Title: To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 23 January 1786
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir,
      Amsterdam, 23. January 1786.

     I have just been honored with your Excellency’s favor of 15 ulto., & am extremely obliged to you for your discussions on the several topics therein mentioned. As to News-papers, I beg leave to transcribe for your perusal the conclusion of a paragraph, which Marquis de la Fayette, to contradict a false assertion in which he had been named, sent to several Gazeteers in various parts of Europe, & was by them faithfully inserted. “C’est une occasion d’avertir Messrs: les Gazetiers Europeens que toutes les lamentations qu’ils reçoivent sur la pretenduë Anarchie, corruption, et détrêsse des Américains, n’ont en général d’autre but que de combattre à couvert les États Unis, les idées de liberté, et surtout l’esprit d’Emigration.”
     The publishing of such a paragraph, and others which at different times have been sent to several printers by Mr. Jefferson or myself, show most clearly that the printers are not all bribed, or controuled by the Govts. the live under, at least on affairs relative to America. Some of them are; but that being Known, they are not much credited. The harm is done by those who, although they would be glad to furnish their readers with true American accounts, are obliged to copy them from english papers, for want of a better information. Even the great Republican Luzac has found it necessary to do the same, not to appear negligent or partial in our favor, ’though he did not credit himself such things as his business, or rather his duty as a gazeteer, obliged him to insert in his gazette. There is no comparison, in the inducements to publish falsities to our disadvantage, between the English printers, & those of other Countries. Selfishness in that Country is now, & has been for some time past, beyond conception. Were they not to humour their people with the constant abuse of other Nations, & the puffing of their own, they would not sell a third part of their papers. In the abuse of America they have several other motives to feed the national pride with. Their people must be flattered, & the rest of the World prejudiced with notions,

that the loss of America has been a blessing for Great-britain. Mean while they view with envy & jealousy our future consequence & grandeur, & feel most bitterly the idea that every degree of honor & importance we shall acquire, will be a reflection on them. They are animated by the spirit of revenge, & cannot pardon us the most noble & confortable acquisition of the true character of Citizens, while they remain subjects. All these inducements center within the narrow limits of that Island, unless they descend down-right to Hell, or go to Nova-Scotia, which is nearly the same; they do not certainly cross the Channel or the Baltic. And even in regard to the general one, which is to prevent emigration, they are much more interested in it then other Nations for 3. great reasons. 1o. Their natural pride is infinitely more hurt by it, on account of their constantly extolling to the Sky the pretended happiness of living under the blessings of their thick foggs. 2o. The danger of their people removing to America is much greater, because they are better acquainted with it than others, besides their amazing advantage on account of the similarity of language & manners. 3o. And the loss of Inhabitants to them is more hurtful than it is to other Nations, their Country being the least prolific I Know of in the production of animals of our specie. As to the propriety of laying out money to contradict the false assertions of our Enemies, I will only beg leave to observe, that, when sanctified by the silence of the party injured, they certainly are much more apt to fix the stigma; that the pains I took to contradict falsehood, & to bring truth to light, while I was in Europe before, were not intirely lost; that national honor is one of the most noble conforts to the feelings of a good Citizen; & that it contributes not a little to promote, through various channels, even that interest which is too often the only object of a wretched policy.
     National honor has been my first inducement to undertake the confutation of the mistakes, follies, indiscretions, & falsities of certain writers; adding to it some observations for the consideration of our Countrymen. I had already thought of Paw & Buffon, whom you are pleased to mention as proper objects in your Kind letter to me. As to Paw, I am very short with him; I only say that the World is obliged to him for a performance of a very singular nature, & (as far as I Know) the only one existing in the World; that is a collection of falsities sufficient to fill up 3. vol., for every one of which he has some authority, taken however from the clear fountains of Newspapers & ignorant travellors. As to Buffon, who has been unwillingly induced into error, chiefly by the said Paw, I shall refer my reader to

the Annotations on the State of Virginia, wherein Mr. Jefferson has confuted him most masterly & completely. I will prove that Abbé Raynal is a wilful lyer; & as to Mably, I have already brought to a geometrical demonstration his ignorance of our Constitutions & Codes of Laws, his mad prosumption as a Legislator, his false reasoning, his constant contradictions, & partly his dogmatical insolent pedantry. I say partly, because it is not in the power of man to say enough of it. You are pleased to observe to me, that he was an honest & independent man. For my part, I have no business with the man; my object is his book, which has contributed much more than all other writings put together to sanctify all the lies which have been spread to our disadvantage, & especially in regard to our pretended Anarchy & confusion. His wrong observations & false reflections on our Constitutions, founded on his ignorance or inexcusable inattention, are sufficient to make the World believe that we must really be in a dreadful situation; especially as he has been supposed (from his indiscretion) to be rather partial in our favor. His affected declarations of zeal for our prosperity, only intended to cast a veil on his unbounded vanity, are provoking to me. I Knew him well; & his obstinate refusal to contradict that impudent reflection on the United States, that he had been applied to by them to write our Constitutional Laws, would have been more than sufficient to make him Known to me, had I been in want of it. As to what he says in point of frugality, honesty, &c., I don’t conceive that it can be of any service in America to read, in a stupid book of a french Abby, those things which every good father tells his children with more grace, in a better stile, & with some good reasons to support his arguments, which the Abby does not, either because he was not able, or because he disdained to perform any office below that of a Dictator. As to the propriety, or rather necessity of making Laws tending to the encouragement of virtue & the banishment of vice, I don’t conceive that the opinion of a pedant can corroborate those sentiments, which are so nobly & clearly expressed in our Declaration of Rights. Had he offered some good reasons for it, the case would have been different. But how could he the poor fellow! his head having never contained any thing more than confused & undigested ideas. He proves nothing, & teaches nothing; if we except a few wrong, silly, & overbearing principles of Govt. The stile is the only thing of his writings, that may be of some service in certain diseases, as it operates quicker than Laudanum. I defy the whole Corps of his friends to point out, in any one of his works, a single good thought of his own,

