Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 13 April 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

Confidential.
Dear Sir,
Paris April 13th. 1783.

I have in some late Letters opened to You in Confidence the Dangers, which our most important Interests have been in, as well as the Opposition and Jealousy and Slanders, which your Ministers have met with, from the vain, ambitious and despotic Character of one Minister, I mean the C. de Vergennes— But You will form but an imperfect Idea after all of the Difficulties We have had to encounter, without taking into Consideration another Character equally selfish and interested—equally vain and ambitious—more jealous and envious, and more false & deceitful, I mean Dr. Franklin.
It is a Saying of Algernoon Sidney concerning Sir Walter Rawleigh, that “his Morals were not sufficiently exact for a great Man”—And the Observation can never be applied with more propriety than to Dr. Franklin.— His whole Life has been one continued Insult to good Manners and to Decency. His Son, and Grandson, as he calls him with characteristic Modesty; the Effrontery with which he has forced these his offspring up in the World, not less than his Speech of Polly Baker, are Outrages to Morality & Decorum, which would never have been forgiven in any other American— These things however are not the worst of his Faults— They shew however the Character of the Man; in what Contempt he holds the Opinions of the World, and with what Haughtiness he is capable of persevering through Life in a gross & odious System of Falsehood and Imposture.
A sacred regard to Truth is among the first and most essential Virtues of a public Man— How many Kings have involved themselves and their Kingdoms in Misfortunes, by a Laxness in this particular? How much Mischief has been done in all Ages by Ministers of State, who have indulged themselves in a Duplicity and Finesse, or in other Words, in an Hipocrisy and Falsehood, which some are even abandoned enough to recommend and prescribe to Politicians, but which never yet did any thing but Harm and Mischief.— I am sorry to say, but strict and impartial Justice obliges me to say, that from five complete Years of Experience of Dr. Franklin, which I have now had in Europe, I can have no Dependence on his Word. I never know when he speaks the Truth, and when not. If he talked as much as other Men, and deviated from the Truth as often in proportion as he does now, he would have been the Scorn of the Universe long ago— But his perpetual Taciturnity has saved him.
It would be Folly to deny, that he has had a great Genius, and that he has written several things in Philosophy and in Politicks, profoundly— But his Philosophy and his Politicks have been infinitely exaggerated, by the studied Arts of Empiricism, until his Reputation has become one of the grossest Impostures, that has ever been practised upon Mankind since the Days of Mahomet.
A Reputation so imposing in a Man of Artifice and Duplicity, of Ambition and Vanity, of Jealousy and Envy, is as real a Tyranny as that of the Grand Seignior. It is in vain to talk of Laws of Justice, of Right, of Truth, of Liberty, against the Authority of such a Reputation. It produces all the Servility of Adulation—all the Fear, all the Expectation & Dependence in common Minds, that is produced by the imposing Pomp of a Court and of Imperial Splendour. He has been very sensible of this, & has taken Advantage of it.
As if he had been conscious of the Laziness, Inactivity and real Insignificance of his advanced Age, he has considered every American Minister, who has come to Europe, as his natural Enemy. He has been afraid that some one would serve his Country, acquire a Reputation, and begin to be thought of by Congress to replace him.—
Sensible that his Character has not been so much respected in America as in Europe, he has sought an Alliance to support him with Mr de Sartine and the C. de Vergennes and their “Autours” Satellites. It is impossible to prove, but from what I know of him, I have no doubt, that he is the Man, who, by means of the Emissaries or Satellites just alluded to, made to those Ministers all the malicious Insinuations against Mr. Lee & Mr. Izard, which, altho’ absolutely false and groundless, have made as much Noise in the World, & had almost the same Effects, as if they had been true— From the same detestable Source came the Insinuations and Prejudices against me, and the shameless abandoned Attack upon me, the History of which You know better than I.— Hence too the Prejudices against Mr. Dana, Mr. Jay & every other. These are my Opinions, tho’ I cannot prove them, otherwise than by what I have seen and heard myself, what results from a long Series of Letters & Transactions, and what I know of the Characters of the Men. The C. has had his Head filled with so many Prejudices against others, and in favor of him, and has found him so convenient a Minister,—ready always to comply with every Desire,—never asking any thing but when ordered and obliged to ask for Money—never proposing any thing—never advising any thing, that he has adopted all his Passions, Prejudices & Jealousies, and has supported him, as if his own Office depended upon him— He and his Office of Interpreters have filled all the Gazettes of Europe with the most senseless Flattery of him, and by means of the Police set every Spectacle, Society, and even private Club and Circle to clapping him with such Applause, as they give to Opera Girls.— This being the unfortunate Situation of foreign Affairs, what is to be done?
Franklin has, as he gives out, asked Leave to resign— He does not mean to obtain it, but to save the Shame of being recalled. I wish with all my Soul he was out of public Service, and in Retirement, repenting of his past Life, and preparing, as he ought to be, for another World. But as the Peace is made, and he is old, and it will make a horrid Wonder in the World to remove him, and it would be impossible to publish the whole Truth in Justification of it to the People of America as well as of Europe, perhaps it may be as well to let him alone.— But at least Congress should firmly and steadily support their other Ministers against his insidious Manœuvres— They should add no more Feathers to his Cap. This will however be difficult. He will watch Opportunities, and French Influence will forever aid him, and both will be eternally attacking openly and secretly every other Minister—so that I am persuaded he will remain as long as he lives, the Demon of Discord among our Ministers, and the Curse and Scourge of our foreign Affairs.
France has suffered as much as America, by the unskilful & dishonest Conduct of our foreign Affairs. They have had no Confidence in any but him— And he either knew nothing or cared nothing about Affairs— They have not only not confided in any other, but they have persecuted every other— By which Means France has not derived half the Advantage from the Alliance in the War, nor will She hold half the Benefit after the Peace, which She might have done, if She had vouchsafed to hearken to the Advice of those, who would have given it honestly and wisely.
To enter into the contemptible detail of all the unworthy Artifices, the Follies and Impositions, that have been the Fruit of these Characters; the “petit Commerce” of— &c— &c—the Arts in Holland, Spain, Russia, Sweeden, Denmark and all the rest of Europe, to prevent the progress of our Cause, and defeat our Negociations; to straiten in the Article of Money, and distress Us in the War; to keep Us humble, tame and dependent; to strip Us of the Fishery and Western Lands; the Millions of Affronts, Neglects, Contempts, or, in one French Word, “Desagremens,” which have been put upon the Servants of Congress, would fill Volumes.
The Moral and the Politick of all is—“See with your own Eyes—judge with your own Understanding—repeal every shackling Instruction to your Ministers—support them inflexibly against all foreign Influence, and all little spiteful Intrigues.[”]
For my own part, I have been made a Sacrifice to such Intrigues in so gross a manner, that unless I am restored and supported, I am unalterably determined to retire— So resolves your / invariable Friend
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 14 April 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,
Paris April 14th. 1783

You may easily imagine our Anxiety to hear from America, when You know that We have no News to this Hour, either of your Reception of the News of Peace, nor of that of the Treaty with Holland, four Copies of which I put on board four different Vessels at Amsterdam in October.
We have been in equal Uncertainty about the Turn, which Affairs might take in England. But by Letters from Mr. Laurens We expect him every day, and Mr. David Hartley with him, in order to compleat the definitive Treaty. It would have been more agreable to have finished with Mr. Oswald— But the present Ministry are so dissatisfied with what is past, as they say, though nobody believes them, that they chuse to change Hands.
It will be proposed, I believe, to make a temporary Arrangement of commercial Matters, as our Powers are not competent to a durable one, if to any. Congress will no doubt soon send a Minister with full Powers, as the Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain is of great Importance, and our Affairs in that Country require an Overseer.
It is confidently asserted in Letters from Holland, that Mr. Markow, the Minister Plenipotentiary from the Empress of Russia, has recieved from his Mistress a full Power to come to Paris to the Assistance of the Prince Baratinski at a Congress for a general Pacification. There is as yet no Answer recieved from the Emperor. If the two Imperial Courts accept of the Mediation, there will be a Congress— But I suppose it will relate chiefly to the Affairs of Holland, which are not yet arranged, and to the Liberty of Neutral Navigation, which is their principal Point. I wish Success to that Republick in this Negociation, which will help to compose their interiour Disorders, which are alarming. I know not whether it will be insisted or expected, that We should join in the Congress, nor do I know what We have to do in it, unless it should be to settle that Point as far as it relates to Us. There is nothing in difference between Us and Great Britain, which We cannot adjust ourselves, without any Mediation.
A Spring Passage to America is so great an Object, that I should be very sorry to have the Negociations spun out to such a Length, as to oblige me to lose it, and I take it for granted I shall now recieve the Acceptance of my Resignation by the first Ships.
I have the honor to be, / Sir, / your most obedient & / most humble Servant.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 14 April 1783
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John

