Title: From John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 15 December 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Mazzei, Philip

       Dear Sir
       Grosvenor Square Decr. 15. 1785

      In your favour of Octr. 29, You inform me that The Marquis has observed in Germany, that the Lies which are Spread to our disadvantage, must be injurious to our national honour, if We neglect

to contradict them.— When I came first to Europe now approaching to Eight Years ago, my Indignation was roused, at the Shameless Falshoods which were continually propagated, and I took a great deal of Pains to have them contradicted but I have long Since found it an Augean Stable.—
      The Truth is, that this Impudence is encouraged in France, almost as much, and in Germany Still more, than in England.— The real Motive is to discourage Emigrations. One half of Germany and more than half of England Scotland & Ireland and no inconsiderable Part of France would be Soon on Tiptoe, to fly to America for relief from that intollerable Load which they now carry on their shoulders, if they knew the true State of Facts in America.
      The English Ministers, and the whole Hierarchy of their Dependents are aware of this, and there is an incredible Number of Persons constantly employed in preparing Paragraphs to represent The United States to be in a state of Anarchy and Misery, exposed to ruin by the Algerines and Indians &c.— if you read the Gazettes of Brussells Avignon, Deux Ponts and several others, under the Influence of French Correspondents, nay if you read the Mercure de France itself, you will see, that all these Paragraphs are borrowed from the English Papers, and others quite as modest fabricated, for the Same Purposes. The German Gazettes, are encouraged by their Licencers to insert every Thing of this kind, from the Same Motives. you may contradict then to Eternity to no Purpose. Every Paragraph you insert will only occasion ten more lies to be made: and your Truths will be disbelieved & all the Lies credited: because you may depend upon it the Influence of Government, and of all their Runners and Sitters are against You, and these it is too manifest all over Europe, have the Faith of the Multitude at their Disposal.— In England there is not a Gazette nor a Writer, who inclines to publish freely in favour of America.— if any one Attempts any Thing he is instantly attacked as an Encourager of Emigrations, as you may have lately seen in the Case of Dr Price.—
      If I were to meddle in the Newspapers directly or indirectly in this Country, at present it must be with Caution and Delicacy.— And I dont think it would be discreet to lay out Money in this Way.— If I had Money to Spare from Purposes more essential, much might be done, by forming Acquaintances and communicating by their Assistance, true Information. But even in the Influence of the Table and of generous Hospitality, the Policy of our Country has restrained Us, within very narrow Bounds.

      I dont believe you will do any good by entering into the Fracasseries of the Men of Letters in France. De Mably was as honest as a Man and as independent a Spirit, as you will find in France among them.— In the Letter I wrote the Abby De Mably, which convinced him, as he told me in his Answer that he would be in his Grave long before he could collect the Materials for an History of the Revolution you know I told him, I was glad that he intended to write for that I knew his Principles so well that I had no doubt he would produce a Work, which would be worth attending to. I have no Remembrance that I ever desired him to write at any other Time, or in any other manner, untill I was informed that he was writing Letters to me.
      His first design of writing was announced to the world by himself in his Book “Sur le maniere d ecrire L’Histoire,[”] which was written and printed while I was at the Hague, and before I went to Paris to the Conferences about the Peace, as you may see by looking into that Pamphlet near the End. When I read his Design, it was with Pleasure, because I expected something worth reading from what I had seen of his other Writings, tho I had at this time nothing like an intimate acquaintance with him.— I am now glad he has written because, although there are many Things in which I am not of his opinion, there are many others that deserve the Serious Consideration of our Countrymen.— And I am under no Fears at all that Americans will be mislead by his Errors, the most material of which relate to The Freedom of Conscience and the Press, Points in which all America is so well grounded, that the greatest Writer in the World, or who has been in it, would not be able to shake them, much less a Philosopher born & educated living and dying, in the Midst of Principles of Intollerance in Religion and Government.
      If you refute Ranall & De Mably as you easily may in the Points in which they are wrong, you would do well to begin by confounding the insolent Nonsence, of De Peau and Buffon, who began earlier to abuse Us, and laid the Foundation for a great Part of the Impertinence which has followed.
      I have taken as much Pains as my Business would admit to find the Paper You enquire for, but without success.— I enquired after the Petition, Memorial or Remonstrance of the Merchants in a Company of Men of Letters, but none of them could tell me where to find it.— I have looked over a Collection of Petitions and Remonstrances of the City, but it is not there. The other Points you enquire about I can give you no Account of.

      again as to my Desire to the Abby, to write.— I might Say to him or his Friends, that I thought, instead of attempting an History, he was wholly unprovided of Materials for composing, I wished he would read over our Constitutions and give the World his Thoughts upon them. This is very natural and probable, but I have no distinct Remembrance of it, nor when nor where it was.— His design to write was conceived and determined, without any Request, Desire or Knowledge of mine, as you will see in his Work upon Writing History. knowing his fixed Intention to write, I thought it better that he should write upon a subject which I supposed he might understand, rather than undertake a Work which I was certain he knew little about, and for which from his great Age, it was impossible he should ever be qualified for.
      When I was told by his Friends that he was writing, and intended to make me the Compliment to address his Work to me, it was very natural for me to say that I should be “bien flatté,” as I was; but I have no remembrance about it.— I can neither contradict it nor confirm it. and it can be of no Consequence to any body.
      The Beginning of my Connection in the Business was this.— Soon after my Arrival in Paris in October 1782, upon the Negotiation for the Peace, the Abby De Mablys Book upon writing History was put into my hands. I read in the Close of it, his Declaration of his Design to write the Hystory of the American Revolution. at Dinner Sometime afterwards at Mr De Chaluts the Farmer General, in Company with the Abby de Mably, his Friends & mine the Abbys De Chalut and Arnoux, mentioned to me the Abbys Design and asked me if I would furnish him with any Memorials. I then turned to De Mably himself and asked him, of what Part of the Revolution he intended to write the History? He answered of the whole? I asked him, if he had considered the Extent of the Subject? He Said perhaps it might be more extensive than he was aware of, but he thought he could write it from the Memorials, which were publick together with such Enquiries as he might make among Gentlemen who had been concerned in it. I asked him if he had reflected, that the Question was of thirteen established Governments Subverted, and as many new ones erected, of a confederation of them, of a War of Eight Years conducted by them, by an Army formed anew, that it comprehended at least Twenty Odd Years of Time, and involved at last, almost all Europe And much of Asia & Africa? Upon this the three Abbys desired me to put down in Writing in English what I

had then Said, for I spoke with difficulty as you know in French, and give it to the Abby who would get it translated into French.— I agreed: and accordingly wrote the Letter which you have Seen.— The Abby answered me, that I had convinced him he should be dead before he could collect a quarter Part of the Materials necessary to write Such an History.— in that Letter I told him that I was glad he intended to write his Thoughts. He afterwards changed his Mind about writing the History And determined to write Observations. This might or might not be by my Advice. I dont remember that it was or was not. He determined to address his Observations to me. This was not most certainly, by my Advice nor Desire, nor Expectation untill I was told he was writing to me. As this was merely a Compliment, it is very probably I returned the Compliment, by Saying as I could very sincerely say, I was much obliged to him.
      I am sure by this time You must think as I do, that I have written much more upon this subject than it is Worth and thank me for subscribing myself your / humble servant

       John Adams

      I have made your Compliments to Madam, as you desire and she also is “bien flateé.”— I assure you, I would not live another Ten Years without her, for the first Dukedom, no nor the first Kingdom in Europe nor for any Thing less than the Independence of America.— I read this to Madam, and she Says “bien flateé,” again.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 20 December 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

      Dear Sir
      Grosvenor Square Decr 20. 1785

     Mr Barretts Arrival at Paris, is a lucky Event, and his appointment by the Merchants in Boston a judicious Step; but I am not So clear in the Choice he makes of L’Orient to reside in.— Paris, or even Havre, Seems to me a better Situation. Paris in preference to all others.— If Boylstone would Act in concert with him, his Capital, would be equal to every Thing which relates to the Business: But he is a Singular Character irritable, fiery, avaricious, parcimonious, to a degree, that made me always doubtfull whether, he would Succeed: besides his Age and Ignorance of the Language. it is to be regretted that his Cargo cannot be put into the Hands of Sangrain because it is a great Object, to bring that Gentleman into an Acquaintance with the Qualities of the white Sperma Cæti Oil, and into a Course of Experiments of its Use. The first Point to be gained, is to Shew, that this Oil, considering all its Properties, may be used in the Reverberes cheaper, than the Olive Oil, Neatsfoot Oil, or Linseed Oil, or whatever other Substance goes to the Composition of that with which they now enlighten their Cities. We must engage Œconomy, as an Advocate in our Cause, or we shall finally loose it.— The Marquis tells me, the Duty is reduced to 7.Liv. 10.s the Barrique of 520

Weight— you state it at 11₶: 10s.— I should be glad to be exact in this Information, and to know which is right. But, 11₶: 10s the Barrique, even as you State it, is so much less than 18.£ 3.s sterling the Ton, the Allien Duty paid here that one would think it must turn all the Trade to France as I hope it will, and as it certainly will if the French Government encourage the Attempt.— if an American Merchant can fix himself at Paris and remain a Man of Business, and not become infected with a Rage for Amusements, he might by corresponding with all the great Cities of the Kingdom soon do a great deal, towards introducing an extensive Trade between the United States and the French.
     I am extreamly Sorry for the Accident, which has retarded Mr Barclay, but I think with you that We must submit to it, for a reasonable Time.— But I hope Mr Barclay will not Suffer himself to be delayed one moment unnecessarily.— if any Pretences or Excuses for postponing are contrived, I hope he will break away from them all.—it is a horrid Thing, that Business so essential should have been neglected so long.—
     The Chevr. De Pinto is Sick, which will unluckily retard our Affair with him. But I will quicken it as Soon and as much as I can.
     With great Esteem I am, dear Sir your / most obedient Servant

