Docno: ADMS-06-06-02-0024-0002
Author: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
Recipient: First Joint Commission at Paris
Recipient: Adams, John
Date: 1778-04-15
[dateline] Versailles, 15 April 1778
I have the honor to return to you the English document and your friend's letter which
you communicated to me through M. de Sartine.
1 Your correspondent is quite right in declaring it undiplomatic toward France and
maliciously insidious toward the United States of America. Whichever way one interprets
these documents, the intent of alienating your friends from you seems all pervasive.
The congress will no doubt know how to avoid a stumbling-block which would make your
independence precarious at best.
I am very sorry, sirs, that I was not at home two days ago, when I had the honor of
your visit to present Mr. Adams' letters of credence.
2 I have the honor to be with a very perfect consideration, sirs, your very humble
and very obedient servant.