or any matter whatever properly discussed & thoroughly digested. Let them come on if they dare; I shall meet them on a safe ground; I am certain of the justice of my cause, & am writing in a language in which I can make myself understood. So much the better, you will say, reflecting on my insufficiency whenever I write in this.
     I sincerely thank you, Sir, for the pains you have taken after the paper I am in want of, to exhibit to the World, for our honor & to the confusion of the British Merchants, the monstruous difference in their expressions at that time & the present. Should you succeed to find it, I would still be much obliged to you for it. As to the other points, they are not of much consequence.
     Would be much obliged to you, Sir, for your opinion on my little essay on sumptuary laws; & desiring my most hearty & respectful compliments to Mrs. Adams, I wish you will be so good as to tell her, that whatever you do, or can write to me in regard to your sentiments & feelings for that Lady, cannot exceed what I had conceived from your countenance, more than from your expression in our conversations under the trees of the Tuelleries. Please to tell her likewise that, although I begin to be old, I hope I shall one day or other have the honor to pay her my respects personally in Boston, & that to enjoy that satisfaction I would go almost any where, except Great-britain or Nova-Scotia.
     Please to direct your favors for me to Mr. Jefferson, as usual, & to believe me most sincerely, / Dear Sir, / your Excelly.’s most Obedient. Humb. Ser.

      Philip Mazzei.


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 26 January 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Samuel

      Dear Sir
      Grosvenor Square Jan. 26. 1786

     Give me Leave to introduce to you, Mr Anstey a Member of Parliament and Barrister at Law, who is Sent out by the Commissioners of American Claims to verify Facts, Such as Titles to Estates, Incumbrances upon them &c.
     The House of Commons Yesterday ordered an Account of Vessells

cleared out for the Importation of Flour Biscuit and Live Stock from the U States into any of the Islands of Newfoundland &c and also an Account of all Flour &c imported into any of the Islands in Newfoundland, between the 10th. Jan. 1784. and the 10. Jan. 1785.
     Whether this portends good or evil, time will discover.
     The Debates in Parliament have taken an unusual Turn to foreign Policks and the relative Situation of Great Britain. if this subject Should be fully considered they will discover, that it is of some importance to know the situation of Great Britain relatively to the U. States of America.— it would not be extravagant to Say, that they may hereafter find it in the Power of Congress to turn the Ballance and decide their Fate. Congress has hitherto been studiously kept out of Sight, by the K. Ministry and Opposition. They are afraid of raising in American Minds Ideas of their Importance. Russia, Denmark and England would not form a Ballance to Bourbon and Holland, if Congress should be joined. indeed if the U. states should be neutral the Ballance would not be exact.— In my humble Opinion We must be neutral or join the French and Dutch.
     Opinions are very Sanguine that this Country can support their Credit, without a very fair Commerce with Us. There is nothing then remaining, but foreign Politicks and the Ballance of Power, to persuade them to give Us Satisfaction. They generally consider Us, as already in the Scale of Bourbon, and it is not easy to convince them that We are not. I have endeavoured to convince them that Neutrality is in our Power, but with little Success. inded they really do not think Us of much Consequence. We have no Navy: and are Aukward in Uniting in any Thing. some of them indeed agree that We shall grow, both in Union Dignity and Power. It is really of more moment to this Country, to Secure the Neutrality of the United States, than the Alliance of Russia, and the time will come when it will be seen and felt. But the Nation is too much inflamed and imbittered, to reflect coolly upon any Thing respecting America.
     Our Path is plain. We must make navigation Acts, and take care of ourselves, preserve our Neutrality as long as We can, and when We must part with it, get the best Price for it We can.— it is much to be desired that our Commerce with all other nations may be encreased, especially France & Holland, and lessened with England as much as possible, untill she shall put it on a more liberal Footing. The political Friendship too of France Spain and Holland Should be cultivated as much as possible without involving Us too far.
     With great Esteem and Affection yours

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from the Comte de Sarsfield, 26 January 1786
From: Sarsfield, Guy Claude, Comte de
To: Adams, John

      Dear friend
      Paris rue pot de fer 26 Jn 1786

     Je ne comptois pas avoir lhonneur de vous ecrire aussi tot après avoir recu une lettre de vous, Je ne veux pas mettre dans notre Correspondance une vivacité qui puisse Vous Etre incommode; n’ayez aucune inquietude, Je Serai mesuré et Je commencerois des aujourdhuy Sans une diable d’expression de Massachusets’ bay que

