Title: From John Adams to the Comte de Vergennes, 11 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de

      Sir
      Passy Feb. 11. 1779

     As Your Excellency reads English perfectly well, my first Request is, that you would do me the Favour to read this, without a Translation after which I Submit it to your Excellency to make what Use of it, you shall think proper.
     I have hitherto avoided, in my Single Capacity, giving your Excellency, any trouble, by Letter, or Conversation: but the present Emergency demands that I should ask the favour to explain my Sentiments, either by Letter, or in Person. If you will permit a personal Interview, I am persuaded, I can make myself understood: if you prefer a Correspondence, I will lay open my Heart in Writing, before your Excellency.
     It is the Address to the People, in America, under the Name of Mr. Silas Deane, that has occasioned, this Boldness, in me. It is to me, the most unexpected, and unforeseen Event that has happened. I hope, your Excellency, will not conclude from thence, that I despair of the Commonwealth. Far otherwise. I know that the Body of the People, in the united States stand immoveable against Great Britain: and I hope that this Address of Mr. Deane, (altho it will occasion much Trouble to Individuals) will produce no final Detriment to the common Cause: but on the contrary, that it will occasion, so thorough an Investigation of Several Things, as will correct many Abuses.

     It is my indispensible Duty, upon this Occasion to inform your Excellency, without consulting either of my Colleagues, that the Honourable Arthur Lee was as long ago as 1770, appointed by the House of Representatives of the Massachusetts Bay, of which I had then the Honour to be a Member, their Agent at the Court of London, in Case of the Death or Absence of Dr. Franklin. This honourable Testimony, was given to Mr. Lee, by an Assembly, in which he had no natural Interest, on Account of his inflexible Attachment to the American Cause, and the Abilities of which he had given many Proofs in its Defence. From that Time, to the Year 1774, he held a constant Correspondence, with several of those Gentlemen, who stood foremost in the Massachusetts Bay, against the Innovations, and illegal Encroachments of Great Britain. This Correspondence I had an opportunity of Seeing, and I assure, your Excellency, from my own Knowledge, that it breathed, the most inflexible Attachment, and the most ardent zeal in the Cause of his Country. From September 1774 to November 1777, I had the Honour to be in Congress and the opportunity to See his Letters to Congress, to their Committees, and to Several of their Individual Members.
     That through the whole of both these Periods, he communicated, the most constant, and certain Intelligence, which was received from any Individual within my Knowledge. And since I have had the Honour to be joined with him here, I have ever found in him the same Fidelity and Zeal, and have not a Glimmering of Suspicion, that he ever maintained an improper Correspondence in England or held any Conference or Negociation with any body from thence, without communicating it to your Excellency and to his Colleagues. I am confident therefore, that every Insinuation and Suspicion against him, of Infidelity to the united States or to their Engagements with his Majesty is false and groundless, and that they will assuredly be proved to be so , to the Utter Shame and Confusion of all those, who have rashly published them to the World, and particularly of Mr. Deane.
     The two Honourable Brothers of Mr. Lee, who are Members of Congress, I have long and intimately known. And of my own Knowledge I can say, that no Men have discovered more Zeal, in Support of the Sovereignty of the united States, and in promoting, from the Beginning a Friendship and Alliance with France. And there is nothing of which I am more firmly perswaded, than that every Insinuation that is thrown out to the Disadvantage, of the two M. Lees, in Congress, is groundless.

     It would be too tedious, to enter, at present, into a more particular Consideration of that Address, I shall therefore conclude this Letter, already too long, by assuring your Excellency, that I am with the most entire Consideration, your most obedient and most humble Servant

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Arthur Lee, 12 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Arthur

      Sir
      Passy Feb. 12. 1779

     We duly received the Letter which you did us the honor of writing on the 9th. of Feb. accompanyed with a Letter from Mr. Pringle, herewith you have the Draught of an Answer to that Gentleman, which you are requested, if you approve of it to subscribe and forward. As Mr. Lee is best acquainted with the Places, Persons and Officers to which Mr. Pringle must apply—it is requested of Mr. Lee to make a Draught of Instructions, for Mr. Pringle, which Mr. Adams will subscribe, if he approves them, as he doubts not he shall.
     I have the honor to be &ca.
     (signed) John Adams


Title: Arthur Lee and John Adams to John Julius Pringle, 12 February 1779
From: Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Pringle, John Julius

      Sir
      Passy Feb. 12. 1779

     We have received your Letter of Feb. 9. offering your Services to the public by going to England to negotiate an Exchange of Prisoners. We have considered this Subject and judging it necessary to send some Person upon this Business, We have determined to accept of your Proposition, and We desire you to prepare yourself for the Journey, with all convenient Dispatch. Your Instructions shall be prepared immediately.
     We are Sir your humble Servants

      Arthur Leesigned onlyJohn Adams


Title: From John Adams to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 13 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

      Gentlemen
      Passy Feb. 13. 1779

     I had Yesterday, the Honour of your Favour of the 28 Octr. inclosing a Resolution of Congress of the 22 of the same Month, to which I Shall give all the Attention in my Power. I have great Satisfaction in the Reflection, that I have hitherto endeavoured with much Sincerity, to conform to the Spirit of it.
     What you recommend to me, viz. to communicate to the Ministers of other Courts, Such Intelligence as I may receive, will not in future be so much in my Power. But as far as I can while I Stay in Europe, I Shall endeavour to comply. Indeed it is a long Time that we have had no Intelligence to communicate. Three Vessells we know have been taken, each of which had many Letters, and two of them public Dispatches. One that Sailed from Philadelphia 4 Nov. another 24. and one from Boston the 20. And We fear that many others are lost. The Dispatches in all these were Sunk, and the Letters too.
     It would be agreable to me, indeed, if I were able to throw any Light on the Subject of Finances: As to a Loan in Europe all has been done which was in our Power to do but without the desired Effect. (Economy and Taxation, comprehend all the Resources, I can think of.
     We expect the Honour of a Visit from the Marquiss de la Fayette this Morning, whom We Shall receive with Gratitude, for his gallant and glorious Exertions, in one of the best Causes in which an Hero ever fought.
     Accept of my Thanks for your kind Wishes for my Happiness, and believe me to be your affectionate Friend

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Richard Henry Lee, 13 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Richard Henry

      My dear Sir
      Passy Feb. 13. 1779

     I am much obliged to you for your kind Congratulations on my Arrival, and agreable Accommodation at Paris. I assure you, Sir, I have no Objection to the “Splendid Gayety of a magnificent Court,” in a Country, where Manners, Habits and the Constitution of the Country Government make it necessary, which I hope however, will never be the Case in America.
     He must be of a Strange Disposition, indeed, who cannot be happy at Paris, where he may have his Choice, of all the Pleasures, Amusements and Studies, which human Life affords.
     You hint that I may be Soon desired to visit Holland, and that you imagine this would be more agreable to me. In this you are mistaken. Either would be agreable to me, if I were able to do any good in it: but there are others, who are able to do more. I hope, and I fancy I shall not be desired to make this Visit, because I think it is time for me to go home, if I can get there. The Character I sustain, at present, that of a private Citizen, best becomes me, and is most agreable to me.
     Congress have done wisely, in my poor Opinion, in confiding, their political affairs, at this Court to one. But then I think it will be necessary to appoint Consuls or other Persons to manage maritime and commercial Affaires which I presume, they mean to do. The Care of these Things is inconsistent with your Ministers Character, and the Burthen of them is too weighty for his Forces.
     I feel myself honoured, by your Assurance, that my sentiments in my Letter to our Friend are conformable to yours, and that they prevail. And in the Sincerity of my Heart I assure you, that no Intelligence I ever heard relieved my Mind from a greater Burthen, than that which informed me I was a private Citizen.
     Keppell is acquitted, amidst the greatest Rejoicings, ever known. The Mob have at last become violent and pulled to Pieces Sandwichs and Palisser’s Houses. Edinborough also is in Tumults about the Roman Catholics. In short the English Government seems to be in a fair Way, instead of burning your Houses and massacring your Children to be obliged to call home her Troops to save their own from the Mob.

     What shall I say to you, my Friend concerning a certain vicious and illiberal Address to the virtuous and free? Is it possible it should have made an Impression? Is that vain Man capable of thinking himself a Match for his Antagonist? And of weighing his Parts, his Learning, his services in the scale against the other? What Bounds can be set to the Presumption of the human Heart? But I must hasten to subscribe myself your Friend & servant

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Lovell, 13 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Lovell, James

      My dear Sir
      Passy Feb. 13. 1779

     Yours of the 24 Oct. is before me. I have received several Letters from you every one of which I have answered, and written you many more. But so many Vessells have been taken, that I fear many have miscarried.