      John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Goodhue, 20 December 1785
From: Goodhue, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Salem Decr. 20th, 1785

     Having an acquaintance with your good brother Mr. Cranch, from being a fellow member of the same Legislative body; at his request and from the Assurance which he has given me, that a letter from one of whom you have no Kind of Knowledge, where the views of the Writer are painted to the general good, would meet a Kind reception; I have taken this liberty of sending you inclosed the present state of our Cod & Mackerel fisheries in this Commonwealth, and hope the communication will be agreable— the statement is made

from the best information I could collect, and I dare say is not far from the truth— What proportion the quantity of fish caught this year, bears to what was taken before the War, I cannot determine; but only inform you the common opinion is that there is better then half, and there is no room to doubt, that in three or four years, We shall equal, if not exceed in this business what we ever have been before— I take notice in one of your letters to your Brother you wish to be informed of the state of the English & French fisheries &c— I have not been able to ascertain their situation any further then this, that the Cod fishery at Nova Scotia is so inconsiderable as not to deserve notice, and I am sure if we conduct with the least prudence it never can be, because from the sterility of their soil they must be for ever beholden to us for many of their supplies; and their almost eternal fogs, will ever prevent their fish from being cured in such a manner as will put it in competition with ours— their fisheries at Newfound Land doubtless are great; with what advantages they carry it on, I do not precisely Know, but am pretty confident they could not with any profit, if they were excluded from supplying themselves from the United States— the French have a considerable number of Vessels, perhaps two or three hundred, but from the size of their Vessels which are too large, and the natural indolence of men on hire, togather with their unacquaintedness with the bussiness, I believe they make no great hand of it, they ship chief of their fish to France, and altho, they have put a duty of half a Dollar per Quintal on our fish carried to their West India Islands, and placed the same duty as a bounty on the fish cured at Miquelon, only two small cargoes of their fish have for the Year past been exported to their Islands— on the whole I think it abundantly apparent, that we have greater advantages for carrying on the Cod fishery, then the Inhabitants of any other Country, and it gives me much satisfaction, that there appears a disposition with us to improve it— The Whale fishery you are sensible is in a very languid condition, and for ought I see must continue so, unless Britain should unexpectedly relax from her present measures, or untill what I most hope, We may be able to find a sale for the Oyl in some other markets— The General Court, after much labour from the few Commercial characters in that Body, did the last session grant a bounty on Oyl, (a copy of which I inclose),— it was design’d as a temporary relief, to prevent those employ’d in the Whale fishery from immediately quiting the Country (which very few have already done) and to see what events might turn up to occasion its revival— Britain & France with whom

we should from our reciprocal wants, be most naturaly connected in commerce, have thrown such embarrassments in the way of our carrying bussiness, that it is at present very discouraging to those who have provided themselves with Vessels for the purpose. the number of which is as great as before the war, and might with ease be increased to any number required— I have ever consider’d this togather with the fisheries as particularly congenial to this Government, and to be the only thing which can give importance to the Massachusetts, when compared with the other States, and what alone would materialy produce that power in the United States, which the European Nations have reason to wish us dispossess’d of, And I sincerely hope Sir, that Our Countrymen, will not long be influenced by partial views, individual benefits or be gulled into erroneous measures, by false notions of National gratitude—
     I cannot omit mentioning the very great pleasure I receiv’d when I found by your Letters, to Govr. Bowdoin, Messrs. Cushing, Hancock Higginson & Cranch, which they were Kind enough to shew me, that you so warmly approved Our Navigation Act, and the pleasure was much enhanced, on account of its being a Child, I had with much difficulty brought into being, and whose existance, from its powerful opponents, promised to be of no long duration, the sentiments in your letters silenced their clamours, and the Act remains, essentialy the same, taking off only part of the restrictions on foreigners (British excepted) by reason of the difficulty of sending our produce to Market in our own bottoms, while the Algerine war continues— in carrying through this Act it became necessary to combat the interest of many considerable characters who found their account in foreign consignments, and who had been very industrious in prejudicing the minds of our Country brethren, by telling them that their Cattle &c would necessarily be sold at a less price—
     it is much to be regretted that our commercial importance is so little understood, and that even our Sea port Towns in a great degree neglect chusing persons to represent them who have an acquaintance with the subject, there has been for several years past, but two members in one branch of the Legislature, and almost as few in the other, that ever had any connection in the bussiness or pretended to scarce any Knowledge of it— and sorry I am to say that some even of respectable characters, appear to view our commercial affairs as trivial and unimportant— What will be the future issue of our National concerns, deeply affects me with anxiety, and I confess

from the sinister persuits of individuals, the discordent and perhaps opposite interests of some of the States, and the General aversion there is of giving Congress, those powers essential for the purposes of our federal government, the prospect to me appears not a little gloomy; the only consolation I derive, is from a reflection, that when the evils become severely felt we may be willing to apply a remedy—
     pardon my freedom in writing this letter, and be assured that I shall esteem myself honour’d in executing any commands you may see fit to lay upon me—
     I am with sentiments of high regard / Your Excellency’s Friend & servant

      Benja. Goodhue

      NB. Rhode Island has pass’d a Navigation Act, & Pensylvania has laid very considerable burthens on Vessels belonging to Nations not in alliance


Title: To John Adams from John Jebb, 20 December 1785
From: Jebb, John
To: Adams, John

       Dr. Sir
       Parlt. Street 20t Dec— 85.

      I have been prevented from paying my respects to you hitherto by the feeble State I have been in for some time— I am now still further prevented by an operation on my leg.— but I cannot help referring you to a publication intitled observations on a late publication intituled Thoughts on executive Justice printed for Cadell in the

Strand & Faulder in New-Bond street—which must please you— if The work fails, the letter at the End will gratify— but both are admirable— Eden has made a poor piece of work of it— & if he continues to go on, as he began—I shall not repine— Mr. Pitt, & he alone of all the Cabinet negotiated the dark transaction—
      Mrs Jebb Joins me in every expression of respect & good will to Mrs Adams & Miss Adams & I remain truly yrs

       John Jebb

      I beg respects to Col. Smith— I shuld wish to see yr Servt. agn. if convenient at the same Hour as before—


Title: To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 21 December 1785
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sr.
      Weymouth Decembr. 21t. 1785

     Your Favour of Sept. 9t I recd. and Your Present of Neckar for which I return You Thanks and am much gratified with Your Sentiments on the Whale Oil Fishery, to this Branch of Business, the General Court have given Encouragement as You will find by a Bill sent you by Mr Cranch— Every Day more and more convinces me, that the commerical Restraints of Great Britain, so far as they respect America, will in general, greatly serve us. those that affect our whale Fishery may possibly injure us for some Time. But well tim’d

Exertions, an Attention to our own particular Interest and an independent Spirit will not only reinstate us in the full Extent of our whale Fishery, but put it upon a much better Footing than formerly— Almost every Measure respecting America adopted by Gt. Britain for many years past, have by the Intervention of Providence and the general Course of Things surprizingly forwarded and I had almost said driven us into the Road of Greatness— However fond many of my Countrymen may be of continuing a Trade with that Nation, for my own Part I am much in doubt, whether any advantageous Trade with her can be expected for many Years to come, if ever. it cannot I think untill our Merchants have paid their Debts, untill that System of Credit heretofore practised upon, is annihilated, untill, the American Merchant can exchange American Produce for British on equal Terms, and further untill He has it in his Power to pay for what he wants, from a Surplus proceeding from the Labours of the People beyond what is necessary for their Support and the Payment of Taxes— I mean here to include what arises from Fisheries, Manufactures & Agriculture— The Debts owing to the People of that Nation must be paid— There is such a Dependance flowing from those Debts as is truly humiliating— By these, the Eyes of my Countrymen have been blinded—false Maxims of Trade adopted—public Measures often influenced, and the Ascendancy which the British Merchant has gained by his giving Credit is but too visible in a thousand Instances, and has prevented numerous & beneficial Enterprizes that would otherwise have taken Place. This joined with the private Interest of our Merchants has ever discouraged every Attempt to Independance in Trade and the Establishment of our Manufacturies— The Restrictions of Great Britain and the Refusal of further Credit are however happily calculated to remove these Difficulties: And can We but continue a few years in a State of Exclusion from her Commerce, Our Debts will be paid and our Independance of Mind established—
     The Writers of Great Britain, their Merchants & ours, have but too succesfully propagated the Doctrine, That Manufactures cannot be carried on to Advantage in America, That it is not for the Interest of the People even to make their own Cloaths, inasmuch as they can buy them much cheaper from Britain &c & can employ their Time to much better Purpose on their Lands— They have wrought us up to a Prejudice in favour of british Manufacturers and to a Contempt of our own— But how little have they considered the real

