University of Virginia Library

TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.[1]

Dear Sir,—Congress have received from the Minister
of France some informal communications relative
to the issue of the proposed mediation of Vienna and
Petersburgh. The answer of the British Court to
the preliminary articles is among them. It rejects
explicitly that part of the plan which requires concurrent
negotiations between her and America, and
guaranties the result, as incompatible with the relation
of subjects to their sovereign, and the essential
interests of the Empire; alleging, at the same time,
that a great part of the people are disposed to return
to their allegiance, and that such a treaty would
supply the rebels with new pretexts for misleading

them. The final answer of the mediating Courts
professes great impartiality and delicacy toward the
belligerent parties; adheres to the expediency of the
first plan, and hopes that it may still become, under
more favorable circumstances, the basis of a general
pacification.

Another letter has come to hand from Mr. Dana.
His proposed step was probably taken a few days
after the date of it, which was about the middle of
October.

The Committee on the last application from Vermont
have reported fully in their favor. The consideration
of the report will not be called for, however,
till the pulse of nine States beats favorably for it.
This is so uncertain that the agents have returned.
The recognition of the Independence of Vermont is
not fully stated in the report, as a resolution, antecedent,
went to authorizing a committee to treat with
them on the terms of their admission. You will know
the object of this arrangement.