CHAPTER VIII

VAST EUROPEAN FAME

JONATHAN LORING AUSTIN carried the despatches that brought to France the news of the capture of Burgoyne's army. The excitement in Paris was immense. Beaumarchais, lifted from the depth of despair and of financial ruin, drove in such haste to the city to congratulate Franklin that his glass coach was overturned, and he was so badly cut about the face and body by the broken glass that he lay in danger of his life. Europe rejoiced at the check administered to England in America. Paris rejoiced as though the victory had been won by French troops over the enemies of France. There was tumultuous and tremendous joy.' Three days after Austin arrived, Franklin drew up a memorial proposing a tripartite alliance of France, Spain, and America. De Vergennes promised an answer in two days when it should be known how well disposed he was to serve the cause of America.

The treaties of amity and commerce with his most Christian Majesty, and of alliance for mutual defence were signed

Deane was blamed for the confusion and dissension. Du Coudray was drowned in the Schuylkill. The Amphitrite returned with a cargo of rice and indigo valued at one hundred and fifty thousand francs, consigned not to Hortales & Co., but to Lee, Deane, and Franklin. Beaumarchais produced his contract with Deane, plead with Franklin to save his house from ruin, and obtained the cargo in spite of the protests of Arthur Lee.

1 Burgoinised became a popular word in both France and America. Madame Brillon used it in her correspondence, and John Adams, speaking of the Elizabethtown affair, April 29, 1779, said, "It appears that the English were repulsed and lost the cattle and horses they had taken and if they had not fled with uncommon dexterity they would have been burgoinisses, a technical term which I hope the Academie will admit into the language by lawful authority."

by se pienipetrates ac sites Fedray & Pa For a v veess de aces were bugt set tegi sme dacht of fer acion by Congress When they were publicly avoved, the commissioners were mehed & out February 20 and establisted in ful Siplomatic reations with the govemment of France. Madame Sa Dedand wrote o Horace Wapcie March 22. 1778: "Mr. Frankia das been presented to the King. He was accompanied by some twenty insurgents, three or four of whom were a unive Franklin wore a dress of redüisk brown veier, while dee His hair banging loose, is spectades on his nose, and a white hat under his arm. I do not know what he said, but the reply

1 On the last day of 1997 one of William Elen's spies wrote to dim: * Doctor Franklin is all life and fall of Spirits-de dined last weed with the Doctor of the Invalids at this place—after dinner the Gent gave Nav to the American Arms—and if you please says Franklin we'll add —a por petual and everlasting understanding between the House of Bourbon and the American Congress-this has made much noise here- the General opinion of the people is-that Alliance is absolutely concluded between this Court and the Americans-for my part I cannot say much at presentas am just arrived-and have hardly had time to turn myself- However by next Courier expect a full account of their whole proceeding as far as I can come at, — I am sorry to be the Messenger of bad news—yet I am cons fident — 'tis absolutely necessary you should have the best and most Authentic Intelligence-You may depend on me for every thing that possiable for a man to do in my situation—and shall exert myself more than common (if Possiabe) to come at the bottom of everything— Doctor Franklin is a life — and does nothing but fly from one part of Paris to t'other— Possiably his course may be Stop'd Shortly—as I hope and flat[ter] myself you'll have some favourable Intelligence from other side the Atlantic which will Check him and his boasting followers - Indeed tis highly necessary as they carry their heads much above the common Run-on acct: of the disaster of Gen1 Bourgoyne-Adieu? Dr Sir expect News in my Next if any-1 have not seen Ogg yet but hope to find the Needfull there — as this Season of year here — is attended with unusual Expenses- which is Customary—I am with Respect - Your Hum Sert

"GRO, LUPTON "Dec. 31, 1777"

of the king was very gracious, as well towards the United States as towards Franklin their deputy. He praised his conduct and that of all his compatriots. I do not know what title he will have, but he will go to court every Tuesday like all the rest of the diplomatic corps."

Lord Stormont was instructed to return to England.1 A French fleet under the command of Count d'Estaing put to sea in April. M. Gérard sailed to America to represent the court of France. Deane was recalled and replaced by John Adams.