State of our Country! Is there not a considerable Part of the Year, that our Men cannot be employed in Agriculture and it is well known that our Women are but seldom in any Part of the Year— This is a known Fact in our Nothern States— it is also true that We have it in our Power to furnish all the Materials for manufacturing necessary Cloathing and what else we have reall Need of.— I say we may have it in our Power, because if in a State of Eight Years war we could principally cloath the Inhabitants and a greater Part of the Soldiery with our own Manufactures, surely in Peace We may do much more— What are our People to do when the Earth is sealed and neither Spade nor Plough will enter And How are we to employ our poor Men Women & Children who must otherwise be a Bill of Charge— Could We in 1781 in the Town of Bridgewater convert 70 Tons of Iron into Nail Rods manufacture them into Nails in that & a few other Towns, (not a Spoonfull of Corn the less raised that Year) which is affrmed to be a Fact and Can We not in a State of Peace do much more.
     There is near a Quarter Part of the Year that a large Proportion of our Males are unemployed, Multitudes of our Women are not fully employed And from our Children we get but little Advantage till 9 or 10 Years of Age— If all these Classes of People were profitably employd in Manufactures, we should have but little Occasion for those of Europe those being withheld I am very sure We should become more virtuous, more frugal, more industrious and should lay solid Foundations for Wealth— In this Point of View, Would it not be happy for us if all Intercourse with Gt. Britain should be cut off for 20 Years at least or untill we had lost all connection with her Customs & Manner, worn of the Habits of Englishmen and acquird the Art of living independent. In short I cannot view my Country independent untill She can draw her Support & Defence from within her self, nor any Trade beneficial that exceeds the Surplus of Laborers abovementioned and which has not for its object, the Increase of our Cash, the Payment of Debts and Supplies such only as shall serve to excite Industry and render it more useful— But where does all this lead to? Youll be ready to think that I am not an Advocate for a commercial Treaty with Gt. Bn. I confess that I have my Doubts and am ready to fear that almost all the beneficial Effects I have mentioned would in a great Measure cease— That a free Intercourse, would keep us dependent. That it would prevent any Stability in our Manufactures, for want of which their Manufacturers will not emigrate & set down with us— That it will build up their

Plantations, which otherwise might tumble to Pieces— That it will prevent a Domestic Market for our Excess of Provisions, which the Establisment of Manufacturies would give, That it would subject us to an annual Expence that We are little able to bear. That the Residence of Foreign Ministers Consuls &C here would spread Corruption in Places where they may reside— That it would give the greatest Advantage for destroying our civil Form of Government— These are my Fears and many others wch. might be mentioned, but sensible that the narrow Sphere in which I move, forbids my deciding on this National Question—I shall no longer prevent You from Your better Thoughts, but conclude myself With much Esteem & Affection / Your Friend & Very Huml Sert

      Cotton Tufts

      PS. I hope in my next to be able to announce to you a most useful Discovery, no less than that of extracting fresh from Salt Water by a very simple machine—said to be invented by a Mr. Allen of Marthas Vineyard— It is much talkd [of an]d gains Credit—


Title: From John Adams to Rufus King, 23 December 1785
From: Adams, John
To: King, Rufus

      Sir
      Grosvenor Square Decr 23. 1785

     I am much obliged to you for your kind Letter of the 2d. of November, and hope that a Correspondence So agreably begun may be prosecuted, to the Benefit of the Country We have the Honour to serve. Although I may be not personally known to you, the Character uniformly given of your Talents, Application, and publick Spirit, leave me no room to doubt, that I Shall derive much necessary Information from your Letters, and if I am not always able to make an

equivalent return, you will charge the Ballance in your Favour to the Publick.
     Your Letter has given me great Light, and opened a field to view, of the highest Importance for me to look into.—
     You will be amused I doubt not with Letters from this Country, which will hold up a Probability of a Treaty.— political Lies enough appear in the News Papers of my frequent Audiences of the King, of my Visits to Windsor, and of even the Prince of Wales’s Suppers at my house, to make me suspect that Such Allurements will be held out in America. These Paragraphs are made for the Stock Exchange, and are fabricated by ministerial Brokers as I suppose, without the least foundation.
     There is indeed a Stir at present among some of the Merchants, occasioned by an Application of Lord Carmarthen to four Houses, for their Advice. But it is not the Intention of Ministers to make a Treaty, and my Proposal will be answered by an Act of Parliament, not however before the Spring. It is their Design, to regulate the Trade for themselves and they think themselves so necessary to Us, that We shall Submit to what they shall think proper to do.—
     If the United States could Act with Unanimity And Spirit, it would be as much for our Advantage perhaps to remain unbound as to theirs and more. If the Eight States you Speak of, should pursue the Plan you mention, and the other five should only lay on heavy Duties upon British Tonnage and prohibit British ships from importing any Thing but the Productions of Great Britain this might answer. This would cutt off Hemp and Duck, Silesia Linnens, Irish Linnens and all East India Goods, and make this Country tingle in every vein.— Irish Productions should be carefully distinguished and confined to Irish Bottoms, or American. This is a great Point for immense quantities of Irish Linnens go now to America in British Bottoms.
     Joseph Brant, was Yesterday at the Drawing Room the Ministerial Runners give out, that he is come to demand Compensation for the Indian hunting Ground ceded by the English at the Peace to the United States, and to get something for himself.—as half pay as a Colonel.
     The inclosed Arrets of France, please to inclose to Mr Gerry or if you want them in Congress I must beg you to write him an Account of them.
     I hope sir to hear often from you and with the Freedom which

becomes a Correspondence between Persons whose Aims are for the publick Good, and I pray you to consider me as your Friend & humble servt

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Austin, 23 December 1785
From: Austin, Samuel
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Boston 23d Decemr. 1785—

     I am now to advise you, that John Rowe Esqr. Capt. Patridge Capt. Dashwood & myself have applied to our General Court, for their aid and assistance, to recover our money of Genl. How, for goods taken from us the 11th. March 1776. our cases being Similar, altho’ in some instances, altogether different from many other persons, who as well, as we, have lost their goods by the Kings troops, but being out of Town, could not know who took them, Consequently, could not know who to demand them of.—
     But obviously different is our case, We were all of us in the Town, during The whole time. the Town was shut up, in the Peace of the

King, and had as good a right to the Kings Protection, as any Subject in England, and accordingly was Promis’d by the Genl., we should have, both in Person & Property.— The Court has taken Order upon the Premises, heard our Petition, and thoroughly Consider’d the Justice of our demand, and sent forward to Congress, all the Necessary Papers & Vouchers, and desir’d them to forward the same to your Excellency, that you may be Properly Authorizd to make demand for the Reimbursment of our monies, which papers I hope you will Recieve soon after this Reaches yr. hands.
     The above is wrote in Conjunction.— I beg leave now to give you an Accot. of Facts Relative to my own affair, which are Vouched by Papers Properly Authenticated, and which will Accompany the Papers sent to Congress to be forwarded to you.— I apprehend it needless to Say anything about the Rude, and insulting behavior of the officer (Crean Brush) who took my goods, all which I was oblidg’d to Submit to.— Suffice it to say that on the 11th. March 1776 Crean Brush, an officer appointed by Genl. How, and by his written Orders (a coppy of which you will have sent you among the Papers from Congress) did by force and Arms, with near Twenty Soldiers, with their Guns and Bayonets enter my House and took from me in goods & Merchandize to the amount of Two Thousand Four hundred and Thirty Pounds 18/7 Neat Sterling Cost, to which I have aded Fifty per ct. Advance, which would not pay the Insurance & Freight, as also Interest on the same, untill paid, as you will see by my Accot. sent to Congress.— Soon after Genl. How sent for the Selectmen to acquaint them, that the Kings troops were about leaving the Town, and gave some Orders Relative thereto. I at that time having the Honor of being one of that Board, waited on him. By this interview I had an Opportunity of Conversing with him on the Subject of taking my goods from me in the manner he did, He Expressd himself with great Surprize and Indignation, that I should even think he mean’t to Alienate the Property of my goods, by no means he said, he mean’t no such thing, on the Contrary, he assured me in the most Sollemn manner my goods should all be Returnd me again, or the Cash paid for them. He aded it was a Common thing for an Army when Retreating and another army Pursuing, for the Retreating Army to take from the inhabitants, every thing that might any ways be servicable to the Pursuers, but that as soon as the Confusion was over, the inhabitants had their goods Return’d or the money paid them, to the amount of what was taken away, and this he Asur’d me should be the case with mine.— He said further that

what he had done was in Conformity to orders Rec’d from the Minster, to Prevent the Rebels as he calld them from being benifitted by them. Accordinly in a letter he writes Lord Dartmouth (which I have seen) given him an Accot. of Evacuating the Town, he has these words, “all the Woolen good also, that I could find Room for belonging to those who chose to stay behind, the want of which is more distress to the Enemy than any other Article whatever, has been shipd, Inventories of them taken in the best manner Possible, and Put under the Charge of proper persons, in order hereafter to be stor’d.”
     Agreeable to this, is his Orders to Crean Brush when he took the goods (Coppy of which you’ll have withe Papers sent you from Congress) in which are these words, “You are hereby Authorizd, and Requir’d to take into your Possession, all such goods as Answer this discription, to give Certificates to the owners that you have Reciev’d them for their use, and will deliver them to the owners orders, Unavoidable Accidents Excepted.” Both the above Extracts, Plainly Evince, that it was never the intention, or design either of Genl. How or the Minister, that such goods so taken, should be look’d upon as forfited goods, on the Contrary, they were to be inventoried and Stored, and taken Proper care of, for the bennefit of the owners, and to be deliverd to their Orders, all which is Exactly agreeable to Genl Hows declaration to me, that they or the money should be Return’d.
     But Contrary to this as I have been informd, the goods when they arriv’d at Hallifax, were all sold at Publick Vendue.— Possibly it may be objected that part of the goods were Retaken, and I had part of them back again.— However true this in part may be, yet I concieve the Force of it will Vanish instantly when it is Considerd that those goods so Retaken, only Remov’d them still further from me, they being Retaken from Genl. How, became instantly the Property of the Captors, and I never availd myself of any part of them, without Paying for the same— You will find among the Papers sent you from Congress, an Accot. given by Mr. Lane of a Conversation between him and Genl. How wherein he tells Mr. Lane, he took the goods for Security for the Merchants in London, if so how unreasonable as well as unjust, is it, for the Merchants in London to be Pressing the debtor here, for those very goods, their Goverment has taken away from him, for their Security— But whether the goods taken, were for the Security of the Merchant, or whether for the Reasons assign’d above, Viz to Prevent the Rebels so call’d, from being bennifitted by