No: 16.Duplicate
Sir
Philadelphia 14th: April 1783—

I received two days ago your favors of the 22d: and 23d: of January with the declarations for the cessation of Hostilities on which a doubt of much importance to the People of this Country is started— towit to know at what periods hostilities ceased on this Coast, that is what is meant by as far as the Canaries; if it means in the same Latitude, hostilities ceased here the third of March, and a great number of Vessel must be restored— if it does not mean a latitudinal Line, what does it mean? which carries any certainty with it?— The Terms of the provisional Treaty also occasion much Debate— a variety of questions have been started, but these I shall speak off in my Letter to you in conjunction with your Colleagues, that you may if opportunity should offer before the definitive Treaty is concluded find some means to rid them of their Ambiguity— It would give me pain to find that the Dutch do not attain their Objects in the close of the war, and still more to impute their misfortunes to any disertion of their Interests by France, since I confess freely to you, that her conduct as far as I have observed, it has appeared to me in the highest degree generous and disinterested— The extreme langour of the Dutch—their divisions,—and the less than nothing that they have done for themselves entitle them to little—without the uncommon exertions of France; They would not have had a single settlement left either in the East or West Indies, so that they lay absolutely at her mercy and therefore I was pleased to find their instructions to their Ministers so expressed as to leave no room to fear that they would obstruct the Peace, when they contributed so little to the prosecution of the War— But I rather pitied than blamed their Weakness, they were torn by Factions and cloged by an Executive, which strove to find Reasons for having no Execution—
Congress the day before yesterday agreed to ratify the provisional Articles as such, and to release their Prisoners, in which the British took the lead— As the Tories have little reliance upon the Effect of the recommendations of Congress, great numbers of them have sailed and are daily sailing for Nova Scotia— With respect to your Salary I must pray you to settle with Doctor Franklin, the amount of the Bills drawn in your favor— you will with those that go by this conveyance receive the amount of three quarters Salary, computing the salary at two thousand, seven hundred and seventy seven & 68/90 Dollars per Quarter which were laid out in Bills at six shillings and three pence currency for 5 Livres which was a very advantageous Exchange to you— This however Congress have directed by the enclosed Resolution to be altered, and your Salaries to be paid in Bills at the rate of five Livres, five sous per Dollar, as this resolution retrospects you will have with the Bills transmitted you livres more than is due for three quarters salary— this will be deducted from the last quarter for which, I will get a warrant, and leave it with the Treasury here for you or your order— By settling this matter with Doctor Franklin and redrawing upon your Banker in Holland, you will leave my accounts unembarrassed, which is of consequence to me, as I determine to quit the place I now hold in the course of a few Weeks, and enjoy in retirement the pleasures of peace— I have charged no commissions upon these money Transactions, nor do I propose to charge any— Your account of contingent Expences is before a Committee— should Congress agree to accept your resignation (which I am sorry to see you offer since the connections you have formed, and the experience you have acquired might render you particularly serviceable in Holland) it will be best that you settle it with them yourself on your arrival— The want of permanent funds and the opposition which some States have given to every attempt to establish them, The demands of public Creditors, and particularly of the Army have excited much uneasiness here, satisfactory measures will I hope be adopted to calm it, and do ample justice— The army whose proceedings I transmit have done themselves honor by their conduct on this occasion, too much praise could not be given to the Commander in Chief for the share he had in this transaction, if he was not above all praise—
I have the honor to be, Sir, / with very great Respect and Esteem / your most obedt humble servt.
Robt R Livingston


Title: From John Adams to William Gordon, 15 April 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Gordon, William

Dear Sir,
Paris. 15th: April. 1783—

Your letter of the 30th. Novemr: came to hand yesterday, & afforded me real pleasure & great Consolation. The Sentiments it contains were precisely such as actuated the American Ministers for Peace, on the same day. It is astonishing that occasion shd. ever have been given to you or them to think in that manner—
A complicated & extensive system of Imposture has been practised, upon America & her Ministers, by one French Minister & one American Minister; and yet to that very French Minister has been given Jurisdiction over us, “in all cases whatsoever.” But these words will always produce Resistance & Disobedience—
I lament, with all my soul, the necessity to which we were reduced. It is a deplorable example: it ought never to be drawn into Precedent— I shd. be very glad to see a List of the Yeas & Nays in the vote for that memorable Instruction. You will have heard eno: of it by this time; & you may well imagine we are anxious to know our Fate.—
I confess to you I have been so fatigued, perplexed & distressed with that system of Duplicity & Chicanery, wh: has been practised upon Congress & their Servants in Europe, that I am worn out. My Strength & Spirits are exhausted. Mr: Jay & Mr: Dana are not less weary & disgusted; nor wd. Mr: Laurens I believe have been less so, if he had been in the way of knowing as much as we do— Dr: F. is disgusted with nothing but Integrity & cares for nothing but his place; for the preservation of wh: alone, in the negotiations for Peace, he meanly abandoned the System, wh: he had firmly pursued, & joined Mr: Jay and me in that principle, for wh: he had quarelled with me for a course of years & attacked & abused me without mercy—
Mr: Dana’s hands have been tied, &, not having been pressed by such urgent necessities, as others have been, he did not venture to break the Cords. At last, howr:, he has communicated his mission to the Ce. d’Osterman the Russian Chancellor & recd: a favorable answer.
It has been industriously propagated, both in Europe & America that the Nations & Courts of Europe were averse to our Independence—the exact reverse of wh: was true. Every nation in Europe, except England, wished well to our Independence, and not one Court was averse to it, altho’ several did not chuse to quarrell with England.
Not one of the Nations of Europe was more industriously represented as averse to our Independence than Holland. I knew better. I took measures to inform myself, wh: I knew to be infallible & ventured on a decisive step: All Europe gaped, as well as America, and the whole diplomatic body of Europe wd. have condemned the measure, altho’ they sd. it was ably done— If it had not succeeded it cod. not possibly have done harm. But it succeeded & triumphed over such deep-laid Contrivances to defeat it, as wd. surprise you to read in detail if they shd. ever be written. The finesse & subtilty of the 2. Ministers aforesaid were exhausted to defeat me, by disgusting & discouraging me, by neglects, slights, Contempts, Attacks & Mænuvres, & every thing but an avowed open opposition, which wd. have ruined their Characters in Europe as well as America— The system of Conduct towards me, the double-faced measures to defeat me in reallity if possible, but to secure to themselves the honor of my Success, if they could not, wd. be one of the most curious Chapters in the Machiavellian Chronicles. In God’s name, let us keep our own sincerity & learn to devellope the duplicity of others. It is not Duplicity only, it is Multiplicity & it is variegated thro’ all the Shades of Refinement, one running into another, like the Colors of the Rainbow. My Countrymen used to be apt eno: in develloping British Politics; but they have lately had to do with another sort, too refined for their penetration, or for their experience. They will soon learn it, tho’ I hope they will never practise it—
We need not wonder at the simplicity & innocence, the amiable unsuspecting Confidence of our own Countrymen, when we see the old experienced Dutchmen taken in, the history of wh: is very curious. Our Country has cause to be thankfull that her ministers were more jealous, or had better information— Without this, Lousiana & Illinois, as well as the Banks of Newfoundland, would have made more noise in the world than Trinquemale & Negapatnam, or the liberty of Navigation—
Your Countryman was never more mistaken than wn: he spoke slightly of Mr: Jay, wm: I wd. not scruple to pit against the proudest Statesman in Europe. Our Country was never better represented than by him—
We expect Mr: Laurens & Mr: Hartley every day to finish— I don’t like the new Coalition; yet we are assured that the intention is sincere to finish liberally—
I have written very freely & rely upon yr: discretion— / I am, Sir, with great respect, / Yrs:


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 15 April 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
Lahaie 15e. Avril 1783

J’ai été fort agréablement affecté de la bonne compagnie que vous m’avez adressée, & des honorées vôtres du 28 & 30e. Mars, qu’ils m’ont remises.

Nous aurons Soin exactement com̃e vous le desirez, & de la santé & de l’amusement agréable & utile de Mr. Votre fils. Chaque fois qu’on tire la Sonnette de l’hôtel, nous croyons que c’est lui: mais, à notre grand regret, il n’a pas paru encore.
Mr. Van Berckel presse ses préparatifs, pour partir au plus tard vers la mi-Juin. Il sera bien aise de votre compagnie, si les circonstances vous permettent de la lui accorder.— Deux braves Capitaines, Mr. Rymersma de Rotterdam, & Mr. Decker de Gouda qui com̃ande actuellement le beau Vaisseau le Tigre, briguent l’honneur de le transporter, & d’aller échanger avec les Etats-Unis les premiers honneurs du Pavillon de leur Republiqe. Mr. Van Berckel me paroît décidé à aller droit à Philadelphie, à cause de son bagage & de sa suite, qui l’embarrasseroit autrement. Il pense que le meilleur pour lui est de com̃encer par monter sa maison, d’y laisser tout cela en ordre, &, quand les chaleurs seront passées, de faire une excursion par N. York, où il mettra peut-être son fils cadet en apprentissage, jusqu’à Boston.
Celui qui m’a écrit en confidence, est dans la Sphere privée; & je ne lui connois aucune influence dans les affaires publiques ni de l’Améque ni de l’Europe. J’ignore la source où il peut avoir puisé ses anecdotes: mais j’ai tout lieu de penser, qu’elle est analogue avec vos principes, plutôt qu’avec ceux de tout autre qui pourroit en avoir de différents. Je persiste dans mon Sentiment, que la Négociation en question, la plus Scabreuse, selon moi, de toutes celles qui restent à faire, ne sauroit être mise entre des mains plus sures & plus heureuses: mais je sens très-bien en même temps, qu’à la même place j’aurois aussi la maladie du pays.
J’ai com̃uniqué à Mr. Holtzhey le paragraphe qui le regarde.
J’ai écrit un Billet aux Com̃is de la Poste, pour leur faire contremander les papiers Anglois, excepté le London Courant; & je leur en écrirai un autre, dès que cette Lettre-ci sera finie; parce qu’ils me paroissent tergiverser, & prétendre que tous ces papiers soient continués jusqu’à l’expiration des 6 mois à la fin de Juin. Je Suis avec grand respect, / De Votre Excellence / le très-humble & très obeissant / Serviteur
Dumas

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 15 April 1783

I was most pleasantly diverted by the good companions you sent me and by your honored letters of 28 and 30 March, which they delivered.
We shall take very good care of your son’s health and see that he is agreeably and usefully entertained, just as you wish. Each time someone rings the doorbell we think it is he, but to our great regret he has not yet appeared.
Mr. Van Berckel is hurrying his preparations in order to leave in mid-June at the latest. He will be very much at home in your company, if circumstances allow you to travel with him. Two fine captains, Mr. Riemersma of Rotterdam and Mr. Decker of Gouda, the current commander of the splendid ship Tiger, are competing for the honor of conveying him and of exchanging with the United States the first honors for the flag of the republic. Mr. Van Berckel appears to me determined to go straight to Philadelphia because of his baggage and retinue, which would otherwise encumber him. He thinks his best plan is to begin by setting up house. He will then leave it all in order, and, when the hot season is over, travel to Boston via New York, where he is thinking of putting his younger son into apprenticeship.
The person who wrote to me in confidence is in the private sector and as far as I know has no influence in public affairs in either America or Europe. I have no knowledge of the source of his anecdotes but have every reason to think it one with principles analogous to your own rather than someone with whom you might differ. I still feel that the negotiation in question, in my view the most difficult of all that remain, could not be in more certain or fortunate hands, but I also feel that in your place I too would be homesick.
I sent Mr. Holtzhey the paragraph concerning him.
I wrote a note to the postal clerks telling them to cancel the English papers, except the London Courant, and I shall write them again as soon as I have finished this letter because they seem to be beating about the bush, claiming that these papers have to continue until the full six months expire in late June. I am, with great respect, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 15 April 1783
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Sir
London April 15th. 1783.

I did myself the Honor of writing to your Excellency, and sending several inclosures by the last Post. I send herewith another, which ought to have preceeded in publication one, which your Excellency has received.

