Title: John Adams to the president of Congress, 3 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress

          Sir
          The Hague July 3. 1784.

        Soon after the Signature of the Preliminary Articles of Peace, I requested, of Congress, their Permission to return to America. This Request they did not at that time judge proper to grant, me, but on the contrary resolved that a Commission should be sent to me, Mr: Franklin & Mr: Jay, to make a Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain. But as no such Commission has arrived in Europe, the Sentiments of Congress are probably changed.

        It is not my Desire to remain long in Europe, nor ever has been, and it is now my Intention, to return to America as soon as I can with Decency. It would be not so respectfull as I wish to be, either to Congress or to the States General, if I were to return without a Letter of Recall; and as Congress are said to be adjourned to October, such a Letter cannot be dispatched before that Time, so that I must either undergo another Winter Voyage, or wait here untill the Spring.
        I now however renew my Request for a Letter of Recall, to their High Mightinesses, as it is my Design to return home as soon as I may decently and conveniently, and as it is my unalterable Resolution, not to remain in Europe, consuming in vain but unavoidable Ostentation, the Labour of my fellow Citizens, any longer than I can see a Probability of being of some use to them.
        With great & sincere Esteem &c.


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 5 July 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir,
          Paris 5th. July 1784

        I intended to have written to you some posts ago, But I found that a few of your things had been lock’d up in a Chamber at Auteuil, and left there with some matters belonging to Mrs. Barclay, and that they had Escaped her Memory and My knowledge. There are Two Coat’s and 2 laced hats belonging to your servants—1 lamp to write by with 2 Ink stands, a Coat of Arms in a Frame, 2 wooden stands for your wigs, and a small paper Box with powder, Also a little Box directed for Madam Dumas,— These things shou’d Certainly have been sent with the others had I known of them, and I shall have them Convey’d to you some how or other Very soon— Inclosed I send you three Receipts for the Bills of Exchange, If you prefer any other form let me know, and it shall be adher’d to— I have been Very Buissy for some time, and if you Chuse that a settlement of your Account shall be Stated for your Consideration I will attempt to make one. I think I Can form one to your Satisfaction as far as up to the time of your sending me the papers in Paris, and I will Endeavor to take as much of the Trouble off your hands as possible—
        There are two Kinds of people with whom I have occasion to settle the Public Accounts, Those who wish to Introduce Every thing possible into them, and those who are Rigidly scrupulous to Charge any thing, lest it might have the Appearance of being wrong—and I suspect very much that You are among the last mentiond Class
        I Beg you will present My best wishes to your son, and M. Dumas’s Family, and Beleiv me / Sincerely / Dear Sir / Your Affectionate / & Obedient servant

          Thos Barclay

        ENCLOSURE

          Paris 5. July 1784—

        Received from his Excellency John Adams Esqr. Five Hundred & forty four Bills of Exchange drawn upon him and Mr. Laurens at Amsterdam by the Treasurer of Loans in America on Account of the

United States, amounting in the whole to Four Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Two and Two Thirds Florins, which Bills were paid by Messrs. Fizeaux & Co. and by Messrs. Willincks of Amsterdam by Order of said Mr. Adams and of Doctor Franklin—and for which I have given Three Receipts of this Tenor and date—

          Thos Barclay


Title: James Lovell to John Adams, 5 July 1784
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, John

          My dear Sir
          Boston July 5th. 1784

        I did not omit to write by the Conveyance of one of the most amiable Women I ever knew. I only omitted to send my written Congratulations to you upon that Felicity which her Presence must afford after so long a Seperation. Capital Sacrifice to your Country thus pleasingly in part rewarded!
        The Consul Genl. of France, my Neighbour, then informed me that Mrs. Adams had sailed while I slept, which was a Mistake, tho it effectually stopt my Endeavours after Conveyance and in Fact committed my Letter to the Flames, during my Pet at Disappointment for really I love Opportunities of showing Affection & Gratitude. I doubly now congratulate you upon the additional Pleasure of seing another of your American Friends who will be truly a Fellow Labourer—for the Public and make your Cup of private social Felicities run over faster even than it has been doing for a month past I hope before your Sight of this.
        My most affectionate Compliments to your Lady and to those round you who are dear to you. Mrs. Lovell has joined me in that under the Condition that I let her continue to make with me equally warm Assurances to Mr. Adams. I should be a Churl indeed if I did not consent to any Thing while the Atlantic Ebbs & Flows between the Courtrix & the Courted.

          James Lovell

          I am under Fatalities my Son returns this Scrawl telling me the Ship is near the Light House tho’ it is very early morning. he adds that another Vessel will sail before Noon which gives me

Opportunity to add a few Lines to your Lady, and to request you to get Possession of one of those Books of Jno. Conrad Amman Physician of Amsterdam published in 8vo. 1692 called Surdus loquens or that published in 8vo. 1700 called Dissertatio de Loquela &c &c. of which were afterwards several Editions the first Edition was published in English by Daniel Foot. Having gotten possession of any one of these or of any Improvemt. upon them, let me have the reading of it till you come Home. I mean to serve the unfortunate Class of deaf & dumb. I am already possessed of Essentials vizt. Dr. Wallis’s Method published in his inimitable Grammar of the English Language, and Professor Buckner’s of Halle.


Title: Baron Franz von Reischach to John Adams, 6 July 1784
From: Reischach, Baron Franz von
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur!
          ce 6. Juilliet 1784.

        Empressé à vous faire plaisir en toutes occasions, je n’ai point tardé a faire envers le Gouvernement General des Pais Bas de la domination de S. Mté l’Empereur Roi, les demarches requises pour que non Seulement l’expres chargé de vos effets detenus à Bruxelles Soit imediatement remis en pleine liberté, mais aussi à ce que avantageat vos effets autant que faire se pouvoit quant aux droits de S. Majeste. Voila ce que Msr̃ Le Comte de Belgioyoso me mande en date de 5. du Courant à ce Sujet. Quand a la demande que Msr̃ Adams vous a faita il a d’abord eté pourvu Sur la Conoissance qu’on en a eu ici, a la levée des obstacles qu’as éprouvé le passage des effets qui devoient lui arriver de Paris. il reste des droits a payer a l’egard desquels je Scai qu’il a deja eté pris des arrangements, mais je crois que Msr̃ Adams aurat deja recu à l’heure qu’il est, les effets en question, lesquels ont d’aillieurs eté arretées avec raison, vu qu’il n’y avoit point de declaration et que le Conducteur n’etais pas a même d’y Supleer. je dois en Consequence de ces mots Suposer que vos effets Sont donc arrivés, et vous m’obligerez, Monsieur, en me le faisant Scavoir Les Douaniers Sont chez nous com̃t partout asses portés à rançoner les effets étrangers, mais com̃e on cherche et que tous les Superieurs en place Sont tenus a brider leur avidité, il est de l’utilité publique

qu’on les veille de près, et qu’en cas de contravention, on les fasse punir.
        J’ai lhoñeur detre avec la plus parfaite Consideration / Monsieur / Votre très humble et / Obeissant Serviteur

          Reischach

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          6 July 1784

        Eager to please you on every occasion, I did not wait at all to take the necessary steps with regard to the general government of the Netherlands under the dominion of His Majesty the Emperor so that not only might the express charged with your effects and detained at Brussels be immediately given free passage but also your effects might receive favorable treatment in so far as that is possible with regard to His Majesty’s duties. Here is what the Comte de Belgiojoso wrote me on this subject on the 5th of this month: As for the request that Mr. Adams made to you, provision was made at the first word of it, on the basis of what we knew here, to remove the obstacles that impeded passage of his effects from Paris. There remain duties to be paid with regard to which I know that arrangements have already been made, but I believe that Mr. Adams should by now have received the effects in question, which, incidentally, were detained with good reason, given that there was no declaration at all and that the express himself was not able to make up the deficiency. From this information, I must suppose that your effects have in fact arrived, and I would be obliged to you, sir, if you would let me know. Customs officers in our country, like everywhere, are rather inclined to ransom foreign effects, but as we look out for their greed, and all their superiors are determined to bridle it, it is for the public good that they be closely watched and in case of infraction punished.
        I have the honor of being with the most perfect respect, sir, your very humble and obedient servant

          Reischach


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 9 July 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Paris 9th. July 1784—