them, I say in either case, I take it my Claim will not in the least be invallidated, On the Contrary, it will Rather add strength thereto, and show very Plainly, that either the Merchant or the Goverment have got my money without any Consideration for the same— The only difficulty, that I can possible Concieve attending this affair, is Not distinguishing the different Circumstances of my case, and many others who have lost their Property as well as me, but not knowing who took them, know not where, nor to whom to apply for Redress. but this is not my case, I know who took my goods, Genl. How took them, by his given to Crean Brush an Order for that Purpose, which Order I have by me and also his most Solemn Assurances the goods should be Return’d or paid for.—
     View the two case as Stated above, how Essentially different are they, and I cannot but think every Candid person will instantly see there Opposition. I am Rather the more Particular here, because for want of making this distinction, some of the great men on your side the water, when they have been applied to upon these affairs have jumbled them altogether, and gave for answer there can no diffence be made, if we pay one, we must pay all, and there will be no end of Paying, this I Confess is a curious way of Reasoning, but keeping the two cases in View the above way of Reasoning appears altogether Childish and futile.—
     I own for myself I never saw the Justice of Genl. How’s being answerable for that he knew nothing about, it may be thought quite sufficient, if he makes good his own Engagements, which he has most Solemly promis’d to fulfill, and this is what I have right to Expect Goverment will see done.— In fine I have not been Plunderd by Soldiers, nor had my goods Confiscated No, The King has had my money, and it has I suppose been applid to his use.— I don’t make Application to Goverment to make good a loss that I have Sustain’d, which they have not been bennifited by, they have had my money, and to Suppose they won’t upon Proper Application pay me again, would Reflect such disshonor on the English Goverment, as the most abandon’d of Mankind would detest and be asham’d of.— Upon the whole I thought it Proper to give your Excellency a history of my case, as well as to send the Vouchers to prove the facts. I know not whether Either of the above Gentlemen write you per this Conveyance, this in all probibillity will Reach you, before the Papers from Congress comes to hand, This affair of mine, I sent forward to my Corespondant Messrs. Harrison & Ansley per the first Conveyance

after Peace was Settled but nothing has been done but Perfect trifling— I have only to add, with the highest Esteem and Respect to you, and yr good Lady— / Your Most Obedient and / Humble Servant—

      Samuel Austin

      P. S. Querie whether the 4th Article of the Treaty peace don’t include my case


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 23 December 1785
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)
To: Adams, John

      Sir,
      Amsterdam the 23d: Xber 1785

     We have before ús Your Excells. most Esteemed favour of the 13h. Instt., and have taken Duely Notice of the Acceptances made by Yoúr Excelly. to Whom all honoúr Will be done by Messs. Puller.
     We observe What yoúr Excelly. is pleased to Say aboút the Credit of £1000 Stg. in favoúr of Mr. Jefferson, of Which We made mention in Our last letter, Messs. Van den Yver freres & Co. of Paris. Wrote ús in date 18t Novembr. the Following. “Mr. Jefferson vient de noús Remettre une Lettre de Credit que Son Excelle. Monsr. Adams lui a laissé ici a la Veille de Son depart pour londres, De mille Livres Sterlings, a Compte des quels il a fourni Sur noús au Colonel Humphrys un mandat que Voici de . . . .  £6500.₶—

       que noús lui avons payé, & dont noús Vous debittons avec La Commrs. Ordinaire a 1 per Ct.
          65.—.—

       £6565.₶—

     dont nous disposerons par Occasion, la Lettre de Monsieúr Adams porte que voús de vés porter les dittes mille Livres Sterlings, Si on en dispose au Compte du Congres”
     It is not impossible Sir that thro yoúr many Transactions, This is Escaped yoúr Memory. as The Bill of £.6500.₶ drawned by Mr. Ths. Jefferson, in dte. of 16 novr. and Signed by Mr. D Humphrys, Reposes into Our hands—

     As the Time for advertising the Payment of the Intrest of the 2 Mns. is drawing near, and we have not Received any orders there about from the Commissioners we Shall be Very glad to Receive yoúrs, thereon, to proceed in Consequence.
     We have the Honour to Remain With dúe Respect / Sir / Your Excells. most Obedt. / humble Servants

      Wilhem & Jan WillinkNichs. & Jacob van Staphorst


Title: From John Adams to Nathaniel Barrett, 24 December 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Barrett, Nathaniel

      Sir
      Grosvenor Square Decr. 24. 1785

     I am happy to learn, by your favour of the 10th. that your prospects are satisfactory to yourself and promising for the publick
     You may depend upon every Personal and official exertion of Mr. Jefferson, and the marquis will take a pleasure and a Pride in assisting you, both by his Knowledge of the Language, the Usages and the Characters in the Nation, by his powerful and numerous Connections, and by his own Reputation and Influence at Court & in the City, the Country and the seaports for no man is more earnestly desirous of a friendly Commercial Intercourse between France and the United States—
     I think you will find that the United States may be supplied with many Articles of Cloathing, a Velvets, silks, Batteens Cloaths, Cottons & Linnens & others from that Country at least as well as from this—
     The United States will probably Lay heavy Duties upon tonnage on the Vessels of those Nations, with Whom we have not commercial Treaties: and such will be prohibited from importing into our Ports—any Productions or manufactures not the growth or manufacture of the Country importing them— This will aid you very much— You will oblige me, by informing me from time to time, as far as may be proper of your Progress—

     If you can make it appear as I think you may that our Oil is cheaper than the Composition in use in the Paris Lamps, you will easily succeed— to this End an analisis of that Composition will be necessary, & a Price of the Parts must be Known in order to compute the Cost of the whole—
     I wish well to your enterprize & if can be of any use to you in the pursuit of it, you will oblige me by informing when and how—
     I have the honour to be very respectfully, Sir / Yours &c

      J. A


Title: From John Adams to Richard Henry Lee, 24 December 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Richard Henry

      Dear Sir,
      Grosvenor Square Decr. 24. 1785

     I am honoured with your Letter of 23. octr. and I must confess to you, that the situation I am in is the most pleasant in many respects, that I have ever been in, on this side the ocean. But still there is something wanting, which is quite essential: I mean a more benevolent spirit in the Nation towards the United States— a more honest disposition too is wanting— I even wish that my Candour could extend as far as yours, and exculpate the Court and Nation by imputing all to “a Delusion created by the most vindictive Characters in the world, meaning the Tory Refugees.” But I cannot be so charitable. The Refugees would be as insignificant, as they are revengeful if the Nation was not as malicious and revengeful as they are and as dishonest too— You have known me very well for eleven years, and you never knew me in Love with England, or possess’d of much Confidence in their wisdom or sincerity. You have often heared me say in Congress, that the national Character was altered, and had lost its best Characteristiks, Generosity & sincerity I assure you, Sir, I have found it since my residence here much worse and more universal than I ever before believed it to be, There is so general a Want of Principle, that I really consider the Nation as lost. I dont see a Possibility, that it should ever get over the Loss of America.

     We must look out for Commerce and Alliance, Wherever we can find them, and suppose them necessary. We must consider the Commerce and Friendship, and even the continuance of Peace with England, as mere Contingencies, which may happen, but which are rather improbable.
     You give me great Spirits when you say “you have no doubt but that Smart Duties of Tonnage will be laid by all the States on the Vessells of those Nations with whom We have not commercial Treaties, and that such will be prohibited from importing into our Ports, Productions, or Manufactures not the Growth or Manufacture of the Country importing them—[”] This alone, if the States go no further will do a great deal it will prevent British ships from carrying to America Russian Hemp & Duck, Sweedish Iron, Prussian ie—Silesian Linnens, Irish Linnens, and all East India Goods nay spanish & Portugal Wines, I dont love to mention Cargoes from Affrica, for the rage of our Countrymen for Credit is such that they would take from England even Claret and Burgundy, if they could get it upon Tick— I hope the states will be careful to prohibit all Irish Productions in British Ships—
     I expect that the answer to our Project of a Treaty will be given in an Act of Parliament, The Ministry have lately consulted the Merchants, at least four houses and have a report from them— it is given out that it respects the Treaty with france, but it really relates to the American Commerce, Ministry have ordered a state of Shipping and Trade to be made out, & preparations are making for a great Noise in Parliament— But it will not end in any system satisfactory to us—
     The Hypocricy & servility of this Nation has never appeared in any Thing more gross, than in the present universal cringing to the French,— Their stupidity appears in it, indeed as much as their Meanness, But the whole Nation would clean the wooden Shoes of the French upon Condition they would permit them to wreak their Vengence on us—
     Capt. Miller I presume has informed you, that your friend Mr: Steptoe unhappily died at Batavia on his return home
     With great esteem I am &c &c

      J. A.


Title: From John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 29 December 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Mazzei, Philip

      Dear Sir
      Grosvenor Square Decr. 29. 1785

     I have found in the Remembrancer of the Year 1775, page 309, that a Petition was presented to his Majesty on Wednesday the 11th. of September, from the City of Bristol by Mr Burke, one of the Representatives of that City, in which are the following Words.
     “We owe a Testimony of Justice to your Colonies, which is, that in the midst of the present distractions, We have received many unequivocal Proofs, that our Fellow Subjects in that part of the World are very far from having lost their ancient Affection and regard to their mother Country, or departed from the Principles of commercial honour and private Justice. Notwithstanding the Cessation of the Powers of Government throughout that vast continent, We have

