Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 22 October 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Head Quarters near York in Virginia 22d Octo 1781
sir

As the Transmission of the inclosed paper through the usual Channel of the Department of foreign Affairs would, on the present Occasion, probably be attended with great Delay—and recent Intelligence of Military Transactions must be important to our Ministers in Europe at the present period of Affairs—I have thought it would be agreeable both to Congress and your Excellency, that the Matter should be communicated immediately by a french Frigate dispached by Admiral deGrasse.
Annexed to the Capitulation is a summary Return of the Prisoners and Cannon taken in the two places of York and Gloucester.
I have added, upon the Principles abovementioned, a Copy of Genl Greene’s Report of his last Action in South Carolina.

I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obedient and Most humble Servt
Go: Washington


Title: To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 23 October 1781
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John

Duplicate

Dear Sir
Philadelphia, October 23d. 1781

The Enclosed resolution will advise you that Congress have thought it adviseable to new model their Department of foreign Affairs, by the Appointmt. of a Secretary, thro’ whose hands the Communications with their Ministers abroad are to pass. Tho’ they did me the honor to Elect me So long Since as August last, I but lately determined to accept, and did not Enter upon Business till Two days ago, So that you must not Expect those minute Communications, which I shall think it my duty to make you, when I have had leisure to arrange my Department, and to acquaint myself more fully with the Sentiments of Congress, which must, upon the whole, be my direction.
I can only Say in general, that we consider your Situation as Extremely delicate, the State you are in, divided by powerful Parties, and the bias that Every Man has to his own Country, naturally gives him a predilection for that which most favors its Interests. But this, tho’ the Child of Virtue, is often the greatest Obstacle to successful Negociations, it creates distrust and Jealousies, it Excites prejudices, which unfits us for conciliating the affections of those whose Assistance we require, and induces too fond a reliance upon the information of those who wish to serve us. Aristocratic Govermts. are of all others the most Jealous of popular Commotions, the rich and the powerful are Equally engaged to resist them, and nothing will, in my Opinion, So soon contribute to a peace between Great Britain and the United provinces, as the commotions which now clog the Government of the latter.
You must, Sir, be infinitely better acquainted with the interior of the State you are in, than I can pretend to be, and I rely much on Your information for lights which I cannot attain here. If I venture to give you my Sentiments, it is with the hopes that you will correct my Errors, when I have discovered them by my freedom.
The United Provinces appear to me one of those Governments, whose Very Constitution disposes them to peace. The ambition of making conquests either is, or ought to be, unknown to them. A War for the Extension of Commerce, is a solecism in Politicks, Since the shocks that the Established Trade sustains, infinitely Overbalances any new Accession that may be made by it. War, then, while the true Interest of the United Provinces is considered, will be the Child of Necessity. That necessity happily Exists at present, and will exist ’till Great Britain Ceases to be the Tyrant of the Ocean. We are greatly interested in its continuance, But let us always bear in mind, that the moment Great Britain makes the Sacrifices which Prudence and Justice require, the United Provinces will be drawn by the interest of Commerce and the Love of Peace, to close with them. Their Acknowledgment of our Independence would be an important and a leading Object. Success here, and the injustice and Cruelty of the British may affect it, but do not let us appear to be dissatisfied if it is delayed; They have a right to Judge for themselves, from the very nature of their Government, they must be Slow in determining. Every appearance of dissatisfaction on our parts, gives room to the British to believe the United Provinces disinclined to us, and paves the Way to Negociations which may end in a Peace which we are So much interested in preventing. Your first Object then, if I may Venture my Opinion, is to be well with the Government, your Second, to appear to be so, and to take no measures which may bring upon you a publick Affront; You will naturally treat the friends we have, with the politeness and attention that they justly merit, and even with that Cordiality, which your heart must feel for those who wish your Country well, but your prudence will suggest to you to avoid giving Offence to Government, by the appearance of intrigue. I know nothing of the refinements of Politicks, nor do I wish to see them enter into our Negociations—Dignity of conduct, the resources of our country, and the Value of our Commerce must render us respectable abroad. You will not fail to lay the foundation of your Alliances in these, by displaying them in the strongest point of View. The spirit of Injustice and cruelty which characterize the English, must also afford you advantages, of which, I dare say, you will avail yourself.
I make no Apology for the length or freedom of this, it is of the last importance to you, (and I am Satisfied you will think it So) to be intimately acquainted with the sentiments entertain’d on this Side of the Water. In return, Sir, you will let me know minutely, every thing that can in any Way be of use to us, particularly if either of the Belligerent Powers take measures that may tend to Establish a partial or general Peace. At your Leisure acquaint me with the interior of the Government you are in, and Every thing else interesting, which you may learn relative to others. Remember that Ministers are yet to be form’d in this Country, and let them want no lights which your Situation Enables you to afford them.
I would Submit it to you, whether it would not be most adviseable to spend as much time as possible at the Hague, and to form connexions with the Ministers of the Powers not interested in our Affairs, They are frequently best informed, because least suspected, and while Your public Character is unacknowledged, and you can Visit without the clog of Ceremony, I should conceive it no difficult Task to engage the friendship of Some among them. But it is time to let you breathe, this I shall do without closing my Letter, reserving the remainder of it for the communication of the most agreeable Intelligence you ever received from America. The enclosed prints will announce one important Victory to you, and we are in hourly Expectation of the particulars of another which will enable you to open your Negociations this Winter, with the utmost advantage.

24th. October.

I Congratulate you, Sir, upon the pleasing intelligence, which, agreeable to my hopes, I am enabled to convey to you. Enclosed you have a Letter from General Washington to Congress, the Terms granted to Lord Cornwallis, his fleet and Army, and the Letters that past previous to the surrender of both. I make no Comments upon this Event, but rely upon your Judgment to improve it to the most advantage. Perhaps this is the moment in which a Loan may be opened, with most advantage. The want of money is our weak side, and even in the high day of success we feel its pressure. As you may not perhaps be acquainted with the Steps that led to this important Victory, I enclose also an Extract of my Letter to Dr Franklin. The British fleet consisting of 26 Sail of the Line, including three fifties as such, with 5000 Land forces and Genl Clinton himself on board, sailed the 19th. for the relief of Cornwallis. Count de Grasse is also out with 34 of the Line, I shall keep this open as long as possible, from the hopes of communicating an interesting Account of their Meeting.

Novr. 1st.

I am under the necessity of closing this without being able to give you any other Acct. of the fleet than that the British have not yet returned to New York. Nor are we certain that the Count de Grasse has yet left Chesapeake. If any thing in the Nature of a Court Kalender is published at the Hague, you will be pleased to Send me one or Two impressions of it, as it may be of use to us.

I am with great respect & Esteem Dear sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.
Robt R Livingston


Title: From John Adams to Job Field and Others, 24 October 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Field, Job

Amster
Oct. 24. 1781

Gentlemen

Yours of September the 8th. I have but just received, it went a long Circuit to come to me. I am very Sorry for your misfortune, in being captured, and wish you Liberty as soon as possible, but recommend to you Patience, the only Remedy under Evils which cannot be avoided. Sufferings in so good and great a Cause, as that of our Country, are the easiest to bear, because they are honourable.
I have no public Money, at my disposal, and my own Resources, in this difficult Situation, and these hard times, are too confined to enable me to lend you from myself any considerable Sum, but I have taken Measures to furnish you with Ten Guineas, in all, that is two Guineas each, which I hope will be of Some Service to you. I am, Gentlemen, your affectionate Friend and Neighbour.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 25 October 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam October 25th 1781

I have the honor to inclose a Copy of a Letter I yesterday recieved from Corunna. I communicate it to your Excellency in Confidence. The Writer is a particular Friend of your’s. He has so good an Heart, and is so amiable a Man, that I would not expose him to the Resentment of any of the Gentlemen, and therefore pray your Excellency to keep his Letter secret. Yet his Opinion deserves some Attention. There are some Dutch Gentlemen on board the South Carolina, one of whom has written to his Friends much to the same purpose I am told, and adds; that Gillon did not cruise but was detained by contrary Winds.
Gillon when he first came to Europe brought Letters to me from Mr. Middleton and Mr. Rutledge, recommending him in very strong terms as a Man of Honor and a firm Friend to America, who had been prevailed upon to leave his Home and an independent Fortune for the sake of serving the State. Since I have been in Holland, I found his Reputation here very good, and he had many Friends, among whom were several of very considerable Note and Importance, and I have never observed or heard of any dishonorable Conduct until his departure. I have considered him as having been trained on from Step to Step, and from one Misfortune, Perplexity and Disappointment to another, until he had incurred an enormous Expence beyond his means. I never suspected him of any design like that suggested by Jackson and still I cannot but hope, that the Suggestion proceeds from too much Warmth.
It is a most ruinous and affecting Affair, for I see nothing but the Ruin of the Ship, as well as the loss of the Goods left here. What can be done to prevent the one or the other.

I have the honor to be with great Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Philippe André Joseph de Létombe, 26 October 1781
From: Létombe, Philippe André Joseph de
To: Adams, John

Boston 8ber 26. 1781
Sir

I have received the packet your Excellency has honored me with from Leyden on the 11. instant of last march. I have forwarded his Letters according to their direction and I give him thousand thanks. I have Seen Mrs. Adams at Brentree and I Send you, Sir, a packet that She has caused to forward me yesterday. I herein inclose a very interressing pamphlet wich causes a Lively and général joy. I wish for the exchange of that glorious News, you would acquaint me soon with that of géneral Peace.

I have the honour to be, with greatest Respect, of your Excellency, the most-humble and most-obedient
Servant de Létombe

P.S. I wrote just now to Mrs. Adams to assure her mind about the incredible Report respecting the Indian man Mr. Guilon Commander.

