the Dutch, to have all the vessels returned to them, which the English
have taken from them since their accession to the armed neutrality.
2dly. That the mediation offered by the Court of Vienna, to procure,
by the good offices of that Court, in conjunction with that of Russia,
a peace between the belligerent powers, will not be accepted without
the preliminary condition _sine qua non_, of Great Britain's
acknowledging the independency of the United States, and the rights of
the neutral powers in matters of commerce and navigation. 3dly. That
the Empress had seen, with great satisfaction, the propositions made
by the Dutch Plenipotentiaries to the several northern Crowns, for
being supplied by them, on conditions to be agreed on, with a
sufficient number of men of war; and that the number they wanted was
ready for the service of their High Mightinesses.

There was a report current here, and through the whole country, of
three encampments to take place this summer in this Province. A great
personage has assured a gentleman in distinguished station, that this
had never been his intention. I have it from the gentleman himself.
The same assures me, "the Court of Justice was now busy with making up
the decision concerning the conduct of the Regency of Amsterdam. They
had taken the advice of an eminent lawyer; he had seen this advice; it
was a very good one."

Mr Adams favored me yesterday both with his presence, and with the
sight of the despatches of December last, which he has received from
your Excellency. I shall do my best to second his operations; heartily
wishing that things may ripen, and our endeavors be crowned with
success. To this hope let me join that of the so often solicited
attention of Congress to my long and faithful services, and to the
circumstances in which they have involved me.

I have the honor to be, &c.

DUMAS.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

The Hague, March 22, 1781.

Sir,

The States of this Province separated last week, to meet again the
next week. The Provinces have given their agreement to the mediation
offered by Russia. This affair, I fear, will prove a lingering
business, as well as that of the decision of the Court of Justice of
Holland, which, I am told, is drawn up in a manner that will not at
all satisfy th