and a lax. I wrote you the 10th of May last a long
letter, and have received none from you or any of my
friends in America, Mr. Morris excepted, since the
date of March last. My son is at Ghent, in Flanders,
where I intend to go in a few days to pass the fll.
My patience is exhausted, and my affairs ruined by
the unexampled conduct of Congress, who have de-
tained me here-it is now more than a year-waiting for
the appointment of an auditor to settle my accounts,
which in reality I believe they never wish or desire to
have settled. But I may not add, save that I will write
THE DEANE PAPERS.
465
you again soon, and that I am most affectionately
yours,
S. DEANE.
My compliments to all friends, particularly to Col.
G. Wyllys; and if you have not done it already, shew
him the letter I wrote you the 10th of May last. Nothing
has since occurred to contradict my then sentiments,
but every day's experience confirms them.
Barnabas Deane, Esq.
Thomas Mss.
TO JAMES Wilson.
Paris, Sept. 19th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-My last letter to you was of the 10th of
May, since when I have seen Mr. Grand but once, and
then the affair of your appointment remained in the
same stage as when I wrote you formerly. As to the
mast affair, nothing is done, or can be during the war,
as France is ever disposed to neglect her navy during
peace. I think the prospect but discouraging and
doubtful, at least with this Court, and it appears to
me to be still more so with that of Spain. No one
will have anything to do at present with land adven-
tures in America, and very few with any other. Its
being known that a merchant has made, or is about to
make, any considerable adventure to America, is of
itself sufficient to hurt his credit in France at this time.
For myself, almost every thing I depended on when I
left America has failed. I built great hopes on the
mast contracts, and had good right so to do at the
time. I presumed that something might be done with
lands, and I flattered myself that our public credit was
not so low in Europe, but that Loan Office Certificates.
would sell for at least what they cost in America; but
in particular I was confident that Congress, after suf-
fering me to be calumniated as a public defaulter, and
in effect treating me as such themselves, would cer-
tainly have an auditor ready to meet me in the exam-
VOL. IV.―30
466
THE DEANE PAPERS.
ination and settlement of my accounts, and that they
would seek rather than avoid a scrutiny; but I have not
been less deceived in this than in my other expecta-
tions. I am sensible they have much on their hands;
but as they cannot expect to have less for a long time
to come, and as one half hour was sufficient for the
giving the necessary orders on the subject, it is impos-
sible to reconcile their pretensions that I owe them
money with their evading and refusing a settlement,
so long and urgently solicited on my part. With regard
to political affairs, I gave you unreservedly my senti-
ments in my letter of the 10th May, and nothing has
occurred since to alter them. On the contrary, the
events and measures since have all tended to confirm
me in my opinion of the present real object and prob-
able issue of the war. The present campaign in Europe,
if really a little parading at sea, merits the name, will
be more indecisive than even I could have imagined.
The Dutch fought a very good battle, it is true. They
did themselves great honor in proving to the world
that their seamen have not, as has been generally
presumed, degenerated or lost their antient skill and
bravery in sea operations; but no consequence has fol-
lowed to effect either party materially.
The combined fleets of France and Spain, after being
at sea a few weeks, have separated and retired. The
Spaniards keep on the siege of Gibraltar, and have
invaded Minorca. The latter may probably be taken,
but the British trade, having for many years been
declining in the Mediterranean, and not like to re-
vive, the loss of Minorca can cause very little or no
sensation in England, now wholly taken up with the
recovering America at any rate. For the forwarding
this, a fresh body of troops will go over next month.
It will consist of about 6,000, and will probably arrive
somewhere to the southward, at Charleston or in Ches-
apeake Bay, about the last of December. The talk of
peace has subsided for sometime past. The leisure
which next winter will afford may revive it, but I fear
ܐ
ܫ
ܓ
ܝ
THE DEANE PAPERS.
467
will not produce any thing in reality. This is, in brief,
a sketch of affairs in this part of the world, so far as an
impartial bystander is capable of judging. I enclose
you an authentic list of the ships which were on the
stocks in England in April last. Many of them have
been since launched, but I am not able to point them.
out particularly; but the list will shew you what the
preparations are on one side for a continuance of
the war, and on what my opinion as to it is, in part,
founded. I have nothing material to add, but am, with
compliments to Mrs. Wilson, and the most sincere
respect and esteem, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
James Wilson, Esqr.
TO ISAAC HAZLEHURST.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Sept. 23d, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-I duly received yours of the 17th.
Your fellow citizen Shaffer is still in confinement.
He has commenced a suit against the men he has
been concerned with, but, from what I can learn, they
have spread their nets so compleately round him, and
have such advantages from his own unparalleled ig-
norance and folly, that I suspect he will find it difficult
to obtain his own enlargement, and more so, to obtain
any satisfaction. He sold the vessel to them, as he
says, really for 20,000 livres, and no more, even nomi-
nally, and was paid in merchandize not worth one
half the money, such as cut silk velvets; and among
other trumpery a clock was set down at near forty
guineas, which, I am told, is not worth five. Not
content with this, they induced him to acknowledge in
the bill of sale the receipt of sixty thousand; and, as
the finishing piece of his folly, he signed an agreement
that if the vessel was not worth the money, he would
refund. This is his story; and, though from many
468
THE DEANE PAPERS.
circumstances I am inclined to believe it nearly true,
yet the folly of it is too extravagant to gain much
credit against his own written testimony to the con-
trary, which they produce in their bill of sale and
agreement. By this specimen of his conduct, you
will form an idea of his situation. Gillon's conduct
would surprize me, if I had not within two or three
years past been witness to so many extravagant pro-
ceedings of our countrymen that I am now beyond
being surprized at any thing. I am, however, glad
that he carried his passengers with him, and wish they
may arrive safe. Pray, have you any intelligence
from Mr. Dana since he left Amsterdam? I hear
Mr. Adams is sick. Is he getting better? It has
been said that he intends soon for America. I know
not how to credit it, but you can tell me if the report
is true or not. Address your next letter, under cover,
to Mr. Jean Louis Catres, merchant, at Ghent, for
which place I shall set out in four or five days, and
from whence I shall write you on my arrival. We
have nothing new from America, or from any other
quarter. I am, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Mr. Isaac Hazlehurst.
T
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
TO THOMAS MUMFORD.*
Paris, Sept. 24th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-I received yours covering a bill for
1200 livres for use of your nephew, which was paid,
and the money delivered to him. He is still with
Doctor Franklin, and it is with pleasure I assure
you that I think no young man could have improved
more than what he has done in 12 months. As to fix-
ing him at Amsterdam, it is hardly possible to do it
* Read before Congress; see Proceedings, Jan. 17, 1782. Also printed as an
intercepted letter, without the postscript, in The Royal Gazette, April 24, 1782.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
469
in the present situation of affairs in that country,
where all business is, in a manner, suspended; and it
is, in my opinion, by no means advisable. I have
been twice in Holland, and have many acquaintance
there who are of the same way of thinking on this
subject. It is almost as difficult to find him a place
in France where his advantages will any way equal
the expences; in short, except the language, I know
of but very little that he could acquire in any of the
trading towns in France which would be of use to him
as an American merchant, for which you design him.
With Doctor Franklin he will be at no expence but
for cloaths; and, disposed as he is to be oeconomical,
that will not be great. He will be kept close to busi-
ness, and will acquire the language, and at the same
time a much more extensive knowledge of the world
than he could in any counting house I could place
him in. The Doctor, being obliged by Congress to
act here as their banker, their consul, &c., as well as
their minister, must, of course, keep a sort of counting
house, the principal part of which business will employ
your nephew's whole time. It does already, so that
he but seldom can get leisure time even to pay me
a visit. These considerations have induced me to
recommend his remaining where he is, at least until
next spring, by which time we may probably be better
able to form a judgment of the continuance and issue
of the war than we can at this time. I wrote you a
long political letter the 15th of June last, in which
you will find my sentiments without reserve, and too
explicit to leave me any thing to add on that subject
in this, except that events have since justified, at least
in Europe and the West Indies, the utmost of what I
ventured to predict as to the operations and issue of
this campaign, and serve to confirm the sentiments
which, ever since my return to Europe, I have had as
to the real and only actual object of the war and of
its final issue. Having no certain intelligence from
America since about the 20th of July, am ignorant
470
THE DEANE PAPERS.
what turn the war. may have taken with you, but, un-
less it is conducted with more energy and decision on
your side than on this, I fear that my apprehensions,
gloomy as they are, will soon be realized. By the
appointment of Commissioners on the part of Con-
gress to treat of peace, and by persons arriving from
America, I find that your hopes are sanguine as to
that wished for event. It is with pain that I find it
my duty to undeceive you; there is not at present
any prospect of peace, nor is there even any serious
talk of it. Great Britain does not appear likely to
be the first to propose it. Her national debt has
been increased greatly, but otherways she is every
way stronger than in the first year of the war. The
spirit of the nation increases with its enemies; her
commerce has not suffered on the whole; and as a
demonstrative proof of this fact, incredible as it may
appear in America, the last year's exports from Great
Britain were greater, and the revenue arising thereon
amounted to a greater sum, than in any former year
since that Kingdom existed. The monied men in
every part of Europe, even in France and Holland,
place their money in the English funds. Affairs in the
East Indies have taken a favorable turn for them,
and, in short, they appear ready to face their enemies
in every part of the world.
As to America, Great
Britain considers us of so much importance that,
sooner than acknowledge our independance, she will
play the desperate game of all or nothing. These
may be disagreeable truths, but they are not less true,
nor less important, on account of their being unpala-
table. If we turn our attention to Spain and Holland,
can we be so blind as not to see the motives of their
conduct, and in what light they regard us? They
refuse to receive our Minister, or to know any thing
of us or our cause; and the former, by sending at her
expence, the garrison of Pensacola to reinforce Gen.
Clinton's army at New York, has acted openly and
unequivocally against America. I assure you it is
-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
471
considered in no other light by men of reflection here,
and it must be an insult on the common sense of man-
kind to attempt to give it any other construction.
This event justifies every thing I have ventured to
affirm or conjecture as to the real disposition of Spain
towards us. Before you receive this, you will have
the news of the separation and return of the combined
fleets, which closes the campaign in Europe on the
part of France and Spain. The Dutch fleet for the
Baltic is returned into port, and the voyage given
over, by which no naval stores will be received from
that quarter this year, either by France, Spain, or
Holland. The British fleet under Admiral Darby
has, in a most surprizingly expeditious manner, been
augmented to 40 sail of the line, of which ten are
three deckers. On the separation of the combined
fleets, this fleet became masters of these seas, and
have since separated on different expeditions; part of
them into the North Sea to annoy the Dutch, a part
to cruise for the home French West India fleet, and
a part to convoy a reinforcement of about 5,000 troops
to America, supposed for Chesapeake Bay. The
Spaniards have invaded Minorca, and continue the
siege of Gibraltar. Should they succeed against both,
the garrisons, consisting in the whole of near 10,000
veterans, may be sent, like that of Pensacola, to rein-
force Gen. Clinton at New York; whilst the loss of
one or both of those places will occasion very little
sensation in England, the trade of that nation into
the Mediterranean having been for some time since
very inconsiderable.
The Dutch fleet under Admiral Zoutman did them-
selves great honor in the battle with Admiral Parker.
It was a well fought action on both sides, but the con-
sequences have been unfavorable for Holland, as their
battle fleet has thereby been detained for this year in
their ports. Holland affords at this time a most mel-
ancholy prospect; 5 or 6,000 sail of vessels, but lately
employed in exchanging the productions of one coun-
472
THE DEANE PAPERS.
try for those of another, and thereby promoting the
general happiness of mankind, stripped and laid up,
and the numerous bodies of sailors and artificers out
of employ and in want of their usual and certain
means of support, gives to a feeling and reflecting
mind painful sensations. I confess that when at
Amsterdam, in July last, I found the scene too much
for me, and that the sight of between 2 and 3,000
ships in that port only, in that useless and deserted
state, affected me beyond what I could have had any
idea of at a distance. You may imagine that this
desertion of commerce will naturally man the navy.
It is natural to suppose this, but the fact is, that the
Dutch find it very difficult to man the few ships they
have, and the cause is, that of the seamen employed in
the Dutch service, not one fifth are really natives, but
are composed of Swedes, Danes, Hamburgers, &c.,
from the North, invited into the employ by the high
wages given, and the certainty of finding service; but,
on a suspension of commerce, these men having noth-
ing local to attach them, disappear and seek other
employ wherever it is to be found. Of this circum-
stance the English have availed themselves, and gen-
tlemen of credit assured me at Amsterdam that at
least 10,000 sailors in their employ before the war had
passed into the service of England, either in the mer-
chant or men of war ships. I really consider a fleet
of Dutch men of war, well equipped, and manned with
Dutch sailors, as more formidable to Great Britain
than the separate or combined fleets of all her other
enemies, for I esteem the Dutch to be at least the
second best navigators in the world, but under the most
favorable circumstances such a fleet cannot appear for
some time to come; and the Republic, naturally averse
to a war, slow in their operations, and at least wishing
for peace and a revival of their commerce, must im-
prove the first favorable moment to obtain a separate
peace, which has already been proposed on their part,
and rejected by England; but it is probable that the
THE DEANE PAPERS.
473
proposal may be revived this winter. Russia and
the other northern powers find their account in the
war too sensibly to wish to put an end to it. The
British manufactures formerly consumed by us are
now sent that way, and the gross materials received
from America before the war are taken from thence,
and at a lower price, which will account for the increase,
instead of the expected diminution of the British com-
merce. These general reflections will, as they are
founded on indisputable facts, strengthen what I before
wrote you, and lead you to reflect and inquire seriously
where and in what condition we shall land after this
general storm. I have already been too free with
your patience to add any thing more to this letter than
my most affectionate compliments to my sister Mum-
ford, your spouse, and to all the family, and that I am,
most affectionately,
Yours, &c.,
My
S. DEANE.
P. S. By the unparalleled conduct of Congress
towards me, I am still spending my time, and the little
that is left me, without a possibility of doing any thing
either for myself or others. I stated my account with
vouchers soon after my return, and proved a ballance
in my favor of more than 300,000 livres. I have since
wrote to Congress repeatedly, praying for a settle-
ment. They have refused either to appoint an auditor
or to suffer me to receive one livre of the sum due to
me, thus adding to their ingratitude the most cruel
injustice. I am finally resolved to seize on their prop-
erty whenever I can find it in Europe. I have already
delayed this measure too long for my interest, and as
to their honor or credit, they cannot suffer at present
in Europe on that account; but it is with reluctance I
go on this measure, on account of my friends in Amer-
ica, many of whom still imagine that their political
salvation depends on that body which has for near
three years past invariably pursued measures pregnant
474
THE DEANE PAPERS.
with the moral, as well as the political, destruction
of our once happy country. I have no prospect of
returning soon to America. I wish it exceedingly,
and to have the pleasure of again enjoying my old
friends and acquaintances; but whilst every thing con-
tinues in the present state of anarchy and distress,
unhappy as I must be on this side the water, I
should still be more so on the other. I shall
I shall go for
Flanders in a few days. My son has been there
for some months already, and probably may pass the
winter there. God grant it may be the last of the
war! But though I pray, my faith is, I fear, even less
than a grain of mustard seed. Remember me affec-
tionately to General Saltonstall and your brother and
family. Once more Adieu.
Thomas Mumford, Esqr.
t
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, Sept. 24th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I received your favor of the 18th last
evening; your motives for being concerned at all in
vessels are perfectly reasonable and just, and in your
situation I should reason and act in the same manner.
Interest is most certainly the touch stone with merchants
as well as with men of other professions, and the
principal and secret spring, in whatever way it may
operate, which animates and directs their undertakings
or adventures; and though an honest merchant will
never deviate from the path of honor and justice to
promote his interest, yet it can never be expected of
him to quit the line which interest marks out for him
out of compliance to the proposals of any one.
see that we agree in our sentiments on this subject,
as I think we have ever done on most others. With
respect to my proposed adventure, it is as yet in air,
as I may say; for though the persons to whom I have
You
THE DEANE PAPERS.
475
communicated my plan have approved of it, and offered
to become adventurers, yet I am not over sanguine
myself as to the execution. The anarchy and con-
fusion which prevails in a greater or less degree in
every part of our distressed and distracted country,
give a man reason to pause and reflect before he com-
mits himself or his friends to become adventurers in
a commerce with it. Acts of Assemblies have been
passed in most of the States, on the recommenda-
tions of Congress, to prohibit all British manufactures,
however purchased and imported; and though regular
government is nominally and ostensibly established in
all the States, yet every day's experience demonstrates
its weakness and inefficiency when opposed or dictated
to by committees which spring up on every occasion
as suddenly as mushroons, and but too often from
similar causes. I shall, however, set out for the Low
Countries in four or five days, and if I find a tolerable
certain prospect of sales in America, and remittances,
I shall pursue the adventure I proposed; if not, I shall
quit it and remain inactive until the times alter so as
to afford us more agreeable and certain prospects.
I
believe there is now no doubt that De Grasse and
Rodney are both gone for the Continent.
This may
produce something, but most probably nothing more
than a ballance of marine force, leave our country-
men exposed to the incursions of the enemy, and
turn America over to the chapter of accidents which
another year will open; but viewing things in the
light which I do, I ought not to touch on politics. I
shall probably write you again before I leave Paris,
and let you know where to direct to me should you
be disposed to make any adventure on my plan, in
which your interest alone ought to be consulted.
I am, most sincerely, Dear Sir,
Mr. Jonathan Williams.
Yours &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
476
THE DEANE PAPERS.
V
TO BARNABAS DEANE.*
1
Į
Paris, Sept. 26th, 1781.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-I wrote you the 10th of May
last, in which I was so particular in politics that I shall
say little on the subject in this. As to news, you will
see what little there is in the papers, which amounts to
nothing more than that the combined fleets of France
and Spain separated the beginning of this month, and
returned into port, the former into Brest, the latter
into Cadiz. Gibraltar is still besieged, and Minorca
invaded by Spaniards. The Dutch lately lost a 74
gun ship which run a ground by accident on their
coast. They have, it is said, given over all thoughts
of sending out any fleet, either of ships of war or
merchant-men this year, the season being advanced,
and the British fleet under Admiral Darby said to
amount to 40 sail of the line, having become masters
of the sea since the separation of the combined fleets.
Thus you see that nothing decisive has either been
done or attempted in Europe this campaign; and if
the war takes the same turn in America, we must
expect it to continue at least for another year. No
talk of peace at present. England and Holland are
both making great naval preparations. A commission
has been received from Congress appointing the Hon.