        I wrote you last post since which I was Informed your things were stop’d at Brussells, This must have been Intirely through the Ignorence of the person who had them under his Care He had nothing to do but to Open the Trunks, shew there was nothing Contraband

in them and so pass on— and this Idea I impressd as much on him by means of a person who spoke Dutch, as was in my power— But He to avoid the Trouble of having the things Examind Reported them as yours, and this occasiond all the delay that has happen’d—
        I immediately went to Passy, and mentiond that a few things which I had sent you had been stoped at Brussells, and both Doctor Franklin and Mr. Wm. Franklin were very ready to do anything in their power, but on talking it over we all thought it better that the application shou’d be made at Brussells by youself—and I suppose you did it Immediately on hearing of the accident—
        Mr. Heartly remains here— I have little doubt but I shall have the pleasure of seeing you at Paris before the summer is over.— I will lend you your Cistern during your stay, and if you want a small House, and I Can spare the one I am in, I think it will suit and please you
        I am persuaded you must Come—
        Adieu, My Dear Sir and beleive me— / Yrs. Very much

          Thos Barclay


Title: Committee of the States (Continental Congress) to John Adams, 9 July 1784
From: Committee of the States (Continental Congress)
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Annapolis [9] July 1784

        Your Letters of 27th. of last March, & the 10th of April together with a Copy of the plan of a Treaty proposed by his Prussian Majesty, and Copies of the letters 1 without [date], & one of the [14th] and another of the 25th. [of] March last from the Prussian Minister at the Hague to yourself, relative to that subject, and also a Note from the same Minister respecting the Estate of one Christian Ravenhorst, & of his Widow late of Georgia and the Claims of several Prussian Subjects thereto, have come to hand a few days since, and after the adjournment of Congress: who stand adjourned to the 30th. of Octr: next.
        The Committee of the States not having a power to appoint foreign Ministers, or to form Treaties, cannot grant such a

Commission, as you request or make any alterations in the proposed Treaty, or give any Instructions relative thereto. Nor indeed can it now be necessary to be done, as Congress have already appointed yourself, Dr: Franklin and Mr: Jefferson (who we Suppose, is now on his passage from Boston) their Ministers to form Commercial Treaties with most of the Sovereigns of Europe &c, one among whom the King of Prussia is named. Mr: Jefferson carries with him a Commission for that purpose, and such Instructions as Congress have thought proper to give in addition to those heretofore sent to their Ministers.
        Touching the subject of the Note abovementioned, upon the supposition that the facts stated in it are true, you are very sensible that the Parties interested may obtain ample Justice in the ordinary Courts of Law, either by their sending an Agent to Georgia, or full Powers to some person there, with the necessary proofs to prosecute their Claims; and that Congress Cannot interfere in the Administration of common Justice within any of the United States; Coppies of the Will & other papers mentioned in the Note, may doubtless be had upon application to the proper Offices in Georgia.


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, 11 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Wilhem & Jan Willink

          Gentlemen
          The Hague July 11. 1784

        Is there no News from Egberts our Express? What can have happened to him? or become of him? Is he dead, or Sick? I Sent you a Passport for him a Week ago, I hope you recd it.
        I am really very anxious about my Papers. To have Papers of Such

Importance to the Publick and to myself, So long in coming, and no News or Account about them, is very distressing. I beg you Gentlemen to let me know what is become of him.
        your Fried & sert


Title: John Adams to J. F. Rosart & Co., 18 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: J. F. Rosart & Co.

          Sir.
          The Hague July 18th: 1784.

        I have just received your Letter of Yesterday with seven Copies of the English Translation of the Abby de Mably’s Letters. I have read part of the Translation and it seems to be well done: But I have read the whole of the Translator’s preface, and can find no other fault in it, than that it is not so long as I wish it. His observations are so good, that I wish he had treated more at large a Subject, on which he appears to have reflected much, and judged with great Exactness. Please to draw upon me, the sooner the better, for your Pay, for the Copies you have sent me both in French and English
        As I have not the Pleasure to know the Translator I should be obliged to you for his Name and Quality: and further that you would present to him the Compliments and Thanks of, Sir, / Your most obedient and &c


Title: John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 19 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Barclay, Thomas

          Dear Sir
          The Hague July 19 1784.

        I have rec’d your Letters of the fifth and ninth, and at last my Trunks are arrived, so that I am now collected into one Spot. I shall. be much obliged to you, to settle my Account, according to your own Judgment as soon as possible. I would not charge any Thing

wrong, nor willingly any thing that shall appear to be so. Yet I ought in Justice to charge what is right.
        As to my coming to Paris, it is uncertain, and will be determined upon Mr: Jefferson’s arrival; If, as M: de la Fayette writes me, Mr: Jefferson is united with Dr: Franklin and me, in a Commission to treat with the maritime Powers, I shall be obliged to come. But all is uncertain, and indeed I doubt, whether Mr: Jefferson will embark before Congress have an opportunity to consult Mr: Jay. The Dr. writes me, that Mr: Jefferson is talked of to succeed him. Is he to die? or to resign? or be displaced.
        Your’s &c.
        Will you let me know whether Com: Jones is gone? I owe him a Letter and if he is in Paris I will pay it.


Title: John Adams to William Smith, 19 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, William

          Dear Sir
          The Hague July 19. 1784.

        I have rec’d your’s of the 13th and 16th: the last contains the most agreeable News I have heard a long time.— If Mrs: Adams should arrive, I believe it will be the most prudent thing she can do, to purchase as strong and decent a Coach of four Places, as can be had for 150 Guineas, in this she may come to the Hague, and go in it with me to Paris if I should have occasion to go there—I would not have it purchased untill she arrives. can you make Enquiry about it and get a Friend to make the Purchase, who is a Judge and will be sure, to have a strong one, capable of performing long Journeys upon paved Roads, with an Imperial upon the Top, for carrying Ladies Baggage &c. on as reasonable Terms as may be.
        I cannot write untill Lyde arrives, to my Friends in America, because I know not what to write. if my Girls dont come, I will go to

them. But then they must let me know it by the French & English Packet and by every opportunity that I may not sail west while they are sailing East. My kindest Regards to all friends in America.


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, 20 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Wilhem & Jan Willink

          Gentlemen
          The Hague July 20. 1784

        In Answer to your Favour of Yesterday, I have to inform you, that I have received my Trunks, brought by the Express, and approve of your paying him the Sum of an hundred Ducats for all Charges and charging the Same to the United States of america. You will please to mention in your Article of Charge that it is for an Express Sent to Paris to carry a Quantity of Bills of Exchange to Mr Barclay and to bring back Papers and Effects belonging to the United States and to me. I am obliged to you, Gentlemen for the Trouble you have had in this Affair and am with great Regard &c


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 24 July 1784
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dr: Sir
          On board the Ceres off Scilly. July 24. 1784.

        When I did myself the honor of writing you on the 19th. Ult. it was my expectation that I should take my passage in the French

packet which was to sail the 15th. of this month, and of course that I should not be in Paris till the middle or last of August. it had not then been suggested to me, & being no seaman it did not occur to myself, that even from a London-bound vessel I might get ashore off Ushant or elsewhere on the coast of France. on receiving this information I took my passage with mr̃ Tracy in this vessel, leaving Boston the 5th. instant and having had a most favourable run am now as you will see above, and on the lookout for a vessel to take me off. my wish is to land at Brest, Morlaix or elsewhere on that part of the coast, in which, if I succeed, I shall go by the way of L’Orient & Nantes to Paris where I shall probably be a fortnight after the date of this letter. Colo. Humphries, Secretary to the legation, having failed getting to Boston in time, I suppose he will pass in the French packet. however our business need not await him as I am possessed of the papers relative to that. in a situation which hardly admits writing at all, & in hopes of seeing you in Paris as soon as your convenience and that of mr̃s Adams will admit, who I hope is now safe with you, I have the honor to be with the most perfect esteem Dr Sir / Your most obedt. / & most humble sert

          Th: Jefferson


Title: John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 27 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Barclay, Thomas

          Sir
          The Hague July 27. 1784.

        I have a Letter from Mr: Jefferson of 19. June by which it appears, that he will be at Paris by the Latter end of August, where I am to join him and Dr: Franklin in the Execution of orders which he brings with him. Will you be so good as to give me, the Earliest Notice, of his Arrival, and that of Coll: Humphreys who may be expected before him.
        My Friends have arrived in London, will come here and go with me to Paris, in time to meet Mr: Jefferson on his Arrival. If the

House at Auteuil or that you hinted at in your Last were at Leisure I should be glad to employ it. your’s &c.
        This will be delivered by Mr: Bingham, a son of Lord Lucas, a worthy youth.