Je n’entens point. C’est celle de Rider of Hobby Horses. Expliquez la moy afin que Je Sache quelle est l’opinion que vous avez d’un homme qui est certainement autant ou plus de vos amis que Personne.
     Vous avez donc oublié ce que c’est que la vie de Paris et qu’on n’y a pas un moment a Soy. J’ay a peine eu le tems d’ecrire quelques Lettres depuis mon arrivée et celle cy ne seroit peut etre pas faite de huit Jours si Je n’etois pas rentré ce Soir pour L’ecrire avec plusieurs Autres. Il y en a qui me fachent. mes Paroissiens ont cassè une de leurs Cloches, Il en font faire une autre, Il faudra que Je la nomme parce qu’ils m’en prient et Il m’en Coutera 20 ou 25 Louis. pour rien Je m’en irois a Boston ou on ne baptise point les cloches—
     si vous aviez bien voulu l’essayer, Je Suis Sur que Vous auriez passè en trois heures comme moy et vous pourriez diner demain rue pot de fer avec Mr Jefferson, le Chv De la Luzerne et ma nièce. trouverez vous là Encore du Hobby Horse? Il y aura a la verité quelques bretons. Je vous Jure que Je ferois de tout mon Coeur un dîner avec King Brant; Je connois les Autres.
     tout ce que Je puis faire est detudier ma leçon pour cet eté car icy Je ne peux rien faire. Je ne Suis pas encore Sur de mon fait, mais Je crois que vous trouveriez par tout des nobles et des plebeiens. la Raison en est que les deux avantages qui mettent une difference entre les hommes, la force et l’esprit Sont plus hereditaires qu’il ne le qu’ils devroient l’etre. La force qui a acquis des richesses les fait passer a Ses successeurs et lesprit donne une Education qui manque aux autres. Vous aurez beau faire, l’autorité ne Sera Jamais que dans un petit nombre de familles. tout ce qu’on peut faire est d’empecher qu’elles ne ferment la porte sur elles.
     Quand les chevaux ont demonté leurs cavaliers, Ils courent comme des fols Sans Savoir ou Ils vont. le cordonnier, le tailleur, le md de Poisson, tous ces gens n’ont qu’un besoin, non plus que le Peuple des Campagnes, Police et Protection. Ils ne peuvent pas se les donner eux memes. Il faut des gens elevés pour les autres emplois comme Ceux cy l’ont eté pour les leurs.
     Adieu My dear friend mes Respects tres humbles a Madame et Mademoiselle Adams— / Je finis sans ceremonie et Sans Signer

     TRANSLATION

      Dear friend
      Paris, Rue du Pot de Fer, 26 January 1786

     I had not counted on having the honor of writing you so soon after receiving a letter from you. I do not wish to put on our correspondence an intensity that may be inconvenient to you. Have no fear, I will be prudent and I will begin today with a fiendish expression from Massachusetts Bay that I understand not a whit. It is “Rider of Hobby Horses.” Explain it to me so that I may know what opinion you have of a man who is certainly as much, if not more, of a friend to you than anyone.
     So you have forgotten what life is like in Paris and that one barely has a single moment to oneself. I hardly had time to write a handful of letters since my arrival and this one would not have been completed in less than eight days had I had not returned home this evening to write it with several others. There are people bothering me. My parishioners have broken one of their bells. They are getting another one made. I will have to name it because they insist on it and it will cost me 20 or 25 Louis. For nothing I would go to Boston where people do not christen bells.
     If you wanted to try, I am certain you could cross over in three hours like me and you could dine in Rue du Pot de Fer with Mr. Jefferson, the Chevalier de La Luzerne, and my niece. Do you find some hobby horse in that? There will be in fact a few Britons there. I swear that I would most willingly organize a dinner with King Brant; I know the others.
     All I can do is to study my lesson for this summer for I can do nothing here. I am not entirely sure yet, but I think you will find nobles and commoners everywhere. The reason is that the two advantages which differentiate men, strength and wit, are more hereditary than they ought to be. Strength that has acquired riches passes them on to its successors and wit provides an education lacking in others. Try as you might, authority will never reside but in a small number of families. All we can do is prevent them from closing the door on themselves.
     When horses throw their riders, they run like crazy without knowing where they are going. The cobbler, the tailor, the fishmonger, all of these people have but one need, and no more than country dwellers: police and protection. They cannot procure these for themselves. There must be eminent people to do other jobs just as they do theirs.
     Adieu my dear friend. My most humble respects to Mrs. and Miss Adams. I end without ceremony and without signing.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

      Dear Sir
      Grosvenor Square Jan. 28. 1786

     I have recd yours of the 12, but Yesterday, and wish it were in my Power to order the Interest due to the French Officers to be paid: but it is not.— They must remain unpaid, be the Consequence what it may untill Congress or the Board of Treasury order it. indeed, I dont know how your Subsistence & mine is to be paid after next month.— Mr Grand will be likely to advance yours, but from whence mine is to come I know not.
     I am clearly for treating with the Emperors Ambassador immediately, and even for the Netherlands only, although it would be better to extend it to all the rest of his Dominions.— Why will not the Prussian Treaty answer for the Model. I pray you to proceed in the Business, as fast as you please. Treaties commercial with the two Imperial Courts cannot possibly do Us any harm that I can conceive.
     This Letter goes by Mr Joy, whom I pray You to attend to a little. He wishes to go to the East Indies, with Views of promoting a Trade between the United States and that Country.
     in great Haste yours forever

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Nathaniel Barrett, 29 January 1786
From: Barrett, Nathaniel
To: Adams, John

      sir
      Paris Jany 29. 1786

     I have delayed for some Time writing to your Excellency, being desirous of compleating someg. of Importance.— I have now the pleasure of informing you, that I have contracted in my own Name, & in behalf of others in America, for Oil to the Amt of 400,000 Livres per annum, for 6 years, at a price which I think will answer, I have the Guarrantee of Mess Le Couteulx, for accepting 1/3 bills on purchase in America in Cash @ 90 60 Days & 2/3 Credit on

