The letters I had the honor of writing to you on Friday the 24th and Tuesday the 28th are simply a faithful expression of our republicans’ feelings. I added nothing of my own; to the contrary, I toned it down as much as I could. If the matter cannot be patched up in the manner I propose, any credibility that France enjoys here is doomed forever. Here is the promised copy of the letter and of another in the same hand, received this morning.1 In recent days France and our republicans have been the object of sarcasm and galling humor from the ill-intentioned, and while our republicans have not lost courage in confrontations with their domestic opponents, they are outraged and no longer have any confidence in what is said ministerially by France, whether it be to gloss over what has just taken place or to induce them to undertake some further step. They feel sorry for the Duc de La Vauguyon and say that the Comte de Vergennes is sacrificing him, causing him to lose with a single pen stroke all the fruits of his wise, tireless, and brilliant work here. Moreover, they declare that they are unwilling to be dominated, influenced, or led about by either England or 223France and that, whatever proposals France may make, they will no longer place them before their towns unless they possess sufficient guarantees. If, sir, you can bring about what I suggested, I think it will be a major political achievement, a major coup for the honor and advantage of the United States, because it here will establish forever their credibility, dignity, and glory. Your judgment and deep understanding have no need of further arguments. It is enough that this matter will be equally advantageous to all, since all will take part in it and guarantee it.

The Conde de Llano begged me this morning to show him the preliminary accords, of which the ambassador told him I had a copy.2 But he was satisfied with my reasons for only being able to give him an oral account of the said preliminaries. I thought I could and should pay Mr. Asp the same courtesy.

Here are some letters that arrived for your excellency,3 together with the respects of my family. You know the truth of those with which I am, sir, your excellency's very humble and very obedient servant