Reason to think, judging by the Imports into this City, and by our extensive correspondencies, that the Commodities of American Grouth, enumerated by Acts of Parliament, have been as regularly brought to Great Britain, as in the most quiet times. We assure your Majesty that the Trade of this Port, and the Subsistence of a great part of your Kingdom, have depended very much on the Honourable, and, in this Instance, amicable Behaviour of your American Subjects. We have in this Single City received, within one Year, from the first of September 1774 more than one million bushells of Wheat, to Say nothing of the great quantity of other valuable Commodities essential to our navigation and commerce.”
     Perhaps the foregoing is the Paragraph you are looking for.— I had an Idea that there was Something to the Same purpose, in a Petition of the Merchants of London but as I have not yet been able to find it, I might be mistaken.— If I Should, Stumble upon any thing like it, I will send it you.
     After all, you must put an End to the Temptations to Emigration before you will Succeed in your Attempt to Silence Obloquy, against America, in the publick Prints.— The Mercure de France, the Gazettes de Deux Ponts, D’Avignon, De Bruxells which circulate in Paris, and all the Gazettes of Germany teem with Lies to our Disadvantage no less than the English Prints. The Strongest Motive to them all, is the Danger of Emigration and as long as Men prefer eating to starving Cloaths to Nakedness, and warm lodgings to the cold Air, this danger will not cease, nor the Fictions invented against it.
     Yours as usual

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Higginson, 30 December 1785
From: Higginson, Stephen
To: Adams, John

      Sir.
      Boston December 30th. 1785.—

     Your obliging Letter by Callahan I received, and thank you for the information it contained. The picture you give me of the British-Cabinet, is no less humiliating and dangerous to them, than it is just— every circumstance that has come to our knowledge proves the description to be true; and so very corrupt have the leading men in that nation become, there is very little chance of their Affairs soon getting into a better State. But there are some instances of ill policy with respect to America, which can not rationally be imputed to the venality or selfishness of their Ministry, they seem rather to proceed from blindness and obstinacy— the interest of individuals does not appear to be involved in them, only so far, as they may be said to be interested in the national prosperity. Their disposition to cramp us in the Cod-Fishery, though it be clear, that as they depress ours they will increase the French Fishery, is an instance of that kind. They may wish to check our growth as a naval power, as it is possible, that with every precaution and by the wisest System of policy, they may not be able to prevent our employing that power to their hurt, at a future day— but they surely had much better take that chance, than by their own measures transfer that power from us to the French, since in this case they are sure of its being employed against them, till their subjection to France shall be effected.—
     The naval strength of the house of Bourbon was very much increased the last War— it is now about equal, as we suppose, to that of Britain; and from the impoverished and deranged state of the British Finances, there is every reason to imagine, that, if the French are equally attentive to their Marine for the coming as for the past ten years, they will exceed the British in the number and weight of their Ships. From their relative situation and Interests, it is clear, that the great Contest in future between those Nations will be for the dominion of the Sea; and a decided superiority on either

side, will enable the one to give Law to the other. America, and particularly New-England, will be a very important Ally in such a Contest— Our situation will enable those to whom we may attach ourselves, to operate with great advantage against their Enemy; and we can not fail of becoming of some weight as a naval power, though both France and Britain should unite to depress us. In such a Contest, I see not, but we shall have it in our power a few years hence, by throwing our weight into either Scale, to decide the Question. The experience of the last War will show of how much importance we shall be in a future one between France and Britain— having the advantage of our ports, our Supplies and our Men, the French, while much inferior to the British; were continually gaining advantages at Sea, and with ease eluded their more powerful Enemy— of how much more importance must we be, when their naval force shall be nearly equal, and ours very much increased.—
     But to ease the apprehensions of the British at our growing importance, it may be truly suggested to them, that the same Line of policy which would tend to increase our growth, would at the same time, attach us closely to them, and secure our weight hereafter in their favour. were they to act liberally towards us, and cultivate an intimate friendly connexion, our language, habits, manners and feelings would unitedly and forcibly operate to produce a connexion still more intimate and important— they would probably lead to an Alliance offensive and defensive— at least, they would then have good ground to hope for it, though we perhaps ought rather to fear it. certain it is, that whatever may be our future political importance, every circumstance would then be in their favour, and nothing but their own bad policy could probably prevent their turning our weight to their own advantage. we shall surely be intimately connected with either France or Britain, and I believe we shall always be interested in their Disputes— a great variety of circumstances lead me to think this will be the case, though against our national interest, and from present appearances it is more likely to be with the former than the latter.—
     There is one instance, at least, in which we are as much governed by our feelings and misled by our resentment, as the British; and we are acting as opposite to our Interest, as they can do to theirs— I mean with respect to the Refugees. The situation of those people at Shelburne &c. we know to be as forlorn and miserable, as can well be imagined. destitute of all means of supplying themselves, and forsaken by the British, they are suffering both hunger and

cold—and were the Doors once opened to them for admission, those Settlements would soon be deserted. A Bill lately passed the lower house for admitting them according to the Treaty, but it stopped at the Senate, and is laid over to the next Session. The clamours of a few, who have plundered their Effects, and fear their admission lest a restoration should be the consequence, wrought upon the timid— and the Zeal of some, who are keen in their resentments and rigid in their notions, went far to prevent its passing the upper house. what will be its fate the next Session is very uncertain— I hope their feelings will subside, and their Judgements be less biassed, it may then have a chance of becoming a Law. The States do not yet seem prepared to take up this Question with Candour and upon right principles.—
     You appear to be pleased with our Navigation Act, and expect great advantages will result from it. I must confess, I have always had my doubts as to its effects, even upon the British; and I have no expectation that any of the Southern States will join us in a restraining System. Rhode-Island and New-Hampshire have passed Laws full as severe with respect to the British as ours, and Connecticut appears to be disposed to fall in with the same measures. Pensilvania is about passing a Law to prevent the British, and all others, from being the Carriers of Foreign Imports, other than their own, to her Markets— it is to apply alike to all Foreigners, and will not operate against the British more than others, only as they are more in the carrying Business than most Nations. As the great Object with the British in their darling navigation Act is to increase and secure their carrying Trade, they may not view with indifference the intention of Pensilvania, as such an Act will prevent them from carrying the produce of that State for others. Could all the States be brought to adopt a System of restraint upon the British, or Congress be impowered to form a System for the whole, I have no doubt you would soon find the British disposed to relax— a serious calculation of loss and gain from restraining Systems on both sides, would certainly lead them to do it— but this, however desireable, I can not but consider as very uncertain.—
     Experience and Observation most clearly evince, that, in their habits, manners and commercial Interests, the southern and northern States are not only very dissimular, but in many instances directly opposed— happy for America would it be, if there was a greater coincidence of Sentiment and Interest among them—then might we

expect those national arrangements soon to take place, which appear so essential to our safety and happiness. The southern States are not and never can be the Carriers of their own produce, nor can they make any figure as naval powers. The northern States now are and ever will be, great Navigators, and their naval force will ever much exceed that of the Southern. hence a Jealousy in the latter, grounded on a fear of the growing importance of the former— hence also it is the interest of the southern States to have foreigners of every description resort to their ports, without any restraint, to purchase and carry off their produce. this Jealousy Doctor Franklin contributed largely to excite by his public and private Letters in 1783.— and this will lead the southern States to oppose the impowering Congress to regulate Trade; and if such power was given, their members in Congress would oppose any exercise of it, that would tend to prevent a free exportation of their produce.— These are among the insuperable difficulties, in my mind, which attend some of our national Concerns; and I very much fear they will eventually prevent those Arrangements, which are necessary to render our union permanent and happy. I have seen this opposition and Jealousy operate too frequently and forcibly, to expect, that we shall easily unite or harmonize on such Questions—and, to me, they appear too well founded to suppose, that the southern States will soon lose the impression. how these difficulties are to be removed, if they do exist, or what will probably result from them to the union, are important and difficult Questions. perhaps nothing less than an apprehension of common danger will induce the States, to attend less to their seperate and more to the general Interest in such Cases; but, however plain it may appear to the real politician, it is not easy in the moment of peace, to impress upon the public mind, an apprehension of danger from such interested principles; or to show, that the individual Interests of the States can not be permanently secured, till those of the Union shall first be established on a firm and equitable Basis.—
     Our Cod-Fishery has very much increased this year, and the quantity of Fish caught has been great for the number of Vessels employed.— Fish has been in much demand all the season from the number of Foreigners who came after it, the price of course, has been high— another year we shall make a great figure in this Fishery.— Our Whale-Fishery has dwindled very much, one year more under the same circumstances would finish it. The Bounty, granted

the last Session by Government, will in some degree support this valuable branch of Business, and may serve to check the disposition of our Fishermen to enter into the service of the Nova-Scotians— so great were the sufferings of that class of men from the reduced price of their Oil, and so great the inducements held out to them from Nova-Scotia, that a large proportion of them at Nantucket and Cape-Cod had actually made arrangements for removing their Families— a few months delay more to afford them relief, and they would have been irrecoverably lost to Massachusetts— but, they are now saved, at least for the present.—
     The granting this Bounty was a well timed instance of sound policy— by it we not only retain a numerous and valuable set of men, but it is evidence that we know and attend to our Interest as a State— it shows that notwithstanding our losses and expences during the War, we have still such rescources, as enable us to support with dignity our Government, and to apply large Sums as Bounties to open new, or to extend old branches of Commerce.—
     The manufacture of Pot and Pearl Ashes was almost suspended during the War, and many of the works were converted to other uses or suffered to decay— it has again been revived, and the quantity manufactured the last year was very large, though not equal to what it was before the War. As our Ashes is preferred in England and Ireland to any that is made in Europe, and always obtains a better price, we may reasonably expect to see this Branch of Business, extended as far, as the European Markets will support it. There are some other Manufactures that may be pushed with advantage in this Country, which will either furnish us with means of paying for such Imports as we need, or will render part of our present importations no longer necessary.— of this kind is the manufacture of Nails, which, being pursued by our Farmers in the Winter Season, whose time for want of some such employment is, during that part of the year, lost both to themselves and the public, the whole value of the labour, or near it, will be saved to the Country. the manufacture of Mens, Womens and Childrens Shoes, Boots, Sadlers Wares, Wool-Cards, various kinds of coarse Woollens and Iron Wares, these and many others may also be reckoned as profitable employments for our Country people in the Winter. we already export very considerable quantities of some of these Articles to the southern States, and the West-Indies will soon, I expect, take off some of them, when we shall have brought them to higher perfection in the workmanship.— The British, by depriving us of a good part, of our former means of