Title: John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 27 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          Sir
          The Hague July 27th. 1784

        I embrace the opportunity, by Mr: Bingham, to enclose to your Excellency, Copy of a Letter from Mr: Jefferson, by which it appears that we are joined in some affairs which will give me the Occasion to visit Paris once more, and reside there for some little time at least.
        As Mr: Jefferson will not probably arrive before the latter End of August, and nothing can be done before he comes, I shall wait at the Hague for my Wife and Daughter, who are happily arrived in London, and endeavour to go with them, in Time to meet your Excellency and Mr: Jefferson upon his arrival at Paris.
        The Philosophers are speculating upon our Constitutions and I hope will throw out Hints, which will be of Use to our Countrymen. The Science of Government as it is founded upon the genuine Principles of Society, is many Centuries behind that of most other Sciences, that of the fine Arts, as well as that of Trades and Manufactures. As it is the first in Importance it is to be hoped, it may overtake the rest, and that Mankind may find their Account in it. The Berlin Academician has set an Example, which if liberally followed, may produce great Effects, for I dont believe that many will find with him upon Examination that Despotism or even Monarchy is the best possible form of Government.
        They have sent me from Amsterdam, Copies of a Translation, of the Abby de Mably’s Letters, made by an English Episcopal Clergymen, at Amsterdam, whom I don’t know. I enclose one to your Excellency and have the Honour to be, with great Respect &c.


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 1 August 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir,
          Paris 1. Augt. 1783— [1784]

        I am favd. with your letter of the 19th. of last Month, and am Extremely glad to find your things have at length reach’d you— The few Articles that still remain shall Continue here untill you Come, as I do not think it will be right to put you to the Expence of Carriage—
        Doctor Bancroft arrived from Philadelphia a few days ago. Mr. Jefferson is Certainly Joined in a Commission with you and Doctor Franklin to make Treaties with the Maritime Powers. He intends to Embark in the packet from New York, and as soon as he arrives it is Expected you will Come here—
        There do’s Not look to be any appearance of the Doctor’s being recalled—though he often seems to long for it— Mr. Humphries who was one of General Washingtons aides when he resigned, is appointed Secretary to the Commissioners for Making the Treaties— I shall see the Chevalr. la lucern I expect to day, and if he brings any News of Consequence from America, I will send it by Next post to You— Congress had appointed a Committee to do business, and adjourned untill October then to meet at Trenton— Mr. Morris declared his Intention to Resign, and a Board of Treasury is to take up his department—
        As you will Certainly be here in the Course of a few weeks, perhaps it may be as well to leave the final settlement of your account alone untill you Come—and in the Mean time I will prepare a State of it for your Inspection—
        Mr. Jay is appointed Secretary for Foreign affairs— M. Ridley is Now here and returns to England in a few days, he informs Me I am Indebted to you 377 livres 5 sols, which I shall pay you when we meet— Commodore Jones is still here—
        I am Very truly / Dear Sir— / Your affet

          Thos Barclay


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 3 August 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje

          Copy,
          Gentlemen
          The Hague Aug. 3. 1784

        I have accepted two Bills drawn by my Wife to be paid at the House of Messrs Willinks and Shall accept two more to be paid by Messrs Fullers in London. Please to charge these and all the Monies I Shall draw in London at the Same House to the United States as part of my Salary
        Tomorrow I go to London, and thence directly to Paris with my Family, to meet Mr Jefferson who is joined with Mr Franklin and me in some publick Business. Mr Brush [. . . .] your Houses, a large [. . . .] one. The large one, has nothing in it but Papers, but it is full, and they are of So much Importance to the United States that I thought it Safest to send them to your Custody. I beg you to keep them as a Sacred Deposit, untill further Advice from me. The small one contains a Small quantity of Plate, which I pray you to keep likewise. I should be glad you would write me that you have received them.
        Mr Dumas will draw upon you for about 450 Guilders, a little more, or a little less, to pay a Couple of Debts I owe here. please to charge it to the United States, as part of my Salary.
        I wish you and your Families all sorts of Prosperity, untill my Return, and after being, Gentlemen your [. . . .]


Title: Christian Lotter’s Inventory of Silverware, 3 August 1784
From: Lotter, Christian
To:

          [3 August 1784]

        A List of Silver belonging to His Excelce:. Mr: Adams and Send to Mr: Willink at Amsterdam the 3d:. of August 1784.

            5 large Silver Soop Spoons.

            2 Silver Sugar boxes.

            2 Dozen and a half of Silver Tea Spoons.

            6 Dozen of large Silver table Spoons.

            5 Dozen of large Silver Forks.
            }

            2 Dozen of Silver dessert-Forks.
            French work.

            2 Dozen of Silver dessert-Spoons

            2 Dozen of large Silver handled Knives.

            2 Dozen of large Silver handled Forks.

            roll’d up in a paper together.
            {
            A Silver Spoon for powder of Sugar.

            4 Small Silver Spits.

            a Silver machine for marrow bones

        Those above mentioned Articles of Silver are carefully rolled and ty’d up in papers, covered with a Sheet of Linnen, and confin’d and Sealed in a Small trunk, by his Excelce:. Mr: Adams and directed to Mr: Willink, Merchand at Amsterdam, under the Care and protection of Mr: Brush.

          T: C: Lotter.Maitré d’hotel de Son Exclce:


Title: Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 6 August 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

          Sir,
          Passy, Aug. 6. 1784.

        Mr Bingham sent me last Night from Paris, your Excellency’s Letter of the 27th past, inclosing a Copy of one from Mr Jefferson. I had before sent you a Copy of one from the same to me, which I hope you receiv’d. I enclose herewith Copies of a Letter from Mr Thomson, some new Instructions, and one of the Commissions; the other two are in the Same Words, except that instead of the Words [the United Netherlands] there is, in one, France, and in the other, Sweden. These came by M. de la Luzerne, but it was not before Wednesday last that I receiv’d them. You will see that a good deal of Business is cut out for us, Treaties to be made with I think twenty Powers, in two Years, so that we are not likely to eat the Bread of Idleness; and that we may not surfeit by eating too much, our Masters have diminish’d our Allowance. I commend their Oeconomy, and shall imitate it by diminishing my Expence. Our too liberal Entertainment of our Countrymen here has been reported at home by our Guests to our Disadvantage, and has given Offence. They must be contented for the future, as I am, with plain Beef and Pudding.— The Readers of Connecticut Newspapers ought not to be troubled with any more Accounts of our Extravagance. For my own part, if I could sit down to Dinner on a Piece of their excellent Salt Pork and Pumpkin, I would not give a Farthing for all the Luxuries of Paris.
        I am glad to hear that your Family are safely arrived at London, and that you propose to bring them here with you. Your Life will be more comfortable.—
        I thank you much for the Translation of Abbé Mably’s Letters. The French Edition is not yet publish’d here. I have as yet only had time to run over the Translator’s Preface, which seems well-written. I imagine Mr Sowdon to be a Presbyterian Minister, as I formerly corresponded with one of that Name in Holland, who I suppose might be his Father.— I have not seen the Piece you mention of a B——n Academician. I should not object to his Enjoyment of the Discovery he has made that Despotism is the best possible Form of Government, by his living under it as long as he pleases: For I

admire the Decision of his Prince in a similar Case, the Dispute among his Clergy concerning the Duration of Hell Torments.
        With great Respect I have the honour to be, / Sir, / Your Excellency’s most obedient / & most humble Servant

          B. Franklin


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 9 August 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir,
          Paris 9 Aug 1784—

        I received your letter by Mr. Bingham and heartily Congratulate you on the happy arrival in England.
        Mr. Jefferson is here, but I have Not heard any thing of Mr. Humphries, nor did I know of the arrival Mr. Jefferson untill late last Night, and therefore have Not Yet seen him—
        I shall Endeavor to take Auteuil for you this day, by the Month, as possibly you may Not Chuse to pass the Winter there, and I will Inform you of my success by Next post— you must find your own Linen, Knives and some ther articles— I think I Can get the place

for you at about 500 livres per Month, with liberty to quit it at a Months Notice—and upon these terms if I Cannot get better I will Close the Bargain—
        Beleive Me sincerely / Dear Sir / Your Mo: Obed serv.

