suspect that he doubted whether it might not have taken its rise from some of his letters. *

* ૨ ટ When he left me I went to dine with M. de Chaumont, who had invited me to meet there Mr. Walpole at his request. We shook hands, and he observed that it was near two years since we had seen each other. Then stepping aside, he thanked me for having communicated to him Lord Shelburne's letter to Mr. Oswald; thought it odd that Mr. Oswald himself had not spoken to him about it; said he had received a letter from Mr. Fox upon the affair of St. Eustatia, in which there were some general words expressing a desire of peace; that he had mentioned this to M. de Castries, who had referred him to M. de Vergennes, but he did not think it a sufficient authority to go to that minister. It was known that he had business with the minister of the marine on the other affair, and therefore his going to him was not taken notice of; but if he had gone to M. de Vergennes minister of foreign affairs, it would have occasioned speculation and much discourse; that he had therefore avoided it 'till he should be authorized, and had written accordingly to Mr. Fox, but that in the mean time Mr. Oswald had been chosen upon the supposition that he (Mr. Walpole) and I were at variance. He spoke of Mr. Oswald as an odd kind of man, but that indeed his nation were generally odd people, &c. We dined pleasantly together with the family, and parted agreeably without entering into any particulars of the business. Count d'Estaing was at this dinner, and I met him again in the evening at Madame Brillon's. There is at present among the people much censure of Count de Grasse's conduct, and a general wish that Count d'Estaing

had the command in America. I avoid meddling, or even speaking on the subject, as improper for me, though I much esteem, that commander. ?

-91 Sunday 16th I heard nothing from Versailles. I received a letter from Mr. Adams acquainting me he had drawn upon me for a quarter's salary, which he hoped would be the last, as he now found himself in a way of getting some money there, though not much; I have not a line from Mr. Laurens which I wonder at. I received also a letter from Mr. Carmichael dated June 5th at Madrid. He speaks of Mr. Jay being on his journey, and →supposes he would be with me before that letter, so that I may expect him daily. We have taken lodgings for him at Paris.

Monday 17th I received a letter from Mr. Hodgson acquainting me that the American prisoners at Portsmouth, to the number of 330, were all embarked on board the transports; that each had received twenty shillings worth of necessaries at the expence of government, and went on board in good humour. That contrary winds had prevented the transports arriving in time at Plymouth, but that the whole number now there of our people, amounting to 700 with those arrived from Ireland, would be soon on their way home.

In the evening the Marquis de la Fayette came to see me, and said he had seen M. de Vergennes who was satisfied with Mr. Grenville's powers. He asked me what I thought of them, and I told him what I had said to Mr., Grenville of their imperfection with respect to us. He agreed in opinion with me. I let him know that I proposed writing to M. de Vergennes to-morrow. He said he had signed the paper relating to Major Ross's parole,

and hoped Congress would not take it amiss; and added, that in conversation with the Major, he had asked him, why England was so backward to make propositions? We are afraid, said the Major, of offering you more than you expect or desire.

I find myself in some perplexity, with regard to these two negociators. Mr. Oswald appears to have been the choice of Lord Shelburne: Mr. Grenville that of Mr. Secretary Fox. Lord Shelburne is said to have lately acquired much of the King's confidence: Mr. Fox calls himself the minister of the people, and it is certain his popularity is lately much increased. Lord S. seems to wish to have the management of the treaty; Mr. Fox seems to think it in his department. I hear that the understanding between those ministers is not quite perfect. Mr. Grenville is clever, and seems to feel reason as readily as Mr. Oswald, though not so ready to own it. Mr. Oswald appears quite plain and sincere. I sometimes a little doubt Mr. Grenville, Mr. Oswald, as an old man, seems to have now no desire but that of being useful in doing good. Mr. Grenville, a young man, naturally desirous of acquiring reputation, seems to aim at that of being an able negociator. Oswald does not solicit to have any share în the business, but submitting the matter to Lord S. and me expresses only his willingness to serve, if we think he may be useful, and is equally willing to be excused if we judge there is no occasion for him. Grenville seems to think the whole negociation committed to him, and to have no idea of Oswald's being concerned in it; and is therefore willing to extend the expressions in his commission, so as to make them comprehend America, and this beyond what I think they will bear. I imagine we might however

go on very well with either of them, though I should prefer Oswald; but I apprehend difficulties if they are both employed, especially if there is any misunderstanding be tween their principals. I must however write to Lord S. proposing something in consequence of his offer of vesting Mr. Oswald with any commission that gentleman and I should think proper,

Tuesday 18th. I found myself much indisposed with a sudden and violent cold, attended with a feverishness and head-ache. I imagined it to be an effect of the influenza, a disorder now reigning in various parts of Europe! This prevented my going to Versailles.

Thursday 20th. Weather excessively hot, and my disorder continues, but is lessened, the head-ache having left me. I am however not yet able to go to Versailles. Friday 21st. I received the following note from the Marquis de la Fayette.

Versailles, Thursday Morning, June 20, 1782.

MY DEAR SIR,

Agreeable to your desire I have waited upon Count de Vergennes, and said to him what I had in command from your Excellency. He intends taking the King's orders this morning, and expects he will be able to propose Mr. Grenville a meeting for to-morrow, where he will have time to explain himself respecting France and her allies, that he may make an official communication both to the King and the allied ministers. What Count de Vergennes can make out of this conversation will be com municated by him to your Excellency in case you are not able to come, in the other case I shall wait upon you to

morrow evening with every information I can collect. have the honour to be very respectfully, my dear Sir, your obedient servant, and affectionate friend,

LA FAYETTE.

1

In the evening the Marquis called upon me, and acquainted me that Mr. Grenville had been with Count de Vergennes, but could not inform me what had passed.

Saturday, 22d. Mr. Oswald and Mr. Whiteford his secretary came and breakfasted with me. Mr. O. had received no letter or instructions, I told him I would write to Lord Shelburne respecting him, and call on him on Monday morning to breakfast, and show him what I proposed to write, that it might receive such alterations as he should judge proper.

Sunday, 23. In the afternoon Mr. Jay arrived, to my great satisfaction. I proposed going with him the next morning to Versailles, and presenting him to M. de Vergennes. He informed me, that the Spanish ministers had been much struck with the news from England respecting the resolutions of parliament to discontinue the war in America, &c., and that they had since been extremely civil to him, and he understood intended to send instructions to the ambassador at this court, to make the long talked of treaty with him here.

Monday, 24th. Wrote a note of excuse to Mr. Oswald, promising to see him on Wednesday, and went with Mr. Jay to Versailles. M. de Vergennes acquainted us, that he had given to Mr. Grenville the answer to his propositions, who had immediately dispatched it to his court. He read it to us, and I shall endeavour to obtain a copy of it. M. de Vergennes informing us that a frigate was