to the negotiation, owing, as it was
believed, to the misunderstanding which prevailed among the British
Ministers. Tergiversations were discovered on the part of the British
negotiator. The bill authorising the King of England to treat with the
Colonies of America had not then passed. These uncertainties made it
essential to guard against British emissaries on the continent of
America; and to prevent with all care their admission; and to
recommend the same measure to the several Legislatures.

The Minister finished the conference by informing the committee of the
fortitude of the King on receiving the news of the action of the 12th
of April. He immediately gave orders for constructing twelve ships of
the line, the greater part of the first rate. The city of Paris and
several other cities and corporations had offered some others, and it
was expected, that the King would, in the course of the next campaign,
have twenty new ships to oppose the enemy. His Majesty was resolved
not to make the least alterations in his plans for the future
negotiation; and he exhorted his allies to the same resolution and the
same exertions.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

Translation.

Philadelphia, September 27th, 1782.

Sir,

I have the honor of sending to you a decree of his Majesty's Council
of State, made in consequence of the measures taken by Congress for
preventing the fraudulent importation of English merchandise into this
country. I desire that you would be pleased to communicate it to
Congress, in order that it may be published under the seal of
authority, and that American merchants and sailors may be informed,
that it is in their own power to procure in the ports of France, the
papers necessary for making it certain, that the English merchandise,
which they take on board, is obtained from prizes. This decree agrees
very well with the laws passed by several States, and particularly
with that passed by the Assembly of Pennsylvania during its last
session, to prevent commerce and all communication with the enemy. I
have also the honor of sending to you, Sir, the copy of a letter from
the Marquis de Vaudreuil, which I request you to be pleased to
transmit to Congress.[10]

I have the honor to be, &c.

LUZERNE.

FOOTNOTES:

[10] See