Messrs. Franklin, Jay, Adams, Laurens, and Jeffer-
son commissioners to treat of peace on the part of
America in an expected General Congress. I fear
from this circumstance that you have in thiș, as in too
many other instances, been buoyed up and deceived
by groundless intelligence. There is not at present
any probability that such a Congress will be held;
nor if it should, that Commissioners or Ministers from
America will be admitted. It is my opinion, founded
on the uniform conduct of Spain from her first decla-
ration to her sending the garrison of Pensacola to
* See Proceedings of Congress, Jan. 17, 1782.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
477
reinforce Gen. Clinton, that Spain would object to the
admission of the American Commissioners, and to our
independancy, should the proposition be made; so
that she must speak positively. My opinion of the
Dutch politics on that subject (and I have good infor-
mation) is the same. You will say I am a Cassandra,
prophesying evil only. I cannot help it. America will
one day (I pray it may not be a distant one) judge
whether those who now flatter and deceive their coun-
try-men with groundless intelligence and vain hopes,
or those who endeavor to open their eyes to the
true state of the politics and views of the contending
powers, have acted the part of real friends and patriots.
To that day of impartial review and cool reflection I
appeal with confidence. You wrote to Sebor on the
subject of sending you out goods, by which I find you
are as much deceived as to the commerce as you are
with regard to the politics of this part of the world.
Our credit is too low to obtain any thing without ready
cash or unquestionable European security. I know
of no merchant in France who has not lost by his
American adventures, and too many have been totally
ruined. It being known that a man has large Ameri-
can connections, is of itself sufficient to hurt his credit.
From this you will see that without remittances in
hand nothing can be done; and for myself I have been
disappointed in everything on which I depended when
I left America, most cruelly so by Congress and
Laurens. I shall go for the Netherlands in a few
days, where my son has already been for some months,
and where I may probably pass some time to lessen
expence, which has already fell too heavily on me.
have, indeed, some thoughts of making an adventure
from Ostend this winter, but your laws against Eng-
lish goods, however imported, and the unsettled state
of every thing in America, where committees which
spring up every little while like mushroons are above
all law, as well as justice, give me cause to hesitate.
I confess that the gloomy prospect which our public
I
478
THE DEANE PAPERS.
affairs have presented for some time past has ren-
dered me exceedingly unhappy, and makes me fear
that public as well as private tranquillity and happiness
will be unknown in our country during our lives, and
I am too much attached to America to be happy in
another country. I pray you to make my compliments
to all friends, to Col. G. Wyllys in particular. Wish-
ing you peace and content, I am, Dear Brother,
Yours Affectionately,
S. DEANE.
B. Deane, Esq.
I Certify the above to be a true and exact copy of
the original, delivered and sworn by Mr. Marshall.
ROBT. R. LIVINGSTON.
TO JOHN JAY.
Thomas Mss.
Paris, September 26th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Our mutual friend Doctor Franklin
told me last night that he should write to you on
Saturday, and offered to send my letter inclosed in his
packet. I therefore embrace the opportunity to excuse
my not having written to you for some time past.
I received yours of the 16th June last but a day or
two before I set out on a journey to Holland, where
I was absent for near six weeks, and on my return
actually forgot that I was a letter in your debt, and,
having nothing material to write, I neglected to write
at all. Though this may not wholly justify me, it is
simply the true cause of my silence.
Since the receipt of yours, Commander Gillon has
sailed from Holland in the ship L'Indien for America.
Mr. Searle and many others went passengers with
him, but he, in a strange way, left behind him all the
goods and stores purchased in Holland by orders of
Mr. Laurens, junr., for Congress, by which they will
not go out this season.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
479
We have nothing new from America.
I have seen
the papers from Boston and Philadelphia to about the
20th of July, but they are filled with little except party
disputes, gasconnades in the stile of Mr. Searle, and
plenty of personal abuse, for which our friend G.
Morris comes in for a large share, and the cautious.
and smooth Mr. Duane for a still larger. The Free-
man's Journal of Philadelphia and the Boston Gazette
are outrageous and meanly abusive. I see my name
now and then comes in as one of Mr. Duane and
Gen. Arnold's friends. I know how to feel for Mr.
Duane. Though I by no means approve of his con-
duct in Congress while I was in America, and though
I think his temporizing and intriguing with a certain
set of men, whom he never loved, merit some punish-
ment, yet the present is too severe. For me, I have
been so long innured to abuse and invective that it
does not affect me personally in the least; but that
licentiousness in stigmatizing men in public trust with
the vilest and most abusive epithets and characters,
which prevails and is encouraged in America, appears
to me a fatal symptom of that universal anarchy which
is more to be dreaded than despotism itself, and which,
I think, is at the door.
[Cipher translated. Carmichael writes long letters
every post to Franklin. He has made many efforts.
to reconcile himself to Beaumarchais, hitherto without
success. I am very easy since I find that you know
his temper and disposition.]
I see that you are named as one of the commis-
sioners to treat of peace; and as Mr. Jefferson will not
probably accept, as Mr. Laurens will not be at liberty
to act, and as Mr. Adams, who has long since been
disgusted with everything in Europe, will on this, I
suspect, return suddenly to America, will not this new
appointment lead you this way?
If it should, let me know in season, for in that
case I will try to shorten the time I propose to be
absent on a tour into the northern part of France and
480
THE DEANE PAPERS.
the Low Countries, to have the pleasure of seeing you.
I have no faith in the success of your negotiation, or,
indeed, in your being able ever to enter on one; yet I
shall be happy to spend a few days with you, and pro-
portionally more so if you succeed in making peace, as
at present so much despair of it.
You will, then, in my opinion, merit the title of an
angel of peace and glad tidings, and I shall ever after
respect you in that light, which, highly as I esteem
you at present, will add to that with which I am ever
Your sincere friend and very humble servant,
SILAS DEANE.
Hon. John Jay, Esq.
P. S. My compliments to Mrs. Jay. Consult her on
a voyage to Paris. If she does not declare with me.
in favor of it, I will be content to say no more about
it. Inclose your letters for me to Doctor Franklin,
who will have my address from time to time during
my absence. I shall write to you again before I set
out, and on the subject of my accounts with Congress,
which have long since been ready for settlement.
Mr. McKean is chosen President of Congress;
Gen. Nelson, Governor of Virginia, in place of Gov.
Jefferson, for what reason I know not. They are
both of them, worthy men, and when I left the
country stood high in the esteem of their countrymen.
Thomas and Jay Mss.
To FREDERICK GRAND.
Paris, October 2d, 1781.
DEAR SIR, With the accounts which I send you
inclosed I take the liberty of making a few observa-
tions in addition to those which I made you verbally
yesterday. In the first place, you will see by the ac-
counts that the amount of all the monies charged me
by Congress is £215,605, 17, 10, out of which the sum
of £67,332, 0, 5, is to be deducted, on which no dispute
THE DEANE PAPERS.
481
can arise, as Mr. Solier charged the same monies to
Mr. Robert Morris, in his accounts transmitted to
America two years ago; this, then, will leave the sum
of £148,273, 17, 5, on me to account for. My payments.
to prisoners, to Mr. Carmichael, to officers going to
America, and actually in the service of Congress, with
the other payments specified in my account No. 1,
amount to £172,589, 15s. 3d., by which you see there
remains a ballance of £24,315, 17, 10, due to me, in-
dependant of my salary and expences, and of
my com-
missions, to which, by contract, I am intitled, as well as
by strict justice.
C
The sum of £51,957, 13, for more than four years
service will not appear extravagant to you or to any
one who is acquainted with the services I had to per-
form; nor will the sum of £100,949, 1, 4, be thought
extraordinary for four years and seven months ex-
pences, in which the charges of two voyages to
Europe are included. I know not what Doctor Frank-
lin's or Mr. Lee's or Mr. Adams's expences may have
been. I know that Mr. Lee wrote to Congress that
he could not live for less than three thousand pounds
sterling per annum, which is more than half of what I
have charged Congress for four years and seven months.
With regard to my commission account, I have
charged commissions only on the business undertaken
and compleated by me solely, agreeable to my instruc-
tions from the Secret and Commercial Committees,
and at the rate contracted with them for. Doctor
Franklin was at the time a member of both those Com-
mittees; he drew my instructions himself, which I have
in his own handwriting, signed by him, Mr. Morris,
Mr. Jay, and others. Notwithstanding I made pur-
chases for Congress, to the amount of several millions.
in cloathing and other articles, of Messrs. Sabbatier
& Desprez, of Mr. Monthieu and others, on which
any one of the Commercial Agents of Congress would
have charged five per cent. commissions, yet as my col-
leagues were present, I have not charged any thing,
VOL. IV.-31
►
4
482
THE DEANE PAPERS.
but contented myself with the pittance allowed by
Congress as salary; and though the commissions are
considerable, they are no more than what Congress
have ever allowed their Commercial Agents in France,
and it ought to be considered that I have now spent
more than five years on no other business, and been
forced to advance my own money to a considerable
amount, besides the irreparable damages I have
otherways suffered. I have long prayed for a settle-
ment, and though I have intreated to have my ac-
counts submitted to the strictest enquiry by men of
ability and character in France, knowing to the whole
transaction, yet it has been to no purpose hitherto. I
have troubled you with the state of my accounts and
this representation, that, as you have been a witness of
the services I was engaged in, and how I performed
them, you may know in what manner I have been
rewarded. Although I have many articles in my ac-
counts, especially the small expences for which I
have no vouchers, yet so urgent am I to have the
affair closed, that I would even be content to suffer
the loss, even of every thing for which I have not
vouchers, unjust as it would be, rather than suffer any
longer in the manner I have done. I ought to apolo-
gize for giving you the pain of this narration, but I
know you will excuse me, as I do it to demonstrate to
you the rectitude of my conduct and the justice of my
demands on Congress. I have the honor to be, with
the most sincere esteem and attachment, Dear Sir,
Your most Obedt. and very humble Servt.,
S. DEANE.
Mr. Grand.
[Enclosure.]
The Honorable Congress of the United States of
America to Silas Deane, their Agent and Commissioner.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
483
No. I.
DEBTOR.
To Cash advanced to Prisoners from August, 1776, to
March, 1778, as pr Account of particulars delivered,
No. I..
To ditto to Mr. Carmichael at several times, as per
Account of do. No. 2....
·
To ditto to Officers going out to serve in America and
to Americans employed in the service of the United
States, as per Account of do. No. 3..
To ditto remitted to London per order of secret Com-
mittee and for service of the United States
To ditto paid sundry expresses and for hire of voitures
as per Account, No. 4..
To ditto paid Mr. Monthieu as a gratification in the
purchase of the Magazine at Nantes
To ditto paid for linen for furniture..
To ditto for china or porcelain, &c., for
ditto.....
To ditto for plate for ditto.
·
•
•
To ditto paid for a horse bought in Eng-
land, and expences...
To ditto for three ditto do..
+
1,127 17
As per Account of Mr. Grand, Banker, who pur-
chased them, and on my leaving Paris the above
were left for the use of the Commissioners and never
returned to me.
To ditto paid for the encyclopedia for Doctor Franklin
To ditto paid Mr. Chaumont's Account for sundries,
No. 5....
•
9
1,075 0 6
1,880 12 3
1,218
1,922
7
N. B. The above horses left to be sold by Mr. Chau-
mont for Account of Congress.
To the net proceeds of a coach credited Mr. Grand in
his Account with Congress....
19,223
9,200
7 10
47,899 12 6
2,905 7
3,107 4 6
1,824
4,083 10 6
852
2,986 0 6
2, OCO
3,140 7
To paid expences to Toulon for self and 4 American
Captains and of baggage pr Account, No. 6....... 8,036 5
To my Salary from November, 1776, the time of my
receiving my Commission, to January, 1781; the last
six months consider as in settling the Congress)
Accounts, 4 years and 2 months...
51,957 13
67,332 0 5
To sundry wrong charges, as per Account
To total amount of expences of every kind from en-
gaging in Congress service January, 1776, to my
return to Paris in August, 1780, being 4 years and
7 months, pr Account general No. 1 of particulars. . 100,949 I
Livres 325,946 9. 7
484
THE DEANE PAPERS.
•
By total amount of Monies charged in Congress, Books,
folio 11 (viz.), being amount of all the monies
charged by Mr. Grand and by Mr. Solier, Bankers
for Congress
.150,389 7 11
By Ballances charged Congress in Account No. 3....175,107
I 8
Livres 325,496 9 7
•
CREDITOr.
Errors excepted. Paris, 20th April, 1781.
No. 2.
Congress, by their Secret and Commercial Commit-
tees, contracted with Silas Deane, Esqr., to embark
for France as the political and commercial agent of
the thirteen then United Colonies, and intrusted him to
purchase for, and on account of, said United Colonies,
woolen and other merchandize to the amount of forty
thousand pounds sterling; also cloathing, arms, ammu-
nition, &c., sufficient for an army of twenty-five thou-
sand men, as may be seen by the contracts and
instructions of the 19th of Feb. and 2d of March,
1776, for which purchases it was stipulated and agreed
to allow the said Silas Deane, Esq., a commission of 5
per cent. independant of his charges in making the
purchases; it was at the same time agreed that, as the
said Silas Deane, Esq., besides the commercial trans-
actions entrusted to him, was commissioned and
authorized to act as the political agent of the said
thirteen Colonies, his expences should be paid, and an
adequate and honorable compensation made him by
Congress for his time. In the following Account
nothing but his commissions and charges on the mer-
chandize and stores, &c., contracted for by him are
charged, and in his Account No. I he has not charged
his time; but from Novr., 1776, the date of his receiv-
ing his commission to act as joint Commissioner of
Congress with Messrs. Franklin and Lee.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
485
"
DEBTOR.
1776. To amount of sundries purchased
of Messrs. J. and S. H. De-
laps, viz.:
Merchandise purchased and
shipped in the Samuel,
Capt. Hutchins, on Ac-
count of Congress, for Ac-
count of Messrs. Delaps..
Sundries supplied the Lucre-
tia, Capt. Sarly..
•
100 muids of salt, shipped on
board Capt. Wm. Moore,
on Account of Congress .
10 casks of sulphur, shipped.
by Capt. Sarly
Sundries, by Capt. Jeremiah.
Morgan..
P
60,606 11 0
937 co o
To commisions on 280,799 6 @
5 per cent....
Amount of sundries purchased
of Mr. Beaumarchais, and
shipped as follows, viz.:
In the Amphitrite; pr Ac-
count..
2,892 13 9
4,688 02 0
To commissions on 79,587 17 4
@5 per cent....
Amount of sundries pur-
chased of Monsr. Chau-
mont, viz.: 141 casks of salt
petre, Wt. ICO,041 @ 10
sous per hd., 50,020 livres ;
charges and freight, 2,251
86..
2,000 barrels of powder,
shipped in the ship Duc de
Duras to Mr. Bingham, at
Martinico, per Account
transmitted therewith, and
for which S. Deane gave his
Note to Mr. Chaumont... 186,399 15 0
12 pounders brass cannon
and expences pr account..
10,463 10 7
79,587 17 4
52,271 18 6
42,127 12 6
280,799 06 0
716,525 17 O
3,979 07 0
14,039 19 0
486
THE DEANE PAPERs.
In the Seine,
In the Mercure,
In the Amelia,
(6
In the Therese,
In the Mere Boobie, (6.
In the Maria Catherine, pr
141,356 13 3
Account
In the Flamand, pr Account 429,678 18 o
3,736,957 13 8
pr Account 596,569 03 1
652,649 04 O
210,896 03 3
924,219 17 6
65,061 17 7
"
"
To commissions on 3,736,957 ·
13 8 at 5 per cent ...
Amount of sundries contracted
for and purchased of Mr.
Monthieu, viz.:
The Magazine at Nantes, pr
Account, for which Silas
Deane gave his Note.....
Articles for repairing of arms
Ballances of charter party for
ships contracted for and
sent to America (viz.), the
surplus after Mr. Beaumar-
chais's payments on that
Account was deducted per
Account, for which S.
Deane gave his Note.....
Charter of the ship Duchess
de Grammont..
Ditto of the ship Flamand.
Ditto for 82 tons in the ship
Duc de Choiseul ..
Ditto of the ship Duc de
Grammont.
To commissions on 659,049 at 5
per cent
··
To postage of letters charged by
Mr. Delap
To ditto by Messrs. Germann
Gerardot....
To short charge in the commis-
sion in casting up on the
articles purchased of Mr.
Beaumarchais
220,000 00 0
6,416 00 0
112,000 00 0
186,847 16 O
105,793 00 o
120,000 00 0
9,840 00 0
85,000 00 0
659,049 00 0
46 02 0
578 об о
32,952 09 O
624 08 0
I 00 7
Livres 238,445 00 7
THE DEANE PAPERS.
487
CREDITOR.
1776. By Cash and sundries, disburse-
ments paid by Messrs. S. & J.
H. Delaps on Account of S.
Deane per Account settled
June 29th, 1776......
By Sundries, disbursements on
Account of S. Deane per said
Messrs. Delaps from June
29th, 1776, per his Account
to Novr., 1777...
1777. May 20. By Cash remitted by said
Messrs. Delaps to Mr. Grand
for Account of S. Deane. . . . .
By Cash received of Mr. Beaumar-
chais per his Account.....
By so much charged in Account
No. 3.....
Errors excepted, Paris, April
20th, 1781...
down..
No. 3
Errors Excepted.
Paris, April 20th, 1781.
1
DEBTOR.
To Ballance of Account No. I...... 175,107
"No. 2 bro't
((
66
..
•
CREDITOR.
1780. By the proceeds of a horse.
delivered me on my return,
but so extremely damaged
that he was sold for only
nine Louis d'ors.....
Ballance due exclusive of In-
terest...
6,826 7 10
•
17,930 18
17,419 7 I
23,039 17
175,107 1 8
173,228 10 08
216
65,216 9 11
173,228 10 8
Livres 238,445 0 7
No. 4 Missing.
348,119 4
Livres 348,335 12 4
Livres 348,335 12 4
SILAS DEANE.
488
THE DEANE PAPERS.
1
No. 5.
CONGRESS TO SILAS DEANE.
DEBTOR.
To wrong charge of April 9th, 1777, being the dis-
bursements on sloop Dolphin at Havre, by
Mr. Eyries, who transacted the business, and
at that time to cover his having concern in
equipping armed vessels for Congress, drew
under the signature of Hartcourt...
To wrong charge included in the general charge of
the 30th March, 1778 (viz.), Monies paid Mr.
