carefully sent to him. I thank you for the philosophical pieces,
which I will read attentively as soon as I have time. The original
acts of confederation are very curious, and will be acceptable to
Congress.

I am ever, my Dear Sir, yours affectionately,

B. FRANKLIN.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

The Hague, April 13th, 1780.

Sir,

Since the Memorial presented to their High Mightinesses by the
Plenipotentiary of Russia, (of which, as well as of the
Declaration[38] of his Court to those of Versailles, Madrid, and
London, I join here copies in the Leyden Gazette,) the Provincial
States of Holland are deliberating on the invitation of the Empress,
and I am sure (knowing it from a very good hand) the resolution of
this Province will be taken within the next week, agreeably to the
views of the Empress, and to the general wishes of all good men. Now
as the resolutions of this Province are commonly adopted by the
others, there is very good hope that this Republic will take a step,
which must accelerate a general pacification.

This intelligence is thought, not only by myself, but by many others,
very important for the United States. The most devoted partisans of
the English Court here, seeing that they cannot, without rendering
themselves too odious, prevent such a resolution from being taken, do
what they can to enervate it by obscure and ambiguous expressions,
which they propose to be inserted; but our good men take care to sweep
the dust which the others throw in their way.

As to the two other objects, which at present take up this Republic,
viz. the unlimited convoys, and the assistance which the English Court
demands from this Republic, the Province of Holland has already,
several weeks ago, unanimously resolved the former, and declined
granting the succors, as being not within the _casus foederis_ by this
war. To this resolution the Provinces of Friesland, Overyssel, and
Groningen, have successively acceded; and it is expected the three
others will do the same.

I advised the Committee of Foreign Affairs by my letter of June 21st,
1779, to think of sending here, _aliquem e medio vestrum pietate
gravem ac meritis virum_; it is now time for such a man to be here, at
first incognito, till it should be proper to display the character of
Plenipote