dictated by honour and justice, which can never be sufficiently dwelt and insisted on.
"But I beg to recommend the question of policy to your most serious reflection. If we are to look to regain the affections of America, to reunion in any shape, or even to commerce and friendship, is it not of the last degree of consequence to retain every means possible to gratify America at a future I hope not very distant day, when the negotiation will not be carried on at a foreign capital, not under the eye, if not the control of inveterate enemies, nor under the reputed impulse of absolute necessity.
"This is to me such an obvious line of policy, that I cannot believe it possible for it to escape your attention, and indeed am very clearly of opinion that your whole endeavour should be pointed to it. And if there is the disposition you mention in the Commissioners towards Great Britain, and it is stated to them with address, I should think they might be brought to enter into it, as they must feel it perfectly consistent with the language hitherto held to them. It is at the same time certainly of importance to preserve their confidence and good will, where it can be done without sacrifices which mere speculation can never warrant.
"I have nothing else to add, except the particular satisfaction which it gives me to find that what has passed hitherto in the American or French negotiation has given rise to no speculation in the funds. I need not tell you the numbers which are upon the watch, and of how much importance it is to the reputation of every person concerned to avoid the possibility of it, which can only be done by the most determined reserve on every particular where communication can by any labour or pains be avoided."[1]
He at the same time wrote to Mr. Fitzherbert:—
"I have an extremely good opinion of M. de Rayneval, and wish him to understand that the manner in which he conducted himself here gave satisfaction. Several expressions which dropped from him have confirmed me
- ↑ Shelburne to Oswald, October 21st, 1782.
