Title: John Adams to the Comte de Sarsfield, 3 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Sarsfield, Guy Claude, Comte de

              Dear Sir,

              Grosvr. sqr.

               3d. Feby. 1786—

          In your Kind Letter of the 26. of Jany.
            you ask an explanation of that expression of the Massachusetts, “a Ridder of hobby
            horses” in the original of the Word Hobby horse it signified a little horse, the same
            with Poney in English—or Bidet in french,—
          The English then transferred it to Irish and Scottish horses—Cheval
            de Irlande ou D Ecosse from this sense it was transferred to those little Wooden Horses
            which are ready made for Children to ride on for their Amusements. it is
            defined a stick on which Boy’s get astride & ride—“Un baton sur lequel les
            Enfans vont a Cheval”—it is defined in Latin Arundo Longa, a reed or cane, for the Boy’s
            in want of better instruments made use of these—from these originals it has been used, I
            don’t Know whether metaphonically or Poettically to signify any favourite amusement of
            grown Men of all Ranks and Denominations, even sages & Heroes Philosophers
            & Legislators, Nobles, Princes & Kings all Nations I believe have some
            Word appropriated to this Meaning—There is one in french which I once Knew familiarly
            but have forgotten the Dutch have a Proverb “Jeder heeft zyn speelpop every one has his
            hobby horse—for Example the hobby horse of Mr. Lionel, was
            the Anatomy of Catterpillars—that of Mr. Ploos Van Amstell
            to collect drawings &c. The Italians say “quel legno o bastone che i fanciulli
            si mettono fra gambe e chiamano il loro cavallo”—The Dutch Proverb is very true, every
            Man has a staff which he puts sometimes between his Leggs & rides &
            calls it his hobby horse—It is in this sense the hobby horse of many curious Persons, to
            become acquainted with singular & extraordinary Characters
          It has ever been my hobby horse, to see rising in America an Empire
            of Liberty & a Prospect of two or three hundred Millions of freemen, without one
            noble or one King—among them—You say it is impossible—If I should agree with you in
            this, I would still say let us try the experiment and preserve our equality as long as
            we can—
          A better system of Education for the Common People, might preserve
            them long from such artificial inequalities, as are prejudicial to society by
            confounding the Natural distinctions of Right and Wrong, Virtue and vice
          I am

              J. A


Title: John Adams to John Woddrop, 3 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Woddrop, John

              Sir.

              Grosvr. square

              Feby. 3. 1786—

          I have received the Letter you did my the honor to write me on the
              27th. of January—and several others before that some of
            which contained Letters for America, which I sent with my first dispatches.
          I have not answered any of those Letters because they related to a
            subject with which I have nothing to do. I am not come to this Country Sir, to solicit
            emigrations to the United states of America, not to offer any Kind of Encouragement to
            such as wish to go—
          All the World Knows that my Country is open to strangers—But she
            offers no rewards or assistance—Those who love liberty, Innocence And Industry, are sure
            of an easy, comfortable Life, but they must go there to obtain it at their own Cost
            & Risque.
          As to your Letters which may arrive from America, I
            shall never see them, & if I should I must be excused from opening them, as I
            have no concern in them whatever—
          It is by no means my business to carry on or convey the
            Correspondences of Gentlemen at a distance who are total strangers to me, and therefore
            I pray that this intercourse may cease.
          I am

              J. A—


Title: William Carmichael to the American Commissioners, 3 Feb. 1786
From: Carmichael, William
To: Adams, John,Jefferson, Thomas

              Gentlemen

              Madrid

              3d. Febry.. 1786.

