Title: John Jay to John Adams, 22 Feb. 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dr: Sir

              New York

              22d. February 1786

          I had the Honor of writing to you on the 3d. Instant, since which I have not had the Pleasure of receiving any Letters
            from You. Among other Papers then sent, was a Copy of a Report (agreed to by Congress)
            on the Subject of certain Representations from Massachusetts, but Copies of the
            Documents referred to in it, and which were then making could not be compleated in time
            to be then sent. You will find them herewith enclosed, together with a List or Account
            of them.—
          Nine States are not yet represented in Congress, and therefore the
            Affairs of this Department continue in the same State that they were in at the Date of
            my last.—
          The public Papers will enable you to see the Complection of the
            Times—fœderal Opinions grow, but it will be some time before they will bear Fruit; and
            what is not the base with most other Fruits, they will, to judge from present
            Appearances, ripen slower in the South than in the North.—
          The Packet will sail next Week—I shall then write to You
            again.—
          With great & sincere Esteem & Regard I have the
            Honor to be / Dr: Sir / Your most obt. and very hble: Servt.—

                John Jay

          [enclosure]

          Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.—
          Upon receiving information from our Excise Officer at Machias, that
            the Inhabitants of Moose Island in Passamaquoddy Bay in this Commonwealth, had been
            notified by the Sheriff of the County of Charlotte, in the British Province of New
            Brunswick, to send Jurors to that County-Court, on penalty of forfeiting their estates
            in case of refusal, I wrote a Letter on the subject to Mr.
            Carleton, Governour of that Province, dated the 9th. of
            September.—As I was not informed, that Governour Carleton had interposed his authority,
            I mentioned to him, that I was inclined to believe my informant was mistaken in his
            opinion, that the Government of New Brunswick had given its sanction to a measure
            altogether unexpected and insupportable; and that I assured myself, he would issue
            orders effectually to prevent the abovementioned, and every other encroachment on the
            territorial rights and sovereignty of this Commonwealth, and of the United States.
          To that Letter I have received an answer dated at St. John the 18th. October, which
            not only justifies the proceedings of the Sheriff, but contains an implied declaration,
            that the said Island, with several other Islands, is, by virtue of the Treaty of Peace,
            within that Province.
          As it seems clear, they mean to obtain possession of those Islands,
            by compelling the Inhabitants to acknowledge the right of Jurisdiction to be in the
            Government of New Brunswick, I think it highly expedient you should be informed of their
            proceedings as soon as may be, that such measures may be adopted concerning them, as you
            shall judge suitable.
          Of those proceedings Congress have been informed by my letter to
            our Delegates: and have sent an account of them to the Minister of the United States at
            London.
          My Letter to Governour Carleton and his answer to it will be
            delivered to you Gentlemen, by the Secretary.

                James Bowdoin.

          Council Chamber / Novr. 24th.
            1785 / True Copy / Attest— / John Avery jun Secretary

                James Avery

          [enclosure]

          Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives—
          I sent you a Message the 24th of
            November last, relative to the encroachments, which the Government of the New British
            Province of new Brunswick were disposed to make on the territorial rights, and
            sovereignty, of this Commonwealth, and of the United States. Since which a letter has
            been received from James Avery Esqr. our Excise Officer at
            Machias dated the 24th. December last: in which he mentions
            he had just received advice from Passamaquoddy, that Mr.
            Wier the high Sheriff for Charlottee County in that Province, a few days before went on
            to Moose Island, and took the body of Mr. Tuttle Deputy
            Collector of Excise on an action of debt; and told him he must either find bail, or be
            carried to Goal at St. Andrews. Upon Mr. Tuttle’s informing the Sheriff, that he considered himself a subject of this
            State, and should not regard him as an Officer, the Sheriff called on some of the
            Inhabitants to assist him to carry Mr. Tuttle to Goal, but
            they refusing, he informed them, he should go to the neighbouring Island of Campo Bello,
            and get Assistance from the Ship lying there; being determined to carry the said Tuttle
            to Goal; and that orders had come from St. John’s to
            exercise jurisdiction over the inhabitants of Moose Island.
          This account is in part confirmed by a letter communicated to me by
            Leonard Jarvis Esqr., who as he has lately been in that
            Country, can give information concerning the circumstances of it—
          Mr. Avery concludes his letter with
            expressing his hope, that Government will take some steps to prevent its subjects from
            being insulted by a foreign power; and being liable to be dragged away by armed
            force.
          In my former Message on this subject I informed you, Gentlemen,
            that Congress had been made acquainted with all the proceedings referred to in that
            Message; and had sent an account of them to the Minister of the United States in
            London—
          This affair, Gentlemen, merits your serious consideration.
          Mr. Avery’s letter, which will be laid
            before you, mentions several things respecting the Duty of his Office; and of that of
            the Naval Officers within his District: which may also require your consideration.

                James Bowdoin.

          Council Chamber / February 10th. 1786 / True Copy / Attest—
            / John Avery jun Secretary

          [enclosure]

          Dear Sir,
           Machias December 24th.
              1785

          Inclosed you have Captain Smiths returns of the Naval Office—I
            ought as Collector to make a Return of all the Entries &ca. in my District (in which there is four Naval Officers and
            five Deputies) but the Naval Officers have been so remiss as not to make returns to me
            which puts it out of my power to do it, many of the Naval Officers are quite
            ignorant of the duties of their Office and often issue out old Registers signed by the
            late Governour and dated at this time, which I consider very improper.
          I have just recieved advice from Passamaquoddy, that Mr. Wier the high Sheriff for Charlotte County, a few days ago
            went on to Moose Island and took the body of Mr. Tuttle
            Deputy Collector of Excise on an action of debt and and told Mr. Tuttle he must either find bail or be carried to Goal at St. Andrews.— Mr. Tuttle told him
            he cou’d not get Bail and considered himself a Subject of this State, and shou’d not pay
            any regard to any other power—Mr. Wier then call’d on some
            of the inhabitants to assist him to carry Mr. Tuttle to
            Goal, they all refused on which Mr. Wier informed them he
            shou’d go to Campo Bello and get the Ships Boat that was there to come to his
            assistance, as he was determined to carry Tuttle to Goal and that orders had come from
              St. Johns to exercise their jurisdiction over the
            Inhabitants on Moose Island—Thus the matter stood when I heard from there—I hope
            Government will take some steps to prevent their Subjects from being so daily insulted
            by a foreign power and be liable to be so drag’d away by armed force.
          In haste, / I am, / Dear Sir, / Your hble Servt.

          [enclosure]

          Commonwealth of Massachusetts
          The Committee of both Houses to whom was committed the Message of
            His Excellency the Governor of the 10th: of February 1786.
            respecting the conduct of a Mr. Wire, the high Sheriff of
            Charlotte County in the british province of New Brunswick, in taking & carrying
            off the body of Mr: Tuttle (on an Action of Debt) from Moose
            Island; as represented in a Letter from James Avery Esqr. to
              Mr. Secretary Avery, dated at Machias the 24th: of December last: Have attended that service, &
            ask leave to report as their opinion—That the matter complained of in the said Letter,
            involves in it such a great national question respecting the bounds of territory, as can
            only be taken up, with propriety, by Congress.—That therefore His Excellency the
            Governor be requested to procure, as soon as possible, the evidence necessary to
            ascertain the facts complained of, & to transmit the same to the Delegates of
            this State in Congress, to be by them laid before the United States in Congress
            assembled, for their consideration & determination.
          And with regard to the latter clause of the Governor’s Message,
            respecting the canduct of the Naval Officers & their Deputies, the committee are
            of opinion that the difficulty mentioned in the Letter from James Avery Esqr. Collector at Machias, may be prevented in future, by
            directing the Secretary to transmit, forthwith, to each of the naval officers in that
            department, printed copies of the several Acts & Resolves, now inforced, that
            respect the office & duty of naval officers & their deputies, that so no
            plea of ignorance in their duty may for the future be made—
          And whereas another Message from His Excellency the Governor dated
            November 24th: 1785 (which was committed to a joint
            committee at the last sitting of the General Court, but not acted upon) is now committed
            to the present Committee, in which, his Excellency acquaints the two houses, with the
            conduct of the aforementioned Sheriff, in compelling the inhabitants of Moose island to
            send Jurors to the County Court of Charlotte County, on pain of forfeiting their Estates
            in case of refusal; And that on his representing to Mr
            Charleton Governor of New Brunswick, the conduct of the said Sheriff, he received from
            the said Governor such an answer as contained an implied declaration that the said
            Island, with several other islands, is, by virtue of the Treaty of Peace, within that
            Province.” And that thereupon he had “by Letter to our Delegates, informed Congress of
            those proceedings, & also sent an account of them to the Minister of the United
            States at London”. This Committee therefore ask leave further to report as their
            opinion—That the early attention & vigilance of His Excellency the Governor, in
            taking such prudent care that the Commonwealth should suffer no harm, is worthy the
            Character of a virtuous & patriotic Governor, & deserves the warm
            approbation of the Legislative body: And that His Excellency be requested to procure all
            such further evidence, as may be thought needful to be laid before Congress, &
            take all such other measures as he shall think requisite, to prevent encroachment on the
            territorial rights & sovereignty of This Commonwealth & of the United
            States—
          All which is submitted / Richard Cranch ⅌ Order
          In Senate March 11th. 1786 Read
            & accepted / Sent down for concurrence / Saml.
            Phillips jun. Presidt. / In the House of Representatives
            March 13th. 1786 / Read & Concurred / A Ward
              Speakr. / True Copy / Attest.— / John Avery jun
            Secretary

