Page images
PDF
EPUB

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.

60

[ocr errors]

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.

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,

[blocks in formation]

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,

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,

* Inserted xvi. by mistake.

Page.

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,

Page.

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,

« PreviousContinue »