Miss Adams is here at Mr. Isaac Smith’s and her health carries rosy colours as her cheaks do.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 27 October 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Amsterdam October 27. 1781
Sir

I had last night the honour of your Letter of the 22d and I most heartily congratulate the French Court and Nation, on the acquisition of a Dauphin.
The Ships which the South Carolina, was to have taken under her Convoy, are Still here. I am told, that the Ships are the best that are to be had: that they are to be sold at a reasonable Rate, so reasonable that the difference, between the Purchase and the Freight is inconsiderable. So that the general opinion here, Seems to be that the best course to be taken would be to purchase the ships which on their arrival in America would Sell for more than their Cost, and Send them on, without Loss of Time. But in order to accomplish this, there must be cash to pay the Purchase; And after all, they may be taken and all lost: but it is said the Season of the year advances fast, when there will be little danger of British Cruisers, upon this Coast. There are American Masters of Vessells here, of good Reputation, who would be very glad to take the command, at least of one of them.
As this whole Transaction arose in France, under the Authority of your Excellency and Coll Laurens, I have never considered myself as having any Power over those Goods or Ships, any more than over the Casks of Gold and Silver, which were Sent here by Mr Neckar, to go by the Same South Carolina, and which that minister had given Mr Jackson an order to receive, but which notwithstanding your Excellency thought still So far under your Jurisdiction, as to give orders, that it should not be delivered to him.
If I were to advise however my advice would be this to send Jackson here again who was sent here before to conduct the Business. If your Excellency could Spare the Money to purchase the Ships, to do it, and send them to Sea. If not to sell part of the Goods to pay the Freight of the rest, or sell the whole and pay the Money to your Excellencys order. Or if your Excellency sees fit to give Mr De Neufville, or Messrs Fizeau & Co, or any other Person the Conduct of the Business, it will be equally Satisfactory, to, sir, your Excellencys most humble and obedient Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from C.W.F. Dumas, 27 October 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

La Haie 27 Oct. 1781
Monsieur

N’attribuez qu’à la peine que j’ai eue de me procurer la Brochure que vous m’avez demandée, Si je ne n’ai pas répondu plutôt à l’honorée vôtre du 18. Certainement elle n’est pas imprimée ici, où tout le monde la méprise, et où elle n’est connue que des Libraires à qui on l’avoit envoyée pour en vendre ce qu’ils pourroient. J’ai donc été obligé d’attendre qu’elle vînt de Rotterdam, d’où on me l’a fait venir, parce que c’est là qu’elle a été publiée par quelque Anglois ou Anglomane. Vous verrez que c’est effectivement une piece à mépriser, et qui ne mérite aucune attention, encore moins une réfutation, de notre part.
I am very glad, Dear Sir, that you have found shut the gates of the other Mansion. What had you to do that way? You Know your Business is to open the Gates of general Peace, when Britain will be reduced to seek for it. I am very much obliged to Dr. Oosterdyk and the Bark, that they have not suffered your feet, stumbling on the dark Mountains: because I will have them, together with mine, when we will have pacified Europe, climb up to the Top of your Blue Mountains and crowned with oaken Boughs, survey and bless from thence the glorious Empire of Liberty, with its happy Sons and Daughters.

Jeudi dernier (après s’etre amusé pendant la 15ne. précedente à délibérer, et enfin résoudre contre certaine adresse au Peuple) on a mis sur le tapis dans le Sanhédrin la Missive du D—. Alcmar et Hoorn ont accédé aux 8 villes qui sont contre lui. La premiere a parlé plus vigoureusement que toutes les autres. Avec tout cela, comme j’ai vu hier matin passer devant mes fenêtres une partie de ces Messieurs, pour entrer dans leurs Yachts, j’en ai conclu qu’ils ont laissé le tapis, pour aller selon leur coutume, pendant quelques jours délibérer sur leurs Napes et Draps de Lit.
J’ai lu une Réponse de certain Peuple à certaine adresse, que je voudrois que vous pussiez lire aussi. Vous y verriez que ce peuple n’a rien à craindre de son bon Chef, par la raison que pour bouleverser un Etat, il faut être un grand homme. Vous penseriez aussi avec moi, que si jamais on attrape l’Auteur de l’Adresse, il ne pourroit mieux faire que de choisir celui de la réponse, pour le Consoler dans sa derniere heure.
Tout ceci amuse en attendant les nouvelles plus importantes, qui doivent nous venir d’Amérique.
Je suis toujours seul ici, et par conséquent attaché chez moi. Mais je crois que le mauvais temps obligera bientôt ma femme à revenir, et alors je ne manquerai pas Monsieur de profiter de votre obligeante invitation, et de regler avec vous, au coin du feu, les grands interêts des Nations.
Voici une petite Drôlerie au sujet d’une Lettre pitoyable, qui avoit été écrite contre Mr. De L—. Cela pourra vous amuser un instant.

Je suis Monsieur, toujours, & pour toujours, avec grand respect, Votre très-humble & très-obéisst. serviteur
Dumas

On m’a fait l’honneur de m’adopter Membre Extraordinaire de la Societé Amore patriæ, qui vient de publier un nouvel Ecrit très sensé, en Hollandois, sur la différence entre Anonymes et Libelles—De hoc et pluribus coram.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 27 October 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

The Hague 27 October 1781
Sir

It is only due to the difficulty I had in obtaining the brochure you asked for, that I did not respond earlier to your honored letter of the 18th. It certainly was not printed here, where everyone spurns it, and where it is known only to the booksellers trying to sell it. I was, therefore, obligated to wait until it came from Rotterdam because it was there that it was published by some Englishman or Anglomane. You will see that it is truly a work to be scorned and deserves not the slightest attention, much less a refutation from us.
I am very glad, Dear Sir, that you have found shut the gates of the other Mansion. What had you to do that way? You know your Business is to open the Gates of general Peace, when Britain will be reduced to seek for it. I am very much obliged to Dr. Oosterdyk and the Bark, that they have not suffered your feet, stumbling on the dark Mountains: because I will have them, together with mine, when we will have pacified Europe, climb up to the Top of your Blue Mountains and crowned with oaken Boughs, survey and bless from thence the glorious Empire of Liberty, with its happy Sons and Daughters.
Last Thursday (after enjoying the previous two weeks deliberating and finally reaching a resolution against a certain address to the people) the missive of D— was on the carpet in the Sanhedrin. Alcmar and Hoorn complied with the eight cities that are against him. The first spoke more vigorously than all the others did. With all of that I concluded, when I saw some of these gentlemen pass by my window yesterday morning to go to their yachts, that they left the carpet, according to their custom, to deliberate for several days on their bed sheets.
I read a response by certain people to a certain address, that I would like you to read also. You will see that these people have nothing to fear from their good leader, because in order to overturn a state, one must be a great man. You will agree with me, that if the author of the address were ever caught, he could not do better than to choose the author of the response for consolation in his last hours.
All of this is amusing while waiting for more important news to come from America.
I am still alone here and, because of that, at home. But I believe that my wife will come home soon because of the bad weather, and then, sir, I will take advantage of your kind invitation to come sit with you by the fire and settle the important matters of the world.
Here is an amusing thing regarding a pitiful letter that was written against Mr. De L—. It will amuse you for a moment.

I am, sir, always, and for always, with great respect, your very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas

I was given the honor of being named extraordinary member of the Amore Patriæ Society, which has just published a very sensible new work, in Dutch, on the difference between publishing anonymously and publishing under a pen name—De hoc et pluribus coram.


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 28 October 1781
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels Octr 28th. 1781
Sir

I trouble your Excellency with This to inform your Excellency, that I receved this Day the Bill of £10. on London to be applied to the Relief of five poor American Citizens. I shall write to my Friend for that purpose by the next Post. But shall not send the Bill yet, as I see that it appears on the face of it, that the value of it was paid by your Excellency, whose Name, however honored by the virtuous part of Mankind, is alarming to Tyrants, and those, who are immediately under their rod. Your Excellency Knows that the vengeance of disappointed Ambition will carry the base minded to the utmost Lengths, and that there is hardly a Man in England, who is not now under a Terror of it. My Friend is considered as an Obnoxious Man, and is therefore forced to Act with more than ordinary Prudence. I shall consider the necessity He is under of doing so, but the poor fellows Shall have immediate Relief.
The Abbé Raynal has been in this City. I have not heard of Him lately, but will make particular Enquiries about Him, and inform your Excellency of the Result of them.
I Hear there is a late Arrival from America, which Says that Cornwallis after leaving a Force at Portsmouth had marched to the South Side of James River.
Mrs Izard is gone to and is arrivd at Paris.
We shall have tomorrow three Mails due. I find that altho the Wind has been fair, it has been too high for the Packet boats to venture.

I am with the greatest Respect Sir your Excellencys Most Faithful & Obedient Humble Servt
Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Joshua Johnson, 30 October 1781
From: Johnson, Joshua
To: Adams, John

Nantes 30 Octo. 1781
Sir

I am this day honord with your polite favour of the 20 Idem covering two Letters one for the President of Congress and the other for Major Jackson, the first will go forward this day by the Sally Cap Worth for Rhode Island, the other shall be sent so soon as I can find out where Major Jackson is. You say there is no News but that of Commodore Gillon and that I must have heard off, this is Sublime to me as I have heard not a word about him and now fear something is not well. We are extreamly anxious for some Arrivals from America, that we may have a full detail of the glorious News brought by the Media and the addition of Conwallaus surrender with his whole Army, a consequence that in my opinion must follow from his Situation. I expect two Vessells every moment which I know was ready, should they fortunately get in I will do myself the honor to write you immediately in the meantime I am with sincere esteem & respect Sir, Your most Obedt. Hbl. Servt.