I suppose Mr Hartly is or will be soon, with you. He says He shall settle matters at Paris in a little while. and Mr Fox has said the same thing. the Bill which the Latter Gentleman has just introduced into the House, will not go far enough unless great Powers are given to the King; for the Execution of which the Minister must be responsible, and these are ticklish Times for a bold Minister to Act in.
Mr Fox, who takes the whole of the American business on Himself, is bold in his Nature for he is clear sightd & not frightned by shadows, but some of his Colleagues may perhaps endeavour to prevent his taking those Manly steps, which the Times require, the Man with whom I conversed last Wednesday will I am Affraid Clog Him as much as possible, and his Ennemies are ready to trip up his Heels; He has a difficult part to Act, & perhaps it may not be made Easy, by the Instruments, He makes use of, which is perhaps forced, or which has intruded itself into his hands. all you Gentlemen Know the Man & I trust will soon raise Him out of his Profundity, that is, to use his own words out of the Bottom of all Bottoms. I have some Notion, that He thinks of opening, examining & correcting the Treaty lately made, what He will get thereby I Know not— perhaps He thinks too of going to America as the british Minister
Mr Ridley has communicated to me a Request from Mr Barclay, that I would render myself at Paris to assist Him in the Execution of his Commission for settling the public Accounts. If I thought myself Capable of doing any Good, I would have immediately complied with the Invitation, but I really think I am not qualified for that business, & have at the same time an Idea that I can be of some Service here, if your Excellency thinks so, I Know you would have me Continue where I am. I therefore refer the whole to your Excellency; Mr Ridly will do Himself the Honor of speaking to your Excellency on the Subject & will communicate to me the result of your determination
I take the Liberty of sending to your Excelleny an Imitation of Aurea Libertas. &c by a friend

Now Liberty! Exult for on thy fasttring wings,
far from the bloody despot’s Yoke, Columbia springs
Come, favorite of the Goddess! on the belgic shore,
to thee the rich libations shall her votaries pour,
and may congenial States in endless bonds unite
whilst the fell Tyrant trembles at the glorious sight.

There is in the papers a long account of the Affairs of this Country in the East Indias, but half of the busysness is not told. a want of food, of money of Discipline is like to ruin the base & baseless Domination in the Indias Our Friend Heyder Ali has certainly done much for America & Humanity.
I am with the greatest Consideration / Sir / Your Excellencys / Most Obedient / Humble Servant
Edm: Jenings


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 16 April 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

Dear Sir
Paris April 16. 1783

It is my Duty to unbosom myself to Some Friend in Congress, upon whose discretion I can rely, and there is none to whom I can do it with more Propriety than to you of whose Patriotism and Friendship I have had So long Experience.
We are at Peace, but not out of Danger. That there have been dangerous Designs against our real Independence, if not against our Union and Confederation, is past a doubt in my mind. and We have cause to fear that Such designs may be revived in various Shapes. Europe is generally Sensible that the United States in half a Century will, if they keep together, give the Tone to the World.— This is not a flattering Idea to them, and We may depend upon there will be a succession of vain Politicians who will manœuvre to break Us.
Let me beg of you, to look up some old Papers in Mr Thompsons office, I mean the Contracts entered into with Monsieur de Coudrai and other French officers, the M. de la Fayette among others, by Mr Deane, and Mr Deanes Letters. if De Coudrai had been made Major General, older than Green with the Command of the whole Artillery and all military Manufactures, subject only to the Command of Congress and the Commander in Chief, and if the Marechall M. had been that Commander in Chief as was proposed what would have been the Situation of our Army and Country! in whose Power Should We have been?— pursue the History of our foreign affairs from that time to this and see if all has been right. See if We have not motives enough to think of Standing on our own Legs, and judging for ourselves.
The Marquis de la Fayette, is an amiable Nobleman and has great Merit I enjoy his Friendship, and wish a Continuance of it. But I will conceal nothing from you. I see in that Youth the seeds of Mischief to our Country if We do not take Care. He was taken early into our Service and placed in an high Command, in which he has behaved well, but he has gained more applause than human nature at 25 can bear. it has in kindled in him an unbounded Ambition, which it concerns Us much to watch.—
The Instruction of Congress to their foreign Ministers to consult with him was very ill judged.—it was lowering themselves and their servants. There is no American Minister, who would not have been always ready and willing to consult with him, but to enjoin it and make it a Duty, was an humiliation that would astonish all the World if it was known.— Your Ministers will never be respected, never have any Influence while you, depress them in this manner.— every French Man of Course who knows it, and enough do know it, will consider your servants as mere Instruments in their hands.— if Dr Franklin Mr Jay Mr Laurens Mr Dana have occasion for the Advice of the Marquis, it would be wonderfull. it may be Said that he is a convenient Go between.— I Say for this very Reason it should have been avoided. There ought to be no Go between. Your Ministers should confer directly with the Ministers of other Powers, and if they choose at any time to make Use of a third Person, they ought to choose him.
The Marquis may live these 50 Years.— Ten Years may bring him by the order of succession to the Command of your Army.— You have given him a great deal too much of Popularity, in our own Country.— He is connected with a Family of vast Influence in france.— He rises fast in the French Army.— He may be Soon in the Ministry.— This Mongrel Character of French Patriot and American Patriot cannot exist long. and if hereafter it should be Seriously the Politicks of the french Court to break our Union, Imagination cannot conceive a more Proper Instrument for the Purpose than the Marquis.— He is now very active everlastingly busy, ardent to distinguish himself every Way, especially to increase his Merit towards America, aiming as I believe at some Employment from Congress.— Pains are taken to give him the Credit of every Thing. believe me it is of infinite Importance, that you yourselves and your servants should have the Reputation of their own Measures and of doing your Service.
I know the Confederation of our states to be a brittle Vessell. I know it will be an object of Jealousy to France. Severe strokes will be aimed at it, and if We are not upon our Guard to ward them off, it will be broken and what a scæne of Misery to our Country does this Idea open.
Amidst all the Joys of Peace, and the glorious Prospects before Us, I see in Europe so many Causes of Inquietude, that I cannot be longer easy without laying my Thoughts open to a friend.— I have freely hinted at the Characters which have given me unnutterable Distress, because they have endangered and dishonoured our Country. and I now give you my Apprehensions of another.
Our Country is a singular one. it is a Temple of Liberty, set open to all the World.— if there is any Thing on Earth worthy of being contended for it is this glorious Object. I never had thro my whole Life any other Ambition than to cherish, promote and protect it and never will have any other for myself nor my Children.—for this object however I have as much as any Conqueror ever had. for this I have run as great Risques and made as great Sacrifices, as any of the pretended Heroes whose object was Domination and Power, Wealh and Pleasure.— For this I have opened to you Characters with Freedom which it is to me personally dangerous to touch. but it is necessary and come what will I will not flinch.— These People know me they know I stand in their Way, and therefore you will hear of insinuations enough darkly circulated, to lessen me at home. I care not. Let me come home and tell me own story.
your Frd
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Francis Dana, 18 April 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dana, Francis

Dear Sir
Paris April 18. 1783

I have just received your Favour of March 12. O.S.— It has for Sometime been my Intention to embark for the Blue Hills as soon as the definitive Treaty should be Signed, or even Sooner if the Acceptance of my Resignation, which I transmitted on the 8th day of last December, Should arrive before that Event. Mr Vanberckel will Sail from the Texel in June, and it would be agreable to me to go with him. But the long Interregnum in England, and the present confusion of Ideas there, give me fears that We shall not finish soon enough for my Views of going with the Dutch Minister. Mr Laurens is however arrived, and Mr Hartley is expected, so that I hope to finish in a few days.— nothing would give me more Pleasure than to go home with you: But you must not quit, untill you have made your Treaties. have you communicated your Powers to the Ministers of Denmark Prussia & the Emperor. if you have not, let me beg of you to do it without delay, that those Nations may not be Stolen from you as the Sweeds were, which I believe to be in Contemplation.
I dont wonder at your Chagrin. The only Wonder with me is that any of Us have had Patience to bear it so long. I wish you had been more explicit about your Prospect of making a Treaty.
My Son was at Hambourg the fourth of April, and I hope is at the Hague by this.— The Reason of his amazing delays I know not. they have given me great uneasiness. But Letters upon his Rout from Persons of Character Speak well of his Behaviour.
I am determined in all Events, God Willing, to enjoy in future the Company of my Family, from which I have now been Seperated for near nine Years.— I have great need of Repose. My Health has never recovered from the Consequences of that horrid Fever at Amsterdam, and I fear never will without a Voyage home, my native Air, Relaxation from Drudgery, and a quiet Mind. I have a Thousand other Reasons public and private for wishing to go home.
Not one Word from America.— I wrote you sometime Since to draw upon my Bankers for the Money you may want, though it appears to some People more than the Treaty will be worth. I am not however of that opinion.
With great Esteem, sir your Fnd & sert
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 18–21 April 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Sir
Paris April 18. 1783

