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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
Page,
French fleet and a French minister arrive in America in the summer of 1778-
French minister received with great joy-Dr. Franklin appointed minister to
France-His instructions-Plan of attacking Canada in conjunction with
France adopted by congress-Submitted to general Washington-Disapproved
by him-His public and his private letters on this subject--Congress finally
relinquish the scheme-Co-operation of Spain expected-Spain declines ac-
ceding to the treaties made with France-Reasons of this-Wishes security for
her own American possessions-Offers her mediation between France and
Great Britain--France accepts the mediation-Great Britain holds a corres-
pondence on the subject for some months-Refuses to have her disputes with
the Americans brought into the negociations-Rejects the final proposition of
Spain-King of Spain joins France in the war, June, 1779-This in pursuance
of a secret treaty made in April preceding-Manifestoes issued both by France
and Spain---Answered by Great Britain--Pending this mediation the British min-
ister, through Mr. Hartley, again sounds Dr. Franklin at Paris, on the subject
of reconciliation-Mr. Hartley with this view submits to him certain preliminary
propositions-Not acceded to-Object of the British minister to break the alli-
ance between the United States and France -Congress informed of the offer-
ed mediation of Spain by the French minister-Subject referred to a commit-
tee-Committee report instructions to be given to an American minister to
negociate peace-These instructions create long debates and great divisions in
Congress Particularly about the fisheries, the boundaries and the navigation
of the Mississippi--Terms relative to peace ultimately settled in congress-
The use of the fisheries and the navigation of the Mississippi not made ultima-
ta-No treaty of commerce to be made with Great Britain, without a stipula-
tion on her part not to disturb the Americans in taking fish on the banks of
Newfoundland, &c.
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CHAPTER XIV.
Congress offer to guaranty the Floridas to Spain, if she would accede to the trea
ties-John Adams appointed Minister to negociate peace-John Jay, Min-
ister to the Court of Madrid-French Minister communicates to Congress
the views of the Spanish Court concerning the western country and the navi-
gation of the Mississippi-Spain requires the United States to relinquish all
claim to the country west of the Alleghany mountains, and to the right of nav-
igating the Mississippi-In answer to this, Congress send their Ministers a
statement of their claim to the western lands, to be communicated to the
courts, both of France and Spain-Congress give additional instructions to
Mr. Adams concerning a truce-Mr. Jay's instructions varied concerning the
navigation of the Mississippi below latitude 31°-Mr. Jay arrives in Spain, in
the spring of 1780-Spanish Minister requires of him particular information
Concerning the United States-Mr. Jay confers with the Spanish Minister-Is
informed that the King world not accede to the treaties His situation very un-
pleasant-Is much embarrasser by bills drawer upon tim by Congress-Špan-
ish Minister engages to furnish money for the United States-Neglects to
comply with his engagement-Herry Laurens appointed Minister to Holland
-Negociations between the pensionary of Amsterdam, and the American Min-
ister, William Lee, concerning a treaty of commerce-Laurens taken on his
passage to Holland, and committed to the: toster-His papers fall into the
hands of the British-War between Great Burdinand Holland-Mr. Adams
appointed Minister to Holland in the room of Mr. Laurens-Presents a memo-
rial to the Dutch government-The subject referred to the several provinces
-This creates great delay-Mr. Adams demands a categorical answer-Is at
last received as a Minister, and concludes a commercial treaty-Armed neu-
trality in Europe-Principles of it approved by Congress-Mediation of the
Empress of Russia, and the Emperor of Germany-Communicated to Congress
Page.
by the French Minister-Congress again take up the subject of instructions
relative to the terms of peace-Dr. Franklin, Mr. Jay, Mr. Laurens, and Mr.
Jefferson, associated with Mr. Adams-New instructions given-Terms of
peace placed under the control of France, except as to independence-Articles
proposed by the mediators relative to the United States-Mr. Adams opposed
to the articles, and refused to appear at the proposed congress, but as the
representative of an independent nation-Answer of the court of France to
the articles concerning America-The British King refuses to admit the
interference of any foreign power between him and his revolted subjects, or
to admit any person for them at the congress-This puts an end to the medi-
ation,
CHAPTER XV.