Williams, for which said Williams has ac-
counted, being the Bills drawn by him on
public Account, but accepted by S. Deane,
as were most of his Bills....
To wrong charge in Solier's Account to amount of
48,252, 4, 0. The whole received of S.
Deane by Solier on his private Account was
10,784 Livres. The next was received on
Account of R. Morris, Esq., and is by
Pliarne Pennet & Co. (who furnished the
monies), charged to said Morris in his private
Account with them, as may be seen by their
Account transmitted to said Morris at Phila-
delphia....
9,706 16 5
2,973 0 0
48,252 4
4 0
Livres 60,932 O 5
Thomas and Holbrooke Mss.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ON THE ACCOUNTS of
RAY DE CHaumont.
Mr. Franklin's Reply to Mr. Chaumont's answer
respecting the observations of Mr. Franklin on his
Account.
[Passy, October, 1781.]
Article 1. The charge of 3,189, 13, 4, Ballance of
Mr. Deane's Acc't with M. de Chaumont,
Mr. F. has seen two Copies of this account, in which
the Ballance differs widely. It does not appear by any
THE DEANE PAPERS.
489
་
4
evidence produc'd in writing, or otherwise, that Mr.
Deane has been acquainted with and approved of this
demand against him. On the contrary, he has told
Mr. F. that Mr. de Chaumont owed him a consider-
able sum of money, which from the then present situ-
ation of Mr. C.'s affairs could not be obtained, and
which obliged him to ask a loan of money from Mr.
F.; and as Mr. F. finds in the said account against
Mr. Deane many articles which appear to him to relate
to particular speculations and adventures in business.
between Mr. de Chaumont and him, that do not at all
concern the public, and it farther appears that the
sums actually credited in that account as paid to Mr.
de Chaumont by Mr. Deane and Mr. Franklin as Com.
missioners of Congress, exceed the value of the sup-
plies charged therein as furnished for the Congress, Mr.
F. conceives that the charge of the ballance in ques-
tion is not well placed in an account against the United
States, and that he cannot without authority from Mr.
Deane undertake to settle the private part of M.
Chaumont's account against him, or to admit that the
said ballance is due from him. Mr. Deane resides at
Ghent, and Mr. C. may settle the matter with him by
writing.
Art. 2.
Art. 3.
(6 4.
(6
5.
<< 6.
(6
66
7.
8.
193 Io Mr. F. cannot understand this
without seeing the acc't.
is just.
allowed.
allowed.
allowed.
allowed.
63
1,803 9 3
5,847 16 6
25,970 6 o
626 2 5
I 2,000
Indemnite sur la Mere Bobie.
This charge appears to me
very high. I do not think
it right to estimate it by to-
bacco, there being none at
Boston to be shipp'd on such
terms. They were allowed
from Maryland, but the risque
490
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Art. 9.
2d Art. 9.
Art. 10.
Art. II.
Art. 12.
Art. 13.
Art. 14.
Art. 15.
741,095 16 4
3,246 12 3
428,330 2 8
240,000 o o
500 oo
Rent
70,000
there was greater. I leave
this, however, to the judg-
ment of Mr. Grand.
allowed.
from Commission, &c., sub-
mitted to the judgment of
Mr. Grand.
allowed.
allowed.
Countage submitted to Mr.
Grand, Mr. Franklin not un-
derstanding the answer of Mr.
de Chaumont concerning the
exchange.
-
Mr. Franklin leaves this in-
tirely to Mr. Grand, and shall
be content if fixed as Mr.
Chaumont proposed to him.
To be decided by Mr. Grand.
Mr. Franklin had never in-
timated to Congress that Mr.
Chaumont owed him any-
thing. It seems, therefore,
unintelligible to him, that
they should give Mr. Holker
such a reason for not paying.
Mr. Holker might, however,
have obtained their drafts on
Mr. Franklin if they had ap-
proved of the account. Gen.
Lincoln might have pur-
chased the goods partly on
the public account, and partly
for himself and officers. Mr.
Franklin knows nothing of
the matter, has receiv'd no
orders relating to it, and he
thinks that persons in one
department, especially at so
!
THE DEANE PAPERS.
491
Art. 16.
Art. 17.
great a distance, should not
be apply'd to for payment of
debts contracted by those in
another.
Mr. F. does not understand
this, and leaves it to Mr.
Grand.
This also is for the same
reason left to the judgment
of Mr. Grand, with which
Mr. F. will be satisfied.
TO CAPTAIN TROWBRIdge.
Holbrooke Mss.
Ghent, Oct. 14th, 1781.
SIR, I was informed by Mr. De Neuville of your
arrival at Amsterdam. Permit me, therefore, to ask of
you at what time you left New Haven; whither there
was any news of the French fleet, under the Count de
Grasse, from St. Domingo; whither Admiral Digby or
Admiral Hood had arrived at New York; where Gen-
eral Washington was with his army when you sailed,
and what force he had with him; whither he proposed
an attack on New York; what news you had from
General Greene and from Virginia; and, in short, of
the situation of our affairs in general when you left
America. As it is now a long time since I have had any
direct intelligence on which I could depend, you will
greatly oblige me by giving me, in a letter which Mr.
De Neuville will forward, an answer to the above; and
also if you know any thing of my brother and friends
at Wethersfield, and in what time you may probably
sail for America. I shall be happy to have it in my
power to render you equal services, and am, Sir,
Yours, etc.,
Capt. Trowbridge.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
492
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO JOHN DE NEUVILLE AND SONS.
Ghent, Oct. 14, 1781.
GENTLEMEN,-I this moment received your es-
teemed favor of the 4th instant, covering letters from
Mr. B. Deane and Mr. Mumford, and return you
my thanks for your attention to them, and offers of
service in forwarding my letters to America. I shall
probably pass four or five weeks here or in this neigh-
bourhood, and I shall improve this opportunity of
writing to America. I pray you to inform me nearly
the time which Capt. Trowbridge will sail. You
will please to direct your letters to care of Mr. John
Louis Caters, merchant, at Ghent. Mr. Mumford,
with whom you correspond, is a near relation and
intimate friend of mine; he has a nephew at Paris,
who has been with Doctor Franklin for a year past as
a clerk in his office; he is about seventeen years of age,
ingenious, steady, has had a good education, writes
well, and speaks the French language tolerably. Mr.
Mumford prays me to place him in some good count-
ing house in Amsterdam or in France; and that if I
prefer the former, that I would address myself to you
on the subject. As I cannot but give the preference to
Amsterdam on every account, I wish to know if you
can give him a place in your house, or procure one for
him with some one of your friends; it will be equal to
him whither he enters immediately or three or four
months hence, as he is improving in the French
language where he is. Your favors on this subject
will most sensibly oblige Mr. Mumford as well as my-
self. I have taken the liberty of inclosing a line for
Capt. Trowbridge, and have the honor to be very
respectfully, gentlemen,
Yours, etc.,
Messrs. John De Neuville & Sons.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
493
TO ISAAC HAZLEHURST.
Ghent, Oct. 14, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—Mr. De Neuville writes me that Captain
Trowbridge is arrived from New Haven to his address,
that he had a short passage and brings good news,
but does not tell me what the news is. You have
undoubtedly seen Capt. Trowbridge. I pray you,
therefore, to write me the substance of what intel-
ligence he brings which may be depended on. Are
the Congress goods, designed to have been sent under
Commander Gillon's convoy, still at Amsterdam?
have not received any letters from Paris since I left it,
nor seen either person or papers from which I could
obtain any thing of any consequence.
I will not,
therefore, detain you farther than to assure you that
I am most sincerely, dear sir,
I
Mr. Isaac Hazlehurst.
Yours, etc.,
.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
TO HENNESSAY AND Co.
Ghent, Oct. 18th, 1781.
GENTLEMEN,-Mr. Catres shewed me a letter this
morning, by which I am informed that a box contain-
ing books and instruments, and marked IC, was sent
to your care. I, therefore, take the liberty of inform-
ing you that the books, &c., in the box are on my
account, and to pray you to send them on addressed
to Mr. J. L. Catres, or to Mr. Deane, chez la Veuve,
merchant, pres st. Bavo a Gand. I have not received
a bill of their first cost, but they amount to about 15
or 16 guineas, which I mention on account of the
duties. I am ignorant of the law in such cases, but
the books are second hand and for private use, and
494
THE DEANE PAPERS.
will soon be carried out of this dominion, and, there-
fore, I should hope the duties would not be consider-
able. But whatever it may be, pray you to advance
the money, and the same will be repaid with acknowl-
edgments by, Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Messrs. Hennessay & Co., Ostend.
TO BENJAMIN TALLMADGE.
S. DEANE.
dant
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Oct. 20th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-My letter to you of the 20th of May
last must have given you my way of thinking as to
our public and political interests. Every event on
this side the water has tended to confirm me in those
sentiments. They may possibly be different from
yours at first view; but as the subject is the most
important of any ever brought into discussion, you
will not judge rashly or without weighing the reasons
for and against, whatever your final judgment may be.
I shall not esteem you the more for its agreeing with
mine, nor the less for its difference; and I count too
much on the liberality of your sentiments to imagine
you will treat me otherways. If we differ on matters
of politics, we may still agree on those of a private
nature. If your observations and conclusions agree
with mine, you ought to act an open and decisive part.
Never, like Arnold, betray your trust, but quit the
service and declare without reserve your reasons for
it. On the contrary, if you are convinced that the
weak, democratical government of Congress is the
best for securing the liberty and happiness of America,
I need not conjure you to proceed, for I know that you
act from principle. But, my Dear Friend, after six
severe campaigns, it is certainly time to breathe one
moment, to look round you and forward to the final
·
THE DEANE PAPERS.
495
issue of the contest, to reflect on the situation in
which America will find herself at the close of the
war, and in what circumstances you who have sacri-
ficed the prime of your lives in the service will find
yourselves at that period. You see foreign mercena-
ries every year increasing in our country; it is impos-
sible that you should continue blind to the ultimate
consequences. You are too well acquainted with the
history of nations to be ignorant of this fact: that no
people ever retain'd their liberty and independance after
admitting foreign mercenaries into their country to
fight their battles for them under the pay and control
of a foreign power. Have those causes which in every
preceeding age produced certain effects, lost their
force in ours? I pray your reflection for a moment on
this subject. Ought we for real injuries subject our-
selves and our posterity to suffer still more grevious
and lasting ones ? What is Congress at this time but
the dependants of France, and her tools for humbling
her rival? Nothing more. They comply with what-
ever is dictated to them by that Court with greater
submission than our Assemblies in former times com-
plied with the requisition of the British minister.
The Dutch, though at war with England, cloath their
army with English cloth, and import and consume
the goods of that country as formerly. English
goods are continually imported and sold in France,
but the French Minister at Philadelphia complains.
that in some instances Americans do the same; and
forthwith comes out an ordinance from Congress for-
bidding all purchase and importation of British goods.
I know not which is the most astonishing, the servil-
ity or the insolence of this conduct. It is to the
last degree servile to submit to be dictated to in such
a manner, and it is equally assuming and insolent to
presume to dictate to the Continent in the stile of
despotism itself. The Parliament of Great Britain,
haughty as that nation is, never assume the stile of
ordinance in their acts; but Congress have adopted
B
496
THE DEANE PAPERS.
it, in imitation of their great ally and future master,
who says Nous Ordonnons, and whose laws are stiled
les ordinances du Roi. Congress have really advanced
rapidly from "Resolved, that it be recommended, &c.,'
to" We ordain, and be it ordained by Congress, &c."
Is not the French army in America already stronger
than our own? Does not France pay what little you
receive in our army for your service? Is not Con-
gress itself in the pay of France? Does not France
pay every one of the Ministers and Agents of Con-
gress in Europe? Is not the French army in America
under the pay, as well as orders, of the King of
France? If you cannot (as I know that you cannot)
give the negative to any one of these queries, how
absurd to talk of liberty and independance! The
French, by the close of the war, will probably have an
army of thirty thousand men and veterans in our
country, if they succeed in their designs and reduce
Great Britain to receive the law from them. We
must inevitably, from that moment, feel the whole
weight of French despotism, the little finger of which
will be found is heavier than the loins of British
tyranny. Look into the situation of the most favor'd
of French subjects in France and in her colonies; ex-
amine, and then proceed, if you can, to risque every
thing dear to us and our posterity on the word of an
absolute monarch interested to dispense with or to
explain it away. I make no apology for my freedom;
the subject is too important to be trifled with, and I
cannot too often, nor too urgently, repeat to you that
nothing but an immediate peace can prevent our
becoming unconditionally subject to one or the other
of the two great rivals. If to France, we shall be
mocked and deceived, perhaps, for a time, with the
shadow and appearance of liberty and independance,
whilst we suffer in reality all the effects of despot-
ism; if to Great Britain, our case may not be much
better. I do not think it can be worse. For me, I did
not propose-I believe my countrymen never did—a
THE DEANE PAPERS.
497
change of masters. A subject of the British Consti-
tution knows no master but the laws for which he has
given his voice in enacting; the invasion of their
rights, to which as men and descendants from free
British subjects we were entitled, first put arms into
our hands; and the restoration and confirmation of
those rights was the only real object of the war on
our parts. If we can now obtain this, what remains
which can justify us in the sight of God or man in
continuing the war, in prolonging the miseries of our
country, and in risquing the final loss of every thing?
I declare to you I see nothing equal to this, nor, in-
deed, any thing which, if obtained, would not, under
our circumstance and disposition, prove a curse to us
rather than an advantage.
I have been in this city about ten days. I have
some valuable acquaintances here, and it is possible I
may pass two or three months here and in the neigh-
bourhood, for, to tell you the truth, I am sick of Paris,
where every thing calls to my mind the present situa-
tion of my country and the still greater miseries which
threaten it. I am not disgusted with men, but ex-
tremely so with measures, in France. I have been
treated with a generosity and politeness in France.
which I shall ever gratefully remember; but no force
of private gratitude can justify my silence when I see
my country about to be sacrificed. If this letter ar-
rive safe, I wish you to present my compliments to
General Washington and General Parsons and my
other friends in the army, and shew them this letter,
if you judge proper to do it. When you write, inclose
your letters to Mr. Grand, banker, at Paris, who will
know my address wherever I may be.
I am, with, &c.,
Major Tallmadge.
VOL. IV.-32
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
498
THE DEANE PAPERS.
I
TO THOMAS MUMFORD.
Ghent, Oct. 20th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I wrote you so largely on politics in my
letter of the 15th of June last that I have nothing to
add on that subject. Your sentiments may differ from
mine, but as I know that you act from principle, I
shall not esteem you the less, nor can I expect that
you will adopt the too general practice of our country-
men of branding every one who thinks differently from
them on politics with the name of enemies, tories,
&c. Since my writing that letter I have attentively
observed the politics of this part of the world and the
measures taken by France and Spain for prosecuting
the war, and I have found nothing to contradict what
I have already written to you and others of my friends
in America.
The events of war are at all times uncertain; those
of this campaign are now well known to be as trifling
and indecisive in Europe as I ventured to predict that
they would be. They may possibly be more decisive
in America, but whatever may be the issue of the war,
or whichever of the two great rivals succeed so as to
reduce the other, it will not alter my opinion, which is,
that unless we improve the present moment in making
peace, we shall become unconditionally subject and
dependant on the victorious party, and we and our pos-
terity will vainly lament the violence and infatuation
of the present times.
I wrote you on the 24th ulto. respecting your nephew,
and since my being here I have written to Mr. De
Neuville; not that I really wished to place him imme-
diately, but that I might be able to give you informa-
tion, and to judge myself if it should be left to me.
Inclosed you have a copy of Mr. De Neuville's letter
by which he offers to take him into his counting
house, but his cloathing and board will be at your ex-
pence. This is of too much consequence in so dear a
THE DEANE PAPERS.
499
place as Amsterdam for me to determine without your
orders. Besides, except the single article of bookkeep-
ing, your nephew is as well with Doctor Franklin and,
indeed, better than he could be at Amsterdam. I shall,
therefore, excuse myself to Mr. De Neuville for the
present, and hold the place open for your nephew until
hext spring, by which time you can give your orders on
the subject.
We have neither news nor politics in this country,
except what is imported direct from London, and you
will have that sooner through other channels than from
me. I have been in this city about ten days, and may
possibly pass the winter here and in the neighbour-
hood. I have several worthy acquaintance in this
country, and the society, not so gay as at Paris, is more
to my taste. It is probable that I shall make some
commercial adventures from this country, but it
must be in the small way, whilst Congress continue.
wickedly to evade any settlement with me, and to push
off the payment of what they know to be my just due.
I have finally taken the resolution to seize on their
effects in Europe. I could not well do it in France,
but they have goods in Holland, where the rights of
individuals are respected; and I am determined to
enter my process there. As this will make some noise
in the world, I am preparing a state of my case, or, in
other words, the history of the conduct of Congress
towards me from the first, which I shall publish in dif-
ferent languages. I do not expect that this will obtain,
what my best services have not, the thanks of Con-
gress, but it will, at least, give me the pleasure of
vindicating my character in the eyes of Europe and
America; and if this is done at the expence of those
who have injured me, it will be the more agreeable,
after what I have suffered from them; but I will dis-
miss the subject lest I get warm, and memory push me
to say what may be offensive to you; but I cannot avoid
declaring that I view the present Congress as being at
once the most tyrannical and weak Government of any
500
THE DEANE PAPERS.
that I know of. Their weakness is, happily, an insep-
erable impediment to their tyranny; but let them once
get thirty thousand French troops on the continent
and at their command, and you will then feel all the
weight of the despotism of France, at second hand,
through them, who are already become the depend-
ants and tools of the Grand Monarque. My respects
to General Saltonstall and to all of the family, and my
most affectionate love to sister Anny.
I am, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S.-Direct your letters, if to France, as usual, to
care of Doctor Franklin; if to Holland, to care of Mr.
De Neuville.
Thomas Mumford, Esqr.
Thomas Mss.
THE INTERCEPTED LETTERS,
New York, October 20th, 1781. The Printer [James
Rivington], ever ready to serve his King and Country,
has the pleasure to inform such of his readers as wish
well to both, of the Government's intercepting a num-
ber of letters in Europe, that were on their way from
Paris to certain demagogues in America. Their dates
are of May and June last; they disclose the real state
of the rebel affairs on the other side of the water, with
the ultimate designs of the Courts of Versailles and
Madrid, and the helpless condition of the Dutch, &c.,
&c., &c. Melancholy truths are indeed extorted at
last, worthy the views of people too long cheated by
their confidants.