Joshua Johnson


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 1 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: McKean, Thomas,President of Congress

Duplicate
Amsterdam November 1st 1781
Sir

It is still as problematical as ever, what is the political System of this Republick, and indeed whether it has any System at all. They talk much and deliberate long, but execute nothing. By the Violence with which they speak and write of each other, a Stranger would think them ripe for a civil War.
In the Assembly of the States of Guelderland, held to consider of the Requisition of the King of France of a negotiation of five millions of florins, under the warranty of The Republick, the debates were sustained with great warmth. Some were for an Alliance with France. The Baron de Nagel, Senechal of Zutphen, evaded the putting of the question and said among other things “that he had rather acknowledge the Independence of the Americans, than contract an Alliance with France.”
The Baron Vander Capellen de Marsch was for an Alliance with France and America too. He observed, “that nothing being more natural, than to act in concert with the Enemies of our Enemy, it was an Object of serious deliberation, to see if the Interest of the Republick did not require to accept, without further tergiversation, the Invitations and Offers of the Americans: that no Condescension for England could hinder Us at present from uniting ourselves against a common Enemy, with a Nation so brave and so virtuous; a Nation, which, after our Example, owes its Liberty to its Valour, and even at this moment is employed in defending itself from the Tyranny of the Enemy of the two Nations: that consequently nothing could restrain Us from acknowledging the Independence of this new Republick: that our Conduct differed very much from that held by our Ancestors, who allied themselves with the Portuguese, as soon as they had shook off the Yoke of the Spaniards: that there was no doubt that the said Alliances with the Enemies of our Enemy would soon restrain his Fury, and operate a general Peace, advantageous for Us.”
As this is the first opinion given openly, which has been published, in favor of acknowledging American Independence, it deserves to be recorded: but it will be long, very long before the Republick will be unanimously of his Opinion.

I have the Honor to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient & most humble Servant.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 7 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Passy, Novr. 7. 1781
Sir

 I have been honoured with the following Letters from your Excellency during the last Month, viz. of the 4th. 10th. 18th. 22d. 22d. 25th. 26th. and 27th. which I should have answered sooner, but that I waited for a safe Opportunity, having reason to believe that all your Letters to me by the post are opened, and apprehending the same of mine to you. I send herewith the Covers and Seals of those Letters that you may judge whether the Impression of your Seal is not as I suppose it to be a Counterfeit. I shall now answer your Letters in the Order of their Dates.
Octr. 4th. I am pleased to find that you are of the same Opinion with me as to the proper Charges in our Accounts.
Oct. 10. I have now received the Resolutions of Congress for exchanging Gen. Burgoyne against Mr. Laurens, and have sent it to England, tho’ without much Hopes of Success; as I believe the Ministers there had rather at present have the General’s Absence than his Company. They would keep Mr Laurens to hang him at the Peace, if the war should end in their Favour; and they would have no Objection to Americans Recalling and hanging Burgoyne.
I wonder at your being so long without hearing from Mr. Dana, and I am afraid some Misfortune has happened to him.
I have communicated here your Observations relating to Masts, and make no doubt you have recommended to Congress the taking effectual Measures on their part to prevent that Michievous Commerce. If the English could be remov’d from Penobscot, another of their means of Supply would be cut off.
I have already acquainted you that I will help you to pay your Acceptances, as far as you have sent me an Account of them. I have even ordered a considerable Remittance into the hands of Fizeau and Grand, to facilitate those Payments. But I must repeat my Request to you not to accept any Bills with an Expectation of my Paying them, that are drawn after the End of March last; and I farther beg you would accept no more of the old ones drawn on Mr. Laurens, without first acquainting me with the Number or Value, and knowing from me whether I can provide for the Payment. If the Loan so long expected from Holland does at length take place, as I am now told it is likely to do, my Embarras occasioned by all these Demands will I hope be remov’d by it. If not I must scuffle and shift as I can. God help us all.
Octr. 18. I know nothing of Beer but from Mr. Coffyn’s Recommendation. I am afraid he is one of those poor helpless Bodies that God throws into the World to try its Charity. I had been told that the Dutch had sent to borrow such Workmen from France. I recommended it to send the escap’d Prisoners arriving at Dunkirk rather to Amsterdam than to Paris, because I think there arrive as many American Vessels in Holland as in France, wherein they might return home; and there is not one of those Prisoners who does put us to 8 or 10 Louis Expence in his Land Journey first to Paris and then to the Sea Ports, when he might go to Holland in the Track Schuyts for perhaps 1 or 2. I am sensible that you have not as you say any Public Money in your hands; and having accepted Bills for more than is in mine, my Case in that respect does not differ from yours. These poor unfortunate Men must however be relieved; unnecessary Expence in doing it being avoided we can relieve more of them. We cannot do for them all we wish; we shall do the best we can. I think it quite right you should have Money always at command for that purpose, and am of Opinion the small Sum obtained by the Loan at Messrs. de Neufville’s will be very properly apply’d in assisting the Prisoners. "I therefore give my Advice frankly to use it in that Service. And when that is expended, you should undoubtedly be supply’d with more, and will have the Credit you desire at Messrs. Fizeau & Grand’s, as long as we have any.
Octr. 22. By accepting a Mediation I apprehend no more is meant, than consenting to hear and consider what a common Friend may propose towards accommodating a Difference. A Mediator is not a Judge or Arbitrator: When Arbitrators are chosen, there is commonly an Engagement to abide by their Determination. But no such Engagement is made with respect to a Mediator. Mediations are however subject to this Hazard, that the Mediator piqu’d against the party who rejects his Advice, joins with the other to compel his Acceptance of it. This perhaps was a little the case lately, in the Mediation of Spain between France and England.
I have just learnt by a Letter from Come. Gillon that Capt. Jackson has left his Ship, and is returning to France. I think with you that it will be proper he should proceed immediately to Holland to take care of the Goods there. But I own I have not so much Confidence in his prudent Conduct, as to wish the Business left entirely to his Discretion. I still feel the Mischief and Absurdity of his buying Goods under the Notion of only filling a Vancancy left in a loaded Ship, and doing this to such excess as to make two Ships more necessary to receive them. I had a Reluctance to any concern with Gillon; I was urg’d into it by Col. Laurens, on the Considerations that the 10,000£ Sterling’s worth he wanted to dispose of were such as the Army needed, were already shipt, and the Conveyance likely to be a safe one, &c. I consented to pay for those Goods; and for as much more as might be wanted to fill a remaining Vacancy in the Ship, not exeeding the Value of 5,000£ more. I propos’d that these Payments should be made on your Drafts, that your Excellency might have Occasion to inspect the Conduct of the Business, and be some check upon it. I wish I had impowered you or requested your Care more explicitly: I do not think the least Blame lies on you. Capt Jackson too might be ignorant of the Bulk of the Goods till they were assembled: But methinks Messrs. Neufville might have known it, and would have advis’d against so enormous a Purchase, if augmenting the Commissions, and the Project of Freighting their own Ships had not blinded their Eyes. You will judge that it must be a monstrous Surprize to me, to have an Account brought against me of 50,000£ instead of 5,000. I agreed however to accept the Bills, on Mr. Jackson’s Representation that the Goods were bought and shipt, that the relanding and returning or selling them would make a Talk and discredit us; that they were such only as were absolutely necessary, &ca. and I accepted his Drafts instead of yours, as he said the Ship only waited his Return to sail, and the obtaining your Signature would occasion a Delay of 8 or 10 Days. Thus I was drawn in at the broad End of the Horn, and must squeeze out at the narrow End as well as I can. I find myself confoundedly pinch’d, but I deserve it in some degree for my Facility and Credulity. At present I am not sure of Money either to buy the Ships or pay their Freight as proposed in yours of the 27th. and therefore cannot engage to do either. When Capt Jackson shall arrive in Holland, your Excellency will be so good as to advise him, and I hope he will take your Advice. I should apprehend it is now too late to go North about: and to send two slow-sailing Dutch Ships down the Channel, to run the Gantlet thro’ all the Frigates and Privateers, seems to me nearly the same thing as to consign them directly to some Port in England or Jersey. It was not to give you Trouble, or to avoid it myself, that I refer’d Messrs. Neufville to you for Advice, but really because I thought you understood such Business better than myself, were on the Spot, and equally concern’d for the Advantage of our Constituents. To me it seemed, that the Vessels having contracted to go with their Cargos to America, ought not to have staid behind on pretence of a Right to more Freight because the Convoying Ship had sail’d without them. They might have protested, and have gone without Convoy: If they had a Right to more Freight I suppose they would have recovered it; and if taken, have a Claim to some Indemnification. I did not understand the Compelling a new Agreement by stopping our Goods. I thought it ungenerous in Messrs. de Neufville as well as unjust. The Regularity or Irregularity of their Proceedings being at least as I imagin’d Points of Maritime Law or Custom I had that additional Reason for Deference to your Judgement.
22 Octr. I accepted your Draft of the 22 for 2000 Crowns in Favour of Fizeau & Grand, and it will be duly paid.
25th. The Letter from Dr. Waterhouse, of which you were so kind as to send me a Copy, is coolly and sensibly written, and has an Effect in lessening the Force of what is written against Gillon by Messrs. Jackson and Searle. On the whole, I hardly know as yet what to think of the Matter. If Gillon really produc’d to Jackson the 10,000£ worth of Goods, why did he keep back from him the Bills of Exchange that were to pay for them, and with which Gillon might have paid his Debts; And if he could not produce them, why did Jackson keep the Bills, carry them to Sea, and not return them to me? When we see him perhaps he may explain this. At present I am in the dark. He promised me a fuller Letter by the first Post, but I have not receiv’d it. Com. Gillon writes me, that Jackson and Searle are parted; that the former (with your Son and some other of the Passengers) is gone to France in an American Privateer, and the latter in the Ariel. I hope soon to hear of their safe Arrival, particularly on the Child’s and your Account: Young Cooper is gone to Geneva. Perhaps you may think of sending your Son there for the Winter; in which case if I can be of any Use to you, command me.
Octr 26. The Reason of my thinking we could not depend on receiving any more Money here applicable to the Support of Congress Ministers, is given in the same Letter of Augt. 6. to which yours of Octr 26th. is an Answer; viz. “That what Aids are hereafter granted will probably be transmitted by the Government directly to America.” Should that be the Case, and no Money be put into my Hands to be at my Disposal, what must I do with regard to the Salaries of Ministers? I cannot go to Versailles with a sneaking Petition requesting Money for my Subsistence, for the Subsistence of Mr. Adams, of Mr. Jay, and of Mr. Dana. I believe none of the Gentlemen would like my taking such a Step, and I think the Congress would be asham’d of it. It was therefore I thought it right to give the earliest Notice of what I apprehended might happen, that we might all join in representing it to Congress, in order to obtain the necessary Remittances. You may depend that as long as I have in my Hands disposable Money belonging to Congress I shall never refuse to obey their Orders in paying your Salary; and when I have no such Money I hope you will consider my not paying as the Effect of an Impossibility, and not as you express it a Refusal. The Congress should certainly either supply their foreign Ministers, or find such as can and will serve them gratis, or not send any at all. I hope you have written on this Subject; and tho’ I do not yet clearly see how our Money Affairs will wind up, I shall accept your Draft for another Quarter whenever you please to make it.
Octr 27th. I daily expect the Return of Major Jackson, and think, as I have said above, the Season over for sending those Goods before Winter, therefore if I understood such Affairs, I should defer a little the giving any Orders about the Ships freighted, or the Goods he has put on board them. I did as you observe stop the Money Col. Laurens was sending over in Gillon’s Ship, because I saw I should want it to support the Credit of Congress in Paying their Bills. I think you might have done the same to pay your Acceptances if I had not engag’d for them: And I believe you have an equal Right with me to take care of the Congress Property vested in those Goods, as their Minister; and being on the Spot can better judge from Circumstances of the Steps proper to be taken. I therefore request you would yourself give such Orders as you shall find necessary, and think most for the public Interest, remembring that I cannot undertake either to buy the Ships or pay the Freight. Perhaps it may be best to sell the whole, and purchase with the Money the same kind of Goods in France, which cannot but be more agreable to Government here; and probably they would arrive as soon.
I hope the coming Winter will thoroughly establish your Health. With great Esteem & Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

