n concert with the other Provinces, or, in
case of their default, with Holland alone, a decided resolution, and
measures to put an end to all these differences, and to prevent the
total ruin of the city of Rotterdam. The proposition has been
committed.

I have the honor to be, &c.

DUMAS.

* * * * *

M. CHAUMONT TO C. W. F. DUMAS.

Passy, September 2d, 1779.

Sir,

I desire you may repair immediately to Amsterdam to render all the
services that may depend on you to a squadron under command of Mr
Jones, bearing the American flag, which is bound to the Texel.

The vessels which compose this squadron are,

Bon Homme Richard, Capt. Jones, 42 guns.
Alliance, Capt. Landais, 36 guns.
Pallas, Capt. Cottineau, 30 guns.
Cerf, Capt. Varages, 18 guns.
Vengeance, Capt. Ricot, 12 guns.

Vessels which may have joined.

Monsieur, Capt. ----, 40 guns.
Grandville, Capt. ----, 12 guns.
Mifflin, Capt. ----, 22 guns.

It is necessary that you require of the commandants of these vessels
the greatest circumspection not to offend the Dutch and not to afford
subject for any complaint.

If this squadron has need of any refreshments or aid, you will address
yourself to M. De Neufville to procure them.

As soon as said squadron arrives, I wish you to advise me of it, that
I may take the necessary measures to send to the Americans the
supplies of which they may have need.

I have the honor to be, &c.

LE RAY DE CHAUMONT.

Approved, B. FRANKLIN.

* * * * *

TO B. FRANKLIN.

The Hague, September 14th, 1779.

Sir,

Political affairs continue here on the same footing as I left them.
Convoys are not granted, not even for vessels and cargoes of which
there is no dispute, because they are unwilling that vessels loaded
with timber should take advantage of the opportunity, and join
themselves to the fleet under convoy. On the other side, Leyden has at
length joined the party of Amsterdam, which consists, at present, of
eight or nine cities in favor of the deliberations for the