Title: Paul R. Randall to John Adams, 4 May 1786
From: Randall, Paul R.
To: Adams, John

              Madrid

               May 4th. 1786.

          I should have addressed your Excellency long e’er this, since my
            Arrival from Algiers—but being in Expectation of bringing on Mr; Lamb’s Letters—was entirely without Suspicion of the many Impediments which
            retarded my Progress thus far. Mr Lamb must undoubtedly have
            given your Excellencies the reasons of sending me from thence—and however repugnant to
            my Inclinations I must be necessitated to submit to his express Desire—as he might
            otherwise have left it in a spanish Brigantine—and have given me the Charge of his
            Vessel to convey me to Marseilles. I therefore prefered the Alternative of attending the
            Count D’Expilly’s Secretary in Hopes of obtaining a Release from Quarantine with
            himself—but by one unfortunate Concurrence of Circumstances I was detained twenty two
            Days—and obliged to go from Alicant where the vessel was arrived—to Carthagena whither
            she was sent to perform her Quarantine.—I endeavored to reach Madrid with all possible
            Dispatch after my Discharge.—Here I find that Mr Lamb is
            returned to Alicant with Intention of coming to Madrid immediately:—The Information
            therefore that I might have conveyed of the Situation of Affairs upon my leaving Algiers
            must be rendered of very little Consequence by the Lapse of Time—and such Change as has
            made his Withdrawal necessary—which most unquestionably your Excellencies must be
            advised of—In this I am allowed to judge—as Mr Lamb had
            given me no Instructions of what Information I should be the Bearer of on his Part.—
          I think myself bound—and by the Opinion of Mr Carmichael am determined to await the Arrival of Mr Lamb & be governed by future Instructions & Circumstances.
            What Observations I have been enabled to make in my short Stay there shall be
            transmitted to your Excellencies by the first safe Occasion being in Hopes a Courier
            will set out shortly which must arrive before I can travel to London—altho’ I have
            disencumbered myself from my Baggage. Mr Carmichael was
            acquainted as soon as […] I could possibly write with every Thing I could […] be
            possessed of respecting Algiers—however I sh[all be] as particular as my Memory will
            serve—
          In this and on all other Occasions I am entirely devoted to the
            Service of my Country—and am most particularly Your Excellency’s / Obt & hum
              sert.

              P R Randall


Title: Rufus King to John Adams, 5 May 1786
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              New York

              5 May 1786

          It has undoubtedly been said in England that the act of congress of
            the 15. of February relative to the federal Revenues, is full proof that the united
            States are in the utmost confusion, and that the Union is nearly dissolved—ignorant as
            the People of England still are of the Genius and Temper of the Citizens of America, it
            will not be extraordinary that such Opinions should be fondly embraced—when in fact the
            Resolutions, to which they refer to establish the Justice of their conclusions, have
            produced measures the reverse of their expectations, and most salutary in favor of our
            union—If the people are truly informed of their situation, they will eventually acceed
            to such measures as will best secure their Freedom and Honor—Rhode Island, which had
            continued five Years in opposition to the system of a general impost upon the Terms
            recommended by Congress passed an act agreeing to the system in consequence of the Act
            of congress of the 15. of Feb.; Georgia has likewise made the Grant, and Maryland has
            acceeded—New York has passed an act upon the subject within a few days; it has not been
            before congress, but if I have heard it truly recited, it is imperfect—However as twelve
            States have made the Grant to the acceptation of Congress, I think there can be little
            Doubt, but that the next Assembly of New York will fully acceed to the system, and
            thereby authorise the commencement of a plan of Revenue substantial &
            productive—
          that there exists a criminal neglect in several of the states in
            their most important Duties to the confederacy cannot be denied,—I hope a reform will
            take place—the People generally through the confederacy remark that we are at a
            crisis—our Finances are not on that firm basis, which the Riches of our country will
            authorise without Danger to the liberties of the Citizens—our commerce is almost ruined,
            because Jealousies of an unwarrantable nature have been dessiminated through the more
            southern states—But there is good reason to expect that our Finances will be
            strengthened, and made certain—and a proposition has originated in Virginia, for a
            convention of Delegates, in September, from the several States to agree on Such
            commercial regulations as shall extend the american navigation & promote the
            Trade of the Union—the most important states have already appointed Delegates for this
            purpose, to assemble in Maryland and if any thing can be concluded from the general
            Reputation of the Delegates already appointed, there is reason to hope that wisdom will
            govern their Deliberations, and that their Result will produce an union of Opinions on
            the subject of Commercial Regulations through all the States—
          the situation we are in with the Barbary powers is a great
            discouragement to certain Branches of trade; Wheat may be shipped from America cheaper
            than has been the case for many years—Produce of all sorts has greatly fallen in its
            price—but it is difficult to persuade our Seaman to navigate unarmed vessels on those
            Seas where the Barbary corsairs cruize—the consequence is, that even our own merchants
            charter foreign Vessels which are protected from the Barbary Cruizers, to carry our
            produce to Market—we are in anxious expectation of the issue of the Barbary
            negotiations—every one wishes the abilities of our Country were more adequate to an
            effectual Bribery of these powers than they are; and my own wish, always has been, that
            the small sum dedicated for these negotiations, had been put into abler hands than those
            of Mr. Lamb; but I suppose a better character would not be
            obtained by the commissioners when he was authorised—
          the arrets of the French King, relative to the cod Fishery, will
            very materially affect our Eastern Brethren—the difference of 15 Livres the Quintal on
            the west India Fish destroys all competition. Add this farther circumstance concerning
            the west india Trade from the Eastern States—you very well know that we took from the
            Islands large quantities of Molasses at a very low price, and distilled it
            into Rum with a hansome profit—since the war the French Merchants & Planters
            have gone into the business of Distilling their molasses, of consequence they have
            increased the price; and so considerably as to affect the Profits of our
            Distillation—For all these disadvantages to which our commerce is exposed there is a
            full remedy in the power of the States—that remedy you long since have discovered and
            repetedly recommended—I hope the proper measures will be agreed to—these inconveniencies
            will urge & their adoption; and in this view are far from disagreable—they will
            teach america, what he has to learn, that her Honor, prosperity, Riches, &
            Glory, must depend upon herself—
          I pray God that the day may soon arrive when all our fellow
            Citizens may see this subject in the same light that you do.—when this is the case,
            their natural good sense will dictate the necessary measures—
          with perfect respect I have the honor to be, Sir, your obt. & very hble servt.

              Rufus King


Title: J. B. Pike to John Adams, 8 May 1786
From: Pike, J. B.
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Briamore

               May 8. 1786.

          You may probably remember that when in town a week or two ago I
            took the liberty of waiting upon you to request the favor of any information you could
            give concerning the recovery of the Estate of the late James Wainwright Malin Esqr. at port Beaufort Nice River Bath County North Carolina
            & you kindly afforded me what information I asked, but as I did not then
            recollect every question which the friends of the young man who is heir to the Estate
            wished me to propose I have presumed upon this further Liberty
          Before the American Revolution the british Governor was thought to
            be the proper person to apply to for information & about 19 Years ago the
            friends of this young man who was then a Child wrote to the then Governor & it
            appeared that he (the Governor) then possessed it as an unclaimed Estate We wish to ask
            Who is the proper person now in that County to whom application should be made? We suppose
            that as the british Governor was formerly the proper person it is to some public officer
            we should now apply.
          I beg further to ask If any Loyalist or person inimical to the
            freedom of that Country has since had it in possession, may it not have been
            confiscated? & if so, whether any recovery by the right heir in England is
            possible or probable? also if possible to whom in that
              case application should be made?
          If you will kindly oblige me with a reply addressed to The Revd Mr Pike Briamore near Fordingbridge Hants you will confer an additional
            favor on / Sir / Your already obliged / & truly respectful

              JB Pike


Title: Roger Sherman to John Adams, 8 May 1786
From: Sherman, Roger
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              New Haven

              8th: May 1786

          This will be delivered to you by Dr.
            Wales Professor of Divinity in Yale College in New Haven who is About to take a Voyage
            to England for the recovery of his Health– – –
          There is a Cause depending in the Superior Court in this State,
            that is of National concern on which I wish to receive Some information from Your
            Excellency respecting the law and usage of Nations, it is an Action of Debt
            between two Subjects of the King of Great Brittain on a contract under hand &
            Seal Made at Nova Scotia and was to have been performed
            there, but the Deft. came with his Effects into this State,
            where he resides at present, the Plaintiff employed Counsel here who brought an action
            on the contract & Attached a Vessel & other effects of the Deft. the Deft. Pleads abatement to
            the Jurisdiction of the Courts here because both parties are foreigners & the
            Contract was made & to have been performed in a foreign State, the Cause has
            been once heard before the Supe. Court and continued to
            Advise, there were no precedents in point produced on either side; I Should take it as a
            particular favour to be informed by your Excellency what is the law and usage of Nations
            in Europe in Such cases & particularly in Great Britain, whether the Courts
            there would Sustain Such an Action between two Citizens of the United States, I take it,
              that that Case does not differ from Debt on a Bond or any other tansitory
            Action, as to the right of maintaing it, – – –And we wish to give foreigners the
              Same privileges in our Courts as they will give our Citizens in theirs. – –
            –this cause is to be heard again the first Tuesday in Sepr. next, I Should therefore wish to have an Answer before that
            time, if convenient.
          I have No News remarkable to communicate, we hear that New York
            State has Granted the General Impost to the united States. all the other States had
            granted it before—the matter of revenue is the greatest difficulty attending
            our political affairs– – – –I Shall be obliged to your Excellency for any
            information that you may think proper to give respecting our affairs in Europe—
          I am with Great Esteem & Respect / Your Excellency’s humble
              Servt.

