3153. FRANCE, Murray's Mission.—
The President [John Adams] nominated to
the Senate yesterday William Vans Murray,
Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Republic,
and added, that he shall be instructed
not to go to France, without direct and unequivocal
assurances from the French government
that he shall be received in character,
enjoy the due privileges, and a minister
of equal rank, title and power, be appointed
to discuss and conclude our controversy by
a new treaty. This had evidently been kept
secret from the federalists of both Houses,
as appeared by their dismay. The Senate
have passed over this day without taking it
up. It is said they are gravelled and divided;
some are for opposing, others do not know
what to do. But, in the meantime, they have
been permitted to go on with all the measures
of war and patronage, and when the close of
the session is at hand, it is made known.
However, it silences all arguments against
the sincerity of France, and renders desperate
every further effort towards war.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. iv, 292.
Ford ed., vii, 362
(Pa.,
Feb. 19, 1799)