          Thos Barclay


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 10 August 1784
From: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje
To: Adams, John

          Copy
          Sir
          Amsterdam the 10th. August 1784

        We receive this morning of Mr. Lotter the honour of your esteemed favour of 3d. aug. with the key of the Small trunck, this Small trunk with a large one was brought to the house of Messrs. Willink Friday night and they will keep the same in good Custody at the disposal of your Excellency.
        We also take notice you have accepted at their house Two Bills drawn by Mrs. Adams, which shall duely be paid, as messrs. Puller will do the other ones and Supply your Excellency with the monies you may want, we Shall charge all those monies at once to the Account of the United States according your order.
        Messrs. Puller have paid again £157.10.— to your Excellency’s Lady Mrs. Adams, of which we pray you to take notice and will be charged by us as directed.
        we Shall also pay and charge Mr. Dumas’s draft of about ƒ450.—
        We have hitherto not the least answer of his Excelly. Robert Morris Esqr. Superintendant of finance about the new loan of which the Letters must already have reached him, So from your Excellency as from us. Since we know the arrival of the Vessells which carried the Same, as he has at the Same time notice, all the drafts were to be paid, we remain in expectance to learn Soon his Satisfaction about what happened
        we have the pleasure of being on a good footing with the undertakers for Some hundred Thousand Guilders of the obligations in our hands, to receive in the Course of this year, as Soon as we can

conclude we Shall hasten ourselves to inform Robert Morris Esqr. of it, which we Suppose will be a pleasing Circumstance and Convince him of our Uninterrupted endeavour’s for the Con[cer]ns trusted to our Care.
        We Shall be happy to learn your Excellency’s Safe arrivall in London and wish you, to embrace Mr. Adams in good health and that you may enjoy with your family every Satisfaction on your turn to Paris and meet with every Success there in Your Commission.
        We have the honour to pay our best respects to Mrs. Adams and to you and to remain with great esteem / Sir / Your most obed̃: Servants

          Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.de la Lande & Fynje


Title: Thomas Cushing to John Adams, 16 August 1784
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir.
          Boston August: 16th: 1784

        I have just received your Favor of the 7th of May last; am oblidged to you for the Intelligence it contained— I Perceive you are somewhat uneasy about the Line between Massachusetts and Nova Scotia, The Provisional Articles make the River St Croix the Boundary, There are three Rivers of the same name that Empty themselves into the Bay of Passamaquaddy & although they are not very far

distant from each other It is very Important which shall be the Boundary, The United States say, It is the Eastermost River; (which will in that Case give them the Command of the Whole of the Bay before mentioned) The Brittons Contend that it is the Middle River, which goes by the name of Schoodick as well as St Croix & have Accordingly settled Upon the Eastern side of said River: Our General Assembly at their last Session appointed Benja Lincoln, Henry Knox and George Partridge Esqrs Agents to repair to the Eastern part of this State & there inform themselves what Encroachments have been made by the Brittains & finally report their Proceedings to the General Court; this measure was Adopted in consequence of a Resolution of Congress of the sixth of January last, recommending that Enquiry should made into this Matter, It is Probable the Commissioners had before them some particular Map; when the Article relative to this Boundary was Agreed upon, If so it may be in their Power to throw some light upon this Subject and perhaps determine precisely which of the Rivers, that enter the Bay of Passamaquaddy, was Intended as the Boundary—
        You have doubtless been Informed that Congress the last year Sent Baron Stuben to the Governor of the Province of Quebec to Demand the delivery of all those Posts that fell within the Jurisdiction of the United States by the Definitive Treaty, & that The Governor Informed him that he had not received the Ratification of the Treaty but supposed that when that arrived the Evacuation of those Posts would be of Course, In May last Congress ordered an officer to Canada & repeated their Demand for the Delivery of the Posts aforesaid, but all the Answer that Could be obtained from the Governor, was, that although he had received the Definitive Treaty yet he had not received any directions from his Master relative to the Evacuation or Delivery of those Posts, & that it was impossible for him to say When he shoud, This Conduct of the Governor, togather with Sr John Johnston’s Inviting the Indians in those parts to hold a Conferrence with him at Niagara, and their Preparing to meet him there, affords some grounds of Suspicion that we shall have some difficulty in that Quarter—
        The General Assembly of this State at their last Session preferred a Petition to Congress representing, that as the State of New York had sett up a Claim to some part of the Lands to the Westward of Hudson’s River Which of Right belonged to this Commonwealth, and as it was highly necessary to have the said Claim brought to

an immediate decision, they therefore prayed that Commissioners might be appointed for Enquiring into and Determining upon the Same, in Consequence of Which Congress appointed the first Monday in December next for the Appearance of the respective States by their lawfull Agents, at the place at Which Congress Shall then Sit, to proceed in the premises, and The Court have since Appointed three Gentlemen Vizt The Honble Mr Dana Mr Lowell & Mr Sullivan to Collect the Evidence of the Title of this Commonwealth to the Lands above referred to & to prosecute the Suit to final determination— If I do not misremember you were one of a Committee some years ago to Examine into & State the Title of this Commonwealth to the Land aforesaid; If you can afford any Aid or assistance to these Gentlemen upon this Subject I doubt not you will chearfully do it and thereby make an addition to the many & various Services with Which you have already benefitted Your Country—
        With great Esteem I have the Honor to be, Sir / Your most obedient & humble Servant

          Thomas Cushing


Title: John Adams to Matthew Clarkson, 18 August 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Clarkson, Matthew

          Sir
          Auteuil near Paris Aug. 18. 1784

        I wish well enough to the University of New York, to give you every Letter of Recommendation to Gentlemen in Holland which I can give with Decency, if you should determine to go there: But I have already tryed Such an Experiment, in favour of Dr Wheelock, the President of Dartmouth Colledge, with so little Success, that I cannot advise you to make an Attempt. It is unnecessary to enter into the Enquiry concerning the Causes, which have and will prevent the People of that Country as well as this from contributing any Thing considerable upon such Occasions. It is sufficient to say that the Dr did not obtain more than enough to defrey his Expences, and I have reason to fear that you upon a Repetition of the Essay would obtain Still less.
        with much Respect and Esteem I have / the Honour to be, Sir your most / obedient and most humble / Servant

          John Adams


Title: John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 25 August 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

          Dear Sir.
          Auteuil near Paris August 25th: 1784.

        I had a tedious Passage of two Days from Helvoet and was at last obliged to Land at Leostoff a dozen Leagues from Harwich, and ride from thence twenty four miles in a Cart before I could find a Post Chaise; but on Saturday noon, I had the Satisfaction of meeting my friends in perfect Health at the Adelphi Buildings in London, I never set my Foot in any other House, till next Morning at ten, when we all embarked on board a Coach which John had in Readiness. We had another long Passage from Dover, but reached Paris, on the 13th and on the 17th left the Hotel de York, for this Hill at Auteuil, where Mr: Barclay had taken me a House, Vis-à-Vis la Conduite. The House is large and convenient enough. The Garden is elegant. The Situation is excellent, far enough from the Mass of Putrifaction in Paris, and high enough above the Fogs of the Seine. but its best Recommendations, are its Tranquility, and its proximity to my beautifull park the Bois de Boulogne, where I can walk or ride as I please. it is within a mile of Mr: Franklin, at whose house we shall do Business, as his Infirmity prevents him from riding in a Carriage, or going abroad, except for a Walk. Congress have cut out work for us, enough for two Years.
        I should be obliged to you for the News and Politicks of the Hague, from time to time, you may address your Letters to me, here or under cover to Mr: Barclay.
        Mrs: and Miss and Mr: J. Q. Adams join with me, in friendly Regards to yourself Madame and Mademoiselle Dumas.— I am half sorry Mr: Jefferson arrived so soon, which prevented us a Months Residence at the Hague.— Once more after an Interruption of ten Years, I pronounce myself a happy Man, and pray Heaven to continue me so.
        Our Commissions, which are as numerous as the sands, are limited to two Years, during which time I hope I shall never cease to be an Inhabitant of Auteuil, as I am weary of Wandering and Wish to be fixed in some regular Course.
        I should be obliged to you particularly for the earliest, Intimation what is like to be the Fate of the Scheld.
        With great, and sincere Esteem I have the honour to be / Dear Sir, / Your most obedient, humble Servant

          John Adams.


