real sin, however it may be desired to conceal it, has been that neither our interest, nor inclination, led us to make common cause with France in the war against England. Most of the complaints preferred by Mr. Adet have again and again been discussed and refuted. Those which grow out of the Treaty with this Country, are built on gross misrepresentations and are quite unfounded. The pretended Vexations of French Privateers and prizes and the countenance by our Government of British Equipments in our ports are equally uncandid and destitute of support. Every man who has resided in America must recollect the great trouble we have had by repeated attempts to equip French Privateers in our Ports, and to engage our People to embark in their enterprizes so repugnant to our Interest and our Laws; and there is not a Frenchman who has visited our seaports who, if he will declare the truth, would not say that it has been impossible for the British openly to make an equipment of a single vessel in any of our Harbours. The most satisfactory answer might in my opinion be given to these notes, and such only I hope will be given; an answer which shall expose and correct the misstatements with which Mr. Adet's Notes abound; which shall demonstrate that we have been just to France and impartial to all Nations; that we are resolved to govern our own, and that we continue to be earnestly desirous to cultivate in every way compatible with self-respect, and the interest and honor of our Country, the esteem, the good-will and the friendship of France, in whose welfare and prosperity we have at all times taken not only a sincere but an affectionate concern. No step, in my belief, would have been more impolitic, none will in the end be more injurious to a beneficial connection between America and France, than that lately adopted, unless it is succeeded by one which Justice and sound Policy alike demand. I detest the idea that either France or England should really have any influence in the Government of America. I will not believe that such is our degraded condition. From causes too plain to be mistaken and too considerable not to have some influence there have existed a strong regard and sincere friendship among the people of America for those of France; but these have their limits. and can be overcome. Much as France has been beloved, our own character, our honor, our national Independence not only of

France, but of all the rest of the world, are infinitely more dear to us than the interest we have taken in whatever concerned France. This will be proved beyond a doubt if France persists. But I will not tire you with observations which you must feel and know to be true. I still hope that you will witness more moderation, and experience a Treatment less extraordinary and more friendly than you have hitherto received.

Truly yrs.,

RUFUS KING.

CHAPTER XI.

Despatches to the Secretary of State relative to the Arrest in the Proceedings of Commissioners under the 7th Article-R. Troup on the Presidential Election and American Affairs-Treaty of Commerce with Turkey-Delays in Admiralty Courts in England-Law of the United States for the Protection of Seamen-R. King to Col. Hamilton; Estimate of Washington in England, and of the Fairness of the British Government in Meeting Questions under the 7th Article-Good Feeling in England towards America Shown in a Letter of R. King to Washington-Maryland Bank Stock-Question of Retrocession of Louisiana to France-Letters giving the Result of the Presidential Election-Suspension of Specie Payments by the Bank of England-Condition of that Country-American Merchants ask for British Convoys on Account of French Captures.

DEAR SIR:

R. KING TO SECRETARY OF STATE.

LONDON, Jany. 14, 1797.

We sometime since were uneasy on account of certain embarrassments which for a time arrested the proceedings of the Commissioners and threatened to defeat the purposes of their appointment. These difficulties I have reason to think are overcome, a pretty full explanation of the extent of the Provision of the Seventh Article has taken place between me and this Government, and I now flatter myself that the Commissioners will not in future experience any serious obstructions to the fair and full execution of their Trust. I reserve a more detailed report on this subject to a future opportunity.* Very few American Vessels have for some time past been taken by the British Cruizers in these seas. Three or four American ships bound with rich cargoes from Surinam to Amsterdam have been sent in and are in the course * See Appendix III.

of an admiralty trial. Some discoveries unfavorable to the American claims have in one or two of these cases been made and operate against others in the same Trade.*

I have for some time been endeavouring to obtain from Mr. Bayard an abstract, classing in a manner I have indicated to him the whole of the American claims. I hope soon to obtain it, when I shall be able to judge what measures remain to be adopted in order that we may not be charged with Delay, negligence or wilful omission. I am not however without my fears that this business has been conducted in a manner that we may have cause to regret. The mutual Reliance of the Claimants and of the Government on each other may have prevented either from obtaining such Documents and Proofs as may be found requisite to substantiate our Claims. What our true situation is in this respect, I cannot discover because I have not been able to obtain such a view

of the agency of Mr. B. and of the cases in his care as is necessary for this purpose. I hope we shall not ultimately find that greater talents were requisite in this agency than those that have been employed in it; and it will be a real relief if I shall find the business in such a situation that past omissions can still be remedied. . . . I have intended at an earlier period to mention to you the expediency of precise instructions respecting the Receit, deposit and Payment to the Proprietors of such Sums of money as may be paid upon the claims under the care of Mr. Bayard. I have suggested to you my opinion on the subject of costs advanced by the Governments; and I have lately learned that Mr. Bayard expects and perhaps will claim a commission upon all sums paid by him to those to whom it belongs. Having a strong and I think just aversion to the blending of public and private Duties and the mingling of pub. with priv. emoluments, I disapprove of this course of proceeding. In my opinion the pay of the Government ought to be considered as the only compensation of its agents, and all monies received by such agents on account of any of our citizens, ought to be paid to them without any deduction except of the advances for costs made on their account by the Government. The national character and the interests of individuals will in this manner be best secured.

* Sentences in italics are in cipher here and elsewhere.

The money when received should be deposited with some safe banker, notice should be given to the Proprietors of the amount of their respective Portions, on whose Drafts, or to whose Agents duly authorized the same would be paid without delay or deduction. It will be easy to form a proper rule on this subject, its promulgation in America will put the Claimants on their guard against improper demands, and moreover will enable them to make seasonable arrangements for the Reception of their Money.

As this Business is in some degree connected with the Duties of my office, I think it due to myself as well as to the public interest, to intimate my Ideas on the subject. Knowing that, in pecuniary concerns in which the public as well as individuals are interested, nothing short of the utmost circumspection can shield a man from suspicions that often fasten themselves upon him.

With perfect Respect,

RUFUS KING.

R. KING TO GENL. PINCKNEY.

LONDON, Jany. 20, 1797.

I send you a few of the latest American Papers that I have received. They contain the President's Speech to Congress, and the address of the two Houses in answer. They have afforded me much satisfaction, as I consider them as strong Testimonials of what all my letters concur in stating to be the case, that the public opinion, taking the country at large, is sound and right; the addresses of the two Houses are not only highly complimentary to the President, but they contain an explicit approbation of his administration. Principles more and more national appear in every quarter of the Union, strong marks of displeasure on the subject of foreign influence and foreign interferences in our affairs are likewise seen in the different News Papers; so that I think it will be soon perceived that we are neither Greeks nor Trojans, but truly Americans.

Farewell, yrs. very Sincerely,

RUFUS KING.