Manufactures on delivery of the Oil, for Goods, wherever I shall procure them
     These Gentlemen have not only promised me their support, during my Connection wth. them in this Business, but have enabled me to take one quarter of the Contract myself—
     As this Supply is only for Paris, & its Invirons, there will be an opening throughout the Kingdom for the Introduction, to all speculators. & I shall be so connected in the sea Ports, as to afford the support of Mess Le Couteulx, to any persons, who may send their Merchandize to any part of the Kingdom—
     The Marquis de la fayette has been indefatigable in this Business, & I doubt not We shall be able to obtain a Continuance of the same privellidges as are enjoyd by the Dutch, & hanse Towns— if the present Duties are raised on them, they will be on us—but Ministry do not incline absolutely to engage the Continuance for the Term of my Contract,—which will cease if the Duties are raised—
     It will afford me the highest pleasure, if through your Excellencys recommendation, some public mark of Approbation of the Marquis’ Conduct in this Matter, might be had from our Court—
     I shall sail for New York per the packet. a Letter from your Excellency per return of post will just reach me. I wish much for your Approbation of my Conduct— on my return, I shall sett down near this City, to be in the best situation, for return Cargoes to which I shall attend— Mr Le Couteulx house in Rouen will receive & deliver the Oil, to the person to whom I have sold it— As I found it impossible to form any Contract, without ascertaining my Securities on the other side the water, I was obligd to promise only 2 or 3 principal Merchants shd. be named—who might be responsible—& thout it best to make Contract for the Introduction of a certain Quantity even under this Limitation of the utmost Importance—especially as the Amount, could not intile it to be called a Monopoly, & it would be the means of a general Introduction of an Article of so much Consequence to us—
     Let me beg a Line from your Excellency in Answer to this, that I may have your opinion, whether I have acted right—
     As I would not wish to have this Matter made public, I have inform’d no one of the Contract I have made, but your Excelly to whom I thot it my Duty to be explicit—
     I have the honour to be with the most perfect Esteem, / Your Excellency’s / Most Obd & mo hl Servant

      Nat Barrett


Title: From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 31 January 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

      My dear Marquis—
      Grosvr. square Jany. 31. 1786—

     I send you by Mr. Joy, all the writings which have fallen in my way, against the slave trade— I mentioned your Desire to read, whatever you could find upon that subject to Mr. Granville sharp who requests your acceptance of what he has written upon that subject— you may not Know the Character of this Gentleman, He is the Grand son of the famous Archbishop sharp, very amiable & benevolent in his Disposition, and a voluminous writer, but as Zealously attached to Episcopacy & the Athenasian Creed as he is to vivil & religious Liberty—a mixture which in this Country is not common— By the late advises from America—Retaliation & navigation Acts are the words, every where but these retaliations will be confined to those nations who have no Commercial Treaties with us at least, if not to G. Britain alone, the massts. have alterd their act so as to make it unobjectionable to france & Holland, which I am very glad to hear— Rhode Island has made a navigation act against England as strong as those of Massachusetts & New Hampshire—
     Mr. Joy the Bearer of this I beg to introduce to you— He desires to go in a french ship to the East Indies, to promote the trade between the U. States & those Countries— His Father is a Refugee, but he is an American, and means Well as I believe to our Country, any assistance you may give him, will much oblige him.
     The Massachusetts have given a Bounty upon whale oil, white and brown sperma Cæti oil, as well as the Common train oil, which together with Boylstone’s successfull adventure and Barretts Contract will soon introduce a brisk trade between Boston and France, By the renovation of the newfoundland Bill you see the skill and Industry with which this Country is playing its Commerce into the hands of Your Nation, who I hope will not loose the oppertunity of taking advantage of it, by cultivating the trade in all its Branches— the present moment’s are precious—
     You see how things are going in the East Indies and if your Countrymen are as deep Politicians as I think them, they will invite the Americans to that Quarter by all means. last week a ship was

insured at Loyds Coffee House from Bengal to Rhode Island. The trade between the U. States and the East Indies is spreading fast— and all nations except the English are fond of encouraging it, for very obvious Reasons,
     The English only have any thing to loose, all the rest have something to gain by it.
     I am &c

      J. A—


Title: To John Adams from Rufus King, 1 February 1786
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      New York 1. Feb. 1786

     Seven States only have been represented in congress since October, of consequence very few questions of national importance have been under the examination of this Assembly— The meetings of the Legislatures have probably detained many of the Delegates, but it is expected, that Ten States will, within a short period, be represented—There is some ground to expect that several of the Southern States will do what is right on the subject of the commercial powers of congress— I inclose a Report made by the secretary, some weeks

Since in pursuance of an order of congress for that purpose— It explains itself, and will give you true information upon several very important points.
     New York & Georgia are delinquent states relative to the Revenue system— their Legislatures are both in Session, and it is greatly to be desired that they should comply with the impost plan, before they adjourn— Maryland will undoubtedly pass an act granting the impost conformable to the Recommendation of congress of the 18th. of April 1783.
     Their not having before passed such an Act, does not evidence any disinclination, because it is Known to have happened from a mistake—
     I shall do myself the Honor to write to you by a private hand, who leaves this City in a few weeks for London— the conveyance being secure I can then write with more freedom— Mr. Gerry is still here, although not in congress, he returns soon to massachusetts with a most amiable Wife, whom he has married here—
     With perfect respect & esteem I have the honor to be my Dear Sir your / most obedient servant

      Rufus King


Title: To John Adams from Charles Storer, 1 February 1786
From: Storer, Charles
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir,
      Boston. 1st. February. 1786.