Title: John Adams to Thomas Cushing, 27 August 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Cushing, Thomas

          Dear Sir
          Auteuil near Paris Aug. 27. 1784

        I have recd your Favour of the Second of June by Mr Tracy. as I Stopped in London only a few Hours, I had not an Oppertunity to see him: but I flatter myself with the Hope of Seeing him and Mr Jackson here, where at length I am happily established with my Family. Mr Jefferson and Mr Humphreys are arrived, and Shall Soon begin our Work. I am So near Dr Franklin, that it is but a pleasant Wallk, through a Grove from one House to the other, and as his Infirmity prevents his riding altogether, the Business will be done at his House and at mine.
        The Success We may have with England is very problematical. That Nation is still very wild in its Ideas of its own true Interests political and Commercial. Still amased with Chimeras, Still attentive to Advice which has so often deceived them, Still incredulous to every honest Man, and every faithfull Council, they are in the high Road to alienate from them finally and irrecoverably the small remains of Friendship for them both in America and Holland.
        It is a great Question whether We Should endeavour to awaken them, by Retaliation, or by Seeking new Markets. I hope when We begin to treat with Powers in Germany and the North in Italy and the South, and they See We can Supply our Selves elsewhere, they will alter their Conduct.— Be this as it may, I think the more our Merchants, Speculate to Open new Channels of Trade, and discover Resources in other Countries, the more likely the English will be to hearken to Reason.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 3 September 1784
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur,
          Lahaie 3e. 7br. 1784.

        La besogne que vous trouverez, ci-joint, c’est à dire la copie & traduction d’une Résolution aussi importante, m’empeche encore de répondre cet ordinaire en détail à votre faveur du 25 du passé, com̃e je me l’etois proposé. Je crois qu’il importe autant que V. E. & Mess. vos Collegues voient cela en passant que le Congrès, pour votre governe.
        Mes respects à Auteuil & à Passy. Je suis avec grand respect & en hâte / De Votre Excellence / Le très-humble & très-obeissant / serviteur

          C.w.f. Dumas

          La fameuse Caat Mossel, & sa Conseillere intime Zwarte Keet, ou Blak-Keet, sont coffrées à Rotterdam. C’est le premier effet de la Com̃ission à Rotterdam. J’écris à notre ami Turq, pour le complimenter de l’entrée de ces Belles dans son Serrail, & je lui recom̃ande de ne pas tout garder pour lui seul, mais de penser que Mr. Visscher est sans Sultane. Com̃e elles ont chacune au moins

30łb. de chaque côté par le haut, & le reste à proportion, ils y trouveront leur compte tous les deux.

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          The Hague, 3 September 1784

        The work that you will find enclosed, that is to say the copy and translation of such an important resolution, still prevents me from responding in the usual detail to your letter of the 25th of last month, as I had intended. I believe that it is as important for your excellency and your colleagues to see this for your information as it is for Congress.
        My respects to Auteuil and to Passy. I am with great respect and in haste your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant

          C.w.f. Dumas

          The famous Kaat Mossel and her intimate advisor Keet Zwenke, or Blak-Keet, are behind bars at Rotterdam. This is the first effect of the commission at Rotterdam. I am writing to our friend the Turk to compliment him on the entry of these beauties into his harem, and I am recommending that he not keep all for himself but remember that Mr. Visscher is without a sultana. As each woman has at least thirty pounds atop each side, and the rest in proportion, both men will find there all they need.


Title: John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 8 September 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

          Dear Sir
          Auteuil near Paris Septr. 8. 1784

        I received your friendly Letter of the 19. June, by my dear Mrs Adams, with great Pleasure and Shall ever be obliged to you for a Line when you have Leisure.— I am very glad our University has so able a Professor of Physick, and I doubt not you will soon Silence all Opposition. I should be obliged to you for your two orations.
        All Paris, and indeed all Europe, is at present amused with a Kind of Physical New Light or Witcraft, called Animal Magnetism. a German Empirick by the Name of Mesmer, has turned the Heads of a multitude of People. He pretends that his Art is an Universal Cure, and wholly Superseeds the Practice of Physick and consequently your Professorship, so that you will not, I hope become his Disciple.
        The Thing is so Serious that the King has thought it necessary to appoint a Number of Phisicians and Accademicians, with your Friend Franklin at their Head to enquire into it. They are all able Men And have published a Masterly Report, which Shews very clearly that this Magnetism can never be usefull, for the best of all possible Reasons viz because it does not exist. one would think the Report Sufficient to annihilate the Enthusiasm but it has not yet fully Succeeded, on the Contrary it has Stirred up a Nest of Hornets against the Authers of it, and Mesmer has the Boldness to apply to Parliament by a Public Process, to have his Art examined anew. What may be the Consequence I dont know: But I think the Phrenzy must evaporate.
        The Professors of the Art have acquired sometimes a Surprising Ascendency over the Imaginations of their Patients so as to throw them into violent Convulsions, only by a few odd Gestures. All this the Commissioners ascribe to Imagination and I suppose justly, but if this Faculty of the Mind can produce Such terrible Effects upon the Body, I think you Physicians ought to study and teach Us some Method of managing and controuling it.—
        I am, sir with great Esteem, your Friend / and humble servant

          John Adams


Title: John Adams to Joseph Willard, 8 September 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Willard, Joseph

          Sir
          Auteuil near Paris Septr. 8. 1784.

        I have received, by Mrs Adams, the Letter you did me, the Honour to write me on the eighth of June last, together with a Vote of the President and Fellows of Harvard College of the first of April 1783, and a Diploma for a Doctorate of Laws elegantly engrossed and the Seal inclosed in a Silver Box.
        This Mark of the approbation of So respectable a University does me great Honour and is more especially acceptable to me, as it comes from a Society, where I had my Education, and for which I have ever entertained the highest Veneration. Let me pray you, Sir, to present my best Respects, and most hearty Thanks to the Corporation, and to accept the Same for the polite and obliging manner, in which you have communicated their Resolution and Diploma.—
        Your Design, Sir, of visiting the Universities of Europe to become acquainted with their Laws, Customs and modes of Education, is a very wise one. The Reflections you would make and the Correspondences you would form, would amply compensate the Trouble and Expence, although I can give you no Encouragement to hope, for the Smallest pecuniary Advantage. it is the general Sentiment, in Europe, even of those who are not professed Ennemies to America,

that there is already in that Country, Wealth and Knowledge enough, and too many Advantages for acquiring more, to make it necessary for them to contribute any of theirs to our Assistance.
        If you come, Sir, while I remain in Europe you may depend upon any Assistance, which a Residence of near Seven Years abroad, in France, Holland and England, may enable me to give you, in obtaining Introductions to Such Characters as you wish to See.
        After all, the System of Education at your University is so excellent that I Should not wish to See it, essentially changed, much less conformed to the Models in Europe, where there is much less Attention to the Morals and Studies of the Youth. in this Sentiment I am So fully fixed as to be very desirous of giving my own Son an Opportunity to Study with you. He has travelled with me and Mr Dana, for near Seven Years, and has Seen the most of Europe, but he has not neglected his Studies. He has been matriculated in the University of Leyden, and Studied there Sometime, and might have a Degree there, with the Attendance of a few Months more. He is advanced in Age and I flatter myself in Literature So far as to render it impossible for me to offer him, at Harvard Colledge as a Freshman: But if the Laws will admit him, after an Examination And upon the Payment of a Sum of Money, for the Benefit of the Society, with the Class of the fourth or third Year, I Should chose to Send him to you, rather than to Leyden. I Should be much obliged to you for your Sentiments upon this Subject.
        With the greatest Respect and / Esteem I have the Honour to be, Sir / your most obedient and / most humble Servant

          John Adams.—


Title: The American Commissioners to the Baron von Thulemeier, 9 September 1784
From: American Commissioners,Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas
To: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von

          Sir
          Passy near Paris Septr. 9th. 1784

        The United States of America in Congress Assembled judging that an intercourse between the Subjects of His Prussian Majesty and the Citizens of the said States founded on the principles of equality reciprocity and friendship, may be of mutual advantage to both nations, on the twelfth day of May last, issued their Commission under the Seal of the said States to the Subscribers as their Ministers plenipotentiary, giving to them or the majority of them full power & authority for them the said States & in their name to confer treat and negotiate with the Ambassador, Minister or Commissioner of His Said Prussian Majesty vested with full & sufficient powers, of & concerning a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, to make and receive propositions for such Treaty and to conclude & sign the Same, transmitting it to the said United States in Congress assembled for their final ratification.
        We have now the honour to inform your Excellency that we have received this Commission in due form, and that we are here ready to enter on the negotiation, and to reconsider & compleat the plan of a Treaty which has already been transmitted by your Excellency to your Court, whenever a full power from His said Prussian Majesty shall appear for that purpose.
        We have further the honour to request of your Excellency that you would transmit this information to your Court, and to be with great respect / Your Excellency’s / Most obedient & / Most humble servants