          On the 4th. of December last Mr. Lamb delivered me the Letter which your Excellencies did me
            the Honor to address me dated from London the 1st, &
            from Paris the 11th. of October–At the same Time that
            Gentleman communicated to me his Instructions, & I all the Intelligence I had
            been able to procure relative to the Negociation between this Country & the
            Regency of Algiers.
          The Count D’Expilly whose Friendship I cultivated had returned to
            Algiers long before Mr. Lamb’s Arrival & a Secretary
            whom he had dispatched from that Place after his Return with Letters for the Minister
            had also set off for Alicant. From these Gentlemen I had obtained an Account of the
            State of the Negociation. The principal Articles proposed by Spain had been agreed to by
            the Dey & his Ministers: but as the former wished to include the Courts of
            Naples and Portugal in the Pacification, the Count de Florida Blanca had instructed the
            Count D’Expilly to prevail on the latter to admit & receive Ministers from these
            Courts, & was actually waiting the Answer from Algiers at the Period when Mr, Lamb came hither. It was evident to me that should this
            Proposition be accepted, of which I had no Doubt with Respect to the first mentioned
            Court, the Nomination & Voyage of these Ministers would occasion Delay &
            until the Treaty between Spain & the Regency should be concluded, I had reason
            to think that this Court would not interfere directly in our Favor. The Manner in which
            his Excy. the Count de Florida Blanca had explained his
            Sentiments to me on this Subject, induced me to form this Opinion. For as soon as I knew
            the probable Success of D’Expilly’s Negociation, I insinuated to the Minister how
            acceptable the good Offices of his Majesty to accommodate the States with the Barbary
            Powers would be to the People at large in America, & his Excellency then assured
            me that as soon as their own Affairs were arranged with Algiers, His Catholic Majesty
            would employ all his Influence to accelerate a Peace for the United States that & the other Barbary States, &
            authorized me to inform Congress of the King’s Intentions. Having received these
            Assurances I engaged the Count D’Expilly to prepare by every favorable Insinuation the
            Dey’s Ministers & Favorites to support any Overture which might be made by the
            States, which he promised me to do & the Proofs of Confidence he gave me, induce
            me to rely on his Promises. He also engaged to give me the earliest Information with
            Respect to the Intentions of those People, and since his Return has proved by his
            Behavior to our Captives & his Correspondence with me, that he will avail
            himself of all the Means which he can employ with Propriety to fulfil his Promises. When
              Mr. Lamb arrived the Royal Family had just come to this
            Capital from Escurial & during its Residence here it is extremely difficult to
            have Access to the Minister. The King in a few Days after went to Aranjuez on a hunting
            Party & the Count de Florida Blanca accompanied him & none but the
            Family Ambassadors follow the Court on this Occasion. However as I was desirous to have
            a Conference with the Minister as soon as possible on the Subject of your Excellencies
            Letter, I wrote to the under Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs charged with
            the Correspondence to the United States, to know whether if I came to Aranjuez I should
            have an Opportunity of speaking with his Excellency to whom I wished to make a
            Communication in Person of some Advice I had received lately. No. 1. is a Copy of the Answer I recieved from that Gentleman. On the Return of
            his Majesty to this Capital I procured an Audience from the Minister to whom I
            communicated Mr. Lamb’s Arrival & the Object of his
            Mission, making Use of such Arguments & Insinuations as I thought most likely to
            induce his Excellency to contribute to its Success. I received from him the strongest
            Assurances to the same Purport as those beforementioned, at the same Time however he
            added, that until he should recieve further Advice from Algiers it was impossible for
            him to take an open Part in the Negociation & advised me to detain my Countryman
            until the Count went to the Pardo when he hoped to have it in his Power to give me a
            more explicit Answer. During this Audience I took an Occasion of mentioning without
            Affectation your Excellencies’ Sentiments with Respect to his generous Interference in
            the Affair of Morocco, with which he appeared much pleased & told me it should
            not be his Fault, nor did he think it would be mine if Spain and the United States were
            not as good Friends as they were near Neighbours in America. In the same Conversation he
            promised me ample Satisfaction on a Subject in which I had been obliged to have Recourse
            to him & I have since recieved it, His Majesty having been pleased to fine
            & render incapable of serving in the Revenue, the Governor of Laredo on a
            Complaint made to me by an American Captain of the unjust & arbitrary proceeding
            of the latter. All the Officers employed in this Affair by the Governor have been also
            punished.
          I communicated to Messrs. Lamb
            & Randall what passed on this Occasion & these Gentlemen consented to
            wait without Reluctance here until the Period mentioned by the Minister.
          Four Days after the Court had been fixed at the Pardo, I again
            waited on the Minister who recieved me very well, but on explaining the Motive of my
            Visit His Excellency declared to me that it was not in his Power to be more explicit as
            he had not yet recieved the Letters he expected from Algiers, that until he recieved the
            Intelligence he expected he could not order the Count D’Expilly to employ the King’s
            Interference in our Affairs, repeating his former Assurances & hinting the
            Obstacles we must expect to encounter in this negociation, at the same Time he observed
            to me that we must not be discouraged. He told me that the first Objection made by the
            Algerines would arise from our not having a Treaty with the Grand Seignior, as this
            Circumstance occasioned great Difficulties to Portugal in the actual Negociation. I
            intreated his Excellency to pardon my Importunity & Anxiety in this Subject as
            they proceeded as much from my Wish to cement an amicable Intercourse by reciprocal good
            Offices between the two Countries of Spain & America, as from my Apprehension
            that unless Mr Lamb should arrive at Algiers before their
            Cruisers were sent to Sea, further Hostilities on their Part might render an
            Accomodation still more difficult: I also urged the Nature of Mr. Lamb’s Instructions & the Necessity of Congress being early informed
            of the Disposition of the Regency, expressing a Hope that by the Time Mr. Lamb could arrive at a Sea-port & prepare for his
            Departure from thence it might be in his Excellency’s Power to afford him all the
            Assistance necessaary to ensure the Success of his Mission. To these Reflexions I added
            the Loss that would accrue to Spain from the Difficulties to which we should be exposed
            in our Intercourse with a Country whose Produce found a ready Sale in America &
            from which Country Spain could be supplied with so many Articles that it now takes from
            the Northern Nations of Europe, whose Consuls his Excellency knew did every Thing in
            their Power to obstruct the Peace which he was endeavouring to make for the commercial
            & political Interests of a
            Country the Councils of which he directed. The Count de Florida Blanca
            replied that he acquiesced in my Reasons for the Departure of Mr. Lamb & repeated to me and authorized me to write your Excellencies
            that “the Day after their own Affairs should be arranged with
              Algiers His Catholic Majesty would employ all his Influence to facilitate our
              Accomodations to which he added many Assurances of his Desire to give a
            Preference to the Commerce of the United States to that which Spain at present carried
            on with the Northern Part of Europe, particularly with Sweden & Denmark. The
            Freedom with which this Minister has spoken to me on several Occasions his Sentiments
            with Respect to the Northern Powers hath not less surprized than convinced me of his
            Wish to diminish their Commerce & Influence in the Mediterranean. In the Course
            of this Conversation he appealed to my own Experience on the Reliance that might be
            placed on his Word to which I made the proper Answer & Acknowledgments &
            concluded by asking Passports & Letters for Messrs.
            Lamb & Randall which his Excellency promised to send me. On my Return to this
            City from the Pardo I recieved Letters from Algiers of which No. 2 3. are Copies. They were brought by a Courier extraordinary & the
            Arrival of that Courier induced me to hope that the Minister might have recieved such
            Information as might enable him to act openly in our Favor, although in Fact this Hope
            arose more from my Wishes that such might be the Case, than from the Reasons which ought
            to induce a contrary Sentiment in Consequence of the Information which I had recieved
            with Respect to their Negociation previously. Your Excellencies will easily concieve
            that the first Efforts of this Court must be employed to procure a Peace for those
            Nations to which they are allied by the Ties of Family Connexions, Engagements, to which
            these Connexions have given Rise, and the Mutual Aids which they have recieved from
            these Nations during their late Operations against Algiers. However notwithstanding
            these Considerations, I took the Liberty in
            of reminding his Excellency the Count de Florida Blanca of the Passports
            & Letters he had promised me, to insinuate my Expectations of being able to
            obtain all that might be necessary for Mr. Lamb on his
            Arrival at Algiers. To this Application I recieved a Reply of which No. 5. is a Copy; as also a Letter to the Count de Cessalto,
            Captain General of Catalonia of which I also annex a Copy No. 6. as I do of the several Letters which, I have recieved from Algiers since
            the Arrival of Messrs. Lamb & Randall in Madrid.
          The latter set off for Barcelona the 26th. ulto. in company of Mr. Harrison a native of Virginia who will have the Honor to deliver your
            Excellencies Letters from me. Mr. Lamb did not leave this
            until the first Inst. but as he travels Post he will arrive at Barcelona before the
            Gentleman abovementioned. I refer your ExceIlencies to the Account these Gentlemen may
            render you of my Conduct in this Business. I have procured Bills for Mr. Lamb on Barcelona for the Amount of which he has drawn
            agreeable to his Instructions. I have established a Credit for whatever he may chuse to
            draw. I have given him Letters to the Count D’Expilly & have given him all the
            Advice that I thought might be useful to him. On his Arrival at Algiers he will find
            Letters of Introduction to most of the Consuls employed by foreign Nations there from
            their Ministers at this Court. I did not chuse to expose his Mission to these Gentlemen
            until his Departure from Barcelona renders it public. Having rendered to your
            Excellencies an Account of my proceedings in Consequence of the Letter which you did me
            the Honor to address me by Mr. Lamb it may be necessary to
            add for your Information & that of Congress to which Body I take the Liberty of
            requesting you to forward a Copy of this Letter, that the Peace negociating at present
            between this Country and the Regency of Algiers will cost this Country near one million
            & a half of Dollars, & I beg Leave to add that my Information is so
            circumstantial & derived from such a Source as leaves me not the smallest Reason
            to doubt its Authenticity. The Dey of Algiers is now more than eighty Years old
            & his Ministers all press a Conclusion of the Treaty in Order that while they
            are in Power they may participate the Presents made on this Occasion. The Durability of
            this Peace is uncertain or of any other made in the present Moment with these Pirates.
            If I am rightly informed as soon as this Treaty is concluded with Spain and Naples, they
            mean to declare War against Denmark, the Venitians & perhaps the Dutch. I shall
            not fail to inform you of all I can learn on these Points, because there may be
            Circumstances on which may depend your future Instructions to Mr. Lamb & the Measures which Congress may think proper to adopt.
          On the 30th. ulto. the Convention was signed by the Ambassadors of France & Portugal,
            respecting their Differences on the Coast of Africa. As I have not an accurate Map of
            that Coast before me I refer to a future Letter the Limits accorded by the latter for a
            free Trade to other Nations. Mutual Demands of Indemnification have been waved on each
            Part a mutual Expression of good Will & a Desire to be on the best Terms will
            appear in the Articles of this Convention in the Expression of which France preserves
            its Dignity. With the highest Sentiments of Gratitude for the Confidence your
            Excellencies have been ^ to accord me I have the Honor to be with great
            Respect & Regard / your Excellencies /most obedient & humble Servant

            (signed)W Carmichael


Title: Rufus King to John Adams, 3 Feb. 1786
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              New York

              3 Feb. 1786

          Mr. Wingrove who some months since
            arrived here from England with a recommendation from you to Mr. Jay, submitted to congress a plan for an american commercial establishment in
            the East Indies—the project was referred to a committee of congress, who were of Opinion
            that the commercial intercourse between the United States and India would be more
            prosperous if left unfettered in the hands of private adventurers, than if regulated by
            any system of a national complexion—this Opinion received the approbation of congress,
            and of consequence Mr. Wingrove is frustrated in his project
            of an India Establishment—
          I am extremely sorry that Mr. Wingrove
            has made an expensive Voyage without benefit, and the more so as he appears to be
            modest, and intelligent—He has been well esteemed by several Gentlemen of congress, to
            whom he has been presented—and it is with sincerity that on his request I have written
            the foregoing—and am with every Sentement of Respect Dear / sir your obt. servt

              Rufus King


Title: John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 6 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Carmarthen, the Marquis of

              My Lord

              Grosvenor Square

              February 6 1786

          I have the Honour of transmitting to your Lordship a Copy of a
            Letter of the twenty first of December last, from His Majestys Consul General in the
            United States to their Secretary of State for the Department of foreign Affairs, which
            has been laid before Congress, who have been pleased to direct me to communicate it, to
            his Majesty, with this Information, that the Complaint Stated in it, being in general
            Terms, and unsupported by any particular Facts or Evidence, they do not think it
            necessary or proper, to take any measures in consequence of it: and with this assurance,
            that as it is their Determination the Treaty of Peace Shall be punctually observed by
            their Citizens, and that his Majesty’s Subjects Shall enjoy, in the United States,
              all the Rights which friendly and civilized Nations claim from each other,
            So they will always be ready to hear every Complaint, which may appear to be well
            founded, and to redress Such of them, as on Investigation Shall prove to be So. Let me
            request your Lordship to lay this Communication before His Majesty.
          Your Lordship will permit me to avail myself of this opportunity of
            remarking, that the Office of Consul General does not extend to Matters of this Kind;
            neither the Rights of Commerce, nor of Navigation being in question; and therefore that
            it was Delicacy towards his Majesty, rather than a Sense of the Propriety of Such an
            Application from a Consul General, which induced Congress to treat it, with this Mark of
            Attention.
          As the United States my Lord have a Minister Plenipotentiary,
            residing at this Court, in Consequence of a Proposition to that Purpose, made by his
            Britannic Majestys Ministers, through His Grace the Duke of Dorsett his Ambassador at
            Paris, Your Lordship will permit me, to propose to the Consideration of his Majestys
            Ministers the Expediency, as well as Propriety of Sending a Minister Plenipotentiary,
            from his Majesty to the United States of America. I am authorized My Lord to give
            Assurances that Congress expect Such a Minister, and are ready to receive and treat him
            in a manner, consistent with the Respect due to his Sovereign
          With great Respect I have the Honour / to be, my Lord, your
            Lordships / most obedient and most / humble servant