          [enclosure]

          Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives—
          A number of persons, who appear to be Inhabitants of Moose Island
            in the Bay of Passamaquoddy, have by their Letter of the third of January just received,
              representated, that the Officers of the neighbouring british Province of
            New Brunswick are pursuing every method to subjugate them; and that several Writs had
            been executed upon them: imploring the interposition of this Government, and that such
            steps may be immediately taken as are necessary to quiet their minds, and give them full
            possession of their rights in the said Island: as you will observe by their said
            Letter.
          This matter, in consequence of former similar representations, has
            been at your request laid before Congress; and as it is in a train of settlement, there
            seems to be nothing further necessary to be done, but to quiet the minds of those
            Inhabitants, by informing them, that Congress had taken measures to procure an amicable
            adjustment of the dividing line between the territory of the United States, and the said
            Province of New Brunswick; to commend them for their resolution, that no allurements or
            threats shall induce them to forsake that System and Constitution, by which they, very
            justly think their natural rights & priviledges will be secured; and to exhort
            them to abide by that Resolution.
          The said Letter Gentlemen, is laid before you for your
            determination concerning it.

                James Bowdoin

          To / John Avery Esqr. / Secretary— / True Copy / Attest— /
            John Avery jun Secretary

          Council Chamber / March 21st. 1786—
          Commonwealth of Massachusetts—
          In Senate March 23d. 1786
          Ordered, That his Excellency the Governour be, and he hereby is,
            requested to write to the Inhabitants of Moose Island, and inform them, that Congress
            have taken measures to procure an amicable adjustment of the dividing Line between the
            Territory of the United States and the Province of New Brunswick, and to advise them to
            abide by their commendable Resolution, not to forsake that system and Constitution by
            which, they justly think, their natural rights and priviledges will be secured.
          sent down for Concurrence / Samuel Phillips junr. President / In the House of Representatives March 23d. 1786— / Read and Concurred / Artemas Ward Speaker / True
            copy / Attest— / John Avery jun Secretary


Title: the Marquis de Lafayette to John Adams, 22 Feb. 1786
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

              My dear Sir

              Paris

               February the 22d 1786

          I Have Been Honoured With Your favour By Mr[expansion sign] joy to
            Whom I Will Readily Render Every Service in My power, and am also to thank you for the
            Valuable Books You took the trouble to Collect for me—in the Cause of my Black Brethren
            I feel Myself Warmly interested, and most decidedly Side, so far as Respects them,
            Against the White part of mankind—Whatever Be the Complexion of the Enslaved, it does
            not, in my opinion, Alter the Complexion of the Crime Which the Enslaver Commits, a
            Crime Much Blaker than Any Affrican face—it is to me a Matter of Great Anxiety and
            Concern to find that this trade is Some times perpetrated Under the flag of Liberty, our
            dear and Noble Stripes, to which Virtue and Glory Have Been Constant Standard
            Bearers—enclosed I Beg leave to Send a letter for Mr[expansion sign] Sharp With
            Aknowledgement for His Attention
          No Event of Great Importance in Paris—Cardinal de Rohan’s Afair Has
            produced Many Memoirs—Which of the different tales is the Right one, I do not pretend to
            Say—the Cardinal Has Been Either a Rogue or a fool, the later Seems the More
            probable—all the farms Have Been Renewed With an Augmentation of Revenue, that of
            tobacco Excepted, and on this as well as Every other point I Stand a Warm Opposer to the
            Principles of the farm—on this Side of the Channel, When Good deeds fail, you will at
            least find Good Intentions— in England Neither—While policy is the Result of Passion not
            of Reason, Every Sensible Calculation is at an End, and it is Still a Matter of doubt
            with me, However Strange it Appears, if they Will Give up the forts, or let us Have the
            pleasure to Walk into those formidable Works on our Saratoga tune of Yankee doodle.
          My Best Respects Wait on the ladies to Whom as Well as to You Mde
            de Lafayette and our little family present their Affectionate Compliments—Remember me to
            My friend Colonel Smith—With Every Sentiment of Affection and Regard I Have the Honour
            to Be— / My dear Sir / Yours

              Lafayette


Title: Robert Delap to John Adams, 24 Feb. 1786
From: Delap, Robert
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Fleet Prison

              24th. Feby 1786.

          The number of years that have elapsed together with the various
            important objects that have engrossed your attention during that period have very
            possibly obliterated the remembrance of so insignificant a person as me; but cannot I
            flatter myself that of my late Father Mr Saml. Delap of Bourdeaux with whose house under the firm of S:
            & I: H Delap you have had considerable connexions during the american
            War.—Presuming therefore in the reciprocal respect that always subsisted between you I
            humbly take leave to solicit your assistance in the unhappy Situation to which I am
            fallen.
          Not to trespass on your time Sir, it will be sufficient to inform
            you that notwithstanding the Known extensive property of our house thro’ the unforseen
            Misfortunes of it’s connexions it has become Bankrupt; and in it all my fortune is
            involved—the consequence of which has been that after struggling with inexpressible
            difficulties, I have been arrested, and thrown into the Fleet Prison, where I am at this
            time confined, overwhelmed with every accumulation of Want and Distress, fatally
            experiencing the frowns and neglect of those whom I considered and who ought to have
            shewn themselves my friends.
          In this unforseen distress I am encouraged from your generous
            character, and the former connexion that existed between you and your Brother Mr. Saml. Adams with our House to
            sollicit such releif from you as you may think (upon inquiring the unhappy State of my
            Circumstances) proper:—assuring you at the same time that it shall be repaid to you so
            soon as the affairs of my Brother’s House shall be arranged, which there is every reason
            to expect will be ’eer long. But by this at the same time I would not have you
            understand that by this I wish to solicit any greater assistance than what
            may afford me a temporary releif.
          I have the honour to remain, / with the utmost Respect / Sir / Your
            most hble & obedt. Servt.

              Robert Delap.

            Answer.
             March 3. 1786.
            Mr. Adams never had the least Connection of any Kind with
              the House of S. and I. H. Lelap of Bourdeaux directly or indirectly that he knows
              of.


Title: Paul R. Randall to John Adams, 25 Feb. 1786
From: Randall, Paul R.
To: Adams, John

              Barcelona.

               Feb. 25th. 1786—

          The last Letter I had the Honor to address to your Excellency was
            of the 17th: instant—conveyed by Mr Harrison, who has resided in Cadiz, I believe in Quality of Consul—in which I
            suggested some small Difficulties embarrassing Mr Lamb’s
            Embarkation—but as I had not received Intelligence of their Removal until Mr Harrison was on the point setting out—he will supply to your
            Excellency that permission is granted to Mr Lamb for
            extracting the Sum of £2000 st out of the Kingdom upon giving Caution to abide the
            Directions of the Court thereupon.—
          Mr Lamb has since purchased a Vessel,
            instead of freighting, which was perhaps rendered necessary considering a full
            Quarantine, and that he was demanded half the Price of a small Vessel for the Freight of
            a few Months. In three or four Days the Vessel will be rendered fit for Sea—at the End
            of which Time I know of no further Obstacles to impede our progress to Algiers. We have
            no late Intelligence from thence, and are not acquainted or even informed:—whether the
            spanish Peace is absolutely concluded or not—tho’ we are in the presumption that it must
            be e’er this.
          My Industry should not be wanting in seeking every Occasion to
            advise your Excellency upon each individual Step, could my Services be equal with my
            Intentions—but that crude Information might rather obscure than reflect Light
            upon the Business—especially as we have not always safe Conveyances to command at
            this Distance.
          Mr Jefferson will conclude from Mr Harrison that Mr Lamb will
            shortly proceed—therefore it may not be of so much Importance to offer this Letter for
            his Inspection—rather than take a more unsuspicious Method of forwarding it to your
            Excellency inclosed to my Brother—but as I conceived it might be in some Measure
            satisfactory to your Excellency to be ascertained in these trifling particulars in a
            Business so interesting;—I have taken the Liberty to write, and at the same time to
            evince, that in Matters of more Consequence my Attention shall not be wanting.
          With sentiments of the highest Respect, your Excellency will permit
            me to consider myself / Your most obedient Hum st

              PR Randall

            With the purest satisfaction I reflect upon the Expressions of
              Kindness from Mrs. & Miss Adams on my Expedition,
              and wish on all Occasions to be suffered respectfully to declare my Sensibility of the
              Honor confered on me.


