Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1842-01-01
Vol. EE--NO. NV.

French authorities began to put their
designs into execution. la the first
place they gave to their merchantmen
the privilege Of carrying out whatever
supplies were wanted by the American
army. Through the fear of exciting
suspicion. inasmuch as it was impoltic
for the French Government openly TO
recognize these shipments, mercantile
house was established by NJ. Beaumar-
chais, who shipped cannon, fre-arms,
ammunition and supplies to the Colo>
nes as merchant, the vessels proics-
scdly clearing for the West Indies. He
was socn joined by Sllas Dean, who,
though not received in Court, was Sc
crctly countenanccd in his designs.
Through his spies the British Ambassa>
dor was informed of what was passing.
and Immediately " demonstrated with the
French Government; and in conse-
qucnce the supplies for the American
Colonies were sometimes withheld.
Whilst this system was progressing,
and about wear after its commence
mcnt, the Declaration Of Independence
was issued, which instantly put the A.
mericans on a new footing with foreign
powers. France was now read TO
take the fact of Colonial independence
for granted. As we have already sta>
ted at the commencement of this arti>
Gle, France was divided into two par
ties-a war party-and a peace party.
The latter entertained fears that they
could not place dependence in the Amc-
rican colonies, and were therefore un>
willing 10 run the risk Of collision with
their formidable ncighbor. The great
est champion of the war party was
CouNT VERGENNEs. Mr.. SPARKS read
a secret State paper drawn up by the
Count, which he obtained in Paris, and
which had never yet been published.
The paper treated at length on the
general policy of Great Britain, and her
jealousy Of France. Her constant
maxim, said the paper, is to make war
with France whenever she attempts TO
increase her maratme strength, or to
increase her importance by sea or land.
1t goes on TO speak in the most bitter
terms Of the various acts Of aggression
on France by the English, and the in
juries received at her hands for a long
series of years. 1t argued that if Great
Britain should not succeed in reducing
her American colonies to submission,
and the colonies should at length a.
chieve independence from her power,
it was not unreasonable to suppose that
England would seek TO indemnify her.
self for her losses by reprisals on other
nations, most probably Spain or France.
The paper concludes by speaking of
the advantages which would result to
France in the way of commerce by a
treaty between her and the United
States, if the latter should succeed in
throwing off the British yoke, and
France would thereby be enabled 10
humble her ancient foe, and obtain sa>
tislaction for many old grievances.
The design of the French Ministry
was, first, by their cooperation with
the Americans, to weaken England by
| the dismemberment of her colonies, and
secondly. to secure to themselves the
advantages which would result from
the trade of the Colonies. The King
| of France was al this time one OF the
peace party.
The American Congress, acquainted
with the state Of feeling in France, and
the sympathics Of many Of her leading
men in their cause, determined on an
alliance; to effect which three COM
missioncrs, FRANKLIN, SILAs DEAN and
JEFFERSON were appointed TO treat with
the French Government on the subject
| Jefferson, for some private reason. de-
clincd serving, and'Richard Henry Lee
was appointed in his place. The arri-
val of Franklin in Paris created a great
sensation. His fame had extended
throughout Europe. His discoveries IN
electricity bad made him known 10 all
men Of science, and the shrewd max
inns of Poor Richard hail been widely
! diilused. His conduct too, at the Brl-
lish Court, though subjected TO the cons
tinued insults of ,he missions Of power,
had added greatly TO his reputation;
and he was received at Paris as man
not less distinguished as philosopher
and Il phlan,htopist than as profound
and patriotic statesman. Mr.. SpARks
spoke in the highest terms of the regard
and respect manifested towards him by
all GLASSES, and quoted the remark Of an
eminent Frenchmah, that nothing, not
ctcn fleets or armies, could be refused