The public may be assured of having this rich repast
spread before them by his Majesty's faithful Printer,
in regular detail.
A great part of the budget consists of the confiden-
tial epistles of Silas Deane and Doctor Franklin, fel-
low negociators in the secret transactions of their
THE DEANE PAPERS.
501
Congressional High Mightinesses, with their great
and magnanimous Ally.
The reader may therefore promise himself a copious
supply of curious information from this correspondence,
especially when informed that the letters are lengthy,
and among others, directed to that class which the
rebels call their Great Men, viz. : Jesse Root, Benja-
min Harrison, James Wilson, Robert Morris, Charles
Thompson, Samuel H. Parsons, Benjamin Tallmadge,
William Duer, Jeremiah Wadsworth, Simeon Deane,
Barnabas Deane, and Thomas Mumford.
As that to Mr. Duer throws light upon the Ameri-
can Financier's late Mystery of Iniquity, respecting
his instructions to Mr. Jay to protest the bills of the
Congress's own drawing, it shall have the first place
in this paper, and appear next Wednesday.
The Royal Gazette, No. 528, Saturday, Oct. 20, 1781.
The letters are printed in this volume under the
date at which they were written. They appeared in
Rivington's paper in the following order:
To William Duer,
"Robert Morris,
Jeremiah Wadsworth,
"Samuel H. Parsons,
"Charles Thomson,
1.
"Simeon Deane,
"Thomas Mumford,
James Wilson,
Benjamin Harrison,
"
.
"Jesse Root,
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Benjamin Tallmadge,
With these letters was an essay credited to Deane,
entitled "The American Account Current, with its
Vouchers," which appeared in the Royal Gazette, Dec.
22 and 29, 1781.
CC
"
66
CC
In order to give a wider circulation to the letters,
Rivington caused the newspaper type to be put in
502
THE DEANE PAPERS.
1
small pages, omitting the letters to Mumford and Har-
rison of June 15, and issued a small pocket volume,
which was announced in the Royal Gazette of March
2, 1782, as follows:
This Day are published in one Octavo Pocket
Volume, containing Two Hundred and Nine Pages,
with large additions, and now first collected from the
many Royal Gazettes in which they made their first
public appearance. Price Six Shillings Currency.
PARIS PAPERS;
Or, Mr. Silas Deane's late intercepted Letters to his
Brothers, and other intimate Friends in America. To
which are annexed for Comparison, the Congressional
Declaration of Independency in July, 1776, and that
now inculcating among the revolted Provinces, with
the never-to-be-forgotten Orders of the Rebel General
in August, 1776, for preventing a Pacification.
The following extract from the correspondence of
King George III. with Lord North, edited by W. B.
Donne, London, 1867, explains the publication of the
letters of Deane :
Queen's House, March 3d, 1781.
Lord North,-On returning last night from the
oratorio I received your box. I think it perfectly
right that Mr. Deane should so far be trusted as to
have three thousand pounds in goods for America;
the giving him particular instructions would be liable
to much hazard, but his bringing any of the provinces
to offer to return to their allegiance on the former
foot would be much better than by joint application
through the Congress; for if, by the breaking off of
some, the rest are obliged to yield, no farther con-
cert or, perhaps, amity, can subsist between them,
which would not be the case in the other mode, and
the fire might only be smothered, to break out again
on the first occasion.
II. 363.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
50.3
Kew, July 19th, 1781.
I HAVE received Lord North's boxes containing the
intercepted letters from Mr. Deane for America. I
have only been able to read two of [them], on which
I form the same opinion of too much appearance of
being concerted with this country, and therefore not
likely to have the effect as if they bore another aspect.
I return them, and hope when the copies have been
taken to be able to read them at my leisure, for it is
impossible in an hurry to form any solid opinion con-
cerning them. The extract from Franklin is very
material; should France not supply America amply, I
think it has the appearance that this long contest will
end as it ought, by the colonies returning to the
mother country; and I confess I will never put my
hand to any other conclusion of this business.
II. 380.
Windsor, August 7th, 1781.
THE letter Lord North has wrote to Sir Henry
Clinton on the subject of the intercepted letters from
Mr. Deane he is transmitting to him is very proper,
and is the most likely means of rendering them of
some utility. I owne I think them too strong in our
favour to bear the appearance of his spontaneous
opinions, but that, if supposed to be authentick, they
will see they have by concert fallen into our hands.
The means Mr. Deane should have taken as most con-
ducive of the object he seems now to favour, would
have been first to have shewn that the hands of
France are too full to be able to give any solid assist-
ance to America, and to have pointed out the ruin that
must attend a further continuance of the war; and after
having given time for these opinions to be digested,
then have proposed the giving up all ideas of inde-
pendency, and have shewn that the country is not in
a state to subsist without the assistance of some foreign
Power, and that consequently so mild a government
as the British one is the most favourable that America
can depend upon.
II. 381.
504
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Windsor, Oct. 23d, 1781.
*
*
*
I QUITE agree [with Lord North] that the retreat of
Mr. D[eane] to Ghent shews his conduct is sincere.
II. 384.
X
X60
*
X
NOTE BY THE EDITOR.-There is no convincing evi-
dence that Deane was in the pay of the English
government, or that he had been promised pay, when
he wrote the "Intercepted Letters" published by Riv-
ington. The correspondence given by Donne shows
that he was considered a person who might be cor-
ruptly influenced, yet these communications of the
king to North, even in connection with the "Inter-
cepted Letters," do not suffice to prove that Deane was
bribed. With his return to Paris, his despondency
over his own affairs and the condition of America be-
came so acute, that Franklin compared his conversa-
tion to raving. His views were constantly advanced
without the slightest restraint, and convinced the Eng-
lish agents that he could readily be made of conscious
utility to the English interest. That a proposition to
buy him was considered and approved by the king,
appears in the note dated March 3d, 1781. It is pos-
sible that someone of the English agents, perhaps
Wentworth, suggested to him a commercial partner-
ship, promising to furnish the goods or money, but
without intimation of a bribe. At least Deane's
hopes of thus retrieving his fortunes were considerably
revived. In the meantime, his letters were abstracted
from their covers, before leaving France, a fate they
shared with very many important foreign documents
then wanted by North and his colleagues. In the
course of four months the King took the opportunity
of criticising this selection, on the ground that it over-
shot the mark. The tenor of the letters, however, did
!
not vary from that of others preceding them, a cir-
cumstance of which the King doubtless was unaware.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
505
•
In August they were sent by the fleet to New York,
with orders to print and circulate. Deane required
no bribe to set forth the most despairing opinions on
the course of the war. The letters contained his con-
victions and his manias. He subsequently defended
his position by further argument. It is extraordinary
that when he learned of the publication he wrote to
Bancroft in terms of regret and apology, and, espe-
cially, in complete ignorance that his friend was in the
pay of the English government. Had Deane in real-
ity been traitorous, Bancroft was the most natural
channel of communication with him, and could best
have arranged all details. The hope of the proposed
business venture quickly faded away. Evidently the
English ministry, on receipt of the despatches an-
nouncing the surrender of Cornwallis, did not care
to approach Deane, considering that all worth having
had been unwittingly furnished by him; and as early
as October there is an allusion by the King to Deane's
"sincerity" that ought to be interpreted in favor of
his integrity. His circumstances, far from improving
in consequence of these letters, rapidly became worse.
He was ruined at home and abroad. He soon began
to lack the necessities of life. He died in extreme
poverty, and he never appears to have criminated him-
self as a bribe-taker in his confidences to his relatives
or intimates. This is the case as far as at present
revealed.
CHARLES ISHAM.
TO BARNABAS DEANE.
Ghent, Oct. 21st, 1781.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-I received yours of the 10th of
July a few days since at this place. You say you have
received no letters from me since one of December
last. I have written more than ten to you since that
time, from which I am convinced that there must have
506
THE DEANE PAPERS.
been foul play on your side of the water. I wrote you
a long political letter of the 10th of May last. I fear
that it has been intercepted. If it has been, you will
undoubtedly see it, with several others sent by the
same conveyance, published in New York. Disagree-
able as this circumstance must be to me, I shall not be
sorry to have all America informed of my sentiments,
and the grounds on which they are founded. I have
seen nothing since to alter my way of thinking, but, on
the contrary, much to confirm me in it.
The present campaign in Europe is now finished on
the part of France and Spain, whose combined fleet
have spent the season in joining, in cruising a few
weeks at the mouth of the channel, without taking a
single vessel or preventing any operation of England,
and then in quarrelling, cursing each other heartily, and
parting, one for Brest, the other for Cadiz. The ap-
proaching equinox was made the pretext, but the real
cause was in their misunderstanding between them-
selves and their fears of Admiral Darby's fleet, which
at the time of their separation was augmented to 35
sail of the line, ten of them 3-deckers and ready to put
to sea; for I do not believe that either the French or
Spanish admiral, though their united force consisted
of 49 sail of the line, wished to engage the enemy.
Admiral Darby is now at sea, off the coast of Spain,
with design to intercept the Spanish flota from Havan-
nah. Should he succeed, a general bankruptcy will
ensue in Spain, and the consequences will be felt very
sensibly in other parts of Europe. It is impossible for
me to know at this distance what your prospects may
be as to any thing decisive in America; but nothing
in the ordinary course of causes and effects can alter
my opinion, which is, that unless we improve the pres-
ent moment to make peace, we must become event-
ually subject to, and dependant on, the victorious party;
and though I have a thousand reasons to love and
esteem the French in general, as an individual I must
regard our dependence on France as the heaviest curse
THE DEANE PAPERS.
507
that can fall on our country; and it is with indigna-
tion too great for words to express that I see our Con-
gress already become the tools and servile dependants.
of foreign despotism, whilst they boast of liberty and
independence. But the absurdities of that body have
been so frequent and so great that they cause no surprize
at present in Europe. You build, I see, great hopes on a
Congress at Vienna; but you ought by this time to
know that no such Congress has ever existed, nor, in
all probability, ever will; but under the conditions
stipulated by England and assented to by the Emperor,
that the deputies or ministers of America should have
nothing to do in it, but that the affairs of America
should be wholly out of the question in a treaty for
general peace. I wish to God I could write to you in
a different stile, but as an honest man and the friend
of my country I cannot. You ought to know the
truth, and the sooner the better. America has been
too long led on and encouraged by false information
from this side the water. It is high time the curtain
should be drawn up and that the actors behind the
scenes should be stripped of all disguise and false
appearance, and that the catastrophe of the piece.
should be placed in the full view of every one. I have
attempted to do this. I expect to be abused for it,
and am sure that I shall not be disappointed; for I have
written a long letter to Mr. Root expressly with the
design of having the same read in Congress and in our
Assembly. Should that letter have been intercepted by
the enemy, my sentiments will become more generally
known than I wish for; but in one word be assured
that we shall, unless we make peace immediately,
become eventually dependant, and that uncondition-
ally, either on France or England.
I have been in this city about ten days, and it is
probable that I shall spend two or three months here
or in the neighborhood. I have a good acquaintance
here, and the society is agreeable. Direct your letters
as formerly. They will find me where ever I may rest
508
THE DEANE PAPERS.
me.
myself during my exile, to which the unparalleled
ingratitude and injustice of Congress have doomed
I have stated my accounts with the vouchers,
from which it appears incontestably that that body are
in my debt more than 340,000 livres; yet such have
been their arts that they have eluded all settlement, in
order to avoid, under one pretext or other, payment.
I have at last taken the resolution of attaching their
effects in Holland. I could not do it in France, under
that absolute government; but I trust that I shall
find in Holland more respect for the rights and prop-
erty of individuals. I am sensible that this procedure
will make some noise. I therefore have determined
to publish the whole of the proceedings of Congress
with respect to me and my negociations on their behalf,
whatever be the consequences. I owe this to my char-
acter, attacked and sacrificed by those whom I have
served and saved, but who, in the end, have eventually
ruined themselves and their country. I will not add on
the subject, as I find that reflection on past events warms
me, and may force from me expressions which in cooler
moments I should read with regret. In a word, if you
are satisfied with the government of Congress and with
the course in which the affairs of America are in, you
will continue to support them, as it is your duty to do
in such a case; and, on the contrary, if you think with
me, you ought to urge for peace and reconciliation;
but if the general voice of our countrymen is against
it, prudence will dictate silence, and to wait patiently
the event.
I am as undetermined as ever as to any thing of
business; but if I remain here any time I shall attempt
something, but more probably for the West Indies
than for North America; but I will write you again.
by the first opportunity. I now promise to say no
more to you on the subject of politics, and, therefore,
shall be at liberty to say the more on private sub-
jects.
My most affectionate love to our sister Buck, my
1
•
509
compliments to all friends, particularly to Col. George
Wyllys, to whom you may shew this letter if you judge
proper.
I am, &c.,
THE DEANE PAPERS.
B. Deane, Esqr.
TO JONATHAN TRUMBULL.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, October 21st, 1781.
SIR,-The critical situation of our public affairs
forces me to address you, and, through you, my fellow-
citizens of Connecticut. Though persecuted and in
effect exiled by Congress, I cannot be indifferent to
the fate of my country. The views of France become
every day more evident, and they are no other than
to humble Great Britain at our expence. Spain whilst
at war with England wishes to save appearances, and
to employ the forces of her enemy on our continent.
But she has not, nor will, under any circumstances,
acknowledge our independency of all the nations in
Europe. Spain is most interested to prevent our
becoming independent of any European control. Re-
membrance of past injuries, and the desire of revenge,
have armed that nation against England, and whilst we
employ more than one half of the British force, she
hopes to regain the territory lost in former wars, and
to see us reduced so low, that whether in the end we
become dependent on France or England she will have
nothing to fear from us for ages to come.
There
does not appear any disposition in any of the powers
of Europe to follow the example of France and to
acknowledge our independence. The league against
England is indeed a formidable one, but history fur-
nishes us with many instances of leagues equally
powerful against a single state, but with no one in
which they have finally succeeded. This merits our
attention. Nothing can be more absurd than to
imagine that the powers in Europe should encourage
510
THE DEANE PAPERS.
from other than interested motives a revolt from a
government infinitely milder than their own, or that
absolute monarchs should cordially approve of the
doctrine of the natural equality of man.
The campaign in Europe is nearly finished on the
part of France and Spain, and has been as ridiculously
trifling and indecisive as the preceding ones.
The
English fleet is at sea. Its object is to intercept the
Spanish flota or to relieve Minorca. If it succeed in
the first, of which there is but too much probability, the
effect will be sensibly felt in Spain. The other is of
less importance. But however the war may terminate,
we shall find ourselves at the close of it loaded with
debt, and absolutely dependent on the victorious party,
if the course of nature is not changed; but if similar
causes continue to produce similar effects, no nation
was ever in a more dangerous situation than what
America is in at this time. Happy for us (if we are
wise) it is still in our power to avoid the danger and
to establish the peace, liberty, and safety of our country
on the most sure and solid basis.
That we must, by continuing the war and rejecting all
overtures of peace and reconciliation with Great Brit-
ain, become unconditionally dependent on France or
Great Britain, is a truth as demonstrable as any propo-
sition whatever. If Great Britain becomes so reduced
as to receive the law from France and Spain, though
it will be at our expence that this is done, yet they
will claim the whole merit and all the advantages re-
sulting from it. The power of Great Britain reduced,
there will be none remaining in Europe to hold the
ballance against the House of Bourbon; and France
able to dictate the law to Great Britain can do the
same to us, and in a more imperious manner, and with
more safety. France, in good policy, will manage her
conduct towards Great Britain, in such circumstances,
so as not to offend and alarm the rest of Europe, but
she can be influenced by no such motives in her con-
duct to us. We shall be deeply in debt to her for
G
THE DEANE PAPERS.
511
;
money actually borrowed and supplies of different
kinds, and France will charge the whole expence of
the war to our account, and make demands, if not on
our purses, on our gratitude therefor. France has an
army in our country at her pay, and at her orders; she
is calculating to encrease that army to twenty or even
to thirty thousand men. If the history of different na-
tions afford us one instance in which a people preserved
their liberty and independence after admitting a su-
perior army of foreign mercenaries into their country
to fight their battles, at the pay and devotion of a
foreign monarch, we ought to have some small ground
to hope that what has happened might happen again.
But the history of the world produces no such instance,
nor is it possible it ever should so long as men and
their passions continue to be the same that they ever
have been. We have a treaty, it is true, which guar-
antees our liberty and independence, but with whom
is that treaty? With
With the very power that will be
interested to break it, or to explain it away. No man
acquainted with the past and present transactions in
Europe, can be weak enough to presume that any
power will ever regard a treaty longer than it is for
their real or supposed interest to do so. It is at all
times in the power of the King of France to make and
dissolve treaties, with this difference from limited mon-
archs, that he is not accountable for his conduct. I
have, therefore, not gone too far in asserting that if
France and Spain come off victorious, that we shall
be absolutely dependent on one or both of them. If
England, on the other hand, continues to make head
against all her enemies, and by some fortunate event
of war, or by the interposition of foreign powers, which
is the most probable, forces France and Spain to a
peace on her own terms, we must become uncondition-
ally dependent on and subject to England. The pres-
ent moment, therefore, is of infinite importance to us.
We are now of great consequence in a treaty of gen-
eral peace.
We shall be of none at all, or, at best,
512
THE DEANE PAPERS.
a mere article to be set off or discounted in the bal-
lancing the general account. At present we may
obtain the repeal of all the acts of Parliament obnox-
ious to us, a perpetual exemption from all taxes, save
what we impose on ourselves, freedom of legislation
and of commerce. What more shall we gain by inde-
pendence? Will the name of Sovereign Independent
States counter ballance the miseries and distress of
our country at the present, and the future burdens to
which it must be subjected? This is a serious question,
and I put it to a serious and thinking people. I am
confident that there is not in the world a more free and
uncorrupted Assembly than that of Connecticut; none
more attentive to the freedom, ease, and happiness of
the people they represent, and to their true interests
in every respect. Can such an Assembly, on serious.
reflection, consent to load themselves and their con-
stituents with taxes nearly equal to the whole of their
income? The amount of our share of the public debt
will not fall short of two millions sterling, if the war
is continued another year. The interest of this, the
expences of general government, that is, of Congress,
of their ministers, agents, and consuls in foreign parts,
of their ministers and boards at home, of a fleet essen-
tially necessary to the existence of our commerce, and
the half pay of our officers and soldiers, will amount to
nearly three shilling in the pound perpetual tax. Our
ministers in Europe cost us at this time more than
twenty thousand pounds sterling annually, though we
have only one received and acknowledged as such.