B Franklin


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 12 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Amsterdam November 12th 1781
Sir

By the last Post, Letters have been recieved in this Town from Mr. Gillon and from a Passenger, Mr. Le Roy, by which and a note upon one of them by Mr. Lagoanere it appears that the South Carolina sailed form Corunna on the seventeenth of October, and that Captain Jackson and Mr. Trumbull are gone in an American Privateer to Bilbao, in order to take Passage from thence to America: so that the proposal I had the honor to make to your Excellency of sending Jackson here cannot take place.
The Goods remain here for Orders, and for Cash or Credit to buy or hire the Ships. If neither can be advanced by your Excellency, there remains only one alternative, vizt either to sell a part to pay the freight of the rest, or let the whole remain here until Congress can give Orders concerning them. Your Excellency must be very sensible, that nobody on this side the Atlantic, except your Excellency, has Authority to give Orders to sell part of the Goods to pay the freight of the remainder.
These Goods would be such an heart-felt Comfort to our brave Countrymen in the Field the ensuing Winter, that I cannot but most ardently wish they might arrive in the Month of January or sooner, and therefore cannot but advise the sending of them, provided it is possible. The whole however must be submitted to your Excellency.

I have the honor to be, with great Respect, Sir your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant
J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Jackson, 12 November 1781
From: Jackson, William
To: Adams, John

Bilbao November 12. 1781
Dear Sir

I had the honor to address your Excellency by the last post, in which letter I informed you that we should probably sail the 16. instant—but a sudden fresh in the river, which impedes the ship’s loading, will oblige us to wait for the next spring-tide.
By a Vessel belonging to Mr. Tracy which arrived here yesterday in four weeks from America we have received very important intelligence. Mr. Tracy writes Mr. Gardoqui that the Count de Grasse having beat the British fleet commanded by Admiral Graves had returned to the Chesapeak, and having been reinforced by Count de Barras with the Rhode-Island squadron, had stationed his whole force consisting of 36 sail of the line, and a number of frigates so as to effectually command the Chesapeak and the rivers adjacent. General Washington, having previously ordered the Count Rochambeau with his troops to the Southward, had followed himself  with the elite of our army, which joined by the Corps under Genls. Stuben, La fayette, and Wayne, and a debarkation from the fleet, formed an allied army of at least 20,000 Men. His Excellency had embarked the troops at the head of Elk, landed in the neighbourhood of Cornwallis and completely invested him at York town in Virginia, where he had fortified himself as strongly as possible. Mr. Tracy says it was reported that Cornwallis had offered to capitulate on like terms with Burgoyne, but that General Washington held him to a surrender at discretion. I most heartily congratulate your Excellency on this very favorable aspect of affairs, and I felicitate myself with a hope that your Excellency’s views in coming to Europe will soon meet their well earned honor and success. The enclosed Gazette, which is the latest received, will give you farther particulars. I must profit of the few minutes before the post goes to carry my letter to the office. Your dear little Boy is very well—he wrote to you this morning by Mr. Bromfield, who returns to Amsterdam. Coll. Trumbull offers his most respectful compliments. I beg you will present mine to Mr. Thaxter.

I am with profound respect, and real regard, Dear Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant.
W. Jackson

Should you write Mr. Dana please to present my affectionate respects to him and your Son. I shall endeavor to write Mr. D. before I leave Europe. W.J.


Title: To John Adams from William Temple Franklin, 19 November 1781
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Adams, John

Passy 19 Nov. 1781
Dear Sir

I have the honour to inclose to your Excellency some agreable Accounts of the Situation of our Affairs in America, on which I most sincerely congratulate you. They are forwarded to us by Mr Thos Barclay, who is lately arrived at L’Orient in the St James. This Gentleman is come to reside in France, as Consul General for the U. States; an Officer our Country has long been in need of.

I am with every sentiment of Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your Exys. affectionate & very humble Servant
W. T. Franklin


Title: To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 20 November 1781
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John

No 2
Philadelphia 20th. Novr 1781
sir

Since my last of the 23d of October nothing material has happened here, unless it be the return of Digby to New York, where he has relanded great part of his Troops, and as is said, proceeded to the West Indies with the Fleet, tho’ this is not fully ascertained, nor have we any authentick Accounts that the Count de Grasse sailed from Chesapeake on the 4th inst. It gives me pleasure however to mention an incident to you, which shews how much the Yeomanry of this country have improved in military discipline, and must defeat every hope that Britain Entertains of conquering a Country so defended. It has been the custom of the enemy to move a large body of Troops Every fall from Canada to Ticonderoga while a light Corps with a number of Indians entered the State from the westward, and destroyed the frontier settlements, burning the houses and barns, and scalping the old men, women and Children. Last year, they effected the destruction of Schoharie, and most of the settlements on the Mohawk River, before the Militia could assemble to oppose them. This Year a small Body of State Troops, drafted from the Militia for three months, about sixty N Hampshire levies, part of the militia of the country, and forty Oneida Indians, to the number of four hundred and eighty in all, under the command of Colonel Willet, hastily collected upon the report of the enemy’s coming from the Westward, to oppose them, while the rest of the Militia, and some Continental Troops marched up Hudson’s River (the enemy having about two Thousand men at Ticonderoga). Willet met the Enemy which consisted of a picked corps of British Troops to the amount of six hundred and six, besides a number of Indians and Tories. He fought and defeated them twice with his Militia, killed their leaders, Major Ross and young Butler, made a number of Prisoners, and pursued them three days, ’till he had driven them into the thickest part of the wilderness, whence fatigue, and want of Provisions, will prevent many of them from returning. Those at Ticonderoga have remained inactive ever since.
It must be a mortifying circumstance to the proudest people in the world, to find themselves foiled, not only by the american regular Troops, but by the rough undisciplined militia of the country. Admiral Zoutman’s combat must also, I should imagine, have some effect in humbling their pride, and what is of more consequence, in raising the spirits of the Dutch nation.
We find from your letters as well as from other accounts of the United Provinces that they are divided into powerful parties, for and against the War, and we are sorry to see some of the most distinguished names among what are called the Anglomanes. But your letters leave us in the dark relative to the views and principles of each party, which is no small inconvenience to us, as we know not how to adapt our measures to them. It is so important to the due execution of your mission, to penetrate the views of all parties, without seeming to be connected with either, that I have no doubt you have insinuated yourself into the good graces and confidence of the leaders, and that you can furnish the information we require, you may be persuaded, no ill use will be made of any you give, and it is expected from You.
We learn from Mr Dumas, that you have presented your credentials to the states general, we are astonished that you have not written on so important a subject, and developed the principles that induced you to declare your public character, before the States were disposed to acknowledge it. There is no doubt from your known prudence and knowledge of the world, that some peculiarity in your situation, or that of the politicks and parties of the United provinces furnished you with reasons that overballanced the objections to the measure which arise from the humiliating light in which it places us. Congress would, I believe wish to have them explained, and particularly your reason for printing your memorial, I may form improper ideas of the government, interests and policy of the United Provinces, but I frankly confess that I have no hope that they will recognize us as an independent state and embarrass themselves in making their wished for peace with our affairs. What inducements can we hold out to them? They know that our own interest will lead us to trade with them, and we do not propose  to purchase their alliance by giving them any exclusive advantage in commerce. Your business, then, I should think lies in a narrow compass. It is to “conciliate the affections of the people, to place our cause in the most advantageous light, to remove the prejudices that Great Britain may endeavour to excite, to discover the views of the different Parties, to watch every motion that leads to peace between England and the United provinces, and to get the secret aid of government in procuring a loan, which is almost the only thing wanting to render our affairs respectable at home and abroad.” To these objects I am satisfied you pay the strictest attention, because I am satisfied no man has more the interest of his country at heart, or is better acquainted with its wants. As our objects in Holland must be very similar to those of France, I should suppose it would be prudent for you to keep up the closest Connexion with her minister to advise with him on great leading objects, and to counteract his opinion only upon the most mature deliberation. You were informed before I came into Office that Mr Jay and Mr Franklin are joined in commission with you and have received copies of the instructions that Congress have given their commissioners. This whole business being terminated before I came down, I make no observations upon it, lest I should not enter fully into the Views of Congress—and by that means help to mislead you on so important a subject. I enclose you a resolution discharging the commission for establishing a commercial Treaty with Britain. This also being a business of long standing, I for the same reasons transmit it without any observations thereon. I would recommend it to you to be in your language and conduct a private gentleman—this will give you many advantages in making connexions that will be lost on your insisting upon the assumption of a public character and the rather, as this sentiment prevails generally among the members of Congress, tho’ for reasons of delicacy with respect to you, I have not chosen to ask the sense of Congress to whom it is my sincere wish, as well as my leading Object in the free Letters I write you, to enable you to render your measures acceptable. A number of your letters written last winter and spring, have this moment come to hand.
This letter will be sent to Europe by the Marquis de la Fayette, who has obtained leave of absence during the winter Season. He wishes to correspond with you, and as from his Connexions, his understanding and attachment to this Country, he may be very serviceable to you, I would wish you to write as freely to him, as you conceive those considerations may render it prudent.

