The Life of George Washington

Chapter 14. Diplomacy; Frontier Attacks; Congress's Grand Plan (June 1778 to February 1779)

GW_151-200.indd 165 5/2/12 7:38 AM CHAPTER 14 Diplomacy; Frontier Attacks; Congress's Grand Plan (June 1778 to February 1779) Terms ofreconciliationproposed by the British Commissioners.-Answer ofCongress.Attempts ofMr. Johnstone to bribe some members ofCongress.-Manifesto ofCommissioners . -Arrival ofMonsieur Gerard, Minister ofFrance.-Irruption ofthe Indians into U:Joming.- Battle of U:Joming.- Colonel Dennison capitulates for the inhabitants .- Colonel Clarke surprises Vincennes.-Planfor theinvasion ofCanada.- General Washington induces Congress to abandon it. ABOUT THE last of November, the commissioners appointed to give effect r778 to the late conciliatory acts of Parliament, embarked for Europe.1 Their utmost exertions to accomplish the object oftheir mission, had been unsuccessful . Great Britain required that the force of the two nations should be united under one common sovereign; and America was no longer disposed, or even at liberty, to accede to this proposition. On their arrival in Philadelphia, theyaddressed a letter "To the President June 1778 and other members ofCongress," inclosing copies oftheir commission and ofthe acts of Parliament, together with propositions founded on those acts, drawn in the most conciliatory language. Some expressions having been introduced into it, reflecting on the conduct of France, the reading was interrupted, and a motion made to proceed no further. A debate took place, and Congress adjourned. The following day, the letter was read, and committed after some opposition. The report r. See chapter 11, ar notes 14-16. Lord Norrh proposed a Peace Commission ro Parliament in February 1778, and in late February Frederick Howard, fifth Earl of Carlisle, was appointed irs head; in March Parliament passed legislation officially establishing a commission wirh wide powers ro negotiate a peace; in April rhe remaining members were appointed and rhe commission deparred for America. GW_151-200.indd 166 5/2/12 7:38 AM '""' COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE REVOLUTION * of the committee, which was transmitted to the commissioners, declared that "nothing but an earnest desire to prevent the further effusion of blood, could have induced them to read a paper containing expressions so disrespectful to his Most Christian Majesty? the good and great ally of these states, or to consider propositions so derogatory to the honor of an independent nation." The resolutions proceeded to declare, that the propositions were totally inadmissible; but that Congress would be ready to enter upon the consideration ofa treaty ofpeace and commerce not inconsistent with treaties already subsisting. On the 13th ofJuly, after arriving at New York, the commissioners addressed a second letter to Congress, in terms well calculated to make an impression on those who had become weary of the contest. On receiving it, that body resolved that, as neither the independence of the United States was explicitly acknowledged, nor the fleets and armies withdrawn, no answer should be given to it. The first packet contained several private letters written by Governor Johnstone,3 one of the commissioners, in which he blended, with flattering expressions of respect, assurances of the honors and emoluments to which those would be entitled who should contribute to restore peace and harmony to the two nations. In compliance with a resolution requiring that all letters of a public nature, received by any member, from any subject of the British crown, should be laid before Congress, these letters were produced; and Mr. Read4 stated a direct offer which had been made to him by a third person, of a considerable sum of money, and of any office in the gift of the crown, to use his influence for the restoration ofpeace. Congress published a solemn declaration, in which, after reciting the offensive paragraphs of the private letters, and the conversation stated by Mr. Read, they expressed their opin2 . The King of France. 3· George Johnstone (1730-87), formerly Royal Governor of West Florida, Member of Parliament. 4· George Read (1733-98) of Delaware, Continental Congressman from 1774 to 1777; Vice President of Delaware from 1776, acting President of the state from 1777 after capture of President John McKinly. 166 GW_151-200.indd 167 5/2/12 7:38 AM ~ Diplomacy ~ ion, "that these were direct attempts to bribe the Congress of the United States, and that it was incompatible with their honor to hold any manner ofcorrespondence or intercourse with the said George Johnstone, esquire." After an unsuccessful attempt to involve the other commissioners in the same exclusion, this declaration was transmitted to them. On receiving it, Mr. Johnstone withdrew...