Be so good as to accept of my Thanks for your favour of the 11. and its Enclosures. I am not very anxious for the fate of the Bill: for altho the 30th. of Nov. was the best time to have Settled the whole affair of Commerce, and the Revocation of a certain Commission without appointing another, has left the Merchants in Confusion and damped the Ardour of returning Friendship, as it was intended it Should by the Politician who contrived it, yet I think that Experience will soon Shew to Great Britain and America where their Interest lies and will dictate to both a good System and Treaty of Commerce.
I am Sorry that Mr Burke Should take for Insolence a Proposition as certain as any in Euclid. With the whole Commercial World open to America, it is very obvious, that it can be of little Importance to her, whether she has a little more or a little less Priviledge in any particular Nation. it would not materially hurt her to be totally excluded from the Commerce of any one Nation upon the Globe.— on the Contrary an Exclusion of G. Britain from the Commerce of America, would be her Ruin, it would destroy her Credit, dry away her Revenues, Suppress her Manufactures, bring down her naval Force, and half depopulate the Kingdom. This may be a painfull Truth to British Pride. But it is an impatience of hearing such Truths that has led her into all her Errors. Do they Still think America ignorant? and that they can keep her Ignorant? if they do they are guilty of a willfull Stupidity, worse than my Insolence.
It is merely from a Sincere Regard for Great Britain, and from a Desire that She may derive as much Benefit from the American Commerce as possible, and that She may preserve as much of her Credit, Wealth and Power as can be made consistent with her present Situation, and from a desire of restoring as much good humour and good Will, between her and America as possible, that I give myself any concern upon this subject. No Man wishes the Downfall of that Kingdom less than I do.— No Man wishes more sincerely for her Prosperity, as long as it is consistent with the Rights and Engagements of the United States.— But for this they might blunder on, the Ridicule of Rival Politicians who dance them upon their Wires like a Puppet Shew, with all my heart.— But it gives me Pain to see them govered by artfull People whom they suspect not, by playing on their blind Prejudices & furious Passions to the danger of their Existence.
This is more insolent than ever And therefore you must not shew it to any body.
April 21.
Yesterday I received your Favour of the 15.—with its Inclosure. We are every hour in Expectation of Seeing Mr Hartley, and I See no Reason for differing from his opinion and that of Mr Fox, vizt that Affairs may be amicably settled between Britain & America in a few days.—.
Your Friend in his golden Liberty, has Surpassed the original by far. Will you let me know who he is?— I Suppose he calls me the “Favourite of the Goddess,” upon the Principle of “whom she loveth she chasteneth.”— I do not know that She has Spared the Rod less, towards any one of her pious Children.
With Regard to Mr Barclays Proposal it is my Opinion that wherever you are you will be doing good as long as you live and I believe at present, there is no Place where a Man may do more than where you are.— nevertheless, as it will be sometime before Mr Barclay will be ready to enter upon Business, and in the meantime Affairs may be settled in England, I think it will be adviseable for you to accept the Trust.— Mr Jay, Mr Laurens and myself will probably be gone from hence before you will enter upon Business with Mr Barclay.
I do nothing now with Alacrity, more than you. The Dæmon of Discord has so many Imps in his service, and they assume Such various and artfull human Forms as to deceive the very elect. There is nothing however black and infernal that this Dæmon and his Imps are not capable of.— There is no Remedy, on this Side the Water, if there is on any, but in the Reflection that
True conscious honour is to know no sin
He’s arm’d without who’s innocent within.
There must be no Friendships between American Ministers and any Body provided those Ministers will not betray their Trusts.— if they will betray their Constituents they may have Friends enough. if not, Friendship is forbidden fruit to them.— if Mr Jay were in Friendship with Mr Charmichael Manœuvres would be Set to work to excite Jealousies between them. if Mr Adams and Mr Dumas were Friends, Tricks would be played to excite Suspicions between them. if Mr Jennings & Mr Adams could be Friends Plots of the deepest Sort and darkest Complexion would be laid to separate them, at all Events Mr Adams must not have a Friend. He is too stubborn ne sçait pas se donner aux Convenances ni Bienseances, i.e. knows not how to Sacrifice his Country nor his Friend; to Gold snuff Boxes Statues Busts Pictures, Kisses and Claps of Opera Girls or Boys.
There must have been vile Insinuations made to my worthy and excellent old Friend to have made Such an Impression on his Spirit. But his Judgement is good and his Heart right, and with a little Reserve and Caution time will bring all right.— in all Events dont let you and me be caught in any Snare.— I have never had many intimate Friends, and I am not disposed to part with one easily.
After this I take the Liberty to subscribe myself your Friend
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 April 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
Lahaie 18e. Avr. 1783

Mr. Van Berckel venu de Rotterdam ici, m’a chargé de vous présenter, avec ses complimens, les assurances du plaisir avec lequel il fera le trajet avec Vous, Si les circonstances vous le permettent, vers la mi-Juin.
L’incluse pour Philadelphie, vous dira la Situation des affaires de la rep.
Mr. le D. de la Vauguyon m’a dit qu’il aura bientôt le plaisir de vous voir à Paris. J’aurai l’honneur de dîner chez Lui Dimanche, avec nos Amis d’Amsterdam & de Dort.
Les Com̃is de la Poste ne veulent pas démordre de leur prétention de fournir les papiers Anglois jusqu’à la fin de Juin. J’ai été chez eux. Ils disent s’être arrangés avec ceux de Londres, & que S. E. Mr. Adams est trop juste, pour vouloir que ces papiers, dont ils ne sauroient que faire, restent pour leur compte pendant les deux mois restants de May & Juin.
Mrs. les Pensres. Van Berckel, Visscher & de Gyzelaar, me chargent de leurs complimens pour Votre Excellence. Le premier a l’air émérilloné d’un Bachelier de 25 ans, depuis qu’il est d’accord avec une aimable Veuve, pour faire l’inventaire de ses charmes au mois de May prochain.
Daignez, Monsieur, vous charger de mes assurances de respect pour Son Exce. Mr. Laurens. Les Papiers m’apprennent qu’il est parti de Londres le 9, pour vous préparer, Messieurs, à l’arrivée de Mr. David Hartley, chargé de négocier avec vous & Mrs. Vos Collegues un Traité de Commerce. Je crois que ce Traité n’accordera pas à l’Amérique autant d’avantages que le Bill projeté; mais si ces avantages étoient un Anguis in herbâ latens, je pense qu’il vaut mieux pour l’amérique de s’en passer, & d’insister plutôt sur une égalité parfaite avec les nations les plus favorisées, & sur la liberté illimitée de la Navigation par toutes les mers, com̃e sur des points parfaitement réciproques ou la Grande Bret. ne donne rien du sien. Pour toute autre concession privilégiée & exclusive, timeo Danaos & dona ferentes. Nous ne croyons point, ni Mr. le Duc ni moi, que Mr. Fox & Co: tiennent longtemps dans leurs postes. Le Roi & tous les anciens amis de l’Amérique reprendront le dessus; &, quoique contre leur inténtion, leur marotte a trop fait de bien à l’Amérique, pour ne pas être bien aise qu’ils en restent coefés.

Je suis avec grand respect, De votre Excellence / le très humble & très-obeissant / serviteur
C. w. f. Dumas

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 18 April 1783

Mr. Van Berckel, who arrived from Rotterdam, asked me to present his compliments and say how pleased he would be to make the crossing with you in mid-June if your circumstances permit.
The enclosed letter for Philadelphia will inform you of the state of affairs in the republic.
The Duc de La Vauguyon told me he will soon have the pleasure of seeing you in Paris. I shall have the honor of dining at his house on Sunday with our friends from Amsterdam and Dordrecht.
The postal clerks refuse to abandon their notion of delivering the English papers until the end of June. I went to see them. They said they had made arrangements with the post in London and that Mr. Adams is too fair-minded to want these papers—which would be quite useless to them—to stay on their books during the two remaining months of May and June.
The pensionaries Van Berckel, Visscher, and Gyselaar also wish me to present their compliments to your excellency. Mr. Van Berckel is as brighteyed as a bachelor of 25 since reaching an accord with a pleasing widow to take stock of all her charms this coming May.
Please will you assure His Excellency Mr. Laurens of my respect. The papers inform me that he left London on the 9th to prepare with you, gentlemen, for the arrival of Mr. David Hartley, charged with negotiating a commercial treaty with you and your colleagues. I think this treaty will not grant America as many advantages as the projected bill. If these advantages were an anguis in herba latens, I think it better for America to give them up and insist on perfect equality with the most favored nations and unlimited freedom of the seas rather than on some points, perfectly reciprocal, where Great Britain contributes nothing. For any other preferential and exclusive concession, timeo Danaos et dona ferentes. Neither the duke nor I believe that Mr. Fox and company will remain long in power. The king and all of America’s old friends will regain the upper hand and, although contrary to their intention, their folly has done America too much good for us not to be pleased that they remain infatuated with it.
I am with great respect, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
C. w. f. Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Lewis R. Morris, 18 April 1783
From: Morris, Lewis R.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Office for Foreign Affairs 18th: April 1783—

Enclosed I have the honor to present you a state of your account with the United States from the first day of January 1782. to the thirty first day of March following—that is fifteen Months—From the first day of January 1782. to the thirty first day of December following, it will appear by the enclosed Account, that Eleven thousand, one hundred and eleven dollars and 10/90 of a Dollar were received from the Superintendant of Finance, and vested in Bills at six shillings and three Currency for five Livres; the rate of Exchange at the periods the purchases were made, which amounts to sixty six thousand, six hundred and sixty six Livres nineteen Solls Turnois—
Agreable to the enclosed Resolution of Congress of the 7th: of March suggested to the Honorable the Secretary for this Department by Mr Franklin’s Letter on the subject, your last quarter’s Salary from the first of January 1783. to the thirty first of March following, was paid by the United States in Bills of Exchange five Livres five solls, for seven shillings and six pence this money, which amounts in Dollars to two thousand seven hundred and seventy seven Dollars, and 68/90 of a Dollar from this is deducted agreable to the enclosed Resolve, one thousand five hundred, and Eighty seven Dollars and 27/90. of a Dollar, which leaves one thousand one hundred, and ninety Dollars, and 43/90. of a Dollar, this sum amounts to six thousand two hundred and fifty Livres Turnois for which Bills are left at the Finance Office subject to your order
I have the honor to be / with great Respect / your most obedt. humbe servt
L R Morris


Title: To John Adams from Parish & Thomson, 18 April 1783
From: Parish & Thomson
To: Adams, John

