[dateline] Leyden March 21. 1781
[salute] Gentlemen
I have received your favour of the 19th. and will direct Mr. Thaxter to number your
Bonds again in figures under your written Numbers and Sign them, and to make the other
alterations, according to your Proposal.
Alass poor Statia! But as Providence orders Us unpleasant Potions of Medicine to cure
our distempers, So I hope this apparent Misfortune will open the Eyes of the blind;
will convince the credulous of their Weakness, in placing any Kind of Confidence in
the Justice, the Honour, the Moderation, or Humanity of Great Britain, Virtues which
exist only at this time in their own vainglorious Writings and Speeches. I hope also
it will accellerate an immediate and direct Commerce with America, and what is of
more importance to this Country as well as to that, a Solid Alliance. I hope further,
that this Insult to the neutral Confederation will prompt them to take a decided Part,
which their own Dignity Honour and Interest demand, and forth with join France Spain
and America, in Pursuit of the two greatest Objects of the Negotiations and Wars of
the present Age, American Independance and the rights of neutral Vessells. Once more
I hope, that this unexampled outrage, to the Law of Nations to public faith, and every
Sound Principle among Men, will induce even the great City of Amsterdam to act a more
decided and vigorous Part, then she has done. Her Example will be followed with Ardour
by every other Member of the Sovereignty, all of whom I have reason to believe, are
Slackened in their resolution by the feebleness and Irresolution of that City. I have
the Honour to be &c.