lude a peace; that this declaration would convince the
British Ministers, that they would not get rid of the Americans by
merely acknowledging their independence; and that though they removed
their troops from the continent, they would be attacked wherever
found.

The despatch of the 28th of June dwelt chiefly on the negotiation; and
contained details, which the Count de Vergennes directed the Minister
to make to Congress, but which have in a great measure been already
transmitted to them by their Ministers in Europe. These details
related to the emissaries sent to Dr Franklin and Mr Adams, and their
satisfactory answers. Mr Oswald, in an interview with the Count de
Vergennes, hinted to him the desire of the Court of London, and the
necessity it was under to make peace; and received for answer, that
the King was equally disposed to make an honorable and solid peace. Mr
Oswald went to London to carry this information; returned soon, and
was immediately followed by Mr Grenville, the intimate friend of Mr
Fox.

Mr Oswald repeated to Dr Franklin the assurances of the disposition of
the Cabinet of St James; and Mr Grenville, in answer to his overtures
to the Count de Vergennes respecting the disposition of the King of
Great Britain, was informed by the express order of the King, _that
his Majesty was disposed to negotiate for peace, provided it was a
general one, and the allies and friends of his Majesty were
satisfied_. This answer was just given when the news of the action of
the 12th of April reached Europe. Nevertheless, the King of Great
Britain sent full powers to Mr Grenville to negotiate the peace with
his Majesty. In communicating them the English Agent declared, _that
the King of England, in order to facilitate peace, was disposed to
treat of the independence of the United States with his Majesty,
provided all other matters were put upon the footing of the treaty of
1763_.

To this the King answered, 1st. _That the powers of Mr Grenville were
insufficient, as they did not mention the allies of his Majesty._
2dly. _That his Majesty could not himself negotiate for the interests
of America, having no powers to this purpose; and that it became the
dignity of the King of England and of the United States to open a
direct negotiation on this subject._ 3dly. _That in order to conclude
a solid and lasting peace, it ought not to be founded upon the treaty
of Paris, but upon justice and the dignity of all the contracting