I have the honor to be, sir With great respect & esteem Your most obedient & most humble servant
Robt R Livingston


Title: To John Adams from Henry Grand, 21 November 1781
From: Grand, Henry
To: Adams, John

Paris 21st of Novr. 1781

I have just time, sir, and no more to give you information of the good news we had all the day long yesterday.
In the morning we learnt that the english had been defeated by your troops near Charlestown where they lost 1200 Men.
In the afternoon we learnt by the Duke of Lausan that Lord Cornwallis and his whole army of 6000 Men Surrendered to the allied troops the 17th. of Oct.

I remain most respectfully sir Your most obt. hbl st


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 22 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Amsterdam Nov. 22. 1781
Sir

Last Evening, was brought to me, the Proposals of the owners of the Ships, in the following Words. “To take from the owners of the Vessells the Liberty and the Aurora, at the Rate they shall be found to amount, not only of purchase Money, but also of all other Expences made thereon till the day of taking over the Said Vessells. Further to pay the half of the Freight Money, that are agreed, and to give Sufficient Surety to the full Satisfaction of the owners for all Costs and Damages that may be Suffered to the owners by reason of this Sale of the Said Vessells, and the delivery of the Goods that have been loaden therein or by what reason it may be concerning this matter.”
From Several Hints I had heard I had expected that the Goods would be detaind for freight or other demands: but these Proposals are more unreasonable than I ever expected. The owners affirm the goods to be answerable to them by the Laws of this Country. This I dont believe. But the question cannot be decided without a Lawsuit, and it is doubtfull whether We can maintain one. But if We could, a Lawsuit in all Countries, is a caustick Remedy, which ought never to be resorted to but in desperate Cases. It will draw the Business out into an unknown Length—in the meantime our brave soldirs are freezing for Want of Hose and Blanketts. Mr De Neufville, professes to be very fair, and Says that We may have his shares in the Vessells at any terms We think just, but the other owners, will agree to nothing but the above Proposals.
The first Thing for us to do is to get Possn. of the Goods. If We had this We might Sell them or send them in other Vessells which We could have on better Terms. Mr De Neufville, is under Embarrassments, of some sort or other and certainly has not the Forces to extricate the Goods for us. If your Excellency would impower Messrs Fizeau & Grand to consult Lawyers, bring a suit, or perhaps apply by the favour of the French Ambassador, to Authority, to have the goods restored to the Possession of Congress or their servants, or to the House of Fizeau & Grand as in the service of Congress or your Excellency, perhaps this would be the Way, to get the best Terms. If by the Laws, the Goods are answerable for any Charges these must be paid. The Goods may in that Case be sold in Part or in the whole, for repayment, or another and better Vessell may be bought or hired to carry them home. I have the Honour to be


Title: To John Adams from Ferdinand and Henry Grand, 23 November 1781
From: Grand, Ferdinand,Grand, Henry
To: Adams, John

Paris 23rd. of Novr. 1781
sir

Permitt me to congratulate you on your present enjoyment of the freedom of Amsterdam, as also on the habit your good Countrymen Seem to get into of never taking less than an Army at one stroke. I referr for all that relates your victories in America to my last of Novr. 21st.
I now come to the examination of your Account which for your own facility I herewith return you. The Total of my credit, by the

I now come to the examination of your Account which for your own facility I herewith return you. The Total of my credit, by the same is
115900.
3.
10

from which deducting Mr. Bondfields Bill, which you ordered me to pay after I had given in my Account
390.
12

L 115509.
11s.
10

to which adding the 12s. you creditted me less, in the £200 str paid you the 28th. of feby by Fizeaux Grand & ce.

12s

& likewise the following Articles you ommitted giving me credit for vizt.1780 feby 29th. your order to give fr. Dana Esqr. credit for
6857.
3s

Decr. 14th. The charges to your Madeira Wine
89.
4s

L 122456.
10.
10

 to which you’ll please also to add, to coincide with me
34.
10.

altho you have already been debitted for the same in a former Account: as I shall make it good to you in a fresh one, it is all the same, except for the arrangemt. of my Books

carried over
122491.

10

Brought forward
L 122491.

10

The total sum of my Debit, by you is
L 124801.
9.
9

 to which you must add
247.
7.
1

to get up to L2658.16.10 which Mr. Dana desired me to credit you for instead of L2411. 9. 9 you only debit me of

L 125048.
16.
10

Ballance due to you
2557.
16

125048.
16.
10

Dr.
Cr.

Brought forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L 122491.  10

The total sum of my Debit, by you is
L 124801. 9. 9

to which you must add . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
247. 7. 1

to get up to L2658.16.10 which Mr.

Dana desired me to credit you for instead

of L2411. 9. 9 you only debit me of

L 125048.16.10

Ballance due to you  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2557.16

125048.16.10

I repeat I shall charge you in a fresh Account for J. Bondfields Bill for L 390.12. and give you credit for lt34.10s. charged in two different Accounts, by which means I suppose we shall stand perfectly right.

I am with due Respect sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.
F. M. Grand
Hy. Grand


Title: From John Adams to the Duc de La Vauguyon with a Letterbook Memorandum, 24 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: La Vauguyon, Paul François de Quélen de Stuer de Causade, Duc de

Amsterdam November 24. 1781

Mr Adams presents his most respectfull Compliments to his Excellency, the Duke de la Vauguion, and begs leave to acquaint him, that by the last nights Post he received from Congress Some important Dispatches which it is his Duty to communicate to the Ambassador of France. Mr Adams requests his Excellency, to inform him, what Hour will be most convenient for him to wait on him at the Arms of Amsterdam. Meantime he most Sincerely congratulates his Excellency, on the glorious News from America, by the Duke de Lauzun, of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis with his whole Army, to the Arms of the allies.

memorandum
This Card I Sent by my Secretary Mr Thaxter. The Duke returned for answer, that he would call upon me at my House, between Twelve and one, to congratulate me, on the News from America. Accordingly about one, he came and Spent with me, an hour and an half. I communicated to him my fresh Instructions and agreed to Send him a Copy of them tomorrow, or next day by the Post Waggon Charriot de Poste. He Said he had not received any Instructions from Versailles, upon the Subject, but might receive Some by next Tuesdays Poste. He asked me what Step I proposed to take in Consequence of these Instructions? I answered none, but with his Participation and approbation. That I would be always ready to attend him, at the Hague or elsewhere, for the purpose of the most candid and confidential Consultations, &c. He Said that he thought that the Subject was very well Seen (tres bien vû) and the measure very well concerted (tres bien combiné), and that it would have a good Effect at this time, to counteract the Artifice of the British Ministry, in agreeing to the Mediation of Russia, for a Seperate Peace with this Republick.


Title: From John Adams to Jean de Neufville & Fils, 24 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)

Amsterdam Nov. 24. 1781
Gentlemen

I have received your favour of this days date, together with four thousand florins in cash, 175 being deducted for the 7 Coopons of Interest paid being the amount of four obligations of the United States, disposed of by you. I received at the Same time two obligations with their Coopons, and Seven Coopons for the first half years Interest paid by you. I recd yesterday, by Mr. Thaxter one hundred and forty five obligations, with the Coopons, Signed by me.
If any opportunity should present of disposing of any more, you may find them here, at any time. I should be obliged to you Gentlemen, if you would let me have the Account of your Charges, Commissions &c, which shall be paid immediately.

I have the Honour &c


Title: From John Adams to the Duc de La Vauguyon, 25 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: La Vauguyon, Paul François de Quélen de Stuer de Causade, Duc de

Amsterdam November 25. 1781
Sir

I have the honour to inclose to your Excellency, a Copy of the fresh Instructions of Congress of the Sixteenth of August last which I received by the Post the 23d instant. I have also received a further Commission, from Congress, with full Powers, to confer treat, agree and conclude with the Person or Persons vested with equal Powers, by his most Christian Majesty, and their high mightinesses the States General of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, of and concerning a Treaty of alliance, between his most Christian Majesty, the United Provinces of the Netherlands, and the United States of america.
This Measure was apparently concerted between the Congress and the French Minister residing near them, and Seems to be very happily adapted to the present Times, and Circumstances.
I beg Leave to assure your Excellency, that I shall be at all times ready to attend you, at the Hague or elswhere, to confer with you in the most entire Confidence, respecting this negotiation, and Shall take no material Step in it, without your approbation and Advice.
There are three Ways of proposing this Business to their High Mightinesses. 1. Your Excellency may alone propose it, in the Name of his most Christian Majesty. 2. It may be proposed jointly by the Minister of his Majesty and the Minister of the United States, or it mya be proposed, by the Minister of the United States alone and as a Consequence of his former Proposal of a Treaty of Commerce. I beg leave to submit these three Measures to your Excellencys Consideration and shall very chearfully comply with any, which you may most approve.