     We have been totally in the dark about every Thing at Philadelphia, for a very long Space of Time, yet private Persons learnt all—untill the Address of Mr. Deane to the People, a certain Address appeared in the English News papers and in the Courier de L’Europe. You must imagine, for I cant describe the Situation that this threw Us into. But on the Arrival of the Dispatches by the Alliance, We have much Relief, and I hope the sensation, will wear off, without any lasting ill Consequence. But for three or four days, I confess, I felt more fears for the Public than I ever felt before.
     As to Finances, I am quite unequal, at this Distance to form any Opinion. Dr. Price most politely declines, on Account of Age, and Connections. As to loaning so much as you mention, I cant see the End of it—it is too vast an Object for me. Cannot much be done in the Way of Œconomy, to lessen Expences. Cannot Taxes be raised to help along? You say I am against Debts abroad. You heard my sentiments in Congress upon that Head, but I assure you, I have not presumed, to Act in Conformity to those sentiments in opposition to those of Congress, I have done all in my Power, to accomplish their Views. But the state of our Currency it appears to me, and what they hear in Europe from all Parts of America of the Course of Exchange, discourages and will discourage. They cant see through our System, and altho very well disposed towards Us, are afraid to risque their Interest. I am now accountable only to myself for my opinions, being a private Citizen, and therefore I tell you plainly you must recommend Depreciation and Appreciation Laws, or our Currency will be good for nothing. And you must tax to the quick.
     The States of Europe, seemed, not long since to be universally friendly to Us, and England without the Hope of an Ally. I hope no late Intelligence, has altered or will alter this Disposition. The English are so artful in framing and industrious in propagating Suspicions, that It may be necessary to say to you, that I am fully perswaded, of the firmness of this Court, in our Support. Their Preparations by sea, are very great, and already in my opinion considering the state of ships and Number of Seamen Superiour to the English altho the Number of Ships is not so great. We expect News from the C. D’Estaing, every Hour. I am with great Affection your Friend


Title: To John Adams from the Comte de Vergennes, with a Contemporary Translation, 13 February 1779
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Adams, John

       a Versailles Le 13. fevrier 1779

      J’ai recû Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’Ecrire Le 11. de Ce mois, et Conformement a vos desirs je n’ai point appellé le Secours d’un traducteur pour prendre Connoissance de Son Contenû. Je ne suis pas moins peiné que vous Monsieur, de l’appel au peuple d’amerique que M. Silas Deane a Publié. Il ne m’apartient pas de qualifiér Cette demarche; C’est a vos souvrains respectifs d’en jugér et de prononcér Sur les differens qui peuvent S’Etre Elevés entre Mrs. Leurs Commissaires. La façon dont on vous a traités ici ensemble et Séparément, a dû vous Convaincre que Si nous avons pû Etre instruits de vos Contestations nous n’y Sommes entrés pour rien, et L’Estime personnelle que nous avons cherché a faire remarquér a chacun de Mrs. Les Commissaires fait preuve que nous n’avons point adopté les preventions qu’on Semble vouloir inspirér a l’amerique et dont Le fondement nous est inconnû ici; quoi que Cette desagreable discussion nous Soit Etrangere et que nous devions a tout Egard nous l’abstenir d’y entrér, je n’en Serai pas moins charmé de Vous voir Monsieur; Le jour qui vous Conviendra Sera le mien, je vous prie Seulement de me prevenir a l’avance de Celui que vous aurés choisi.
      J ai l’honneur d’Etre avec une Veritable Consideration Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur,

       De Vergennes


Title: The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams: A Translation, 13 February 1779
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Adams, John

       Sir
       Versailles 13th. Feby. 1779

      I have received the letter which you did me the honor of writing to me the 11th. instant and agreable to your desire I have not submitted its contents to the inspection of a Translator. I am no less hurt than yourself Sir at the Appeal which Mr. Silas Deane has made to the people of America. It does not belong to me to qualify this step. Your respective sovereigns must judge of the measure and decide the differences which have arisen between their Commissioners. The manner in which you have been treated here conjointly and separately, must have convinced you that if we even had been informed of your disputes we should have paid no regard to them, and the personal esteem which we have endeavoured to show each of the Commissioners is a proof that we have not adopted the prejudices with which they have endeavoured to inspire America the foundation of which is unknown to us; altho’ this disagreable discusion is strange to us, and it becomes us by all means to refrain from taking part therein, I shall nevertheless be delighted to see you sir, whatever day you fix will be agreable to me, I only request you to acquaint me beforehand with the time you shall choose. I have the honor to be with true regard Sir Yr. mo. he. & mo. ob Servt.

       (signed) De Vergennes


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 14 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Samuel

      My dear Sir
      Passy Feb. 14. 1779

     The Marquiss de la Fayette did me, the Honour of a Visit, Yesterday, and delivered me, your Favour of the 25. of October. I am not sorry, as Things have been ordered, that mine of May 24 did not reach you till 24 Octr. because as the new Arrangement was previously made, it cannot be said that I had any Hand in accomplishing it. Yet I am glad the Letter has arrived because it will shew that the new system is quite agreable to me, i.e. the appointment of a single Minister here. Believe me Sir, it was become very necessary. How Congress will dispose of me, I dont know. If it is intended that I shall return, this will be very agreable to me: and I think this the most probable opinion, because Congress resolved soon after the 5 of december, to begin and go through, foreign affairs. The Alliance sailed the 14 Jan. and there is no Resolution arrived here respecting me. I think therefore it is my duty to return, and that is my present determination, but whether I shall go to Amsterdam and thence to St. Eustatia, or to Spain and thence, home, or in a French Man of War to Martinico or any other Way I know not. I have not decided.
     Some Hint that I am to go to Holland—others to Spain—the last implies the Removal of Mr. Lee, which would give me much Paine. I think him an able and faithfull Man. Yet what the Determination, may be upon the Complaint, if it is decided before he answers I know not. This is a subject that I cannot write nor talk about. I would not have such another Sensation to be made a Prince. I confess I expected the most dismal Consequences, from it, because I thought it would render Business and Confidence between Us three, wholly impracticable. That it would destroy all Confidence between this Court and Us—that it would startle Spain—and allienate many in Holland. That it would encourage Ministry in England and disconcert opposition so much that they would even be able to make another vigorous Campaign, besides all the Evils it would produce among you.
     But the arrival of Dr. F’s Commission has relieved me from many of these Fears. This Court has Confidence in him alone: but I think they were cautious even of him when he had two Colleagues, to whom he was obliged to communicate every Thing, one of whom was upon as ill terms with him as with Mr. Deane. I have had a Kind of a Task here as my dear Brother Lovel expresses himself. Determined to be the Partisan of neither; yet the Friend of both as far as the service would Admit, I am fully perswaded that leaving the Dr. here alone, in a political Capacity only, is right and that Mr. Lee is an honest and faithfull Man.
     You say that France should be our Pole Star in Case War should take Place. I was I confess, surprized at this Expression. Was not War sufficiently declared in the King of Englands Speech, and in the answers of both Houses, and in the Recall of Ambassadors, and in actual Hostilities in most Parts of the World?
     I think there never will be any other Declaration of War—Yet there is in fact as compleat a War as ever existed, and it will continue, for you may depend upon it, the King of France is immoveably fixed in our support, and so are his Ministers. Every suspicion of a wavering Disposition in this Court, concerning the support of our Independance is groundless—is ridiculous—is impossible. You may remember that several Years ago, several Gentlemen were obliged to reason in order to shew that American Independance was the Interest of France. Since my Arrival here, I never yet found one Man, nor heard of more than one who doubted it. If the Voice of Popularity is any Thing, I assure you that this Voice was never so unanimous in America, in favour of our Independance as it is here. It is so much so that if the Court were to depart from its present system in this Respect, it is my clear opinion it would make this Nation very unhappy, and the Court too. But I repeat that the Court is as fixed as the Nation, and this Union in sentiment arises out of such Principles in Nature, as without a Miracle, cannot alter. Common sense in America supported Independance, Common sense in France supports the Alliance and will support it to the last—nay the Common sense of Europe supports the Common sense of France. By the Way my Love to Mr. P. and tell him, I cant agree with him perfectly in his Ideas about natural Ennemies. It is because England is the natural Ennemy of France, that America in her present situation is her natural Friend—at least this is one Cause altho there are many others, some of them more glorious for human Nature.
     France Scarcely ever made a War before that was popular in Europe. Now there is not a state that I can hear of, but applauds her, and wishes her success. And in Point of Finance—and naval strength—in skill and Bravery of Officers, she seems to be superiour to England. You may be suprized at my saying naval strength. Yet if you consider, the wretched state of the British Navy, as to Masts, Yards, Rigging, and Men you will not wonder altho their Number of Ships may be superiour.
     I therefore think that all is safe. We may have further Trouble and Tryals of our Patience. But Trouble is to you and me familiar, and I begin to think it necessary for my Health, for without it I should soon grow so fat as to go off in an Apoplexy.
     There is one Thing, in one of my Letters to you exaggerated—the Expences of the Commissioners. I had been here but a short time and wrote according to the best guess I could make, from what I had heard. But I now think I put it too high. With much Affection yours

      John Adams

      Feb. 20. 1779

     There is not the least appearance of the Embarkation of Troops, for America nor any Intelligence of Transports taken up. The national Discontent is very great, and Tumults, have arisen in Edinborough and in London. According to present Appearances, they will have Occasion for so many of their Troops to keep their Populace in fear, as to be able to spare few for America. Their Proclamations are all alike from Burgoines to those of the Commissioners. The Weaker they are the more they puff.