              John Adams


Title: François Soulés to John Adams, 6 Feb. 1786
From: Soulés, François
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              february the 6th 1786

              no. 35 Berwick Street /
                Soho

          The scene is changed, and at the moment you shall receive this
            letter the Tacitus of America, will be safely lodged in
            newgate, there to finish the two next volumes of his history if he can, The old maid of
            Duke street my former LandLady enraged that I shou’d leave her house, and disentangle
            myself from a set of spies and Jacobites, refused a note of hand which I offered her at
            leaving her house, and arrested me last saturday. So great was the malice of my enemies
            that the writ is returnable to day so that I had not even time to turn myself in order
            to find bail. she did more she acquainted all the persons to whom she knew I was
            indebted with what she had done, spoke every where very disrespectfully of me, tho’
              tho’ the greatest crime I have been guilty of is that I would not court
            her.
          farewell now prospects of happiness
          farewell delightful chimeras
          the suggestions of too heated an imagination; hail horrors, slavery, and death—strange
            life! how many times was I almost on the surface of the water ready to extricate myself
            from all my difficulties, when a sudden blow replunged me at the bottom of miserys.
            believe me, Sir, whatever your Excellency may hear to the contrary my principles are the
            most honest; I wish my heart was as visable to all men as it is to God. I have been
            through all my life extremely unfortunate; but I must, however, thank the almighty,
            since my life was to be a scene of misfortunes that he blessed me with a mind quem neque pauperies neque mors neque vincula terrent. but
            why should I trouble your Excellency with my affairs: Indeed I must be very presumptuous
            to imagine they may interest you. farewell, Sir, may every sort of happiness attend your
            Excellency, and family—I am / most Respectfully, / Sir, / your most obedt. and / most humble servt.

              f Soulés


Title: David Humphreys to John Adams, 7 Feb. 1786
From: Humphreys, David
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              London

              Febry. 7th. 1786

          I hope Your Excellency, as well as your most worthy Colleague in
            the Commission to which I am attached as Secretary, will approve of my proposed return
            to America in the Spring, for the reasons I have already had the honour of suggesting in
            conversation; and that, in this case, I may be the bearer of a joint or seperate letters
            from Mr. Jefferson & yourself purporting that I have
            not left Europe with your displeasure or conducted myself, while there, in such a manner
            as to render me unworthy of your confidence. Since it is the fact, I think it ought to
            be known to Congress, that the most perfect harmony & good understanding prevail
            among all the public Servants on this side the water—On this, and many other topics
            relative to their foreign affairs, I flatter myself, my particular representations to
            Individuals of my aquaintance in office may not be unprofitable to the public good.
          As I propose departing for Paris in a few days, and as the
            conveyance by private hands between this and that City seems not to be very frequent, I
            thought it might not be inexpedient to trouble you with this Note; and to take the
            occasion of reiterating the heart-felt obligations for all your acts of friendship
            & civility with which
          I have the honour to be / Your Excellency’s / Most obedient
            & very hble Servt

              D Humphreys


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 7 Feb. 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

              Feb. 7. 1786

          I am honored with yours of Jan. 19. mine of Jan. 12. had not I
            suppose at that time got to your hands as the receipt of it is unacknoleged. I shall be
            anxious till I receive your answer to it.
          I was perfectly satisfied, before I received your letter, that your
              opinion had been misrepresented or misunderstood or
            misrepresented in the case of the Chevalier de Mezieres. your letter however will enable
            me to say so with authority. it is proper it should be known that you had not given the
            opinion imputed to you, tho’ as to the main question it is become useless, Monsieur de
            Reyneval having assured me that what I had written on that subject had perfectly
            satisfied the Ct. de Vergennes & himself that this
            case could never come under the treaty. to evince still further the impropriety of
            taking up subjects gravely on such imperfect information as this court had, I have this
            moment received a copy of an act of the Georgia assembly placing the subjects of France
            as to real estates on the footing of natural citizens & expressly recognizing
            the treaty. would you think any thing could be added after this to put this question
            still further out of doors? a gentleman of Georgia assures me General Oglethorpe did not
            own a foot of land in the state—I do not know whether there has been any American
            determination on the question whether American citizens & British subjects born
            before the revolution can be aliens to one another? I know there is an opinion of Ld Coke’s in Calvin’s case that if England & Scotland
            should in a course of descent pass to separate kings, those born under the same
            sovereign during the union would remain natural subjects & not aliens. common
            sense urges strong considerations against this. e. g. natural subjects owe allegiance.
            but we owe none.—aliens are the subjects of a foreign power we are subjects
            of a foreign power.—the king by the treaty acknoleges our independance; how then can we
            remain natural subjects.—the king’s power is by the constitution competent to the making
            peace, war & treaties. he had therefore authority to relinquish our allegiance
            by treaty.—but if an act of parliament had been necessary, the parliament passed an act
            to confirm the treaty. &c &c. so that it appears to me that in this
            question fictions of law alone are opposed to sound sense.
          I am in hopes Congress will send a minister to Lisbon. I know no
            country with which we are likely to cultivate a more useful commerce. I have pressed
            this in my private letters.
          It is difficult to learn any thing certain here about the French
            & English treaty. yet, in general, little is expected to be done between them. I
            am glad to hear that the Delegates of Virginia had made the vote relative to English
            commerce, tho they afterwards repealed it. I hope they will come to again. when my last
            letters came away they were engaged in passing the revisal of their laws, with some
            small alterations. the bearer of this, mr[expansion sign] Lyons, is a sensible worthy
            young physician, son of one of our Judges, and on his return to Virginia, remember me
            with affection to mrs[expansion sign] & miss Adams, Colos. Smith & Humphreys and be assured of the esteem with which I am Dr. Sir / Your friend & servant

              Th:Jefferson


Title: John Paul Jones to John Adams, 7 Feb. 1786
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Paris

               Feby. 7th. 1786.

          I am honored with the Letter you wrote me from London the 21st. Ult. which I receive as a personal obligation. I yesterday
            mentioned to Mr. Jefferson that you propose to begin the
            Business in question by writing to the Baron de Waltersdorff. Mr. Jefferson says the Baron is appointed Governor of a Colony in the West Indies
            and he beleives is sailed from Copenhagen. I hasten to advise you of this that you may
            take such information, or adopt such remedy as may answer the end proposed.
          I have the honor to be with great Respect / Sir, your most obedient
            / and most humble Servant

              Paul Jones


Title: John Adams to David Humphreys, 8 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Humphreys, David

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              Feb. 8. 1786

          I received with Pleasure, your kind Letter of Yesterday, and
            although I cannot absolutely disapprove of your proposed Return to America in the Spring
            for the Reasons you Suggested in Conversation, yet I feel a sensible Reluctance at the
            Thought of loosing your Assistance, and Still wish you may find it convenient to Stay at
            least ’till the Expiration of your Commission. I believe, and I hope, that Congress have
            further Services for you in Europe, where, it is but Justice to Say, you have done
            honour, to yourself and your Country.
          The Harmony which you observe prevails, among the Servants of the
            Publick, in Europe, is much to their honour and the publick Advantage. While Persons
            born and liberally educated in America, who have acquired the Confidence of their
            Countrymen by their Behaviour and Services under their Eyes, are employed in Europe and
            are Supported by their Constituents, in the faithfull discharge of their Duty, against
            insidious Schemes, this Harmony will continue.
          Your whole Conduct Sir, has been highly Satisfactory to me: and I
            am particularly happy in your Society in London, where from a more familiar and personal
            Intimacy, I have conceived an Affection and Friendship for you, which will not easily be
            diminished. If you return to America, I hope for your Correspondence. I know it will
            give you Pleasure if I add here, that I have found in your Friend and former Colleague
            Coll Smith, all those amiable qualities which you led me to expect in him, before I knew
            him. and I think it is doing Service to the Publick to Say, that you have both acquired
            much Respect in Europe, and given Proofs of Talents and Address, which would become any
            higher Station in the Diplomatic Order.
          With great Esteem and Affection, I have the / Honour to be, dear
            sir, your / Friend and most humble Servant

              John Adams.


