University of Virginia Library

TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.[1]

Dear Sir,—The enclosed gazette details all the
information which we have received relative to the
parliamentary advances towards a negotiation with
the United States. The first reports which issued
from the packet which brought them, were of a very
different complexion, and raised high expectations of
peace. We now find the ideas of the opposition, as

well as the Ministry, to be far short of the only condition
on which it can take place. Those who are
the farthest reconciled to concessions calculate on a
dissolution of the compact with France. The Ministry
will yield to the experiment, and turn the result
upon their adversaries. Our business is plain. Fidelity
to our allies, and vigor in military preparation,
—these, and these alone, will secure us against all
political devices.

We have received no intelligence which speaks a
danger of a separate peace between the Dutch and
Great Britain. Mr. Adams' request of a categorical
answer was taken, ad referendum, prior, if I mistake
not, to the knowledge of Cornwallis' fate; and it is
not likely that after that event they would be less
disposed to respect our overtures, or reject those of
the enemy.

We have letters from Mr. Jay and Mr. Carmichael
of as late date as the twenty-seventh of February.
They differ in nothing from the style of the former.
The conduct of the Spanish Court subsequent to the
date of the letter received the day preceding your
departure, corresponds entirely with the tenor of it
as therein related. Mr. Jones will inform you of the
act of Congress which that letter produced.

We have made no progress in the Western subject.
We mean to desist, after one or two more attempts,
and state the matter to the Assembly by next post,
expecting that they will pursue such measures as
their interest prescribes, without regard to the resolutions
which proposed the cession.

I beg you to keep me punctually informed of every
legislative step touching the Western territory. I
suppose the cession cannot fail to be revoked, or, at
least, a day of limitation set to it. The condition
relative to the companies will certainly be adhered
to in every event. I find that those who have been
against us do not wish to lose sight of the prospect
altogether. If the State is firm and prudent, I have
little doubt that she will be again courted. Previous
to Mr. Jones' departure, our opinions were
united on the expediency of making the impost of
five per cent, subservient to an honorable adjustment
of territory and accounts. I have since discovered
that Varnum is left out, the latter having
promoted it, and that Chase is inflexible against it.
Massachusetts also holds out. The expedient, therefore,
would not be efficacious, and clamors would be
drawn on Virginia, which it would be best should
fall elsewhere. Show this to Mr. Jones. He will
be with you about the twentieth instant.