Title: From John Adams to Ferdinand Grand, 16 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Grand, Ferdinand

      Sir
      Passy February 16. 1779

     As I Shall soon have an opportunity of rendering an Account of my Short Stewardship, I must beg the Favour of you, to let Some of your People, make out a list of those Sums of Money, which I have drawn for and received seperately—another of those which Dr. Franklin and I have drawn for jointly—and thirdly an Account of those sums, which all of Us have drawn for together. I dont know indeed but it will be best to draw out the whole Account, from my Arrival the 9th of April, to the Twelfth of February the Day of the Arrival of Dr. Franklins new Commission. It will be no doubt expected by Congress, that I should be provided with Such an Account, and you must be rewarded for the Trouble of making it out. I am, with much Esteem and Respect your Friend & humble servant


Title: From John Adams to Gabriel de Sartine, 16 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de

      Sir
      Passy Feb. 16. 1779

     By the late Appointment of Dr. Franklin to be a Minister plenipotentiary at this Court, I am left at Liberty to return to my own Country, as it does not appear that Congress, have any further Service for me to do in Europe. I therefore wish to return, as Soon as possible. But the English have heard So much of me, in Times past that I should be very loth to be exposed to their Goodwill. If it is in your Excellencys Intention therefore to Send any Man of War to any Part of the united States, I would ask the Favour of a Passage for myself, my little son and a servant. I have the Honour to be, with the highest Consideration, &c


Title: From John Adams to the Comte de Vergennes, 16 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de

      Sir
      Passy. February 16. 1779

     Last Evening, I had the Honour of your Letter of the thirteenth of this Month, in answer to mine of the Eleventh.
     I thank your Excellency, for the Politeness, with which you have agreed to my Proposition of a Conference upon the Subject of Mr. Deanes Address, to the People of the united States.
     At the Time, when my Letter of the Eleventh, was written and Sent to your Excellency, there were three Commissioners here, Representatives of Congress, between whom it appeared to me, Mr. Deanes Address had a tendency to destroy all Confidence, as well as between your Excellency and them, for which Reason I thought it my Duty, to endeavour by a Conference with your Excellency, to lessen those Evils as far as should be in my Power.
     But, within a few Hours, after my Letter, of the Eleventh was Sent, the Arrival of the Aid de Camp, of the Marquiss de la Fayette, with Dispatches from Congress to Dr. Franklin, and from their Committee of foreign Affairs, to me, informing me of the new Arrangement, by which Dr. Franklin, is constituted Minister plenipotentiary, here, and I am restored to the Character of a private Citizen; so wholly changed the Scene, and the Characters here, that I now think I have no right to do, what, if I had continued in the Character of a Commissioner here, I should have thought it my indispensible Duty to do.
     This masterly Measure, which has my most hearty Approbation, and of the Necessity of which I was fully convinced before I had been two Months in Europe has taken away the Possibility of those Dissentions which I so much apprehended.
     I Shall not, therefore give your Excellency, any further, than to take an early Opportunity of paying my Respects in order to take Leave, and to assure you, that I Shall leave this Kingdom, with the most entire Confidence in his Majestys Benevolence to the united States, and inviolable Adherence to the Treaties, between the two Powers; with a Similar Confidence, in the good Disposition of his Majestys Ministers of State, and of this Nation towards Us: and with an Heart impressed with gratitude, for the many Civilities which I have received, in the Short Space of Time that I have resided here, at Court, in the City, and in the Country, and particularly, from your Excellency. I have the Honour to be, with the highest Consideration, your Excellencys, most obedient and most humble Servant

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Williams III, 16 February 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Nantes Feby 16 Feby 1779

     I arrived at Brest last Wednesday, in twenty five days Passage from Boston, and had the Pleasure of spending a day with Mrs. Adams the week before, at Braintree; She was then well and wrote the inclosed for my Care.
     Mrs. Adams had occasion for some solid Coin to answer some particular Purposes and I had it in my Power to afford her ten Guineas, for which She gave me the inclosed Bill; I know not what Apology to make for presenting this Draught; but it gives me an Oppertunity of Assuring You, that I feel a particular Gratitude for your Attention to me, and I shall be anxious Sir till I have it in my Power to make you full Compensation for your Patronage.
     I have made this Voyage in part for my Health, and to enter into some more active Scenes of Life, I have been long confined in America, with Nervous Disorders, attented with Convulsions, but am now much recovered. I think I have received a Signal Advantage from the Voyage.
     There is nothing New of public Moment that I can acquaint you with; Mr. Benjamin Andrews lost his Life two or three days before I left Boston, in a very tragical Manner, Mr. Hitchborn cleaning a Pistol by accident, in scraping with his Penknife, some Rust that had contracted near the touch hole communicated a spark of Fire, and shott the Pistol off, the Ball pierced his Temple and he died without a Struggle, in the presence of his Lady.
     I find my Father’s Situation is not the better for his Attendance upon the Virtuous Ministry of Great Brittain.
     I inclose you Sir the last Gazette, and have the Honour to be with the utmost Respect Your most Obedient & much obliged Servant

      Jon Williams third


Title: To John Adams from Ferdinand Grand, 17 February 1779
From: Grand, Ferdinand
To: Adams, John

       Wednesday evening 17? February 1779

     Mr. Grand has the honour of paying his respects to the Honorable Mr. Adams and begs leave to observe to him that the général Account he requires Since his arrival untill Mr. Franklin’s new Commission would not agree with all those he has furnishd in that Interval and which being a Series of Accounts united together would be in Contradiction with that required.
     It is not possible to dissect in this manner the général Accounts by making particular ones without being exposed to several inconveniencies, besides the Accounts that à Merchant furnishes must agrée with thosè thàt may have been already furnishd and his books, which it is not possible to do with the Account Mr. Adams desires, but this difficulty can be raised and Mr. Adams’ intentions equally fulfilld by furnishing Copies of the général Accounts and observing to distinguish by Mr. Adams’ name those Articles that the He has authorised by his Signature from those where he is not mentiond which will form a compleat Account, both General and Particular.


Title: From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 21 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

      My dear Marquiss
      Passy Feb. 21. 1779

     The Conversation with which you honoured me last Evening, has induced me, to give you the Trouble of this Letter upon the same subject.
     It is certain that a Loan of Money, is very much wanted, to redeem the Redundancy of our Paper Bills, and without it, it is impossible to foresee what will be the Consequence to their Credit, and therefore every service that may be rendered, in order to obtain it from this Kingdom, from Spain or Holland, will be a most essential and acceptable service.
     But without some other Exertions, even a Loan, perhaps would be but a temporary Relief: with them a smaller Loan might suffice.
     You know perfectly well, that the Ennemy in America, is at present very weak and in great Distress in every Part. They are weak in Canada—weak in Hallifax—weak in Rhode Island—weak at New York and weak in the Floridas, and weak in every one of the West India Islands.
     An Strong Armament of Ships of the Line, with Five thousand Troops, directed against Hallifax, Rhode Island or New York, must infallibly succeed. So it must against The Floridas. So it must against Canada, or any one of the West India Islands.
     You are very sensible that, in this state of Weakness, the British Possessions in America depend upon each other for reciprocal support. The Troops and ships derive such supplies of Provisions, from Canada and Nova Scotia, that if these Places or either of them was lost it would be difficult, if not impossible for the others to subsist. The West India Islands derive such supplies from the Floridas, that if they were lost, the others could scarcely subsist. Their Fleets and Armies, in Canada Hallifax, Rhode Island, New York, and the Floridas receive supplies of Rum Sugar, Molasses &c. from the West India Islands without which they could scarcely subsist. Every Part of their Possessions in America, both on the Continent and in the Islands receive constant supplies from, Europe, from England Scotland and Ireland, without which they must fall. You perceive therefore that their Dominions in America at present form such a Chain that the Links mutually support each other, in such a Manner that if one or two were taken away the whole, or at least the greatest Part must fall.
     In this state of Things then the obvious Policy is, to send a strong Squadron of Ships of the Line, to co-operate with the Count D’Estaing and the American Army in some Expedition directed against New York Rhode Island or Hallifax or perhaps all of them in Course—five or six Thousand Troops, would be quite enough. Above all it is indispensably necessary to keep a clear superiority of naval Power both on the Coast of the Continent and in the West India Islands. This, together with French and American Privateers, would make such Havock among the Ennemies Transports passing from one of their Possessions to another as must ruin their Affairs.
     The French have a great Advantage in carrying on this Kind of War, in America at present. The British ships are badly manned and in bad Repair. They cannot send them into the American seas without the Utmost Terror for their own Coasts—and when they are in America, they have not such Advantages for supplies of Provisions, naval stores and so forth as the French.
     The Devastation that was made among their ships of the Line Frigates Transports and Traders in the American seas the last summer, shews how much more might be done, if a stronger Force was sent there.
     As long as the Ennemy keep Possession of New York and Rhode Island so long it will be necessary for Us to keep up large Armies to watch their Motions and defend the Country against them, which will oblige Us to emit more Paper and still farther encrease the Depreciation.
     Now as long as they maintain the Dominion of those Seas, their Troops will be protected by the Cannon of their ships, and We could not dislodge them, with any Army however large—and at least We could not keep those Places.
     But if their Force was captivated in those Places, as it might easily be by a sea Force cooperating with the land Forces, We might reduce our Army, and innumerable other Articles of Expence. We need not emit any more Paper, and that already out, would depreciate no further.
     I should be happy to have further Conversation with you, sir upon those subjects or to explain any Thing by Letter, which may be in my Power.
     With the highest sentiments of Esteem and Respect, I have the Honour to be, sir your most obedient and most humble servant


Title: The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams: A Translation, 21 February 1779
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Adams, John

       Versailles, 21 February 1779

      I have received, sir, the letter that you did me the honor to write me the 16th of this month. Although in the future you will be without official status in France, rest assured that the esteem and consideration you justly earned has not in any way diminished, and I flatter myself, sir, that you will not deprive me of the pleasure of communicating this to you in person and being, at the same time, the bearer of the feelings of good will with which the King honors you. These are the results of the special satisfaction His Majesty has derived from the wise conduct that you have held to throughout the tenure of your commission, as well as from the zeal with which you have constantly furthered the cause of your nation, while strengthening the alliance that ties it to His Majesty.
      I have the honor to be very sincerely, Sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Vergennes


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Cushing, 24 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Cushing, Thomas

      Dear sir
      Passy Feb. 24. 1779

     This Evening I had the Honour of your Letter by Mr. Bradford. When that young Gentleman shall arrive, he shall be treated with all the Civility in my Power, and the best Advice that I am able to give him, shall be at his service.
     I fancy, sir, they exaggerate the Number of Troops both at N.Y. and R.I. I am persuaded there are not four Thousand Men at either.
     We have just received News from the W. Indies that Hotham has taken St. Lucie and D’Estaing gone to the Grenades.
     The Publication you mention gave as much Anxiety here as with you. What Reason there could be for printing an Accusation which might have been delivered to the President or secretary, and must have been read, is past the Comprehension of any Body here. And how it is possible that a Constitution can exist, when an Individual can hold its highest Authority in so much Contempt, is inconceivable to every Body. You will find every Insinuation against the Fidelity of a certain Gentleman here, groundless. It is his Fidelity and Zeal that have made him, some of his Ennemies, perhaps the most of them. And his Character must be vindicated from all false Imputations, or no Man will be safe, in the public service.
     Affairs here are in a better situation than they were, because the new Arrangement, has removed the Possibility of those Dissentions, which were and would have continued to be the Consequences of that Publication. But other Regulations must be made, or Things will not remain long in good order.
     Great Britain is in a State of Fermentation and Confusion, that disconcerts their Councils and weakens their Efforts, and this will probably increase. Yet the News from the W. In. as well as Mr. Deanes Address will assist them, and you may rely upon it, they will never leave N.Y. nor R.I. till they are compelled. I thank you, sir, for your Letters, all of which I have answered, and wish a Continuance of your Favours, being with great Respect, your Friend and humble servant

      J.