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 26 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              Feb 26. 1786

          The Envoy from Portugal, has received from his Court an Answer to
            his Dispatches relative to the Treaty with the United States, and the enclosed Extract
            from it, which has been delayed sometime by the Sickness of the Chevalier de Freire, the
            Portuguese Secretary of Legation, this Minister did me the Honour to deliver to me two
            days ago, with his request that it might be transmitted to Congress. at the Sametime he
            delivered me the enclosed State of the Trade between the United States and Portugal the
            last Year.
          When Mr Jefferson arrives We Shall
            endeavour to finish this Business.
          The Proposition of Sending and receiving a Minister has been many
            times made before.—Congress will no doubt answer this which is now made formally and
            Officially. The Regard which is due from one sovereign to another, and indeed common
            Decency seems to require it. to refuse it would be thought Surprizing. indeed according
            to all the Rules of Politeness between Nations and sovereigns, it ought to be left to
            the option of her most faithfull Majesty to Send what Species of public Minister She
            shall judge proper, and Assurances should be given of the most amicable Disposition of
            Congress to receive him with all the respect due to his sovereign and to send a Minister
            to her Majesty of equal Rank Character.
          The United States are at this moment Suffering Severely for Want of
            an equitable Adjustment of their Affairs with the Powers of Europe, and
              Affrica which can never be accomplished but by conforming to the Usages
            established in the World.
          If the United States would come to the Resolution to prohibit all
            foreign Vessells from coming to their Ports, and confine all Exports and Imports to
            their own Ships and Seamen they would do, for any thing that I know, the wisest Thing
            which human Prudence could dictate,. But then the Consequence would be obvious. They
            must give up the most of their Commerce, and live by their Agriculture. in this Case
            They might recall their Ministers and Send no more.
          On the other Hand, if the United States would adopt the Principle
            of the French OEconomists, and allow the Ships and Merchants of all Nations equal
            Priviledges with their own Citizens, they need not give themselves any further Trouble
            about Treaties or Ambassadors. The Consequence nevertheless would be the Sudden
            Annihilation of all their Manufactures and Navigation; We should have the most luxurious
            set of Farmers that ever existed, and Should not be able to defend our sea Coast against
            the Insults of a Pirate.
          As these are two Extreams that We know America will never consent
            to, We must vindicate our own Manufactures and Navigation, by Legislation at home and
            Negotiation abroad, and therefore, the Prejudice against Exchanges of Public Ministers
            Will be found some of the most pernicious that ever have arisen among American Citizens.
            Laws at home must be made in Conformity to the State of Affairs abroad, which can never
            be known to Congress but by Ambassaders.
          With great Respect I have the / Honour to be, Sir your most
            obedient / and most humble servant

              John Adams


Title: the Marquis de Lafayette to John Adams, 26 Feb. 1786
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

               February the 26th 1786.

          Your friendly favor jany the 31st Has Been long Unanswered which I
            Beg you will attribute to the daily expectation, I was in to see you in Paris—But as you
            are not yet come I am going to send this letter at Random—Your Opinion of, and
            Sentiments for Mr. Dumas Have found in me a very Hearty Partaker—and from a sense of His
            Merit and His services United with Your own ideas Respecting Him I will be Happy to join
            Mr. Dumas’s friends in every measure that is pointed out to do Him justice—as to
            Banister’s Business it is possible He Has Been Mistaken and you will Be Right to let Him
            know of it—But the speculation, if advantageous, May Be Begun anew, although it was not
            thought of.
          When you Come to this place, my dear Sir, I will Be Happy to know
            your sentiments in the politics of Holland—as a Republic, and an ally of france and the
            United States, it has a triple Right to my Concern. I wish Her internal disputes May be
            Healed so far as is consistant with liberty and that I think may Be done—and I also
            think if the United provinces may pay some Regard to their Navy and Army, if the
            excellent Material that Compose the latter are managed with skill and activity, that
            Holland will Be again what she Has so gloriously Been.
          Most affectionately Yours with Sincere Regards / Yours

              Lafayette


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 27 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              Feb. 27. 1786

          At the last Conferences, as they call here what is understood in
            Paris by Ambassadors Days the Marquis of Carmarthen was pleased to make an Apology for
            not having yet answered the Memorial requiring the Evacuation of the Posts. "It will
            Sound oddly to Say that he had delayed his Answer, to prevent Delays, but it was true.
            He had drawn up his answer, but as he was obliged to Say Something, concerning the old
            Debts, he had been obliged to wait for a little further Information, that he might State
            in one View all the Acts of the Assemblies which had interposed Impediments.—As this is
            some kind of Respect to the Memorial, it ought to be communicated to Congress as no
            doubt it was intended And expected, that it should be.
          The publick Prints will inform you, that the Newfoundland Bill and
            the American Intercourse Bill is revived. it would be sufficient to convince every
            American what the system is, to say that Mr Jenkinson was
            the Member of Administration and the House of Commons, Selected to conduct this
            Business. comparing his well known Character with what he Said, You will believe that
            the same Men and the Same Principles which have governed this Nation in their Conduct
            towards America these twenty Years, prevail to this hour as far as the Circumstances
            will admit; and that Mr Pitt is either a convert to their
            sentiments, or is only an ostensible Minister.
          It remains with the States to determine what Measures they will
            take to discourage a Commerce the most impoverishing and ruinous, that can be imagined,
            to promote a more beneficial Intercourse with the rest of Europe, and to support their
            own Manufactures and navigation, for on Such measures alone can they have any
            Dependence, in future.
          With Sincere Esteem I have the Honor / to be, Sir your most
            obedient / and most humble servant

              John Adams.


Title: the Archbishop of Canterbury to John Adams, 27 Feb. 1786
From: Moore, John
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Lambethhouse

               Feb. 27—1786

          After full communication with the Arch Bishop of York and the
            Bishops on the Subject of the Address which you delivered to me from the Deputies of the
            Protestant Episcopal Church in Convention in Philadelphia, I concur with them in
            requesting the favour of you to forward our Answer to the Committee appointed to receive
            it. Duplicates of the Answer accompany this letter; which, if sent by different Ships,
            We hope may give a better chance of the early arrival of one of them. I have the honour
            to be / Sir, your Most Obedt. / Humble Servt

              I. Cantuar:


Title: Mathew Robinson Jr. to John Adams, 27 Feb. 1786
From: Robinson, Mathew, Jr.
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Horton near Hythe Kent.

              27th Febry. 1786.

          I sincerely want words to express my sense of the honor done me by
            your letter; which I shall preserve as a valuable remembrance in my favor: I esteem no
            qualities or circumstances of any private person equally with understanding and
            integrity nor respect any public character more than the Representative of thirteen free
            Governments or perhaps so much.
          I recollect on reading the favor of yours what was indeed from the
            length of time gone out of my memory that I formerly desired a few copies of the
            considerations &c to be sent to America and that I took the liberty to mention
            in particular the names of you and Mr. Hancock; which I
            shall now reckon a lucky incident; if it has assisted towards introducing me to your
            knowledge or attention.
          It was immediately upon the separation of England and North-America
            by treaty and has ever since been my ardent desire; that the Americans should
            nevertheless be consider’d and continue as Englishmen; I mean with respect to commerce
            and navigation foreign or domestic, to purchasing, to inheriting, exercising trades
            among us, voting for or being chosen into offices of all kinds and in every other light;
            just as they used to be. If two or three Americans were return’d to Parliament; could
            the most jealous Englishman be alarmed; lest they should over-turn the state? The Nabob
            of Arcot did by an agent of his not chuse less than six or seven of the last House of
            Commons. I wish’d these things to be settled and declared by act of Parliament without
            consulting or making any parade with the Americans on the subject. There could be no
            doubt; but that such circumstances would in due time have their full effect and
            operation and the more liberally the matter was done on each side the better.
          I fully concur with you therefore in the opinion of opening all the
            Ports of both States to one another; but leading a very retired life in the Country I
            was unacquainted with the particular points in agitation between the two Governments or
            that the Americans were now willing to come into the mutual agreement mention’d by you;
            until I receiv’d the favor of your letter: So that my ignorance on the subject precluded
            any such proposition being made part of the Address &c; if it would otherwise
            have occur’d to Me. I knew no better; than that the chief commercial difference between
            us was concerning a free intercourse with our West-Indian Islands. That circumstance is
            observed and pressed in the Address and indeed was at first more strongly so; but that
              it was for prudential reasons and to avoid offence thought proper to soften
            the terms.
          I do not perfectly understand; whether you include in your
            expression of “all the ports of the British-Empire” those of the East- Indies or except
            such as are subject to Charters with regard to ourselves. I hardly need to add; that the
            former circumstance would be very far from an objection with me; although I should
            think; that being a sort of new regulation in commerce it may require to be particularly
            explain’d and understood; if it is so meant.
          I am sensible, that I do not see to the utmost extent of
            this object; which indeed appears (as you point out) of extreme magnitude and
            importance: I have however always believed; that England might in some respects probably
            receive upon the plan before mention’d by me in this letter more benefit; than if
            America had remain’d under the restraints of our own Government. Very different
            principles nevertheless prevail and the event may perhaps before long shew; whither they
            will lead us
          You seem to wonder; that our nation should have supported Ministers
            in certain proceedings; but give me leave to observe; that the Nation has truly no share
            and hardly any influence in the Government of itself. We chuse once in Seven Years a few
            Members of the House of Commons, who are lost in that great crowd; but did by any means
            the general sense of the Public suggest our measures or counsels; I firmly believe, that
            the only contention between England and America would long have been and now be, a
            mutual and reciprocal one of good offices. I could more particularly explain myself on
            this head; if it was convenient.
          I have almost troubled you with a pamphlet instead of a letter and
            am with sincere honor and respect. / Sir, Your Most Obedient /Humble Servant

