The sudden and unexpected news that the preliminaries had been signed by all the other belligerent powers, but without the point deemed here most essential having been settled, initially alarmed our friends.1 But after they had recovered from their surprise, Mr. Van Berckel, at the request and urging of the grand pensionary and in a secret meeting, proposed a means, doubtless the noblest and most solid, by which to attain an end desired by and desirable to all. The grand pensionary embraced it 210eagerly, and it was agreed that Mr. Van Berckel would ask me to consult your excellency with all possible speed on their behalf. Here is the text of the proposal:

“To hasten the negotiation of a general peace, and to avoid further discussions between their High Mightinesses and Great Britain on the matter of free and unlimited navigation, we ask Mr. Adams if he is authorized by Congress to accede to the Treaty of Armed Neutrality already concluded between some European belligerent powers, or to enter into a parallel negotiation with Spain, France, and the Netherlands?

“In either case, their High Mightinesses could make the same proposal to France and Spain in order to forestall discussions on the point of freedom of the seas, which would impede the general peace; and place the republic in the position of making its peace with Great Britain, which would be delayed by difficulties that would be encountered from the particular stipulations or arrangements to be made with England on this point.

“The definitive treaty between England and the Republic could then be made contingent upon the customary law of all nations that find through the exercise of this law the means to depart from it by particular treaties on the subject of contraband goods recognized as such by the respective contracting parties.2

“Mr. Adams is asked to communicate his ideas on this point as soon as possible; and also his thoughts on how best to further such a negotiation and bring about a general peace.3 For it seems that in the meantime the Republic could accede to the Armistice, which must necessarily result from the signature of preliminary peace accords between the other belligerent powers, and treat with England on all the other points in question.”

You are at liberty, sir, if you judge it appropriate, to confer on the matter, ministerially, with Mr. Brantsen.

The only remaining task is to present the compliments and most cordial sentiments of Mr. Van Berckel, who has just left me, so that I could write the above. I am with great respect, sir, your excellency's very humble and very obedient servant