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 9 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              Feb. 9. 1786

          Colonel Humphreys informs me, that he expects to return to America,
            in the Spring, if he Should not receive orders from Congress to remain longer in Europe.
            It would be doing Injustice to the Public as well as to this Gentleman if I were to let
            him return home, without the best Testimony I can give him, of my entire Satisfaction in
            his Conduct, from his first Arrival, and without the fullest Recommendation of him to
            Congress. This Gentleman and another whom Congress have employed in Europe, from General
            Washingtons Family have Accomplishments which do Honour to their Appointments, and to
            the great Model under whom they were formed to the Service of their Country.
          With great Respect and Esteem / I have the Honour to be, Sir / your
            most obedient and / most humble servant

              John Adams.


Title: John Adams to David Ramsay, 9 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Ramsay, David

              Sir,

              Grosvenor square

               Feby. 9 1786—

          I have received the Letter you did me, the honor to write me, on
            the 23d. of Decr. and am much
            obliged to you, for the present of the history of the late revolution in south Carolina,
            I have not yet received it: calling on Mr. Dilly, on the
            receipt of your Letter I was informed that the Books consigned to him were still on
            board the ship; and would not be landed under 10 or 12 day’s—I wish, sir, that your
            Example may be followed by some Gentlemen of suitable talents & the necessary
            leisure, in each of the States.
          There have been in fact 13. Revolutions, for that Number of
            established Goverments were overthrown and as many new ones erected—for this Reason I
            think that a compleat history of the American Revolution can never be written untill,
            the history of the Change in each state is known, nor can any Man be competent to the
            general Undertaking who is not master of the particulars.
          There are already half a dozen histories written in Europe, and
            there is an hundred other writers who wish to engage in it. Those already published are
            worse than nothing, and such as are intended will be no better. My constant answer to
            all who propose writing is, that there is no Man now living qualified for the Work, nor
            would it be possible even for those who have been most active and the best informed, to
            collect the indispensable materials even if the most secrect Papers could be laid open
            to him, in a short time.
          Let me request your acceptance of a Pamphlet, “An Address to the
            landed, trading and funded Interests of England, on the present state of public
            affairs”—This is the first publication which in any sense may be called judicious—it is
            well worth the attention of our Citizens— —
          No writings however will be sufficient to produce a change in the
            sentiments of this Nation—without an Union in America in Measures to vindicate their own
            Navigation, and even that would opperate but slowly.
          You will oblige me much Sir, by continuing this Correspondence, and
            Communicating to me your advice upon things which relate to the public affairs committed
            to my case— —
          With great respect I have the honor to be

              J. A


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst to John Adams, 10 Feb. 1786
From: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Amsterdam

              The 10th: feby.
                1786

          We are favour’d with your Excelly’s
            Most Esteemed Letter of the 20th. Janry. advising us your Acceptance of a Bill for Twelve Guineas in favour of Mr. Grand, of which due notice is taken.
          Likewise of your Draft on Messr. C. R.
            Pullers of £150.— in favour of Collo. Smith, to which due
            honour is paid by P. Gentn..
          We are Kindly Obliged to your Excelly.
            for his gracious Compliments of the Season, we have the Honour to Reciproquate Our best
            Wishes, for your Health, happiness and Prosperity during the Ensuing and Many following
            years.
          We have the Honour to Remain With / respectfull Regard. / Sir /
            Your Excelly. Most Obt. Humble
            Servants

              Wilhem & Jan Willink

              Nic. & Jacob van Staphorst.


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 14 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              Feb. 14. 1786.

          I have received your Letter, inclosing two Pamphlets one of which I
            have Sent to Mr Jefferson, by Coll Humphries who Setts out
            for Paris this Morning.
          These Letters will be sufficient to Show any Man of common Decency,
            the Characters of the Writers. on one Side there is the Condescension of a provident but
            indulgent Father: on the other the Impertinence and Ingratitude of a Prodigal son, not
            yet reduced to the Mortification of eating Husks with the Swine.
          What with the imprudence of Some of our young Men who like
            Littlepage are natives of America, and what with the assurance of Some others who assume
            the American Character, with less Pretensions to it our Country Suffers very much in its
            Reputation.
          The Scene to which I was witness, is truly and candidly described
            and I have So certified to Mr Jefferson and to others.
          It is indeed a mortifying Consideration that neither Purity of
            Character, Rank in Society, nor any Degree of Merit or Reputation, Should be a
            Protection against Such rude and virulent Attacks, which, however dispized or resented
            by virtuous and judicious Men, are commonly received and applauded without thinking, by
            the Profligate, and, with malignity by the designing. Even Such Extravagants as
            littlepage, as you and I have known before, are sometimes cherrished and courted for the
            deliberate tho Secret Purpose, of doing Business which cannot be done by fairer
            means.
          In this Case I rely upon it, that no Injury will be done to you.
            The Attempt is too gross.
          My best Respects, in which my Family desires to join to Mrs Jay.
          With great Esteem and Affection, I have / the Honour to be, dear
            sir, your Friend / and Servant

              John Adams.


Title: Edward Bridgen to John Adams, 14 Feb. 1786
From: Bridgen, Edward
To: Adams, John

              sir.

              February 14th. 1786.—

          I take the liberty to send for your Excellency’s perusal the
            inclosed letter from me to the Governor of North Carolina requestnig the favour of you
            sir to forward the same to Dr. Franklin, and if it meets
            your approbation to request the Dr. to recommend it to the
            consideration of the Governor, Senate and Assembly of that state with any addition or
            subscription in my favour which you sir may please to honour me with and thereby very
            Oblige
          Your Excellency’s / Faithfull and Obedient / Humble servant

              Edward Bridgen


Title: John Adams to John Jenks, 14 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jenks, John

              Grosvenor Square

              Feb 14 1786

          Mr Adams presents his Compliments to
              Mr Jinks and requests the Honour of his Company to dine on
            Sunday next at 4 o’clock—

            The favour of an answer is desired


Title: John Jenks to John Adams, 14 Feb. 1786
From: Jenks, John
To: Adams, John

          Mr. Jenks’s Compliments to his
            Excellency thanks him for his Politeness will do himself the honor of waiting upon him
            on Sunday—


Title: John Adams to [John?] Nichols, 14 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Nichols, John

          Mr Adams presents his Compliments to
              Mr Nichols, and has the honour of inclosing a Resolution
            of the President and Fellows of the University of Cambridge Massachusetts of Feb. 14.
            1786.


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 16 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               Feb. 16. 1786.

          The Expences of Insurance on American Vessells,—the Obstructions of
            their Commerce with Spain Portugal and Italy: and Compassion for our Fellow Citizens in
            Captivity: all occasioned by Apprehensions of the Barbary Corsairs, must excite
            Solicitude in every Man capable of thinking or Feeling. it is nevertheless certain that
            too great an Alarm has been Spread, Since no more than two Vessells have been taken by
            the Algerines, and one by Morocco. Artificial Allarms might be diminished, by
            discontinuing the Practice of insuring in England. Loyds Coffeehouse has made a great
            and clear Profit, because no Vessell has yet been taken, which has been there insured.
            if the American Merchants would open offices at home the Praemium would be saved to the
            Country, and they would find a large Ballance in their favour. The Ballance of Trade
            with the English is so much against Us, that We ought not unnecessarily, to make
            ourselves tributary to them.
          Mr Lamb drew upon me Bills for 2000£,
            at Madrid the 24th. of January, and assures me in his Letter
            of Advice that I shall hear from him soon at Barcelona. This Gentlemans Motions are
            Slow: what can have detained him So long, I know not.—an entire Stranger to him as
              I  having never Seen him, nor heard of him untill he was announced in your
            Letter, I can Say nothing of his Character or Conduct. Mr
            Jefferson understood him to be recommended by Congress and he was certainly the Bearer
            of their Orders, and I could not but concur in the Sentiment of my excellent Colleague,
            and in his Construction of the Intentions of Congress.—Since the Appointment was made
            and became irrevocable, I have heard such Opinions and Reports of him, as have
            astonished me. he has with thim in Mr Randall an ingenious
            worthy Man, who, may Supply any deficiencies, as we hope, and We must now wait with
            Paitience, untill they inform Us of their Proceedings.
          Mr Barclay, and Mr Franks are at length departed from Paris. Their Delay was occasioned by Mr Beaumarchais.—It will be so late before these Gentlemen can
            arrive at Morocco, that the Emperor may be out of Patience and Send out his
            Frigates.
          If the Agents were arrived, there would be little reason for
            Confidence in their Success. The Sum of Eighty Thousand Dollars, it is much to be feared
            will not be Sufficient to procure Treaties of Peace. We may find the whole Sum consumed,
            and the Difficulty of making Peace augmented. Congress will take all these Things into
            Consideration, and transmit their Orders both respecting the Sums to be given as
            Presents, and the Funds from whence they are to be drawn. without a fresh Loan in
            Holland, the Treasury of the United States in Europe will Soon be exhausted.
          The american Commerce can be protected from these Affricans, only
            by Negotiation or by War. if Presents should be exacted from Us, as ample as those which
            are given by England, the expence may amount to Sixty Thousand Pounds sterling a Year, an enormous Sum to be Sure,
            but infinitely less than the Expence of fighting. two Frigates of 30 Guns each would cost as much, to fitt
            them for the Sea besides the accumulating Charges of Stores, Provisions, Pay and
            Cloathing. The Powers of Europe generally Send a Squadron of Men of War, with their
            Ministers, and offer Battle at the Same time that they propose Treaties and promise
            Presents. Mr Barclay and Mr Lamb
            are armed only with Innocence and the Olive Branch: and there is some reason to expect
            that the Emperor, and Dey will feel their Dignity hurt by the Appearance of Deputies not immediately appointed by Congress. Time will clear up
            all doubts, and Subsequent Arrangements may be taken accordingly.
          an Envoy from Tripoli is here at present. I Saw him at Court but
            have not made him a Visit. He wishes to See me, as is Supposed from what he said
            yesterday to a Gentleman. He said “that most of the foreign Ministers, had left their
            Cards, but the American had not. We are at War with his Nation, it is true, and that may
            be the Reason of his not calling. We will make Peace with them however for a tribute of
            an hundred Thousand Dollars a Year. Not less.” He Speaks no European Language,
              unless except a little of the Lingua Franca, and perhaps a little Italian.
            to go with an Interpreter would occasion Speculation, and Suggest to him Schemes which
            he might not otherwise think of.. to treat with him before any Measures are taken with
            Morocco and Algiers might offend them.
          With great Respect, I have the Honour / to be, Sir your most
            obedient and / most humble servant