remittance, have obliged us to desist from importing several kinds of their manufactures; and have created a disposition to discontinue the use of those Articles, or to manufacture them ourselves— to their ill policy in this respect shall we be indebted, for the establishment of the nailing Business, and such other branches of manufacture, as our Farmers can pursue with advantage in the Winter Season. Lynn will furnish us with Shoes, Hingham and Bridgwater with Nails &c. &c.— To increase our manufactures has become the rage of the day— this disposition is undoubtedly a right one, it should be the business of Government to encourage it, and at the same time to direct it to proper Objects— otherwise an ill judged or blind Zeal may put us upon attempts to which we are incompetent, or by urging us to grasp at too many Objects at once, prevent our excelling or being able to pursue any of them with advantage. It is undoubtedly true that, from local or other circumstances, almost every Country has its proper and peculiar Objects of manufacture and Commerce; such as it can pursue with more advantage than other nations, and more to its own benefit than can be derived from any other pursuit. To fix the attention of the people to these Objects, to make the most of their disposition to engage in manufactures by giving it a proper direction, is the duty and should be the attention of Government. It would not be more absurd for a man to aim at manufacturing every thing, that he wanted to use in his own Family, instead of pusuing his own proper Business which he well understands; than for a Nation to think of raising or manufacturing within itself, every Article that is either necessary or convenient. The absurdity of this Idea will be greatly increased, when applied to a commercial people, as the attempting to practice upon it, would be in effect to attempt the destruction of all Commerce; for it is by the exchange only of superfluous Articles between Nations, that Commerce can be supported, or rather it is this exchange which constitutes Commerce.
     The exportation of our Country produce, such as Beef, Pork, Butter and Cheese &c.—has very much increased, and we have a fair prospect of vying with, if not in a good degree to supplant, the Irish in the West-Indies and other Markets. Some late Laws regulating the packing of Beef &c., when exported, will be of great use if duly executed. Some of these Articles, have been sent even to the Cape of good Hope, and were found there to answer very well.— Could we be brought to confine our importations to Articles of necessity, or even of convenience, we should have the balance of Trade with

Europe in our favour another year— but so strong are the habits of excess and dissipation, which were contracted during the War, that time and our necessities only can root them out. Our Exports this year to Pensilvania, Virginia and Carolina have exceeded our Imports from thence; and have been nearly equal to what we have consumed, and what we have exported in a circuitous Trade of their produce— the consequence has been highly beneficial to us, by saving the Money which we used to send to those States, and extending the culture or manufacture of those Articles which they take from us.—
     Our Government has become very respectable, much more so than that of any of our Sister States; and the people now generally conceive, that it is their Interest to increase its Energy— this Sentiment seems to be a popular one— it should be encouraged both by precept and example, as great public benefits will certainly result from it. The character of Massachusetts stands high, and is rising; even in Money matters, we are much more liberal than our neighbours— as a proof of this, I now inclose you a report made the last Session, which is calculated not only to provide amply for the Interest on the States Debt, but to reduce the principal— this report, I have strong hopes will be adopted the next Session, it being the general Sentiment, that we can and ought gradually to reduce the Debt.— if spirited measures are taken to effect this, it will give Massachusetts additional weight in Europe and America; even the British, with all their prejudice, must learn to view us with some degree of respect.—
     You will naturally observe that I now give you a different View of Affairs, from that in my last Letter— I then confined myself to our mercantile situation, and as we stand related to Europe, and particularly to Britain. Those who have imported largely from the British are generally in distressed circumstances, they have incurred Debts they never will be able to discharge— many failures have already happened, and many more must happen. the distresses of those people must, and will, be communicated to others, who are connected with them in Business; and this connexion is so extensive, as to affect a great part of those who are engaged in Trade. But these things, however painful for the present; will eventually produce the most lasting and extensive benefits to the State—by reviving habits of industry and œconomy—and by teaching us, that to be easy and independent in our circumstances, we must confine our expences within reasonable Bounds.— I have now written freely to you, too much so

perhaps on some points, was it to any other person. when your more important Avocations will permit, you will much gratify me by such communications on these Subjects, as you may think proper to give.— With my respects to Mrs. Adams and her Daughter, and my best Wishes for your health and success in negociation, I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir / Your most hum1. Servant.—


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

      Sir,
      Office for foreign Affairs 2d: January 1786.

     I have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed a Copy of a Letter of the 21st: December from Mr: Temple to me, which I laid before Congress. They have been pleased to direct that you communicate it to His Britannic Majesty— That you inform him, 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 that you assure him, 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 here 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.
     This Communication will give you an 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.
     It would perhaps be well to pursue the Subject, to intimate the Expediency, as well as Propriety, of sending a Minister here, and if Circumstances should so dictate, to accompany it with assurances

that Congress expect a Minister and are ready to receive and treat him in a Manner consistent with the Respect due to his Sovereign.
     The advantage alluded to in one of your Letters, if no other, would result from such an Appointment, viz:—That the British Court would then probably receive more accurate Representations of Affairs in this Country, than they are at present supplied with by Men, who Write and Speak more as their Wishes and Feelings, than as Truth and Knowledge dictate.—
     I have the Honor to be, with great Respect, / Sir, / Your most obedient, and / Very humble servant;

      John Jay—

      P. S. Your Letters of the following Dates are arrived 15. 17. 21. 25. 27 Octob. la[st]


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 4 January 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

      Dear Sir—
      Grosvenor Square Jany. 4. 1786—

     A day or two after the receipt of your Letter of Novr. 1st. & that of President Lee. which came with it I wrote to the archbishop of Canterbury, by Colo. Smith, for an Hour when I might have the Honour to pay my Respects to his Grace—And was answerd very politely that he would be glad to have the Honour of seeing me, next day, between Eleven & twelve, accordingly I went Yesterday & was very agreably received, by a venerable & candid Prelate, with whom I had before only exchanged Visits of Ceremony—
     I told his Grace that at the desire of two very respectable Characters in America, the late President of Congress and the present secretary of State for the department of foreign affairs—I had the honor to be the Bearer to his Grace of a Letter from a Convention of Deligates from the Episcopal Churches in most of the southern States— which had been transmitted to me open, that I might be acquainted with its Contents— That in this Business however I acted in no official Character, having no Instructions from Congress nor indeed from the Convention, but I thought it most respectful to them, as well as to His Grace to present the Letter in Person— The Archbishop answered, that all that he could say at present, was that he was himself very well disposed to give the satisfaction desired, for he was by no means one of those, who wished that contentions should be kept up between the two Countries, or between one Party & another in america but on the Contrary was desirous of doing every thing in his power to promote Harmony & good Humour—
     I then said that if his Grace would take the trouble of reading two Letters, from Mr. Lee & Mr. Jay, he would perceive the motives of those Gentlemen in sending the Letters to my Care, I gave him the Letters which he read attentively & returned, and added that it was a great satisfaction to him to see, that Gentlemen of Character and Reputation, interested themselves in it, for that the Episcopalians in the United States, could not have the full & compleat Enjoyment of

their religious Liberties, without it and he subjoined that it was also a great satisfaction to him, to have received this visit from me, upon this occasion And he would take the Liberty to ask me, if it were not an improper Question, whether the interposition of the English Bishops would not give uneasiness & dissatisfaction in America
     I replyed that my answer could be only that of a private Citizen, and in that capacity I had o scruple to say, that the people of the United States in general were for a liberal and generous toleration— I might indeed employ a stronger word and call it a right & the first right of Mankind to worship God, according to their Consciences & therefore that I could not see any reasonable Ground for Dissatisfaction and that I hoped & believed there would be none of any consequence
     His Grace was then pleased to say that Religion in all Countries especially a Young one, ought to be attended to, as it was the foundation of Goverment— He hoped the Characters which should be recommended would be good ones— I replied that there were in the Churches in America able Men of Characters altogether irreproachable and that such & such only—I presumed would be recommended— I then rose to take my Leave, and his Grace then asked me, if he might be at liberty to mention that I had made him this Visit on this occasion I answered, Certainly if his Grace should judge it proper.
     Thus Sir I have fulfilled my Commission and remain as usual—Your Sincere friend & most / obedient Servant—

      John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from the Marquis de Lafayette, 9 January 1786
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

      Extract
      To Mr. Adams—
      Paris. January. 9. 1785 [1786]