Sir
Hamburg 18 april 1783

We had the honour to write to Your Excellency, under date the 4 Inst., & now beg leave to give you our Sentiments regarding the Trade between America & this place.—
Before the War, our Imports from America, thro’ England, were very considerable; say, from 10 to 13,000 Hhds of Tobacco & from 18 to 25000 Barrels of Rice, annually. Of this last Article, we have at times taken off one quarter part of the Growth of South Carolina, but for some Years by gone, we have had none from America, being of too little value to bear the heavy expence of Freight & Insurance. We have drawn our Supplies from the Mediterranean; the Portuguese have also raised large quantities of it in the Brazils, & have furnished their own & other European markets; the quality however, being inferior to what comes from Carolina, we expect that those Importations will be in a great measure discontinued, when we again receive supplies from America.—
The price of Tobacco, during the War, having advanced to 12 a 14d. per lb, the Consumpt was at once reduced to 2000 a 2500 Hhds, & the rest supplied by the Growth of Germany & Russia, which tho’ far inferior in quality, still found Sale on account of its cheapness, but as soon as the price of American Tobacco drops to 5 a 4d. per lb, we shall find an equal Demand as before, & as this City may be called the Key to Germany, having a vast Continent to supply, we may naturally hope to see a flourishing Trade carried on between America & this place.— Besides, our Fabricks make use of a considerable quantity of Carolina Indigo, & the Article of Furs, which we have always been obliged to draw from England, we hope now to receive direct from No. Carolina; at least we are informed that a good part of that Trade will leave its usual Tract to Canada.—
Your naval Stores will find a good Sale here, providing they can be delivered as cheap as those we get from Russia & Sweden; the number of Ships we have belonging to this place & Altona makes these articles of some Consequence.—
The Exports from the Northern States being chiefly Train Oil & Whalebone, these also are much in demand here & will sell equally well as in England or Holland. We have about 40 Sail of Ships employed in the Greenland Trade, but as they have no bounty & sail at too heavy an Expence, this Trade is much on the decline; there were formerly about 70 Sail of Ships employed in it.—
Our exports to America will consist chiefly in German Linens, which are cheaper than any in Europe; woolen Cloths, the low priced kinds, we can supply cheaper than the English; our Iron manufactures are much inferior in quality to those made in Britain, but their cheapness must make them find Sale on the Continent. We foresee a very extensive Trade in Linens on the Supposition that an Intercourse will be carried on between No. America & the Spanish Settlements,—Spain having lately imposed a new Duty of 15 per Ct. on all Linens imported into old Spain & exported to their W. Indies; this with their former Duty of 18 per Ct. will be a sufficient Object for the Americans to push a Trade to their Settlements, especially as the American Captns. are so well versed in the Navigation of those Seas.—
Some Weeks ago, the Count D’Artois, Captn. Gensell arrived here to our Consignment with a Cargo of Tobacco from Philadelphia; she is the first American Ship, which has entered our port for some Years past & has been well received by our City, who are willing to allow every Indulgence to this new Trade; we suppose our Shipping will be allowed the same freedom of Trade in the American Ports that any others may have, & as every encouragement will be given to the Subjects of the United States trading to this place, we shou’d suppose that a mutual advantageous Trade may be carried on, independent of any Treaty of Commerce; should Your Excellency, however, apprehend that any Exceptions will be made to the different European Nations trading to America, in that Case, a Treaty might be of Consequence & at all Events, we think an American Consul will be wanted here to superintend the business of your Ships trading to this place. If we might be so free, we would intreat your Excellency’s Influence for that appointment to our John Parish; we hope the part he has taken during the late troubles will be some Inducement to Your Excellency to speak in his behalf. He is not prompted by any lucrative motives in the present application, as he will think himself fully repaid for any trouble attending this office, by the honour which the appointment brings along with it.—
It also occurs to us that there may be a necessity for appropriating some small Funds here for the relief & sending home of distressed American Sailors, who may have the misfortune of being wrecked on our Coast & left in necessitous Circumstances in this quarter; it may be the means of saving many a Subject to the State, who otherwise might be forced to enter into foreign Service. We also think, something should be fixed for the sending home of Sailors, whose Ships may be sold here—such as two months pay over & above what they have earned on the Voyage & that the Captn. who discharges such Sailors shou’d be obliged to procure a receipt for them from another Captn. bound to America, promising to carry them back to the Continent. These with many other Reasons which will naturally occur to your Excellency will certainly show the necessity for the appointment of a Consul.—
We shall be happy in elucidating any other particular, which Your Excellency may desire to be informed of, regarding the Trade to this City.—
We have the honour to be, / Your Excellency’s / most obedt. hume. Servants
        Parish & Thomson
Your Son left us on the 5th. Inst; we have been very happy in his Company, & cou’d have wished his Stay to have been longer. We congratulate Your Excellency on the prospects, which you may entertain of this young Gentleman, who for his Age has certainly made very great Improvements.—


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Boylston, 20 April 1783
From: Boylston, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sr
London Apl. 20th: 1783

This will be handed you by Mr Fitch a Gentleman, tho’ not well known to you, is by the Mother side a Relation; & being unacquainted in France wishes to be introduced to some respectable Characters
As a Treaty of commerce, is I presume in Agitation, & knowledge derived from experience is the greatest help to mature & systemize a benefical One— I catch’d the opportunity, to make him the bearer of this Letter; & introduce him to you, from a full persuasion an acquaintance once commenced, will be continued to your mutual satisfaction: and afford me the agreeable reflection of being the hapy instrument of it—
His residence of 20 Years in Jamaica, as a Merchant has taught him the Nature of the West India trade, thro’ all the Islands, and gained him the knowledge of the Spanish commerce on the Main; as also that of the American Provinces, now the independent States. from all which may be collected some usefull hints—
He posseses an ample Fortune, is judicious and sensible— I add nothing more, his abilities on one hand, and Your discernment on the other, supersede & preclude any thing that I can further say respecting him
I am Dear Sr with much / esteem / Your hum Sert
Tho Boylston

ps Mr Boylston accompanys M Fitch in this Tour to France. he’s seen much of Europe, perticularly the Once famous & Ancient residence of the Classic Authors as Naples, Rome, Venice, Verona & Mantua said to be the place of Virgil nativity, hes improved himself much by his Travels, & is a very entertaing Young Gentlemen, he needs no recommendation, haveing seen France heretofore, & there much respected. however your Notic of him will merit my acknowlegements


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 21 April 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Sir,
Paris. 21st. April. 1783—

Englishmen surely are possessed too much of the Spirit of Commerce, & are too perfect Masters of its maxims, to be informed that it goes all over the world, by land & Sea, in quest of proffit.— Every Cask of Rice or Indigo, of Tobacco or Flax-seed, of Wheat or Flour & every Cargo of naval Stores, which goes to Europe fm. America, will have written on it, “Detur digniori,” i:e: This Cask or Cargo is consigned to him who will give the best price & pay me in such things as will suit me best. And every American Merchant who comes to Europe will go to that nation, of whatever language or religion, wh: can furnish him with the Goods he likes best—at the cheapest rate—on the largest Credit, and will receive the pay in such things as he has or can acquire. Every lad of 19. in America knows this, tho’ Mr: Burke may be ignorant of it—
The English must submit, to become Rivals to the rest of Europe for American Commerce. I believe they have it in their power to draw the greatest part of our Commerce to themselves; but they must embrace the oppo: & use the means. The quality of Goods will not depend upon an Act of Parliament, tho’ the price may: But the facility of making Remitts: will greatly depend on the bill or Treaty. The principal point of British Policy is, as I conceive, to facilitate to the Americans the means of making Remitts: to British Merchants. America will, for a Century, be always in debt to Europe. They will never be able to get to Europe Produce, Cash, or Commodities of any kind, fast eno: to pay for the European produce & manufactures they will have occasion to consume. Yet their Trade will be advantageous too: But the advantage will lie in fresh improvements in Land, Houses & Stock at home.
If therefore America has a Manufacture that will sell in Europe, such as Hatts for example, it is prudent in England to let them be imported, because it facilitate to the American the means of paying his debt in England, & it draws the American Hats to England, to be there exchanged for British Manufactures, instead of being carried to other nations of Europe, who will be glad to receive & pay for them in their manufactures.— For the same reason it is policy in England to allow Americans to bring any kind of Commodities fm. any part of the Earth to Great Britain, because whatever is bro’t there will be laid out there—and if we are restrained fm. carrying any thing we have—(no matter where we got it) to G: B:, we shall carry it to some other rival Nation.—
Tell me wherein I am mistaken. I beleive it is not prudent to say much abt: this matter at present; because these Questions will all be discussed, betwn: Mr: Hartley & the American Ministers in a few days, & be decided— If not they will be left untill an American Minister, in London, or a British one in Philadelphia, shall be authorised to finish the business—
Yrs:—


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 April 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Lahaie 24e. Avr. 1783

Notre bon Ami, Mr. De Gyzelaar, en vous présentant ses complimens, me charge de vous demander vos meilleures recom̃andations pour un hom̃e de Lettres, dont il fait grand cas, Mr. Boinod, Suisse, qui a élevé les Enfans de Mr. Gevaers, excellent Patriote, nom̃é & élu depuis peu Bourguemaître à Dort. Mr. Boinod se propose de partir dans peu pour Philadelphie, avec un Associé & un Garçon Relieur, & d’y établir une Librairie françoise. Mr. le Duc de la Vauguyon a remis en partant une Lettre en sa faveur à Mr. le Chev. De la Luzerne. Il sera pareillement recom̃andé à Mr. Van Berckel; & Mr. De Gyzelaer lui a fait espérer, que V. Exce. voudra de son coté accréditer son entreprise.
Vous verrez, Monsieur, dans l’incluse, ce qui s’est passé entre Mr. Fagel & moi.
Il y aura Samedi 26 un grand festin à Amsterdam, à l’honneur de Mr. De Capelle du Pol & de Mr. Van Berckel le Pensionaire. Mr. son frere & Mr. De Gyzelaer s’y trouveront aussi; & le Buste de Barneveld, dit-on, y présidera.— Le Lundi suivant Mr. Van Berckel & sa future se feront inscrire, c’est-à-dire marier à la Maison de Ville, & quinze jours après ils seront bénis, &c.
Jacob n’est pas encore arrivé.
Je suis avec grand respect, De Votre Exce. / le très-humble & trèsobéis- / sant serviteur
Dumas

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 24 April 1783

Our good friend Mr. Gyselaar presents his compliments and asks you to provide your best recommendation for a man of letters whom he values highly: Mr. Boinod, a Swiss gentleman who was tutor to the children of Mr. Gevaers, an excellent patriot, recently elected Burgomaster of Dordrecht. Mr. Boinod intends to leave shortly for Philadelphia, together with a colleague and a bookbinder, and start a French bookstore there. In parting, the Duc de La Vauguyon sent a letter on his behalf to the Chevalier de La Luzerne. He will be similarly recommended to Mr. Van Berckel, while Mr. Gyselaar has given him cause to hope that your excellency too will lend credence to his enterprise.
The enclosed letter will show you what took place between Mr. Fagel and me.
On Saturday the 26th there will be a grand banquet in Amsterdam in honor of Mr. Van der Capellen tot den Pol and Mr. Van Berckel the pensionary. Mr. Van Berckel’s brother and Mr. Gyselaar will be there too—and the bust of Oldenbarnevelt, they say, will preside. The following Monday Mr. Van Berckel and his intended will be registered—that is to say, married—at the town hall, and fifteen days later they will receive the nuptial blessing etc.
Jacob has not yet arrived.
I am with great respect, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 April 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
Lahaie 25e. Avr. 1783.