France assists America with troops--6000 arrive at Newport in July, 1780–
In the spring of 1781, join the American army near New York-Assist in the
capture of lord Cornwallis in October of the same year--British_ministry
again attempt to make separate treaties with United States and France-
Make advantageous offers to the latter-Both nations refuse to treat separately
-Change of ministry in England -Pacific overtures made by the new admin-
istration-Mr. Oswald sent to Paris on the subject-His reception by Dr.
Franklin and the French minister-Agree to treat of peace at Paris--Mr. Gren-
ville sent as minister by the British-Commissioners of peace about the same
time sent to America-Congress refuse to treat with them--Grenville declares
to Dr. Franklin that the independence of the United States was to be ac-
knowledged as a preliminary--New administration in England in consequence
of the death of the marquis of Rockingham-Lord Shelburne placed at the head
of it--Opposed to an express and open acknowledgment of American indepen-
dence-Supposed to have sent Mr. Jones to Paris secretly to sound the Amer-
ican ministers on the subject-Mr. Jones arrives at Paris--Makes an extraordi-
nary communication to Dr. Franklin-Great difficulties respecting the powers
of the British negociators--Mr. Jay refuses to treat except as the representative
of an independent nation-Views of the French minister on this subject-Gren-
ville recalled---Oswald appointed to treat with America--- His powers finally
satisfactory-Negociations commence--American commissioners and Mr. Os-
wald agree on articles concerning boundaries and the fisheries to be inserted
in a treaty if approved by the British cabinet---Sent to London---Mr. Jay
resumes negociations with Spain at Paris-Views of the Spanish and French
courts concerning the western bounds of the United States-Western line
designated by the Spanish minister-Not approved by the American ministers
---Extraordinary communication made to Mr. Jay on this subject by the sec-
retary of Vergennes-Views of France on the subject of the fisheries---Articles
sent to London not agreed to by the British court---Mr. Strachey sent to
Paris to assist Mr. Oswald in further negociations---The subjects of bounda-
ries, the fisheries, and compensation to the loyalists create great difficulties---
Finally settled by a provisional treaty---This treaty concluded by the American
minister without consulting the French court-Reasons of this---Correspon-
dence between Dr. Franklin and Vergennes on this point--Delay in the
negociations between Great Britain and race and Spain occasioned by the
demand made by Spain, for the surrender of Gibraltar---Majority of the British
cabinet agree to give up this fortress on certain conditions---The British mon-
arch refuses to give it up on any terms---Spanish minister obliged to relinquish
the demand and treaties between those powers finally concluded---The treaties
not approved by the house of comanons Change of administration---Provis-
ional treaty ratified by the United States- The article about debts not satis-
factory to some of the states---David Hartley sent by the new ministry to
complete the definitive treaty---Negociators not able to agree on any new
terms, or to make any commercial arrangements,
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117
CHAPTER XVI.
Page
The revolution not effected without great sacrifices and sufferings on the part
of the Americans-Paper money issued-Depreciates-Taxes not called for
by congress until November, 1777-Paper money made a tender in payment of
debts--Prices of articles fixed by law-Congress attempt to call in the paper,
but without success-States neglect to comply with the requisitions-Con-
gress present an address to the states-Paper ceases to circulate in 1780-
Distresses of the Americans for want of funds-Apply to France for aid-
Special minister sent to the French court--King of France furnishes money
-Loans obtained in Holland--New arrangements in the civil departments-
Sufferings of the army--General Washington's letters on this subject--Revolt
of the Pennsylvania line---Americans suffer from the burning of their towns--
Discontents among the officers of the army---Half pay recommended by gen-
eral Washington.--Finally granted-Is unpopular in some of the states--Offi-
cers petition congress on this subject, and for a settlement of their accounts
...Congress delay acting on their memorial---This creates great uneasiness
among the officers---A meeting called by an anonymous notification to obtain
redress-Prevented by general Washington---Congress grant five years' full
pay in lieu of the half pay for life---News of peace arrives---Arrangements
made for disbanding the army---Genera! Washington sends a circular letter to
the states---Definitive treaty of peace arrives---Army finally disbanded---Gen-
eral Washington addresses the army for the last time---Takes leaves of his
officers---Resigns his commission to congress,
CHAPTER XVII.*
After the peace of 1783, congress take measures to restore public eredit--
Amount of the debt of the United States-States requested to vest congress
with power to levy duties on imposts, and to establish funds for the payment
of the interest of the debt-Address to the states on the subject-All the states