Title: To John Adams from Leray de Chaumont, 25 February 1779
From: Chaumont, Jacques Donatien, Leray de
To: Adams, John

       Monsieur
       Passi ce fever. 1779

      D’après Le desir que vous avez temoigné hier devant moy de Retourner a L’amerique et Les inconvenients d’estre pris en Chemin et Conduit Chez vos ennemis J’ay Jugé que Le Sejour de Passi ne vous plairoit peutestre pas, et si vous aimiez mieux habiter unne franche Campagne. J’ay dans le Blesois unne terre meublée que Je n’habite pas, Je vous offre avec plaisir de vous en Laisser le Maistre tant que la guerre durera. Vous y trouverez touttes Les Choses Necessaires a la vie et mesme a meilleur Compte quicy. Je vous prie, Monsieur, de Regarder cet offre de ma part Comme un homage que je Rends a vos vertus.
      J’ay L’honneur d’estre tres parfaittement Monsieur vostre tres humble et tres obeissant serv

       Leray de Chaumont


Title: Jacques Donatien Leray Chaumont de to John Adams: A Translation, 25 February 1779
From: Chaumont, Jacques Donatien, Leray de
To: Adams, John

       Sir
       Passy, 25 February 1779

      In regard to your desire, expressed to me yesterday, of returning to America and the dangers of being captured and made prisoner by your enemies, I have been thinking that your continuance at Passy might not suit you, and that you might prefer to live inexpensively in the country. I have in the Blesois a property that I do not occupy and I offer, with pleasure, to leave you the master of it as long as the war lasts. You will find there all the necessities of life even cheaper than here. I ask you, sir, to regard my offer as a testimony that I render to your virtues.
      I have the honor to be very perfectly, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Leray de Chaumont


Title: From John Adams to Leray de Chaumont, 25 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Chaumont, Jacques Donatien, Leray de

      Sir
      Passy Feb 25. 1779

     I have this Moment the Honour of your kind Billet of this Days Date, and I feel myself under great Obligations for the genteel and generous offer of your House, at Blesois: But, if I do not put Dr. Franklin to Inconvenience, which I shall not do long, my Residence at Passy is very agreeable to me.
     To a Mind as much Addicted to Retirement, as mine, the Situation you propose would be delicious indeed, provided my Country were at Peace and my Family with me: but, Seperated from my Family, and with an Heart bleeding with the Wounds of its Country, I should be the most miserable Being on Earth, in Retreat and Idleness. To America therefore, in all Events and at all Hazards, I must attempt to go, provided I do not receive Counter orders, which I can execute with Honour, and with Some Prospect of Advantage to the public service.
     I thank you, sir, and your Agreable Family, for all your Civilities Since my Arrival, at Passy, and I have the Honour to be, with great Respect, your most obedient and most humble servant.

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 25 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

      Dear sir

       Passy
       Feb. 25. 1779

     Yours of the I. Jany. was delivered me, by the Marquis de la Fayette. I wish I was as happy as you, in not being obliged to copy my Letters. Sense or Nonsense frivolous or weighty, I must copy every line I write, for I know not what Accusations may be brought against me, grounded on my Letters if I do not. My Letters are lyable to more Misfortunes and foul Play too than yours, and I keep no Clerk, so that original and Copy, must be done with these weak Eyes almost blind with reading and writing: yet every Body complains of me for not writing enough, especially my Wife.
     The Address you mention, produced astonishment, here and all over Europe. Yet it Seems to be not discountenanced: rather supported. You have Reason to be confident of Dr. L’s Integrity and Fidelity—no Man more faithfull, and his Character must be vindicated or no Mans will be safe. I shall not however enter into this Business. He is able to justify himself and willing. You may tell your Lady however, she was not mistaken in the Character she gave me of him.
     I shall not enter particularly into the Inconveniences, which must result from such an outrageous Measure as that Address. I wish to know, who will correspond with Us or any Body connected with Us, if they are to be thus exposed. What Prince, Minister or State will confide in Us, if Negociations are thus to be laid open? Where is our Secrecy, or a Possibility of it? Is the Confederation annihilated? Is the Union lost? Has Congress so little authority as to be obliged to endure this? God forbid. Yet I think the Probability is that he will succeed, get the two L’s recalled, and himself appointed to some Trust abroad. If this should be the Case what is to become of Us? At least if this is done before they are asked if guilty or not guilty. Before they are allowed to defend themselves which I doubt not they can do.
     This Publication gave the Ministry a Lift in England, and will hoist the Loan which before laboured. The Capture of St. Lucie, also which is just arrived, will give another Spur. Yet the Discontents in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales ought to be terrible to Administration. They can do not great Things against Us.
     The only Ennemy, of any great Consequence which is left to Us is our Currency. TAXATION and (ECONOMY, must be the Cry in America. A Depreciation and Appreciation Law must be made. The People will not Succumble to G.B. if our the Bills depreciate, untill a Thousand Dollars, must be given for a silver shilling. They will not Succumbe to G.B. if our regular Army, was wholly disbanded.
     For even then the English could not make an Excursion into the Country, from under the Guns of their Men of War, without Militia Men enough turning out to knock them in the Head. The Consumption of British soldiers and sailors in the West Indies is like to be such that you need not fear, any great force, with you. The Tories must now Act against every light of Conscience, for they know that we cannot now succumbe to G.B. without having France and Spain upon their our Backs.
     What C. will do with the Paper I dont know, but they had better, by a Vote annihilate it all, or call it in to be burned, infinitely, and go over the same ground again ten times than that G. B. should prevail. Burn it all with my good Will. My share shall go to the Flames with the Utmost cheerfulness. Call it all in, in a Loan if you will, but then dont let it stand at Sterling Standard to be redeemed. This would be greater Injustice than to burn it all.
     This vile Paper discourages and disheartens the Whiggs, and emboldens the Tories, more than it ought. Blow it away, any way. Many have a Prejudice, that our Independance is connected with it. Convince both sides that our Independance dont depend upon that. That our Plate, our stocks and all shall go rather than our sovereignty depend upon it. It is worth them all and more, nay our Houses and Farms into the Bargain.
     Our Remedy is so simple, that I am astonished, there should be the least Hesitation about it, in the Mind of the most ignorant and mean of the People.

     Taxation alone, is amply Sufficient to carry on our share of the War in future. I am Sure that the 13 states can raise Money enough if they will to bear all their future Expences as they rise. If the People are so blind, blockish and stupid, as not to see it and be willing for it—it is a Pity.
     But the Delirium that rages, is enough to discourage every Man of Virtue and Honour—The Foppery—the Avarice—the Ambition—the Vanity—the Rage—the Fury—is enough to induce every Man of sense and Virtue to abandon such an execrable Race, to their own Perdition. And if they could be ruined alone it would be just. There is Cause to fear that our Countrymen and Women, after having astonished the Universe by their Wisdom and Virtue, will become a Spectacle of Contempt and Derision to the foolish and wicked, and of Grief and shame to the wise among Mankind, and all this in the Space of a few Years.
     I see so much Corruption, wherever I cast my Eyes. I see the virtuous few Struggling against it, with so little success, that a Retreat infinitely less Splendid than that of Pythagoras—at the Head of a little school, to teach a few Children the Elements of Knowledge would be a kind of Heaven to me.
     I have the Honour to be reduced to a private Citizen and if I could remain there without an eternal Clamour, no Consideration in the World should induce me ever again to rise out of it. But you know the Noise—the Lyes—the slanders—the stupid Groans and Lamentations, that would be raised at such a Resolution.
     However let them groan and hiss and curse as they will, I will never be again with my own Consent the sport of wise Men nor Fools.