I have the Honour to be, with great Respect Sir, your most &c


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 26 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Amsterdam Novr 26th. 1781
Sir

I presume You have a Copy from Congress of their Instructions to me of the 16th. of August: but as it is possible it may be otherwise, I have inclosed one. I have communicated them to the Duke de la Vauguion, who says they are très bien vues, très bien combinées. I shall do nothing in the business, without communicating it beforehand to him, with the most entire Confidence, and recieving his Approbation and Advice. He informs me, that he has not yet recieved any Instructions from his Court respecting it. These Instructions have arrived in a very proper time to counteract another insidious trick of the British Ministry, in agreing to the mediation of Russia for a seperate Peace with Holland.
With unfeigned Joy I congratulate your Excellency on the glorious News of the surrender of Cornwallis, to the Arms of the Allies. How easy a thing would it be to bring this War to an happy Conclusion, if Spain and Holland would adopt the System of France, and cooperate in it with the same Honor and Sincerity? There is nothing wanting but a constant naval Superiority in the West Indies and on the Coast of the United States, to obtain Triumphs upon Triumphs over the English, in all quarters of the Globe. The Allies now carry on the War in America, with an infinite Advantage over the English, whose Infatuation nevertheless will continue to make them exhaust themselves there, to the neglect of all their possessions in other parts of the World.
I have the honor to inclose to your Excellency some proposals made to me by the House of Ingraham and Bromfield respecting the Continental Goods. These are two Merchants from Boston, who have established a House here. They are industrious Men, and I believe well capable of performing what they propose, which is submitted to your Excellency. With great Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 26 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

Amsterdam Novr. 26th. 1781
Sir

By the last Post, I recieved from L’Orient a sett of fresh Instructions from Congress, dated the 16th. of August, and with the more  enjoined to open a Correspondence with your Excellency, upon the subject of them.
I presume You have Copy by the same Vessel; but as it is possible it may have been omitted, I shall venture to inclose a Copy, and hope it may pass unopened. I have communicated it to the French Ambassador here, who says it is “très bien vû: très bien combiné.” I shall take no Step in it, without his Knowledge and Approbation. I shall hope for your Excellency’s Communications as soon as convenient.
The Dutch have an Inclination to ally themselves to France and America; but they have many whimsical Fears, and are much embarrassed with party quarrels. In time I hope they will agree better with one another, and see their true Interests more clearly. This Measure of Congress is very well timed.
I congratulate You on the glorious News of the surrender of Cornwallis. Some are of Opinion it will produce a Congress at Vienna; but I cannot be of that sentiment. The English must have many more humiliations, before they will agree to meet Us upon equal terms, or upon any terms, that We can approve.
What is the true principle of the Policy of Spain, in delaying so long to declare themselves explicitly? Her delay has a bad effect here.
Mr. Dana has been gone northward these four months; but I have no Letters from him. Whether the Post is unfaithful, or whether he chooses to be talked about as little as possible at present, which I rather suspect, I dont know.
My Respects to Mr. Carmichael, and to your Family, if You please.

With great Esteem and Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant
 J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 26 November 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Passy, Nov. 26: 1781
Sir

I am honour’d with yours of the 19th. Inst. I received a Letter from Capt. Jackson dated at Bilbao the 12th. in which he mentions nothing of his departing thence for America, so that I should have continued to expect him here, if he had not written positively to you of that Intention. Mr: Barclay, the Consul, too, I thought would have been here before this time, and I know not what detains him at L’Orient; thus the Affair of the Goods still remains upon our hands. You demand of me What is to be done with them? The Owners of the Ships talk of a higher Freight, of selling the Ships, of Damages, and of detaining the Goods till the Damages are paid. If I were even informed what Freight, what Price for the Ships, and what Damages they demand, I really could give no Advice on those Points, being totally ignorant of such Business: but I am furnished with none of the Data on which to found an Opinion; and can only say with you, that I think they have no Right to Stop the Goods; and I think also that the keeping us out of Possession of 50,000£ Sterling’s Worth of Goods for securing the Payment of a petty Demand for Damages, appears to me not only ungenteel and dishonourable Treatment, but a monstrous Injustice. It seems to me that it is principally with Mr. Neufville we have to do; and tho’ I believe him to be as much a Jew as any in Jerusalem, I did not expect that with so many and such constant Professions of Friendship for the United States, with which he lards all his Letters, he would have attempted to inforce his Demands (which I doubt not will be extravagant enough) by a proceeding so abominable. As it happens, my Informations from America assure me, that our Army was tolerably well cloathed, and would in a short time be compleatly so, Advice being receiv’d of great Quantities arriv’d at several Ports; Also much of the Cargo lost in the Marquis de la Fayette has already been replaced and sent off from France, and will probably arrive, if it does arrive, before any that can now be sent from Holland; and the rest is following; so that if we could get rid of the Goods there at a moderate Loss, we might at the same time get rid of the Difficulty; our Necessity for having them speedily forwarded not being so great as Mr. Neufville imagines. However, I would propose this to him. Let the Goods first be delivered to you. Then let him make his Demand for Damages, which if you think reasonable I will pay; if not, let them be settled by Arbitration. After this you will judge what Measures may be necessary for transporting them. But I would not be compelled to pay whatever he may please to demand, because he has our Goods in Possession. We have, you observe, our Hands in the Lyon’s Mouth; But if Mr. N. is a Lyon, I am a Bear, and I think I can hug and gripe him till he lets go our Hands. He has bought Goods  for us, and till he delivers them he has no equitable right to be paid for them: Should he refuse to deliver them, tho’ I have accepted Bills in his Favour to the Value, yet if you approve it, I will not pay one of them; and let him keep his Goods and seek his Remedy where he can find it.
I sent forward last Saturday some Pacquets and Letters for you, which I hope got to hand in time. Most heartily do I congratulate you on the glorious News! The Infant Hercules in his Cradle has now strangled his second Serpent, and gives Hopes that his future History will be answerable. I inclose a Pacquet which I have just received from General Washington; and which I suppose contains the Articles of Capitulation. It is a rare Circumstance, and scarce to be met with in History, that in one War two Armies should be taken Prisoners compleatly, not a Man in either escaping. It is another singular Circumstance, that an Expedition so complex, form’d of Armies of different Nations and of Land and Sea-Forces, should with such perfect Concord be assembled from different Places by Land and Water, form their Junction punctually, without the least Retard by cross Accidents of Wind or Weather, or Interruption from the Enemy; and that the Army which was their Object should in the mean time have the Goodness to quit a Situation from whence it might have escaped, and place itself in another from whence an Escape was impossible.
General Green has done Wonders too in Carolina. I hear that a Reinforcement was to be sent him from the Army in Virginia, and that there are hopes of him Reducing Charlestown. You have probably in the enclosed Pacquet the Account of his last great Action. Comte de Grasse sailed the 30th. with the Fleet and a Part of the Land Forces; His Destination is not mentioned.
The Seal of your last Letter has the same Appearance as the others. It may be well to change the Mode of Conveyance, use another Seal sometimes, and direct in a different Hand Writing.
I speaking of De Neufville’s Bills and of my Refusing to pay them, I have said “if you approve it,” because you can best judge whether my taking such a Step would have any bad Effect in your political Operations. If the goods are delivered to you, and you find it necessary to sell a part of them, I wish you would make the Offer of that Part to him. He bought them, and knows what they are really worth: But I imagine you will find, that he will not take them off your hands at a Discount even of 10 per Cent. and I am curious to know what he would offer. His Proposition when I first saw him, of Terms on which he would borrow Money for us, stampt his Character on my Mind with an Impression so deep that it is not yet effaced. If you do not know those Terms I will send you a Transcript of them.
Messrs: Fizeau & Grand have sent me the enclosed Account, and desired my Approbation of it. Methinks it should be examined by you, with whom it was transacted, and I therefore send it.

I have the honour to be, with great Respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin

I enclose a Letter to Messrs Neufville which I request you to deliver or suppress as you may think proper.


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 26 November 1781
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels. Novr. 26th. 1781
Sir

Give me leave to Congratulate your Excellency on the late Glorious News received from Virginia and Carolina. It seems to be of the last Importance. The English here are Confounded by it, and I should think the Court of London will not be less so, when it receives it, altho it has had for some Time reason to expect it. The English Minister here sent a Messenger immediately on the receipt thereof to his Master the Consequence of which may be the delaying of the delivery of the Letters by the post until after next Wednesday. However some care has been taken to Convey the News by the way of Margate that it may come a propos on the first day of the meeting of Parliament for the amusement of the Ministers, among whom, it is said, there is a great Division and Distraction. It is said, that the Bedford Party will move for the making of Peace. There is a strong party raised against Lord G Germaine.
I take the Liberty of sending to your Excellency the Receipt of the five poor fellows in Mill prison and likewise one which Mr Sawrey omitted to send to my Correspondent before.
I am glad to find by the American Papers that Mr. Brush is arrived at Boston.

I Hope your Excellencys Health is perfectly reestablished.

I am with the greatest Respect Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Edm: Jenings


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 27 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Amsterdam November 27. 1781
Sir

I am this moment honoured with your Letter of Yesterdays date and I thank you for your kind Congratulations, on the News from America. May Great Britain ever Send to America, while she continues to send any, only such brave, able, active and enterprizing Generals as Cornwallis and Burgoine. Every Such General will consume them an Army of Ten or Fifteen Thousand Men, every Campain, without destroying one half the Number of Americans, which is annually wasted by Camp Distempers, when they lie in idle Quarters, watching the Motions of an Howe, shut up in Boston, New York or Philadelphia. I consider, the late defence of Fort Griswald in New London, by an handfull of Militia, as a more determined Proof of the Spirit of Freemen, than even the Surrender of Burgoine or Cornwallis. It Shews, the Temper of Resistance, which the English have to encounter, among the Inhabitants at large of those Parts of the Continent from whence they have been long Since disgracefully driven.
I thank you Sir for your kind Prayers for my Health, which is not yet perfectly re-established, but is on the mending hand.
I Should be extreamly Sorry if the Baron Van der Capellen de Marsch Should be exposed to any Inconvenience in consequence of his patriotick Sentiments expressed with so much manly firmness, and perswasive Eloquence. Perhaps his System as well as that of his Relation the Baron Van der Capellen de Poll, may come more into Fashion in the Course of a little time. But it is necessary for Some Individual in critical Seasons, to run great Risques Submit to great Sacrifices and endure Severe Sufferings. National Characters are not formed nor great publick Blessings, especially that greatest of all, Liberty but by the Patience and Steadiness of Individuals. A Man must be possessed of Benevolence to his fellow Men, Stronger than any of his Passions, Stronger than death, before he is qualified to stem the Torrent of Venality, and Servility, which opposes the Introduction of Liberty in Some Countries, and which tends to expell it from others.
I Shall be very happy to see the Publication you propose, as well as the American War lamented.
I Shall be very happy to see you at Amsterdam, and the Sooner the better, that I may have an opportunity, to express in Person the high Esteem and Respect for so able and intrepid an Advocate for Liberty, which is entertained, by your most obedient servant