              M. Robinson Jr.


Title: John Adams to William White, 28 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: White, William

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               Feb. 28. 1786

          Your Favour of the 26 of Nov. by Mr. Peters, I had not the Honour
            to receive, till a few days ago. I am much obliged to you, for this Mark of your
            Confidence, and for the Pamphlets and Papers inclosed, which I had Yesterday an
            Opportunity of communicating to the Archbishop of Canterbury, when his Grace did me the
            Honour of a Visit to deliver me the inclosed Letter, with the Desire of the Bishops that
            I would transmit it to the Committee.
          I have not understood, that there will be any political Objection
            against the Measure you desire. if any Such Should arise, as an American Citizen
              tho not an Episcopalian I can very consistently endeavour to remove it:
            because I do not believe that the Benevolence of the Father of all, is confined by our
            Lines of Distinction or differences of Opinion: and because I think that when We can
            enlarge our Minds to allow each other an entire Liberty in religious matters the human
            Race will be more happy and respectable in this and the future Stage of their Existence.
            It would be inconsistent with the American Character, and with the Principles of our
            Constitutions to raise political Objections against the Consecration of
            Bishops as it is merely a religious Ceremony. The States will no doubt take Care that no
            Temporal Powers inconsistent with their civil Politics shall be annexed to the
            Character. This however is their Affair.
          With great Respect and Esteem, I have the Honour / to be, Sir your
            most obedient and most / humble servant

              John Adams.


Title: the Marquis of Carmarthen to John Adams, 28 Feb. 1786
From: Carmarthen, the Marquis of
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              St. James’s,

               February 28th. 1786.

          In Answer to the Memorial You did me the Honour to deliver to me on
            the 8th. Decr:, I have to
            observe to You, Sir, that it is His Majesty’s fixed Determination, upon the present, as
            well as on every other Occasion, to act in perfect Conformity to the strictest
            Principles of Justice and good Faith.
          The Seventh Article both of the Provisional and of the Definitive
            Treaties—between His Majesty and the United States, clearly stipulates the withdrawing,
            with all convenient Speed, His Majesty’s Armies, Garrisons and Fleets, from the said
            United States, and from every Port, Place and Harbour within the same; and no Doubt can
            possibly arise respecting either the Letter or the Spirit of such an Engagement.
          The Fourth Article of the same Treaties as clearly stipulates, that
            Creditors, on either Side, shall meet with no lawful Impediment to the Recovery of the
            full Value, in Sterling Money, of all bonâ fide Debts
            heretofore contracted.
          The little Attention paid to the fulfilling this Engagement, on the
            Part of the Subjects of the United States in general, and the direct Breach of it in
            many particular Instances, have already reduced many of the King’s Subjects to the
            utmost Degree of Difficulty and Distress: nor have their Applications for Redress (to
            those whose Situations in America naturally pointed them out as the Guardians of public
            Faith) been as yet successful, in obtaining them that Justice to which, on every
            Principle of Law, as well as of Humanity, they were clearly and indisputably
            entitled.
          The Engagements entered into by Treaty ought to be mutual, and
            equally binding on the respective Contracting Parties. It would therefore be the Heighth
            of Folly, as well as Injustice, to suppose one Party alone obliged to a strict
            Observance of the Public Faith, while the other might remain free to deviate from its
            own Engagements, as often as Convenience might render such Deviation necessary, though
            at the Expence of its own National Credit and Importance.
          I flatter myself however, Sir, that Justice will speedily be done
            to British Creditors; and I can assure You, Sir, that whenever America shall manifest a
            real Determination to fulfil her Part of the Treaty, Great Britain will not hesitate to
            prove her Sincerity, to cooperate in whatever Points depend upon her, for carrying every
            Article of it into real and compleat Effect.
          The inclosed Paper contains a State of the Grievances complained of
            by Merchants and other British Subjects, having Estates, Property, and Debts due to
            them, in the several States of America.
          I am, / Sir, / Your most obedient / humble Servant.

              Carmarthen.


Title: John Adams to Mathew Robinson Jr., 2 Mar. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Robinson, Mathew, Jr.

                Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               March 2d. 1786—

          you have obliged me very much by your kind Letter of the 27th
            Feb. The Americans are indeed Englishmen, and will continue such in Language
            & sentiments and manners whether they are allowed to be friends or Compelled to
            be Ennemies of those other Englishmen who inhabit these Islands Great Britain and
            Ireland. the priviledges of purchasing inheriting exercising Trades, voting for or being
            chosen into Offices of all kinds, if declared by Act of Parliament would no doubt be
            considered in a friendly light but give me leave to say would have no material effect.
            While embarrassments are either studiously or ignorantly thrown in the Way of
            Commerce—the United states are willing to throw Wide Open every Port in their dominions
            to British Ships and Merchants and Merchandizes, and I am ready in their behalf to
            pledge their Faith in a Treaty to this Effect; upon the reciprocal Stipulation of this
            Nation that her Ports Shall be equally open to our Ships, Merchants and Produce But the
            United States must repel Monopolies by Monopolies, and answer prohibitions by
            Prohibitions. I may be uninformed respecting the East Indies But although the E.I.
            Company have by their Charter and Act of Parliament an exclusive Priviledge of Importing
            East India Goods into the Port of London only. I dont know that Americans or any other
            Foreign Nation are Prohibited to Trade with the British Factories and Settlements in
            Asia. this nevertheless is not a Point with us. the Ministry might except the Charter of
            the rights of the East India Company. But the American Commerce is a system and a free
            Intercourse between the United states and Canada Nova scotia Newfoundland, and the West
            India Islands as well as a Markett for their Oyl and Fins and Sperma Cæti Candles and
            ready Built Ships is so Essential to it, that if One Nation will not another must—If
            England will not Germany Holland France &c—will—this Commerce is even more
            necessary to your Colonies—than it is to us, and the Present Policy is Sowing the seeds
            of disquiet and discontent in the Minds of your Colonies that will alienate them all if
            persisted in. this Uneasiness has already broke out in Barbados into Violence which
            occasioned the Troops to fire upon the People by which a Number were Killed, as the
            Public Prints inform us, and it will increase from day to Day. the 5thof March 1770 ought to be an eternal Warning to this Nation
            on that Night the foundation of American Independance was laid I have the Honour to
            agree perfectly with you in opinion that England might receive more benefit from a
            liberal Commerce with America, than She would if We had remained under her Government.
            and I may be permitted to say, that having been from 1774 to this day either in Congress
            or in her Service Abroad I have been fully acquainted with every Step and Motive of her
            Conduct towards the Powers of Europe, and it has been her Constant Rule to conceed no
            Preferences to France or any other Nation, that She might be at Liberty to Settle a
            Commercial Plan with England upon the Fairest Terms. little did She expect or foresee
            that England would refuse the favours intended her—I must say the Ministry appear to
            have no idea of the Principles on which Congress have acted. The consequence must be
            that the Trade of America must Leave this Country and go to her rivals—the Ministry and
            the Nation too, seem to Consider the United States as a Rival: and we know very well
            What in English Lexicography, is the meaning of the Word Rival. it is an Ennemy to be
            beat down by every means. but it may be depended on that if the United States are
            treated in this manner, they will make Common cause with the other rivals of British
            Commerce which at this day are almost as numerous as the Nations of Europe—
          It is the Earnest desire of the United States to live in friendship
            with this Country, and to have no other Contention, but in reciprocal good offices. it
            seems to be your opinion that the People of England have the same disposition. I beg you
            to explain yourself on this Head, as I must confess I have not met with any
            symptoms of it excepting in a few a very few Individuals. much fewer than I expected
            when I first arrived here. to What purpose is the universal Industry to represent the
            Commerce of the United States as of no Importance—Where would have been the Stocks—the
            Exchange and the revinue of this Country without it? there has been a Constant stream of
            Produce Cash and Bills flowing into this Country Since the Peace from the U
            S—Remittances to an immence amount have been made and even a large Sum through France
            Spain Portugal and Holland, which has contributed in no Small degree to turn the
            Ballance of Exchange so much in your favour as well as to throw a surplus into the
            Exchequer, and raise the stocks. and these Remittances might have been nearly doubled if
            Common sense had dictated the British Policians to receive from us in Payment such
            things as we have.
          The Americans are at this day a great People and are not to be
            triffled with their Numbers have increased fifty per Cent Since 1774. a People that can
            Multiply at this rate amidst all the Calamities of such a War of Eight years, will in
            twenty years more be too respectable to want Friends. they might sell their friendship
            at this time at a very high Price to others however lightly it may be Esteemed here
          I have the Misfortune to differ widely from your opinion in the
            address that the “Independance of America happened a Century too soon” it would be easy
            to Shew that it happened at the best point of time. there is no imaginable Period past
            or future, at which it could have been brought into Event to so much Advantage for
            America but this would lead me too far. the Information you may have received concerning
            the Confusions Distresses &c of the U.S. are of a piece with those
            misrepresentations which have constantly misguided this Nation for five and twenty years
            The Inconveniences now felt are confined to those who have been deceived into an Excess
            of Trade with this Country, by Expectations which have been disappointed that the Usual
            Remittances would have been received; and have arrisen from a desire to Live and Trade
            in friendship with England. The Country in General is in a thriving and flourishing
            Condition and this Country alone will finally be the sufferer by the Impediments they
            have thrown in the Way of their own Interest
          you will perceive Sir that I have written too freely and too
            largely. in my Situation it may be imprudent. But the subject is of Great Importance and
            deserves your closest attention. you will Greatly Oblige me by Communicating your
            Sentiments with equal Frankness
          With Great Esteem I have the Honour to be / yours &c
            &c—


