he result would be, that the peace would be deceptive; that it would
have a merely speculative existence. In fact, if, as appears from the
strongest evidence to be probable, the Americans should persist in
their refusal to return to their obedience to the British crown, the
war between Britain and her former colonies would still continue. The
King would then be obliged, as at present, to assist them; the King of
Spain, on his part, would be under the necessity of assisting his
Majesty; so that France and Spain, after the signature of their
private treaty, would be in the same situation as they now are.

These considerations seem to the King to be most forcible, and his
Majesty has too just an idea of the wisdom and penetration of the two
high mediating powers, not to be convinced, that they will regard them
in the same point of view, and that they will wholly approve the
cautious course which they oblige him to pursue.

The King is earnestly desirous to be able to change this course, and
it is in consequence of this desire, that he invites the high
mediating powers to employ all their influence at the Court of London
to induce that Court to show dispositions, which may convince us, that
it is at last resolved to unite, in good faith, in a prompt and
equitable peace.

The King thinks, that he ought to inform the high mediating powers,
that his Ambassador at Vienna is at present authorised to attend to
all overtures and all expedients, which tend to this object, whether
they come from the Court of London, or are proposed by their Imperial
Majesties; and he is also authorised to join in the negotiation, if
sufficient grounds are presented to him, for conducting it safely to a
happy conclusion, under the auspices of their Imperial Majesties.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Translation.

Philadelphia, November 23d, 1781.

Sir,

I have the honor of sending to you a letter, which I wrote to the
commanding officer of St Domingo, in consequence of that with which
you honored me yesterday.

Be pleased to send the two despatches to those interested, in order
that they may send them to their _Fonde de Procuration_ by safe
opportunities.

I have the honor to be, &c.

LUZERNE.

* * * * *