     Enthusiasm is as necessary to the science of Politics as of Religion: without zeal in the Cause there can be no success— Such zeal was once conspicuous, and this enthusiasm has borne us hitherto through a difficult & dangerous war. But that it should now leave us, all at once, is disagreable—not more so, however, than apparently true— What can have become of this said public spirit I cannot say—but certain it is that People seem in a manner indifferent to what is going forward; or to speak more properly to what should be going forward— Several persons have I seen, since my return, who during the war were active & forward, that have asked me how public matters now stood— I answered that they were not altogether as they should be abroad—but that I hoped all was getting to rights at home— “Indeed, said they each, I know no more of our affairs than you— Since I left Congress, said one, I have not troubled my head with public matters— they are perplexing, difficult & disagreable”—Upon my word, Sir, I do not like these sentiments, particularly at this time, when matters are on so uncertain a footing— Every man, that can do it, should rise up & exert himself— every man’s help is wanted— But it is impossible to turn a stream untill a new Channel is actually cut, or ’till a Dam is made to block its course— That such an obstruction was put to our folly & to our political wickedness I most heartily wish— By political wickedness I mean that predilection, or rather that fearful respect & awe of Great-Britain, which is but too evident, & which is altogether incompatible with perfect independance— We are sadly cramped, Sir— Our foreign & domestic State debts are heavy, & we cannot yet agree upon a mode to discharge them, though many have been proposed— Add to this that our private debts are a grievous burden to us— We owe to Great-Britain, & therefore our hands are tied up from seeking other Commerce— Here are swarms of Englishmen among us whom we may look upon as so many Spies; & otherwise as enemies, for their politics have no similarity to ours.— These one would immediately say were sufficient damps to the fire of enthusiasm— You will say perhaps that untill we are oppressed—exertion is not required— Yet, Sir, when both mind & body are borne down the spirit must fail—However we have really seen worse days & have risen superior to them—& I cannot but hope that such measures will be pursued as

shall eventually produce order, harmony, prosperity & happiness among us.— Hope implies a degree of expectation, and I really expect some exertions will by & bye be made, on the principle of there being an absolute necessity for it— I am sure we are able to support, defend & protect ourselves; but such is our backwardness to perceive our true situation that it must be forced upon us— If this is the case, the sooner the better is my opinion.—
     Excuse this long preachment, Sir— I can only say I wish I had a subject to write upon that would give you more pleasure. Yet I am sure you are interested in the state of our Country, & on that score hope your forgiveness—
     I wrote you largly by Capn: Lyde, & forwarded sundry letters under cover with mine for you also— They were given in charge to a young Gent: who had lived with Dr: Tufts, so I trust you have recd. them safe e’er this— Since then I have a letter fm. Mr: Jay, who, speaking of Mr: Lambe, says, “As smoke to the eyes & as vinegar to the teeth, so is the Sluggard to him that sendeth him.”— His sentiments & yours used to correspond.—
     With every sentiment of esteem & respect I am, Sir, / Yr: much obliged, humle: Servt:

      Chas: Storer.

      PS. I am desired & have the honor to transmit you a vote of thanks fm. the Corporation of Harvard College to Mr: Nicholls, requesting your care of it.


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 2 February 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

      private
      Dear Sir
      New York 2 Feb. 1786

     I lately wrote you a few hasty Lines just as the vessel which carried them was departing; and enclosed a Pamphlet containing my Correspondence with a Mr Littlepage, who was formerly in my Family. The attack which produced that Pamphlet, was not only countenanced but stimulated by some of the Subjects of our good allies here. It is no Secret either to You or me that I am no favorite with them: nor have I any Reason to apprehend that they are pleased to see me in the Place I now fill. a minister whose Eye is single & steadily fixed on the Interest of america, must expect to be opposed by the unfriendly Influence of those whose wishes & measures he does not promote—
     I should have treated this attack with silent Contempt, had not false Facts been urged, propagated and impress with Industry & art, and which if not exposed and refuted, might have appeared after my Death in the Memoirs of some of these People.
     This Edition of that Pamphlet is so inaccurately printed, that I have directed another to be published, which when compleated Shall be sent to You, and Mr Jefferson—
     with great & sincere Esteem & Regard / I am Dear Sir / Your Friend & Servt

      John Jay—


Title: From John Adams to John Woddrop, 3 February 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Woddrop, John

      Sir.
      Grosvr. square Feby. 3. 1786—

     I have received the Letter you did me the honor to write to 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, nor 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 February 1786
From: Carmichael, William
To: American Commissioners

