He repeated, that France could lend us no more money; that the ten millions borrowed upon our account in Holland, were greatly sunk by advances made in France; that no bills would be paid in France, which the Minister did not authorise us to draw; that he hoped our officers would have too much prudence to risk the credit of the United States by drawing; that the negotiations are still inactive, and will remain so, till events oblige one or other of the parties to sue for peace. That the success of the expedition against Portsmouth (that being the supposed post of Cornwallis) might possibly have some effect. That the great object of England is America; that she will not cede it while she can carry on the war; that she will certainly make great exertions the ensuing campaign; that equal exertions are therefore necessary on our part. That Spain and Holland view America as the great obstacle to a peace, from which consequences may flow, which people of judgment may easily foresee.
COUNT DE VERGENNES TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
I have received, Sir, the letter with which you honored me on the 20th of October of last year. I heard of your appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United States, with the greater pleasure, as I already knew the extent of your knowledge and your zeal for the interests and the glory of your country.
I am convinced, Sir, that it will be the dearest object of your cares and labors to support the cause for which the United States are contending, and to maintain the principles, which serve as the basis of the union between them and his Majesty. Be assured, Sir, that I shall omit nothing that lies in my power, effectually to second your good intentions. My confidence in your zeal and patriotism is equal to the sentiments of respect, with which I have the honor to be, Sir,
I have received the letter, with which you honored me on the 31st ultimo, and the affidavit enclosed in it. I have the honor of sending it back to you, and I also annex a letter for the commanding officer of the Island of St Domingo. It will be necessary, that Mr William Marshall should be charged to prosecute this affair himself.
On the Report of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, to whom was referred the note (dated January 28) from the Minister of France,