     I present You with my New Year Good Wishes so far as to conform ourselves to the European Calendar; for altho’ my Sentiments

for You are the same Every Day. Yet dont I think it right in us to mention any Day as the beginning of the Year but the blessed 4th. of July.
     Mr. Barret’s Business is coming on pretty well; he has made a Six Years Contract with Mr. Sangraine for the Sum of four hundred Thousand Livres a year & would not carry it further—in order to give to the other Merchants an Opportunity to do business on their own account. Mr. Sangraines Consumption amounts to an annual Sum of one Million of Livres and I dont doubt but that Three Millions of Livres worth may be easily sold in France, which is as comfortable to the Nantucket people as a Settlement at Shelburne Town in Nova Scotia. Two Things remain to be settled the one to have this Six Years Contract authorised by Government; the other to see what can be done for the following Years. I am sure Mr. Jefferson will find in the Ministry a good Disposition to encourage an Exchange Trade. The last time I saw the Controleur General, he had received Complaints from the French Wale Company, upon which he expatiated not a little; but as they cant furnish more than a very small part of our Consumption, France must for a pretty long time at least, get foreign Oil; & that of New England indeed smells better than that of Great Britain.
     Mr. Barret has entered into a Partnership with Messrs. le Couteux, who have promised to accept Bills for any American Goods from any American State that will be sent to Mr. Barret, so that the Connection will extend to every part of the Continent & Remittances will be made in French Goods, under the Inspection of Mr Barret, who is to sail by the next packet, fix his Correspondences, and return with the first Cargo of Oil, in order to settle in Paris.
     The Article of Spermacetti Candles may go a great Length: Samples have been sent by some of my Friends in Boston: Mr Jefferson Mr Barret & myself are of Opinion the best way will be to bring the Materials here, make the Candles to the Taste of the people & see how they will take. We have been for three Days fixing Pins into them to measure their Duration & conclude it may become an Article for Remittances of a pretty great Value.
     Mr. Tracy’s naval Stores Plan is going on & I don’t doubt but what a Contract will take place. It is the avowed Opinion of the Brittish Navy that American Timber is good for Nothing, which affected me the more as I know it to be quite disinterested; But am happy to find those Prejudices are dying away in France, so far at least as respects live Oak, Red Cedar, Knees; and a few Experiments will also

restabilitate the Masts: Officers are sent for that purpose to the Eastward, & I hope my Friend Mr. Brook Mr Barret and others will contract for an Envoice of Timber. In the mean while I am desired to ask General Green for    Thousand Cubit feet of live Oak as an Experiment, & an Officer is sent to Georgia to contract with him on a large Scale. American Pitch is acknowledged to be excellent & a certain Quantity is asked for as a farther Experiment. Pot Ash too has been tried & is far superior to any other.
     It seems to me there may be given in this Country a Vent for a Million Sterling worth of American Produce; that to be paid in french Goods, & I wish a preference may be given to natural productions, or useful Manufactures, over the extravagant Trinkets of Fashion & Luxury. When a solid exchange Trade is well fixed then is time for a bounded Credit to take place. If Great Britain is complaining of her Losses she may blame her Ministers who while they had sent their Goods to America took great Care that Every Door be shut against Remittances, evincing an equal Wisdom with one, who after he had exchanged a Watch for a Bank bill, would contrive while he is locking it in his pocket book, very cunningly to let it slip into the Fire.
     I find by the American Papers that Sir Robert Herries had proposed furnishing the Farm with Tobacco, which is very kind indeed considering the Trouble he would have to go & fetch it. Upon this Affair of Tobacco Mr. Jefferson has wrote a Letter which is a Master-Piece. As this Government is very friendly disposed, I wish a Committee might be appointed to examine Article by Article the Means of Remittance that America has to dispute with the forme Generale upon every selfish or prejudiced Trial, to facilitate Exportations from America into France and level every Obstacle that attends the French Goods from the Manufacturing Place to the Vessel wherein they are embarked: In a Word, to benefit both Trades, and bend together both Nations on the Basis of mutual Advantages. Such a measure I think, would be of immense Profit to either of the two Countries, and many good Things could also be added on the East India Trade.
     Brant, the Indian is, I am told, in England. It would seem to be a very ingenious Plan for Great Brittain to pursue, while they are losing their Mercantile Interest in America, for the Sake of some few Furr Merchants, or rather of a few petty Officers in Canada, also to give themselves all the political Disadvantages of a War with the United States, so far at least as to alienate every Mind, and cut off

every Hope of a good Understanding; and that for the Sake of a few Scalps! What Obligations, my dear Sir, are we laid under to British Councils, not only in the Course of, but still after the Revolution, which they have so well prepared, encouraged, hastened, consolidated, and are now bringing to Perfection.
     I have two Favors to beg of You: The one is to find out what remains of Fothergill’s Works on the Slavery of Negroes, and to send me every Thing that has been written in England about the Means to discourage it: I would like to add the several Laws passed in America for a gradual Enfranchisement of those injured People: My second Request is, for You to get acquainted with a Mr. Howard, who has travelled all over Europe to enquire into, and has written an excellent Book to amend, the State of Prisons. I have a great Desire to be honored with his Correspondence.

      la Fayette.


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 10 January 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)

      Gentlemen
      Grosvenor square Jany 10 1786

     I am honoured with your Letter of the 23d of Decr. and remember very well my giving the Credit for a 1000£— It was to pay for swords medals &c for officers, which Coll. Humphries had orders from Congress & their Financier to have made— I informed you of it at the same time— I only gave the power to Mr. Jefferson to draw for the money as Humphry might want it, in order to multiply the checks— This Credit stands very well—
     You will please to advertise for the payment of the Interest as you propose.
     On the 9th. of this month I accepted a Bill of John Ledyard on me at 60 Day’s sight for twelve Guineas in favour of Mr. Grand dated Paris Decr. 29. 1785—indorsed by Mr. Grand to Louis Tessier. certified by Mr. Jefferson to be drawn by order of John Lamb expressed in a Letter in Mr. Jeffersons possession— on the 18th of this month I drew a Bill on Messrs. C. & R. Puller in favour of Coll. Smith for 150£ sterling to pay for a sword for the Baron De Steuben according to the order of Congress & the Board of War—

     I think I have informed you before that I have accepted Bills of Mr. Barclay as far as No. 12.— Late as it is I wish you Gentlemen the Compliments of the season & have the honor to be with much esteem / Your &c

      J. A


Title: To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 11 January 1786
From: Cranch, Richard
To: Adams, John

       Dear Brother
       Bos[ton] Jany. 11th. 1786.

      Mr. John Jenks, the Bearer, has this moment inform’d me that he shall sail for London this Day in Capt. Lyde. As he has been so long connected with our most valuable Friend Doctr Tufts, and is knowing to so many of our Friends and Relations, I think it must be a Pleasure to you and you Family to see him in London. He comes, as I am inform’d, in behalf of some Merchants in Salem to transact some Business of importance in which they are concerned. He expects to be back in the Spring, and will gladly take Charge of any thing you may want to send by him. I left your dear Charles at our House Yesterday he is very well, and behaves exceeding well at the University. It is now the long Winter Vacancy. Your Sons, Mr. Thaxter, and the rest of our Friends at Haverhill were well last Week. Please to give my most affectionate Regards to my dear Sister and to your amiable Daughter, and believe me to be your obliged Friend and Brother—

       Richard Cranch

      Our Friends are all well— You will have Letters from all of us by Lyde.
      Before I had seal’d my Letter the Post from Haverhill came in, and bro’t a Letter for your dear Partner, which I have given in charge to Mr. Jenks, I suppose it contains several Letters.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Paris Jan. 12. 1786.

     You were here the last year when the interest due to the French officers was paid to them, and were sensible of the good effect it had on the credit & honor of the U.S. a second year’s interest is become due. they have presented their demands. there is not money here to pay them, the pittance remaining in mr̃ Grand’s hands being only sufficient to pay current expences three months longer. the dissatisfaction of these officers is extreme, and their complaints will produce the worst effect. the treasury board has not ordered their paiment, probably, because they knew there would not be money. the amount of their demands is about 42,000 livres. and mr̃ Grand has in his hands but twelve thousand. I have thought it my duty under this emergency to ask you whether you could order that sum for their relief from the funds in Holland? if you can, I am persuaded it will have the best of effects.
     The imperial Ambassador took me apart the other day at Count d’Aranda’s, and observed to me that Doctr. Franklin about eighteen or twenty months ago had written to him a letter proposing a treaty of commerce between the Emperor & the U.S. that he had communicated it to the Emperor & had answered to Doctor Franklin that they were ready to enter into arrangements for that purpose: but that he had since that received no reply from us. I told him I knew well that Doctor Franklin had written as he mentioned, but that this was the first mention I had ever heard made of any answer to the letter. that on the contrary we had always supposed it was unanswered & had therefore expected the next step from him. he expressed his wonder at this and said he would have the copy of his answer sought for & send it to me. however, he observed that this matter being now understood between us, the two countries might proceed to make the arrangements. I told him the delay had been the more unlucky as our powers were now near expiring. he said he supposed Congress could have no objections to renew them, or perhaps to send some person to Brussels to negotiate the matter there. we remitted all further discussion till he should send me a copy of his letter. he has not yet done it, and I doubt whether he has not forgotten the substance of his letter which probably was no more than an acknoledgement of the receipt of Dr. Franklin’s and a promise to transmit it to his court. if he had written one proposing

conferences, it could never have got safe to Doctor Franklin. be this as it will he now makes advances, and I pray you to write me your sentiments immediately as to what is best to be done on our part. I will endeavor to evade an answer till I can hear from you.
     I have the honor to be with the highest respect & esteem Dear Sir / your most obedient & most humble servant

      Th: Jefferson


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 21 January 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

      Dear Sir
      Grosvenor Square Jan. 21. 1786

     On Wednesday, the Chevalier De Pinto informed me that he had written to Lisbon, for Explanations from his Court upon certain Points: that he expected an Answer, in a few days, and that as soon as he Should receive it, he would call upon me and proceed in the Negotiation. That in the meantime he would not disguise from me, the Solicitude of his Court to Send a Minister, to Congress. Ettiquette forbid, that the Court of Portugal should Send an Ambassador, Minister Plenipotentiary or Envoy, to America, untill the United