The secretaries of these inefficient, unacknowledged
ministers receive one thousand sterling annually, which
is a perfect sinecure; for whilst their principals cannot
act, they most certainly can have nothing to copy or
to record. From this sample, and from Congress hav-
ing uniformly disposed of these places among them-
selves, we may make some estimate of our future
civil list, and it will not be too hardy to say that it
will, if this system is pursued, be as great a source of
-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
513
corruption, and as burdensome, as the civil lists in
England or the pensions of France.
How-
•
The Parliament is summoned on business the 27th
of the next month. It is generally believed that a
secret treaty has some months since been signed
between Russia and England, and that it will be
announced at the opening of the next session.
ever that may be, there is certainly a good understand-
ing between the two powers, and it appears probable
that in the coming winter both the Emperor of Ger-
many and the Empress of Russia will interpose their
mediation in more direct and positive terms than in
the last. By the appointment of delegates by Con-
gress to attend the Congress at Vienna, I see that the
hopes of my countrymen were sanguine on that sub-
ject. They ought to be undeceived on that as well
as many others. The Emperor offered and England.
accepted the mediation on the express condition that
the affairs of America should not be subjected to any
determination of the proposed Congress. This not
being assented to by France, the affair fell to the
ground. It will be probably revived this winter. The
great object of England this winter will be to make
a general peace, or a separate one with Holland, and
to get that war off their hands. If they succeed in
either, the consequence will be much the same to
us, if we neglect the present favorable and important
moment.
-
I am not disgusted with men, though I am ex-
tremely so with measures, in France, and I have writ-
ten to you not with confidence that my sentiments will
be adopted, but from the impulse of duty, and that this
letter may, by its being made a public one, remain on
your public files to condemn or justify me on some
future day. If my opinions are ill founded, still my
intention is good; but, if events justify my predictions,
this letter will justify me in the eyes of posterity for
having given the alarm in season, whether it shall be
attended to or not.
VOL. IV.—33
514
THE DEANE PAPERS.
༩༥
(
I have sent on my accounts to Congress, by which
it will appear that there is a ballance due to me of
more than three hundred thousand livres tournois.
They have by design or inattention prevented my
having my accounts audited or payed. From the
general tenor of their conduct towards me, I am
authorized to put the most unfavorable construction
on it; but I will not enter on the disagreeable subject
further than to appeal to justice and humanity of my
countrymen to prevent the final ruin of one who has
faithfully served them, and who now hazards the loss
of every thing in venturing to undeceive them. I
shall probably pass the winter in this place or in the
neighbourhood. Commercial objects, as well as oecon-
omy, urge me to it. This will go by Capt. Trowbridge
of New Haven. I shall improve every direct oppor-
tunity to write to you. I have the honor to be, with
respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient & very humble
servant,
To Governor Trumbull.
SILAS DEANE.
Jay Mss., New York Historical Society.
TO SAMUEL H. PARSONS.
Ghent, Oct. 21st, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-My letter of the 14th of June last con-
tained my sentiments on our political situation. No
event since that time has happened to change them.
On the contrary, every thing has tended to confirm me
in them. I have written by this conveyance to Gov.
Trumbull, which letter will be communicated to our
General Assembly; and I have directed our mutual
friend Major Tallmadge to shew you mine to him. I
q
THE DEANE PAPERS.
515
can hardly say any thing on the subject in this without
repeating what I have already said in those and in my
last letter to you.
I am now in a city perfectly neutral, and perfectly in-
different as to the fate of the contending powers.
The
people are satisfied with their government; they idolize
their Emperor, and flatter themselves that his mediation,
however the war may turn, will in the end be courted,
and that the price of it will be an extension of the com-
mercial privileges of this country, at present extremely
cramped by former treaties; but they wish him to take
no other part in the contest.
You know that this coun-
try was for several centuries the center of almost all
the commerce and wealth of Europe. It still remains.
one of the best cultivated and most populous of any I
have ever seen. This city, Antwerp, Bruges, and
others retain visible marks of their ancient riches. The
people, settled on the most fertile soil I ever saw,
and naturally oeconomical and industrious, continue to
be in easy circumstances, though they have been de-
prived of their commerce for more than a century.
All
their canals, quays, and magazines have been kept in
repair; and their situation for commerce is so much
superior to that of Holland that, were the restrictions I
refer to taken off, it would in a very few years rival and
probably ruin that republic. The misfortune of this
country, as well as that of Holland, is to have very few
good ports, the whole country being nearly on a level
with the sea; the shoals and sand and mud banks run
far off the coast. Antwerp is situated on the river
Scheldt, which at that city becomes a large and noble
river with eighteen feet of tide in it. But the Dutch
territories lie on each side the river, just below the
town, and the House of Austria sacrificed the right of
the navigation on it to the sea in former treaties.
Ostend is the only other port of any consequence, and
has lately been made free by the Emperor, since which
it has increased rapidly. But by treaties with England
and Holland, all commerce between Ostend or other
516
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Austrian ports in the Netherlands and the East Indies
is prohibited; and the Emperor, in rendering Ostend a
free port, could not take off those restrictions, and he
is still obliged to carry on his commerce with the East
Indies from Trieste, which lays it under very great dis-
advantages. I am thus particular on this subject, as
being well understood it may serve as a key to explain
the Emperor's conduct. Commercial advantages for
this part of his dominions are the only objects that can
rationally interest him in the present contest. These
are to be obtained by concessions on the part of Eng-
land and Holland; and as these may probably be as
easily and as effectually obtained and secured by a
spirited and decisive tone of mediation on his part as
by war, he will probably prefer the former. The
coming winter will inform us fully on this subject. This
country produces no article for our consumption or
commerce, except linens, which are neither preferable
in quality nor cheaper than those of Ireland. This
country, which formerly supplied England itself and all
Europe with woolens, now imports large quantities of
woolens from thence for their consumption; in a word,
the Flammand, when deprived of their navigation by
which only such bulky goods as woolens could be car-
ried to foreign markets, wisely turned their attention to
finer manufactures, such as lace, cambrics, &c.; and,
their country being extremely proper for the cultivation
of flax, they did not suffer so materially by the change;
and though their manufactures make less show and ap-
pearance, yet they bring a certain ballance into the
country. A pound of flax, before it goes out of the
manufacturer's hands in the finest of lace, becomes
equally valuable with a pound of gold, and often more
So. Our country has none, or very little, market for
such articles, and this country is not in want of any of
our productions. It raises more tobacco than it con-
sumes, and already exports large quantities of that
article. The East and West India productions are
almost the only ones wanted from abroad. By this
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517
general sketch, you will be able to form a judgment
how far the Emperor is interested in the present
contest, and what part he will most probably take,
and whither he will take any at all with respect to
us.
It would be folly in me to attempt to send you news
from a place like this; all we have comes from London
or Paris or Amsterdam, and you will have that earlier
through the public channels. The disposition of the
different neutral powers in Europe appears the same as
I have described them in my former letters. The sur-
prize which our first exertions against the whole force
of England caused, and the consequent attention given
to us and our cause, have almost entirely ceased, and
the administration of Congress has been such that they
have lost that respect in which they were once held on
this side the water. Sensible men see nothing in their
constitution and government that is fixed, permanent,
and decisive. After the repeal of the obnoxious acts
and the offers made by Parliament, the first great
object appears to be out of the question; and it is not
easy to convince a disinterested European that demo-
cratic independancy is preferable to the British consti-
tution and form of government. I will dismiss this
subject, as it may be disagreeable to you.
I wrote you
in my last on the old subject of the Ilinois or Western
Lands. If you are disposed to do any thing that way,
I hope you have already wrote me, that some plan may
be digested and pursued immediately on a peace, which,
pray God, may not be very distant.
I have sent on my accounts to Congress, by which
they will see that they are more than 300,000 livres in
my debt. I cannot imagine that the more sensible
part of them ever imagined otherways, notwithstanding
their pretences. I am extreamly impatient to hear from
you, and hope you will gratify me. If we differ on
political subjects, we can discuss them cooly or pass
them over in silence in our correspondence, without
interrupting that friendship which has so long subsisted
518
THE DEANE PAPERS.
??
between us, and which I sincerely wish may be perpetu-
ated with our existence. I am, Dear Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Direct your letters to care of Mr. Grand, banker, at
Paris, who will know my address in all my wanderings.
General Parsons, Conn.
TO JOHN DE NEUVILLE AND SONS.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Oct. 23d, 1781.
GENTLEMEN,
I received your esteemed favor of the
18th, and as soon as I receive advice from Paris shall
write you further on the subject of my young friend
whom you have generously offer'd a place in your
counting house. The present serves only to cover my
letters to Governor Trumbull and Mr. Mumford, which
you will be so kind to forward, with orders to have
them destroyed in case of accident. I shall with great
pleasure embrace any opportunity of rendering you
equal service, and have the honor to be, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Messrs. De Neuville.
TO ISAAC HAZLEHURST.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Oct. 24th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I duly received your favor of the 18th
inst., and now take the liberty of enclosing to your care
a letter for General Parsons, which pray you to deliver
to Capt. Trowbridge with my request to destroy it in
case of accident. I wrote to him, but have not been
favored with any answer. You must have seen the
Court Gazette from London, by which it appears that
Admiral Graves has had the worst of it, and that our
friends were masters of the Chesapeake; on the other
THE DEANE PAPERS.
519
hand, Commander Johnston has given our friends in
Holland a blow by the capture of five of their East
Indiamen. God grant that something more decisive
may happen which may bring us peace! We have
now two mails due from London, and therefore have no
news except that the Queen of France is delivered of a
son, a young Dauphin (as report says, and probably
true). The arrival of a new master will cause great re-
joicings, and be the subject of conversation and enter-
tainment at Paris. Of what consequence is the fate of
the war in comparison with this?
I am most sincerely yours, &c.,
Mr. Hazlehurst.
TO EDWARD Bancroft.
S. DEANE.
P
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Oct. 24th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-I received your favor of no date, ac-
knowledging the receipt of my letters of the 11th and
12th. I have written you one letter since. I am not
surprized at Gillon's conduct, nor do I envy his passen-
gers their situation. I expect to hear that Gillon ha
sold vessel and cargo and gone off with the effects;
however it may be, we are doomed on all these occa-
sions to suffer not only the loss of property but in our
national character. I wish you to pay some attention
to Major Franks; he is of a communicative turn, and
the real situation of our country may be known through
such channels with greater certainty than through differ-
ent ones. I congratulate you and my friends on the
birth of a Dauphin. I can learn nothing of the articles
which my hostess says are missing; it is something
singular that two pair of tongs should be taken out of
my apartments; they are not generally objects for plun-
der, and you know that my servants were reputed hor-
est. I have received no letters since my last to you,
and of course have nothing new to send you; nor would
B
520
THE DEANE PAPERS.
I write at all but to set you the example of answering
punctually the letters that pass between us. Two mails
are still due; I shall see them probably tomorrow, and
if any thing new arrives will write you. Please to send
on the inclosed, and be assured that I am, most sin-
cerely,
Doctor Bancroft.
Yours, &c.,
+
TO ISAAC HAZLEHURST.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Oct. 26th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-You will undoubtedly be desirous of
knowing the history of Gillon and his passengers. After
cruising about four weeks in the North Seas, and then
going north about and cruising at the west of the Chan-
nel for some time, he put into Corunna. He confined
Jackson, Searle, and his other passengers whilst he
went on shore to negociate a number of bills under the
acceptance of Doctor Franklin, which he had obtained
of Jackson, the latter says fraudlently. Jackson, how-
ever, contrived to let his situation be known to a
French frigate in the road, by whom he got liberated,
and on shore in time to prevent the negociation. Jack-
son, Searle, and the rest give Gillon a most horrid
character. Gillon, on his part, recriminates, and says
that they impeded all his operations in such a manner
that he is confident they cannot be friends to America,
and that, in short, he is obliged to sell the goods shipped
for South Carolina to raise money; he says that Mr.
Searle persuaded him at Amsterdam to take on board two
thousand pounds sterling of goods on his, Mr. Searle's,
account (surely there could have been no British man-
ufactures among them), and that Mr. Searle is angry
with him on account of his not going directly to Amer-
ica on that account. This, in a few words, is the history
ww
THE DEANE PAPERS.
521
.
as I received it yesterday from Paris. I do not pretend
to vouch for the truth of every part of it, nor if it is
true to say which party is in the right; but this much
may be depended on, that Gillon is at Corunna, and
that he and his passengers are quarrelling. Major
Franks, the quondam aide of Arnold, came over to
Spain with dispatches from Congress, and thence to
Paris. I hear of nothing new by him. The Ariel frig-
ate is also arrived; she left Rhode Island the 28th of
August, so that she can bring nothing later than you
have in the English Gazette. The winds have been con-
trary, and we have two mails due from England; have,
therefore, nothing from that quarter.
I am, &c.,
TO JOHN CHARLES DE BAY.
S. DEANE.
I
pray you not to mention from whom you receive
this intelligence, as some people may think me not sorry
for what has happened.
Mr. Hazlehurst.
Mr. J. Charles de Bay.
Mag
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, 28th Octo., 1781.
SIR,- Please to send me a bill on Mr. Catres for one
thousand florins, and charge the same to my account.
Mr. Catres informs me that it will be agreeable to him.
I shall in a few days do myself the honor of writing to
you on the subject of the ballance in your hands, and if
agreeable to you to remit the whole to me in the same
way, please to inform me, as I shall probably have use
for it here.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
522
THE DEANE PAPERS.
P. Wray, Esq.
To P. WRAY.
Ghent, Oct. 29th, 1781.
Dear Sir,—I wrote you a few days since, and this
day received yours of the 23d. You will oblige me in
forwarding the books as early as possible. I have
anticipated the request of our friends, and have sent on
what they desired. I have seen no English papers
since the 18th, though I have inquired every where
after them. You must, I presume, by this have heard
of Admiral Digby's arrival, and be able to form some
opinion, with probability at least, whither his junction
with Admiral Graves will or will not be decisive. I am
impatient to hear further of the operations in America.
I have received but one letter from Paris since my
leaving it, and nothing material. I hope you are not
discouraged as to our adventure to America. If you
are, it will greatly disappoint me. But I must at all
events proceed. I pray your answer by the first post.
I am, &c., &c.,
S. DEANE.
TO EDWARD BANCROFT.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Oct. 29th, 1781.
MY DEAR SIR,-My last was of the 25th, since
which date I have received none of yours. I am im-
patient to know if Mr. Barclay is arrived at Paris, and
what are his powers as to settling of the Congress
accounts; also if Mr. Williamson I mentioned in my last
has been at Paris lately. He is now here, but I have not
seen him; but he appears to be on some extraordinary
scheme, from what I have heard of him. I have
changed my lodgings; direct, therefore, either to Mr.
Catres or to me, chez Monsr. Beacrestkins, Maitre
THE DEANE PAPERS.
523
!
Tapissier, dans le Rue de Valstrait.
from London.
Doctor Bancroft.
To HENRY GRAND.
We have nothing
I am, &c.,
Mr. Henry Grand.
S. DEANE.
Ghent, Oct. 29th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-I received the letter your father did me
the honor to write me, inclosing your account. I have no
doubt but it is right, but have not had time to examine it.
I sent two days since a bill on you for ten louis d'orrs
payable to bearer. I sent it to a friend in the Rue de
Maille, and I shall remit you in the course of a few days,
if I do not return myself with it, the amount of your
ballance. I have recovered part of an old arrearage,
and hope to obtain the rest soon, which detains me,
for hearing that a Consul is arrived from Congress, I
hope he has orders to settle my accounts, which makes
me impatient to return. I have written to you, as you
understand English, and on account of the little bill I
have mentioned. My most respectful compliments, &c.
I remain, &c.,
S. DEANE.
TO JONATHAN NESBITT.
Thomas Mss.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Oct. 30th, 1781.
SIR,-Just before I left Virginia, Mr. Shee, on the
advice of our mutual friend Mr. Morris, sent to my
care the copies of a number of Certificates from the
Loan Office, with instructions to sell them at a limited
price; or, if they were in better demand at L'Orient
than at Paris, to send them to you. On my arrival at
Paris they were at no price, and you will remember my
524
THE DEANE PAPERS.
writing to you in August, 1780, from Nantes, and your
letter to me on the subject, after the receipt of which I
despaired of disposing of them, and wrote to Mr. Shee
sometime last summer, for I have not the letter at hand.
I received a letter from Mr. Shee directing me to
deposit the Certificate copies with Doctor Franklin,
with a certificate of my not having disposed of them.
In compliance with his orders, I sealed them up in
presence of Doctor Franklin, and deposited them with
him, of which I notified Mr. Shee by letter. Since my
arrival here I have received a letter, or rather memo.,
which Mr. Shee gave to Major Franks open, com-
plaining of my neglect, and praying me to send him
certificates of the copies under the hand and seal of the
Minister, though I have already been at some trouble
and expence on the subject. I would go through with
it if I were at Paris, but as it may be some time before
I may be there, I give you the earliest notice of their
being lodged, agreeable to his directions, with the Min-
ister, and at his disposal. As I am told that you have
orders from him on the subject, I presume that you
will be able to answer his request, and be satisfied that
I have not neglected his orders.
I am, &c.,
Mr. Jonathan Nesbitt.
The letter from Nantes was in August, 1780.
X
S. DEANE.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO JOHN JAY.
Thomas Mss.
Philadelphia, Nov. 1st, 1781.
*
*
*
X-
As I know the confidence you once had in Deane, I
must caution you against any communication with him;
some letters have been furnished by Rivington, said to
-X-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
525
be his, which, being compared with others received
here, have the marks of authenticity.
X
*
*
*
Diplomatic Correspondence, Amer. Rev., Wharton Ed., IV., 316.
X
THOMAS PAINE TO ROBert Morris.
-X-
Second Street, fryday Evening.
[Nov. 2d, 1781.]
SIR,-The letters of Mr. S. Deane's having appeared
in the N. Y. papers, which are variously commented
upon, I should like to converse a quarter of an hour
with you on that subject. I hope this man's knack of
creating confusion and involving characters in suspicion
is at an end. Whether the letters be genuine or not I do
not undertake to give judgement upon, but his language
in France is equally as strange as anything contained
in these publications.
I am, Sir, your obdt. Hble. Servt.,
Honble R. Morris, Esquire.
THOMAS PAINE.
Reed Papers, N. Y. Historical Society.
FROM JEREMIAH WADSWORTH.