Title: From John Adams to the President of the Congress, 27 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John,President of Congress

      Sir
      Passy Feb. 27. 1779

     By the new Arrangement, which was brought by the Marquis de la Fayette I find myself restored to the Character of a private Citizen.
     The Appointment of a single Minister, at the Court of Versailles was not unexpected to me, because I had not been two Months in Europe, before I was convinced of the Policy, and indeed of the Necessity of such a Measure. But I ever entertained hopes that when the News of Such an Alteration Should arrive the Path of my own Duty, would have been made plain to me by the Directions of Congress either to return home or go elsewhere. But as no Information we have received from Congress, has expressed their Intentions, concerning me, I am obliged to collect them by Implication, according to the best of my Understanding: And as the Election of the new Minister Plenipotentiary, was on the fourteenth of September, and the Alliance, Sailed from Boston the fourteenth of January, and in this Space of four Months no Notice appears to have been taken of me, I think the only Inference that can be made is, that Congress have no farther Service for me, on this Side the Water, and that all my Duties are on the other. I have accordingly given Notice to his Excellency M. De Sartine, and to his Excellency the Minister Plenipotentiary here of my Intentions to return, which I Shall do by the first Frigate which Sails for any Part of the united States, unless I Should receive Counter orders in the mean time. In a Matter of so much Uncertainty, I hope I shall not incur the Disapprobation of Congress, even if I should not judge aright of their Intentions, which it is my Desire, as well as my Duty to observe, as far as I can know them.
     By the Papers enclosed with this Congress will perceive, the discontented and tumultuous State of the three Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland, which is So great, and So rapidly increasing, that the united States, will have little to fear, from Reinforcements of their Ennemies, the ensuing Campaign. All their Forces will be necessary, to keep in order their own riotous Populace, and to replace those, which are daily consuming in the West Indies. There is however no Prospect of their evacuating either New York, or Rhode Island. The Possession of those Places, is So indispensible, for the Preservation of their West India and other Trade, as well as of their other Dominions in America that nothing but the last Necessity, will induce them to give them up.
     The greatest Source of Danger and Unhappiness to the States then, probably will be, a depreciating Currency. The Prospect of a Loan in Europe, after every Measure, that has been, or could be taken, I think it my Duty to say frankly to congress, is very unpromising. The Causes of this are very obvious, and cannot be removed. The State of our Currency itself, and the Course of Exchange, would be Sufficient to discourage Such a Loan, if there was no other Obstruction: but there are many others. There are more Borrowers in Europe than Lenders, and the British Loan itself, will not be made this Year, at a less Interest than Seven and an Half Per Cent.
     I See no Hope of Relief, but from Taxation and (Economy: And these I flatter myself, will be found Sufficient, if the People are once convinced of the Necessity of them. When a People are contending not only for the greatest Object, that any People ever had in View, but for Security from the greatest Evil that any Nation ever had, to dread (for there is at this Hour no Medium between unlimited submission to Parliament, and entire Sovereignty) they must be destitute of sense as well as Virtue, if they are not willing to pay Sufficient Sums, annually to defray the necessary Expence of their Defence in future, Supported as they are by So powerfull an Ally, and by the Prospect of Others, against a Kingdom already exhausted, without any ally at all, or a Possibility of obtaining one.
     As this is the first Time, I have had the Honour to address myself to Congress, Since We received the News, of your Excellencys Appointment to the Chair, you will please to accept of my Congratulations on that Event. I have the Honour to be with the highest Consideration, Sir, your most obedient, and most humble Servant

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Cooper, 28 February 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Cooper, Samuel

      Dear Sir
      Passy Feb. 28. 1779

     Your Letter by the Marquis de la Fayette I have received and it contained So handsome a Testimony to the Merit of that gallant young Nobleman, as well as so many judicious observations on other subjects that I have ventured to permit it to be translated and published.
     The Complaint against the Family of Lee’s, is a very extraordinary Thing indeed. I am no Idolater of that Family or any other: but I believe their greatest fault is having more Men of exalted Merit in it, than any other Family. And if that Family fails the American Cause, or grows unpopular among their fellow Citizens, I know not what Family or what Person, will stand the Test.
     There is Reason however to be upon our Guard, against the Power of a Family of so much Merit: and if the Complaint had only been, that one of the Family, was Minister at the Courts of Versailles and Madrid: another at Vienna and Berlin I would have joined in that with all my Heart. But this, to my certain Knowledge was not the fault of the Family. But partly owing to accident and partly because, other Gentlemen refused or declined to undertake, so dangerous a Voyage, and so difficult a service.
     If the Complaint had been confined to the Want of Figure, Dignity and Address I should have left the discussion of such important Questions, to those, who think so much of them, and these might have determined whether the Complainers or Complainees have Most to boast of, in this Kind.
     If the Complaint, had been confined to the subjects of Temper, and Politeness I should not have thought it worth while to consider long, in order to determine, which was the most inconvenient to the state too much a little too much Asperity, or a little too much good Nature—a little to much Acid, or a little too much Oil.
     But when the Complaint becomes so outrageous, as to throw about the World insinuations of Infidelity and Breach of Trust against some of the most faithful and inflexible Men in the Community, it becomes the Cause of every virtuous Man in the Community, and such injured Characters must be vindicated or the state undone.
     The Publication of this Address to the Universe instead of making it, in Writing to Congress, was a Measure beyond all Example, dangerous and destructive. But enough of this. Good I hope will come out of it, and Lessons will be learn’d from it. Lessons of Moderation are so much wanted that I, even I, am obliged to become a Preacher of that great Virtue. But with as little success, as most other Preachers. So much for ourselves, now for our Ennemies.
     Keppells Tryal, has wrought up Parties to a great Heat in England. Tumults and Discontents are very general throughout the three Kingdoms. The two Houses with many Members of opposition in both Houses, seem to be Arranging themselves for Warm Work and Impeachments, are talked of and expected. Whether Paliser will have a Tryal is uncertain—if he should this will probably compleat the Rage and Distraction. Lord Norths Loan has laboured a long time, and nothing is yet done in it. It witt not suceed this Year for less than seven and half Per Cent. it was settled the 23d. at 3 Per Cent for Perpetuity—an Annuity of 3 3/4 Per Cent for 29 Years, and seven Lottery Ticketts for every Thousand Pounds—The Tickett is 10£, but always gains 2 or 3 per Ticket before the Drawing, and every Year the War continues, the Interest must be greater, and the Expense greater. Almost all Parties seem to say freely that the Kingdom is undone—yet none of them have sense and spirit enough to propose the only Means, for preventing the Ruin they apprehend. Their Conquest of St. Lucie, will only be a grave to their Troops—of whom they have none to spare.


Title: From John Adams to the President of the Congress, 1 March 1779
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Jay, John

      Sir
      Passy March 1. 1779

     My last Letter to Congress, was on the Twenty seventh of last Month Since which an Account of the new Loan is received from London, and as this may perhaps afford to Congress the clearest Proof, of the Weakness of their Ennemies, it is of importance that it should be transmitted to them.
     Some Accounts Say the Loan is to be seven Millions, others Eight.
     The Conditions of the Loan are in general, the established Interest of three Per Cent—an Annuity of Three and Three Quarters Per Cent, for twenty nine Years, and Seven Lottery Ticketts for every Thousand Pounds.
     In one Account, the Advantages are thus stated

      100 3 per Cent
      £
      61

      3:15 Annuity for 29 Years at 12 Years purchase

      45

      2/5ths of a Years Interest and Annuity gained by both beginning from the 5 Jany, altho the Money is paid Monthly and not ended untill December

      2:
      14

      3£ Premium of 7 Lottery Tickett for each £1000—gives for each hundred

      2:
      2

      For each £ 100 paid, there is received

      110:
      16

   This State for the first Year is pretty accurate—another Account makes it 10 and a Quarter Per Cent for the first Year. The subsequent Years however, it will not be so much. Yet for all the subsequent Years, during the Term of the Annuity, it will be six and three Quarters per Cent. Upon the whole it is generally looked upon, as good as seven and an half Per Cent. In a Country where the highest Interest that is tolerated by the Standing Laws, is five Per Cent, this is a terrible Symptom.
     While this System has any Credit, among the Money Lenders in Holland, Switzerland Geneva &c, Congress will perceive, that there is little Hope, of procuring a private Loan for the United States, from any of those Places. Whether any may be procured from any State or Prince, Time must discover. I confess, I have no very Sanguine Hopes. I have the Honour to be, with great Respect, sir your most obedient humble servant

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Boylston, 5 March 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, John

      Dear Sir

       March 5. 1779

     I have received your Billet of the 6. Feb. and altho I am much obliged by your Care to put me on my Guard, against dangerous Men: Yet I am extreamly Sorry to find, that Slander has been So successfull, as to impose upon you, who I know have no sinister Motive, nor any Thing to byass you; in this Case from the Truth and the Interest of a Country whose Welfare you wish.
     The “Freres” have been abominably belied, and their Characters must be vindicated and assuredly will be.
     Your Caution against Persons whose Circumstances expose them to Corruption and Stock Gambling is excellent. It is the execrable Game of the Alley, that has done Us Injuries, created Divisions, and propagated Slanders. I am not however of your opinion that the Independance of our Country, entirely depends, on a Harmony and Unity of sentiment. On the Contrary, if our Ministers, Generals, Admirals and Ambassadors, quarrelled as much as the British, and if such Quarrells should continue in succession these twenty Years, they would not affect in the least degree that Independance.
     That Independance stands on a Rock. The Winds may blow, and the Rain descend and it will not fall, for it is built upon a Rock.
     There is no Character or Group of Characters in that Country, who have Influence enough to shake it.

      They are all but Bubbles on the Sea of Matter borne
      They rise, they break and to that Sea return.


Title: To John Adams from William MacCreery, 5 March 1779
From: MacCreery, William
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Bordeaux 5 March 1779

     Since I wrote you in January, I have not been favour’d with a line from you. Since I heard of the change which lately took place in the Administration of our Affairs at this Court, I took the liberty to address Doctor Franklin, on the Subject of my last Letter to you. Having a large Ship now here, which I want to ballast with Salt, but can not unless furnish’d with an order from the Minister for that purpose.
     If you cou’d conveniently assist in procuring a general permission for the Americans to load Salt here, as they do at Nantes, it wou’d be a most acceptable piece of Service.
     This Ship left Baltimore about the 12th. and the Capes of Virginia about the 20th. of January. I take the liberty to send you enclosed, an extract of a Letter which I received by her, and which I have translated, in order to shew it to my French Acquaintance here, who are apt to have doubts as to our constancy. Some how or other, there are allways some idle tales propagated here of our being displeased with them, both in America and in Europe. I immagine that the Leyden Papers and the Couriere D’L’Europe (neither of which do I often read) serve a good deal to propagate such ideas.