              Roger Sherman

            Q.1. Whether a Subject of France can maintain a personal Action
              against another Subject of France, in the Courts at Westminster Hall, for a Debt
              contracted in France
            Q.2. Can a British Subject maintain an Action in France against another British
              Subject for a Debt, contracted in Britain—Suppose it a Note or Bond, and both the
                Frenchmen in England
              Englishmen in France.
            Q.3. Can one American Citizen recover of another in London a Debt contracted in the
              U.S.
            Q.4. Does the Priviledge of Alien Friends of maintaining personal Actions extend to
              Causes of Action happening out of the British Dominions, and to other alien
              Friends?


Title: John Adams to C. and R. Puller, 9 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Puller, C. & R.

              Gentlemen—

              Grosvenor square

               May 9th. 1786

          On the 27th. of April I accepted a Bill
            of John Lamb dated Barcelona March 7. 1786 for £300 st. at
            double usance in favour of Etienne Droilhet & Co. or
            order, first of the sett. indorsed to the order of James sutton & Co.—
          Accepted also No. 5. dated March 8.
            1786. in all other particulars like the preceeding—
          On the 7. May 1786. I accepted a Bill of Mr. Barclay dated Madrid April 15. 1786. for 250£ stg. in favour of the order of Etienne Drouilhet & Co. at usance 1. of the sett. indorsed to the order of James
            sutton & Co.—
          These are to be paid on Account of Messrs: Willinks & Van staphorsts & to be by them charged to the
            united states of America—
          I am Gentlemen your humble Servt.

              John Adams.


Title: John Adams to James Bowdoin, 9 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Bowdoin, James

              Sir

              London
               May 9. 1786

          Your Excellencies Letter of the 12. of January I have had the
            Honour to receive, and am much obliged to you for the Information in it.
          Your Opinion of the Policy of this Country, will be found in the
            Result of Things to be just, and your Reasoning in Support of it is so conclusive and at
            the same time, so obvious, that it is astonishing it has not its Effect upon the
            Cabinet. Every Consideration has been repeatedly urged to no Effect. Seamen, the Navy,
            and Power to Strike an awfull Blow to their Ennemies at Sea, on the first breaking out
            of a War, are the Ideas that prevail over all others. Mr
            Jenkinson, an old Friend of the British Empire, is Still at his Labours. He is about
            establishing a Bounty upon fifteen Ships, to the southward and upon two to double Cape
            Horn for Sperma Cœti Whales. Americans are to take an Oath that they mean to settle in
            England, before they are entitled to the Bounty. I have long since informed Congress,
            that nothing is to be expected from this Country, but Poverty, Weakness and Ruin. if
            after all our People will carry on a ruinous Trade, it is their own Concern. But no Man
            can do them a greater Injury, than by holding up to their View a hope, that We shall
            receive any Relief, by taking off the Duty on Oil, or by admission to the West India
            Islands. They will infallibly be deceived if they entertain any such Expectations.
          I have been circumstancially informed from time to time and Step by
            Step, from Mr Jefferson the Marquis de la Fayette and Mr Barrett of all the Negotiations for exchanging our Oyl for
            the Produce, Manufactures and Sugars of France. The great Revolution in Trade, which you
            mention ought to be promoted by every Friend of America, and it must take Place. I have
            made Use of all these Considerations But if an Angel from Heaven should declare to this
            Nation that our States will unite, retaliate, prohibit or trade with France, they would
            not believe it. There is not one Man in the Nation, who pretends to believe it, and if
            he did he would be treated with Scorn.
          Let me intreat you, Sir, and every other Citizen of the United
            States to extinguish all hopes of relief to their Trade from this Country.
          Peace with the Turks, comprehending under this Term Constantinople
            Tunis, Tripoli, Algiers and Morocco, is essential to our Navigation and Commerce and
            political Consideration in Europe. Two or three hundred Thousand Guineas, and nothing
            less will obtain it. it will be miserable Policy and OEconomy, to loose two or three
            millions in Trade, Insurance &c and Still worse to add two or three millions
            more in filling out a Navy to fight them, in order to Save that Sum in customary
            Presents. We are now limited to a Sum that will be worse than thrown away.
          Intrigues of Individuals are said to be on foot, to sett South
            America free from Spain, and not improbably the Pulse may be felt in the United States.
            But I hope the States will not only be prudent themselves, but oblige Individuals to be
            so too.— —Portugal & Spain are bound by a Treaty of 1778 to Support each other
            in such a Case, and all the world will be in flames. We had better avoid the fury of
            them.
          Three great Objects agitate the Cabinets of Europe in Secret. The
            Passage of the Dardanells and navigation of the Danube, I consider as one, a free
            Commerce with all the East Indies is a Second, and the Independence of South America is
            the third. They will all be pursued untill they are obtained, as I fully believe. But as
            all know the Contest will be Sharp, extensive and long, all are afraid to begin. This is
            all confidential, between you and me and a few of our discreet Friends.
          God bless our Country, but I still tremble for its Safety.
          With great Respect, I have the Honour / to be your Excellencys most
            obedient / and most humble servant

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to J. B. Pike, 11 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Pike, J. B.

              Sir—

              London

              May 11th. 1786.—

          I have received the Letter you did me, the honor to write me on the
              8th of this month.
          There is a Governor in each of the States of America by their New
            Constitutions, to whom every thing should be addressed, which it was proper before the
            revolution to address to a Governor under the Crown of Great Britain— —
          But a Governor never had Authority to dispose of private Property,
            or to give or recover a title or Possession of an Estate, Recourse must be had to the
            Laws and the only proper method in your Case is to apply to some Lawyer in North
            Carolina, who can give every Information, and take every step, that may be necessary
          A Lawyer will be able to inform you whether the estate has been
            confiscated or not, & whether a recovery by the right Heir in England is
            probable—I am not informed of these things If the British Court had a public Minister
            residing near Congress and Consuls in the several States or Vice Consuls as other
            Nations have, Information and advice from such officers might be had,—But this is not
            within my Department—His Excellency Richard Caswell Esqr. is at present Governor of the State of North Carolina— —
          I am Sir &c

              J. A—


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 11 May 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

              May 11. 1786

          I do myself the honour of inclosing to you letters which came to
            hand last night from mr[expansion sign] Lamb, mr[expansion sign] Carmichael and
            mr[expansion sign] Barclay. by these you will perceive that our peace is not to be
            purchased at Algiers but at a price far beyond our powers. what that would be indeed
            mr[expansion sign] Lamb does not say, nor probably knows. but as he knew our ultimatum,
            we are to suppose from his letter that it would be a price infinitely beyond that. a
            reference to Congress seems hereon to be necessary. till that can be obtained mr Lambe
            must be idle at Algiers, Carthagena or elsewhere. would he not be better employed in
            going to Congress? they would be able to draw from him & mr[expansion sign]
            Randall the information necessary to determine what they will do. and if they determine
            to negotiate, they can reappoint the same, or appoint a new negotiator, according to the
            opinion they shall form on their examination. I suggest this to you as my first
            thoughts; an ultimate opinion should not be formed till we see mr[expansion sign]
            Randall, who may be shortly expected. in the mean time, should an opportunity occur,
            favour me with your ideas hereon that we may be maturing our opinions. I send copies of
            these three letters to mr[expansion sign] Jay by the packet which sails from l’Orient
            the 1st. day of the next month.
          On my return to Paris the Imperial ambassador informed me he had
            received full powers for treating with us. I repeated to him the information that ours
            would expire the 12tth. of this month. he said he supposed
            Congress would have no objections to renew them, proposed that I should write to them on
            the subject, and in the mean time desired our project and observed that we might be
            proceeding to arrange the treaty, so as that it should be ready for signature on the
            arrival of our powers. I gave him a copy of our project, in which, taking the Danish one
            for the ground work, I made the alterations noted on the within paper: being such as had
            occurred & met our approbation during the Prussian Tuscan & Portuguese
            negotiations. I write to Congress an information of what has passed, and in the mean
            time shall take no other step till you favor me with your opinion whether we should
            proceed to prepare terms according to Count Merci’s proposition.
          I inclose you a copy of the queries of which I had put an illegible
            one into your hands when in London.
          I beg to leave to present my most friendly respects to the ladies,
            and to yourself assurances of the esteem with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir your
            most obedient and most humble servant

              Th:Jefferson


Title: P. Hodinpyl to John Adams, 12 May 1786
From: Hodinpyl, P.
To: Adams, John

              Dr Sir

              Rotterdm.