              John Adams.


Title: Isaiah Doane to John Adams, 16 Feb. 1786
From: Doane, Isaiah
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Boston

               16th February 1786

          Your Excellency’s goodness will excuse my Troubling you at this
            time, (I am certain) when you Consider the Consequence it is to me. I Refer to the Cause
            of the Brigt Mentor, the Papers of which Mr S. Brown and my self sent you last Spring through the hands
            of my Friends Messrs Land Son & Fraser, and have not
            since ben Honourd with any Account of the same, the Cause is of very great Consequence
            to me as I am half the owner of the sd Brigt & Cargo, and not one Shilling Insurance on same,
              wch falls very heavy Indeed, and I suppose if ever I get
            Justice it must be through your Influence, whch will lay me
            under an Eternal
            Obligation. I most Sincerely wish that your Excellency
            will think of the Cause and if your Business will Permit, let me know your mind on the
            Subject, whch will give great Satisfaction to your Obliged
            Friend / and Very Humble Servant

              Isaiah Doane


Title: John Lamb to John Adams, 16 Feb. 1786
From: Lamb, John
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Barcelona

               Feby. 16th. 1786

          On the 11th. Day we arivd. here
            I have Drawn on my credite for Twenty six hundred pounds Sterling
            in all, Two thousand of which I shall receive on munday next. I hope that, and the Small
            trinquets which I brought from Paris will introduce me to an audience at Algiers. have
            mett maney little Disapointments Since we left france which hath Detaind us untill this
            time. hope to sail from this next week. must refer your Excellency to mr. Harrison for the Perticulars of my present
            situation, he is fulley aquainted
          I am with Due / Respects your / Excellencyes most Obt / Humle. Servt.

              John Lamb


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 17 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               Feb. 17. 1786

          At a late Levee, the King, in conversation with one of the foreign
            Ministers, was pleased to say "that the Tripoline Ambassador, refused to confer with his
            Ministers, and insisted on an Audience: but that nothing had been said at it, more than
            that Tripoli and England were at Peace, and desirous to continue so. His Majesty added,
            all he wants is a Present, and his Expences borne to Vienna and Denmark.”
          If nothing more was said, at the Audience, there are not wanting,
            Persons in England, who will find means to Stimulate this African to Stir up his
            Countrymen against american Vessells. it may reasonably be suspected that his present
            Visit is chiefly with a View to the United States: to draw them into a Treaty, of Peace,
            which implies Tribute, or at least Presents: or to obtain Aids from England to carry on
            a War against Us. feeling his Appearance here to be ominous, like that of other
            irregular Bodies, which "from their horrid hair Shake Pestilence and War” I thought at
            first to avoid him but finding that all the other foreign Ministers had made their
            visits, and that he would take amiss, a longer inattention it was judged necessary to
            call at his Door, for the form. but when the Attempt was made, which was last Evening So
            late that there was no Suspicion of his being visible, the Ambassador was announced at
            home and ready to receive the Visitant. it would Scarcely be reconcileable to the
            Dignity of Congress to read a Detail of the Ceremonies which attended the Conference: it
            would be more proper to write them to Harlequin for the Amusement of the Gay at the New
            York Theatre. It is Sufficient to say, that His Excellency made many Enquiries
            concerning America; the Climates, Soil, Heat and cold &c and observed “it is a
            very great Country; but Tripoli is at War with it.” in
            return, it was asked, how there could be War, between two nations, when there had been
            no Hostility, Injury, Insult or Provocation on either Side? His Excellency replied, that
            Turkey Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers and Morocco, were the Sovereigns of the Mediterranean,
            and that no nation could navigate that Sea, without a Treaty of Peace with them. that
            America must make such Treaties, with Tripoli, first; then with Constantinople, then
            with Algiers & Morocco, as France, England, and all the other Powers of Europe
            had done. A Secretary brought him some Papers, one of which was put into my hand. it was
            a french Translation of a Full Power from the Pacha, Dey and Regency of Tripoli, to
            treat with all the Powers of Europe, and to manage all the foreign concerns of his
            Country, without limitation of time or Place. The original Commission in his own
            Lanaguage was also produced and Shewn. it was observed that America was not named in it:
            but it was replied that the Power was universal to manage every Thing and that a Treaty
            might be made at once, or at least that Conferences might be held, and the Result
            written to Tripoli and America for further Instructions. “What time was required to
            write to Congress, and receive an Answer?” Three months, at least. “That was too long,
            but he Should remain here, Sometime. You may call here tomorrow or next day, with an
            Interpreter, and We will hear and propose Terms
          As his Excellency expected to gain by the Negotiation, as much as
            the American knew he must lose you will perceive the former was the most eager to
            promote it. When Mr Jeffersons answer to a Letter upon this
            subject Shall arrive, it will be proper to learn his Terms, but there is reason to
            believe they will be too high, for your Ministers to accept, without further
            Instructions.
          This is the Substance of a Conference, which was carried on with
            much difficulty, but with civility enough, on both Sides, in a Strange mixture of
            Italian Lingua Franca, broken French and worse English.
          This Minister appears to be a Man of good Sense and temper.
          With great Respect, I have the Honour / to be, Sir, your most
            obedient and / most humble servant

              John Adams.


Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 17 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               Feb. 17. 1786