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 28 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

 Amsterdam Nov. 28. 1781
Sir

I had the Honour to write you, on the 26 instant by the Post, a Conveyance which I am determined to try, untill I am certainly informed of its Infidelity, in which Case, I will ask the favour of the French or Spanish Ambassador, to inclose my dispatches.
I received by the last Post, a Duplicate of Dispatches from Congress the originals of which I received Sometime ago. I presume you have recd the Same from Congress, or from Passy, but, if otherwise, I will inclose in a future Letter, a Commission and Instructions, for assisting at the Conferences for Peace, at Vienna or else where, whenever they may take Place. In this Commission, Congress have added, Mr Franklin, Mr Laurens, your Excellency and Mr Jefferson, a measure which has taken off, my mind a Load, which if I had ever at anytime expected I should be called to sustain alone, would have been too heavy for my forces.
The Captivity of Cornwallis and his army, is the most masterly Measure, both in the Conception and the Execution of it, which has been taken this War. When France and Spain shall consider, the certain success, which will ever, attend them, while they maintain a naval Superiority in the West Indies and on the Coast of North America, it is to be hoped, they will never depart from that Policy. Many here, are of opinion, that this Event will bring Peace, but I am not of that Mind, although it is very true there are distractions in  the British Cabinet, a formidable Faction against Ld. G. Germaine and it is said the Bedford Party are determined to move for Peace.
The Rage of the Nation is still too violent. I hope, however, that Minorca and Gibraltar, will not be long after York and Gloucester, in their surrender, and then perhaps, when the English shall see, that all the forces of France and Spain are at Liberty to act against their Possessions in the East and West Indies they may begin to confess they have gone too far. There is great Reason to fear, that their sulky obstinacy, will hold out, untill all their dominions beyond Seas are gone. I know not whether We need regret even such an Event.
It is entertaining to see the Arts with which they amuse the Credulity of the Nation where I am. The Word Peace is the Charm, that dissolves all their Resentment and Resolution, and there is no Tale, too absurd, or too gross to obtain immediate Relief, if it tends to that End. Our late Tryumphs, nevertheless have had an Effect here. I have recd several Visits of Congratulation, in Consequence of them, from Persons of Consequence from whom I did not expect them. But there are invisible Fairies, who disconcert in the Night, all the operations of the Patriot in the Day.
There will probably be a Proposal of a tripple Alliance, between France Holland and America. If Spain would join and make it quadruple it would be so much the better.
General Greens last Action in south Carolina, in Consequence of which that state and Georgia, have both reestablished their Governments, is quite as glorious for the American Arms as the Capture of Cornwallis. The Action was sustained, even by the Militia with a noble Constancy. The Victory was compleat, and the English lost 1200 Men.

With the great Esteem and Respect, I have the Honour to be, sir your most obedient and humble servant
J. Adams


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 28 November 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Leyden, 28 November 1781
Sir

Since Saturday, my domestic affairs, as well as some of my public ones, have prevented me from congratulating you on the second Burgoynization in America. Today I do it with all my heart. I rejoice at once in this glorious event for myself, for the United States, for the king of France, for you, and for all friends and good people. Also I rejoice in the despair it will bring our enemies. I am leaving for the Hague in an hour, where the States of Holland are reconvening today. I will stay there as long as they are in session because they are discussing the interesting matter of Amsterdam’s demarche against the duke, which, once decided, will clear the way for more serious and general topics. When I arrive, I hope to learn of Zeeland’s approval of the loan for 5 million.
When the assembly adjourns, I will take advantage of your kind invitation, sir, and we will chat by the fire about anything you choose. Meantime, I wish you continued good health, and I remain with the most sincere respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 29 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

29. Nov. 1781

Sir

I have recd your favours of the 14 and of the 26.
I thank you for the Extract, and hope you will discover by whom and to whom it was written.
That they do not give to me, a very blind Confidence is true. That they have given orders to some Persons to Spy me, may be true. That they know me to be an honest Man, and inflexible in the cause, and perhaps some times too ardent, I am certain. That I abo[u]nd too much in my own Conceit is alass I fear much too true, that I dont know how to accommodate myself aux convenances is false, that I will not accommodate myself to any thing mean that I will not be the Tool of Mistresses, Cornis Cronies, and the Understrappers of Mistresses and Cronies is determined as the Destinies. That they place confidence in Monsr Fra. is not true. It is Mr Chaumont they confide in.
As to their Spies, if they observe accurately like astronomers and record faithfully, they will destribe a Portrait of a Life and Conversation that deserves the Imitation of their Masters.
But my Friend, to lay aside all these minute observations, have I not Reason to abound in my own sense? When I reflect, that these their Little Miffs, are occasioned wholly, by my pointing out to them and earnestly soliciting for three Years together, a System of Policy and military operations, which they are this moment carrying into Execution with tryumphant Success. A System which if they had adopted three years ago, when I pointed it out to them in Writings which will remain and Speak for themselves and in Conversations which will not be forgotten, Charlestown had been saved, Virginia had been Saved as well as the Carolinas from all the Ravages, and the Allies would have been two years ago in as good a situation as they are now. I wish you had seen the whole Chain of a Correspondence of which you have seen some Links. You have seen enough however, to be Sensible that they are piqued at their own Impolicy in neglecting so long a Plan they have been obliged to adopt at last, and that my Letters have reduced to Writing, and to Documents of History their Impolicy for a long time and their Wisdom at last.
It is very true that Seeing as I did, the best Plans neglected for year after year Plans which had been laid before them, and Supported with irresistable Demonstrations. Plans which were not only presented to them in Writing by me, and my Colleagues but urged upon them at my desire by Numbers of their own Courtiers, Seeing at the same time Charleston lost, the two Carolinas and Virginia likely to be ravaged and the blood of my Countrymen flowing like Water, merely because they would not hearken to reason,—after this I confess I felt little personal Concern about preserving their good Humour, and being ill treated in a Letter by a Minister umbone repellebatur umbo.
This Minister is the only one, between whom and me, there every passed a severe Word in Conversation or in Writing—nor had I ever an unkind word that I remember from any body else in France. It is this Minister alone and his Confidents that I mean in this Letter.
However all this is blown over, and let it be forgotten. I am now in high Confidence, with this Minister and, with the french Minister here. Let therefore all be forgotten. Your own Prudence will dictate, the necessary cautions about this Letter.
I thank you for your Care in sending me Receipts from the Prisoners. The next time I send a Bill it shall not have Upon it the Name, which gives so much offence to Friends, Foes, Allies Ennemies and all. But it will outlive all these little offences.
Pray put me into a Safe Way of Writing to your Friends at Madrid. I am determined to find a Secret and Safe Way if possible.
I wish the French Court would, adopt the Resolution to send all the supplies of Cloathing Arms &c themselves, or grant Money, for Congress to draw Bills for only. As long as American Ministers, Consuls, or Agents have Money to lay out in France, there will always be, Jealousies Envys and Questions about Confidence, that have no Relation to Merit.


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 29 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Amsterdam Nov. 29. 1781
Sir

I have recd your favours of 14 and 26. I thank you for the Extract, and hope you will discover by whom and to whom it was written. I dont See the Virtue nor the Wisdom, nor the Honour of writing Such Things to the English. It would be Sufficient, one should think to write them to America. However, just as they please. As long as they pursue with tryumphant success, the System, which was urged with so much Ardour as to give offence, I am very easy.
I thank you sir for your Care in sending me Receipts from the Prisoners Manley, Talbot, Field, Curtis, Bass, Savil, and Newcomb. The next time I send a Bill it shall not have my name upon it, which was unnecessarily done in this Case and against my Intention.
Pray put me into a safe Way of Writing to our Friends at Madrid.
I have, caused to be neatly bound, the first Volume of the Politique Hollandais, but have not yet found a Conveyance for it to you. The first that presents I will embrace.
We have no Mail from London, for a long time. I presume they will be kept back.
There will be much Noise in Parliament, but the Madmen will pursue their Course. Their Ennemies must have more Tryumphs yet, and themselves more Humiliations. We have yet more interesting News to hear before the Close of the Campain. The fate of Clinton and Graves, is not less problematical at present than that of Cornwallis was Six Weeks ago.
Civil Government is again established in Georgia and South Carolina, and I fancy all the southern states will have a quiet and a joyfull Winter.
Cornwallis has fared worse than Burgoine. What an Army has he sacrificed? Not less, I believe than, fifteen thousand Men. He comes I hope to take his Place among the Lords—it is very proper that America should have at least one Prisoner of War in each house of Parliament, while the English have one american a Prisoner of state in the Tower. When will the Folly and Absurdity of this nation have an End?

General Greens Victory, near Charlestown, is very nearly as important in the Sum of Things, as the Capture of Cornwallis. The Cash which Cornwallis’s Army, will Spend in the Back Parts of Virginia, Maryland and Pensilvania, will be great Resource to the People. And all the Soldiers of that army who can work upon Farms or at any Kind of Trade, will be usefully employed for the united states and profitably for themselves.
Fine Crops in America and Paper Money abolished. Cash not scarce.

J.A.


Title: From John Adams to James Searle, 29 November 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Searle, James

Amsterdam Nov. 29. 1781
Dr sir

While you were at Sea I recd the inclosed dispatches with a desire to open them if you were absent, which I did, and read them with very great Pleasure. Mrs searle’s Letter I did not open you will receive it as I did.
I have received your kind Letter from L’orient. The dispatches for Congress are not now of Consequence, as Duplicates and Triplicates of them have arrived by Newman and Brown. You may burn them if you please, or let them lay in your Chest untill you return, but I beg you would observe a total silence about them.
I congratulate you, with great Joy on the surrender of York and Gloucester, Ld Cornwallis and his army. After this I think, We have nothing to fear.
If their H. M. would embrace this critical Moment to propose an Alliance with France and America, it would be the greatest Stroke of Policy, which they have struck this Century. But they are not to be depended on.
I have received Some very agreable dispatches from Congress of which you may hear in due time. They could not be better timed.