               12 May 1786

          I have not had the Pleasure to Write to you Since your Departure
            from this Country however I have had the Pleasure to hear Of your Reception &
            Progress you have made While In the Land of Pleasure Ceremony & Parade
          The Liberty I have taken By this is throug[h] the aplication of a
            Citisen from Amerika from the State of Rhode Iland for aid & asistance to get
            Back to the Same Country The Gentleman is a Cousin german of gen Green & Partner
            In Concerns The Aid he Wants is a Mediteranean Pass to Convey him Safe Back again Your
            Influence We doubt not But your Excellency will Comply with our Joint Desires The
            Expences Thereon youll Be Pleased to Send for By application to My Son In Law Mr Shadrach Jones In Bartholomew C Case London N 55 Will Repay
            the Charge for the Same I have The honour to Remain With great Respect/ Dr Sir / Your Execelencys Most Obed / & Humble
            Servant

              P Hodinpyl

            P:S The Reason Why we Are Obliged to trouble you on this head of
              Late a New Regulation has taken Place here so as no Passes Can be granted But to dutch
              Bottoms Built here In the Country
            NB the Gentleman for Whom I apply is Griffin Green from Rhode
              Iland


Title: David Ramsay to John Adams, 14 May 1786
From: Ramsay, David
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              New-York

              May 14th 1786

          Your favor of the 9th of February with
            the pamphlet inclosed came to hand on the 13th instant for
            which please to accept my thanks.
          Your official dispatches of the 4th of
            March contain very important intelligence. I am not distressed at the footing on which
            the British put their tenure of the western posts. It will promote the general cause of
            justice & restrain our legislatures from interferring in private contracts which
            they are too apt to do.
          The Algerine depredations have made more converts to the necessity
            of vesting Congress with larger powers and of supporting public credit than the many
            labored addresses here to fore presented to the public. I hope for much good out of
            these partial evils.
          Mr Dilly has declined publishing my history from an apprehension
            that it would expose him to prosecutions. I cannot but be of opinion that his
            apprehensions are ill founded. I expect the end of the matter will be a pirated edition
            & that mine will remain unsold. I flatter myself he will make no difficulty in
            furnishing you with the copy designed for your own use.
          Congress have now seven
            eleven States on the floor. Shame to tell for the first six months we did not
            for four days exceed eight. A strange langour seemed to prevail; but I hope it is going
            off. When the contents of your last dispatches are communicated confidentially to the
            Governors I think they will produce salutory consequences. The British posts will effect
            a repeal of every legal impediment to the recovery of debts. The Foreign debt will force
            on us systems of revenue which will also comprehend the Domestic debt. Things for some
            time past have been proceeding from bad to worse. I trust we have already reached the
            point of ultimate depression from which public affairs will revert in a direction
            contrary to what they have lately been in. The States seem generally impressed with
            ideas of the necessity of commercial systems. Almost all have appointed deputies to
            attend the proposed convention in Annapolis. A plan will shortly be brought into
            Congress to recommend a continental convention for the purpose of enlarging the powers
            of Congress. Our government hitherto has rather been advisory than an efficient system.
            You do me great honor by requesting a continuance of my correspondence. Your letters
            have given me infinite pleasure & have established your reputation in the minds
            of every member of Congress on not only the industrious but the able Statesman. In this
            opinion no one joins more heartily than he who has the honor to subscribe himself / with
            the most exaulted / sentiments of respect & esteem / your most obedient
            & / very humble servant

              David Ramsay


Title: Mr. Grand to John Adams, 15 May 1786
From: Grand
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Paris

              15th. May 1786

          Among the Several bills which Mr.
            Barclay gave me on your Excellency, there is one for £100,—at 30 days Sight which I
            Suppose to have been drawn about the 22. 8ber & the
            negotiation where of I can not trace out, which [concerns] me, that it never took place
            (tho’ I have paid the amount to Mr. Barclay) & gives
            me a certainty that the first having been mislaid, & no Second given by Mr Barclay, it was not discharged.
          Give me leave, Sir, to apply to you, to have this matter cleared
            up, by comparing the bills which M. Barclay advised having drawn on you Since September
            last to my order, with those which have been paid, & in case you find, as I am
            pretty certain, you will, that there is one for £100,—Still unpaid, give me leave to beg
            that you would pay that Sum to Mr. Lewis Tensier for my
            account taking his receipt with my guaranty, that the first of that bill Shall not be
            presented to you for payment & if you chuse, my engagement to Send you the 2d. or 3d. of the Same, which M.
            Barclay has already promised that he would Send, & has however hitherto
            overlooked to do
          I beg your pardon Sir, for troubling you with this affair; you will
            approve of my desire to See it Settled after having been So long depending.
          I am with the greatest Regard / Sir / Your most Obedient &
            most / humble Servant

              Grand


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 16 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              May 16. 1786

          Last night I was honoured with your Letter of April. 7th. and am happy to find that Twelve States, have granted to
            Congress the Impost. New York I am persuaded will not long withhold her Assent, because,
            that in Addition to all the other Arguments in favour of the measure, She will have to
            consider that all the Blame of Consequences must now rest upon her, and she would find
            this alone, a greater Burthen that the Impost.—This Measure alone, as soon as it is
            compleated will have a great Effect, and instantly raise the United States in the
            Consideration of Europe, and especially of England. Its beneficial Effects will be soon
            felt in America, by producing a Circulation of that Property, the long
            Stagnation of which, has been a principal Cause of the Distress of the Community. The
            States jointly and Severally, would find immediate Benefits from Establishing Taxes to
            pay the whole Interest of their Debts, those of the Confederation as well as those of
            particular States.—The Interest of Money would instantly be lowered, and
              Capitals be employed in Manufactures & Commerce that are now at
            Usury. It is no Paradox to Say, that every Man would find himself the richer, the more
            Taxes he pays, untill and this Rule must hold good untill Every
              Creditor, the Taxes shall amount to a sum sufficient to discharge the Interest
            due to every Creditor, in the Community.
          The Power to regulate the Commerce of the whole, will not probably
            be long witheld from Congress, and when that point shall be agreed to, You will begin to
            hear a Cry in England for a Treaty. Like Daniel Defoes Game Cock, among the Horses Feet,
            it will be “Pray Gentlemen dont let us tread upon one another.”—
          You have, I hope before now, Lord Carmarthens Answer of Feb. 28. to
            my Memorial of Nov. 30.—I had determined in my own Mind not “to demand a Categorical
            Answer, without the further Orders of Congress,” and it is a great Satisfaction to find
            your opinion coincide. It is now with Congress to deliberate what Answer, they should
            make to his Lordship and for my own Part I dont see what Answer they can give untill
            they know the sense of Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and South Carolina.
          With the highest Regard I have the Honour to be / Sir your most
            obedient humble servant

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 16 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              My dear Friend

              Grosvenor Square

               May 16. 1786.

          Mr Smith, a Son of the Lady you Saw
            here, who is a Sister of our old Acquaintances the Rutledges, will deliver you this
            Letter. He goes to reside Sometime in France. Mr Jay, in a
            Letter of the 7. of April, writes me “We are well, ’tho not officially informed, that
            all the States have granted the Impost to Congress, except New York, in whose
            Legislature there is a Strong Party, against it.” and this is all his Letter
            contains.
          New York, I think must Soon come in, if not, all the Blame of
            Consequences must rest upon her, and She will find the Burthen of it, heavier than the
            Impost.
          I need not ask your Civilities to our young Countryman, who takes
            this from / my dear sir your Friend & sert.

              John Adams.


Title: Thomas Watwood to John Adams, 18 May 1786
From: Watwood, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              May it Please Your Excelency

              Bloomsbury

              May 18th. 1786

          Some unfortunate conections by Which I have been brought from A
            State of Effluance to that of Indegance nescescated Me to apply My Self to Mr. Lawrence at his lodgings at Mr:
            Stackdals in Picadilly 3 Years Ago begging Only his humain Aid in Ordering Me a Passage
            to My Native City of N: York & was Orderd to Wait on him Next Morning which
            being Sunday Persuaded My Self I had Mistaken My Orders: did not call till Monday when I
            to My great Misfortune was Informd he was gone for France that Morning—Still labouring
            under Some dificulty & Wishing to See that Country in which I drew My first
            Breath and being convinced of the goodness of Your Excelencys heart towards those in
            distress Most humbly beg to Inform Your Excelency I Am so fair from becoming A burthin
            to that Country that I flatter My Self I can render it Many Services—as being well
            Acquainted with the Manufactoring of Many Articles of Smiths & Ironmongery as
            well as Every Branch of Gun Making and can Make it Apear I can Execute as good a Peice
            [of] Workmanship in the above Business,s as Perhaps Most Men in this Country &
            having So Much the Intrest of My Country at hart if your Excelency will Pleas to
            Condcend so far as to recomend Me So fair as that I May Only get Credit for a Passage to
            that Country Am deternind by a Perieverance in Industry to devote My Self to its
            Service
          and Shew My Self ever Gratfuly Your Excellency[s] Most Obedient
            Hble Servt.

