oresaid Burgomasters on their side will be entirely disposed, as far
as depends on them, so to direct the course of affairs, that whenever
the independence of the said United States of America shall be
recognised by the English, a perpetual treaty of amity shall be
concluded between this republic and the aforesaid United States,
containing the most extensive reciprocal advantages in relation to the
commerce of the subjects of the two powers.

The undersigned has the honor further to declare, that it is the will
of said Burgomasters, that this declaration may be employed, as shall
be thought expedient, with the necessary precaution that it shall not
come to the knowledge of those interested, to prevent, if possible,
or at least to obstruct the execution of a plan, which has no other
object than to promote mutual happiness and the true interests of the
two republics.

E. T. VAN BERCKEL.

* * * * *

COUNT DE VERGENNES TO THE COMMISSIONERS.

Translation.

Versailles, September 24th, 1778.

Gentlemen,

By your note of the 28th of August, you requested free entry, with
exemption from all duties, of the effects of many Americans in Europe,
desirous of returning to their country. I have communicated your
request to M. Necker, and send you herewith his reply. You will see in
it the reasons which render it impossible to comply with your wishes,
and the arrangements which can be made to favor the Americans, who
wish to send their effects to America by the way of France.

I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, &c.

DE VERGENNES.

* * * * *

TO WILLIAM LEE.

Passy, September 26th, 1778.

Sir,

We have considered, with some attention, the papers which you have
laid before us, containing a project of a treaty to be made between
the republic of the United Provinces, and that of the United States of
America.

As Congress have intrusted to us the authority of treating with all
the States of Europe, excepting such as have a particular commission
designed by Congress to treat with them; and as no particular
Commissioner has been appointed to treat with their High Mightinesses,
we have already taken such m