      Gentlemen
      Madrid 3d. Feby. 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 Ct. D Expilly whose friendship I cultivated had returned to Algiers long before Mr Lambs arrival and a Secretary whom he had dispatched from that Place after his return with Letters for the Minister had also sett off for Alicant. From these Gentlemen I had obtained an account of the State of the negotiation. The Principal articles proposed by Spain had been agreed to by the Dey and his Ministers; But as the Former wished to include the Courts of Naples and Portugal in the Pacification, the Ct de Florida Blanca had instructed the Ct. 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 Ct 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 Expillys negotiation, 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, and 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 with that and the Other Barbary States, & authorized me to inform Congress of the Kings intentions. Having received these Assurances I engaged the Ct D Expilly to prepare by every favorable insinuation the Deys Ministers & favorites to support any overtures 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 & 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 came to this Capital from the 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 Ct 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 Excellencys Letter, I wrote to the Undersecretary 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 recd from that Gentleman. on the Return of his Majesty to this Capital I procured an audience from the Minister to whom I communicated Mr Lambs 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 receive further Advice from Algiers it was impossible for him to take an open part in the negotiation and advised me to detain my Countrymen until the Court 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 Morrocco, with which he appeared much pleased & told me it should not be his fault, nor did he think it would be mine if Spain & 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 on which I had been Obliged to have recourse to him & I have since recd 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 Captn of the Injust & 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 received 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 recd the Letters he expected from Algiers—that until he received the Intelligence he expected he could not order the Ct D Expilly to employ the Kings Interference in our Affairs, repeating his former Assurances & hinting the Obstacles we must expect to encounter in this Negotiation, 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 Seigneur, as this circumstance occasioned Great Difficulties to Portugal in the Actual Negotiation. I intreated his Excellency to pardon my importunity and Anxiety on 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 accommodation still more difficult: I also urged the nature of Mr Lambs 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 Excellencys power to Afford him all the Assistance necessary to ensure the Success of his Mission. To these reflections 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 Ct de Florida Blanca replied that he acquiesced in my reasons for the Departure of Mr Lamb & repeated to me & 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 Accommodations[”] 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 Excy promised to send me. On My Return to this City from the Pardo I recd 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 recd. such information as might enable him to act openly in our favor, Altho 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 recd with respect to their negotiation previously. Your Excellencies will easily conceive that the first efforts of this court must be employed to procure a peace for those Nations to which they are allied by the tyes of Family connections, Engagements to which these Connections have given rise, & the mutual Aids which they have recd from these Nations during their late Operations against Algiers— However notwithstanding these considerations, I took the Liberty of reminding his Excellency the Ct 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 recd a reply of which No 5. is a copy as also a Letter to the Ct. de Assalto Captn General of Catalonia of which I also annex a Copy No: 6— as I do of the several Letters which I have recd from Algiers since the Arrival of Messrs. Lamb & Randall in Madrid—
     The Latter sett 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 instt. but as he travels post he will arrive at Barcelona Before the Gentlemen Abovementioned. I refer your Excellencies to the Acct these Gentlemen may render you of my Conduct in this

Business. I have procured Bills for Mr Lamb on Barcelona for the Amt of which he has drawn agreable to his Instructions. I have established a credit for whatever he may chuse to draw: I have given him Letters to the Ct. 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 those Gentlemen until his Departure from Barcelona renders it public.
     Having rendered to your Excellencies an Acct 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 negotiating at present between this Country & 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 their Treaty is concluded with Spain & Naples, They mean to declare war Agst. Denmark the Venetians & perhaps the Dutch— I shall not fail to inform you of all I can learn upon these points, Because these 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 expressions 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 Obedt. & Humble Sert

      Wm. Carmichael


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

      Copy.
      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: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 7 February 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 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, mr̃ Lyons, is a sensible worthy young physician, son of one of our Judges, and on his return to Virginia. remember me with affection to mr̃s & miss Adams, Colos. Smith & Humphreys and be assured of the esteem with which I am Dr. Sir / Your friend & servant

      Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Isaac Stephens, [7 February] 1786
From: Stephens, Isaac
To: Adams, John

       Sir
       algirs febry the 7th 179[6] [1786]

      Supposing Som one gentleman to be charged with the affairs of the united States of america in London I take the Liberty to write
      The Bearrer of this Letter Doctor warner his Brittanick Majestys Doctor in algirs and a gentleman that is able To give you any

intelligence That you may want as To the affairs in algirs and allso as to our mortifying State of Slavery and has bin the means of Saveing many of your Countrymen Lives and our only Doctor Since in algirs By order of Count D Espilly When he was in algirs and Had the Care of us for the Spaniards had Rather have a Dog in their hospitle then a prodestant & I Could wish for the honour of My Country that Doctor Warner might be justly Paid for he has Don the Christian Benevolent part to all the americans in algirs Nither would thay give us medicine without pay and Som has bin at Deaths Door and obliged to Leave the hospitle & Doctor warner has Taken them in hand and they are well and My Self has bin Two months under his Care for the Billious Dissorder But thank god im Better—
      if you Can give us any intelligence consarning our Redeemption I shuld be Exceeding glad Doctor warner is the English Doctor at algirs and will Soon Return again to algirs our pay has bin Stoped for five months on account that Mr Carmichael Could pay the money that the Spanish Consul had advanced we Have wrote Mr Carmichael Several Times on the Subject and No answer as yet which adds hunger to afflictions a Line from you will be Kindly acknowledged from your humle Servent

       Isaac Stephens

      Sir if you would be So good as to Extend your Charity a Little and Due me and your Countrymen a great favour in Sending me the history of america if old no matter and Som Late magazins By Doctor warner he will Bring them as we have No Books to amuse our Selves in this Calamitious Situation as we Expect to Stay in Slavery all our Life time as the Sum is So great an objict to our Country
      god Bless the foederal States of america

       per Stephens


Title: From John Adams to David Humphreys, 8 February 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: From John Adams to Rufus King, 14 February 1786
From: Adams, John
To: King, Rufus