              Thos: Watwood


Title: John Adams to the Board of Treasury, 19 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Board of Treasury

              Gentlemen—

              London

               May 19th. 1786—

          Yesterday I received the Letter, you did me the honor to write on
            the 5th. of April, and to day, your Letter to Messrs. Willinks & Co.
            inclosing a Bill of exchange was forwarded by Post—As Mr.
            Barclay and Mr. Lamb are sett out upon their travels, and We
            Know that the former is arrived at Algiers, and the Latter has passed Madrid on his Way
            to Morocco it is not in my Power to withhold the Money appropriated for that Service. I
            have already accepted Bills of theirs some of which have been paid, to a considerable
            amount, and must accept others as they are presented to me. Yet I hope there will be no
            deficiency before the month of August when the further Remittances proposed by you to be
            sent shall arive. If New York should concur, with the other twelve States in granting to
            Congress the Impost it may be expected that Remittances may be made for discharging the
            Interest and part of the principal for the Year 1787. with less difficulty. it is,
            nevertheless difficult to comprehend how we shall find the Means of discharging all the
            Demands for money, that will rise up in Europe in the Course of this and the next
            year—with great respect & Esteem I have / the honor to be Gentlemen Yours
            &c

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 19 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan

              Gentlemen—

              May 19th. 1786.

          The Letter in which this is inclosed, I received open
            yesterday—open for my Inspection—The Bill of Exchange drawn by Mr. Morris for 144.000 florins, will I hope be some relief to you Our Secretary
            of State for foreign affairs informs me on the 7th. of April
            that twelve of the States had granted the Impost
          New York only remained to come in—And it is not likely the
            Legislature of that State will take upon its’ self all the Blame, of the Consequences of
            its holding out long—I flatter myself it will not be long before American Obligations at
            Six or even five pr. Cent, will be sought for as much as
            English Stock at 3 pr. Cent at seventy or 71—
          It will be very extraordinary, if the few Obligations you have
            remaining on hand, cannot be disposed of, rather than the affairs of the United States
            should be ruined—half a dozen Americans here in London might make a purse and buy
            them—Nay I think it very likely I could sell them or new ones like them, here in London
            among the Jews. I wish not to borrow Money in England, and had rather be bound in this
            respect only in Holland, for many reasons—with / great respect I am &c

              J.A—


Title: William Carmichael to the American Commissioners, 19 May 1786
From: Carmichael, William
To: American Commissioners,Adams, John,Jefferson, Thomas

              Sir,

              Madrid,
               May 19, 1786.

          The enclosed copy of a letter, which I lately received from the
            Count D’Espilly, contains the best information that I have in my power to afford your
            Excellency, with respect to the situation of our affairs at Algiers. Mr. Lamb arrived at
            Alicant the 24th ultimo, and undoubtedly will have advised you of his proceedings after
            Mr. Randall’s departure. That gentleman is now with me, and avails himself of the
            present opportunity of laying before you all the information that he could collect. I
            expect Mr. Lamb soon at Aranjuez, to which place I go to-morrow, and hope he will
            speedily receive instructions to regulate his future conduct.
          If your Excellency, after communicating to Mr. Adams the Count
            D’Espilly’s letter, should think proper to sound the disposition of the Porte through
            the channel indicated, it will be a pleasure to me to receive your instructions and
            orders. I take the liberty of offering my services on this occasion, because I think I
            can manage the affair in such a manner as not to compromise the honor of Congress,
            should any backwardness be apparent on the part of the Ministers of the Porte.
          Mr. Barclay arrived at Cadiz on the 9th instant, and I suppose may
            now be in Morocco.
          I have a letter from the Spanish Chargé d’Affaires, dated New York,
            the 13th of March, but no official intelligence. I am sorry to find that no more than
            seven States have been represented for several months past.
          I drew on Messieurs Grand, lately, two bills, of which I hope you
            will direct the payment. It will appear by my accounts with the United States, that I
            take no liberties which I am not justifiable in doing.
          The Spanish negotiation with Algiers is not yet concluded. There is
            still a probability of delay; but too much has been done not to occasion a compliance
            with new pretensions. It is equally probable that the Courts of Naples and Portugal may
            not, for some time, at least, effect their pacification.
          I have the honor to be, &c.,

              WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.


Title: John Lamb to the American Peace Commissioners, 20 May 1786
From: Lamb, John
To: American Peace Commissioners,Adams, John,Jefferson, Thomas

              Madrid

              may 20th. 1786

          After many little Disapointments, I arivd at Algiers the 25th March and within the term of
            three or four Days I found that the whole amt. of the money
            in my hand belonging to the publick would not purchas the people who are the
            unfortunates in consequence of which I dispatchd. Mr. Randall so that your Excellencyes might have the earlyest
            notice of our matters in that Quarter: in a short letter to your Excellencys I stated
            our matters accordingly mr. Randall saild the 29th. or 30 march. with my desire to him to proceed
            with all posible Dispatch,to give the earlyest notis that was in my power, but
              when I came here I found Mr. Randall was in
            Aranjuez I recd. a line from him at nine next
            evening in consequence of which I wrote him, and Desired him to Proceed. he answerd. my letter, the three letters I here in inclose so that your
            Excellency’s will naturally excuse me for the Detention.
          [margin note]Mr. Randall is the bearer of this therefore I
            have not inclosd. his letters it seemes he has been unwell
            [/margin]
          On the 3d. Day of april was admitted to
            an Audience with the Day. but he would not speek of Peace, set the Slaves a most
            Exorbitent price, far beyond my limittes. The Seventh I had a second intervuw, but still
            he was of the same mind. a bout the Seventeenth, I had the thurd and last, intervuw. He
            fell sumthing of his first Price, and I here inclos the Last Price, which is inormous.
            as Your Excellencys will see, my next vews were to have an acquaintance with their
            principle minister with one of their principal men whih I soon brought to
            pass by sum presents to this Ministers confident and he was our
            interprater he told me it was his greatis Desire that our peace might be made with their
            Regency and that for his part he would use his utmost indeavours for the purpose. but
            until the affaires of Spain were settled, could be little done on our matter. And
            further told me not to mind the little Putoffs by the Day nor the enormous
            pric askd. for our slave. that the pric that was set on our
            people was ondly to Put a more modist face on the pric that they intend to
            make the Spaneard pay for their People, and advisdd. me to
            go to Spain and wate untill they had Done with Spain, and that I might rest assured that
            he would at all opertunitys write to me. I begd.
            him to write to Mr Carmichael. he Did. I begd. him to give
            me a free pass to come to Algiers and to go when I pleasd.
            he likewise Did, but told me that if the letter was exposd that he had wrote
              Mr. carmichael, he should lose his life, and when I
            returnd that I might expect the same. I had several intervus with this minister and the
            above is the purport and substanc, Excepting that they had an intire rite to make peace
            or war without the Voyce of the Grand Segnor, and that they were under no controls by
            the Ottoman port. he told me that it would not be long after my arival in Spain before
            he should let me know what steps it would be best to take, and when for me to return if
            I was orderd back. and as I found it was of no consequence to Tarry longer their untill
            I had further Orders took his advise, and Returnd, their is no Doubt but I shall here
            from him soon: after wating in Spain a long time for the influence of that court, was
              obligd. to leve madrid without my wishes on
            that for I got no letter alltho Mr Carmichael took the
            utmost pains. about four or five Dayes before I left Algiers I recd. Two letters from Mr Carmichael inclosd. in one of those was an open letter from the court of Spain
            In faivour of our mission to the That Regency and Directed to Count De’Expilly. but
            Previous to the reception of the letter he Told me if shuch a Letter came to
            him he could not make any use of it neither Did he. the reasons he best knows. but this
            is sure that he cares verry little about our peace in that Quarter: the letter I
              carryd. from france was of no consequence. if your
            Excellency could procure a letter from the court of France and Directed it to the Day
            with their Desires to him for a Peace with the United States of America it would give
            Greate wate but such a letter I Dare say would be heard to be procured: the treatement I
              recd. from the french consel was Polite indeed he paid me
            Greate atention. mr. Logie Likewise recd me as an oald friend: and Declared to me that he had no
            orders to counter act my mission. from his court, which I am Sure of so I left the
            Packett in the hands of Count De’Expilly who hath imployd. her for Spain untill I call for her and have the
            Counts receit for the vessele: Thought Proper to leave my owne stores which I carryd. over, in Algiers and left them with Mr. Woulf whome is a
            verry honest Good Gentleman, and I believe a friend to our Cause in that
            Quarter. And by the desire of Count De’Expilly have left
            the care of our unfortunate People Likewise in his hands, Together with Four hundred
            Dollars to Pay their Past Expince, and buy them such things as will make them
            comfortable which money I am sure will be frugally Expended. I shall wate
            your Excellencys further orders at Alicant. hopeing that my conduct may be aprovd. of And am with Due Respect /Your Excellencys Most /
            Obedient Humbl / Servt.