     You have heard, no doubt, of the Two Fleets of Merchant Ships which Sail’d from St. Domingue and from Martinique. We have Accounts of about Six of them being arrived at different Ports to the N.E., Three here Yesterday, and an Account of 10 or 12 having got into the River today.
     I imagine the English had disarmd many of their Cruizers, and am in great hopes that all, or nearly all the Ships of these Two Fleets will be so fortunate as to arrive. One of the Merchant Ships arrived here, has made Prize of a Dutch Man with English Property on board, bound from Spain to the Streights England. The Captain of the French Ship only hail’d him to know where he was, i.e. the Latitude and Longitude; to which the Dutchman woud make no Answer. The Other fired a Gun at him, upon which he immediatly hawl’d down his Colours, and told the French Captain to cease fireing, as he was a good Prize to him; and accordingly gave up his Ship and Papers. This behavior may seem very odd to you, but no doubt the cunning, and I may add treacherous, Dutchman had his Vessel and freight highly Insured.
     Another of the same Nation hath allredy served the French in like manner, by giving up his Vessel to an English Cruizerr.

      I am with the greatest Respect Sir Your very obedient Servant
      Will MacCreery


Title: To John Adams from Robert Montgomery, 6 March 1779
From: Montgomery, Robert
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Alicante 6th Mar. 1779

     I am Honourd with your Much Esteem’d Letter of the 24th, Nov. Since Which Should have had the Pleasure of Addressing you My Respects often but Was by the loss of a Vessel Unexpectedly Called to one of the Out Ports on this Coast Where I have been Kept more than two Months without being Able in that time to write to My House More than once on Account of the Very bad Convayance for Letters thro’ Most Parts of this Countrey.
     I Observe that the Proceedings of Governor here as well as that of Cartagena and Cadiz Respecting Vessels of War belonging to the Belligreant Powers have Strong Simptoms of the Nuteral disposition of the Court of Spain, of which we have Several Proofs in Prises Brought in here by French Privateers and on the Prisioners Declareing that they Ware taken Within the Protection of the Spanish Coast as being Nuteral the Prises have been Embargoed and the Cruisers obledged to give Security for the Damages and the Cause brought to a Tryal in the Tribunals of the Countrey. This Matter is Not Confined to one Porte where a Perticular Partiality Might be Shewn but it has hapned in Malaga Cartagena here and at Barcelona. There are None of the Causes yet Determind but it is Generaly Suposed it will be given in favour of the English.
     On the Other hand the Vast Naval Armament Now in Actual Commission in Ferrol 12 Sail of the Line in Cadiz 50 and in Cartagena 2 with Orders to Refit all that Are found in the Arsenal of that Place with all Expidition Possible Give Room to Supose Spain Either fears or Meditates Something of Importance and as their Attention is Not turnd Materially towards their Land Force Which is Very Wake Indeed we Can’t Supose they Intend any Enimity to France wich is the Only Power that they Are to Fear by Land.
     Notwithstanding thos Preparations by Sea Our freind at Madrid has often Assuerd us we have no Room to believe that Spain Will take Any Active Part in the present Contest.

      I am Sir With the Greatest Respect your Most Obedt. humble Servt.
      Robt. Montgomery


Title: From John Adams to Arthur Lee, 7 March 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Arthur

      Sir
      Passy Feb. i.e. March> 7. 1779

     I should be obliged to you to let Mr. Franklin take a Copy of our Letter to the Comte De Vergennes, relative to sending a Naval Force to America.
     The original Draught you have, which I should be obliged to you to send to me at Nantes after Mr. Franklin has taken a Copy of it, as I have no Copy of it, at all. I am with great Respect, your humble servant

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Pierre Landais, 9 March 1779
From: Landais, Pierre
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Brest 9 March 1779

     I have had the honour of your favour of the 1st Instant, and recollect with pleasure, the social hours we passed together at Genl. Whipple’s. Indeed it would not be an easy matter for me to forget a person, in my estimation, of your consequence; and am very happy to find the acquaintance that commenc’d there, is likely to be increased, by the honor and satisfaction of your Company as passenger, in my Ship.
     I shall do all in my power to accomodate you and your little Son, and by your acceptance of the place that is most agreeable to you, either in the Cabin or State Room. And do assure you, that nothing that tends to your convenience, can incommode me.
     I am now waiting for orders from his Exclly. Doctor Franklin, necessary before I can proceed to refitt the ship for Sea: and I shall be attentive to give you timely notice, that Your baggage &c. may come in Season.

      I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
      P. Landais


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 10 March 1779
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Paris March 10 1779

     I Hope this will meet you in good Health at Nantes and that you will find every thing there Agreable to your Wishes.
     By the Mail from England we learn Lord Norths Plan for raising the Money already voted.
     1stly. a Surcharge of 5 per Cent on the Amount of all the Articles of the Duties of Excise and Customs, except, Beer, Soap, Candles and Hides
     *2dly. 9d. per Stage for last Horse in Post Chaises

     3dly. the Right of Franking to be Abolished.
     & 4thy. a Duty to be laid on Cambricks which have been hitherto prohibited.
     The whole of which Taxes will produce £478 771. to pay £472.510.
     They will fall lightly upon the several Articles; but as they go to almost all the Necessaries of Life, and as Rapine and Extortion will double them on the Consumer I have no doubt, they will Cause great Uneasiness.
     When the Minister was asked About Spain, He said He had not satisfied the Doubts of the Money Lenders, removed their Fears nor given them Hopes about her Conduct. That As to the American War, He certainly intended to prosecute it, but on a Narrower Scale, than it had been; that reinforcements were to be sent to Sir H. C. but it was not yet Time to send them.
     On a Supposition that One or More french fleets are out the West and East India fleets are prevented Sailing.
     Keppel has been closeted by the King, but it is supposed He Will not Act with the present Ministry.
     It is positively reported in the London Papers, that the Peace between the Emperor and Prussia is concluded, that the Emperor is to establish the Paletine in his Estates in Bavaria, and is to have some foederal Rights renounced to Him in return.
     It is said in the papers that Campbel has demanded reinforcements of Clinton. They certainly do not mean to stay in Georgia unless they meet with great Success by the Countrys Coming in, but will plunder and leave it. This at least is political.
     I Trust you will excuse the Liberty I took in putting the Pamphlet, entitl’d Considerations &c. in your Hand. It has been published some Time in England, and gave me the opportunity of Knoing the Sense of Many Leading Men of the Minority on the important Question of Independancy, but the occasion of its publication Arose from a Conversation with one, of the Ministerial Party, of Rank and Power.
     Meeting Him one day, I was long backwards in entering into discourse with Him, until He told me, that there then appeared some Signs of a Change in the Kings Mind. This lead me to open myself to Him on the Subjects, then Current about London relative to a Pacification. Having listened to me Attentively, He said He wished to talk further on the Subject, and for that purpose desird that I would go with Him into the Country. I had my reasons for refusing, but drew up a few Sheets, Containing the Substance of the Conversation, and presenting them, gave Him, at his request, the Liberty of Shewing them to others. His and their opinions were flattering; He Himself told me, in particular, that if ever the Question of Independancy came before the House it should not be lost for want of his Vote. And As Others might b’Affectd as He was, He desired it might be published. In Consequence of which, I entrusted it to the Care of a Friend who published it since I came to Paris, carefully concealing my Name, being fearful of appearing a busy Man. I shewed it to our Friend at Chaillot who told me, He had left it with You. I wish it may now Obtain your Attention, and meet with your Approbation; altho it has not succeeded in its principal object, such attention and Approbation will be a Proof your Sense of my Sentiments of my Disposition towards my Country. Should it not meet with your Approbation, I shall at least have your free thoughts, to Correct Mine.
     In perusing the Pamphlet, I trust, you will not Think me presumptuous, in venturing on such a great Discussion. In particular in pointing out what Concepions and Stipulations might be made, it was necessary to point out some, to draw the Attention of a Selfish People, and to make the bitter Pill of Independancy somewhat Paleatable. You will see plainly, that the Propositions are grounded on such a View of the Interests of our Country, as one, who has lived too long seperated from Her, might be supposed to have. You, who have mixed in all Transactions and have a Knowledge of her True Interests, may perhaps see Matters in another Light. You may see, that tho there are things which might be adopted, yet that the workings of Ambitious Men and the temper of rising States may Expect some thing more. But you will be pleased to Observe, that the Concepions are expressed in the most general Indefinite and doubtful Manner, that the Object of the whole was to gain an Immediate Acknowledgement of the Independancy, which is so essential, as to warrant perhaps the making some Sacrifices. Sacrifices however, which the Acknowledgement of the Independancy would, by a prudent Management, be soon recovered. I could have made it much fuller, but I wished to set people a thinking and reasoning on the Subject.
     I Know not whether I ought not to make some Apology for what is said, relative to the Power of the Commissioners to treat of Terms of Peace in Europe. The Congress ought to be, and is considered by me, as the best Judges of the Interests of America, and therefore cannot be Supposed, will trust to any Man the final Adjustment of them. That is not proposed, but only, that as the Interests of one or more of the Powers of Europe may be mixt with those of America, there ought to be Authority entrusted here, not only to receive Propositions but to treat of Preliminaries. I Hope I shall not be Misunderstood on this Head.
     There is No one, who wishes more Earnestly than I do, that you may Arrive Safely and Soon in America; and that you may find Things there in the best Situation—you can give much Information, which is apparently much wanted. I wish I had had an opportunity and that I could have taken the Liberty of opening my Mind to You in the fullest Manner. I am Happy to think, however, that as far as I can Judge of your Sentments, mine are entirely Conformable to them. I am obliged to you for the Confidence you shewed me on your Departure. The Respect I have for You, and the Honor and Interest of my Country, will induce me to Endeavour most studiously to make myself worthy of it. The Honor you have done me in demanding my Correspondance is highly flattering to and shall be cherished by me in the most willing Obedience. For this purpose give me leave to Suggest the Necessity of Changing your Name, and writing under a feigned Signature—your real one is too Important to be seen by the Enemies of the States, and mine is of no Consequence to Keep. And therefore after praying God to bless You and Yours Give me Leave to Subscribe myself Dear Sir Your Most Faithfull & Obt Hble Servt.

