Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1842-01-01

In consequence Of the unfortunate
condition of affairs at that time in Ame>
RIGA, the commissioners did not at first
succeed In their mission. The supplies
by means of their vessels were still con
tinued, and private audiences were kept
up by the Ministry and Commissioners.
SO soon, however, as intelligence Of
Burgoyne's surrender, the conduct OF
Washington, and an account Of the bra-
very and spirited energy Of the Arneri>
can Army and Congress, reached Paris,
matters assumed quite different as
pect which the Commissioners were
not backward in turning to the best
advantage. The doubling portion of
the French Cabinet we're brought over
to the warlike opinions of the Court.
NEEGENNEs, and the American Com.
missioners were informed that France
was ready TO treat with them on the
conditions Of treaty of alliance. b. AT
the hrse interview, held at Versailles
the Commissioners were told that
France did not desire the formation OF
a temporary treaty, or for purposes
which only looked for a transient as
sstance to the American cause, but an
alliance which should result in mutual
and lasting benefit, and which should
cfectuaFly cement the two nations for.
ever.
France at this time was in close allis
ance with Spain and it was necessary
to obtain the consent of the latter before
any definite arrangement could be
made.-Spain however, refused to have
any voice in the matter: upon which
treaty Of amity and alliance was
formed between France and the United
States, by which France recognized
| the independence of the United States.
and pledged IFS assistance through the
struggle in which the latter was en-
gagged. This treaty, as well as The
treaty cf amity and commerce, was OH
an exact system Of reciprocity. Each
was to support the other in whatever
wars might grow out'of their connec-
ton, and neither was to lay down arms
| without the consent OF the other, or uh.
Ill the ends ofeach other were fully OBJ
taned. The treaty was signed in Para
is on the 9Th of February. The treaty
was at first kept secret, in order 10 give
notice TO t1le French vessels in distant
ports, and prevent their seizure by the
English cruisers. In March notice of the
treaty was formally given TO the British
Minister al Paris.
The Commissioners despatched spes
cial messengers to the United States
with the information, which was receis
we'd with the most tumutuous Joy
Praises OF the French people and Of
the French hing flied the land; and
WASHINGTON, who was then with his
army at Valley Forge, ordered day Ol
special thanksgiving,
After the treaty had been generally
made known, the Commissioners made
their first public appearance at the
Court of Versailles Mr. SPARKS here
related very amusing anecdote Of
FRANKLIN. As the independence Of
America had not been achieved, her
Plenipotentiary was not recognized by
the ambassadors of the foreign powers
at Court in their official intercourse
The Russian ambassador, on his arriS
val at Paris, issued his card to the other
ministers resident at that Court, and
among the rest card was accidentally
left for Franklin. This was something
new to him, and he inquired of a friend
what etiquette required on the oCca;
sion. He was told that it was only ne:
cesSary to stop at the house and ehtef
his name upon the porter's books:
This was done, and the next day the
Russian minister called upon Frahklh
and assured him it was all hiistaks III
leaving the card Franklin tepled
that no apology was necessary, that h3
harm had been done. But in ordef II,
remove all difficulty the minister had
only to erase Frahklin's name from his
porter's book, and he would burn his
card.
The lecturer concluded his hiastefly
effort with an eloquent tribute to the
conduct and good faith Of france. He
had been privileged, while residing id
Paris, TO examine Air the archives and
correspondence Of the governthent tii
pom the subject, ard he felt free 10 say
that, no nation had ever more scrupui
louSly fulfilled its engagements THAI
France with the United States. All
who will institute a strict inquiry int3
the mattel, will be cshvinced. he said
that France acted with no SINISTER of
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