Papers of John Adams, volume 14
The King of G. Britain, by Patent under the Great Seal of his Kingdom has created Richard Oswald Esq, to be his Minister 42Plenipotentiary to treat with the Ministers of the United States of America.1 Thus G. B. is the 3d Power in Europe, to acknowledge our Independence, She can no longer therefore contend that it is a Breach of the armed Neutrality or an Hostility against her to acknowledge American Independence.2 This is so essential a change in the State of Things that I think and Mr Jay thinks you will now have a reasonable Ground of expect Success. The K. of Sweeden has some time ago made some Advances to treat with Dr Franklin and Congress have sent him a Commission to treat with that Prince.— I See not why Neutral Vessells may not go freely to America now.— You will not mention my Name in these matters but in Confidence. Jay is as you would wish him, wise, and firm.
I am directed by an order of Congress Signified to me by their Secretary at War, to transmit them a State of the Pay Rations and subsistance of the Troops of the states General, of Russia Prussia and all the northern Powers. Will you be so good as to assist me in this? My Love to your Ward.—
Yours sincerely.
RC (MHi:Dana Family Papers); addressed by Charles Storer: “The Honble: Francis Dana Esqr. / St. Petersbourg”; internal address: “Mr Dana”; endorsed: “Mr: J. A—. Letter / Dated Novr: 8th. 1782. / Recd: Decr. 8/19—.” LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 108.
This refers to Richard Oswald's commission of 21 Sept., which he received at Paris on the 27th (vol. 13:483–485) and of which JA was informed by John Jay's letter of 28 Sept. (Adams Papers). JA probably did not actually see the new commission until he arrived at Paris, and then it was likely a copy held by either Franklin or Jay. While JA cited the passage from Oswald's commission mentioned here in his Diary entry for 3 Nov., he indicated on the copy of the commission printed in vol. 13 that he did not receive a copy from Oswald until 9 Nov., but see JA's Diary entry for 11 Nov. (JA, D&A
, 3:44, 51).
For JA's earlier discussion of this issue, see vol. 13:400–402, 513.
r.8
th.1782.
The News that Mr. Brantzen wrote to our Friends before I left the Hague was true The King of Great Britain under the Great Seal of his Kingdom has by Patent constituted Richard Oswal Esqr. his Minister Plenipoy. to treat with the Ministers of the United States of America. Who would have thought that G. B. would be the 3d. Power in Europe to acknowledge the Independence of America— You may write this to Manson, but conceal me.1
G. Britain can no longer pretend that it is a Breach of the 43Neutrality or an Hostility against her, to acknowledge the Independence of America or make Treaties with them.
I am directed by an Order of Congress, signified to me by their Secretary at War Genl. Lincoln, to procure them a State of the Pay, Rations and Subsistence of the Troops of the States General, of Prussia, Russia & all the northern Powers.2 Will You be so good as to procure that of the Republick & any other that You can & send it to me.
Respects to Made. & Mademoille. Dumas, & to all friends, particularly Mr. Gyselaer & Mr. Fisher—3
Yours sincerely.
LbC in John Thaxter's hand (Adams Papers); internal address: “Mr. Dumas.”; APM Reel 108.
Jean Manzon edited the Courier du Bas Rhin. Whether JA's announcement was published in Manzon's paper is unknown, but the Gazette d’Amsterdam for 26 Nov. contained the following item: “Le Cour d’Angleterre ne cache plus ses dispositions à reconnaître l’Independence de l’Amérique. Par des Lettres-Patentes, passées sous le Sceau de la Grande-Bretagne, Mr. Richal Oswald, Ecuyer, aû nommé par S. M. Britannique, son Ministre-Plénipotentiaire, pour traiter avec les Ministres des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique. Ainsi l’Angleterre est la troisseme Puissance qui reconnaître l’Independence Américaine.” The same passage, in English, appeared in the London Chronicle of 26–28 November.
See JA's letter to Francis Dana of this date, above.
Carel Wouter Visscher, pensionary of Amsterdam.