      Jean Clement

      P.S. *this tax is alterd and it now stands thus one penny per mile for every pair of Horses travelling post in Chaises. Inn Keepers letting Horses pay 5 £ per Annum.


Title: To John Adams from Ralph Izard, 20 March 1779
From: Izard, Ralph
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Paris 20th. March 1779

     I was favoured yesterday with your Letter of 12th and congratulate you on your safe arrival at Nantes.
     Accept of my thanks for the trouble you have taken in delivering my Letters into the care of Mr. Cumming, Mr. Ingraham, and Mr. Ridley. You say nothing of the Letter, and the two packets of Newspapers addressed to Mr. Lloyd; as I have not received a Letter from him, for the last three, or four posts, I fear that he is sick, or that he had left Nantes before your arrival there. As you think that there is no probability of the Alliance being ready to sail soon, I should be obliged to you if you would be so good as to send the two Letters likewise which you have charge of, addressed to the Committee, and to the South Carolina Delegates; and when there is a probability of your embarking, if you will be pleased to let me know of it, I shall beg to trouble you with other Letters. I should be obliged to you if you would let me know the names of the Vessels, and Captains by whom my Letters are sent, as I have been so unfortunate as to lose many, both going, and coming. There is no news here that I know of. The London papers, and Letters inform of many valuable captures made upon the French Commerce, which I am heartily sorry for; and the more so, as no remedy appears to be attempted. Mrs. Izard, and my little folks join in offering Compliments and I am Sir with great regard Your most obt. hble Servant

      Ra. Izard


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 24 March 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

      Sir
      Brest. March 24. 1778 i.e. 1779

     I had the Honour of a Letter from, your Excellency at Nantes, but as I was setting off for this Place could not then acknowledge it.
     I Staid, no longer at Nantes, than just to look about me, before I determined to see Captain Landais, that I might know, the state and Prospects of his Frigate.

     As you was so good as to desire Mr. Schweighauser, to consult with me, and Mr. Schweighauser wrote to Mr. Berube du Costentin, to take my Advice, I have ventured to give him and Captain Landais, my opinion in Writing that it will be most for the public service, for Mr. Costentin to apply to the Intendant of the Marine for Such Materials and Workmen as are absolutely necessary to repair the ship, and after this shall be done and the Prisoners, put on shore, that he proceed for Nantes.
     I have had the Honour twice to wait on the Intendant and this afternoon, he very politely promised to take the Prisoners on shore, and furnish the Necessaries forth with. I must confess, that I am not very well pleased with putting all the Prisoners on shore. But the Captain is sanguine that the ship would not be safe with any of the Ring Leaders on Board.
     With a very little alteration of our naval Code, three or four of these might have been punished, and the rest would have made the better Men. For I am inclined to think, that altho the Conspiracy was bad enough, it has been made more of than was necessary.
     The Midshipmen and some other Petty officers, have been with me, to solicit the same favour which you have granted to the Commission and Warrant officers, a suit of Cloaths proportioned to their stations. And as these perhaps have more need of it than the others, and as I thought it not probable that it was your Intention to exclude them, I have promised them to interceed with your Excellency in their Behalf.
     I congratulate you on the Capture of Senegal, which is all the News I have heard. I return to Nantes, tomorrow or next day—there to wait the Motions of the Frigate.

      I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant
      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 24 March 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, William Temple

      Dear Sir
      Brest March 24. 1779

     I have just received your favour of the 17. inclosing a Paper from M. Le Roy, for which I thank you and Mr. Le Roy, to whom be so good as to present my Compliments.
     The Alliance, will be ready to go to Nantes, in the opinion of C. Landais in 8 days. But he thinks she must stay there 3 or 4 Weeks.
     My Respects to his Excellency; from whom I received a line at Nantes which I will answer, as soon as I can get a little Leisure.
     Mr. Blodget will deliver this. I recommend him to the Civilities of Passy. I am, with much Esteem, your humble servant

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 28 March 1779
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Nantes March 28. 1779

     I have not written to you since your Departure because I have not before had anything to communicate, and now it is probable you will have already heard what I have to say.
     The last accounts from England inform us that Pondicherry and Chandanargor in the East Indies are taken by the English, after above two months Seige. The Papers say also that a french Man of War and a Frigate are lost on the Cape of Good Hope. Senegal is taken by the French,—the Garrison at Fort James was so weakened by Sickness that it fell an easy prey.
     We have had besides the above a great many Bruits, but as they seem to have been calculated only pour faire du Bruit, I shall not trouble you with any account of them.
     I shall be exceeding happy to know if I may expect the pleasure of seeing you here again being with great Respect Dear Sir Your most obed servant

      Jon Williams J.

      Remember me to Master Jack—est il content de la Comedie, a Brest aprés avoir vu la belle Salle de Nantes, celle de Brest ne doit pas lui plaire; tout le monde n’est pas de cet avis, mais il faut souvenir que notre salle a eu le Merite d’etre consacrée aux cheveaux, quoiqu’il n’y va aujourdhui que des ânes.


Title: To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 29 March 1779
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir

       March 29th. 1779

     I receivd your favor by Mr. Blodget and thank you. It seems uncertain where or how this will find you, therefore I shall not enclose the Cypher. When I know where a private hand may find you, I will send it so as to be secure. A person is nominated to take the place of the great man at Philada. who will leave it upon his arrival. You will probably get thither before him. We have no other local news. The report from England is, that Count d’Estaign is blockt up in Martinique; and that the Royalists have gaind a victory in Georgia. The first I am afraid is too true; the last as it comes thro N. York, it is to be hopd, is only a repetition of what we have already heard. Things look ominous—but we must hope the best. Adieu.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 31 March 1779
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

      Brest Harbour March 31. 1779

     When I arrived at this place I found nothing done. Mr. Costentin, it is said waited for orders. And the officers of the Port, expected orders. But Since my Arrival, as Mr. Schweighauser wrote to Mr. Costentin to take my Advice, he readily engaged in the Business, and the officers of the Port have afforded Us every facility, consistent with the Kings service.
     Mr. Costentin and Captain Landais, I find are both very attentive to Articles of Expence, and do their Utmost to save. The Captain, in this View, has determined neither to sheath his ship in Copper, nor to lay her down to clean, but has applied for proper Instruments to hog her, as their Phrase is, and this operation is now finished so that her Bottom is at present very well cleaned. The Main Top Mast and rigging, is also preparing, the Water will be got on board as soon as possible, and I hope We shall be ready to go from this Port in Six or Eight Days.
     But there are still a Thousand Difficulties, on board the ship, and every Body is discontented, except the Captain who is as cool a Man as ever I saw.
     I have had Petitions to me, from all the Crew, and personal Applications from most of the Officers. Little Misunderstandings have arisen on Account of the Purser, who is thought to keep the officers to too strict Allowance. But upon the whole I fancy, that Peace may be made and tolerable Content  allowing to the officers and Men a small Gratification in Money.
     I have the Honour to inclose a List of the petit officers on Board, who are judged by Mr. Schweighauser and Mr. Costentin to be excluded, by your Excellencys order, from the Benefit of Cloathing which is granted to the Commission and Warrant officers. This is such a Grievance, or at least is considered so, that I cannot avoid interceeding, most earnestly with your Excellency in their Behalf, and intreating that your orders may be given, on this Head, as soon as possible.
     Another Thing, I cannot avoid requesting, because, I think the service will be much promoted by it, and without it, I know not what may be the Consequence. It is that Mr. Schweighauser, may be ordered to Allow, a small sum of Money to officers and Men, at least to such as the Captain who I am sure is a prudent and frugal Man shall point out.
     The Captains Parcimony in other Things will render this less difficult, and the Badness of the Pay, and the little Prospect of Prizes, considering the weak state of the ship in Men, render it an Act of Humanity, of Justice and indeed of Necessity. Many have families at home, and a little sum of Money well laid out here, in Articles of Cloathing, would be a vast Encouragement.
     The Punctuality with which  as well as the Agent at Nantes and Brest, insist  explicit orders for every Thing, make it necessary, that I should request of your Excellency an order to Captain Landais, to give me a Passage in the ship and to Mr the Agent to furnish me with sea stores. Mr. Schwe They have all been very complaisant but I see they want, orders.
     The Number of Men on Board the ship are not half enough to fight her. If the Prisoners should arrive from England I hope that Captain Landais will be permitted to recruit out of them. I like Captain Jones very well, but I cannot but hope that he will not have all those Men. Landais is very averse, to taking french or English sailors, for my own Part I wish he had an hundred of each, and We would find a Way to suppress Conspiracies. But He is afraid of Complaints of Partiality to his Countrymen, and of the Treachery, of Britons.

