London, 16 August 1776
[Extract]
It is only natural as you have observed, My lord, that the work in our Ports determined the Court of London to increase the number of Guardships. But it would not be if they resorted to the impressment, and if this measure should take place the time for negotiatons would be passed and we should begin to act.
I have the honor to send you herewith, My lord, the translation of the Act of 4 July whereby th Colonies declared their independence under the title of United States of America. Others besides myself will better appreciate the motives upon which this declaration rests. The fact itself is what seems to interest us most. It is caught between two Armies and in sight of a formidable fleet that the Colonies declared war against Great Britain; because it is the Act that was meant by the declaration of war. We must admit, My lord, that this is quite far from the idea of immediate submission which the Government always entertained and which it considered as the unavoidable result of the display of its forces.
1. AMAE, Correspondance Politique, Angleterre, vol. 517, LC Photocopy.