ted. The
inaction of the States-General still greater; they are awaiting the
letters from their Plenipotentiaries, who must have arrived at
Petersburg.

We learn from London, that the King has dissolved the present
Parliament, and will convoke a new one. In Ireland, although the
majority of the Parliament are subservient to the Court, the
associations of the disaffected increase. The Russian, Danish, and
Swedish squadrons in concert, protect the commerce of their respective
nations; and this Republic protects nothing. The combined fleet of
Spain and France is at sea, and is expected to show itself in the
Channel. The Archduke Maximilian has been chosen coadjutor, and
consequently future Elector of Cologne, and Bishop of Munster. The
Prince and Princess of Orange expect daily a visit from the King of
Sweden, on his return from Spa. The Prince of Prussia is at
Petersburg; the Emperor is returned to Vienna. The King of Prussia is
engaged with the review in Silesia.

I have the honor to be, &c.

DUMAS.

* * * * *

TO B. FRANKLIN.

The Hague, October 3d, 1780.

Sir,

I have just seen our friend. Their High Mightinesses have received a
courier from Petersburg, with a convention drawn up by the Empress.
Our friend is well satisfied with the conduct of the Plenipotentiary
of the Republic and their despatches, which are,

1st. The convention founded on that made between the northern Courts,
to which are added two articles. One of them has for its object the
restitution of the vessels taken from the Republic; the other is, that
in case the Republic should, on account of this convention be
attacked, molested, or injured, the other powers shall take part and
make common cause with her and will defend her. To this is added a
separate article, importing that the design of the armed neutrality
is, to endeavor as soon as it is perfected, to make peace between the
belligerent powers.

2dly. The despatches inform us, that the Ministers Plenipotentiary
learned from the Minister of Prussia, that the English Envoy at
Petersburg had declared to her Imperial Majesty, that his Court would
pay due respect to the armed neutrality of the northern powers,
provided Holland was excluded from it.

Our friend informed me with great pleasure, that this Republic will
not be