               John Lamb

          NB The Plague is within the limites of the Regency of Algiers. in
            consequence of which it will make Verrey Long Quarantines in Spain. the vessel
              that I have bought for the
            conveniancy of our bussiness I believe will be order’d to me here to Proforme
            Quarantine. To purchase this vessel was unavoydable as I could not get to Algiers well
            without
          I here Give your Excellencys an acct.
            of the Prices of our unfortunate people and it as followes Viz
          3 capts a 6-M Dollars Each Pr. head
            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18000
          2 mates a 4 M Ditto Each Pr. head .
            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8000
          2 Passengers 4 M Ditto Each Pr.
            head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8000
          14 Saylors a 1400 Ditto Each Pr.
            head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19600
          Numbr21 amounts To The enormous sum of . . . . . . . . . .
            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53600
          Eleven Pr. cent to be added according to custom—5896
          is Spanish milled Dollrs.—59496
          So that your Excelencys sees how far beyond your Expectations the
            sum amts: which renders me incapable of acting untill
            further orders. the price the Spaniards are Giving for their people is little short of
            what is chargd. us and they have Eleven hundred men
            & Sum upwards in Algiers it will cost Spain more than one million and one half
            of Dollars for their slaves ondly, the Peacse of Spain and their Slaves will amt to more than three millions of Dollars. I have ondley to add
            that their Cruzers will in all Probability be at Sea by the Tenth of June. at farthest.
            I am of Opinion that if we follow our Pretensions for Peace this summer that they will
            hear Proposals, but not at the price we Expected, nor by the open way we first went to
            work. if France will Give nothing but Seal’d letter, we had better have none:
            to fight those People the first year will cost us more than half a million Pounds
            Sterling. I have by Experience of a long Dait a Perfect knowledg of the cost of armd. Vessels and at the Distance we are from those people and
            foreign Ports to make use of. It will be a heavy Tax on us, and without the least
            Prospect of Gain. I hope I shall be Excusd. in speaking my
            minde so freely, it is out of Zealus Desires for the Good of the Country I belong To.
            and it is my Opinion that for a less Sum than the first year would cost us to fight, we
            can make Peace, and if we intend it at all now is the ondley time to Persue, as the way
            is Seemingly open for a Tryal. I hope there is no more of our People will be so unhappy
            as to fall into those peoples hands this summer. and in that Case, in a
            measure it will discourage them of their Expectations: Spain is our Sure
            friend in our Peace with Algiers: but they have not finishd.
            their Peace at Presant. we shall have their assistance at the conclusion of their peace
            with Due Respect As above.

              J. Lamb

            I have no Objections of there being a Tryal made at
                Constantinople but it will be of no Consequence as to Peace with Algiers.
              as the Count mentions in this letter, his Vews are to have Mr. Woulf appointed in our peace with Algiers and Mr. Woulf is a verey Good man. but it is well to take time before large power
              is Given Strangers. The Count keept me as much in the Dark as he could, on all acct: my advise is if we should arme against those
              people to unite our selves with those Nations that are not at Peace with Algiers, and
              that will lessen our Expence much on the Ocation.


Title: John Adams to P. Hodinpyl, 21 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Hodinpyl, P.

              Sir—

              May 21. 1786.

          I wish it were in my power to send you a Mediterranean pass, as you
            desire, but it is not. My Compliments to Mr. Green and your
            good family, if you please—with great esteem / I am &c &c

              J. A


Title: John Adams to John van Heukelom & Son, 21 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Van Heukelom, John

              Gentlemen—

              May 21st. 1786

          In Answer to your Letter, I can only say that Mr. Barclay is gone from France upon the public Service of his
            Country and I suppose will return in a few months, so that his absence will not be of
            any detriment to you, as I immagine—with much esteem I am &c

              J A—


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 21 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan

              Gentlemen—

              May 21st. 1786.

          I am really very much obliged to you for your civil and friendly
            Letter of the 16. of this Month. and I believe I did put too Strong an interpretation on
            the Expressions of your former Letter—By the last post I sent you a Letter from the
            Board of Treasury, with a Bill of Exchange for 144.000 florins which I hope you have
            received—I am with great esteem Gentlemen / &c &c

              J. A—


Title: Thomas Barclay to the American Peace Commissioners, 23 May 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: American Peace Commissioners,Adams, John,Jefferson, Thomas

              Gentl

              Cadiz

              23d. May 1786—

          I hope to have the Pleasure of soon hearing from you, and of being
            informed whether you have a my Commands for me farther than Morocco. I have long been
            anxious to see the Trade of our Country to these Parts, put on a safe and respectable
            footing, as I am well acquainted with the Importance of the Object, and if I can, while
            I am in the Neighbourhood of Africa, in the smallest Degree contribute towards the doing
            it, no care or Attention on my Part shall be wanting. If my going to Constantinople will
            be thought by you useful, you have only to command me and I offer you my Services there
            or anywhere else without Limitations. As soon as I have executed the business in which I
            am engaged, I intend to return to America for a few Months having already procured
            Permission from Congress to go there to settle some of my Affairs that require my
            Presence. I send you herewith an Extract of a Letter written from Morocco to the Consul
            of the Emperor of Germany at this Place from whom I received it, but it is the only
            Intelligence here of the Emperor of Morocco having made such a Declaration, and probably
            is no more than a sudden Gust of Passion which has blown over with the Circumstance that
            occasion’d it. It is however certain that the British are not at present a favor’d
            People in Morocco, and that a Letter from his Catholic Majesty is likely to have greater
            Weight in that Country than one from any other Potentate on Earth.
          I have had some Conversation with the Marquis de Vialli who is well
            known to the Emperor of Morocco, and who says he has frequently talked with him on the
            Subject of America. His Opinion is that the Emperor will demand a Tribute of 18,000
            Dollars p. Annum. This Gentleman to whom I was made known by General O Reily the late
            Governor of Andalugia and Cadiz has given me a good deal of useful Information and
            Advice, but to what Purposes I shall be able to apply either remains to be tried. Indeed
            I much fear the Emperor’s Ideas will exceed those of my Constituents. rmmediately on my
            Arrival here I wrote to him that I would embark for Magadore as soon as possible which I
            did to cut short any Delays that might occur there by waiting-for his Permission to go
            to Morocco where he is at present, and I expect by the Time I get to Magadore, orders:
            will be lodged for my getting forward.
          I beg you will believe me Gentlemen, &c.(signed)

              Thos. Barclay

   (Copy W. Short Secy)


Title: Robert Pierepont to John Adams, 24 May 1786
From: Pierepont, Robert
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Paris.

               24 May. 1786.

          Alth’o I have not the honor of being known to your Excellency, yet
            I am not ignorant of the connection which subsisted between you & my Father, At
            that period I was but a Child; but th’o a Child I was taught to venerate & to
            respect your Excellency’s character, by the manner in which my Father ever mentioned
            you. A Character which will be dear to every American as long as time endures.!
          Pardon me, Sir, for presuming so far upon your acquaintance with
            our family as to address your Excellency in this manner, and condescend to indulge me
            with your permission to represent to your Excellency my present situation.
          I left America sixteen months since for the recovery of my Health,
            which was at that time in a desperate State; the places of my destination where Lisbon
            & St Petersbourg to which places I was honored with
            letters of recommendation by His Excellency Governor Hancock, Mr. Thos. Russell, & other respectable
            Gentlemen of Boston. After being two months at Lisbon I continued my Voyage to St Petersburg, and on my arrival there I had the honor to be
            presented to her Grace the Dutchess of Kingston, who was pleased to take great notice of
            me, and learning that my intention was, to return to Lisbon, gave me an invitation to
            accompany her in her tour to France which I accordingly accepted, at the same time Her
            Grace made me an offer of returning to America in her Ship, upon our arrival at Calais.
            But learning that no Vessells where permitted to enter the Ports of the United States
            with English Colours, She Altered the Voyage and invited me to continue with her, near
            ten months have elapsed since I have been under her Graces protection, and she has ever
            been as a Mother to me. My attachment to her is so great, that notwithstanding the duty
            I owe my aged Parent may require my return to America, yet I have not relosution enough
            to leave her. She will in a short time set out on her return to Russia, and as her
            intention seems to be to take me with her I am at a loss how to act. I have
            wrote my father upon the Subject but the period of Her Graces departure will not admit
            of my receiving an answer in time. I am too young to decide for myself. Suffer me then
            to supplicate your Excellencys advice how to act; in which your Excellency will confer
            an obligation upon me, for which I shall always retain a most gratefull remembrance. I
            have had the honor to pay my respects to Mr. Jefferson since
            his return from England, and he has since done me the honor of an invitation to dine
            with him; As I had not the least Idea of being in France when I left America, I have not
            the advantage of letters to the Minister or any other Person here. I have however had
            the happiness of meeting with the Marquis La Fayette & several other French
            gentlemen with whom I had the honor to be acquainted in America. and have besides been
            introduced to several respectable characters who are honored with your Excellencys
            acquaintan[ce.] I hope your Excellency, as well as Mrs:
            Adams & your amiable daughter are in the enjoyment of perfect Health; Will your
            Excellency permit me to make my respectful compliments to them, and at the same time to
            assure your Excellency of the profound respect with Which I have the honor to be your
              Excys Obedient Sert.

