d, it would be exceedingly easy here, to lay an insurmountable
obstacle in my way. While I am making this observation, I feel a
concern, lest it might be ungenerous. Besides, it has a strange
appearance to me, for a private gentleman of one country to ask the
public Minister of another, both being in amity together, whether it
is safe or proper for him to travel into the other. The Minister would
be apt to wonder what could give rise to such an inquiry, when the
Americans are travelling into all other countries without molestation.
But I will consult Dr Franklin and Mr Adams on this point.

In the course of our conversation, the Count told me that the
resolutions of Congress with which I am particularly charged, (these
are my words and not his) had been well received on the part of
Russia. This, doubtless, will give Congress satisfaction, as it seems
to show a friendly disposition in that Court towards us. If no
accident intervenes to prevent it, I shall set off for Holland next
Sunday, from whence I hope to be in season to send your Excellency
duplicates of the whole. I shall be happy if my conduct thus far meets
the approbation of Congress.

I am, with the greatest respect, &c.

FRANCIS DANA.

* * * * *

TO B. FRANKLIN.

Paris, April 6th, 1781.

Sir,

Having, agreeably to my instructions as well as my own inclinations,
laid before your Excellency all the papers, which I have received from
Congress relative to my mission to the Court of St Petersburg, and my
correspondence with his Excellency, the Count de Vergennes, in
consequence of the same, for the benefit of your good counsel, and as
you were so kind, at my particular request, as to introduce me to the
Count, at the conference we had last Wednesday, upon the subject of my
mission, and heard the whole, I hope you will not think I give you
any unnecessary trouble when I request you to favor me, in writing,
with your opinion upon the following matters. Whether, on the whole,
you conceived the Count to have any objection to the mission itself?
Or whether you considered his reflections upon the subject, rather
intended as cautions and advice to me, respecting the conduct he would
wish me to hold in the business? Whether you supposed him, finally, to
make any real objections to my going to St Petersb