      I have the Honour to be sir, your most obedient humble servant
      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from J. D. Schweighauser, 2 April 1779
From: Schweighauser, John Daniel
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Nantes 2 April 1779

     I am favoured with your kind Letter of the 26 Instant and return you my sincere thanks for the good Councils and assistance you have given Cap Landais persuaded how conducive this will be to forward his departure. I send an Express to inform that the Milford the british Ship proposed for the Exchange of Prisoners is just arrived in our River with ninety Seven Americans and to direct if you judge it advisable that an equal number of English Sailors should be, brought here in the Alliance as this would save the considerable expence of conducting them here by Land. I mention this as I apprehend no danger of revolt in Persons at the eve of being released and that I think it easy for Captain Landais to secure them before he puts to sea. I will send to day to Mr. William’s for your three Trunks and keep them till the Alliance’s arrival with your box of books which is safely arrived comed to hand. I am happy to see that the fleet of Merchantmen and others sailed so well escorted, the fine weather we have since had will have certainly pushed her a great way towards her destination.
     The Letter I have received by the Carteel ship is addressed to me by the Commissioners of the Sick and hurt seamen which seems to me very extraordinary, the Captain has not wrote. But I will send a Person to taulk with him on our business, I should have been happy to have from The honorable B Franklin Esqr. directions how to act with the Captain in case he should ask any refreshments &ca. With respects I have the honor to be Sir Your mo: humble & mo: obedt. servant

      J. Dl. Schweighauser


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 3 April 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Passy April 3d. 1779

     I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me of the 24th past. I am glad you have been at Brest, as your Presence there has contributed to expedite the Operations of Capt. Landais in Refitting his Ship. I think with you, that more has been made of the Conspiracy than was necessary; but that it would have been well if some of the most guilty could have received a proper punishment. As that was impracticable under our present Naval Code, I hope you will on your Return obtain an Amendment of it. I approve of cloathing the Midshipmen and petty Officers, agreable to their Request to you, and hope you have order’d it, without waiting to hear from me; and I now desire that whatever else you may judge for the good of the Service, our Funds and Circumstances consider’d, you would in my Behalf give Directions for; as the great Distance makes it inconvenient to send to me on every occasion; and I can confide in your Prudence, that you will allow no Expence that is unnecessary.
     My Gout continued to disable me from walking longer than formerly; but on Tuesday the 23d past, I thought myself able to go through the Ceremony and accordingly went to Court, had my Audience of the King in the new Character, presented my Letter of Credence, and was received very graciously. After which I went the Rounds with the other Foreign Ministers, in visiting all the Royal Family. The Fatigue however was a little too much for my Feet, and disabled me for near another Week. Upon the whole I can assure you that I do not think the good Will of this Court to the good Cause of America, is at all diminish’d by the late little Reverses in the Fortune of War; and I hope Spain, who has now 49. Ships of the Line, and 31. Frigates ready for Service, will soon, by declaring, turn the Scale.
     Remember me affectionately to Master Johnny, and believe me with great Esteem; Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

      B Franklin


Title: To John Adams from Arnauld de Laporte, with a Contemporary Translation, 4 April 1779
From: Laporte, Arnauld de
To: Adams, John

       Monsieur
       a Brest le 4. avril 1779

      Monsieur Le Cte. D’orvilliers m’a renvoyé la lettre que vous lui avez ecrite au Sujet des Matelots Américains qui peuvent Se trouver à bord du Vaisseau le fier Rodrigue. Empressé d’aller au devant de tout cequi peut concerner le Service des Etats unis de L’Amérique, et particulierement de cequi peut être agréable à Votre Excellence, j’ai Sur le champ marqué au Capitaine du Vaisseau Le fier Rodrigue de rendre ces hommes à M. Landais. Ce capitaine dont l’Equipage est très foible m’a observé que ces matelots prétendus Bostoniens, qui au surplus ne Sont qu’au nombre de deux, faisoient partie de l’Equipage d’un corsaire de Bristol pris par une fregate du Roi conduit à Rochefort, que ces hommes avoient eté mis, comme les autres Matelots Anglois, en prison où il avoit eu la liberté de les prendre pour embarquer Sur Son Vaisseau, que le corsaire n’avoit point fait encore de prises, que ces deux hommes pris les armes à la main contre la france, et faisant partie de L’Equipage d’un Corsaire Anglois ne pouvoient être regardés que comme Anglois et n’etoient point dans le cas de joüir des priviléges des Sujets de la Republique des Etats unis.
      Malgré la legitimité de ces raisons peremptoires, j’aurois dans toute autre circonstance, passé outre; Si j’eusse fait remettre ces hommes à M. Landais; mais le Vaisseau le fier Rodrigue qui est mal armé, quoi que vaisseau de force ayant 56. canons montés, est dans le cas de partir après demain à la pointe dujour, j’aurois la plus grande peine à lui remplacer les hommes qu’il Seroit obligé de mettre à terre. D’ailleurs votre Excellence n’ignore pas que ce Vaisseau est, pour ainsi dire, au Service des Etats unis de l’amérique; ceux qu’il a rendus à ce continent ne sont pas vraisemblablement les derniers que le Congrés doit en attendre; Et S’il y retourne, il debarquera ces hommes Sans difficulté. J’ose me flatter, Monsieur, que votre Excellence voudra bien, sur ces considérations, trouver bon que Le Capitaine montant les garde sur son vaisseau le fier Rodrigue. Je la supplie d’ailleurs de me faire connoître ce qu’elle pourra desirer de moi, je m’y partirai avec l’empressement que j’aurai dans toutes les occasions de prouver la parfaite considération avec laquelle je suis Monsieur de votre Excellence Le très humble et très obeïssant serviteur,

       Laporte


Title: Arnauld de Laporte to John Adams: A Translation, 4 April 1779
From: Laporte, Arnauld de
To: Adams, John

       Sir
       Brest 4th April 1779

      The Count Dorvilliers has sent me the Letter you wrote him concerning the American sailors that are on board the fier Rodrigue. Always desirous to render every service, that depends upon myself, to the United states, and more so in what may be agreeable to your Excellency I immediately ordered the Cap of said Vessel, to deliver these Men to Mr. Landais. The Cap whose Crew is very week, informed me that these pretended American sailors, who are only two in number, are part of a Crew belonging to a Privateer from Bristol taken by a Kings Vessel and conducted to Rochefort, that these men had been put in Prison from whence the Cap had had the liberty to take them to go on board his Vessel; That the Privateer had made no Prizes, that these two Men taken in Arms against France, and making part of a Crew of an English Privateer could not be looked upon but as English-Men, and cannot partake of the priviledges of the subjects of the Republic of the United states of America.
      Notwithstanding the legitimacy of those premature Reasons, I should in any other circumstance have ordered it otherwise and have delivered these Men to Cap Landais, but the Vessel the fere Rodirigue being so ill manned altho a Vessel of force having 56 Cannons mounted, and ordered to sail after tomorrow, I should have the utmost dificulty to replace the Men he would be obliged to put on shore, in short your Excellency is not ignorant that this Vessel is in a great measure, in the service of the United states; those she has already rendered to the Continent are not in all probability the last that the Congress is to expect; and if she returns she will land these Men without any difficulty. I dare flatter myself, sir, that your Excellency will not take it amiss on these considerations that the Cap establish a Guard on board his Vessel the fiere Rodrigue. I supplicate to know what is required of me, I shall execute it with the haste, or eagerness that I have in proving on every occasion the perfect consideration with which I am Your Excellencys’ most humble & obedient Servant

       (Signed) La Porte


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 8 April 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Passy, April 8. 1779

     I did myself the honor of writing to you a few Days since. Last Night I received yours of the 31st past. I am glad to hear the Ship is so far in order. As to the Discontents you find among the Officers and People, it is impossible for me at this Distance to judge of them, or of the means of removing them: I must therefore, as in my last, refer to your Judgment whatever you may think for the good of the Service, considering our Circumstances and Funds, and I desire you would give Orders accordingly. If the Officers are dissatisfied with the Purser who is now here, I fancy, but do not speak from Knowledge, that he is not sollicitous about continuing in his Place; and would have no objection to being permitted to stay as long as he pleases in Paris.
     I can not at all interfere with regard to the Disposition of the Exchanged Prisoners, by ordering them to go on board one Ship or another. They are Freemen as soon as they land in France, and may inlist with which Captain they please.
     I shall by this Post give the Orders you desire to Mr. Schweighauser and Capt. Landais, relating to your Passage and Sea Stores; tho’ I did not think them necessary.
     I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedt and most humble Servant

      B Franklin


Title: To John Adams from the Marquis de Lafayette, 9 April 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      St. Germain 9th April 1779

     I beg leave of applying to you in an instance where I am much Concern’d. The Case I shall lay before you, and Reccommend to your good Care. There is an officer in Paris Whom I want to send over to America on Board the Alliance, and whom I know would be of some use in the American Army. For that Reason Besides this of Reccommendations I have a great Regard for, I wish the Gentlemen Might find a passage in the frigatte. Doctor Franklin Cannot officialy send any officer, but I beg you would take this along with you, and I take upon Myself the charge of presenting him to Congress. All the Marks of Kindnes, I ever met with from them, and the Knowledge which the strictest friendship has given me of General Washington’s sentiments, make me as Certain as possible that My officer will meet with the Best Reception in Philadelphia and in the Army who know I am acquainted with what may be Convenient to them.

     It is with a Great Concern that I hear of discontents Between Captain Landais and his officers, and I flatter myself that you will establish Again harmony and Concord among them. I will take the opportunity of this frigatte for to write over to My Friends in America.
     The Articles alluded to in your letter from Paris I have been very Busy about. But I did not meet with Great succes till now, and what is done is not equal to what I should want. It is true our Circumstances are Rather Narrow in this moment, and I think that the Ministers are willing to do what they think possible or advantageous—but we do’nt alwais agree in opinion. I hope however America will have more and more occasions of knowing the true attachment of this Nation for them.
     With a great impatience I wait for your answer that I Might send the officer to Nantz. I hope you will not Refuse your patronage in this occasion, and I may answer Congress will have no objection to take a gentleman I send to them. You will, My dear sir, in settling his passage much oblige Your humble servant

      Lafayette