grant the impost, except New York-Congress propose to enter into commer-
cial treaties with most of the powers of Europe-Establish certain principles
respecting treaties--Appoint ministers to form commercial arrangements with
foreign nations - Pitt's bill respecting commercial intercourse with the United
States--Not approved by the new ministry and the navigating interest-Lord
Shofield's observations upon it-King and council authorized to regulate the
somacree of the United States--Americans excluded from the West India
trade--Disputes with Great Britain about the inexecution of the treaty of
peace--Mr. Adams sent minister to England--His instructions--His reception
as the court of London-Presents a memorial to the British ministers-British
complain of infractions of the treaty on the part of the United States--Con-
gress recommend the repeal of all laws contrary to the treaty-Disputes with
Spain renewed about limits and the navigation of the Mississippi-Gardoqui,
minister from Spain, arrives-Mr. Jay appointed to negociate with him--His
instructions, and course of negociation with the Spanish minister--Cessions of
lands by the states--Territory of the United States formed into a district-Or-
dinance of congress for the government of the territory--Inefficiency of the
general government Depressed state of Aegean commerce-Insurrection in
Massachusetts-Alarms congress-ops bered to be raised to assist Massa-
chusetts--Meeting of commissioners from several states at Annapolis, to amend
the articles of confederation--Contral convention recommended by these com-
missioners and by congies-Deletes to this convention appointed by all the
states except Rhode Island,
· CHAPTER XVIII.
General convention meet at Philadelphia-Form rules for their proceedings--
Propositions of Mr. Randolph for a new system of government Amendments
* Inserted xvi. by mistake.
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179
of the articles of confederation proposed by Mr. Patterson-Both debated-The
amendments of Mr. Patterson rejected---Large majority agree to form a new
system of government---To be divided into three great departments, legisla-
tive, executive and judicial-Legislative divided into two branches, house of
representatives and senate-Convention divided on the subject of the represent-
ation of the states in the senate--Sketch of the debate on this question---States
equally divided upon it---The subject referred to a large committee---Commit-
tee report a compromise between the large and small states---This finally
adopted by a majority of the convention---Sketch of the powers granted to
congress---General government prohibited from doing certain acts---The
powers of the states restricted---The organization of an executive attended
with great difficulty---Outlines of the first plan adopted by the convention---
This afterwards rejected and a new plan formed and eventually adopted---
Powers given to the executive---Judicial department to consist of a supreme
court and inferior courts---In what cases they have jurisdiction---Constitution
eventually different, in many respects, from what the members first con-
templated---Difference between the articles of confederation and the constitu-
tion-States divided on the subject of importing slaves, and on the subject of
the powers of congress, relative to navigation acts---These differences settled
by mutual concessions---General Washington's influence in the convention---
Constitution considered by state conventions---People greatly divided in some
of the states---Adopted by three states unanimously---By large majorities in
four states---Rhode Island refuses to call a convention---The other five states
much divided---Doubtful for a time whether they would ratify it without pre-
vious amendments---Massachusetts adopts it, and recommends certain amend-
ments---Convention of New Hampshire meet and adjourn---The system
strongly opposed in New York, Virginia and North Carolina, without previous
amendments---Is warinly debated in the conventions of those states---New
Hampshire follows the example of Massachusetts---Virginia and New York
adopt it in the same manner by small majorities---North Carolina refuses her
assent unless amended,
CHAPTER XIX.
States institute forms of government agreeably to the advice of congress--
States of Connecticut and Rhode Island proceed according to their charters--
Massachusetts at first conform to their charter as far as practicable--New
Hampshire, South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland, and North Carolina, establish new governments in the course of the
year 1776---Those of New Hampshire, South Carolina, and New Jersey, lim-
ited to the continuance of the disputes with Great Britain---General principles
and outlines of these constitutions---New York establishes a government in
1777---Its general features---Constitution of Massachusetts not finally com-
pleted until 1780---Vermont not a part of the union until 1791---Claimed by
New York and New Hampshire--Declares independence in 1777---Outlines
of her constitution, formed in 1786---Constitution of Georgia as established in
1789---After the formation and adoption of the general government, principles
of making constitutions better understood--Pennsylvania, New Hampshire,
South Carolina, and Delaware, revise and alter their systems of government,
CHAPTER XX.