          (signed) John AdamsBenjamin FranklinThomas Jefferson


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 10 September 1784
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur,
          La Haie 10e. 7br. 1784

        Quoique malade depuis 8 jours, je fais cependant des efforts, non seulement pour vous acheminer l’incluse pour le Congrès dont le contenu Vous mettra au fait de la suite des affaires ici, mais aussi pour ré[pon]dre à votre faveur du 25 Août un peu plus en détail que je n’ai pu faire dans mes deux précédentes, la 1e. sous couvert de Mr. Ths. Barclay, la suivante directement à V. E. selon l’adresse prescrite, espérant d’apprendre, que l’une & l’autre sont bien parvenues en vos mains.
        Nous avons été d’autant plus aise ici à la reception de votre susdite Lettre, que 8 ou 10 jours après votre départ le bruit couroit ici, qu’un Paquebot allant en Angleterre, S’étoit perdu. J’avois cependant caché cela chez moi, pour n’allarmer personne, & il n’y avoit que moi seul d’inquiet à ce sujet, com̃e à tous ceux où je puis épargner de la peine autres. Maintenant je vous félicite, ainsi que votre chere famille, de pouvoir me raconter les fatigues & travaux passés, au milieu du calme, de la tranquillité, de la salubrité de votre belle habitation, de votre Parc de Boulogne, & surtout des bras de Made. Adams, à laquelle nous présentons nos respects. Veuillez aussi les faire agréer à L. E. Mess. Franklin & Jepherson.

        Nous ne som̃es pas moins mortifiés que V. E. de ce que vous n’avez pu résider au moins un mois ici avec Madame & Mademoiselle Adams, puisque cela nous auroit procuré l’honneur de leur connoissance personnelle, & que nous aurions eu la satisfaction en même temps de revoir Mr. votre fils, dont nous regrettons souvent l’aimable société.
        Je suis avec grand respect, / De Votre Excellence / Le très-humble & très-obéissant / serviteur

          C.w.f. Dumas

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          The Hague, 10 September 1784

        Although sick for the last eight days, I am nonetheless making the effort not only to forward to you the enclosed for Congress, the contents of which will inform you about the course of events here, but also to respond to your letter of 25 August in detail, which I was not able to do in my two most recent letters, the first sent in care of Mr. Thomas Barclay, the second sent directly to your excellency at the designated address. I hope to learn that both of them arrived safely in your hands.
        We were especially relieved here to receive your abovementioned letter, as eight or ten days after your departure the rumor spread here that a packet boat on its way to England had been lost. I nonetheless kept this to myself in order not to alarm anyone, and I was the only one who worried about it, as I always want to spare others from suffering. Now I congratulate you as well as your dear family on being able to recount to me past fatigues and travails in the midst of the calm, tranquility, and salubriousness of your beautiful home, your Bois de Boulogne, and above all the arms of Mrs. Adams, to whom we send our respects. Please also give them to their excellencies Messrs. Franklin and Jefferson.
        We are no less mortified than your excellency that you were not able to reside here with Mrs. and Miss Adams at least a month, because then we would have had the honor of making their personal acquaintance, and at the same time we would have had the satisfaction of seeing your son again, whose charming company we often miss.
        I am with great respect your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant

          C.w.f. Dumas


Title: The American Commissioners’ Memorandum of a Conversation with the Comte de Vergennes, 15 September 1784
From: American Commissioners
To:

          Versailles Septr. 15. 1784

        The American Ministers plenipotentiary exhibited officially to the Count de Vergennes Minister and Secretary of State having the Department of foreign Affairs, the Commission of the United States in Congress assembled authorizing them to negotiate & conclude a supplementary Treaty between the United States and His Most Christian Majesty—a Copy whereof was left with the Count, who informed them, in substance as follows, “that he should always be ready to enter on negotiations, & receive propositions which might be of mutual advantage and tend to cement the Union & encrease the harmony which prevailed between the two nations.”—


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 16 September 1784
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur,
          Lahaie 16 Sept. 1784.

        Rien de nouveau ici depuis ma derniere. On attend la réponse de Vienne à celle de L. H. P. En attendant les antirépublicains ici, & les pusillanimes & indolens, font des Com̃entaires sur le dernier Meme. de Mr. De B—r. Selon eux c’est une défaite de la part de la fce., pour ne pas dire tout cru. “Nous ne nous soucions pas de nous mêler de vos affaires; démêlez votre fusée com̃e vous pourrez.” Selon les autres, ce n’est que le style & les Ménagemens d’usage entre les Cours pour ce qu’elles appellent leur dignité, afin de s’ôter mutuellement tout sujet de plaintes, & le prétexte de faire valoir ces plaintes auprès des autres Puissances, qui pourroient être enclines à

prendre de l’ombrage. Entre quatre yeux l’on va plus loin; & l’on se communique à l’oreille l’assurance, que si les choses étoient poussées à l’extrêmité, ce qu’on ne croit pas qui arrivera, les bons offices promis seroient très energiques. Dans certain quartier ici, l’on a dit sérieusement ces jours passés, que le Meme. susdit est un effet du ménagement que le R. veut avoir pour la grossesse de la R——. A ce beau trait vous pouvez reconnoître sans que je m’explique davantage, quel est le quartier, & quelles sont les têtes profondes qui l’ont conçu.
        Mr. V. D. Hm. qui étoit parti en poste pour aller boire les Eaux de Pyrmont, est revenu ici, parce que certain personnage, que Son absence allarmait, dit-on, lui a fait, dit-on, courir après, pour lui persuader que les Eaux sont trop froides, & que le Bourgogne qu’il peut avoir ici vaudra mieux pour son estomac affadi par le Sorbet que le grand Turc, &c. &c. &c. &c. lui ont fait avaler.
        Nous vous assurons, & vos Dames de nos respects.
        De Votre Exce. le très-humble & / très-obéissant servitr.

          C.w.f. Dumas

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          The Hague, 16 September 1784

        Nothing new here since my last. We are waiting for the response from Vienna to that of Their High Mightinesses. While waiting, the antirepublicans here, and the pusillanimous and indolent, are making comments about the last memorial of Mr. Bérenger. According to them, it is a defeat for France, not to tell it like it is. “We are not interested in getting mixed up in your affairs; disentangle your own knots as best you can.” According to others, it is only the fashion and the customary considerations between courts for what they term their dignity, in order to remove mutually all grounds for complaint and the pretext for disclosing their complaints to other powers, which might be inclined to take umbrage. In private we go further, and we whisper in each other’s ears the assurance that if things were pushed to the extremity, which we do not think will happen, the promised mediation would be very energetic. In certain quarters here, it has been seriously said these past few days that the abovementioned memorial is a result of the solicitude with which the king regards the queen’s pregnancy. By this noble detail you may get the idea without my having to explain any more from what quarter this comes and what the deep minds are who thought it up.
        Mr. van der Heim, who left by the post to go take the waters at Pyrmont, returned here because a certain person of note, being alarmed by his absence, they say, had him run after, they say, in order to persuade him that

the waters are too cold and that the burgundy that he can have here would be better for his stomach dulled by the sorbet that the grand Turk, etc., etc., etc., etc., made him swallow.
        We assure you and your ladies of our respects.
        Your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant

          C.w.f. Dumas


Title: David Hartley’s Memorandum to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1784
From: Hartley, David
To: American Commissioners

          [Passy, 16 September 1784]

        You may with great Truth assure the American Ministers of our ready and friendly disposition to receive any proposals from the United States for the forming such regulations as may tend to the mutual and reciprocal advantage of both Countries.—
        That his Majesty’s governt wd at all times be ready to concur in the forming such a System as may fully answer every purpose of commercial as well as political advantage to the two Countries & fix and establish a permanent and beneficial intercourse between them


Title: John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 18 September 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

