George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Jean [de] Neufville, 15 February 1783

15 February 1783

Sir!

The gracious Acceptance of the few Lines, handed to your Excellency by Major Jackson—intended to Convey the tributes of hearts exulting with feelings not to be repressed, hath impressed us with a proper sense of the honor; which sense shall be retain’d during life; Be pleased to find here the sincere assurances of it.

Now the Dawn of peace breaks in upon us, to add particularly to the blessings Liberty hath Conferrd on the favourd Sons of her new Empire; Our grate full thanks to heaven succeed our earnest vows for that success, which the valour and perseverance of her Heroes claimd, but above all their Humanity. That Your Excellency may Continue to be providence’s particular case; and enjoy life in health and happiness for many years to come; that you may see the fruits of your toils, ripen and be tasted of throughout the Universe, shall be our Constant prayers.

As Batavians whose love for their Country, was one of the Motives for wishing the Republick to give the first aid to your new Empire, although kept back by a banefull Court Influence, we now begg leave to recommand it to Your Excellency’s regard as capable of being one of Americas best Allies, which England hath experienced by the immense wealth is ever found easy to draw from hence; America I hope will soon find the same ressources, and then I wish to rejoice upon in the retreat that I have chosen; as I do also add, that According to my most favourd plan, no foreign influence hath been wanted with the Regency of our City to favour Capn Jones stay at the [   ], nor his or Capn Gillons Departure from thence nay it was the true Republican spirit of the Craven part of the Nation, which assisted the Zeal we were glad to show publickly for the American cause, and from that spirit alone was owing the Declaration of the American Independence, the same Republican Spirit hath restored the worthy Baron van der Capellen and the brave Pensionary van Berckell to the Wishes of the Nation, this spirit hath also further opposed the English influence, and I should say even the French party was check’d by it, and still may be in this Country, not but I am as ready to acknowledge, as well as America, the honourable and magnanimous part the Court of France hath Acted on the Occasion; but it ever was, and remains my wish, still, that the two Sister Republics should be and remain allied. Without the influence of Any Kingdom or Monarchy whatsoever.

In the part I have acted, I never could aim at Any publick employment in our Government of Course my [retreat] became a matter of more indifference to the Publick; I can not however suppress saying how happy I shall feel to see my Son, and house in Amsterdam favoured with Your Excellencys (or frinds) Commands, in any thing we could be of Service, our devotion to them will be a pledge, that none Can ever be more ambitious to receive them, nor can be with greater veneration and Respect Sir, Your Excellencys most devoted and most humble Servt

John de Neufville

Though at present residing in Germany from whence I date this the 15th Feby 1783 My direction remains as before in Amsterdam.

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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