Après avoir expédié ma Lettre d’hier, j’ai eu la visite de Mr. Van Berckel de Rotterdam, & vu Mr. son frere & M. De Gyzelaer chez eux. Ces Messieurs sont partis ce matin pour Amsterdam
Dans la Minute projetée des Instructions à dresser pour Mr. V. B——, il y est autorisé de faire mention au Congrès, “qu’on est informé ici, que l’Accession des Etats-Unis à la Neutralité armée a eu lieu.”— On a demandé Explication de cela a G. P.; & la réponse a été vague. En attendant qu’on en reçoive une plus précise, Sur laquelle on insiste, on m’a prié de vous demander, ce que vous croiriez pouvoir en dire. L’information en question, selon moi, ne peut être fondée que sur quelque avis secret du Ministre de cette Rep. à Petersbourg: ou bien, sur quelque confidence faite ici au Gd. Pre. & au Grr. par Mr. M——f, parti pour Paris, ou par le Seigneur qui l’a suivi de près.
Le prompt acheminement de la Note ci-jointe, est recom̃andé à votre bonté. Mr. votre fils, avec ma famille, vous présentent leurs respects
Je Suis avec tout celui qui vous est voué / De Votre Excellence Le très humble & / très obéissant serviteur
C.w.f. Dumas

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 25 April 1783

After mailing yesterday’s letter, I had a visit from Mr. Van Berckel of Rotterdam and then called on his brother and Mr. Gyselaar. These gentlemen left this morning for Amsterdam.
In the draft of the instructions for Mr. Van Berckel he is authorized to tell Congress “that we are informed here that the accession of the United States to the Armed Neutrality has taken place.” The grand pensionary was asked for an explanation of this, and his reply was rather vague. Pending a more precise answer, which is insisted upon, I am to ask what you make of this. In my opinion, the information in question can only be based on some secret communication from the Dutch minister at St. Petersburg, or else on some confidential remark made to the grand pensionary and the secretary by Mr. Markov, who left for Paris, or by the gentleman who succeeded him here.
The prompt dispatch of the enclosed note is commended to your kindness. Your son and my family present their respects.
I remain with all those devoted to you, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
C.w.f. Dumas


Title: To John Adams from David Hartley, 25 April 1783
From: Hartley, David
To: Adams, John

Hotel de York April 25 1783

Mr Hartley presents his Compts to Mr Adams and if it be convenient to him, wd be glad to have the honour of waiting upon him and the gentlemen who are the other Commissioners and Ministers from the united States of America at 11 O’clock on Sunday morning, at Mr Adams’s hotel, or any where else if more convenient. Mr Hartley has had the pleasure of seeing Dr Franklin who lives at the greatest distance, & therefore can inform Mr Adams that the hour and place above mentioned will be very convenient to him, if it shd prove so to Mr Adams and to the other gentlemen.
Saturday Morning
PS I am just going to Passy & from thence to Versailles to pay my respects to Monsr Le Comte de Vergennes


Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 26 April 1783
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

Sir
Newburyport April. 26th. 1783

I embrace the first opportunity, for Europe, to acknowledge the honor of receiving your much esteemed Letters of 28th August & 23d Decem 1782, and to congratulate you, in the most affectionate Manner, on the complete Success with which your Labors have been crowned—
The glorious Terms of Peace that the United States of America have obtained, do really fill the Minds of the People with Wonder, when they reflect on their small Beginnings, and the immense Risque they have run—their Hearts overflowing with the highest Sentiments of Gratitude, to the two Commissioners, thro’ whose Conduct, solely, under Heaven, such unexpected Benefits have been obtained— You’ll permit me to say that I feel a double Share in these Joys—both because my Country is made capable of being the happiest quarter of the World—and because One who honors me with the Name of Friend has acquired the greatest Share of Glory in placing her in this Situation—
What mighty Events have happen’d in our day already—or rather what astonishing Ones are these to be the Cause of! This important Revolution in America—The almost total Abolition of the Power of the Papal See thro’ Europe, by the free Acts of Princes, who have been, for Ages, under its Yoke—The universal Desire of all Nations to become commercial—must lead to a diffusion of Knowledge—and liberal Connection of Mankind with each other,—in every part of the Globe, and, of consequence, to the Practice of every human Virtue—dissipating Superstition and Error—rendering the Inhabitants of the several Empires as Brethren—
I thank you, sincerely, Dear Sir, for the particular Intelligence you communicated to me in Letters before mentioned— The one of August 28th—did not arrive untill March—the Vessel having had 160 days passage from Holland—
Your worthy Brother, and our mutual Friend, Mr Cranch, tells me that you have asked Liberty of Congress to leave Europe, and to return to your native Country— I shall be one of many thousands who will rejoyce to see You—and as this may not meet You in the old Country I shall omit giving particular Advice of Politics here. If I find your Tarry in Europe fixed upon, the first and frequent opportunities shall be embraced to give you what little information I can obtain— And as it is my intentions to attend the G Court this year, if chosen, political Manoeuvres will come more under my Notice— From what I can learn, Our Court, I mean that of Philada. is not free from Parties, and hazardous Views— your Presence here is much wanted on every Account, beside personal— The Knowledge of our Politicians is in general too confined to guard sufficiently against the Wiles of the old Countrys—
In Case you tarry in Europe I will communicate to you freely on our political Movements—and in that Channel which You think may be free from Inspection—an evil often attending Letters to Persons in high rank—and shall be greatly obliged by such intelligence and advice, as You think may be serviceable to our Country—such parts of which, if any, as you wish to be kept private, shall be so kept, when signified—
Mrs D has minuted your kind promise to take a Saturdays Dinner with me—and joyns in hopes that it may establish a sincere and lasting Friendship in every Branch of our Families—
I am, in every possible Consideration, Dear Sir, Your obliged Friend & most humble Servant
Tristram Dalton


Title: From John Adams to Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 27 April 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Pol, Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den

My Lord,
Paris April 27th. 1783.

I yesterday recd. the Letter you did me the Honor to write me the 20th. of this Month.
The Catalogue inclosed in your’s I had yesterday an Opportunity of shewing to Messs. Laurens and Jay; but neither of those Gentlemen know any thing of it. Mr. Jay as well as myself embarked for Europe, Mr. Jay from Philadelphia & I from Boston, in the Fall of 1779.
I remember to have seen some Lists, but I ever considered those Lists as mercantile Engines rather than political, and accordingly took very little Notice of them.— Mercantile Emulations and Jealousies have at least done as much Harm as Good to the American Cause. There is no American now in Paris, who can give You any of the Information you desire— If there were, it would give me pleasure to transmit it to You.
I wish the Peace may be finally as favorable to your Country as you desire, and it is supposed that the Empress of Russia is favouring your hopes at least respecting one favourite Point, the Liberty of Navigation.
With great Respect & Esteem I have the honor &c


Title: Draft Articles to Supplement the Preliminary Anglo-American Peace Treaty, [ca. 27 April 1783]
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Hartley, David,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To:

[ca. 27 April 1783]

Articles
agreed upon by and between David Hartley Esquire, Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty for &c
in behalf of his Said Majesty on the one Part, and J.A. B.F. J.J. and H.L, Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America for treating of Peace with the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Said Majesty, on their behalf, on the other Part,
in Addition to those Articles agreed upon, on the 30th day of November 1782 by and between Richard Oswald Esqr the Commissioner of his Britannic Majesty for treating of Peace with the Commissioners of the United States of America, in behalf of his Said Majesty, on the one Part, and the Said J.A. B.F. J.J. and H.L, four of the Commissioners of the Said States for treating of Peace, with the Commissioner of his Said Majesty, on their Behalf, on the other Part.
1. The Subjects of the Crown of Great Britain, Shall enjoy in all the Territories o and every of the Said United States, all the Rights Liberties Priviledges and Immunities and be Subject to the Duties and Allegiance of natural born Citizens of the Said States—and on the other Hand, all the Citizens of the Said United States shall enjoy in all and every of the Dominions of the Crown of Great Britain, all the Rights, Liberties Priviledges and Immunities and be subject to the Duties and Allegiance of natural born Subjects of that Crown, excepting Such Individuals of either Nation as the Legislature of the other shall judge fit to except.
2. That So soon as his Britannic Majesty shall have with drawn all his Armies Garrisons and Fleets from the said United states, and from every Port, Place and Harbour within the Same according to the 7 Article of the provisional Treaty of 30 Novr 1782. In all Rivers, harbours, Lakes Ports and Places belonging to his Britannic Majesty, in any Part of the World, the Merchants and Merchant Ships of the United states or any of them, shall be received, treated and protected, like the Merchants and Merchant ships of British Subjects Great Britain the Citizens of the said Great Britain, and be liable to no other Charges and Duties.
And reciprocally, in all Rivers, Harbours, Lakes, Ports and Places belonging to the Said states, or any of them, the Merchants and Merchant ships, & subjects of the Crown of Great Britain and the Merchant ships belonging to them, Shall be received treated and protected, like the Merchants and Merchant ships of the State in which they shall be, and be liable to no other Charges and Duties.
Saving always to the chartered trading Companies of Great Britain, Such exclusive Use, and Trade of their respective Ports and Establishments, as neither the subjects of Great Britain nor any the most favoured Nation participates in.
3. That his Britannic Majesty Shall within  Months from this Date and as much sooner as conveniently may be, withdraw all his Armies, Garrisons and Fleets, from the Said United states and from every Port, Place and Harbour, within the same and without causing any destruction, or carrying away any Negroes or other Property of the American Inhabitants, and leaving, in all Fortifications the American Artillery, that may be therein
And there shall be no future Confiscations made nor any Prosecutions commenced against any Person or Persons, for or by Reason of the Part which he or they may have taken in the late War, and no Person shall, on that Account Suffer any future Loss or Damage, either in his Person, Liberty or Property and that those who may be in confinement on Such Charges at the Time of the Evacuation of the United states by the British Forces, shall be immediately Set at Liberty, and the Prosecutions so commenced be discontinued, and all Persons in Ameri who have resided within the Lines in Places possessed by his Said Majesties Arms, and shall choose to remain there after the Evacuation shall have Liberty to do so for Twelve Months, they conducting themselves peaceably according to the Laws of the State, wherein they may be.