Williamsburg, Nov. 1781.
SIR,-Your letter of the 13th June came to me two
days since, in Mr. Rivington's paper. The picture you
have given of American affairs is indeed a gloomy one;
but events which have taken place since the date of
it evince that you were mistaken in facts, and clearly
prove it not to be a just one.
France has so effectually assisted America that Lord
Cornwallis and his army are our prisoners. It does
not appear to any body with whom I have conversed,
even your most sanguine friends, nor do I believe, that
Spain is actuated by the motives you ascribe to her;
nor can I believe that she will consider her American
colonies in greater danger from America independent
than from America united with Great Britain. If "the
•
526
THE DEANE PAPERS.
European_connections and alliances of Spain" will so
overawe Great Britain united with America as to pre-
vent her attacking the colonies of Spain, the same “con-
nections and alliances" will certainly as much overawe
us when alone. Nor is it possible to believe that America
could make war on Spain and seize her American set-
tlements without disturbing the peace of Europe. The
family connections of France and Spain would induce
the former to join the latter against us; and if those two
nations had any other friends in Europe, they would, if
necessary, take part against us. Great Britain would
not be slow to embrace such an opportunity to wreak
her vengeance on us for their loss; and, perhaps, might
be flattered with a hope to regain us by conquest. We
have nothing to hope, but every thing to fear, from mak-
ing war on Spain.
To have driven the British troops from the United
States the last campaign had been possible if the fleets
and armies of France and Spain had been employed for
that purpose only. This would have produced present
peace, or made the war very little felt in America. The
war continuing in Europe, and America not immedi-
ately affected, it is probable she would not have contrib-
uted much to carrying it on. France and Spain would
have been left to cope with Great Britain (in your opinion
already superior to both) without America.
You seem to have supposed that France and Spain.
should have entered into the war from no motives but
to obtain justice for America. I had never such an
idea. Nations have other motives for making war than
relieving the distressed; and when France and Spain
engaged in the British war, they intended to humble a
haughty, insolent, and envious neighbour. To do this
effectually, they will, if wise, continue the war, so as to
keep America interested in every event to its close.
This is dictated by sound policy, and is strictly just.
I have no fear of our quarreling with the American
Spaniards, from our different manners, customs, etc.
People in Europe whose manners and customs are as
-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
527
different as ours and the Spaniards, not even separated
by a river or mountain, have long lived peaceably.
I have neither time, inclination, nor political knowl-
edge enough to reply to all your assertions. They
appear to me to be founded on false information, de-
spondency, and mistakes. Your old enemies pronounce
you an apostate, and boldly assert you are paid by
Great Britain, and are sure before this you are in Eng-
land. Your friends, whose distress is extreme from
your letters, hope that the "cold hand of despair
which was on you caused you to see every thing with
a jaundiced eye, and that you are still in France, and
will risk the displeasure of that Court. However heavy
it may fall, they consider it infinitely to be preferred to
joining with Great Britain.
The American army was well supplied with pro-
visions by the several states the last campaign, with-
out spending a shilling of the money brought over by
Mr. Laurens. All the states, especially the northern
ones, have acquired a degree of method in their govern-
ment which is increasing daily; and their finances are
becoming daily more regular, and their funds more
permanent. From the northern frontiers to Georgia
the American arms have been successful. The army
on Hudson's river, under General Heath, has kept
the enemy close in New York, and furnished detach-
ments sufficient to protect the state of New York from
insult and ravage from the enemy. These are facts of
which I have incontestable evidence, and must convince
you how greatly you are mistaken in your opinions.
But before this reaches you, I will hope you have re-
covered your spirits, and have obtained a better knowl-
edge of our affairs; and, seeing things as they really
are, you have retracted your mistaken opinions, and
evinced to the world your attachment and friendship to
America, as well as to, Sir,
Your humble servant,
Silas Deane, Esq.
""
J. WADSWORTh.
Jay Mss., New York Historical Society.
3
1
528
J
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO GURDON S. MUMFord.
Ghent, Nov. 8th, 1781.
DEAR MUMFORD, -I have, since my being here,
wrote to Messrs. De Neuville of Amsterdam, who have
offered to take you into their house whenever you
please; but as board, washing, &c., must be at your
expence, and as it is a dear city, I have not given a
direct answer, but have wrote your uncle by a vessel
from Amsterdam, to have his final orders on the sub-
ject. In this I have acted my own judgment for the
present, as I think you are not losing your time where
you are, and that something may possibly happen be-
tween this and next spring which may alter your uncle's
opinion. But as Messrs. Neuville's offer has been
made in a very polite manner,, and out of friendship to
your uncle, you must write me a letter declaring your
choice of remaining where you are this winter (if it is
your choice), and of your thankful acceptance of their
offer for next spring. This letter, if wrote immediately
on the receipt of this, will find me here, and as I design
to go to Amsterdam before my return I can shew it to
them. Pray go to Doctor Bancroft and ask him if he
has received five letters from me, and if he has answered
them; if he has not, pray him to do it, and offer to carry
the letters yourself to the post, and in your answer to
this let me know what he says. My compliments to
Doctor Franklin and son, and be assured of my sincere
friendship.
I am, &c.,
Mr. Gurdon Mumford.
TO EDWARD BANCROFt.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Nov. 8th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-This is my fifth letter, and I have only
one of yours, without date, which, after what has passed,
is absolutely intolerable; at least tell me if you have
THE DEANE PAPERS.
529
sent on the articles, when they were sent, and by what
rout I may expect them. I am exceedingly hurt to
find that neither the intreaties and expostulation of your
friends nor your own interest are sufficient to induce you
to a punctual correspondence. If I were the only one
treated by you in this manner I should conclude, con-
trary to other appearances, that you wish to break off
all connection and correspondence with me; but every
one of your friends have for years past made the same
complaints. You acknowledge them to be just, yet will
not alter your conduct; you have suffered already by
it, and may still more; I will therefore say no more
on the subject, but repeat my request that you will.
at least let me know what has become of my things,.
or in what train you put them. I have nothing new,
except mere rumors propagated in London of a victory.
obtained by Admiral Digby over the Count de Grasse,
and some advantages by General Clinton over General.
Washington; but as no one can pretend to say by what
news this vessel arrived, it can be nothing more than the
conjecture of the day, started to amuse. Our last papers
are dated the third, and mention the report and nothing
more. The King and Minister appear to have been
very busily employed for some days with the Russian
Ambassador, from whence it is naturally conjectured
that arrangements are taking for a peace. God send it
soon, and on honorable terms. I have put off going
to Ostend until I should have an answer to my letters,
nor am I willing to undertake the journey without first
hearing from you, as I have calculated before my return
to go as far as Holland. I cannot be so long absent,
under uncertainty. As the return of the post which
carries this will be on Tuesday next, I will wait until
then, when, if I hear nothing, I must conclude that my
letters have been lost, or that you are sick or dead.
Nothing less can excuse you.
I am, Dear Sir, Yours, &c.,
Dr. Bancroft.
VOL. IV.-34
S.. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
?
•
530
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO EDWARD BANCROFT.
Ghent, Nov. 9th, 1781.
I
DEAR SIR, I wrote you yesterday an angry letter,
and this day received yours of the 4th. If you think
you have not merited all what I have said, lay the sur-
plus by against you do, I fear it will not be long
felt, and then I will only refer you to that letter.
see you will soon lose your present stock of Ameri-
cans, as they appear to be going their different ways;
but you will probably have a succession of them through
the winter. I had no right to expect Franks to be
either my friend or enemy. Of himself, he is too vola-
tile and trifling to be either to any one for anytime,
meer wax, and never either too hot or too cold to
receive the impression of the last application; and
coming from Madrid, and commissioned by Carmichael,
it was natural that he should bring his image and super-
scription with him. I am, however, sorry that he left
Paris so soon, or, rather, that he had not the means for
staying and giving way to his natural disposition for a
few weeks, as he would have made a good addition to
the American adventurers already exhibited on that
stage. But can't you come at the purport of the dis-
patches sent by him? The English papers say that
Congress have sent to Spain, in very positive terms, to
borrow money. If so, the occasion is favorable, as the
Spanish flota is arrived. There was no news in Lon-
don, of the 3d, of the dreadful shipwreck you mention,
though they had accounts of a hurricane which had
done some damage in the island. As it seem'd by the
account which I saw to have been but very inconsider-
able, I did not regard the date so as to recollect it.
Melancholy as the reflection must be to a humane mind
on such a catastrophe, yet, if it brought peace in the
train of its consequences, it would be a great consola-
tion. You mention nothing of Mr. Jay, therefore I
presume he was not expected at Paris. The mail
THE DEANE PAPERS.
531
from London ought to have arrived last evening, but
did not. I have, therefore, nothing new to send you.
I am impatient to hear what is doing in America.
When the last letters came away, there was no news.
from America later than Admiral Graves' letter of the
14th Sept.; flying reports spoke of Admiral Digby's
arrival, and of a second engagement, &c., but no cer-
tainty of one or the other. I shall go for Ostend in a
day or two, but as I shall not be long on my journey,
write and direct to Mr. Sebor, chez le Veuve, merchant,
pres St. Bavo. He will send me my letters. He and
my son join in compliments to you and your little
family.
I am most sincerely yours,
Doctor Bancroft.
S. DEANE.
BARNABAS DEANE TO JACOB SEBOR.
Thomas Mss.
Wethersfield, Nov. 11th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I have not received a line from you
since last December. Whether they have been inter-
cepted by the enemy, or that you have not wrote, I
can't say. [Cipher translated.]
I wish exceedingly to hear from you and our Silas
Deane and his son. Rivington has lately published
a number of letters said to be from Silas Deane to
Robert Morris, Col. Duer, J. Wadsworth, &c., which
were wrote last May and June. I much fear they will
ruin him in this country, although they may contain
only the truth. He will be coupled in America with
Arnold; it's already given out that he is in the pay of
England, by his enemies; his friends know not what to
say about the letters. For my part, I am more sur-
prized at his imprudence in writing so freely than at
any action in his life. He has now given his enemies.
just the opportunity they wanted for to ruin him in, and
I fear he will loose his friends in France by it.
-
}
"
532
THE DEANE PAPERS.
I pray you to write me freely his situation in France,
the prospects he has, and the state of his finances.
You can do it safely in cypher. I am exceeding anx-
ious to know, and hope you will not fail of writing me.
I fear he can never expect anything from this country,
except calumny and reproach, and that Congress will
not pay him for his past services. I wish he could find
out some way to get his accounts settled, and that he
would never put pen to paper again about politics.
Nothing this war has given me the pain that these let-
ters published in New York have. I am confounded
when asked, as I am often, about them.
Pray, when do you expect to see America again?
Your friends are well, except father, who has the gout
severely. I suppose you know that your two sisters.
are married. Mr. R. Mumford and family are well.
He goes on, as usual, building, &c.; he trades very
little. Col. S. B. Webb is married, and is expected
here every day with his wife and family from Jersey.
This State have confiscated the estates of the merchants
who staid in New York, viz., that part of their property
which lay in this state, and have appointed adminis-
trators on them, and ordered them to sue those who
owe money to them, and oblige them on oath to give an
account of what they owe the merchants in New York,
which sums is ordered to be sued and put into the treas-
ury of this State. If any one refuses to render, an
account, he is to be doomed what sum the court thinks
proper to fix on. This is a cruel law indeed, and will
ruin many an honest man. J. Webb is sued to render
his account with Charles McEvers. What he will do I
can't say, but expect at the next court there will be a
great number called on in the same way by this State.
You will judge by this the situation of this country at
present. We are still hoping for peace; we expect the
capture of Lord Cornwallis will help to bring one about.
I have had many changes in fortune since I saw you.
I have been very fortunate at times, and then lost it
again. We are building a distill house in Hartford
•
THE DEANE PAPERS.
533
I
where I expect to move next spring and carry on busi-
ness there. I have sold my house in this town. Money
is exceeding scarce, goods of every kind falling fast,
bills on France from 25 to 30 per cent. discount.
wish to know your sentiments on the prospects of
peace, or the continuance of the war. Pray write me
often and fully; in particular, don't fail of giving me
every information respecting Silas Deane's affairs.
Believe me to be yours,
BARNABAS DEANE.
To Jacob Sebor.
TO EDWARD BANCROFT.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Nov. 13th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I wrote you the 9th in answer to yours of
the 4th, which is your last letter that has come to hand.
I fear it is the last you have wrote. I saw papers and
letters from London this day to the 8th. Admiral Digby
arrived the 26th of Sept. at Sandy Hook, and was get-
ting ready to go with his whole fleet to Chesapeake
Bay. Lord Cornwallis appeared to be in a dangerous
situation, and General Clinton had embarked 4,000
troops to go to his relief. General Washington had
crossed the Delaware with part of his army on his way
for Virginia; but General Clinton must wait the issue
of a battle at sea before he can set out, whilst General
Washington may arrive by land without any obstacle to
retard his march. From these movements it seems as
if the Southern provinces will be the theatre of the
war for the next winter. Arnold had been at New Lon-
don on an expedition against a fort near the mouth of
that harbor, and in order to seize on the shipping and
stores there the fort was carried; but, though defended
only by the militia and sailors of Groton and New Lon-
don, it cost the enemy dear; some accounts say two, and
some 400 men. General Clinton says in his letter that
two regiments suffered greatly, but gives the highest
534
THE DEANE PAPERS.
·
eulogium on the conduct and bravery of the officers and
men. The shipping which lay at anchor escaped by
running up the river, but those at the wharves and on
the stocks were set on fire, and the flames communi-
cating to a store where there was a quantity of powder,
it blew up, and set the town on fire, which was entirely
consumed. This is the substance of the news from
London, which you may possibly receive before this
reaches you.
You know that I had many friends in
New London with whom I have been intimately con-
nected from my childhood. The thoughts of their being
ruined affects me very sensibly. The fleet under Count
De Grasse appears to be much superior to that under
Digby; yet the latter, who has took the command, was
resolved to hazard a battle. Should it prove a decisive
one, we may, I think, hope for peace. I have heard
nothing from my things. Pray let me know by what
rout you sent them.
I am, &c.,
S. DEANE.
FROM SIMEON DEANE.
C
P. S. Do not excuse yourself on account of your not
being certain that your letters will find me here. I shall
give such directions that they will find me wherever I
may be, if alive.
Doctor Bancroft.
Thomas Mss.
Philadelphia, Nov. 14th, 1781.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-How to write to you or what
to say, I know not. This I promise when I inform you
that Rivington in New York has lately published sun-
dry letters said to be from you, and directed to Messrs.
Morris, Wilson, Duer, Wadsworth, Tallmadge, S. H.
Parsons, T. Mumford, Root, B. Deane, and S. Deane,
the uniform tenor of which seem to be urging, or rather
arguing, for a reconciliation with the British govern-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
535
ment. These are reprinted with the greatest avidity by
your enemies, and occasion much ferment.
Most peo-
ple assert them to be a forgery. This you may be as-
sured of, that they operate to your utmost disadvantage,
and to the extreme distraction of your real friends.
I need not again hint to you what I have often done
in conversation, viz., that you had many insidious
acquaintances whom you supposed were friends, nor
need I say that their consequent conduct has entirely
justified my assertions. To tell you a piece of coffee
house talk here is needless and improper, but they sus-
pect treason.
•
Long, my dear brother, have I most affectionately
felt for the unjust treatment which I believe you have
experienced, after your most zealous exertions. Yet the
Mens conscia recti has, I hope, never been altered.
I trust, my dear brother, that you are sure that I
bear you the most affectionate regard, and would risque
my life most freely where it might be of service to your
just reputation; but at present what can be done? To
oppose a torrent is madness; to sit down quiet, impos-
sible.
The ravages which have so distressed Virginia are
now happily over by the reduction of Lord Cornwallis
and his army, as you will hear before this arrives. The
exultation is here tumultuous and unbounded.
I am now on my return there, and shall, as soon as
possible, close my concerns with Sabatier, Despres &
Co. Nothing has hitherto prevented it except those
distractions. I wrote you from hence lately by Mr.
Hopkins and others.
Pray you to be persevering and uniform, and that
mode must finally triumph over the opposition.
My dear brother, I am, with the most sincere frater-
nal attachment.
S. DEANE.
Ever yours,
P. S.—I can scarce expect a let-
ter from you for some time to come, as they will, no
[Cipher translated.
536
THE DEANE PAPERS.
doubt, be intercepted. It is asserted last week a letter
said to be written by Deane to Congress has been
declared by Congress to be a forgery of the English.
There are those who deny it to England. They de-
clare that your reasons were sold. It is said to have
been captured 8 weeks ago. Appearance justifies it.
What can be said, thought, or done by those who are
really your friends? Adieu for the present.] May God
ever preserve you and confound your enemies.
Can it be possible to prove the sum and mode of in
surance made on the Deux Amisand Union, also what-
part was advanced for them? I fear they will ruin n
by not proving them.
me
TO EDWARD BANCROFT.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Nov. 23d, 1781.
ance.
DEAR SIR,—I have written you three letters which
remain unreplied to, which I impute to your illness,
from which I most sincerely wish you a speedy deliver-
I am greatly obliged to you for your attention
to the books which I hear are arrived at Ostend. We
have this day a hand bill from Paris, which says that
the Chevalier Lauzun was arrived with the news that
Lord Cornwallis and his army surrendered prisoners of
war on the 19th October; it is published by order, and
the particulars promised to be given the next day. I
expect to receive them to-morrow, and will immediately
forward them, though you may possibly have the news
before my letter arrives, yet it will not be amiss to send
it. We have no other news, except that a considerable
armament, going from Brest to the East Indies, is ex-
pected to sail by the last of this month under Monsr.
Vaudreiul. I shall write you in a few days, and for-
ward by some safe hand the papers we talked about. I
have no time to add, but am, &c.
Excuse this hasty scrawl. I should not have written
-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
537
to you this day but for the above news.
may produce peace.
Doctor Bancroft.
TO EDWARD BANCROFT.
God grant it
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Nov. 23d, 1781.
DEAR SIR, Yours of the 11th did not come to hand
until yesterday, and this morning I am favored with
yours of the 19th and 20th. I congratulate you on the
success in America, and hope it may bring us peace,
without which the success of either party is of little con-
sequence. No man ever had greater reasons to wish
for peace than what I have; for until it arrives no one
can be more miserable. I have been very far from
approving of the proceedings of Congress for three
years past, and have been too free and open in express-
ing of my disapprobation, both in conversation and in
my letters.