States would agree to Send one of equal Rank to Lisbon.— But if Congress had any Reasons for not sending Ministers of so high an Order, they might send a Resident or Chargé D’Affaires.— I answered him that I had heard it was the Intention of Congress to Send a Consul, but that I could Say no further.
     Lord Carmarthen on Thursday told me, he was at Work upon an Answer to my Memorial concerning the Posts, and should compleat it, as soon as he could collect Some further Information concerning the Debts, of the Obstructions to the Payment of which the Ministry had recd Complaints from Persons in this Country who were interested in them.— You may conclude from this as well as I, what kind of Answer it will be.— I am very glad that I am to have an Answer. Whatever it may be, it will lead to further Ecclaircissement and a final Accommoodation. Yet I think the Answer will not come before the Spring.— It will take Eighteen Months more to settle all Matters, exclusive of the Treaty of Commerce.
     Mr. Eden has Said within a few Days, that he believed there would be a Treaty of Commerce with the United States of America, within a Year or two. He may wish to be employed in it, for however Sanguine he may be of his success at Versailles I shall loose my Guess if he ever accomplishes a commercial Treaty with that Court.— He may however.— This Nation would now crouch to France for the Sake of being insolent to Us. The Disposition to crush the Weak is almost always attended with that of cringing to the Strong. Arrogance to Inferiours is ever servile to superiours. But a Treaty with France, Such as She would accept, would be hurtfull to such Numbers and raise such an Opposition that I cannot yet believe Mr Eden will be permitted to sign one. The Term of two Years is expired and Del Campo, has done nothing.— Crawford is returned without doing any Thing as I Suppose.
     The true Secret of the Appointment of Eden, as I conceive is the Court of Versailles was offended, that Crawford was not allowed to do any Thing and used Some Sharp Expressions, which intimidated the Ministry. Eden was appointed for two Ends first to appease the Wrath at Versailles and Secondly to keep up a misterious delusive hope in the English Nation. Perhaps too the Ministry are afraid of commercial Speculations between France & Ireland. These Conjectures are precarious, and no great Stress should be laid upon them.
     With great Respect I have the Honour / to be, dear sir, your most obedient / and most humble servant

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 21 January 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

      Dear Sir
      Grosr. sqr. 21st. Jany. 86—

     I am very glad to learn by your Kind favour of the 9th. that Boylston has sold his oil to sangrains Correspondent because this will both shew the Bostonians that a Markett may be found in france, much better than in England, & the Parrissians that this oil is much better & Cheaper than any other
     Mr. Barretts Contract bids fair to compleat the business & to introduce a regular Exchange of American for french productions— The french Nation cannot be interested in their Whaling Company so much, as they are in their general productions of agriculture and manufactures.— It is very pleasing to hear, that our naval stores & pot-ash have an undisputed Reputation and you may depend upon it that our timber, and masts will very soon, vindicate themselves from all the English slanders— I wish I had a Copy of Mr. Jefferson’s Letter upon tobacco— Brant is come for half pay, as it is given out— I believe his hopes of scalps at present is lost in the fear of loosing his own—
     I will look up the writings you desire against the slavery of negroes, & send them by the first good oppertunity— The Laws passed in America are not to be found here— Mr. Howard is now, as I am told by my friend Dr. Price, at Marsailles—
     there is not a possibility of forming an adequate Idea, of what is passing in the News papers, in this town without taking 7— or 8— of them daily— You find yourself encumbered in the Course of a few Day’s with an enormous pile of waste paper—which contains nothing of any value, tho’ it Cost you a large sum of Money—

     The morning Cronicle is the best for parliamentary debates, but is good for little else. The light Troops of the Ministry skirmish in the morning post—those of opposition in the Morning herald—but there is little in either but the battles of the sons of dulness—
     tell Anastasia she must prepare herself to let papa go— there will not be time to wait for George to grow up—according to the latest advices—
     Mr. Hancock is president of Congress & in his absence Mr. Ramsay of So. Carolina fills the Chair— Mr. Temples Commission was before Congress, but not determined on, at the date of my Letter from Mr. Jay of the 26th. of Novr.
     The ensuing season of parliament will be stormy opposition will have materials enough & ministry will be pressed from various quarters—
     The taxes the last year have been very productive, and Mr. Pitt is purse proud, but in the opinion of the deepest men he is too sanguine, in presuming that the next Year, will be equally prosperous—
     If france—the Emperor & America persevere, he will be terribly disappointed— The British Empire is now in the power of its Rivals, who will be weak indeed, if they again contribute to build it up to a dangerous height—
     It was very pleasant the other day to see at the drawing room, how all Nations were of one blood, dwelling together in Love— there was Colonel Smith, and his Royal Majesty King Brant, who had been so lately in action against each other in the Wilderness— Brants Phisiognomy was much admired by the Ladies— They saw a remarkable goodness in his Countenance & I suppose were amused with that harmless play thing—his hatchett, in another part of the Room were seen the American Ambassador & King Pascall Paoli, in a familiar Conversation with each other— Who can immagine a more striking scene of gratification for Philanthropy
     The Ladies are very sensible of your politeness and desire me to convey their best respects to you & Madam Lafayette & their affectionate remembrance of the little family—
     I am Dr. sir

      J. A.


Title: From John Adams to the Comte de Sarsfield, 21 January 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Sarsfield, Guy Claude, Comte de

      Dear Sir—
      Grosvenor square Jany. 21st. 1786

     If I were as fortunate as you are and could pass the Water from Dover to Calais in 3 hours, I would go to Paris & dine with you in some of your American Parties but I can never get over from Harwich to Helveot nor from Dover to Calais in less than 17 hours, & sometimes not under three Day’s—
     I have all the peices relative to the United Provinces excepting Le Pay’s de Drenthe. I have one peice upon slavery—one upon Woemen, & two introductions to the subject of fiefs. Voila tout que J’en ai—
     Among all my acquaintance I know not a greater Rider of Hobby Horses than Count Sarsefield— one of your Hobby Horses is to assemble uncommon Characters— I have dined with you 2 or 3. times at your House in Company with the oddest Collections of Personages that were ever put together— I am thinking if you were here, I would Invite you to a dinner to your taste— I would ask King Paoli— King Brant—Le Chevaleir DeEon, & if you pleased you might have Mr. & Mrs. ——— with whom you dined in America— How much speculation would this whimsical association afford you?—
     How goes on your Enquiry into fiefs? if you do not make haste I may perhaps interfere with you I have half a Mind to devote the next ten Years to the making of a Book, upon the subject of Nobility— I wish to enquire into the practice of all Nations ancient & modern, civilized & savage, under all Religions Mahometan, Christian, & Pagan—to see how far the division of Mankind into Patricians & Plebeians, Nobles & simples is necessary & inevitable & how far it is not Nature has not made this discrimination. art has done it— Art may then prevent it— I believe would it do good or evil

to prevent it? I believe good think what you will of it— How can it be prevented? in short it is a splendid subject and if I were not too Lazy I would undertake it.
     I want to see Nations in Uniform— No Church Canonicals: no Lawyers Robes—no ——— no distinctions in society, but such as sense and Honesty make.— What a fool? what an Enthusiast you will say— what then? why should not I have my Hobby Horse to ride as well as my friend— I’ll tell you what— I believe this many headed beast the people, will some time or other have wit enough to throw their riders—and if the should they will put an End to an Abundance of tricks with which they are now curbed & bitted, whiped & spurred

      J. A—


Title: From John Adams to Rufus King, 22 January 1786
From: Adams, John
To: King, Rufus

      Sir
      Grosvenor Square Jan. 22. 1786

     Yesterday I was honoured with your Letters of the 4. and 10. Decr.— The Act of Congress respecting the British Consul General, is wise, and well guarded: Nevertheless I think that We Should not be So inattentive to Ettiquette, as to omit a Proposition for Sending a Minister Plenipotentiary. We give up, a Point, by receiving a Consul in return for a Minister, which, although it may appear of little Consequence in America, is really of some Weight among our own People, and of much more in Europe. Republicks, have in all Ages been quite as attentive to the respect due to their Ambassadors as crowned Heads. Holland, Venice and Genoa, are at this day more Studious of this, than any Kings in Europe, whose Dominions are not larger.
     The last publick Entry and Audience of Ambassadors in this Country was insisted on by the Republick of Genoa at the Accession of his present Majesty: and I conjecture that the true Reason why We have no Answer from Venice and Genoa is that they think Ettiquette required that We should have Sent Ministers to them or at least that Congress should have written a Letter to them, announcing their Independence and desire to live in Amity.
     I See with Pleasure that the States are advancing towards Unanimity, in Commercial Regulations. They may depend upon it they have no other Resource. They will be obliged to come into it, and the sooner the better. The Stocks are mounted up, and Mr Pitt is about adopting a Plan of Dr Price, for a sinking Fund. This will prove an Illusion, but its Brillancy will dazzle this People.
     Your Picture of the Prosperity of our Country, its Agriculture and Fisheries is a charming one. The Acts of Mass. for encouraging the Whale Trade, and the Alterations of their navigation Act, I hope will have good Effects. inclosed are Some Letters from the Marquis De la Fayette and Mr Barrett which I pray you to send to some Friend in Boston as I have not time to copy them.— Surely We need not want a Markett for Oil.
     Will you please to present my affectionate Respects to Mr Hancock and your other Colleagues. I am extreamly sorry that the

senate of Massachusetts had less Magnanimity than the House. What Reasons they could have against the Return of the Refugees I cannot comprehend.— at home they would be impotent, abroad they are mischievous. The News of the Vote of the House had apparently an happy Effect here. In the Vindication of the Principles of Right, and of great Interests We should be as decided as Fate: but angry Passions and especially personall Resentments We should Sacrifice like Men. great Questions should never be perplexed with unnecessary little ones.— a generous sailor would never puzzle himself to save a Keg of Rum, when he ought to exert himself to save the ship, altho a Hingham farmer is reported to have once done it—
     Mr Pitt intends to pay the Tories their Losses and dismiss them. They will then be obliged to go to Canada or Nova scotia, unless they can return to the states, which many of them desire. Why We should continue them Spightful and troublesome, when they might be made quiet and harmless I dont know.
     I have not received from Mr Jay, the Commission you or Mr Gerry mentioned, as Consul General. I wish that Congress had been pleased rather to have appointed Coll Smith.— However When my Authority arrives I shall do the best I can.— I promise myself much from your future Correspondence, as I have recd much Pleasure & Information from the past. With great / Esteem, yours

      John Adams