estness,
to this Article, as soon as the preliminary basis shall be irrevocably
established, agreeably to the observation above mentioned. And the
King will then authorise his plenipotentiaries to treat immediately of
the Preliminary Articles, which should lead to a cessation of
hostilities; and, as soon as these Articles shall have been agreed to,
to labor with zeal and assiduity for the early conclusion of a
definitive treaty. The high mediators may be assured, that his Majesty
will facilitate this double task by every means, which he shall deem
compatible with his dignity, with his interest, and with those of his
allies; and that as far as depends upon him, they will acquire the
glory of having established, upon a solid and unalterable basis, the
peace and tranquillity of every part of the world.

FOOTNOTES:

[2] Austria and Russia proposed to act as mediators for a general
peace about the beginning of the year 1781. Some particulars on this
subject will be found in _John Adams's Correspondence_, Vol VI. p.
98;--also in _Flassan's Diplomatic Francaise_, Vol. VII. p. 300.--The
papers here inserted are imperfect, but they are all that could be
found in the Department of State. They will serve to illustrate that
part of the preceding communication of M. de la Luzerne, which relates
to the proposed mediation.

* * * * *

No. 2.

_The Answer of the Court of London to the Preliminary Articles
proposed by the Mediating Courts._

I am authorised to return an answer to the paper, which, by order of
your Court, you delivered me, and of which I have given an account to
his Majesty.

The answers marked A and B,[3] which I have the honor to submit to
you, explain the unalterable sentiments of the King, upon points
essential to his dignity, and demonstrate the reasons, that obliged
his Majesty to decline the plan proposed, so far as it relates to his
rebellious subjects. The King knows the justice and the impartiality
of the mediating Courts, and he considers the plan with that spirit
of conciliation which they give birth to. But his Majesty cannot but
see it in a very different point of view, from that in which it
appeared to the august mediators when they supposed it admissible in
all points.

The King persuades himself, that after having considered it again,
they will not entertain the same judgment relative thereto as
heretofore;