I have ventured to dispose of the politics
of our friends in many instances, and, distressed at the
prospect of the miseries which this war has brought on
my country, and which a continuance of it, whither suc-
cessful or not, must entail on it for some ages to come,
I have endeavored to turn the attention of those with
whom I have conversed or corresponded to the issue
of the war, and to calculate whither, if the sole object
now in our view, as Americans, should be obtained, it
would compensate for the losses which we must suffer
in the pursuit of it, and the inconveniences and ex-
pences we must be at in maintaining the possession of
it. Though I have done this from conviction of the
truth of whatever I have ventured to advance, and with
the best intentions, I have been the most unfortunate that
is possible for man to be in the attempt. Every
expression of mine on the subject has been misrepre-
m
538
THE DEANE PAPERS.
sented or attributed to the worst of motives, reflecting
on the part I have acted, and on my situation. I never
could imagine that my attachment to the true interests of
my country, so far as I was able to know them, could be
questioned, much less that without connections in Great
Britain, and obnoxious to the Ministers, I should be
supposed to have spoken or written on the subject in
expectation of favors or rewards to be received from
them. You know my circumstances, and that few indi-
viduals are personally more interested than I am in the
continuation and credit of Congress, having the great-
est part of my fortune in their hands, which, although
they have hitherto unjustly detained, they must one day
pay me, if able. I do not pretend to be free from the
influence of those passions to which all men are more
or less subject, nor that I am insensible of the injuries.
and injustice done me by Congress; but I can say with
confidence that had they been much greater, they would
have had no effect on me to say or to do any thing
against the liberties of my country. The party in Con-
gress which embarrassed the whole of the public busi-
ness of America for more than 12 months, whilst they
were endeavoring at my ruin at the same time that
they did the most essential injury to America, gave me
an opportunity of knowing, and that from dear bought
experience, how little of stability there was in their con-
stitution of government, how very unequal it was to
the well ordering and governing an extensive country
like ours, as well as how little dependence those who
served them the most faithfully could have, not on
rewards or honors from them, but for common justice.
Those observations naturally led me to reflect on the
unanimous sentiments of the first and second Congress,
expressed with an appeal to the great searcher of hearts
for the sincerity of them. In those resolves they
declared that they neither seek or wish for any thing
more than to be placed in the same state in which
America was at the close of the last war. For me, I
should not be content, by any means, with that, and
THE DEANE PAPERS.
539
were those the best terms that could be obtained, I
should join those who are for continuing the war. But
after the most mature reflection on what has passed,
and weighing in the best manner I am capable of the
circumstances and issue of the present war, I became
satisfied that, with a total exemption from taxation,
except by our own assemblies, with the powers of legis-
lation and a free commerce, America would be happier
and enjoy greater liberty, though still forming a part
of the British empire, and under one common head
or sovereign, than she could hope for under any other
constitution. Fully convinced of this, my natural open-
ness of temper led me to say as much to many Amer-
icans, who instead of answering what I offered in sup-
port of these sentiments, set themselves to misreport
or exaggerate every expression of mine, and to repre-
sent me as an enemy to my country and a partisan for
British tyranny. In the months of May and June last
I wrote to several of my friends in America, particularly
to Mr. Root, Mr. Morris, my brothers, and several
others. In those letters I expressed my sentiments and
the reasons at large on which they were founded. You
tell me that the New York paper mentions the taking
of a vessel with important letters from L'Orient. This
gives me the greatest uneasiness lest mine should be
among them; for though I neither expected or requested
that my friends would keep their contents secret from
our countrymen in public character, yet should they be
communicated to them through the English newspapers
from New York, such a circumstance would fill the
utmost measure of my misfortune. I can easily foresee
the consequences; but should they prove ten times
worse than I at present imagine, apprehensive as I
naturally am, they will have no effect on me with regard
to my attachment to my country and to its liberties.
To be obnoxious to that country which I once gloried
in as the common parent of myself and fellow citizens,
for having been among the first to resist her usurpation,
and at the same time to become suspected in a country
1
da
540
THE DEANE PAPERS.
A
1
in which I have experienced so much politeness and
hospitality, and to which I have so many private obliga-
tions, and to be represented in my own country, which
comprehends every thing dear to me in life, as its
enemy, it is, my Dear Friend, indeed, it is too much;
but I will neither anticipate misfortunes nor sink under
them whilst health and spirits remain with me, but for
these ten days past both have been threatened to leave
me. I have put off my journey to Ostend partly on
that account, but more on account of the indecision of
some gentlemen here, who proposed to be concerned
with me in an adventure from thence to New England.
The merchants of this country have good capital acquired
in a snug way, as it is called, and not in the line of
bold adventure. They expect large remittances by the
Spanish fleet, and will venture little until secure of them.
I have, fortunately, secured part of the arrearages of an
old affair which I had at St. Eustatia, and shall send
Mr. Sebor to London next week to try to secure the
rest. If I succeed, I shall have wherewith to live
through the present storm, but not without a more rigid
oeconomy than what I have ever been accustomed to.
I cannot think of returning to Paris at present, on
account of the above disagreeable circumstances. Were
expence of the question, I left no debts behind me in
the city, except to Neff the taylor, and to Pascal the
coachmaker, and a ballance to Mr. Grand. If I finally
determine to pass the winter here, I shall remit you
wherewith to satisfy them. I pray you to tell Mr.
Grand that I received his letter inclosing his accounts,
which until now I have been unable to verify, but that
I have no doubt but it is right. It is probable that I
shall go to Amsterdam in the course of next month.
I sent by Mr. Laurens a letter to Congress, and the state
of my accounts. I have since sent duplicates with the
particulars by the way of L'Orient and Amsterdam, but
am without any answer. You tell me that a Consul
General from Congress is arrived in France. Pray, in
your first letter after the receipt of this, inform me if he
THE DEANE PAPERS.
541
I will not
is instructed to settle the public accounts.
add to this long letter, only to pray you to present my
most respectful compliments to Doctor Franklin and to
Mr. Walpole and family.
I am, my Dear Sir, most sincerely, yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S.-We want two mails from London, consequently
have no news here.
Doctor Bancroft.
TO WILLIAM TEMPLE FRANKLIN.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Nov. 25th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-The above is copy of a letter which I
received this morning from Capt. Cochran, and inclosed
is the bill which he mentions. His first letter and first
bill must probably have miscarried, and I know nothing
of the men he speaks of as having indigo in their hands
of his. But as the young man must want the money as
early as it can be had, I have taken the liberty of trans-
mitting the bill to you, and to pay you the commission
which Capt. Cochran charges me with, at least so far as
it shall be convenient for you to execute it. I know
you have a regard for the young man, and will take
pleasure in serving him. If you have any such men
as Babut and Labuftere at Paris, as they must have
received Capt. Cochran's letter, which orders them to
account with me, it will be the same to account with
you; and I should hope that the effects of this indigo
and this bill may set the young man free to return,
agreeable to his father's directions. I pray you to pre-
sent my compliments to Doctor Franklin, and am, &c.,
S. DEANE.
W. T. Franklin, Esq.
Thomas Mss.
542
THE DEANE PAPERS.
TO JOHN CHARLES DE BAY.
Ghent, Nov. 26th, 1781.
SIR, I should have answered the letter which you
did me the honor to write me the 15th before this, but
I waited on account of letters which I expected, and
from which I should take my resolution as to the
ballances in your hands. I have not as yet received
them; but as you told me it would suit you to give me
paper on Paris, I pray you to send me to the amount
of four thousand livres, and with it the state of my ac-
counts. You will oblige me by sending the above sum
in two setts of bills of two M livres each.
I have, &c., &c.,
Mr. J. Charles De Bay, at Brussels.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
THOMAS PAINE TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Monday morning, Nov. 26th, 1781.
SIR, I am much obliged to you for the Abbe
Raynel's History. I have made some extracts from
it, which has occasioned me to keep it longer than I
intended. There are several mistakes in it, and his
opinions are often in contradiction to one another. His
account of the rejection of the offers of the British Min-
istry, pages 133, 134, 135, is erroneous.
I send you
my remarks thereon, which you will please to return to
me when you have perused them. His idea of the
Alliance is injudicious, because it is not so much what
motives brought them together, as what consequences
will ensue from it that is the object of philosophical
enquiry. And all other considerations apart, the Alli-
ance certainly has a tendency to free the mind of pre-
judice-I can feel it in myself. But his account of the
confederated powers, page 162, is truly cynical. Pages
149 and 155 touches on a political secret.
-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
543
I am sorry to see Deane's letters get into our papers,
as I am very apprehensive they were written for the
purpose of publication, and not with a design of being
sent to the persons they are directed to. I have
mentioned this to Bailey the printer, and advised him
to discontinue them, and the more so, as the remarks
he makes on them is not equal to the poison they
infuse.
I return you my thanks for your kindness to Temple
Harris, the Bearer of this. He is an honest, diligent,
obliging youth, and I am persuaded will answer Mr.
Whiteside's expectations.
Col. Everleigh lent me some English newspapers of
yours; I returned them yesterday, except two which I
have sent to the printer. The Col. desired me to mention
this to you, as you will find them two short of the proper
number; the other two will be returned on Thursday.
I am Sir, Your Obt. hble. Servt.,
THOMAS PAINE.
Honble. Robert Morris, Esq.
P. S.-Contrary to my expectations the attack on
Augustine by the Spaniards is spoke of by the S. C.
gentlemen as an agreeable circumstance to them.
Reed Papers, New York Historical Society.
THOMAS PAINE TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Philadelphia, Nov. 26th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Since my arrival I have received a letter
from you, dated Passy, May 18, and directed to me at
Brest. I intended writing to you by Mr. Baseley, who
is consul at L'Orient, but neglected it till it was too
late. Mem. I desired Baseley to mention to you that
Mr. Butler of S. Carolina is surprised at Capt. Rob-
inson's drawing on him for money. This Mr. Butler
mentioned to me, and as a friend I communicate it
to you.
I sent you Col. Laurens's draft on Madame
544
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Babut (I think that is her name), at Nantz, for 12
L' d'ors for the expence of the Journey, but have never
learned if you received it.
Your former friend Silas Deane has run his last
length. In France he is reprobating America, and in
America (by letters) he is reprobating France, and
advising her to abandon her alliance, relinquish her
independence, and once more become subject to Brit-
ain. A number of letters, signed Silas Deane, have
been published in the New York papers to this effect;
they are believed by those who formerly were his
friends to be genuine. Mr. Robt. Morris assured me
that he had been totally deceived in Deane, but that
he now looked upon him to be a bad man, and his
reputation totally ruined. Gouverneur Morris hopped
around upon one leg, swore they had all been duped,
himself among the rest, complimented me on my quick
sight, and, by Gods, says he, nothing carries a man
through the world like honesty. And my old friend
Duer, "Sometimes a sloven, and sometimes a Beau,"
says: Deane is a damned artful rascal. However,
Duer has fairly cleared himself. He received a letter
from him a considerable time before the appearance of
these in the New York papers, which was so contrary
to what he expected to receive, and of such a traitor-
ous cast, that he communicated it to Mr. Luzerne the
Minister.
Lord Cornwallis with 7247 officers and men are
nabbed nicely in the Chesapeake, which, I presume,
you have heard already; otherwise, I should send you
the particulars. I think the enemy can hardly hold
out another campaign. General Greene has performed
wonders to the southward, and our affairs in all quar-
ters have a good appearance. The French Ministry
have hit on the right scheme, that of bringing their
force and ours to act in conjunction against the enemy.
The Marquis de la Fayette is on the point of setting
out for France; but as I am now safely on this side the
water again, I believe I shall postpone my second jour-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
545
!
ney to France a little longer. Lest Doctr. Franklin
should not have heard of Deane, I wish you would
write to him; and if anything new transpires in the
meantime, and the Marquis do not set off too soon, I
shall write by him.
Remember me to Mr. & Mrs. Johnstone, Dr. Pierce,
Mr. Watson & Ceasey, and Mr. Wilt. Make
Make my best
wishes to Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Alexander, and all the
good girls at St. Germain.
I am your friend, &c.,
THOMAS PAINE.
P. S.-Mind, I'll write no more till I hear from you.
The French fleet is sailed from the Chesapeake, and
the British fleet from New York; and since writing the
above a vessel is come up the Delaware, which informs.
that he was chased by two French frigates to the
southward of Chesapeake, which, on their coming up,
acquainted him that the French fleet was ahead in
chase of a fleet which they supposed to be the British.
N. B.-The French fleet sailed the 4th of this month,
and the British much about the same time, both to the
southward.
Conway's Life of Paine, I. 175.
T. Barclay, Esq.
TO THOMAS BARCLAY.
Ghent, Nov. 27th, 1781.
SIR, I received yesterday an account of your appoint-
ment to be Vice-Consul in France, and of your arrival,
on which I take the liberty to congratulate you, and to
request that you would inform me if you have instruc-
tions from Congress to examine and make a final set-
tlement of my accounts. You will much oblige me by
satisfying me on this subject by the first post, as I shall
postpone a journey I was on the point of making into
Holland until I receive your answer.
I have the honor, &c.
VOL. IV.-35
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
546
THE DEANE PAPERS.
1
WATSON'S INTERVIEW WITH DEANE.
November, 1781.-On my return from Brussels, I
called upon the once celebrated Silas Deane at Ghent.
He was a member of the first Congress, a sensible and
intriguing man, and our early secret agent at the Court.
of France. He had lost his high standing both in
France and America. I found him a voluntary exile,
misanthropic in his feelings, intent on getting money,
and deadly hostile to his native land. His language was
so strong and decided on the subject of American affairs,
and evinced so much hostility to his country, that I felt
constrained, upon my return to Paris, to announce to
Dr. Franklin my conviction that Mr. Deane must be
regarded an enemy alike to France and America. He
observed to me that similar reports had reached him be-
fore, but that he had been unwilling to admit their truth.*
(เ
*Such, at the time, were my impressions, and the opinions I framed of Mr.
Deane. I owe it to truth and justice to record his vindication from these stric-
tures, by a potent pen. John Trumbull, the brilliant author of McFingal, to
whose perusal and criticism I submitted the compilation of my manuscripts,
expressed the following views of Deane's character, in a letter dated January,
1823: Silas Deane, you say, among other things, 'was intent on getting money,
and a deadly enemy to his native land.' But ambition, not avarice, was his ruling
passion. In his early transactions at the Court of France, as the political and
commercial agent of Congress, he rendered important service to his country; but,
exceeding his powers, he made his recall necessary. Exasperated at the cool
reception he met with on his return, and at the delay in settling his accounts, he
became engaged in a contest with many of the most influential members of Con-
gress. Defeated in many of his purposes, he repaired again to France. He found
his political influence lost, with the loss of his official character. The publication
of a number of his letters, written during his residence in France, charging the
French Court with intrigue and duplicity in their negotiations with us, rendered
him obnoxious, and drove him into voluntary exile in the Netherlands, dissatis-
Thus forced into an
fied, exasperated, and impoverished almost to penury.
unnatural and friendless residence in foreign countries, he gave himself up to
rage, resentment, and actual despair, and vented his passions in execration against
France, America, and mankind. In this condition you found him, in the inter-
view you mention. He considered himself as a man not only abused and ill-
requited for important services, but denied those pecuniary rewards which had
been promised him for his agency in Europe. His subsequent situation and end
you probably know."
Men and Times of the Revolution, by Elkanah Watson.
H
THE DEANE PAPERS.
547
To P. WRAY.
Ghent, Dec. 3d, 1781.
DEAR SIR-I send you a memoire of the negotia-
tions in France. I know not if it will prove as enter-
taining or instructive as you imagined; but I have
been careful to insert every material transaction, and to
set down nothing for the truth of which I could not
answer. I flatter myself that I have written with so
much plainness and impartiality that there is no need
of any comment of mine. I have it in view to com-
pleat memoirs of what has come to my knowledge of
the politics, proceedings, and factions in Congress, from
their first meeting to this year. My design thereby is
to explain many of the transactions, to justify my own
conduct, and to point out the real causes of most of
the events of this period. In doing this I shall shew
the causes which assembled the first Congress so gen-
erally, and which produced an apparent unanimity in
all their resolutions; in the next place, shew that the
parties which made their appearance in the second
Congress, soon after their sitting, really existed in the
first, and I shall give a brief history of the character,
views, and progress of those parties and their leaders
from the first to the present time. This well executed
will, I flatter myself, with the present memoire, throw
more light on the subject than any of the histories (and
several are preparing) which will be published on the
subject. I send you a copy.
I remain, &c.,
Mr. Wray.
S. DEANE.
TO EDWARD BANCROFT.
Ghent, Dec. 4th, 1781.
MY DEAR SIR, I have no letters from you since
the 20th ulto., though I have repeatedly written to you,
and in the most pressing stile, for an answer. I can
say nothing more than I have already said on the sub-
548
THE DEANE PAPERS.
ject of your inattention to your friends when absent,
but must regard you in future as being absolutely in-
corrigible, and content myself with receiving such let-
ters as you shall send, without any certain dependance
on them. I wished exceedingly to know if Williamson
had been at Paris. It was not an idle curiosity, and
had you told me no more than yes or no, it would have
been of consequence to me, and perhaps to both of us.
I have urged the simple question in three letters, but
in vain. My letter of the 23d, written without cypher,
was of some importance. I have sent you two since,
praying to know if you received it; but you have not
found leisure to tell me. What am I to think of this?
I must tell you that after similar treatment from any
other man on earth, I would never again put pen to
paper on his account. I have received a long his-
torical letter from my brother of Virginia. It is dated
at Philadelphia, Sept. 7th. He says that the distress
and misery of Virginia were beyond description, each
army plundering or living at free quarters, in their turn,
on the people; that our old friend A. Lee was print-
ing away and stirring up fresh quarrels and factions
every day, &c.; but he wrote before the face of affairs
had changed. I shall go for Ostend to-morrow, and
return in five or six days. My absence from hence can
be no excuse for your not writing, as your letters will
always find me.
I have many things of importance to suggest to you,
but so long as you regard my letters of too little con-
sequence to be answered, why should I write? I will
not add, for I am really hurt and out of all temper.
My compliments to Mr. Walpole and son if at Paris.
I am, notwithstanding your neglect of me, most sin-
cerely your friend, &c.
S. DEANE.
P. S.-If you write me, which I must still hope for,
tell me if Mr. Barclay is at Paris, and if he is author-
ized to settle my accompts and to pay me.
Doctor Bancroft.
C
Thomas Mss.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
549
FROM JOHN JAY.
