290

Acquainting him with his commission, and his
instructions to communicate with the French Minister at
the Russian Court.

The Marquis de Verac to Francis Dana. St Petersburg,
September 2d, 1781, 291

The Court of Russia has maintained a strict neutrality
between the belligerent powers, and may be unwilling to
receive an American Minister, as it would give rise to
complaints of favor for the American cause.--Plan of a
mediatorial Congress at which the United States will be
represented.

To the Marquis de Verac. St Petersburg, September 4th, 1781, 294

Considerations on the policy pursued by Russia towards
the belligerents.--The admission of an American Minister
to the proposed mediatorial Congress would be an
acknowledgment of independence.--The present is a
favorable opportunity for establishing freedom of
commerce and navigation for all nations.--Reasons which
render it proper to assume his public character.

The Marquis de Verac to Francis Dana. St Petersburg,
September 12th, 1781, 300

The American Minister at the proposed Congress is
intended to treat only with England, and is not
therefore to be admitted as the representative of an
independent power, unless after consent of
England.--Objections to Mr Dana's assumption of his
public character.

To the Marquis de Verac. St Petersburg, September 13th,
1781, 304

Thanking him for his information and advice.

To the President of Congress. St Petersburg, September 15th,
1781, 305

Commerce of the southern shore of the Baltic.--The
objections of the French Ambassador to his assumption of
a public character are unsatisfactory.--Reasons drawn
from the terms of the proposition of mediation, prove
that the mediators intended to treat America as
independent.--The mediators expected this proposition
would be rejected by England, and would thus leave them
to treat more decidedly with the United States.--If the
Empress will not receive a Minister from America it ha