Title: Richard Price to John Adams, 2 Mar. 1786
From: Price, Richard
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Newington-Green

              March 2d 1786

          I have been wishing to call upon you all this week, but the weather
            has been so discouraging as not to Suffer me to go much from home. I have communicated
            your request to the Gentlemen who manage the affairs of the meeting at Hackney. They
            agree with me in thinking the Society much honoured by your attendance; and they have
            directed me to inform you that, as the pew lately made is a permanent improvemt: of the meeting-house, they do not chuse to let you bear any
            part of the expence.
          Their usual expences are a quarterly collection at the
            door towards paying Clerk, pew-openers, repairs &c. to which all Sums are given
            from Shillings to five Shillings, and I believe, Sometimes half guineas; and a half-yearlySubscription for the ministers payable at
            Lady-day and Michaelmas to which all Sums are given from half-guineas to three guineas
            half-yearly; and two heads of families give one of them five guineas and the other Six
            guineas half-yearly, but the last of these is the master of a School that
            takes up the lower part of the meeting.
          I am ashamed to mention these particulars to you; but I do it in
            compliance with your desire. Deliver my kind respects to Mrs
            Adams and Miss Adams. Wishing them and you all possible happiness I am, Dear Sir, with
            particular respect and affection, /Your very obedt: and
            humble Servt:

              Richd: Price

            I received a letter last night from M Robinson in wch: he tells me that he has writ to you—[. . . ] Deliver my
              respectful remembrances to Colo Smith when you See
              him.


Title: John Adams to David Humphreys, 4 Mar. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Humphreys, David

              Dear Sir

              London

               March 4. 1786

          I wrote you a few days agone, and least that Letter Should miscarry
            I write again to beg of you to procure a Passage in the April Packett from L’orient for
            a Gentleman and Lady to New York. They will have only one Maid servant.
          yours affectionately

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 4 Mar. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              March 4. 1786

          I have the Honour to inclose to you ,Copies of the Secretary of
            States answer, dated the 28 of February, to the Memorial dated the 30th. of November and presented to him on the 8th of December last, and of a State of Grievances of British
            Merchants and others. I Shall make no Reply, to his Lordship untill I receive the orders
            of Congress.
          With great Respect, I have the / Honour to be, Sir your most /
            obedient and most humble / Servant

              John Adams.


Title: John Adams to Mathew Robinson Jr., 4 Mar. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Robinson, Mathew, Jr.

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               March 4th 1786

          Among all the Pamphlets which have been written Since the Peace I
            cannot recollect One, before the Address to the Landed Interest &c—which did not
            appear to me to be written with an express Intention to deceive the Nation by concealing
            Some real danger or holding out Some false hope, in order to recommend One Candidate for
            the Ministry, or Surpress another. You will not be Surprized at the Impression it has
            made upon me, when I Confess to you, that though I admire the Candour & Wisdom
            which appear in it, in General. I am extreamely hurt by certain Passages
            which relate to my own Country
          If it is a fact that the Sciences arose in the East and have
            travelled Westward, this was probably a mere accident not arising from any necessary
            cause in Nature; and ought not to discourage the Friends of human Improvements from
            indeavouring to Propogate them Northward, and Southward, and Eastward, too as well as
            Westward. Those whose Minds were turned lately to America, by Such an Idea only—may be
            as easily diverted from it: But he who Considers a vast Continent unpeopled, with Every
            advantage of Clymate, Soil, and Situation, for the Accommodation of human Life and the
            Enjoyment of Liberty, Arts, Sciences and Commerce; where Despotism and Superstition have
            not yet established their Thrones, if he has any degree of Philanthropy or Philosophy
            will be anxious that Virtue may be there preserved and no Improper Principles or
            Education Introduced
          That Independance was neither sought nor desired, but was forced
            upon America is very true. She was happy in her Liberty and desired no more. She was not
            yet Smitten with the Charms of Ambition and Avarice enough to think of Wading in Blood
            to Obtain them there is nevertheless with Submission, neither “Sense nor Reason” in the
            Saying that Independance has come too soon by a Century on that Country. In a Century,
            according to Every Principle of Population there will be an Hundred Millions of free
            Inhabitants, a Number that upon Such a Revolution must have crumbled into twenty
            different Nations and it would have Cost every two or three of them as long a War to
            have Settled the disputes amongst them as it has to Seperate them from Great Britain—In
            Such a case they would have been Infinitely more perplexed and Embarrassed, than they
            are Now. Such Enormous Masses of Mankind are not to be managed. What is Still worse
            British Governments would in twenty Years more have introduced Manners and Habits which
            would have been incureable and a revolution after that Period would have only
            Substituted One System of Vice Folly and Tyranny for another, the appearances of
            Perplexity and Embarrassment to which you allude arise from Causes which are not known
            and would not be beleived in this Country— The first is a Preference of Liberty to
            Commerce, the 2d
            Second is an aversion to hurt the Commerce Revenue and the Power of Great
            Britain.—they know the nature of a Free Government too well to give an unlimited
            Sovereignty to a Body constituted as Congress is. they are justly apprehensive that
            Aristocracies or Still worse Governments would Grow out of it. Unlimited Powers to that
            Senate would Soon remove the Difficulties from their Commerce: But enjoying every
            necessary and Comfort of Life from their Agriculture, they had rather their Commerce
            Should Labour, than their Liberty be endangered.—All their difficulties Arise from the
            mistaken Policy of G–Britain. these might easily be removed by Measures of Retaliation
            and by transfering their Trade from England to France Germany and other Nations of
            Europe. they are loth to do this with out an apparent necessity, Time may improve the
            Confederation as well as the Seperate Constitutions, but there is as much order at
            Present as in any Country I know: and Why Should they Hazard the Principles of Liberty
            from an Impatience to Grow Suddenly Rich—?
          You are apprehensive that they may find it difficult to discharge
            or Support their Debt. it would be easy to demonstrate that they are able to discharge
            the last farthing of it in ten Years. Principle and Interest. Nay from the best
            Information from all the Principle States, and from the Measures already taken and now
            taking there is not a doubt but that it will be done.—and what a Phenomenon will that
            People be without a Debt and almost without a Tax,—for the Charges of Government are not
            in that Country as they are in this
          you ask Whether the Dependance & Friendship of the 13
            states, are not turnd into a violent Enmity and Aversion!—I answer with the Utmost
            Sincerity they are not.—On the Contrary it is the ardent Wish of that Country to Live in
            Friendship with this. and they have a Great Reluctance to entering into Closer
            Connections Commercial or Political with France Spain & Holland, because they do
            not wish to See England humbled and depressed in the manner they know She must be. if
            they Should take a part against her. they will try to persuade this Country to see and
            Pursue her own Interests: But if neither they nor you can open her eyes, they will as
            they ought to look out for themselvs and it is in their Power to take such measures for
            encouraging their own Manufactures and Navigation, and to Enter into Such Commercial
            Treaties with other Powers, as would never be recovered by G–B—Leaving all Political
            Arrangements out of the Question
          My Fellow Citizens, since the Peace—desirious of Enjoying its
            Blessings in tranquility have made but little Noise at home or abroad after so long an
            Exertion they had need of repose. their time and thoughts have been employed in
            repairing the Ravages of War, and I have the pleasure to assure you from the best
            Authorities, that their Labours have had such success as to have repaired and rebuilt
            their Burnt Towns in a more commodious and Beautifull manner than before their
            destruction, repaird their Fences, and replaced their Stocks upon their Plantations,
            revived their Fisheries and their Manufactures of Pot Ash—pursued the Commerce in
            Peltries, and in various other Ways reestablished the Conveniences of Life at the same
            time that they have been able to remit to England immense quantities of the Produce of
            their Agriculture. that Industry which for three years past has been exerted in
            reparation will in future be employed in Production, and the Exports will Increase with
            a rapidity beyond the expectations of Europe.
          I shall not Controvert your Applauses of Ireland: but it should be
            remembered that Irish Liberty as well as Dutch Liberty has been purchased with American
            Blood and that Whatever She has done resembling What is delivered down to Us of Ancient
            Greece and Rome, she Learnd from American Precept and Example. I respect and Esteem
            Ireland as much as any Friend She has: but I will venture to Say that She will no longer
            be usefull to England if America is made hostile. America has and must have from various
            Causes great Influence in Ireland and Holland, and England may depend upon the Enmity of
            the Latter and cannot depend upon the friendship of the former—if America Should be
            driven into the defensive Alliance of France Spain and Holland. there is Indeed a new
            order of things arisen in the World, Which British Statesmen do not Comprehend. they
            turn their Eyes willfully from it: but twenty years time will force it upon their
            Observation and their Feelings—if it is not attended to now, the British Empire never
            saw a more critical moment than this—Salvation I beleive to be now in her Power, but if
            neglected only two years, it will be lost in my opinion forever—