          I was Sometime in doubt, whether any Notice Should be taken of the
            Tripoline Ambassador; but receiving Information that he made Enquiries about me, and
            expressed a Surprize that when the other foreign Ministers had visited him, the American
            had not; and finding that He was a universal and perpetual Ambassador, it was thought
            best to call upon him. last Evening, in making a Tour of other Visits, I Stopped at his
            Door, intending only to leave a Card, but the Ambassador was announced at Home and ready
            to receive me.—I was received in State. Two great Chairs before the Fire, one of which
            was destined for me, the other for his Excellency. Two Secretaries of Legation, men of
            no Small Consequence Standing Upright in the middle of the Room, without daring to Sitt,
            during the whole time I was there, and whether they are not yet upright upon their Legs
            I know not. Now commenced the Difficulty. His Excellency Speaks, Scarcely a Word of any
            European Language, except Italian and Lingua Franca, and in which, you know I
            have Small Pretentions. He began soon to ask me Questions about America and her Tobacco,
            and I was surprized to find that with a pittance of Italian and the simitude of
              the a few French Words which has he understands, We could so well
            understand each other.— “We make Tobacco in Tripoli," said his Excellency “but it is too
            strong. Your American Tobacco is better.”—By this Time, one of his secretaries or upper servants brought two Pipes ready filled and lighted;
            the longest, was offered me,: the other to his Excellency. it is long since I took a
            Pipe but as it would be unpardonable to be wanting in Politeness in so ceremonious an
            Interview, I took the Pipe, with great Complacency, placed the Bowl upon the Carpet, for
            the stem was fit for a Walking Cane, and I believe more than two Yards in length, and
            Smoaked in aweful Pomp returning
            reciprocating Whiff for Whiff, with his Excellency, untill Coffee was brought
            in. His Excellency took a Cup, after I had taken one, and alternately Sipped at his
            Coffee and whiffed at his Tobacco, and I wished he would take a Pinch in turn from
              his snuff box for Variety: and I followed the Example with Such Exactness
              and solemnity that the two secretaries, appeared in Raptures and the
            superiour of them who Speaks a few Words of French cryed out in Extacy, Monsieur votes
            etes un Turk— — —The necessary Civilities being thus compleated, His Excellency began
            upon Business; asked many Questions about America: the soil Climate, Heat &
            Cold, &c and said it was a very great Country. But “Tripoli is at War with it.”
            I was “Sorry to hear that.” “had not heard of any War with Tripoli.” "America had done
            no Injury to Tripoli." "committed no Hostility: nor had Tripoli done America any Injury
            or committed any Hostility against her, that I had heard of.—True he
              said His Excellency "but there must be a Treaty of Peace. There could be no
            Peace without a Treaty. The Turks and affricans, were the souveriegns of the
            Mediterranean, and there could be no navigation there nor Peace without Treaties of
            Peace. America must treat as France & England did, and all other Powers.”
            America must treat with Tripoli, and then with Constantinople and then with Algiers and
            Morocco.”—Here a Secretary brought him some Papers, One of which a Full Power in
              French from the Pacha, Dey and Regency of Tripoli, as Ambassador, to treat with
            all the Powers of Europe, and to make what Treaties he pleased and to manage in short
            all the foreign Affairs of his Country, he delivered me to read.— —He was ready to
            treat, and make Peace. if I would come tomorrow or next day, or any other day and bring
            an Interpreter, He would hear & propose Terms, and write to Tripoli and I might
            write to America, and each Party might accept or refuse them as they should think fit.
            How long would it be before one could write to Congress and have an Answer? three
            months. This was rather too long, but he should stay here sometime.—When I had read his
              French Translation of his Full Power He Shewed me the Original in his own
            Language. You perceive that his Excellency was more ready and eager to treat, than
              I wasas he probably expected to gain more by the Treaty.—I could not see him
            Tomorrow nor next day but would think of it.
          I must now my dear sir beg of you to send me a Copy of the Project
            of a Treaty sent by Mr Barclay and Mr Lamb, as I had not time to take one, when it was here. You will please to
            write me your Thoughts and Advice upon this occasion. This is a Sensible Man,
            well known to many of the foreign Ministers who have seen him before, in sweeden, at
            Vienna, in Denmark &c He has been so much in Europe that he knows as much of
            America, as anybody: so that nothing new will be suggested to him or his Constituents by
            our having Conferences with him. it seems best then to know his Demands. They will be
            higher I fear, than We can venture.
          The King told one of the foreign Ministers in my hearing at the
            Levee, that the Tripoline Ambassador refused to treat with his Ministers and insisted
            upon an Audience of his Majesty. But that He only Said to him
            all he had to say was that Tripoli was at Peace with England and desired to
            continue so. The King Added all he wants is, a Present, and his Expences born to Vienna
            or Denmark.
          The Relation of my Visit is to be sure, very inconsistent with the
            Dignity and Gravityof your Character and mine, but the Ridicule of it, was
            real and the Drollery inevitable. How can We preserve our Dignity in negotiating with
            Such Nations? and Who but a Petit Maitre, would think of Gravity upon such an
            occasion.
          With great Esteem your / most obedient

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to Stephen Higginson, 18 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Higginson, Stephen

              Sir.

              Grosvenor square

               Feby: 18th.
                1786—

          Your valuable Letter of Decr. 30 is
            received, and has much obliged me. The Conduct of this Country both in a
            political & Commercial Point of View appears to me in the same point of light as
            it does to you
          The remittances from the United States which have been made since
            the peace, thro’ Holland, France Spain & Portugal, as well as those made
            directly in Cash & Produce, notwithstanding the continual Complaints, have been
            very large, & have contributed more than any other cause, towards turning the
            Ballance of Exchange in favour of England and producing that Surplus of Revenue which is
            now so much boasted of— —
          You were not perhaps informed of the alliance between Holland and
            france, the most fatal event to this Country which has occured in Europe, since the
            family Compact
          The friendship of the Dutch will never return to England, untill it
            shall be brought back by the United States of America—These are bound by their honor
            & their public faith pledged in treaties, so far that they cannot form an
            Alliance with England against france, and if they were at Liberty it would be bad policy
            to join the weakest Side. We have therefore no choice left, but to United with france,
            Spain, Holland, Sweeden & Prussia (for I consider all these as connected) or be
            neutral—It will even be scarcely possible that we should maintain a Neutrality.
          There is every motive to Keep ourselves quite clear of all
            political Engagements to England & cultivate the friendship of the other Powers,
            although we should endeavour to be as impartial as possible and preserve a neutrality as
            long as we can
          I often feel a difficulty of entering into all Circumstances and
            forming a right Judgement of Measures taken or proposed by the Legislatures of the
            States: but as far as at this distance, after so long an absence, I can comprehend the
            subject, I must agree with you in relation to the Refugees, Their Influence is not great
            where they are: but it would be less so if they were in the United States, or
            at Liberty to go there. They were highly pleased at the News of the Vote of the House
            & seem generally desirous by what I hear of returning to the United States
            rather than to Nova Scotia or Canada.
          The
            our Navigation act will have little effect upon the British Counciles, untill
            it shall become general— Then indeed it will be severely felt. if strictly executed—By
            the accounts from the southern and middle States, the Probability of an Union in this
            measure, is much Stronger at present, than it could be in Boston at the date of your
            Letter. Indeed the southern States must come into it They are now distressed for want of
            ships to export their Produce. The English refusing as they do our ready built ships,
            cannot furnish a sufficient Number. If the substence of the act should be adopted only
            from Pensylvania north ward it will have a great effect. The Jealousy you mention has
            always existed, & has very probably been fomented: but where is the Contrariety
            of interests? If Boston or Philadelphia can furnish ships to Charlestown to export the
            Produce of Carolina cheaper than the french, Dutch or English, you will be sure of the
            freight—cannot this be done? Let the N. E. States persevere in their acts, and every
            state which can build ships must follow—if from no other motive than this Jealousy.
              Masstts: always appeared to me to play a sure game in
            taking the lead— because the other states must imitate her if she perseveres as soon as
            they can, in order to prevent her Benifits from being too great, and to share with her.
            Shipwrights & the other Tradesmen connected with them, seaman, &c—are
            Articles very precious, and even if the whole Community should be obliged to contribute
            largely to their support and increase they will richly repay the temporary sacrifice Let
            us not be intimidated then if we see a Number of foreign Vessels driven by our Laws to
            other States. Nay tho our Lands & cattle should fall in their price at first,
            Let us persevere—
          Accounts from various Quarters, concur with yours, in the
            flourishing Circumstances of the Cod fishery nothing could give me greater pleasure. The
            Bounty upon oil, I hope will be increased—You have it in your power by such means to
            allure home agian all your sperma Cæti fishermen, which are indeed almost all there are
            in the World—There is a sure markett in france & in Spain, Boylstone sold his
            Cargo at Rouen for 30 pr. Cent.
            profit,—as your oil is preferred to any other, you may sell all you can make, for 30
            Cities are not illuminated with a few Lamps—But I would give a Bounty which should
            enable you to make undersell the English in London, and make british
            Manufactures pay the cost—The Consumption of oil increases in England, from the high
            duties on Candles, so that you may depend on a Markett: I don’t Know whether I should
            hesitate to make British Fripperies pay the whole alien Duty of
              18£..3s.. a ton as a Bounty. Mr.
            Barrett has succeeded in France to his satisfaction Our pot & pearl ash, has
            been Authentically tried in France & pronounced the best in the World The
            Consumption of this article is very great—
          You must attack the Mode, an Enemy more dangerous at this moment to
            our Commerce than all the Policy of England—Make it the fashen to wear french
            Manufactures. We cannot expect that france will buy our produce, and pay for it in Cash
            or Bills to be carried instantly to England, and there laid out in British
            Manufactures—The Spirit for encreasing our manufactures in the Article you mention does
            great honor & will produce lasting benifits to the Country. The Legislature will
            no doubt encourage it by bountys & duties, judiciously laid on, The salting of
            Beef &c ought to be studied as a science & brought to perfection, and
            many regulations are wanting for securing the Merchantable Quality of our timber,
            Lumber, Staves, &c. &c. &c. Iron too & other articles
            should be encouraged by Bounties & Duties—
          We are astonished here that You don’t insure your own Vessels—Loyds
            has made a vast sum by ensuring against Algerines and not one Vessel has been taken—are
            there Insurance offices in America, upon an honourable footing? punctual in Payment? it
            is high time it should be held infamous to dispute a Policy without clear cause, a
            litigious Man should not be admitted. Disputes of this Kind were too common formerly, as
            I know to my vexation tho’ to my Profit—
          There is no better prospect here, & I wish I could say
            there was from Barbery. The Agents are gone but I have not so much confidence as I wish
            in the Man who is destined for Algiers
          I never saw him, & if I had heard of him before he went
            what has been told me since he should never have had my Consent to go. But he came from
            Congress & how could we do otherwise? I have less confidence still in the Sum we
            are to offer, as presents, But we shall learn what is indispensable. In the mean time
            the Alarm is much too great in America The Chance of capture is very little and the Men
            if taken must & will be redeemed, & that very Soon
          I am—