          Sir
          Auteuil near Paris Sep. 18. 1784

        I have received your Favour of the 10th. as well as the two former, with their Inclosures. The first I Sent by Mr Tracy a Sure hand, by the Way of London, and the two Latter, I shall Send the Same Way by another private Hand, so that all three will go safe and as soon or sooner than by the Way of L’orient
        The two Abbys who continue their freindly and brotherly Course of Life, very often enquire after your Welfare and desire me to present you their regards, and so do my Family to yours and Mrs Platt.
        your Dispatches look Warlike. I apprehend that our good Friends must be anxious. Bid them be of good Cheer. a War with them must become general, and therefore it is to be hoped the Emperor will not proceed to Extremities. it is the common Talk here, that France cannot See the Aggrandisment of the Emperor with Indifferance indeed both England and France have cause of Jealousy and Alarm at the Enterprise of opening the scheld and the Commerce of the Indies. I crossed from Dover to Calais, with an old Officer of a British Man of War, who Said to me, without knowing me, that he Saw by the Papers, the Dutch had agreed to open the Scheld. It is, Says he, a damned Stroke to England, for all the American Vessells will go there. He was mistaken in the Fact but judged rightly of the Consequence. indeed there is no nation more essentially interested in this than the English and therefore I conclude they will neither cooperate, aid, nor abet, the Emperor in the Design, and without their assistance in Cash, it will be difficult for him to enter into an extensive War. all this you See, goes upon the Supposition that England is not out of her Head, which is by no means certain.
        With great Regard, I have the Honour / to be &c

          John Adams.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 24 September 1784
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur,
          La Haie 24e. 7br. 1784

        Com̃e le contenu de l’incluse ne m’a été confié que sous le Sceau du secret, vous voudrez bien, ainsi que Mess. vos Collegues, ne témoigner à personne, hollandois ou françois de l’avoir vu. Du reste, quand vous l’aurez cacheté, vous aurez la bonté de le faire acheminer par l’Orient sous couvert de Mr. Barclay.
        Mes respects S.v.p. à Made. Adams & à Mess. Franklin & Jepherson.
        Vous avez bien les complimens de Mr. Gr. que je vis hier au soir, & de Mr. De Berenger, que je vois tous les jours. Si voulez être régulierement & promptement informé de l’état des affaires concernant l’Escaut, il faudroit voir souvent Mr. Brantsen, que vous connoissez: car la prudence, & la parole d’honneur donnée, m’interdisent de vous faire parvenir ces intelligences, par la route que mes Lettres doivent tenir, aussi promptement & aussi détaillées que je voudrois. Je suis, avec grand respect, / De Votre Excellence, / Le très-humble & très / obéissant serviteur

          C.w.f. Dumas

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          The Hague, 24 September 1784

        As the contents of the enclosed were entrusted to me under the seal of secrecy, you and your colleagues would do well not to reveal to anyone, either Dutch or French, that you have seen them. Moreover, once you have sealed it, please be so kind as to dispatch it to Lorient in care of Mr. Barclay.
        My respects please to Mrs. Adams and to Messrs. Franklin and Jefferson.
        Regards to you from Mr. Gyselaar, whom I saw last night, and from Mr. Bérenger, whom I see every day. If you wish to be regularly and promptly informed of the state of affairs concerning the Scheldt, it would be necessary to see often Mr. Brantsen, whom you know, as prudence and my word

of honor, which I have given, forbid me from having this intelligence reach you by the route that my letters must take as promptly and in as much detail as I would like. I am, with great respect, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant

          C.w.f. Dumas


Title: The Conde de Aranda to the American Commissioners, with a Contemporary Translation, 27 September 1784
From: Aranda, Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, conde de
To: American Commissioners

          Muy Sres. mios:
          Paris 27 de Septiembre de 1784.

        Antes de ayer recibi la carta de V. Sas. del 22 por mano del Sr. Humphreys Secretarío de la comission, en la qual me comunican la íntencion de los Estados unidos de America de establecer con el Rey Catolico una correspondencia conveniente ã los dos Dominíos, y fundada en los principios de igualdad, reciprocidad, y amistad, que mutuamente sea ventajosa ã las dos Naciones. Que para este efecto los Estados unidos se han servido con fecha de 12 de Mayo autorizar a V. Sas. en debida forma como su Plenipotenciarios para conferir, tratar, y concluir con los del Rey mi Amo un tratado de amistad y comercio, que poder embiar ã la ratificacion de dichos Estados sus Principales.
        Seguramente tales deseos de los Estados unidos, y tales principios de igualdad, reciprocidad, y amistad seran mui lisonjeros ã la pureza del corazon de S. M. C., ã cuyo conocimiento passare la explicacion de V. Sas., segun me lo previenen.
        Pero para el mismo fín y poner ã S. M. de una vez en el caso de contextar ã este passo; ruego ã V. Sas. que se sirvan enterarme de si alguna, õ algunas de sus Personas estarán en el caso de trasladarse ã Madrid para el curso, y conclusion de este negociado: cuya pregunta pido ã V. Sas. no juzguen importuna, atendiendo, ã que el sistema de mi Corte, que es el mas regular, y general entre todas en asuntos ya directos de su Corona ã otra sola, es el de Seguirlos entre si, y en uno, de los dos Dominios sin valerse de lugar tercero.
        Para el ajuste de una paz entre mas de dos, y entre muchos concurrentes, cuyos intereses se han de conciliar, es diferente; porque entonces es indispensable un punto de reunion, como nos ha sucedido en la ultima paz; y sobre ella puedo decir ã V. Sas., que sentados los puntos capitales, las demas incidencias, arreglo de comercio, limites, y otros cabos sueltos de la España con la Inglaterra no han dependido mas de mi Plenipotencia en Paris, sino que se prosiguen

en una de las dos Cortes, õ en ambas, como regla mas comun, que ordinariamente no recibe excepciones, sino en casos que exigen, su continuacion en el lugar tercero de su principio.
        Para nosotros será este el primer tratado, y como reducido ã solas nuestras dos partes, he concebído ser propío del dia, el hacer ã V. Sas. esta observacion, para dar cuenta al Rey mi Amo de una vez, de forma que se excuse el retardo que havria, no hallandose instruida S. M. desde su principio.
        Apenas me hagan entender V. Sas. su disposicion sobre este particular abreviare la expedicion, deseoso siempre de que resulte ã los dos Estados la satisfaccíon de su buena ínteligencia y amistad.
        Con esta ocasion ofrezco ã V. Sas. mis deseos personales de servirlos, y obedecerlos, y de que Dios los guarde muchos años. / B. L. M. de V. Sas. / su mas seguro servidor

          El Conde de Aranda

        TRANSLATION

          Honorable Gentlemen,
          [27 September 1784]

        I have received your Letter of the 22d. Instant by the Hand of Mr Humphreys Secry. of the Legation, in which you communicate the Intention of the United States of America to establish with his Catholic Majesty an Agreement that may be convenient to the two Powers founded on the Principles of Equality, Reciprocity and Friendship, mutuably advantageous to the two Nations.— That for this purpose the United States, have by their Commission dated the 12th of May last, authoriz’d your Honours in due from to be their Plenipotentiaries, to confer, treat & conclude with those of the King my Master, a Treaty of Friendship & Commerce, to be sent for Ratification to the said States.
        Certainly such Dispositions in the United States, and such Principles of Equality, Reciprocity & Friendship will be very pleasing and agreable to Purity of his Majesty’s Heart; and I shall communicate your Honours Declaration of them to him as they come to me.
        But to the same End, and to put his Majesty at once in a Situation to take such a Step, I request your Honours to inform me if one or more of you can render yourselves at Madrid for the carrying on and concluding the Negotiation. This Request I hope your

Honours will not judge improper, when it is considered that the Sistem of my Court, which is the most regular in Matters directly between its Crown and another is always to treat between themselves, and in one of the two Governments, without availing themselves to a third Place.
        In adjusting a Peace indeed between more than two Powers and between many Parties whose different Interests are to be conciliated, the Case is different, for then a Point of Union is indispensable, as happen’d to us in making the last Peace; on which I may mention to your Honours, that the Capital Points being agreed to, the incidental ones of Commerce, Limits and other Particular Articles between Spain & England were not compriz’d in my Powers of treating at Paris but were to be treated in one of the two Courts or in both conformable to the most common Rule which ordinarly has no exceptions, except in Cases that require a Continuation of the Treaty in the third Place where it commenced.
        This being the first Treaty between our Courts, I conceived it the proper time to make this Observation to your Honours, in order to give to my Master an Account of it and at the same time prevent the Delay which would be occasion’d by my not having acquainted him with it from the Beginning
        As soon as your Honours shall have acquainted me with your Disposition as to this Point, I will hasten the Expedition of it, being always desirous that from it may result to the two States the Satisfaction of a good Intelligence.
        I take this Occasion to offer to your Honours my personal Desires of doing you Services & that God may preserve you many Years. I kiss your Hands & am, / Your faithful Servant


Title: Baron von Thulemeier to John Adams, 1 October 1784
From: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur,
          a la Haye le 1. Octobre 1784.