              Rt Pierepont


Title: John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 24 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, Mercy Otis

              Madam

              London
              May 24. 1786

          I this day received your Favour of April 8th. and Sincerely condole with you under the Loss of your amiable son. These
            Afflictions are the Lot of Humanity and so little of the System of which We are a Part
            is Submitted to our View, that as We never can discover the Reasons of them,
            they are left only to our Reflections and Submission.
          My Situation, would be eligible, to the Heights of my Wishes, if I Saw a Disposition in this Country
            friendly to mine, or even friendly to their own true Interests. but the Fact is far
            otherwise.
          To See, as I do the affairs of my Country every where labouring
            under Embarrassments,; to know that Thousands are looking up to me, for relief, from
            their distresses, and to have no Power to do the least Thing for their Assistance, is
            painfull, beyond all Expression. You Speak of Honours, Madam. But what Honours have been
            decreed to me? Do you Suppose I am honoured in this Country.?
          The Reffugees indeed, honour me, now and then as you see in the
            Newspapers. You Speak of Affluence too. If I were my own Master and could Spend what is
            allowed me as I Should choose, I should live in Affluence indeed, but when you consider
            that I have a Rank to support here that I hold in Trust for others, and that this rank
            cannot be let down, without betraying that Trust, you may depend upon it, I am driven to
            my Wits Ends for means.
          I know of no change at Braintree or Weymouth in their political
            Friendships, but one Thing I know, that a good Profession, or even trade is better for
            the Individual than all Politick.— —Our Country will do like all others—play their
            Affairs into the Hands of a few Cunning Fellows, and leave their faithfull Servants to
            close their long Glories with a sigh to find Th’ unwilling Gratitude of base Mankind.
            Yet I dont wholly approve this sentiment. Human Nature is not ungratefull. But while
            many rate their Merits higher than the Truth, it is almost impossible that the
              publick Mind Should be exactly
            informed, to whom they are really obliged. Real services are never held out to View. The
            Modesty of the Individual, the Jealousy of Rivals, or the publick Interest require that
            they should be concealed. do you wonder then that ostensible Pageants should be adored,
            while those who moved the Springs are neglected.—I expect my turn and am prepared for
            it, in my own mind. My Family and Circumstances are not prepared for it by any means.
            Yet they must come to it. I always foresaw it and shall meet it firmly.—at least I
            believe so. I wish my Friend Warren in public Life, because I know he would be usefull
            there. But his numerous Refusals I am informed, are made Use of, against him, and I
            really fear will prevail. I expect to be myself in private Life, very soon, and in his
            Neighbourhood, and I dont despair of going even sometimes to Plymouth Inferior Court, to
            get my bread and my Boys through the Colledge. The young Rogues shall not be
            dissappointed of their Education, if I am obliged to draw Justices Writs to obtain it. I
            am obliged in Europe to Spend immense sums in Support of dignity, but He be hanged, if I
            trouble my head about it, in private Life in America.
          With Sincere Esteem, I have the Honour / to be Madam your Friend
            and / humble servant

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to Samuel Partridge, 25 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Partridge, Samuel

              Sir

              May 25th. 1786.

          I yesterday received yours of the 6th.
            of April & have scarcely time to advise you, before the sailing of Capt. Bigelow that I have received from Congress the papers
            relative to the Goods taken by order of General Howe—I feel for you & your
            fellow sufferers whose case is as hard and unjust as can well be conceived: but as my
            orders are discretionary as to the time of applying I am much embarrassed—I am not to
            apply without a prospect of success: Now so far from having any prospect of success, I
            am certain of having none, in short I was never in my Life in a situation so
            discouraging as at present, Knowing that many thousands of my friends & fellow
            Citizens are looking to me for relief from distresses of various Kinds and at the same
            time seeing & feeling that I have it not in my power, to afford them the
            least—whatever may be practicable, with my feeble powers forces, you may
            depend upon shall be done!
          but it would be cruel to deceive you with false hopes and I assure
            you I have myself no real ones—My Countrymen have not yet any adequate Idea, how
            general, how universal an unfavourable disposition towards them, is in this Kingdom—I
            am

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 26 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Dalton, Tristram

              Dear Sir

              May 26. 1786—

          Your favour of Jan: 23. like all your other Letters, contains
            valuable information & Judicious reflections—
          The time is now come, when the affairs of the United states must
            take a turn for the better or become much worse—The Impost I presume is granted to
            Congress by this time. I only wish it were 20 pr. Cent
            instead of 5—indeed if 40. were necessary, to pay the Compleat interest of the national
            Debt & a portion of the Capital Annually, I would give my Voice for carrying it
            on—The great error & misfortune of our Country, is exessive Importation from
            Abroad, and nothing will ever correct it, but Prohibitions or Duties yhe Latter should
            be adopted while we have a debt to pay, and the former when it shall be all paid, large
            Imposts upon Importations, would immediately increase the Industry of the people
            & produce a Circulation among themselves, which would change the face of all
            things—Is it not a shame that Iron, steel, anchors, Nails should be imported into the
            United States, nay hemp & Duck & Cordage should be prohibited, but from
            other states, The United states could form a Commerce with each other that would soon
            render the trade of Europe unnecessary,—The Gentlemen in England are universally turning
            their Thoughts to schemes for rendering themselves independant of the U.S in all
            things—nothing is more probable popular than any project for making any
            article from America—Rice, Indigo. Corn, ships, oil &c unnecessary—and if we do
            not turn the tables upon them, we shall soon be more dependent on them than ever we
            were, I don’t mean in Government—for I am sure they would not now accept of the
            Government of the U. states if we should offer it unwise as they are they are not now
            such fools, knowing as they do that we could throw them off again whenever we
            pleased
          The Disposition in this Country towards us is
              uncertainiversally hostile, at least as much as it is to france,
            and I think more it would be very easy to produce a War between the two Countries, low
            as their Revenues and spirits are—But every Man of Honour & Humanity would
            endeavour, by all fair means to avoid such an Extremity—it is not however to avoid a
            War, but to preserve our own public faith and private Justice, to improve our own
            Commerce and a general Credit, & Circulation, that I wish all the Laws repealed
            which now subsist against the tories, and the recovery of British Debts contrary to the
            Treaty—never was a more impolitick thing done than these Laws. I wish I could say it if
            not dishonest—if these laws were repealed all America would feel the benifit of it—The
            Debtors themselves would be better off. Their Creditors in Europe would immediately be
            contriving schemes & employing Capital, to enable their Debtors to pay them
            & to live—The Corn trade would revive & even oil stand a Chance to be
            admitted as well as the west India Islands opened, at least these are my opinions—at
            present there is no circulation, the Property of the Country is in Chains, and every
            American House both in England & the U.S. is looked upon with Pity, Detestation
            or Horror—Every Man in England who is known to be much connected in American trade,
            whether American or Englishman—whether there or here finds all Warehouses shut against
            him—The Gamblers at Brookiss & the Gentry on the high Way are not more
            avoided—
          I have let my pen run with freedom but Sincerity—I know the
            Unpopularity of the subject, and expect a Clamour—but while I think the honour, Justice,
            wealth Grandeur, & Glory of my Country all concerned, I will not dread unmeaning
            noise or malicious Envy— Yours.

              J A


Title: John Adams to Charles Storer, 26 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Storer, Charles

              Dear Sir.