      Dear Sir
      Grosvenor Square Feb. 14. 1786

     I have inclosed to Mr Ramsay an Address to the landed trading and funded Interests of England, which contains Some good Sense, intermixed here and there with a little Folly. Mr. Ramsay will be so good as to let you read it and in return you may let him read the inclosed Principle of the Commutation Act. As the Commerce of the United States begins to run to the East Indies, every Thing which may affect it in that Branch, will be interesting to you.
     The Revival of the Newfoundland Act, which will, I suppose be followed by that of the American Intercourse Act, will Shew you, that the Ministry persevere in the system adopted at the Peace, Yet

without any decided Resolution to avow it for Perpetuity or any long Duration. It is nevertheless, too probable that they will make it perpetual the next Year or the year after, if the Proceedings of our States do not discourage them.
     It is agreed on all hands that there is a Surplus of Revenue. The Sum is not yet known. and it by no means follows that there will be a Surplus next Year. Several Causes have this Year cooperated to increase the Taxes, some of which will not exist another Year. E. G. The French Comtroller General Mr De Calonne, last Year sent seven hundred and Fifty Thousand Pounds to England chifly in Gold to pay for a Quantity of Bullion he bought in Spain and Portugal, to coin in France. This has sett many Wheels in motion, and by employing many People enabled them to live and pay Duties.— Many sums of Money too have come from America, which I presume cannot at least I hope will not be sent the next.— Yet there are great Complaints of the scarcity of Money.
     The United States have nothing to do, but go on with their navigation Acts, their Bounties and Duties. if these Measures Should not induce the British Court to do as We wish; they will bring their own reward. It is by a Sagacious Use of Bounties, Draw backs, Prohibitions and Duties that the commerce of the British Empire has become what it is. They will have the same Effects upon Ours, if imitated by Us.— Why should not Bounties be given upon Iron manufactured in the United States, and Duties laid upon all imported? There are innumerable other Articles, which might be thus protected by Duties laid upon Importations and by Bounties upon the Manufacture.
     If the present Bounty on Oil is not sufficient, I hope it will be doubled or tripled; so as decidedly to ruin the British Fishery, Since they are for Tryals of skill. a Markett may certainly be found in France Spain and Ireland: but if it could not, I would be for increasing the Bounty untill We could clearly under Sell the English in the City of London. at the Same time some measures should be taken to draw home our own Whaling Captains and Endsmen and Oarsmen.
     It is the Opinion of the Foresighted that Grain will be in Demand in Europe next Summer, because the Crops in Poland not only failed the last Harvest, but what is more important the seedtime was so wett, as to give a melancholly Prospect for the next Year. This I had from Mr De Bukaty the Polish Envoy a few days ago. I am sir / with great regard your humble / servant

      John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Jackson, 15 February 1786
From: Jackson, Jonathan
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Boston 15 Feby 1786—

     I had your very agreeable Letter of the 1st. Octobr in course after it’s date, which I have not before acknowledged nor the very obliging Note from Miss Adams accompanying it— you will please for me & Mr Tracy to thank that Lady for her kind Enquiries & good Wishes espressed for us & our families & to return their & our affectionate Compliments to Mrs. & Miss Adams— I hope that the Ladies enjoy the Air & Society in which they are placed—that they have Health & Peace of Mind—
     I wrote to you in Octr & then took the Liberty to introduce to your Acquaintance Mr Escott & his Partners, who were a Society with which I enjoyed as much real Sociability, & by whom I was treated with as much Hospitality as by any persons while abroad— if agreeable to you I hope that an Acquaintance is commenced between you & that you find them as I described them—
     Mr Parkinson is a Man of Information & Ingenuity— Had I been sure that to your Ladies it would have been agreeable, I should have proposed to Mrs. Reed an Acquaintance with them, tho’ mine with

her would perhaps scarcely authorize it— she is a Lady I got quite attached to for her very pleasing & agreeable manners— she is more of a domestic Woman than the fine Ladies of England commonly are, & was she & your Ladies to slide into an easy Acquaintance with each other I think they would both be pleased & enjoy it—
     I am writing to Mr Escott by this Conveyance & again meddling with what perhaps is impertinent— I have hinted to him my Wish that your Ladies & Mrs Reed should be brõt to Know each other—if my Interference should be construed by either of you to be impertinent, you will attribute it I hope to a well intentioned Zeal that others should enjoy like pleasures as I have—
     My Partner Mr Higginson wrote to you by one of the last Ships & anticipated every thing I could furnish you in the political Line & with much more Perspicuity & Method—
     I wish more than I expect to hear of a speedy & agreeable Termination of the Pursuits committed to your Charge, both with the Country you are placed in, & with the States of Barbary—
     By the time you return you will be practised I imagine in the Arts of defence, & get accustomed to the Attack of Scribblers & Party-Men, & with perfect Composure will be able to meet the most impudent unfounded Assertions— even Kings in the Country you are in must learn to live easy under these or not to be easy at all— in this respect it is an extraordinary people— while I was in their Country I never heard of but one person of importance enough to attack & vilify that had escaped the Arrows of Detraction—& that was said to be their present Queen, indeed it was once attempted on her but an universal Disapprobation of it had discouraged a Renewal— from all that was said of her I was led to think her a valuable domestic Character— indeed it was generally said that she had the Discretion never to meddle with their Politics, which if true is much in her favour, & a rare instance I believe in the Courts of Europe—
     When you have Leisure my good Sir your Communications upon any Subject you may think worthy your pen will always be most agreeable to me— I have very seldom seen your Son since his Arrival— I am told that he is a very hard & close Student & confines himself to Haverhill almost entirely at present—
     If you meet Doctr Price & Mr Benja Vaughan at any time you will oblige me to present them with my respectfull Compliments—
     With great respect & esteem / I am dear Sir / your friend & most obedt Servt

      Jona Jackson


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 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, in which, you know I have Small Pretensions. 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 a few French Words which 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 in two Pipes ready filled and lighted; the longest, was offered to 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 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, Monsiour 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 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 souvereigns 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 was as 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. But that 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 of 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: To John Adams from Paul R. Randall, 17 February 1786
From: Randall, Paul R.
To: Adams, John

       Barcelona. February 17th 1786.