Madrid, December 5th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Your favor of the 26 Sept. did not
reach me until the 29 ulto, altho' you mention that it
was to have been dispatched in a packet of Doctor
Franklin's the subsequent Saturday. From your long
silence I suspected that you had not yet returned from
the journey mentioned in your former letter. I am
glad to find that I was mistaken, and that you still
continue mindful of your friend. It gives me pleas-
ure to hear that your accounts are ready for settle-
ment. The sooner that business is finished the better.
Let there be no altercations about Peace. You know
what I mean. It is better to suffer a little in point
of property than reputation. You have enemies, and
some of them bitter. When you shall have acquainted
yourself, it will then, perhaps, be proper to render it
necessary for them to do the like. By no means omit
preparing your case for publication as soon as it may
be seasonable; let neither time, application, or ex-
pense be wanting to complete and make it perfect. I
have seen the Freeman's Journal. In times like these
the Press will naturally be licentious. When govern-
ment becomes more stable, and the laws again resume.
their full authority, writers and printers will find them-
selves sufficiently restrained; for tho' indictments for
libels will ever be odious and unpopular, private actions.
for slander and defamation will be viewed in a differ-
ent light. When it may become necessary for me to
repair to Paris is very uncertain. I think another
campaign will precede serious negotiations for Peace.
I congratulate you on our successes in Virginia and
Carolina. They are very important; and among other
good consequences to be expected from them, that of
cementing and increasing our union with France will
not be the least. [Cipher translated. If you had
given me the character of Carmichael when at Con-
gress, he never would have been with me. In all
550
THE DEANE PAPERS.
circumstances considered, it appears to me a little
extraordinary that you who knew Carmichael should,
notwithstanding, have been silent about his tricks ; the
fact, I imagine, was, that you was taken in by his fair
but delusive appearances. For my part I was greatly
mistaken in the man.]
Mrs. Jay presents her compliments to you.
I am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
Silas Deane, Esq.
To GURDON S. MUMFOrd.
JOHN JAY.
Mr. G. S. Mumford.
Jay Mss.
Ghent, Dec. 16th, 1781.
DEAR MUMFORD,─As your uncle is urgent for your
being fixed in some commercial house in Amsterdam
as soon as it is possible, and Messrs. De Neuville's
being disposed to receive you as early as it can be
made agreeable to you, I desire you to inform Doctor
Franklin of your situation, and, if he has no objection
to your leaving him, that you set out as soon as pos-
sible for Amsterdam, taking this place in your way.
I have written to Messrs. De Neuville's to expect you
some time in the next month. It will be best to take
the diligence for Lisle, and there you will find one that
sets out every day for this city, in which you will find
me, if you arrive in three weeks from this, by inquiring
at the Hotel de Mesord Champons, where the diligence
will set you down. I have received letters from your
uncle and father which are so pressing on this subject
that I cannot delay to place you in a house which has
politely offered to receive you; though were I to act
from my own judgemcnt, I should for another year
prefer your present situation. Present my most re-
spectful compliments to Doctor Franklin, and be as-
sured of everything in my power to serve you.
-
I am, &c.,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
tj
THE DEANE PAPERS.
551
TO EDWARD BANCROFt.
Ghent, Dec. 20th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-I received yours of the 6th on my re-
turn from Ostend, since which I have been confined
to my chamber for the greatest part of the time by a
violent cold, attended with a slight fever, and the most
obstinate cough I ever experienced. The contents of
yours is by no means a cordial in my illness. What I
apprehended in mine of the 23d ulto. is realized, and
from the intolerant spirit which rages in America, I
expect no charitable construction on either my words.
or actions. It is, indeed, hard that I am also to be
deprived of your correspondence after the long and
intimate friendship which has subsisted between us;
but if your sentiments in politics differ from mine, I
must still flatter myself that you would not propose
this but on account of the delicate situation in which
you may consider yourself.
yourself. I have for sometime
feared that our efforts in America to establish more
perfect equality and liberty than ever were known in
the world, or than what, perhaps, are consistent with
civil society, would terminate in a tyranny which
neither we nor our fathers in America ever had any
idea of. I have freely expressed those apprehensions
and my reasons for them, and now find by experience
that they are realized. I pray you to ask the taylor
Neff for a copy of my account. I hope that your
adjusting that and one or two other small affairs for
me at Paris will not be taken amiss, or that I shall
hurt you by my.correspondance on those subjects until
they are closed.
Doctor Bancroft.
I am your most Affectionate and most unfortunate
friend,
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
>
552
THE DEANE PAPERS.
To P. WRAY.
Ghent, Dec. 20th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, Yours of the 14th is before me.
I re-
ceived the box of books sent to care of Mr. Hennes-
say, but no bill with them. I pray you to send me
one in your next. I parted with my friend at Ostend
last Thursday who expected to set out that evening,
and of course must be with you before this. I hope
he
may be able to succeed in the business he wishes
to undertake, though it has become more dangerous
since Congress have come to the strange resolution to
seize on and confiscate all goods of British manufac-
ture, how ever purchased and imported. I met Mr.
Barclay, the Consul for Congress, at Ostend; he was
on his way for Amsterdam, and to my surprize found
that he had no orders as to any settlement of my
accounts. I wrote you so particularly by Mr. Sebor
that I shall not add until I hear from you.
I have, &c.,
S. DEANE.
P. S.-Mr. De Bay prays me to procure him a good
draught of the city of London.
Mr. Wray.
:
G
TO FREDERICK GRAND.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Dec. 21st, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-Doctor Bancroft informs me that he
shewed you my letter of the 23d ult. that has suffi-
ciently informed you of my feelings on the reports then
circulating at Paris. I had, however, resolved to re-
turn to Paris immediately after my journey to Ostend,
though I am sorry to say that my principal induce-
ment was to meet Mr. Barclay, the Consul, and close
my accounts. I received, by order of Congress, a reso-
G
THE DEANE PAPERS.
553
*
lution of that body, informing me that Mr. Barclay
was instructed to settle them, a copy of which I send
you inclosed. At Ostend I met with Mr. Barclay, who
assured me he had no such orders, but, on the con-
trary, that it had been privately suggested to him by
members of Congress that it was not meant that he
should have any thing to do in the affair. Astonished
beyond expression at hearing this, he the more fully
to convince me, shewed me his orders.
I have only
to observe on this, that the resolution of Congress
declaring that the Consul was directed to settle my
accounts is dated the 12th of Sept., and Mr. Barclay's
orders, in which no notice is taken of my accounts, the
5th of Oct. following. After this I can have nothing
to hope for from men capable of such open duplicity
of conduct. I have been very ill and confined to my
chamber ever since my return from Ostend, or I should
have written you a long letter on this and some other
subjects. I still intend to do it as soon as I get a
little more strength, for I am at present very weak,
and should not write but to convince you that the re-
ports that Congress have at last taken measures for
the settlement of my accounts and for doing justice
are not true. I sent inclosed to your son a bill for
nineteen hundred livres, which he informed me was
passed to my credit. I hope to be able to pay you
the ballance, and, in the mean time, have the honor to
be, with much respect,
Dear Sir, etc.,
F. Grand, Esq.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
[Enclosure.]
By the United States in Congress Assembled.
September 12th, 1781.
The Committee, to whom was referred the letter
from Mr. Deane of the 15th of May, report
!
554
THE DEANE PAPERS.
"That provision is made for the examination of
Mr. Deane's account by the appointment of a Vice
Consul."
Whereupon, Ordered that Mr. Deane be informed
of that appointment.
Extract from the minutes.
GEO. BOND, Deputy Secy.
Holbrooke Mss.
TO WILLIAM TEMPLE FRANKLIN.
Ghent, Dec. 24th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I received yours of the 19th, which
informs me that you have done every thing that could
be expected for young Chocron, and am sorry that
the remittances were not equal to the demands on his
accounts, as I agree with you in opinion of his present
situation. I have been
I have been for near ten days past con-
fined to my chamber by the most obstinate cold I ever
was attacked with; this has prevented me from writing
to your honored grandfather on a subject in which
we are both of us interested to a certain degree, but
which in my circumstances distresses me exceedingly;
in a word, I 'received a letter forwarded by him, the
inclosed resolutions of Congress, which led me to con-
clude that the period was at last arrived for closing
their public accounts in Europe, and to put an end to
my complaints on that subject, and I determined to
improve the favorable moment; but on my interview
with Mr. Barclay at this place, he informed me that
he had no orders on the subject. My astonishment
was such that I could scarce believe him serious until
he shewed me his original orders, dated the 5th of
October; this, however, increased my astonishment
and excited his, when the date of his order came to
be compared with that of the resolution of Congress,
which you see was the 12th of Sept. This is no place
either for news or politics, and our diversions, except
a good theatre, are but few. My most respectful com-
▪
THE DEANE PAPERS.
555
I have the honor to be
pliments to Doctor Franklin.
with much esteem, Dear Sir,
Your most obedt., &c.,
W. T. Franklin, Esq.
Mr. Neff.
To MR. NEFF.
S. DEANE.
Ghent, Dec. 24th, 1781.
SIR, I pray you would make out my account and
give it to Doctor Bancroft, who will send it to me.
I must expect that you will not charge any thing too
high, since I have had so many cloaths of you. The
sooner you send it, the sooner it will be settled by, Sir,
Yours, &c.,
S. DEANE.
TO EDWARD BANCROft.
Thomas Mss.
Thomas Mss.
Ghent, Dec. 24th, 1781.
MY DEAR SIR,—-About ten days since I was seized
with a hoarseness, and an oppression at my breast, at-
tended with a dry cough, which, taking after a common
cold, I neglected it at first, but it increased, attended
with a slight fever and uncommon restlessness at night,
so as not to be able to enjoy more than two or three
hours of imperfect sleep in a night, and this continu-
ing, makes me uneasy. I hate tampering with doctors,
and have confined myself to a warm chamber, and to
a very light diet with lemonade and tea, or drink
made of bran sweetened with honey, but my cough.
and indisposition to sleep continues. Pray send me
some effectual but simple recipe by the first post, and
you will much oblige me. I have desired Neff the taylor
to give you his bill against me; pray send that to me
556
THE DEANE PAPERS.
also. We have no news here, and some other time
must be referred for politics, for I am too feeble to
enter on the subject at present.
Doctor Bancroft.
TO JOHN CHARLES DE BAY.
Mr. J. Charles De Bay.
I am, &c.,
W
Ghent, Dec. 26th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,-I should have done myself the honor
of writing to you before this in answer to your oblig-
ing favor, but a journey to Ostend and an illness
which for some days past has confined me to my
chamber, have prevented. The difference of the time
referred to in notes of the payment of the bills can-
not now be very material, as the time is not very
distant, and if I should have immediate want of the
money, I can draw on you, or you can give me paper
payable at that time here; but I will thank you just
to mention in answer to this what the time is.
I have the honor, &c.,
M
S. DEANE.
TO FREDERICK GRAND.
Thomas Mss.
S. DEANE.
Ghent, Dec. 26th, 1781.
DEAR SIR, I did myself the honor to write you a
few days since, but am still too ill to leave my cham-
ber, and consequently unable to be very particular in
my letter, which serves only to cover a bill for 2100
livres on Monsr. Vincens. I should have sent it
sooner, but when I first received the bill expected to
have had the pleasure of presenting it in person, but
my illness, with other circumstances, prevented me;
Thomas Mss.
THE DEANE PAPERS.
557
and being obliged to go for Amsterdam as soon as I
gain sufficient strength for such a journey, my return
to Paris will hardly be earlier than next spring. I
shall have occasion to draw on you for nearly the
amount of this bill to answer some little accounts
I left unclosed. Please to inform by a line of its
coming to hand, &c.
I am, &c.,
Mr. Grand.
FROM BENJAMIN TALLMAdge.
S. DEANE.
Thomas Mss.
Wethersfield, Dec. 27th, 1781.
DEAR SIR,—I have just received Rivington's paper
of the 12th inst., in which I find a letter published, di-
rected to me and signed by yourself. As this is but
one out of the many said to have been taken in Europe
and directed to different persons in America, tho'
signed by the same author, I presume you must ere
this have heard of the capture of this budget, or the
publication of those fictitions letters.
It is only my
duty to inform you of the conclusions which have been
drawn from them and the effects they have had on the
minds of the people.
On the 20th of October last Mr. Rivington gave us
a very pompous account of the important discoveries
made by Government in the capture of a mail in
Europe, containing letters from Messrs. Franklin,
Deane, &c., which he promised to lay before the pub-
lic in due order. Since that time he has been con-
stantly publishing, tho' I have seen no letters from any
person but yourself. The opinions of people are dif-
ferent respecting them, some believing them a for-
gery, but the most that they are genuine. The former
class of men, of course, remain your friends; but the
latter, among which are many of your late strongest
advocates, have become your most inveterate enemies.
558
THE DEANE PAPERS.
Comparing your former character and late conduct
together, the epithet of Traitor is very freely bestowed
on you, and that you have sold your conscience, your
political principles, and with them, like Arnold, would
have been glad to have sold your country, is but little
doubted. În fine, you are viewed as a disappointed
statesman, labouring under the just censures of your
country, 'till the malice of thwarted pride and ambition
has driven you to the dreadful step of changing your
principles, and giving the enemy your utmost exertions.
to overthrow a system which you, with the rest of our
country, had solemnly pledged your honour, fortune,
and life to defend. Whatever may have been your
views in writing those letters (if you are really their
author), depend on it these are the conclusions drawn
from them by your country. If they are the wicked for-
gery of your enemies, it behoves you to undeceive your
friends, and take off occasion from the prejudiced to
asperse you. I cannot, however, omit making a few
observations on the letter directed to me.
You say Great Britain is determined on no consid-
eration to acknowledge the independence of America.
The first question to be asked is, whether she is able
to subjugate and reduce us to her own terms. For
it matters very little with us whether Great Britain
acknowledges our independence or gives over the con-
quest of our country. The case of the United Prov-
inces when they revolted from Spain are a specimen
of this.
We have, in the course of this war, seen an army
of 30,000 disciplined troops, aided by a powerful navy
in one quarter, 10,000 more in another, under experi-
enced officers, spreading devastation and ruin wherever
they went; but what has become of them? The
former by death, desertion, and captivity have almost
dwindled away, and the latter were all swept off at a
stroke. Considerable reinforcements have been sent
to this country, and when long and fatal experience
proved that the northern States were not to be intimi-
THE DEANE PAPERS.
559
dated by cruelties nor conquered by the sword, the
ministry very wisely determined to carry the war into
the Southern States. A short survey of the progress
of the enemy thro' the Carolinas and Virginia will
shew the futility of their attempts. Elated by a few
partial successes, they supposed themselves masters of
the country, 'till the spirit of the people was roused,
when they were as heartily driven from every post
which they had established in the Carolinas by the
victorious army under General Greene, vanquished
and defeated in almost every action, and where they
have supposed themselves victorious it has only been
a prelude to their overthrow, 'till finally a chosen, and
what Great Britain believed a victorious, army have
been obliged to surrender prisoners of war to our illus-
trious Commander in Chief. Very different was the
prospect in Virginia at the date of your letter; but
your knowledge of the progress of this unhappy war
must have taught you that where the enemy have ap-
peared the most certain of success, they have been the
most fatally confounded.
Upon a retrospect of a seven years' war, what is the
situation of our subduing enemy? Of about 60,000
men which have been sent to America, there remains
only a small garrison at New York, and another at
Charleston, at both which places, from answering the
purposes of subjugating a country, they are no better
than besieged garrisons. This is at present the state
of the British arms in America, and, unless we ruin
ourselves by our own negligence, what reason have we
to renounce the prize which we have been contending
for?
I have ever entertained the highest veneration for
the constitution of Great Britain, but when we find it
so essentially mutilated in many parts, we have but
little to hope either from their lenity or justice.
The objection that France will afford no further
assistance than just to keep the war alive is of but
little weight. The decided superiority of the French
560
THE DEANE PAPERS.
fleet under the Count de Grasse in the American seas,
the last campaign, which led to the capture of Lord
Cornwallis, and the very respectable auxiliary force
by land under the Count de Rochambeau, are no
small proof of the spirit with which France confirms
the treaty and cements our union.
You say that the northern powers of Europe will
not be idle spectators of our success, nor admit our
independence. We cannot pretend to foretell future
events, but what evidence have they as yet given of
this? Notwithstanding the utmost exertions of Great
Britain, it is a notorious fact that they have not yet
been able to form a single alliance, nor do we find a
more friendly line of conduct pursued towards her than
the other belligerent powers.
With respect to the enormous debt already con-
tracted, and which you suppose must be soon insup-
portable to us, however great it may be in reality, we
have little reason to believe it can be lessened by
being connected with a people who are already loaded
with a debt of near £200,000,000. Add to this the
expences of our own government must, at any rate,
be paid by ourselves; and in every war which the
pride or haughtiness of Great Britain may involve
her, we must bear a part. If, under a free and happy
independence, we should be unable to support our-
selves, in state of dependence it hardly appears proba-
ble that we can support ourselves and afford any con-
siderable aids to the parent state. In the former case,
our commerce, that source of national wealth, would
be unrestricted, and our ports open to all the world.
In the latter condition, trade would probably be so
regulated that Great Britain would receive in duties
the greatest share of the profits.
These are but the cursory speculations of a soldier
who has but little to do with politics; but they are
the sentiments of one who has engaged in the profes-
sion, in the defence of the liberties and independence
of his country, firmly persuaded that a reunion with
L
THE DEANE PAPERS.
561
1
Great Britain would be the ruin of America, and that
our political happiness, honor, and prosperity rest
solely in the Freedom, Sovereignty, and Independence
of these States. These being the articles of my po-
litical creed, nothing but a total change of principles
or intire subjection can induce me to rest under a
government which has broke such solemn compacts.
and done us so much mischiefs.
I have wrote thus freely, tho' not fully determined
whether you are the author of the letter which I have
attempted to answer, or not. In either case they will
serve to convince you of the light in which you are
viewed by your countrymen in general, as well as for
my own political principles.
I am very sensible of the many embarrassments
under which we labour; but when I reflect on the
importance of the prize for which we are contending,
I cannot but hope we may soon exert ourselves, as
under the smiles of heaven, to secure an honorable
peace and lasting freedom and independence to our
country. I am, Sir,
Your most obedt. Servt.,
BENJ. TALLMadge.
VOL. IV.-36
P. S.—If Mr. Sebor is still with you, please to pre-
sent my compliments to him. I have not heard from
him since he has been in Europe.
Hon. Silas Deane, Esq.,
Paris.
Jay Mss., New York Historical Society.

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