              London

               May 26. 1786—

          Dr. Gordon called this morning and
            delivered me yours of the 7th. of April in a Bundle of News
            Papers, thank you for both—you might wish for public spirit to prevail without requiring
            it to be enthusiastic, I wonder where it was that enthusiasm
            appeared in the course of the last War,? it was amongst Tories & Refugees,
            & British fleets & Armies if anywhere
          If the inhabitants of the U.S. had been animated only with equal
            enthusiasm, they would have ended the War in two years, A very moderate public spirit
            carried us thro the war and would be quite sufficient to rectify what is amiss now, and
            I may add is now at work upon the Business—don’t think too highly of what was when you
            was not, so much in the world, nor too lowly of what you see now in it
          The U.S. are proceeding in a regular Course towards a Completion of
            their systems & it will be the better finished for not being in a hurry—you have
            good reason for your firm hopes that all will yet be well—But let me say to you freely
            that things can never go well while the People Act an inconsistent part—The people must
            understand one another which can never be but upon principles of justice and good
            faith—they must Keep their faith sacred, not only with france and Holland, not only with
            their Creditors abroad and at home, but even with Great Britain—they must repeal every
            law against the treaty of Peace, establish funds for paying the interest of their public
            Debt and when this is done you will have the posts surrendered, the Negroes pay’d for,
            means will easily be obtained to procure peace with the Turks, and you will have
            Marketts enough for all the produce of the states, and you will be courted by all the
            Politicians & Merchants in Europe
          Voila un Beau tableau—
          I shall be as useless as an old Almanack untill such a system is
            adopted by the states—no arguments will induce this Country to do any thing till
            then—but as soon as they see Congress have Power and will to encourage Manufactures
            & restrain Commerce, they will either seek, our Connections, or we shall be both
            without them—
          yours

              J. A—


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 26 May 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Cadiz

               26 May 1786

          In half an Hour I shall Embark on Board a Ragusian Vessel bound to
            Megadore, and Refer you to what I wrote to you and Mr.
            Jefferson a few days ago from this place, where I have been obliged to make a purchase
            of Tea, Sugar and Linen in addition to the presents, and of this date have valued on you
            in favor of Mess. Symn & Bellew for three Hundred Pounds Sterg. which please to
            place to Account of the United States—I am under a necessity of of taking Money with
            Me.
          I am Dear Sir / Your Very obed.

              Thos Barclay


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 28 May 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               May 28. 1786

          An Agent from South America, was not long Since arrested, at Rouen
            in France, and has not Since been heard of.—another Agent, who was his associate, as I
            have been told is here, and has applied to Government, for Aid. Government, not in a
            condition to go to War with Spain declines having any Thing to do with the Business. but
            if Application Should be made to rich Individuals, and profitable Prices offered, for
            twenty or thirty Thousand stands of Arms, a Number of Field Pieces, a few battering
            Cannon, Some Mortars, a good deal of Ammunition Cloathing &c. do you think that
            in this Capital of Mammon they might not be obtained?— — —I might mention Names and
            Facts, which have been communicated to me. but my Information is not official, nor
            authentic enough for this. It is Sufficient to Say that an
            the Office, like that once undertaken by Mr Beaumarchais, would not probably be refused by all Men here.
          You are probably better informed, than I can pretend to be of the
            Disturbances which took Place in the Spanish Provinces of South America, during the late
            War: of the Pacification of them; and of the Complaints and Discontents which now
            prevail. it is a fixed opinion in many minds here, that a Revolution in South America,
            would be agreable to the United States, and it is depended on that We shall do nothing
            to prevent it, if We do not exert ourselves to promote it. I Shall decline entering far
            into this Speculation, which is out of my depth.—but I must venture to Say, that
            Portugal is bound by a Treaty of 1778 to assist Spain in Such a Case. France must assist
            her, from the Family Compact, and for a Still more weighty Reason, vizt to prevent
            England from getting too rich & powerfull by it. and Holland is now bound by
            Treaty to France & perhaps to Spain.— — —We Should be very cautious, what We do.
            for England will certainly reap the greatest Advantage, as she will Supply with her
            Manufactures, all South America, which will give her a Sudden Wealth and Power, that
            will be very dangerous to Us.
          That British Ambassadors will very soon endeavour, to excite the
            two Empires, & Denmark, to an Alliance, for the Purpose of Setting the Spanish
            and Portuguese Colonies free, is very probable. as an Inducement they may agree to
            assist in opening the Danube and the Navigation by the Dardanells. The Object of the
            next War, I think will be the Liberty of Commerce in South America, & the East
            Indies. We Shall be puzzled to keep out of it. but I think We ought if We can. England
            would gain the most, by Such a Turn in affairs, by the Advantages she has over other
            nations in the improvements of her Manufactures Commerce and Marine, and England
            unfortunately We cannot trust.
          Such Speculations as these are not new. a Pamphlet was written in
            1783, under the Title of La Crise de L’Europe, by a learned British Knight, and
            circulated upon the Continent. as I cannot Send you the whole, you may possess yourself
            of the Spirit of it, by a few Extracts.
          [French missing]
          Such are the Secret Thoughts of many in this Country but not a Word
            or hint Escapes in Conversation. They are Sent to you because, they afford a Clue, for
            the whole political Conduct of G. Britain in future. and for the present too, for it is
            impossible Otherwise to account for the Inattention of this Country to the Commerce and
            Friendship of the United states of America. They are keeping up their Navy, and
            Sacrificing every Thing to Seamen, in order to be able to Strike a sudden and awful Blow
            to the House of Bourbon, by setting south America free, and they rely upon it the United
            states will not oppose them.
          With great and Sincere Esteem, I have the Honour to be / Sir your most obedient and most /
            humble servant

              John Adams.


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 30 May 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

               May 30. 1786

          In my letter of this day I omitted to inform you that according to
            what we had proposed I have had a long consultation with the Count de Vergennes on the
            expediency of a Diplomatic mission to Constantinople. his information is that it will
            cost a great deal of money, as great presents are expected at that court & a
            great many claim them: and his opinion is that we shall not buy a peace one penny the
            cheaper at Algiers. he says that those people do indeed acknowlege a kind of vassalage
            to the Porte & avai1 themselves of it when there is any thing to be claimed; but
            regard it not at all when it subjects them to a duty. that money & fear are the
            two only agents at Algiers. he cited the example of Spain which tho under treaty with
            the Porte is yet obliged to buy a peace at Algiers at a most enormous price. this is the
            sum of his information. the Baron de Tott is gone to Flanders for the summer. I am with
            sincere respect & esteem Dr Sir / Your friend
            & sert

              Th: Jefferson


Title: John Adams to the Comte D’Adhémer, Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: D’Adhémer, Comte

              Sir

              Grosvenor square

              June 3d. 1786

          I do myself the honor to inclose to Your Excellency an Extract of a
            Letter, I received yesterday, from His Excellency James Bowdoin Governor of
            Massachusetts, together with the Document under the seal of the State, therein referred
            to—
          As the ransoming Captain is an English Man, he no doubt applauds
            himself for the address with which he persuaded a simple American to go as an Hostage
            upon Promises, which, as he never has given himself any concern about he probably never
            intended to fulfill—at present as Gross can have no remedy, against him—he has no
            Compassion for Gross & would probably, with great indifference suffer him to
            pass all his Days in Prison, & as the Relations of the Hostage, are poor and
            unable to pay the ransom, he must remain in Prison till he perishes, unless the
            Government, or the Persons interested, will consent to his Liberation.
          I beg leave to intercede with your Excellency in behalf of my
            unfortunate Countryman, that his Case may be transmitted to your Court, to the End that
            he may be sett at Liberty, either by the humanity of the persons interested, or by the
            authority of Government upon whom the expence of his Maintenance in prison for Life will
            otherwise fall—
          Yours

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to James Bowdoin, 2 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Bowdoin, James

              Sir.

              London

               June 2. 1786

          Dr. Gordon, Yesterday called upon me,
            with the Letter which your Excellency did me, the Honour to write me, on the 10th. of April I have long since transmitted to Congress, the
            Answer of the Board of Admiralty to the Representations relative to the Conduct of
              Capt. Stanhope, in which the Letters of that officers are
            disapproved,
          The Representations of the Encroachments on the territory of the
            United States, have been laid before the British Ministry: but I presume, they will,
            like many others be little attended to—in short Sir, I must be so free as to say to you,
            that by every thing I have seen & heard in this Country, nothing of any material
            Consequence will ever be done, while there remains in force, a Law of any one State
            impeding the recovery of bona fide Debts contracted before the 30th. of Novr. 1782 or inconsistant with the Article
            of the Treaty of Peace respecting the tories—
          It is very true that Mitchels Map, governd the American &
            British Plenipotintiaries, in settling the Line between the two Nations. There is upon
            that Map but one River, which is marked with the Name of St.
            Croix, and that was the object undoubtedly fixed upon.
          There is no river upon that Map that I remember marked with the
            name of schooduck or Megacadava Next to the great river St.
            Johns, proceeding westward upon that Map, is a little River inscribed Mechior R. Next to
            that is another stream running between the Words Carriage Harbour, next to that we come
            to a larger River, running from Kousaki L. into the Bay of Passimaquaddi and inscribed
            with the name of R. St. Croix next to that still proceeding
            Westward is Passamaquade R. But that inscribed R. St. Croix
            running from the sea, or what I call Passamaquaddi Bay, up to the Kousaki L. was marked
            with the Pencil for the Boundary—It is impossible for me to say more—if the true St
            Croix cannot be discovered by these marks, there is no remedy, but by an Ulterior
            Agreement, or the Law of the Strongest—It is astonishing that to this hour, no Man can
            produce a Map of all the Bay’s Harbours, Islands, & Rivers in that
            neighbourhood, that can be depended on, If the Ministry will meet me, in a fair
            discussion of the Question, or in any of the Methods pointed out to me by my superiors
            for a Settlement, I shall be glad, they have it under Consideration, & as soon
            as they give me an answer, I shall transmit it to Congress—but as they dont love pains
            & trouble as well as you & I do, I fear they will leave it all to sir
            Guy Carleton, who is no more of a friend to the United states, than any other British
            Knight and will be guided by the Royalists more than by Maps or Surveys. Why any of my
            Countrymen should choose to give to these Royalists so much Importance as they do, I
            Know not, we should recollect that all Parties in this Country are pledged to support
            them, & Party faith is a stronger tye than national Faith—
          The paper relative to Alexr. Gross of
            Truro, I must transmit to Mr. Jefferson, it being in his
            Department. I may nevertheless, previously communicate it to the Comte De.Adhemar, & request his friendly offices in the
            Matter.
          Your