With much Esteem and respect, sir your most obedient & humb sert
J.A.


Title: To John Adams from Nathaniel Nazro, November 1781
From: Nazro, Nathaniel
To: Adams, John

Mill Prison, Plymouth November 1781
Sir

As a Citizen, of the Commonwealth, of Massachusetts Bay, and an individual, of the United States of America (in Captivity) I beg leave to address your Excellency being flatterd, with a hope, of meeting, your countenance and favour, in consequence of your Known goodness towards the distressd of mankind in General, Particularly those whose merit, and distinguish’d Services in the Cause of our Country, (more or less) intitle them to Excellencies Care and Protiction, it would be highly Unbecoming in me to relate anything in Praize or Commendation of myself, nor would it redound to my Honor, in least, from my own bare asertion You will Howe’re permit me, to inform Your Excellency that Having been Educated, to the Mercantile Bussiness, which I follow’d in Company, with my Bro, Jno Nazro in Boston, and at the Commencement of the Present Warr, I took an Active Part and was Honord with a Commission, and a Co. which Commission I at Present bear, but in Process of time several Regts. falling short of the Complement of Men, and drafts having taken Place, from Several of the Junior officers to make up the compt. of the Senior I was in Consequence hereof left with a Command. In this Scituation, I made application, for leave to go to Sea, (which being granted for a Particular time,) I engaged, and was in the Capacity of a Capt. of marines, in a Privateer Ship fitted out of Boston mounting 26. Guns Commd: by Jer’e OBrien Esqe. when I had the misfortune to be Captur’d, in Octo. 1780. to which I owe all my Present Woes, having Suffer’d much, during a long and tedious Transportation, from N York to this place, on which Passage many of my fellow Sufferers, (thro’ Cruel Treatment) lost their lives, who were brave men and had Signaliz’d themselves in our Countrys Service. I need not relate to your Excellency the uncommon distress that is experienced, by Prisoners, (Particularly, in England) not only in want of Food, but in a long tedious and Painfull imprisonment, and you will naturally conclude, it must be much more grating to Such as have ever lived in Plenty, affluence, and a Genteel life, than [to] those who have been accustom’d, to the Hardships of Seafaring Bussiness, and as the Government of Brittain has Shewn manifest, dispositions of Exchanging us, for what She terms her Royal, Subjects Captur’d under the American, Flagg. The Gent. who bears your Excellency this being Exchangd in this manner, together with many others, Some, for and against, Persons detain’d for them, in France and america. The Purport of this address is Therefore that in your Excellency’s ever wanted goodness, you would be pleas’d to have, confin’d, for my immediate redemption, the first Brittish Officer, that Shall Happen, to be brought within the dominions, of that Court at which you reside, who may be of Rank, equal, or in any respect upon an Equality, Particularly if taken under the american Flagg, As the Independence of America, has already gain’d so much ground, in Brittain, as to hold rank of Prisoners, in the fullest estimation, (Capt. Jno. Manley being Exchang’d against an English Major) and I flatter myself, Opportunities of this kind will frequently offer from the several american Privateers, that are at This time Cruising in the European Sea’s, together with the many Letters of Marque, Vessell’s belonging to America, that continually trade, to several Ports of the Different Courts of Europe, and in an Instance of this Kind, I can with confidence assure your Excellency there will be no Injustice, done to any of my fellow Prisoners here, there being none, in Senority, to me of The like Rank, or held in the Same Estimation; and Permit me to add, that if I Should be So Happy as to meet your favour in this respect, I could wish you as Speedy as Possible communicate it to Mr. Wm. Hodgson & Co Merchts. No. 17 Coleman street London Who acts as agent on the Part and in behalf of america. The obligation of gratitude, which an Instance of this Kind will lay me under, will be equal to the respect I bear your Excellency, on account of the great Abilities and unquestion’d, Integrity in those High Employments In which you have not only, Honor’d your Country [but] have Likewise, renderd her the most Esential Service.

I have the Honor, to be with the greatest Regard Your Excellency’s most Devoted, much Obliged Humble & obt. Servant
Nathl. Nazro


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 1 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Amsterdam Decr. 1st. 1781
Sir

Last night I had the honor of yours of the 23d. and 26th. Ulto. If it should be convenient for Mr. Barclay to come here and take the Care of the Goods, it would be happy for me. I am also very happy to learn from your Excellency, that our Troops are tolerably well cloathed, and will be in a short time completely so. This Information will make me less anxious about a little unavoidable delay, in the Conveyance of the Goods that are here.
Your proposals to Mr. De Neufville and Son, which I have communicated to day to the Son, appear to me very reasonable: viz, to deliver the Goods to me, and then make his demand for Damages, which if thought reasonable You will pay; if not let them be settled by Arbitration.
I have not delivered your Letter to him, nor given him any hint of its Contents. I thought it safest to reflect upon it a little: but I believe I shall deliver it. I am under no fear of its hurting our political Negotiations here. It is not in his Power to do Us good or harm in that way. I am of your opinion that Mr. De Neufville would not take the Goods off our hands at a discount of ten per Cent, nor double that Sum. I believe he would be puzzeled in his Affairs by the Attempt to take them, but wish I may be mistaken. I should be obliged to You for a Copy of the Terms on which he offered You to borrow Money for Us. I will examine Messrs. Fizeaux Account as soon as I can: but I believe it is right.
I am much pleased with your Reflections on the glorious News. Few military plans were ever better laid or executed. It gives the English an appearance of littleness, while the Allies appear great indeed. It is a demonstration to every thinking Mind, that the pursuits of Britain are chimerical: but the affair of Trenton, of Saratoga and a thousand others might have taught this Lesson long ago, that in a Land War America could defend herself against all the World. A very sensible Officer in the British Artillery, tho’ a violent Tory, acknowledged this to me often in Conversation nine Years ago: yet this Opinion of his has not hindered him from serving against Us all the War.
Is the Comte de Grasse gone to Newfoundland, Hallifax, New York, Charlestown or the Islands? Or is it not permitted to guess? He has behaved so well however, that I am not afraid to trust him, let him be gone where he will.
I have recieved Letters from London, most earnestly importuning that a fund may be established in London for Mr. Laurens, who is represented as suffering for want of Necessaries. I have ventured to promise an 100 £ for him out of the few Guilders that Mr. de Neufville has obtained on the Loan: but I have referred to your Excellency, who can do better for him than I. I have recieved a pathetic Letter from his Daughter too, who has been advised from London to write to your Excellency and me. I have informed her all I knew of the Measures for his Exchange, and have referred her to your Excellency.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant
J. Adams

Since writing the above, the Account of Messieurs Fizeaux & Grand has been examined and found right supposing the Exchange to be right: so that I have returned it inclosed. J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Henry Grand, 1 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Grand, Henry

Amsterdam Decr 1. 1781
Sir

 You cannot imagine how much I am obliged to you for your early Information of the glorious News. I have Since received ample details of it from America, but your Letter reached me several days Sooner.
I last night recd yours of 23 Novr—and will write you more fully upon it soon. We shall agree in every Thing I believe but the Article of L 6857: 3s, which you charge me for 29 Feb. 1780, as an order to give Mr Dana Credit for this Sum. This should be charged to Mr Dana, as I Shall easily convince you, as part of his Salary.

My best Respects to the family and believe me yours


Title: From John Adams to Martha Laurens, 1 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Laurens, Martha

Amsterdam Decr 1. 1781
My dear Miss Laurens

I was last Evening, favoured with your Letter from Vigan of the fourteenth of November, and am very much obliged to you, for writing to me, upon this occasion, a Letter, which notwithstanding your modest and amiable Apologies does the highest Honour, to the Taste and mental Accomplishments of the Writer, and to the Virtues of a Daughter worthy of my excellent friend President Laurens.
Believe me, Miss Laurens, I never had the last Intimation or Suspicion, that your Father, was in Want of Money untill, I Saw, within a few days, some Paragraphs to that Purpose in a London Paper.
A worthy friend of mine, Mr Edmund Jennings of Bruxelles has given orders, to supply your Father with 100 £ for his present Necessities, and I have written, assurances that as long as I shall have any Resource for my own subsistance, Mr Laurens, shall have a share of it if necessary, and I have agreed to pay Mr Jennings his 100 on Account of the United states.
Notwithstanding this, I apprehend you have written to his Excellency Mr Franklin at Passy upon the Subject. If you have not I should Advise you to do it immediately. America has found it difficult to establish in Europe, Funds Sufficient for her necessary Services, and has not been able to afford all the Relief, she desired to her sufferings Sons and servants. She is not however so poor I flatter myself as to be unable to furnish, to so distinguished and so excellent a Citizen the Sums that he may have occasion for. Mr Franklin I am persuaded, has it in his Power and not less in his Inclination, to establish a Fund in London, equall to all the Wants of Mr Laurens. It is but a very Trifle of Money that I have at my disposal. Yet this shall be at his disposal as long as it lasts. I have advised you to write to Mr Franklin: I will do the same. And I doubt not, but you may rest assured that nothing will be omitted for your fathers Relief.
I had the Honour to serve in Congress, with your Father and for his Abilities his attachment to his Country, and his inviolable Integrity, and numerous other Virtues I conceived an Esteem for him which will never be obliterated, but I did not know untill I received your Letter that my friend had a Daughter in France.
Give me Leave to congratulate you on the glorious News from america, and in the distinguished Share, of your worthy Brother in accomplishing that great Event. After a very honourable and a very successfull Voyage to Europe, he had the peculiar good fortune to be present and to draw up the Capitulation. Very few American young Ladies, have your Happiness Miss Laurens to have a father and a Brother at the sametime among the most meritorious servants and brightest ornaments of their Country.
Congress have resolved to exchange General Burgoine for your father, and Mr Franklin who has received the Resolution, has written to England about it. I hope it may Succeed, especially as Another army has now followed the Example of Burgoines. Indeed I Sincerely wish that the English nation would permit Mankind to retain some Part of the opinion, that was once entertained of their Generosity. But they seem determined to put it out of all dispute, that they are not the same nation.

With every sentiment of Esteem and I respect, I have the Honour to be, your most obedient &c