The Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris, vol. 2 - Online Library of ...
The Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris, vol. 2 - Online Library of ...
The Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris, vol. 2 - Online Library of ...
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<strong>Online</strong> <strong>Library</strong> <strong>of</strong> Liberty: <strong>The</strong> <strong>Diary</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Letters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gouverneur</strong> <strong>Morris</strong>, <strong>vol</strong>. 2<br />
<strong>of</strong> the isl<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> whoever may be the possessor, it must be his policy to convince us<br />
that it is our interest he should continue in the possession. He says that his opinion<br />
coincides perfectly with mine, <strong>and</strong> that he treated on that ground. I then tell him that<br />
in my opinion all difficulties might be removed if, after designating the size <strong>of</strong> vessels<br />
to be admitted, a further stipulation should be made <strong>of</strong> a maximum <strong>of</strong> export duty, the<br />
amount within that limit to be fixed by the King. His Majesty’s ministers would then,<br />
by their instructions to the governors, have it so fixed from time to time as to comport<br />
with the wants <strong>of</strong> the colony <strong>and</strong> the interests <strong>of</strong> the British navigation, without any<br />
reference to the colonial assemblies. He says he thinks something may be made out <strong>of</strong><br />
that idea. He says Lord Bute informs him from Madrid that Mr. Pinckney is on his<br />
way back, having concluded a treaty <strong>of</strong> navigation (in which he supposes the affairs<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Mississippi to be settled), <strong>and</strong> leaving the treaty <strong>of</strong> commerce for another year.<br />
I tell him, as I did the King, that their fears prevent them from treating, whereas those<br />
very apprehensions should have induced them to treat. He agrees in this idea, <strong>and</strong><br />
adds it is inconceivable how apprehensive they are. I tell him Mr. Pinckney has asked<br />
his recall, <strong>and</strong> that I do not think it improbable that Mr. Adams may be appointed<br />
minister here. As soon as the drawing-room is over I return home, change my dress,<br />
eat a bit <strong>of</strong> cold meat, <strong>and</strong> go to the House <strong>of</strong> Commons. I am again disappointed in<br />
not hearing Mr. Pitt speak. Stay till near three o’clock.”<br />
“Go [December 5th] to a great City dinner, given to Mr. Hammond, <strong>and</strong> chance<br />
places me next to Lord Grenville <strong>and</strong> Mr. Adams. This last is deeply tinctured with<br />
suspicion, <strong>and</strong> sees design in everything. His mind has received early a wrong bias,<br />
<strong>and</strong> I think will always go obliquely. Mr. Bayard asks if I will give my assistance in<br />
the discussion <strong>of</strong> some questions arising here which regard the captures made. I<br />
promise it freely. He tells me that in a late affair Lord Grenville gave a remarkable<br />
pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> his c<strong>and</strong>or. At our dinner, in the midst <strong>of</strong> the line <strong>of</strong> toasts he gave Mr. Jay,<br />
which was received with great applause. This, I think, will prove injurious to him in<br />
America, <strong>and</strong> mention that idea to Mr. Adams, who prims up, <strong>and</strong>, while his<br />
countenance (in general, insipid) overflows with joyful expression, he is silent; then<br />
says, ‘I don’t know,’ <strong>and</strong> then opens a little. From this I conjecture that his father <strong>and</strong><br />
Mr. Jay are at political variance. <strong>The</strong> shouts <strong>of</strong> applause which accompany the King<br />
<strong>and</strong> Mr. Pitt as toasts show that the administration st<strong>and</strong>s very strong in public.”<br />
“Take up the Marquis de Spinola, <strong>and</strong> go to dinner at Count Woronzow’s at<br />
Richmond [December 7th]. We have here a very good <strong>and</strong> a very sociable dinner. <strong>The</strong><br />
wine renders Spinola a little communicative. He tells me that Woronzow will never<br />
st<strong>and</strong> well at this Court, because Pitt will not forgive him for foiling his attempts in<br />
the Russian armament. He tells me why he st<strong>and</strong>s well with Lady Sutherl<strong>and</strong>. He tells<br />
me that he thinks the government here would be pleased that I should be appointed<br />
Minister, <strong>and</strong> in return I tell him why it would not suit me. I learn that Mr. Liston,<br />
who is going out to America, is clever. <strong>The</strong> weather is nasty.”<br />
“Dine with Count Staremberg [December 9th]. He <strong>and</strong> Woronzow are quite in air<br />
about the King’s message declaring his disposition for peace. It seems to me to be a<br />
thing <strong>of</strong> no consequence. After dinner Woronzow gives us the history <strong>of</strong> the three<br />
partitions <strong>of</strong> Pol<strong>and</strong>, in which, according to him, the Empress was led by a kind <strong>of</strong><br />
necessity. He thinks, <strong>and</strong> so, indeed, do I, that it is unwise in the Imperial Courts to<br />
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