            March 20th. 1786

          The two preceeding Sheets I had written on the 4th of this Month and delayed to proceed till I should have
            your answer to my Letter of the 2d.—this Morning Mr Partridge called upon me with your favour of the 18th full of the Wisest sentiments Your Letters to me will never
            be too long, I will take an early opportunity to answer this more Particularly—the
            Removeall of every Obstacle to a sincere and Lasting Friendship between England and
            America is the only public measure which according to my feeble Sight; is
            necessary to the lasting Peace, Liberty and Safety of my Country and which consequently
            engrosses my attention. I can Say with truth and Sincerity that it will not be the fault
            of me or my Constituents if it is not accomplished
          I am Sir with Great Esteem— / yours &c &c—


Title: David Humphreys to John Adams, 5 Mar. 1786
From: Humphreys, David
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

              March 5th. 1786

          Colonel Smith has been so good as to take charge of a printed copy
            of Mr Dwight’s Poem and a letter from that gentleman to your
            Excellency, which I found at my return from London had been forwarded under cover to me.
            He is also the bearer of a manuscript copy of Mr Barlow’s
            Vision of Columbus together with letters from the Author and our friend Mr Trumbull on the subject of its publication.
          As you are placed in the enviable situation of being considered as
            the Mecænas of America and as I have often heard you express your wishes that the Poems
            in question might be published; I find it unnecessary for me to say what might otherwise
            have been proper with respect to these performances & the Authors of them.
            Indeed the Public, as well as your Excellency, is already in posession of my opinion of
            their poetical abilities: but I cannot conceal my anxiety that their works may be
            ushered into the old world under as favourable auspices as the circumstances will
            permit. The success or failure will operate powerfully in stimulating or extinguishing
            the future efforts of genius in America.
          While writing the above, I am honoured with the receipt of your
            letter of the 27th Ulto. and
            will tomorrow make effectual arrangements for securing a passage in the April Packet for
            a Gentleman, Lady & Servt agreeably to your
            instructions.
          With my best Complts to the Ladies / I
            have the honor to be Yr Excellencys / sincere friend
            & / most devoted servt

              D. Humphreys


Title: Philip Mazzei to John Adams, 5 Mar. 1786
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir,

              Paris,

              5. March 1786.

          I return you my sincere thanks, Sir, for the petition from the City
            of Bristol in 1775, which I have found here on my return from Holland in the letter you
            did me the honor to write me the 29th. of December. It will
            be of great service to prove, that the conduct of our Countrimen has been & is
            continually misrepresented. The petition, memorial, or address to the King, or some body
            else from the Merchants of London, would answer the same end, & as far as I
            remember still better. Therefore I hope you will not spare some trouble to find it, as
            you are so good as to say in your said letter. In my performance I have endeavoured to
            offer to the Public a striking contrast between the well reasoned & true
            patriotism of our People, & the vain enthusiasm of the Romans. I want anecdotes,
            & have put several noble fellows under contribution for that purpose. Our good
            friend Col. Smith (the bearer of this) a gentleman for whom I feel a great regard
            & friendship, as I always reckon from the merit & never from the date of
            an acquaintance, has favoured me with some. Marquis de la Fayette has done the same,
            & has promised me more. My dear Sir, will you suffer to be put under
            contribution too? I Know that you have it greatly in your power to supply me with many
            very interesting ones. For such things I am in want of I beg leave to refer you to Col.
            Smith, who will be able to inform you better than I could myself,
            particularly as I find that the older I grow the worse I write in this language. The
            high esteem & great attachment I find with pleasure the bearer has for you,
            encourages me to take such liberty without making an apology for it. Pray, present my
            respectful compliments to one of the most valuable & amiable women on earth, I
            mean Mrs. Adams, whose merit I shall not be satisfied to
            Know only from the testimony of others, as soon as she becomes inhabitant of
              another part of the globe. Beleave me most respectfully, / Dear Sir, / Your
            Excellency’s most humble / & most Obedient Servant

              Philip Mazzei


Title: John Lamb to John Adams, 7 Mar. 1786
From: Lamb, John
To: Adams, John

              Barcelona,

               March 7th. 1786.

          I hereby wish to apprise your Excellency of my Draught of this Date
            for £200 sg in favor of Messr Etienne Drouilhet &
              Co. of Madrid recommended to me by Mr Carmichael.—I have nothing material to communicate at present except being
            upon the Point of Embarkation.
          Double Usance / No. 4—
          I Have the Honor to be / with proper Respect / Your Excellencys /
              Obt. Hum sert

              John Lamb


Title: the Board of Treasury to John Adams, 7 Mar. 1786
From: Board of Treasury
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Board of Treasury

              March 7th. 1786.—

          We do ourselves the honor of transmitting to you the Resolves of
            Congress of the 15th. Day of February last, from which you
            will observe the embarrassments under which the United States labor to comply with their
            Foreign Engagements through the want of Exertions in the several States to Pay in their
            Quotas of the Annual Requisitions.—The present State of the Treasury is in consequence
            so reduced that we are apprehensive it may not perhaps be in our power to Remit to the
            Commissioners of the Dutch Loans in Europe sufficient Funds in season to discharge the
            whole Interest which will become due on the Dutch Loans on the First day of June next if
            the Sum of Eighty thousand Dollars, which has been appropriated by the Resolves of
            Congress of the 15th. February 1785, for the purpose of
            Forming Treaties with the Barbary Powers should be drawn out of the hands of the Dutch
            Commissioners before that day.—We are using our endeavours to make Arrangements so that
            our Remittances may arrive in season; but as they may be prevented by some casualty from
            coming to hand by the first of next June, it becomes our duty to request the favor of
            you to avoid (if it possibly can be done) drawing out of the hands of the Dutch
            Commissioners, the Monies appropriated for the purpose of making Treaties with the
            Barbary Powers, before the first of June next, and to direct it (if our Remittances
            should not arrive in Season) to be appropriated for the payment of the June
            Interest.—
          You may rest assured, Sir, that every exertion will be made by this
            Board that the Remittances may arrive in season without placing any dependence on this
            resource; and that at all events the Sum of Seventy thousand Dollars, shall be Remitted
            to the Dutch Commissioners on or before the first Day of August next to wait your
            Orders.
          To your Excellency who knows so well the importance of preserving
            the Publick Faith with Foreign Nations, and particularly with the Dutch Money Lenders,
            it would be unnecessary to use any Arguments to shew the propriety of our Application on
            this Subject.—We are satisfied that if the State of the Negotiations will possibly admit
            of it, that you will permit this Money to remain for the purposes we have
            mentioned.—
          On examining the Abstract of the Distribution of the Obligations on
            the Five Million Loan to the 30h. September last, we find
            that there remained Undistributed on that Day One hundred and thirty eight Obligations,
            equal to 138,000 Florins. It is much to be wished that this Loan may be completed with
            all the dispatch possible: Without it we have too much reason to fear we shall
            experience difficulties in remitting sufficient Sums to Europe to Pay the Interest of
            the Foreign Loans, and the Salaries of the Foreign Ministers and Agents during the
            present Year.—


Title: John Lamb to John Adams, 8 Mar. 1786
From: Lamb, John
To: Adams, John

              Barcelona—

              March 8th: 1786.

          Your Excellency is hereby advised of my second Draught from hence
            in favor of Messrs: Etienne Drouilhet & Co. of Madrid Bankers—for £300 Stg. of this date, double
            Usance.—We sail with the first fair Weather to my last plan of Destination.—
          With due Deference / I am your Excellency’s / humble servant

              John Lamb

            No. 5.


