5251. MINISTERS (Foreign), Exchange of.—[further continued].
You have placed the
British proposition of exchanging a minister on
proper ground. It must certainly come from
them, and come in unequivocal form. With
those who respect their own dignity so much,
ours must not be counted at naught. On their
own proposal formally, to exchange a minister
we sent them one. They have taken no notice
of that, and talk of agreeing to exchange one
now, as if the idea were new. Besides, what
they are saying to you, they are talking to us
through Quebec; but so informally, that they
may disavow it when they please.—
To Gouverneur Morris. Washington ed. iii, 182.
Ford ed., v, 224.
(N.Y.,
Aug. 1790)