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to Robert Pierepont, 4 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Pierepont, Robert

              Sir—

              London

              June 4th. 1786—

          I am honoured with your Letter of the 24. May & from a
            regard to your father as well as yourself, I should be glad to give you my advice, or
            render you any service in my power that might be usefull to you, but from your Letter I
            perceive your attachment to the Dutchess of Kingston, is so strong that you will be
            likely to be of her Grace’s Party let my advice be what it may—The Duty you owe to an
            aged & worthy father, ought no doubt to be very seriously considered by You
          Perhaps you might persuade her Grace to go to Boston instead of
            Petersbourg, which would remove all your Difficulties—The Objection to this, that “The
            English flagg is not permitted to enter the harbour of Boston” is without
            foundation—English ships enter freely into all the ports in America, although it is true
            they are not permitted to export certain Articles from Boston—But this I presume will be
            no inconvenience to the Dutchess of Kingston, or her ship, The Dutchess would find our
            Country as curious & interesting as any she has seen
          But if such a Project is impracticable, it is not in my power to
            advise you, because I am not acquainted with the views & expectations you may
            have in continuing in the family of the Dutchess—
          These may be such as might justify you to your father, They must
            nevertheless be very advantageous to excuse you, for leaving so respectable and
            venerable a Parent, at an age when all the Consolations his family can give him, may be
            necessary to his Comfortable existence, I wish you a pleasant Voyage whether it be to
            Boston or to Petersburg—

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 6 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              June 6. 1786

          I do myself the Honour ro enclose Papers, relative to affrican
            Affairs, altho Mr Jefferson has transmitted them before, as
            it is possible his Conveyance may fail.
          The Intelligence all tends to confirm what has been more than once
            written to you before, that two or three hundred Thousand Pounds Sterling, will be
            necessary to obtain a perpetual Peace. . It is very clear, that a Peace would
            be worth more than that Sum annually, if you compute Insurance, and the Levant,
            Mediterranean, Portuguese & Spanish Trade.
          If Congress should be empowered to lay on Taxes upon Navigation and
            Commerce or any Thing else to pay the Interest of the Money borrowed in Europe You may
            borrow what you will.—if that is not done, The servants abroad had better be all
            recalled, and our Exports and Imports all Surrendered to foreign bottoms.
          Inclosed is a Bill now pending. The System of this Country is quite
            settled.—It is with our States to unsettle it, by Acts of Retaliation, or to acquiesce
            in it, as they judge for their own Good.
          With great Regard, I have the / Honour to be Sir your most obedient
            / and most humble servant

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 6 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               June 6. 1786

          Yesterday I received your Favour of 30. May with its Inclosures.
            You have Since that day no doubt received my Answer to yours of the 11th., in which I agreed perfectly with You in the Propriety of
            Sending Mr Lamb to Congress without Loss of time. I am
            content to Send Mr Randal with him but had rather he Should
            come to You first and then to me, and embark in London after We shall have had
            opportunity from his Conversation to learn as much as We can.
          The Comte de Vergennes is undoubtedly right in his Judgment that
            Avarice and Fear are the only Agents at Algiers, and that We shall not have Peace with
            them the cheaper, for having a Treaty with the Sublime Porte. But is he certain We can
            ever at any Price have Peace, with Algiers, unless We have it previously with
            Constantinople? and do not the Turks from Constantinople, Send Rovers into the
            Mediterranean? and would not even Treaties of Peace with Tunis, Tripoli, Algiers and
            Morocco be ineffectual for the Security of our Mediterranean Trade, without a Peace with
            the Porte.? The Porte is at present the Theater of the Politicks of Europe? and
            commercial Information might be obtained there.
          The first Question is, what will it cost Us to make Peace with all
            five of them? Set it if you will at five hundred Thousand Pounds Sterling, tho I doubt
            not it might [be] done for Three or perhaps for two.
          The Second Question is, what Damage Shall We Suffer, if We do not
            treat.
          compute Six or Eight Per Cent Insurance upon all your
            Exports, and Imports. compute the total Loss of all the Mediterranean and Levant Trade
          compute the Loss of half Your Trade to Portugal and Spain.
          These computations will amount to more than half a Million sterling
            a Year.
          The third Question is what will it cost to fight them? I answer, at
            least half a Million sterling a Year, without protecting your Trade and when
            You leave off fighting you must pay as much Money as it would cost you now for
            Peace.
          The Interest of five Mill half a Million Sterling is,
            even at Six Per Cent, Thirty Thousand Guineas a Year.—for an Annual Interest of 30,000£.
            st. then and perhaps for 15,000, or 10,000 We can have Peace, when a War
            would Sink Us annually ten times as much.—
          But for Gods sake dont let Us amuze our Countrymen with any further
            Projects of Sounding. We know all about it, as much ever We can know, untill We have the
            Money to offer. We know if We Send an Ambassador to Constantinople, he must give
            Presents. How much, the Comte de Vergennes can tell you better than any Man in Europe.
          We are fundametally wrong. The first Thing to be done is for
            Congress to have a Revenue. Taxes Duties must be laid on by Congress or the Assemblies
            and appropriated to the Payment of Interest. The Moment this is done We may borrow a Sum
            adequate to all our Necessities. if it is not done in my Opinion you & I as well
            as every other Servant of the United States in Europe ought to go home, give up All
            Points, and let all our Exports & Imports be done in European Bottoms. My
            Ind[ig]nation is roused beyond all Patience to see the P[eople] in all the United States
            in a Torpor, and see the[m] a Prey to every Robber, Pirate and Cheat in Europe. Jews and
            Judaizing Christians are now Scheeming to buy up all our Continental Notes at two or
            three shillings in a Pound, in order to oblige Us to pay them at twenty shillings a
            Pound. This will be richer Plunder than that of Algerines or Loyds Coffee House. My dear
            friend Adieu.

              John Adams


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 6 Jun. 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dr, Sir

              New York

              6th: June 1786

          My last to You was dated 4th: Ult:,
            since which I have been honored with several from you vizt.
            two dated 24th. November last—9. 16. 17. 20. 22. 26.
            & 27th. February and 4th. March last—all of which with their several Enclosures were immediately laid
            before Congress.—
          I have at length the Pleasure of informing you that nine States
            begin to be frequent in Congress, and consequently that there is a Prospect of my being
            soon enabled to send you some Dispatches of more Importance than many of my late ones
            have been.—
          It will not be long before a good private Opportunity will offer,
            and then I mean to write you at least a long private Letter if not a public one.—
          You will find herewith enclosed a Ratification of the Prussian
            Treaty, which for many Months was delayed for want of a proper Number of States in
            Congress to order and compleat it.—
          There are several of my Reports on your Letters before Congress and
            I assure you these Delays are as painful to me as they can be to you.—
          Our Country has yet much to think of, and much to decide on—a
            natural but improper Rage for paper Money prevails. Rhode Island, New York and New
            Jersey are making Experiments upon it, and I think injuring themselves and the Union in
            some Measure by it. The next London Ship shall carry you some Journals, and Acts of
            Assembly which by the Packet would cost more Postage than they are worth.
          217. 506. 207. 290. 82. 547. 275. 186. 339. 407. 430. 642.
          282. 62. 309. 79. 162. 186. 402. 592. 143. 418. 625. 401. 547. 48.
            449. 297.
          290. 350. 642. 186. 142. 559. 236. 53. 570. 189. 654. 642. 402.
            217.
          355. 236. 82. 479. 189. 290. 186. 328. 72. 611. 73. 236. 53. 486.
          255. 290. 467. 371. 275. 477. 290. 182. 255. 92, 543. 350. 255.
          189. 290. 290. 424. 491. 350. 76. 339. 371. 649. 518. 72. 409. 327.
          543. 345. 217. 283. 424. 442. 186. 380.
          With great and sincere Esteem and Regard I have the Honor to be,
              Dr, Sir / Your most obt.
            & huble[expansion sign]: Servt.

              John Jay—

              Translation

            I doubt the propriety of borrowing more money without funds or
              prospect to repay any—our treasury is low—the States backward—our people intent on
              private gain & too inattentive to national Concerns & xigencies—