Title: John Adams to Benjamin Goodhue, 10 Mar. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Goodhue, Benjamin

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square Westminster

              March 10. 1786

          Your kind Letter of 20 Decr. has much
            obliged me. The accurate States of the Mackarel, Cod and Whale Fisheries are very
            valuable Pieces of Information, and as long as I shall Stay in Europe I shall be happy
            to learn from you, from time to time the Progress of these valuable Branches of
            Commerce, and of all others in which our Country is interested.
          We have Such Advantages over France & England both in our
            Situation, So near the Fishing Ground, and in Superiour skill, or brighter Skies, for
            curing the Fish; that We have it in our Power, to monopolize this Fishery by
            underselling all Competitors, at the Marketts of Spain Portugal and Italy. The Chevalier
            De Pinto, the Portuguese Ambassador at this Court has Said to me Several times that We
            have nothing to fear from the Rivalry of the English or French, for that our Fish was of
            a quality, so Superiour to theirs, that We should always have the Preference in the
            Lisbon Market, and command a superiour Price. To make the greatest Advantage of it, We
            must have Peace with the States of Barbary.— —This will cost Us two hundred Thousand
            Pounds Sterling at once. for that Sum I believe a perpetual Peace may be made with
            Morocco Algiers Tunis & Tripoli. dont let our People deceive themselves, with
            notions of obtaining it at a cheaper rate, or of fighting the Powers, or of carrying on
            their Commerce amidst a War with them. it will cost the Massachusetts alone, in
            Insurance, and Loss of Trade more Money every Year. The first Thing to be done is to
            convince Congress of the Necessity of giving as much Money, as will buy the Peace. the
            next is to get the Money. This I hope might be had in Holland.
          Mr Nat. Barrett will convince you that
            a profitable Markett may be had in France for your Oil.—I am sorry, that the Bounty
            given by the General Court upon Oil is not larger. I would make it £18:3s a Ton, the
            exact amount of the Alien Duty, and would in the same Act lay on Duties upon British
            Merchandizes the least necessary, and appropriate them expressly to the Payment of the
            Bounty, as long as the Alien Duty should be continued in England.
          Our People must consider more and more the Efficacy of Bounties and
            Duties cooperating together, and must not be Sparing of them, when the support of
            Interests so important demand them. the English pay annually an hundred Thousand Pounds
            Sterling in Bounties to their Greenland Whalemen. Every Seaman in that Fishery costs
            them thirteen Pounds sterling a Year.—the Same Bounties are given as I suppose to the
            Adventurers in the Sperma Cati Fishery, with an Additional Bounty of 500£ to the ship
            which makes the greatest Voyage 400 to the 2d. 300 to the
              3d. & 200 to the 4.
          The New England Fishermen, aided by much smaller Bounties from
            their Legislators, will find no difficulty in worming the English out of this
            Business.
          Our Oil as well as Fish is acknowledged to be better than that of
            the English French or Dutch. This is a great Advantage. The State Should not hesitate at
            any Exertion or Expence, to support their Fishers, in a critical Moment, when a Blow is
            manifestly aimed at their Existence by a Rival.
          *Navigation Acts must and will be made by all the thirteen States.
            Those who have already made them will I hope persevere with Constancy, and
            never cease to perswade the others till they all come in. The Southern States must come
            in. without this they will not be able to procure ships to export their own Produce. The
            English while they, refuse to purchase our newly built ships cannot furnish them.
          But the War with Barbary is the most essential Thing, to be now
            attended to. This hurts our Fisheries, ruins our carrying Trade and universally damps
            all our Commerce. at all Events We must have Treaties with those Powers. The English
            will only be worse and worse till this is done. I am sir / with great Respect your most
            obedient / and obliged humble servant

              John Adams


Title: Resolution of the Society for Constitutional Information, 10 Mar. 1786
From: Brocklesly, Richard
To:

          At a Meeting of the Society for Constitutional Information, held on
            Friday the 10th. March 1786
          Resolved Unanimously
          That the Thanks of this Society be given to His Excellency John
            Adams Esqr. Envoy and Minister plenipotentiary from the
            United States of America to the Court of Great Britain, for the Affectionate Mark of
            respect shewn by him to the Memory of their late Member, that real patriot and
            distinguished Assertor of the rights of Mankind, Doctor John Jebb, by Attending the
            voluntary Procession at his Funeral on Thursday last.

              Richard Brocklesly

              Chairman


Title: Mathew Robinson Jr. to John Adams, 17 Mar. 1786
From: Robinson, Mathew, Jr.
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Horton near Hythe Kent

              18thMarch 1786.

          I am much honor’d with your letter of 2d March and have read with great pleasure the favorable circumstances contain’d
            in it respecting the English.
          Nothing but a fatal infatuation somewhere can in all appearance
            prevent the reception of the plan mention’d by you for a mutual commerce between England
            and America. It seems a likely means to delay and defer a little longer our evil day. I
            am also perswaded that it would be most acceptable to our people and nation; the
            generality of whom appear to me perfectly disposed to consider the Americans as brethren
            and countrymen; that is to say, as one part of that great body of English, Irish,
            Scotch, West-Indians or however they may in their different situations be called; who
            form our intire, national family: They would be pleas’d to see them here, as
            Merchants or as resident and united in our common franchises. It would be their true and
            great interest and there seems no reason to doubt; but they are sensible of it: The
            former violences and present impediments assuredly have not arisen from them; but I must
            repeat, that we are only as a flock of Sheep in our country. Our political
            mischiefs fall first and heaviest upon us at home; who are nearest to the consequences,
            pay the expence and bear the burthens of them: Where is then the wonder; if
            that we cannot prevent their effects from others, when we are unable to do it
            from ourselves? If these most salutary and desirable measures therefore do not take
            place or if any contrary proceedings obtain; it is not owing to the body of our people;
            but the cause or causes must be looked for elsewhere: If there is any pique or prejudice
            respecting the Americans; it exists in some other quarter. I dont however know; how far
            I am at liberty to speak more minutely on this subject; but it is perhaps impossible
            rightly to explain or understand our national state without distinguishing between the
            people and the government or governors of England: This seems the only means to clear up
            the apparent contradictions between our interest or inclinations and our conduct. I do
            myself perhaps believe; that we are concerning the American commerce, as well as in
            other respects running the direct road of our ruin.
          There is likewise in our Merchants from an opinion of their
            immediate, personal advantage and in some others induced by their authority or by their
            own situation certainly a predilection towards a confin’d system of commerce; whether
            with regard to America or our West-Indian Islands or in any other case; where it can be
            got into exclusive hands; but you will best judge if the discourse of those may be
            tinctured by such means, whom you mention to have conversed with. I am for my own part
            in the belief; that mankind will one day or other arrive to a great degree of perfection
            in political government; although hardly during your time and mine: I assure
              you however; that I do not conceive; that this will proceed from the
            prevalence of public spirit, but from our becoming in general more enlighten’d and
            informed concerning our private interest; which will then be better understood to
            coincide with that of the Public, a part of learning towards which we seem as yet to
            have made very little progress.
          Respecting the time of American independence; it has very long and
            many years before the late war been my settled opinion; that our debt always increaing
            and never in any correspondent degree diminishing must a little sooner or later and in
            some shape or other unavoidably prove our ruin. It was in fact the want of money; which
            set our ministers on the fatal measure of taxing America; but had our rulers not been so
            hasty and our dissolution come by some other means; your provinces would in that case
            have probably fallen off like ripe fruit from the parent stock without a civil war and
            without a debt; which circumstance may now perhaps happen to some other of our
            dependences. This used to be my humble conception concerning the likely and convenient
            æra of your infranchisement; but you will laugh; if I tell you how I came by the
            expression of a century too soon; which is not mention’d
            in the pamphlet, as immediately my own. I had heard it reported in company (although I
            dont exactly recollect where or when; but I think during your stay in Holland) that you
            had used such a saying. It is now evident; how idle the story was; but I did not then
            know the falsehood of it and it was what I refer’d to in my own thoughts.
          I have already detain’d you with a very long letter; but the spirit
            nevertheless moves me with your leave to babble a little about American Politics; I mean
            according to my present opinions and information. If I had the honor to be an American,
            I should be exceedingly desirous of a trade, an importation and exportation totally free
            to and from the whole world without Customs or Custom- House Officers and without any
            preference or difference between one nation and another. I should think this the means
            to have the greatest number of purchasers come to buy our own produce and the greatest
            variety of foreign merchandise offer’d for our money. I dont know; that I should be very
            greedy after a great, immediate navigation; I dont mean, that I might not
            wish it; but I would not endeavour to force it by prohibitions on others or bounties to
            ourselves: Liberty, property, harbours and an extensive coast will infallibly bring it
            in its due time and it is perhaps not best; that it should be hastened before or until
            other matters are prepared; if we could comprehend the whole combination of the case.
            Nature well knows how to proceed by due degrees; if she is neither press’d on one hand
            nor impeded on the other. The inhabitants of an Island run at every step into the sea;
            but the Americans are at present surely called towards their immense, unpeopled and
            unoccupied continent—I would defend my country by a general, voluntary Militia under
            their own Officers, like that lately in Ireland, but without a formal uniform or any
            expensive establishment: They might be better prepar’d on any particular occasion. It is
            not likely that many nations would in such a situation desire to disturb or quarrel with
            you. How do the petty States of Barbary with only a few frigates impose tribute on all
            the most rich and most powerful, whether Military or Maritime Nations of Europe; by
            having themselves no Merchant Vessels or distant dominions to defend?—No consideration
            should induce me to meddle in European Politic’s or squabbles. Our Princes and Courts
            cannot sleep in their beds for contriving means to murder mankind; they do not know why
            or wherefore; although they may perhaps be better disposed to rest in peace; now that
            England has no more money left, with which to set them together by the ears and to pay
            both parties by turns.—You might in all appearance enjoy by these means peace, plenty
            and happiness and what have men to desire more? Riches and all their consequences would
            certainly come in their season and when you were arrived at a proper period to receive
            them. No age or stage of a nation is commonly more honor’d in history and by posterity,
            than its virtuous beginnings. It is perhaps as unfit for a State suddenly to start into
            maturity; as it would be for an human creature; if he was immediately born into manhood
            without being previously trained and educated to that condition—A debt however (one of
            the worst among national Evils) may perhaps stand in the way of such fine fancies; If
            any part of which is owing to those who personally stood in the gap and saved by
            Military services their country in the moment of distress; they certainly ought to be
            most fully satisfied; though all the rest of America were forced to go barefoot for the
            doing of it; but for states and governments, whose motives may have been more
            problematical or equivocal and who would perhaps have bought the event at a much higher
            price without hopes of return, they stand on different ground: They should be paid; if
            it is practicable, but who can perform impossibilities? They may and ought to wait
            contented; until time shall introduce a greater plenty of gold and silver and more means
            of payment. I dont know whether these things may at first sight seem a loose, national
            morality: They are nevertheless not so meant: There is however now no room for that
            discussion; but they are founded on the welfare of the whole and the great principle of
            the Public Good. These are at least some sentiments of an ignorant Englishman concerning
            the trade and state of America not offer’d (I assure you) for the consideration of one;
            who knows so much better the subject, but thrown out meerly for your and (let me add)
            his own amusement.
          I most earnestly desire in the mean time and nevertheless the very
            nearest connection and communion between our two countries whether in Politics, in
            foreign trade and navigation or in domestic privileges, rights and franchises; Who have
            the honor to be with great respect / Sir, / Your Most Obedient / and Humble Servant