              J. A


Title: James Bowdoin to John Adams, 18 Feb. 1786
From: Bowdoin, James
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Boston

              Feby. 18. 1786

          As I understand it is the wish of Doctor Spooner to be introduced
            to you before his return to Boston, he will, as I presume, have an opportunity of
            delivering to your Excellency this Letter for that purpose.
          The Doctor was graduated at Harvard in 1778; and Some time after
            went to Edinburgh, to qualify himself as a physician: where he received the medical
            honours of that University.
          Mr. Spooner before his departure had
            the character of a sensible worthy young Gentleman; and has, as I am
            informed, supported that character Since. I therefore take the liberty of recommending
            him to Your friendship; and have y[thorn sign]e honour to be
            with great esteem / Sir Yr Excy’s[expansion sign] most
              obedt. hble Servt

                James Bowdoin

          PS—Being desirous of Govr. Bowdoin’s
            Opinion, Respecting my Demand on Government I have shewn him my Letters address’d to you
            on the Subject, and he is kind enough to give you his Sentiments as follow—
          Sr. Doctr.
            Bulfinch has communicated to me [the] two Letters address’d to you, and I cannot but
            think [tha]t the Distinction he has made in the Letter of this Date, Respecting his
            Demand is juste, and merits Attention it appearing evident to me, that, his, must be a
              esteemed bona fide Debt and operate accordingly—
          I have the honour to be with great regard, Sir / Yr
            Excy’s[expansion sign] most obedt. hble servt.

              James Bowdoin


Title: Thomas Bulfinch to John Adams, 18 Feb. 1786
From: Bulfinch, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Sr

              Feby 18th.. 1786—

          The forgoing is Copy of what I wrote you P Lyde, since which Govr. Bowdoin has favor’d me with the Doings of Congress,
            relative to the Above, and am happy to find they have referr’d the Conduct of the whole
            Affair to You, upon which I cannot but observe, that the Circumstances of my Demand are
            widely different from those of the other Gentlemen; as mine is an acknowledged Debt from
            the British Government for Goods taken in Decr. 1775. for
            the express Use & Benefit of their Army—And the Demand from the other Gentn. for Goods taken from them in March 1776. just before the
            Execution of the Town, and for no express purpose, but to prevent their falling into the
            hands of their suppos’d Enemies—I must therefore pray your Attention to these
            particulars, and urge the Payment of my Debt agreable to the fourth Article of the
            Treaty of Peace—I am Sr. with every Sentiment of Esteem
            & respect / Your most obedient & very humble Servant

              Thomas Bulfinch—


Title: John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 20 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

              Sir.

              Grosvenor Square Westminster

               Feby. 20th 1706.

          At the request of Mr. Bridgen I have
            the honour to inclose to you his letter to the Governor of North Carolina and his letter
            to me of the 14th. Inst.
          As Mr. Bridgen desires some Certificate
            from me, I am happy to say that from his Universal Reputation and from all I have ever
            known of him, he has uniformly been an advocate for America; and the friend of her
            principals and Cause as your Excellency has a longer and More particular
            Acquaintance with him, I dare say your Certificate will be more ample in his favour.
          With great respect I have / the honour to be your / most Obedient
            and / most Humble servt.

              John Adams.


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 20 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               Feb. 20. 1786

          Yesterday the Tripolitan Ambassador Sent a Message by a Doctor
            Benamor, an English Jew most probably, who has formerly resided in Barbary, and Speaks
            the Arabic Language as well as the Italian and Lingua Franca, to inform me, that he
            wished to return his Visit, in the Same friendly and respectfull manner, and that as he
            had much at heart a Treaty between the Barbary and American States, he wished it might
            be soon. It was agreed that he Should be received at noon.
          At twelve His Excellency came in Ceremony, accompanied with his
            Secretary, and Benamor for an Interpreter, “whom he had chosen in Preference to the
            Interpreter assigned him by the Court, because he was sorry to See, that this nation was
            not so Steady in its Friendship to America as the French. The French Consul at Tripoli
            congratulated him upon his Appointment and hoped he would meet in England with a
            Minister with whom he might make a Treaty of Peace with America: but he was Sorry to Say
            he found here much Ill Will to the Americans and a Desire to prevent him from Seeing the
            American Minister,. For this Reason he would have nothing to do with the Court
            Interpreter. It was the delight of his soul and the whole pleasure of his Life to do
            good: and he was zealous to embrace an opportunity which now presented itself, of doing
            a great deal. The Time was critical, and the sooner Peace were made the better for from
            what passed before he left home, he was convinced if the Treaty should be delayed
            another year, it would after that, be difficult to make it. If any considerable Number
            of Vessells and Prisoners Should be taken, it would be hard to perswade the Turks
            especially the Algerines to desist. a War between Christian and Christian was mild and
            Prisoners on either Side were treated with Humanity: but a War between Turk and
            Christian was horrible, and Prisoners were Sold into Slavery. Although he was himself a
            Mussulman he must Still say he thought it a very rigid Law, but as he could not alter
            it, he was desirous of preventing its operation, or at least of Softening it, as far as
            his Influence extended.” The Algerines were the most difficult to treat. They were eager
            for Prizes, and had now more and larger ships than usual. if an Application should be
            made first to Algiers they would refuse: but when once a Treaty was made by Tripoli or
            any one of the barbary States, they would follow the Example. There was Such an intimate
            Connection between ally that when one made Peace, the rest followed. Algiers had refused
            to treat with Spain, in defyance of all her Armaments, untill Tripoli interposed, "and
            then they relaxed at once. He called God to Witness, that is to say, he swore by his
            Beard, which is a Sacred Oath with them, that his Motive to this Earnestness for Peace,
            although it might be of some benefit to himself, was the Desire of doing good.”
          When he was informed that Congress had received some friendly
            Letters from the Emperor of Morocco, and that an Agent was gone to treat with his
            Majesty, “he rejoiced to hear it and doubted not that the Agent would Succeed, as the
            Emperor was a Man of extensive Views, and much disposed to promote the Commerce of his
            subjects.” As it was now apparent that his principal Business here was to treat with the United States, and
            that no Harm could be done by dealing frankly with him, the Commission of Congress to
            treat with Tripoli was shown him, as well as those to Morocco, Algiers and Tunis. He
            “was rejoiced to See them, and although he could not answer for Algiers, he would
            undertake for Tunis and Tripoli, and he would write in favour of any Person Who might be
            sent or go with him in Person to assist in the completion of Peace with all the States
            of Barbary, which was more than he had ever before Said to any Ambassador or Minister in
            Europe.” It was then proposed that His Excellency should mention the Terms which he
            might think proper to propose, but he "desired to be excused, at present, and that
            tomorrow Evening at his House he might have an Opportunity of explaining himself more
            particularly." This was agreed to.—
          It was then observed, that although America was an extensive
            Country the Inhabitants were few in Comparison with France, Spain and England, nor would
            their Wealth bear any Proportion to that of these Nations or of Holland; that We were
            just emerged from the Calamities of War, and had as yet few ships at Sea, especially in
            the Mediterranean, so that the Barbary Corsairs could not expect to make any
            considerable Number of Prizes. “God forbid, was his reply that I should consider America
            upon a Footing at present, in Point of Wealth with these nations. I know very well that
            she has but lately concluded a War which must have laid Waste their Territories, and I
            would rather wish to leave to her own Generosity, the Compliments to be made upon the
            Occasion, than Stipulate any Thing precisely.”
          This Man is either a consummate Politician in Art and Address, or
            he is a benevolent and wise Man. Time will discover whether he disguises an interested
            Character, or is indeed the Philosopher he pretends to be. if he is the 1atter
            Providence Seems to have opened to us an Opportunity of conducting this thorny Business
            to an happy Conclusion. Col Smith will go to Paris to communicate the whole to Mr Jefferson and intreat him to come over to London in order to
            finish as much as possible of it, immediately, and to agree with the Portuguese Minister
            at the Sametime. MrJefferson has long projected a Visit to
            England, and this will be a good Opportunity. No Notice will be taken of it, publickly
            in America, and his real Errand will be concealed from the Public here.
          If the Sum limited by Congress Should be insufficient We Shall be
            embarrassed, and indeed a larger sum could not be commanded unless a new Loan shouId be
            opened in Holland. I doubt not a Million of Guilders might be obtained there, upon the
            Same terms with the last two Millions. This would enable Congress to pay their Interest
            in Europe and to pay the French officers, who are uneasy.
          With great Respect, and Esteem, / I have the Honour to be, Sir your
            most obedient and /most humble servant

              John Adams.—


Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 21 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               Feb. 21. 1786.