First congress under the new constitution meet at New York, on the 4th of
March, 1789---George Washington chosen president, and John Adams vice-
president--- President's inaugural speech, and answers of both houses---Con-
gress lay tonnage and other duties---Give a preference to American shipping---
Establish different departments---Determine the question about the removal
of the heads of these departments---Power of removal vested in the presi-
dent alone---Debate on this subject---The senate about equally divided upon
it---Amendments to the constitution proposed---A national judiciary establish-
224
293
ed---Its powers and jurisdiction---Vessels of North Carolina and Rhode Island
placed on the same footing with those of the United States, until the 15th of
January, 1790---Congress direct the secretary of the treasury to report, at their
next session, a plan for the support of public credit---Request the president to
recommend the observance of a day of public thanksgiving and prayer---Ad-
journ to the first Monday of January, 1790---North Carolina adopts the con-
stitution in November---Speech of the president at the opening of the second
session of congress---He recommends the promotion of such manufactures,
as would render the United States independent on others for essential arti-
cles, the establishment of a‘good militia system, and adequate provision for
the support of public credit--- Financial plan of the secretary of the treas-
ury, submitted to the house in January-Outlines of this plan-Secretary
recommends funding the debt of the United States, and the assumption of the
state debts-This creates great divisions and long debates in congress-Motion
to discriminate between the original holders and the assignees of the domestic
debt negatived-Assumption of the state debts violently opposed-Debates
on this question-Finally carried-Terms of funding the debts-Commission-
ers appointed to settle the accounts between the states, and principles of set-
tlement adopted-Census of the inhabitants to be taken on the first Monday
of August, 1790-Third session commences the first Monday of December,
1790-Vermont and Kentucky admitted into the union-National bank es-
tablished-Strongly opposed as unconstitutional-Cabinet divided on the
question-President decides in favor of its constitutionality-Duties laid on
spirits distilled within the United States-Opposed in congress, and in some
of the states-Speech of the president at the opening of the first session of the
second congress in October, 1791-Ratio of representation settled--Difference
between the houses and the president as to the constitutional rule of apportion-
ment-Gen St. Clair and his army defeated by the Indians--Opposition to
the internal duties increases-The two great parties in the United States
more distinctly marked--Cabinet divided--An inquiry into the official conduct
of the secretary of the treasury, instituted in the house of representatives-
Charges exhibited against him-Negatived by a large majority-Supreme
court decides, that a state is liable to a suit in favor of individuals--An amend-
ment altering the constitution in this respect proposed and adopted-The
first term of president Washington's administration expires on the 4th of
March, 1793,
CHAPTER XXI.
George Washington again elected president, and John Adams vice-president
-Public feeling in America in favor of the French revolution-France declar-
ed a republic-Declare war against England and Holland-Genet a new
French minister arrives in America-Proclamation of neutrality issued-Is
strongly opposed--French minister's instructions---He is directed to form a
family or national compact with the United States-A new guaranty of the
French West Indies to be a condition of enjoying a commerce with them---
Conduct of Genet---Difference between him and the American executive---
Causes of it-Genet claims a right to arm vessels in American ports, and to
issue commissions and to enlist Americans to man them-Uses intemperate
language in his correspondence-French consuls take cognizance of prizes
---Resist the officers of the United States-Genet arms and sends out a vessel
directly contrary to the orders of the president-Threatens to appeal to the
people---President requests his recall-Genet furnished with a copy of the
letter containing this request--- His insulting reply---Issues commissions, and
engages men in South Carolina and Kentucky in hostile expeditions against the
Spanish possessions-Spirited conduct of South Carolina against such pro-
ceedings-Conduct of the French agents in Kentucky-Their correspondence
with the governor of that state-Correspondence between the secretary of
state and governor Shelby-Conduct of the French minister supported by
317