      I should have paid the highest Respect to your Excellency’s Injunction of writing by every safe Opportunity—but that I conceived such Information, as I could have communicated hitherto, would have been only a Reiteration of Mr Carmichaels Letters.— At present,—as Mr. Lamb does not write,—nor has directed me thereto,—I think it my Duty to manifest an early Disposition of complying in every Respect with your Excellency’s Direction.
      On the tenth instant we arrived here after an expeditious Journey from Madrid, and on the next Morning presented a Letter of Recommendation from the Count De Florida-blanca to the Captain General of this Province to forward Mr Lamb in everything expedient for his Embarkation for Algiers Mr. Lamb applying to the Captain General for Leave to extract the £2,000 Stg.—being his last Draught, and which your Excellency we trust is advised of.— the

Captain Gen1. replied, that it was not within his Department to grant the License, and refered Mr. Lamb to the Intendant, who likewise refused:— notwithstanding which—I believe Mr Lamb upon the Explanation of his Business to the proper Officers, superintending this Branch of the Revenue is in Hopes of obtaining a Dispensation—and Permission to effect the same.— The Business remaining in this Dilemma is a unfortunate period for me to address your Excellency— however, as Mr Lamb thinks his Expectations pretty well grounded, I conceive it my indispensable duty to mention the Situation of these Affairs—altho’ a few Days or even Hours may make a considerable Alteration in them. The advanced Season renders it very embarrassing to await the express Authority of the Court for effectuating that Design,—so that the present Course of the Business is deemed the most expedient.
      It may be impertinent in me to offer any Conjectures on the Propriety of proceeding immediately to Algiers and making a Dependance on the Count d’Expilly—who has endeavored to convince Mr Carmichael, that his utmost Exertions shall in no wise be wanting to assist this Negotiation; more especially as Mr Lamb is hourly expecting to accomplish his purpose here.
      Mr. Harrison who is Bearer of this Letter is as perfectly acquainted with the progress already made in every Respect during our Residence in Madrid—and the little Continuance here, as I myself am— as well as the Counsels and Designs which have been agitated relative to Mr Lamb’s Mission— to him therefore I refer your Excellency, in the highest Confidence on his Judgment & discretion—as the particular Friend of Mr Carmichael, and a Gentleman who has had an Opportunity on many Occasions of discovering a generous Intention to serve his Country.
      I shall consider myself entirely devoted to this Service, notwithstanding the Stipulation of six Months—and shall remain at Algiers, or elsewhere to accomplish my Duty—unless absolutely directed by your Excellencies to return. tho’ perhaps Mr Lamb may be desirious of my coming forward with some Dispatches—in which Case I shall think myself at Liberty of considering in what Manner I may be of most Service to my Country, in completing my Commission and the Confidence your Excellencies have done me the Honor to repose in me.
      As I am not to consider this as an official Letter I have written with a less scrupulous Caution, than the Uncertainty of all Events

might render prudent— tho’ I wish to consider myself more a Candidate for your Excellency’s particular good Opinion—than as seeking a future Employment in the publick Service—which I find myself very inadequate to at present.
      In a full and gratefull Dependance—I rest on the Honor of naming myself— / Your Excellency’s / Most devoted obedient Servant

       P R Randall

      I flatter myself—that expressing my most respectful Remembrance will not be unacceptable to Mrs & Miss Adams


Title: From John Adams to Stephen Higginson, 18 February 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 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.
     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 destressed 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 alway’s 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. Massts: alway’s 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 again 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 Bouen 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 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 fashon 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 bounty’s & 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 Barbary. 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: To John Adams from Patience Lovell Wright, [ante 25 February 1786]
From:
To:

      [ante 19 Feb. 1786]

     Lady Countes Dowege Tankerfield Desires Mrs Wright to Wait on Jno. Adams Esqr and Enquire of him if the Actt of the American Congress is Repeeld which was made in the time of the War against Sqir Bennetts Estate and Lands up Rapananat Jems Rever and other Parts in Verginia and Ld fari-fax County
     Note Mr Loyd is a Relation &c
     if mr Adams has Seen the News paper wherin the American Shippin is Stopt per Allgree pirots allys to England if Mr adams had herd no Concills nor trad is to be Setteld in or with America untill those acts are Repeald that now hold the land of toris now in England
     the King has good ground to Keep off any treety with Mr adams untill the French oblige America as being Garenttee or bound for the performanc of that article of peace— anoth Year is to pass to try if america will not oblige the Congress to Make good all the Estates of the Loyalists—and ask England for a protection and traid on the Navegation Act
     the Canada government is to swalow up all the other States in a few years
     a Stedy perseverence in the King is to Carry all Mesuris— those

tumults are only temperory it is Expectd at Court that the Kings Son will be Sent for as Vicroy first then King of america the—


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 20 February 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 all, 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 shewn him, as well as those to Morrocco, 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 latter 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. Mr Jefferson 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 should 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: From John Adams to Matthew Robinson-Morris, 21 February 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Robinson-Morris, Matthew

      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 sceurce 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: From John Adams to John Jay, 22 February 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 concealed.
     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 Depress[ion] of the Reputation of the United States the cruel Embarr[ass]ment 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 Navigation and Fisheries would extend into the Mediterranean, to Spain & Portugal, France and England. The Additional 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


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

      My dear Sir
      Paris february the 22d 1786

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

      Lafayette