          I have desired Colonel Smith to go Express to Paris, to
            intreat you to come here without loss of Time. The Portuguese Minister has received his
            Instructions from his Court, and we may here together conduct and finish the Negotiation
            with him, I suppose in three Weeks. But there is another Motive more Important. There is
            here a Tripolitan Ambassador with whom I have had three Conferences,, the Substance of
            what passed Colonel Smith will explain to You.—Your Visit here will be imputed to
            Curiosity to take a Look at England and pay your Respect at Court and to the Corps
            Diplomatick. There is nothing to be done in Europe, of half the Importance of this, and
            I dare not communicate to Congress what has passed without your Concurrence. What has
            been already done and expended will be absolutely thrown away and We shall be involved
            in a universal and horrible War with these Barbary states, which will continue for many
            Years, unless more is done immediately. I am so impressed and distressed with this
            affair that I will go to New York or to Algiers or first to one and then to the other,
            if you think it necessary, rather than it should not be brought to a Conclusion.
            Somebody must go to N York, one of Us, or Humphries or Smith in order to perswade
            Congress of the Necessity of doing more. Then somebody must go to Holland to obtain the
            means, and then somebody perhaps to Algiers to make Use of them. The Tripolitan might be
            perswaded to go with him. I refer you to the Bearer for all other Particulars, and have
            the Honour to be, with / great Esteem your Friend

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to Mathew Robinson Jr., 21 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Robinson, Mathew, Jr.

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              Feb 21st. 1786.

          My Friend Dr Price has kindly permitted
            me to read his Letter and to inclose mine with it—
          before the Commencement of Hostilities in America a Pamphlet was
            presented to me at Boston in your Name, which I read with more pleasure than I ever
            received from any other. it was intituled Considerations on the Measures Carrying on
            &c—it has been a Constant Scource of Astonishment to me that a Nation after the
            Publication of a Pamphlet Containing Views of their Empire so Comprehensive and
            Clear—and pointing out Consequences so obvious and Certain could support a Ministry in
            the Prosecution of a War. the Whole History of Which has been but a simple Relation of
            the Accomplishment of your Prophecies—
          I read the Address to the Landed trading and funded Interests of
            England which appeard to me to be Demonstration as Clear, as the Considerations but
            recollecting the little Attention which was given to the latter, I trembled least the
            former should be equally ineffectual
          I cannot but observe however that you have in a great measure
            overlookd the U–states of America and Dr Price in his Letter
            has not mentioned them—you may Possibly upon further reflection see Reasons to beleive
            that this Nation is now pursueing as Absurd a system towards America as it was when you
            wrote your Considerations and that the Consequences may even be more fatal to your
            Country Permit me to suggest to your Consideration whether it would not be wise to begin
            with the United states and open all the Ports of the British Empire to them in return
            for their opening theirs to the British! This alone would be such an Extension of the
            Commerce and Revenue of this Country as is not at Present Comprehended by Administration
            or opposition and would have greater Influence upon its Political Interest than perhaps
            even you Sir are aware of—
          Accept my thanks for the Entertainment you have given me and
            beleive me to be / with great respect Yours


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

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              Feb. 22. 1786

          On Monday Evening another Conference was held with the Tripolitan
            Ambassador, attended with his Interpreter Benamor, who is a decent Man, and very ready
            in the English as well as Arabick and Italian. The Foreign Ministers here Say it is the
            Custom of all the Ambassadors from Barbary to be much connected with Jews to whom they
            are commonly recommended. It may be Supposed the Jews have interested Motives, and
            therefore allthough their Interference cannot be avoided, they ought to be Objects of
            Jealousy. Benamor soon betrayed Proofs enough, that he had no aversion to the
            Ambassadors obtaining large Terms.
          The Ambassador who is known to many of the foreign
            Ministers here is universally well Spoken of.
          When he began to explain himself concerning his Demands, he Said
            “they would be different, according to the Duration of the Treaty. if that were
            perpetual, they would be greater, if for a Term of years less. His Advice was that it
            should be perpetual. Once Signed by the Bashaw, Dey and other Officers, it would be
            indissoluble and binding forever upon all their Successors. but if a temporary Treaty
            were made, it might be difficult and expensive to revive it. for a perpetual Treaty,
            Such as they had now with Spain, a sum of Thirty Thousand Guineas must be paid, upon the
            Delivery of the Articles Signed by the Dey and other Officers. if it were agreed to he
            would Send his Secretary by Land to Marseilles, and from thence by Water to Tripoli, who
            should bring it back by the Same rout Signed by the Dey &c. He had proposed so
            Small a sum, in Consideration of the Circumstances, but declared it was not half of what
            had been lately paid them by Spain. if We chose to treat upon a different Plan, He would
            make a Treaty perpetual, upon the Payment of Twelve Thousand five hundred Guineas for
            the first Year and three Thousand Guineas annually untill the Thirty thousand
            Guineas were paid.” It was observed that these were large sums, and vastly beyond
            Expectation but his Excellency Answered, that they never made a Treaty for less. Upon
            the arrival of a Prize, the Dey and the other officers were entituled by their Laws to
            large shares, by which they might make greater Profits than these Sums amounted to,
            & they never would give up this Advantage for less.
          He was told that altho there was a Full Power to treat the American
            Ministers were limited to a much smaller sum So that it would be impossible, to do any
            Thing untill We could write to Congress and know their Pleasure. Col Smith was present
            at this as he had been at the last Conference And agreed to go to Paris to communicate
            all to Mr Jefferson and perswade him to come here, that We
            may join in further Conferences and transmit the Result to Congress. The Ambassador
            believed that Tunis & Morocco would treat upon the Same terms, but could not
            answer for Algiers. They would demand more. When Mr
            Jefferson arrives We shall insist upon knowing the Ultimatum and transmit it to
            Congress.
          Congress will perceive that one hundred and Twenty Thousand Guineas
            will be indispensible, to conclude with the four Powers at this Rate, besides a Present
            to the Ambassadors, and other incidental Charges. besides this a Present of five hundred
            Guineas is made upon the Arrival of a Consul in each state. No Man wishes more fervently
            that the expence could be less, but the Fact cannot be altered and the Truth ought not
            to be conceal’d.
          It may be reasonably concluded, that this great Affair cannot be
            finished, for much less than two hundred Thousand Pounds sterling.—There is
            no Place in Europe or America where Congress can obtain such a sum, but in Holland.
            Perhaps a loan for two Millions of Guilders might be filled in Amsterdam upon the terms
            of the last.
          If it is not done, this War will cost Us more Millions of sterling
            Money in a short time. besides the miserable Depression of the Reputation of the United States and the cruel
            Embarrassment of all our Commerce, and the intollerable Burthen of Insurance, added to
            the Cries of our Countrymen in Captivity.
          The probable Success of Mr Barclay and
              Mr Lamb, need not be pointed out.
          If a perpetual Peace were made with those states the Character of
            the United States would instantly rise, all over the World, our Commerce and Navigation
            and Fisheries would extend into the Mediterranean, to Spain & Portugal, France
            and England. The AdditionaI Profits would richly repay the Interest, and our Credit
            would be adequate to all our Wants.
          Col Smith is gone to Paris; he departed Yesterday. By the Sixth
            Article of the Confederation “No State, without the Consent of the United States in
            Congress assembled Shall Send any Embassy to or receive any Embassy from, or enter into
            any Conference, Agreement, Alliance or Treaty with any King, Prince or state”. All the
            States are so deeply interested in this Case, that Surely no Seperate State can have
            Occasion to move for the Consent of Congress upon this Occasion, but if unexpectedly
            Congress should not agree to treat, there are Several States in the Union So deeply
            interested in Navigation that it would richly compensate each of them, to go to the
            whole Extent of two hundred Thousand Pounds to Obtain Peace. Nevertheless a Single State
            might obtain Peace and Security for its ships at a much cheaper rate.
          With great and sincere Esteem I have / the Honour to be, Sir your
            most / obedient and most humble servant

              John Adams