              M. Robinson jn.

            P.S. I intend to trouble you with no more such long letters, but
              you may suppose a mischance of some sort or other to have happened; if you do not
              receive from me some answer to any favor of yours. My neighbour Mr. Partridge is going to London; who some times assists me,
              either as a steward or an Amanuensis and whom I shall make the bearer of this.


Title: John Adams to C. & R. Puller, 24 Mar. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Puller, C. & R.

              Gentlemen

              Grosvenor Square

              March 24. 1786

          on the 11. March I accepted a Bill of Mr Barclay in favour of the order of Mr Grand, for
            one hundred Pounds Sterling at 30 days Sight. 1st. of the
            sett. marked Letter A. not numbered. dated Bayonne.
          N.B. This 24. March I drew an order on you for two hundred Pounds
            sterling in favour of Coll Smith to be charged to Messrs.
            Willinks & Vanstaphorst and by them to the U. States as part of his Salary as
            Secretary of Legation.

              J. A.


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob Van Staphorst, 24 Mar. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan

              Gentn.

              Grosvenor Square

              March 24. 1786

          inclosed is a Letter from the Board of Treasury, which I am to
            transmit to you.
          on the 20. Feb. I drew an order for fifty Guineas in favour of Coll
            Smith to bear his Expences to and from Paris, on the public Service of the United
            States.
          on march 11. I accepted a Bill of Mr
            Barclay in favour of the order of Mr Grand for one hundred
            Pounds Sterling at 30 days Sight. 1st. of the sett. marked
            Letter A. not numbered. dated Bayonne.
          N.B. This 24 March I drew an order on Messrs Puller for two hundred Pounds Sterling in favour of Coll Smith to be charged
            to the U States as part of his Salary as secretary

              J. A.


Title: John Adams to James Bowdoin, 24 Mar. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Bowdoin, James

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square
               March 24. 1786

          I do myself the honour of inclosing a few Extracts of Letters
            written in 1783 to Mr Livingstone, which it is to be
            presumed were laid before Congress: but I have not heard that the Plan Suggested in them
            of purchasing raw Sugars in France, Spain and Portugal, to be refined in Boston, New
            York and Philadelphia for Exportation to Russia, Germany & Italy, has been ever
            attempted, untill this Winter by Mr Thomas Boylston. Upon
            the Arrival of a Cargo of Oil in the Thames he resolved instead of paying the Alien
            Duty, to embark on board of the Vessell and carry it abroad. He arrived in Ostend,
            unloaded the ship, Seperated the Sperma Cæti from the Oil, and went with both to Havre
            de Grace and thence to Rouen. He had Letters from me to Rouen & to Paris,
            particularly to Mr Jefferson, the Marquis de la Fayette
            & Messrs Le Couteule. with Some difficulty they got
            the Duties somewhat reduced, and with his Sagacity, Activity and Perseverance, he got
            the better of those Devices which are too frequent in Trade in that Country, sold his
            Oil for a good Price, bought a Quantity of raw sugars which cost him Six or seven
            hundred Guineas more than the Proceeds of his Oil, and sent the Head matter and sugars,
            to Boston. No other Man at his Age, would have undertaken So much fatigue Risque
            & Vexation: and I much question whether Delays and Charges and Leakage
            considered, his Profits have been very great. but A Beginning is made and an Example
            sett. If We can make Remittances to Russia in this manner, it will be a Resource. It
            well deserves the Consideration of the state of Massachusetts, whether any Encouragement
            can be given by Bounties or Drawbacks of Duties upon Sugars thus imported
            from Europe. a Markett in this Way may Surely be found for all your Oil. Mr Boylston has certainly rendered a considerable service to
            his native Country, by applying his Capital, his Talents and Industry in this
            manner.
          With great Respect I have the Honour to be Sir, your Excellencys
            most obedient & most / humble servant

              John Adams.


Title: Timothy Dwight to John Adams, 31 Mar. 1786
From: Dwight, Timothy
To: Adams, John

              May it please your Excellency,

          This letter accompanies to you the Conquest of Canaan. It is the
            wish of the writer, that this poem may be published in England. For the accomplishment
            of this design, he becomes a suitor to your Excellency, for such assistance as may be
            necessary.
          As an apology for this application, he could allege, that it was
            recommended to him by Col Wadsworth, who indeed offered him a letter of recommendation
            on the subject, that he has heard, from good authority, that your Excellency has invited
            an application of the same nature from Mr Trumbull,
            & expressed your wishes to see attempts of this kind made by your countrymen;
            that your Excellency is known to be generously partial to every effort of real genius
            made in America; that he has not a friend in England, to whom a design of this nature
            might be addressed; & that literary merit forms a species of claim, from
            necessity, to the fostering influence of eminent personages. But he is fearful that all
            these reasons would form an insufficient excuse. His genius & literary merit, he
            is aware, are at best but questionable. Perhaps the perusal even of a small part of this
            poem may reduce them below that standard, in your Excellency’s opinion. Should this
            unfortunately prove the event, he can only console himself with reflecting that the
            trial of his talents has been innocently made; & has only to request of your
            Excellency that this applicaton may be concealed from all men.
          If your Excellency should judge the work deserving of the public
            Eye, & not unworthy of that degree & kind of assistance, which may be
            necessary to introduce it, the writer hopes he shall not be guilty of impertinence in
            solliciting, that, if it can conveniently be accomplished, the publication may be made
            of pecuniary advantage to himself. He is sensible that, as the book is already published
            in America, any printer can obtain a copy; but no printer can obtain a correct one, or
            one in a reasonable degree correct. This circumstance, he imagines, would have weight
            with the purchaser, if exhibited in a manner resembling the annexed Advertisement;
            & might perhaps secure to the printer, who was enabled to avail himself of it,
            almost an exclusive sale.
          If this article should by any circumstances be prevented, he would
            however wish the poem might be published, & that it might be published under
            such advantages, as might be fairly & easily obtained. But this, & every
            thing pertaining to the subject, he leaves to your Excellency, & is, with every
            sentiment of respect, your Excellency’s / very obedient, / & most humble
            servant,

              Timothy Dwight.


Title: John Adams to Edward Augustus Holyoke, 3 Apr. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Holyoke, Edward Augustus

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              April 3. 1786 London

          I now do myself the Honour of inclosing to you, as President of the
            Medical Society, the original Letters of Monsieur De Lassone Monsieur Geoffroy and
            Monsieur Vicq D’Azyr Copies of which I Suppose have been before recd.—The Vote of the Royal Society of Medicine in Parliament
            authenticated by its Officers is also inclosed, and a Journal.
          I received in due Season your Letter, inclosing a Vote of the
            Medical Society, both of which do me great honour. I ought to make my Apology for not
            answering that Letter, and for not transmitting these original Papers, sooner: but many
            Removals of my Papers and my Family with various Calls of public Service, have been the
            real cause.
          With my best Respects to the Medical Society / and the most Sincere
            Wishes for their Pros / perity, I beg Leave to subscribe myself your / most obedient and
            obliged servant

              John Adams.


Title: William Fraser to John Adams, 3 Apr. 1786
From: Fraser, William
To: Adams, John

              St. James’s

              April 3d: 1786.

          Mr. Fraser presents his Compliments to
              Mr. Adams, and has the Honor to acquaint him that He did
            not fail to relate to The Marquis of Carmarthen the Conversation He had with him when He
            last called at the Office. He is directed to inform Mr.
            Adams that as the Paper which His Lordship received from Him some Time ago was not
            confined to Commercial Matters only, His Lordship would wish to receive from Mr. Adams & Mr. Jefferson
            the Project of a Treaty of Commerce containing only such Points as are necessary for
            that Purpose.