d to adhere to the true principles of the alliance,
and would farther endeavor to obtain for us whatever we demanded, as
far as events would justify.

He observed, that people in America appeared to be greatly deceived
with respect to the disposition of the belligerent and mediating
powers, and to imagine that all were anxious for a peace; that this
was so far from being the case, that Great Britain had not yet
returned any answer to the overtures of the Imperial Courts, nor had
any reply been made by the latter to the answer given them by France,
from which delay it might be easily imagined peace was far distant.
That from the present situation of Spain, there was strong reason to
suppose she could not spare us any money, her own operations requiring
all she had. That he hoped France would not be called upon to make up
her deficiencies, as they were in no situation to make new grants.
Besides, that in order to rid us of our embarrassments, they had
already made efforts in our behalf, which they had reason to believe
exceeded our expectations, and that what they had done for America
this year, entitled them to an exemption from further demands.

In a letter of October 20th, 1781, from the Count de Vergennes to the
Minister of France, it is observed, that the United Provinces would
not embarrass themselves at present by an alliance with us; that in
this they will follow the example of Spain; that, however, it will be
prudent to keep an agent in Holland, and direct him to advise
constantly with Dr Franklin, that we may observe some consistency in
our politics. That he fears America founds hopes on the aid of Russia;
that nothing can be more groundless; that though he believes she is
not averse to the independence of America, yet we ought not to expect
that she will move a step in our favor; that she has no particular
interest in terminating the war; that as she means to assume the
character of a mediator, she must preserve that of justice and
impartiality; that nothing, therefore, can extort from her measures
that are favorable to us, but a conviction, that we cannot be brought
back to the dominion of Great Britain. That this should lead us to
think (a sentiment which he desires the Minister to inculcate) that
our success depends upon our exertions, and upon our relinquishing the
inactivity into which false hopes, excited by success, do sometimes
plunge us.

He repeated, that France could lend us no more money; that th