While these diplomatic and naval manoeuvres were in progress, England made secret overtures of peace. James Hutton, an old and honoured friend of Franklin and a worthy of the Church of the United Brethren, David Hartley, a member of Parliament and a son of the philosopher admired by Coleridge, Sir Philip Gibbes, William Pulteney, and Dr. Fothergill sounded Franklin in the hope of discovering some basis of peace without humiliating England and without granting independence.

Dr. Fothergill outlined to Franklin what he called his Court of Arbitration: "In the warmth of my affection for mankind I could wish to see engrafted into this League [of Nations] a resolution to preclude the necessity of general wars — the great object of universal civilization; the institution of a

1 When Stormont left Paris, he advertised a sale of his household effects. Among other things was mentioned a great quantity of unused table linen, concerning which no surprise was expressed, for, said the Frenchmen, he never asked any one to dine.

2 Gérard negotiated the first treaty of Alliance, February 6, 1778. He arrived in Philadelphia, July, 1778, and acted as minister for one year. He took final leave of Congress, September 17, 1779. He returned to Europe on the same vessel with John Jay. His successor was Count de la Luzerne, who arrived in Philadelphia, September 21, 1779.

College of Justice, where the aims of sovereigns should be weighed — an award gren—and war only made on him who reised sucmission. No me man in the word has t so much in his power as my cncured Friend to infuse the thought in the hearts of princes, or those who rule them and their affairs."

Lori North speedily induced two conclatory bills inro Parliament, and in Mar 1773. Lord Carfisie, Richard Jackson, and William Eden were named Commissioners for restoring Peace and sailed from Portsmouth for America on the Trident on the roth of Appl

Benjamin Vaughan sent Franklin the following minutes taken memoriter from Lord Shelbume's speech, March 6, 1778. (A. P. S.)

"Not a time to talk about ministers inconsistency, but to explain our views.

"The war must end, and troops be withdrawn: but no independence alluded to; for when that happens England's sun is set. We must go back to as much of the connection as we can; and have "one friend, one enemy, one purse, and one superintendence of commerce." The mutual checks

1 Jackson was suggested by William Eden who characterized him as "a man of uncommon abilities on American matters, and well beloved in the colonies." George III, however, wrote to Lord North, April 1, 1778, “I am very clear he ought not to be allowed to go." (Donne, Vol. II, p. 166.)

Jackson's sentiments may be gathered from the following sentence from a letter he addressed to William Eden (February 28, 1778).

"The Commencement of the American War always appeared to me an impolitic measure, the continuance of it cannot be less than Ruin to this Empire, & will be an Object that I cannot be near without an Anxiety that will be too much for me to bear."

Entered into a history of these treat

ies; and spoke of

commercial treaties in general.

Had formerly plan

ned to leave them

would be of mutual use.

Commercial treaty

of no avail, either to England or France; witness Bacon's intercursus magnus which in ten years was called intercursus malus; and M' Methuens Portugal treaty

"To make this go down with congress we must give Canada, Scotia, the lakes, Newfoundland, Cape Breton, The Floridas, and the Mississippi, to be governed by Congress, by name. In congress there are many honest & sagacious men. - If we are left with these stations, they [the congress] will have us waiting for their dissensions then to interfere; and we, on our part, shall have extent enough to swallow up our present force - which must not occupy where it is. The paltry governors and low views of patronage, must be given up: they never were useful, never could be well assorted. America will have sons could be the capital of our merchants; and a harmless king who might save a worse power being looked for among themselves. And this also joined by a thousand uses, privileges, and ties. And when I made such proposals, I would seek dignified language, and soften all umbrageousness. I know what is to be urged on the other side, but I would say with Bacon, revenge is not infinite, and vindictive war goes not beyond the injury.

to election of the people themselves

in projected new settlements; as per

brought to their bar

to prove.

But Mr Grenville over-ruled.

He found difficulties to get fit country gentlemen, sea

officers or land of ficers to accept of governments.

"As I assent heartily to the matter of two of the bills, and shall let the other pass, I