After mailing yesterday's letter, I had a visit from Mr. Van Berckel of Rotterdam and then called on his brother and Mr. Gyselaar. These gentlemen left this morning for Amsterdam.

In the draft of the instructions for Mr. Van Berckel he is authorized to tell Congress “that we are informed here that the accession of the United States to the Armed Neutrality has taken place.”1 The grand pensionary was asked for an explanation of this, and his reply was rather vague. Pending a more precise answer, which is insisted upon, I am to ask what you make of this. In my opinion, the information in question can only be based on some secret communication from the Dutch minister at St. Petersburg, 443or else on some confidential remark made to the grand pensionary and the secretary by Mr. Markov, who left for Paris, or by the gentleman who succeeded him here.

The prompt dispatch of the enclosed note is commended to your kindness.2 Your son and my family present their respects.

I remain with all those devoted to you, your excellency's very humble and very obedient servant