urg, in the
character of only a private American gentleman, and there waiting for
the favorable moment for opening my eventual character? And whether,
all circumstances considered, your Excellency thinks it expedient for
me to proceed to St Petersburg in a private character only, and there
to wait as abovementioned?

You will not, I presume, think I mean anything particular in my
request, when I assure you I shall likewise ask of Mr Adams his
opinion, in writing, upon the same subject. Being directed by Congress
to consult you and him, I am desirous only to have it in my power, in
case of the death of either of you, to show them I have done so, as
well as the result itself; and that I have paid, as I shall do, a
proper respect and attention to your opinions and advice in the whole
of the business.

I am, with the greatest respect, &c.

FRANCIS DANA.

_P. S._ I shall set off for Holland on Sunday morning, and shall
cheerfully take your commands.

* * * * *

B. FRANKLIN TO FRANCIS DANA.

Passy, April 7th, 1781.

Sir,

I received the letter you yesterday did me the honor of writing to me,
requesting my opinion, in writing, relative to the conference you had
with his Excellency, the Count de Vergennes last Wednesday, I being
present; and also as to the expediency of your proceeding to St
Petersburg; which request I willingly comply with as follows.

_Question 1._ "Whether, on the whole, I conceived the Count to have
any objections to the mission itself?"

_Answer._ He did not make any such objections, nor did he drop any
expression, by which it might be supposed he had any such in his mind.

_Question 2._ "Whether I considered his reflections upon the subject
to be rather intended as cautions and advice to you, respecting the
conduct he wished you to hold in the business?"

_Answer._ His Excellency expressed his apprehensions, that if you went
thither under a public character before the disposition of the Court
was known, and its consent obtained, it might be thought improper, and
be attended with inconvenience; and, if I remember right, he intimated
the propriety of your consulting the Ambassador at the Hague.

_Question 3._ "Whether I supposed him finally to make any real
objections to your going to St Petersburg, in the character only of a
private