ive a satisfactory solution of those two
questions. He added, that the French Ministry trusted, that this
conduct would more and more convince the United States, and would
cause them to imitate the example of the King, and to feel that their
honor and their interest call for their constant attachment, their
friendship, and unreserved confidence towards him.

The Count de Vergennes observes, that it is plain from these
circumstances, that the negotiation for peace will be full of
difficulties, and that it will probably be necessary, in pretensions
as well as proceedings, to be very cautious, and to act so as to
remove those difficulties, and everything, which might increase the
acrimony, to which the English Plenipotentiaries may be naturally
inclined.

_From another letter of the same date._--That when this letter was
written, the Court had received information of the sentiments of the
Court of London with respect to the United States. The Count de
Vergennes mentions, that in the act, by which the Court of London
accepts the mediation of Russia, and requests the mediation of the
Emperor, she declares, that she is ready to make peace, _as soon as
the league between France and her revolted subjects shall be
dissolved_. That this pretension had met from the Court of France the
contempt which it deserved. She on her part has declared, that if
this proposition contained the last determination of England, it would
be in vain to think of peace; and she has desired the English Ministry
to give a positive answer on the two questions above mentioned. That
this declaration had been exactly transmitted by the Court of Vienna
to that of London; and the result of the answer made by that Court to
the Imperial Majesty is, "_that in all points to be agitated in a
future Congress, England will behave with great equity and
condescension; but the dependence of her rebel subjects in America
must be pre-established, and that this matter must be left entirely to
the care of Great Britain._" That it is easily to be perceived, that
while things remain in this situation there can be no possibility of a
mediation or peace.

The Count de Vergennes remarks, that Congress will be finally
convinced, that it is only by arms and the most vigorous exertions,
that our independence can be extorted from the Court of London, and
not at all by negotiation or persuasion. That the Court of France will
transmit to the Court of Vienna the sentiments of the K