Title: Proposed Explanatory Article Regarding the Effective Date of the Provisional Peace Treaty, [ca. 27 April 1783]
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John
To:

[ca. 27 April 1783]

Article.
   Whereas Provisional Articles, were agreed upon by and between the Crown of Great Britain on one side and the United states of America on the other on the 30 of November 1782, to be inserted in, and to constitute the Treaty of Peace proposed to be concluded between the Crown of Great Britain and the Said United states of America, but which Treaty was not to be concluded, untill Terms of a Peace, Shall should be agreed on upon between Great Britain and France and his Britannic Majesty shall be ready to conclude Such Treaty accordingly.
And whereas Terms of a Peace were agreed upon, between Great Britain and France, and his Britannic Majesty did conclude Such a Treaty accordingly on the twentieth day of January last and consequently the Said Provisional Articles of the 30th of November then vizt on the 20th of January last, came into full Force as the preliminary Treaty of Peace between the Crown of Great Britain and the Said United States, and the Seventh Article of the Said Provisional Treaty then came into full Force
It is now agreed that it shall be so understood and construed


Title: Proposed Explanatory Article Regarding Article 6 of the Provisional Peace Treaty, [ca. 27 April 1783]
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Hartley, David,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To:

[ca. 27 April 1783]
Article

Whereas, by the 6th. Article of the Provisional Treaty of the 30th of November 1782, it was agreed in these Words vizt “That there Shall be no future Confiscations made, nor any Prosecutions commenced, against any Person or Persons, for, or by Reason of, the Part which he or they may have taken in the present War, and that no Person Shall on that Account, Suffer any future Loss or Damage, either in his Person, Liberty or Property, and that those who may be in Confinement on Such Charges, at the Time of the Ratification of the Treaty in America, Shall be immediately set at Liberty, and the Prosecution so commenced be discontinued”
And Whereas it was the true Intent and Meaning of the Contracting Parties, that no Such Confiscations Should be made, nor any Such Prosecutions commenced, Subsequent to the Said thirtieth day of November 1782, the date of Said Treaty, for any Conduct anteceedent to Said Day it is now agreed, that Such shall be the Construction of that Article and that those who may be in Confinement on any Charges for the Part which he or they may have taken in the present late War, shall immediately after the Evacuation of the United states by all his Majestys Armies Garrisons and Fleets be set at Liberty, and the Prosecutions So commenced be discontinued, and all Persons who have resided, in Places possessed by his Said Majestys Arms, and Shall choose to remain there after the Evacuation Shall have Liberty to do so, for twelve Months they conducting themselves peaceably, according to the Laws of the State wherein they may be.


Title: Proposed Article Regarding American Trade with Great Britain, [ca. 27 April 1783]
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Hartley, David,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To:

[ca. 27 April 1783]

Article. Manufactures. foreign Commodities.
It is agreed, that American Merchants shall be allowed to import into any Part of the Dominions of his Britannic Majesty and there Sell and dispose of any Manufactures of the said United states or any other Merchandizes, of whatever kind of the Growth Production or Manufacture of any Part of the World, for the Purpose of making Remittances and paying their bonâ fide Debts to British Merchants, subject however to such Duties as have been or may be imposed by Parliament.


Title: Proposed Articles for an Anglo-American Commercial Treaty, [ca. 27 April 1783]
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Hartley, David,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To:

[ca. 27 April 1783]

Article.
Commerce to be in force for Five Years unless sooner altered by a Treaty of Commerce
1. It is agreed that so soon as his Britannic Majesty, shall have withdrawn all his Armies Garrisons and Fleets, from the Said United states and from every Port Place and Harbour within the Same, according to the 7 Article of the Provisional Treaty of 30 Nov. 1782
all Ports in the Dominions of either Party shall be mutually open for Intercourse and Commerce.
2. The King of Great Britain agrees for the Repeal of the Prohibitory Acts of 16 Geo. 3 Chapt. 5.—and by Instructions according to the Laws of Great Britain, to the Commissioners of his Customs and other officers to remove all Obstructions to American ships, either entering inwards or clearing outwards, which may arise from any Acts of Parliament, heretofore regulating the Commerce of the American States, under the Description of British Colonies and Plantations, so as to accommodate every Circumstance to the Reception of their ships as the ships of independent States.
3. All Duties, Drawbacks, Bounties Rights Priviledges and all other Money Considerations Shall remain respecting the United states of America and each of them, their Citizens and People upon the Same footing as they now exist respecting the Province of Nova scotia in America. all this subject however to Regulations or Alterations by any future Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain.
4. On the Part of the United States of America it is agreed that all Laws prohibiting the Commerce with Great Britain shall be repealed.
5. It is agreed, on the Part of the same states, that all Ships and Merchandizes of the British Dominions Shall be admitted upon the same Terms as before the War, excepting any Imposts heretofore laid. All this however subject to future Regulations or Alterations by the Legislature of American States respectively.—


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Mifflin, 28 April 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Sir,
Paris April 28th. 1783.

Mr. Boinod, a Gentleman of Letters, is recommended to me by Mr. Gyselaer of Dort, a manly Character, to whom We are greatly obliged, for a Letter of Introduction to Philadelphia, in so pressing a manner, that I cannot refuse him— And I know of no Man who can serve his Views in Philadelphia better than Genl. Mifflin, which is the best Excuse I have for introducing him to You.
There is a general Curiosity to see our Country at present, and I hope the Influx of Foreigners will not hurt us, but I am really at a Loss for Correspondents to whom I can with any Modesty introduce the Numbers who apply for Letters.
We are now talking about the Evacuation of N. York, opening Trade & preparing the definitive Treaty—Things which should have been all settled some Months ago. But the Distractions in England and the Delay of Intelligence from America have left Us in a painful Suspense.
I am weary of wrangling in Europe, and long to be disputing in Congress, which I understand better. I must take a little Repose first however, & recover a little Health & Spirits, if I can— I must learn a little English too, for French & Dutch have almost expelled the little I had.
God bless all your Labors pro Bono publico, and give me a pleasant Passage home.
With great Esteem, I have the honor &c


Title: Proposed Article Regarding Article 7 of the Preliminary Peace Treaty, 28 April 1783
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Hartley, David,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To:

[28 April 1783]

Article.
His Britannic Majesty agrees, that within  Months from this Date, and as much Sooner as may be, he will withdraw all his Armies, Garrisons and Fleets, from the Said United States, and from every Port Place and Harbour within the Same, and without causing any Destruction, or carrying away any Negroes, or other Property of the American Inhabitants, and leaving in all Fortifications the American Artillery that may be therein. and to forthwith order and cause all Archives, Records, Deeds and Papers, belonging to any of the Said States or their Citizens, which in the Course of the War, may have fallen into the Hands of his officers, to be immediately restored and delivered to the proper States and Persons to whom they belong, according to the true Intent and Meaning of the 7 Article of the Provisional Treaty of 30 Nov. 1782
And the United states agree that all Persons who may be resident in Places possessed by his said Majestys Arms, and shall choose to remain there after the Evacuation by his Forces shall have Liberty to do so for twelve Months, they conducting themselves peaceably according to the Laws of the state wherein they may be, and as much longer as they may obtain Permission for from the Legislature of Such state
And it is further agreed that so soon as his Britannic Majesty shall have withdrawn all his Armies Garrisons & Fleets, from the Said United States and from every Port Place & Harbour within the same, as above Stipulated, then and from thence forth, All Rivers Harbours Lakes Ports and Places, belonging to the United states or any of them shall be open and free to the Merchants and others subjects to the Crown of Great Britain and their Merchant Vessells, which Said Merchants and Merchant Vessells shall be received, treated and protected like the Merchants and Merchant ships of the state in which they shall be, and be liable to no other Charges or Duties.
And reciprocally all Rivers Harbours, Lakes Ports and Places under the Dominion of his Britannic Majesty Shall, thence forth be open and free to the Merchants and Merchants ships of the said United states and each and every of them, and of the Citizens and People of each and every of them, which Said Merchants and Merchant Vessells Shall be received treated and protected, like the Merchants and Merchant ships of Great Britain, and shall be liable to no other Charges or Duties.
Saving always to the Chartered trading Companies of Great Britain, Such exclusive Use and Trade of their respective Ports and Establishments as neither the subjects of Great Britain nor any the most favoured nation participates in.


Title: Articles Proposed to David Hartley by the American Peace Commissioners
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry
To: Hartley, David

        [Paris, 29 April 1783]. PRINTED: JA, D&A, 3:114–115. MS (Adams Papers). LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 109. LbC-Tr (Adams Papers); APM Reel 103. The commissioners proposed three articles to David Hartley. The first required that, in accordance with Art. 7 of the preliminary treaty, Britain evacuate all of its forces from the United States. Then each nation’s ports would be opened to the merchant ships of the other, essentially with no distinction as to national origin. The second provided for the freeing, by each nation, of those held for the part they played in the war; that is, with regard to the United States, loyalists. The third provided for the repatriation of prisoners of war and reciprocal reimbursement for the cost of caring for them. John Adams indicates that the articles proceeded from proposals he had drafted on the evening of 27 April, which assumed their final form during discussions between the commissioners on 28 and 29 April (JA, D&A, 3:112–115). For the drafting process and Adams’ part in it, see the draft proposals at [ca. 27] and [28 April], above. Hartley’s acceptance of the proposals when he met with the commissioners on the 29th seemed to bode well for the negotiations, and particularly for the establishment of the postwar Anglo-American commercial relationship.
This was misleading, however, because the most important article, the first, was an almost verbatim rendering of Art. 4 of the draft treaty agreed to by Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Richard Oswald on 8 Oct. 1782 (Wharton, Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev., 5:805–807). The Shelburne ministry had rejected the provision and it did not reappear during the November negotiations leading to the preliminary treaty. Its sense had been resurrected in the American Trade Bill debated in February and March, but the debates indicated that Parliament demanded more, rather than fewer, restrictions on Anglo-American trade. That Hartley, a member of Parliament present during those debates and well aware of the position of the Fox-North coalition ministry that he represented, felt free to agree to such an article is an indication of the ultimate futility of the negotiations between himself and the commissioners regarding anything more than minor adjustments to the language of the preliminary treaty. This is underlined by the absence of any of the articles proposed on the 29th from the definitive treaty, but see also Hartley’s proposal of 21 May for the article on Anglo-American trade, calendared, below.


Title: To John Adams from the Société Bourgeoise of Leeuwarden, 29 April 1783
From: Leeuwarden, the Société Bourgeoise of
To: Adams, John

Monsieúr!
Leeúwarde ce 29 Avril 1783.

