Summary:
"The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 02" by Jared Sparks is a historical account published in the early 19th century. This volume compiles the crucial diplomatic letters exchanged during the American Revolution, particularly focusing on the communications from key figures such as Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Arthur Lee, regarding foreign relations and support for the American cause. The text provides a detailed look into the strategies and negotiations that shaped the outcome of the revolution as the fledgling United States sought assistance from European powers. The opening of this volume introduces readers to the context and scope of the correspondence it contains, which includes letters directed to and from American diplomats and officials in Europe from late 1775 to early 1780. Notably, it begins by detailing the roles of various commissioners like Arthur Lee, who was tasked with negotiating alliances and securing military support against Great Britain. Various letters highlight the ongoing challenges faced by American diplomats in persuading foreign powers to aid their struggle for independence, as well as the desperate political situation in America, which necessitated such assistance. The correspondence illustrates both the hopes and fears of these ambassadors as they worked diligently to establish diplomatic relations and gain military aid, setting the stage for the transformative events of the American Revolution. (This is an automatically generated summary.)