intended to take the present negotiation with the court of France out of his hands, which he conceives to have been previously commenced through his channel by Mr. Fox. I must desire that you will have the goodness to call upon Mr. Walpole, and explain to him distinctly, how very little foundation there is for so unjust a suspicion, as I know of no such intercourse. Mr. Fox declares, he considered what had passed between him and Mr. Walpole of a mere private nature, not sufficiently material to mention to the King or the Cabinet, and will write to Mr. Walpole to explain this distinctly to him. But if you find the least suspicion of this kind has reached Dr. Franklin or M. le Comte de Vergennes, I desire this matter may be clearly explained to both. I have too much friendship for Dr. Franklin and too much respect for the character of M. le Comte de Vergennes, with which I am perfectly acquainted, to be so indifferent to the good opinion of either, as to suffer them to believe me capable of an intrigue, where I have both professed and observed a direct opposite conduct. In truth I hold it in such perfect contempt, that however proud I may be to serve the King in my present station or in any other, and however anxious I may be to serve my country, I should not hesitate a moment about retiring from any situation which required such services. But I must do the King the justice to say, that his Majesty abhors them, and I need not tell you, that it is my fixed principle that no country in any moment can be advantaged by them."[1]
Before leaving England Oswald was instructed to show a copy of the Cabinet minutes of April the 23rd to Franklin, but to leave no copy with him; he was further to insist in the strongest manner, that if America was to be independent, she must be so of the whole world, and not attempt any connection, secret, tacit, or ostensible with France, and to declare that if the negotiation broke off, all the rights of England to America were to stand as
- ↑ Shelburne to Oswald, May 21st, 1782; Grenville to Fox, May 10th, 1782, Memorials of Fox, i. 349.