Nous avons enfin la Satisfaction de voir achevée la medaille qúe nous avions projettée et dediée aux nobles et puissants Seigneurs les Etats de Frise.
Votre Excellence est instruite du but et du Contenu de cette medaille par notre Requete du 8 de mai de l année dernière, dont votre Excellence a eu la bonte d’inserer la traduction dans le Recueil de Pieces concernant l’Amerique Septentrionale, que votre Excellence a publié.
Nous prions respectueusement votre Excellence de Nous permettre de Lui prèsenter deux de ces medailles, l une pour Servir au cas que votre Excellence put trouver bon de la prèsenter au congres des Treize Etats Unis de l’Amerique.
Nous Sommes en attendant charmés de voir, que les Etats des autres Provinces, et consequemment la Republique entiere, ont, a l’exemple des Etats de Frise, reconnu la Liberté et l’Independance de l’Ameriqúe; reconnoissance, qui jointe aux bons offices que votre Excellence a employé, a dèja eu cette heureuse Suite, qu’il a ete conclu entre les deúx Etats un Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce, et qu’on a établi par là même, une baze de Bien-Etre, et de Prospèrité reciproques.
Nous avons l’honneur de feliciter votre Excellence de cet événement, et de Souhaiter dú fond de nos Coeurs, que les travaux importants de votre Excellence dans les conferences actuelles pour la Paix, puissent avoir une issue non moins heureuse: afin que le grande et couragense Nation, qúi honore votre Excellence de Sa confiance, puisse obtenir dans peu pour prix de la valeur et de Sa constance Une Paix glorieúse et dúrable, et qu elle croisse ensuite tellement en gloire et en puissance, qu elle puisse etre l’Effroi des Usúrpateúrs et des Tirans, et un Refuge toujours assuré aux opprimés. Veuille le Dieu Tout puissant repandre Sa benediction Sur ces Souhaits et Sur ces Prières!
Nous prenons la liberté de nous recommander à la bienviellance de votre Excellence, et d’être avec le plus profond respect, / Monsieúr! / vos très humbles et très / Obeissans Serviteurs. / Les membres de la Societé Boúr- / geoise, ètablie a Leeúwarde / Sous la devise “Par Liberté / et par Zêle.[”] / et pour tous
W WopkensV: Cats.

   Enclosure
   Explication
D’une medaille, dediée a Leurs Nobles Puissances, les Etats de Frise, par la Societé Bourgeoise établie à Leeuwarde sous la devise, Par Liberté et par Zéle.
On voit sur cette medaille un Frison habillé, selon le costume ancien et Caracteristique des Frisons entre le Flie et le Lauwers, ce qui designe que cette Nation libre est resté invariablement la Meme, poúr son Caractere original et son Amour pour la liberté, Ce Frison donne la main droite à la Republique des Etats Unis de l’Amerique, pour reconnoitre la liberté et l’independance de cette Republique, designées par le sceptre qu’elle foule aux pieds, et par les chaines brisées qui se trouvent à coté; pendant que, comme Elle N’est pas encore dans la possession paisible et tranquille de cette Liberté, quoique Elle en ait un présage ferme et assuré; Elle fixe ses yeux sur un Ange, qui descend d’en Haut, et lui presente le chapeau de La liberté, comme un don Particulier du Ciel.
Ce Frison s’etant appercu du Serpent caché sous l’herbe, refuse de la main gauche, la Paix particuliere que l’Angleterre lui offre. Le Leopard est l’embleme de ce Royaume.
Revers
Les Armes de la Frise soutenues par une Main qui sort d’un Nuage fixent d’abord l’attention reconnoissante sur la Providence particuliere du Ciel, par laquelle la forme de gouvernement, baze de la Liberté a encore été conservée jusqu’ici.
On lit au dessous
Aan de Staaten van VrieslandTer dankbaare Nagedagtenissevan de Landsdagen in Febr: en Apr:1782.Toegewyddoor Vryheiden Yver.te Leeuwarden.
C’est a dire
DediéeAux Etats de Friseen memoire reconnoissantedes Diètes tenues en Febr: et Avr:

MDCCLXXXIIpar la Société Boúrgeoisepar Liberté et par Zèleà Leeúwarde.
Inscription par la quelle on donne a connaitre, que quoiqu’on ait sur tout exprimé dans la Medaille, la reconnaissance de la Liberté et de l’independance des Etats Unis de l’Amerique, ainsi que le refus de faire une Paix particuliere avec l’Angleterre, comme les deux Objets les plus importans, et sur lesquels les Etats de Frise ont donné l’exemple aux Etats des autres Provinces, on n’en a pas moins receu toutes les Resolutions prises aux dites Diètes avec l’approbation et les acclamations les plus parfaites.

Translation
Sir
Leeuwarden, 29 April 1783

We have at last the satisfaction of seeing the completed version of the medal we had planned and dedicated to the noble and powerful lords of the States of Friesland.
We informed your excellency of the aim and content of this medal in our announcement of 8 May of last year, of which your excellency was kind enough to include a translation in the collection of documents concerning North America published by your excellency.
We respectfully ask your excellency if we may present him with two of the medals, in case you would like to offer one to the Congress of the thirteen United States of America.
In the meantime we are delighted to see that the states of all the other provinces, and consequently of the whole republic, have followed the example of the States of Friesland in recognizing the freedom and independence of America. This recognition, combined with your excellency’s good offices, already has led to the felicitous result of a treaty of amity and commerce being concluded between our two nations, thereby establishing a foundation for mutual prosperity and well-being.
We have the honor to congratulate your excellency on this development and to offer our heartfelt wish that your excellency’s important work in the ongoing peace conferences will meet with equal success, to the end that the great and courageous nation that honors your excellency with its trust soon obtains, as recompense for its own valor and constancy, a glorious and durable peace, and that it may subsequently so increase in glory and might as to strike terror into tyrants and usurpers and be a constant refuge for the oppressed. May almighty God bestow his blessing on these wishes and these prayers!
We take the liberty of commending ourselves to your excellency’s goodwill and being, with the most profound respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servants, the members of the Société Bourgeoise of Leeuwarden, founded in Leeuwarden under the motto “With Liberty and Zeal,” and for all
W Wopkens
V: Cats.

   Enclosure
   Explanation
Of a medal dedicated to their noble powers the States of Friesland by the Société Bourgeoise founded at Leeuwarden with the motto “With Liberty and Zeal.”
One sees on this medal a Frisian dressed in the traditional and characteristic costume of Frisians between the Flie and the Lauwers, which indicates that this free nation has always remained the same, by virtue of its original character and love of liberty. This Frisian is giving his right hand to the Republic of the United States of America, in recognition of the freedom and independence of this republic, designated by the scepter she is trampling underfoot and by the broken chains seen to one side. Since she is not yet fully in calm and peaceful possession of this freedom, despite having sure and certain omens of it, she is gazing at an angel, who is descending from above and offering her a liberty cap as a special gift from heaven.
This Frisian, having noticed the snake hidden in the grass, rejects with his left hand the separate peace offered by England. The leopard is the symbol of that kingdom.
Reverse side
The Frisian arms, borne aloft by a hand emerging from a cloud, above all draws our grateful attention to the special providence of heaven, through which the form of government, the basis of liberty, has been hitherto preserved.
Beneath one reads:
Aan de Staaten van VrieslandTer dankbaare Nagedagtenissevan de Landsdagen in Febr: en Apr:1782Toegewyddourde Burger Societeitdoor Vryheiden Yver.te Leeuwarden.
That is to say:
DedicatedTo the States of FrieslandIn grateful memoryOf the diets held in February and April1782

By the Société BourgeoiseWith Liberty and ZealAt Leeuwarden
This inscription indicates that although the freedom and independence of the United States of America are explicitly recognized in the medal, as is the rejection of a separate peace with England, these being the two objects of the most importance, of which Friesland has set an example to the States of the other provinces, we have nonetheless accepted all the resolutions passed in the said diets with the most perfect approbation and acclaim.


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson Jr., 30 April 1783
From: Watson, Elkanah Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
London 30th April 1783.

   If a disinterested wish to contribute to the Glory & happiness of America will sufficiently plead my excuse, for the liberty I take in writing your Excellency, I claim no other advocate. Doubtless Sir you are not unacquainted with the spirit of Emigration that so generally prevails throughout England, Ireland & Scotland, but more particularly in this City; every Vessel is crouded with passengers, & many intire wealthy families. The enthusiasm is so great, that mechanics of every kind would croud over in a torrent, if the Congress should favor emigrations by allowing a fix’d bounty to every Captain who takes over a useful able body’d mechanic, incapable of paying his passage: by this means it is difficult to hazard a conjecture, how effectual our principal object of cultivating manufactures would succeed especially as its clearly evident that whatever steps Government may take to check them will only redouble their ardour, & determine many hundreds to break through the barrier, who probably never would have thought of going before an obstacle was thrown in the way. Sailors are subjects equally important to our rising republic, & by a trifling bounty upon the extra number of a ship’s Crew, we might easily introduce several hundred native Americans now starving in the streets of this city for the want of employment, & anxious to get home: every day Since my arrival many have offer’d to work their passages; Besides I find even the English sailors have a general wish to enroll themselves under our stripes.
I have the honor to be respectfully / Your Excellency’s most Obdt hble St
E. Watson Jr.


Title: From John Adams to Francis Dana, 1 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dana, Francis

Sir
Paris May 1. 1783

I have recd your Favour of the 16 of March, and in answer to it, I do assure you that I do not intend to decline taking a Seat in Congress, if any State in the Confederation shall think it worth while to offer me one. I am grown very ambitious of being a Limb of that Sovereign. I had rather be Master than Servant, upon the Same Principle that Men Swear at High Gate never to kiss the Maid, when they may kiss the Mistress.— I should be very happy to set along side of you upon one of those Seats, and rise up now and then and tell Stories of our Peregrinations, and of the Robbers We have met upon the high Way.— But you must not quit, till you have made your Treaty.
I beg you would consider what I write to you as hints, not as Advice,: the Reasons You give for not taking Some that I gave you are very conclusive and had not occured to me.— The first Vessells will I hope bring you Elucidations upon those Points.
My Son is arrived at the Hague, in good Health, but the Length of his Journey has given me much Uneasiness. Be so good as to let me know how much I am in your Debt on his Account. I am afraid he must have Spent a great deal of Money on the Road. He has not yet Sent me an Account.

Mr Hartley is to finish with Us, and We are making Preparations but cannot Say how much Time will be necessary. They talk of a Congress and Mediation and Mr Markoff is coming, but there is no need of either on our Affairs, yet We may be invited to join it, and who would not be ambitious of setting in such a Council of the Cælestials? or rather who would not be curious to “know by what Sort of Men this World is governed.!”
With great Esteem I have the Honour to be / &c
J. Adams