L30/14/306/4

From 2nd Earl Shelburne, Streatham to 2nd Baron Grantham:

Not dated c. 1782

From: 1782 To: 1782

Returns all Grantham's papers and sends Fitzherbert's letters to Shelburne, which he asks to be returned. The language is certainly uncompromising, and Fitzherbert's judgement desponding, but Shelburne has still no doubt of success, without thinking of Massulipatam, which can never be taken into consideration. Fitzherbert's mind should be relieved by every sort of encouragement to fortify and incite him. Attributes to despondancy Fitzherbert's letting down the Eustatia business as he has done, which requires a new turn to be given to it - i.e. it must be dropped or hung up, if the French mean conciliation. It has always struck Shelburne that the East India demand for prisoners would answer it if pressed - however it may be right likewise to insist on the Hudson's Bay claim. Feels much for Grantham's difficulty about an answer to the memoire. Asks whether Grantham could take a very high tone with Rayneval, and tell him that a written answer is deferred until the meeting of Council. By that time his messenger will have returned, which will make peace or war certain. Believes the argument most likely to weigh with Rayneval is that there are three opinions or parties, 1. To consider the American Articles as irrevocable, and to continue the war against France and Spain. 2. To continue the war as hitherto. 3. That adhered to by Shelburne and Grantham, to continue systematically the Plan they have embarked and committed themselves to. Has heard that the Americans have sent their articles to Petersburg to Mr Domae to be communicated by him to the Court of Russia and to the other northern courts. It will be some time before it reaches England, but if it arrives before it has been decided one way or another with France, it will be very embarrassing. Shelburne did not mention it to Rayneval, but thinks Grantham should mention it to him in confidence. This gives Fitzherbert room to call upon the commissioners to return the professions they so profusely made to assist in other parts of the Treaty - in truth their own honour and the interests of America are very deeply involved in seeing a general peace concluded. Agrees with Grantham that a Cabinet should be summoned for Sunday, to determine upon all things finally. P.S. that in case of the worst, great care should be taken with Rayneval, and Fitzherbert should do the same with M. de Vergennes, that the Treaty is broken off on account of Spain. The Americans will then be free. P.S. Mr Ord reminds Shelburne that de Vergennes appears to have insinuated to the Commissioners that they were ill thought of here, although he had no authority for this, and it is likely to destroy all confidential communication with de Vergennes. Grantham may like to allude to it in conversation with Rayneval.

item

Fitzherbert,
Rayneval,
de Vergennes,
Ord

France, Spain, WARS & TREATIES, American Revolutionary War