        J’ai recû par la dernière poste la lettre dont Vous m’avés honoré, Monsieur, en date du 18. de Septembre. Celle que Vous m’avés

adressée conjointement avec Messieurs Francklin, et Jefferson, touchant la conclusion du Traité de Commerce que j’ai eû l’avantage de negocier avec Vous, a été transmise au Roi. Dès que les Ordres ultérieurs de S. M. me seront connûs, je m’empresserai a Vous en faire part.
        Lês informations que le Président du Commité siégeant a Annapolis pendant les vacances du Congrès, Vous a fait parvenir, Monsieur, au sujet des Affaires de quelques Sujets Prussiens intéressés a la succession du Pasteur Lutherien Christian Ravenhorst, decédé a Eben-Ezer en Georgie, dont Vous avés eû la bonté de me faire part, feront aujourdhui l’objet d’un rapport que j’enverrai en Cour. Il me paroit que les heritiers domiciliés dans les Etats du Roi n’ont point reclamé la sentence du Congrès, mais uniquement une recommandation, une intervention pressante auprès des Etats de Géorgie, d’autant plûs qu’a mon avis il seroit aussi difficile que ruineux d’appointer a une aussi grande distance, et pour un héritage aussi peu considerable, un homme de loi, dont les soins exigeroient comme de raison une certaine remunération.
        J’ai l’honneur d’ètre avec la Considération la plûs distinguée / Monsieur, / Vôtre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur

          de Thulemeier

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          The Hague, 1 October 1784

        I received by the last post the letter with which you honored me, sir, dated 18 September. The one that you addressed to me jointly with Messrs. Franklin and Jefferson, touching on the conclusion of the treaty of commerce that I had the privilege of negotiating with you, has been transmitted to the king. As soon as further orders from His Majesty are made known to me, I will hasten to share them with you.
        The information that the president of the committee sitting at Annapolis during the congressional recess sent to you, sir, and that you were so good as to share with me, regarding the affairs of some Prussian subjects interested in the estate of Lutheran pastor Christian Ravenhorst, who died at Ebenezer, Georgia, will be the object of a report today that I will send to the court. It appears to me that the heirs living in the king’s dominions have obtained not the judgment of Congress at all but only a testimonial, an earnest intercession directed to the Georgia authorities. What is more, in my opinion, hiring an attorney, whose pains would reasonably require a certain remuneration, would be not just difficult but ruinous at such a great distance and for such a modest inheritance.

        I have the honor of being with the greatest consideration, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

          de Thulemeier


Title: The Baron von Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, 8 October 1784
From: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von
To: American Commissioners

          Messieurs,
          à la Haye le 8. Octobre 1784

        Je n’ai point différé de porter à la connoissance du Roi mon Maître les dispositions des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique pour la conclusion d’un Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce, que Vous m’avez fait connoître, Messieurs, par la lettre dont Vous m’avez honoré en date du 9. de Septembre Dernier. Sa Majesté ayant jugé à propos de me munir des Pleinpouvoirs requis pour donner au dit Traité toute la consistance desirable, je m’empresse à Vous en transmettre une copie. Je me rapellerai toujours avec une satisfaction toute particulière l’avantage qui m’a été attribué d’avoir concouru à former les liens qui subsisteront à l’avenir entre la Nation Prussienne et les Citoyens des Etats Unis d’Amérique. Il me paroît superflu, Messieurs, de Vous adresser une copie du Traité de Commerce en question, qui a fait l’objet des soins reunis de Monsieur Adams et des miens, d’autant plus que je ne doute aucunement que ce Ministre n’ait conservé l’exemplaire que j’ai vu entre ses mains. Je me ferai un devoir d’accélérer la conclusion de cette négociation, et je me flatte, Messieurs, que Vous voudrez bien me communiquer Vos idées sur la manière dont Vous desirerez Vous concerter avec moi. Le Roi apprendra d’ailleurs avec plaisir le choix que les Etats Unis d’Amérique auront fait de préférence de telle ou autre ville pour le commerce d’échange entre les negocians des deux nations. Stettin, Embden, places maritimes Prussiennes, quelques ports d’Hollande ou de France, rempliront également ce but.
        J’ai l’honneur d’être avec la considération la plus distinguée / Messieurs, / Vôtre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur

          de Thulemeier.

        TRANSLATION

          Gentlemen
          The Hague, 8 October 1784

        I wasted no time in bringing to the attention of my lord the king the dispositions of the United States of America for the conclusion of a treaty of friendship and commerce, of which you informed me, gentlemen, in the letter with which you honored me dated 9 September last. His Majesty judged it proper to furnish me with the full powers necessary to give the said treaty all the consistency desirable. I am hastening to transmit to you a copy. I will always remember with special satisfaction the privilege that was conferred on me of contributing to the formation of the bonds that will subsist in the future between the Prussian nation and the citizens of the United States of America. It appears to me superfluous, gentlemen, to address to you a copy of the treaty of commerce in question, which has been the object of the combined efforts of Mr. Adams and myself, the more as I have no doubt at all that that minister preserved the copy that I saw in his hands. I will make it a duty to press the conclusion of this negotiation, and I flatter myself, gentlemen, that you will be willing to communicate to me your ideas on the manner in which you will want to consult with me. The king in addition will learn with pleasure the choice of the United States indicating a preference for one city or another where the exchange of commerce between merchants of the two nations might take place. Stettin or Emden, Prussian ports of trade, as well as several Dutch or French ports could equally serve this end.
        I have the honor of being with the deepest consideration, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

          de Thulemeier.


Title: The American Commissioners’ Memorandum of a Conversation with Per Olof von Asp, 8 October 1784
From: American Commissioners
To:

          Octr. 8. 1784.—

        The objects of the supplementary Treaty proposed on the part of the United States with His Sweedish Majesty are in substance these:

          1. to bring the condition of the Subjects and Citizens of each party trading in the dominions of the other more nearly to that of Natives than it is at present: the island of St. Bartholomew presents itself as a part of this object which the United States would wish to have laid as open to them as they will lay their Countries to the Subjects of His Sweedish Majesty.
          2. to provide by stipulations, while the two nations are in terms of friendship with each other, that if ever a war should unhappily fall out between them, it shall not interrupt commerce or agriculture, and that prisoners of War shall be favourably treated.


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 10 October 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje

          Gentlemen
          Auteuil near Paris Oct. 10. 1784

        My Colleague Mr Jefferson, has orders from Congress to receive a sum of Money in Europe for his necessary accommodation, and not readily finding it, I have ventured to draw upon you in his favour for Six Thousand Florins which I request you to honour.
        I am requested also to draw upon you for about a Thousand Pounds sterling in favour of Coll Humphreys Secretary of our

Legation to enable him to execute Some orders of Congress and of Mr Morris. I have not ventured to draw for this, but desire to be informed whether you are in Cash to enable you to accept Such a Bill if I should draw it.
        With great Esteem


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, 17 October 1784
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin

          Cul-de-sac Tetebout. Oct. 17. 1784.

        Mr̃ Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Adams & Dr. Franklin, and incloses to them the letter to the D. of Dorset on the separate articles. he also sends one on the general subject & in the general form as had been agreed when they parted last: but thinking that it might be better, by reciting what had been done with mr̃ Hartley to keep the ground we have gained, and not to admit that we misplaced our overtures, by taking no notice of them, he submits to the gentlemen a second draught, copied from the first as to the recital of the powers but varied in the latter paragraph. they will be so good as to take their choice of the two forms and having signed the one they prefer mr̃ J. will add his signature to the same.

          P. S. he is ready at any moment to concur in a letter or letters on the subject of the man in the inquisition


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 18 October 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          L’Orient 18th. October 1784—

        Inclosed is a letter which I received Yesterday under Cover from Mr. Dumas, I suppose the old Gentleman sent it to Me, as you are wholly Unknown in and about Paris— I hope the security of the Conveyance will make You amends for the Delay—
        I have purchased for Mrs. Adams some Hyson, and other Teas, which will be left at Pichinies at Passy Near the Barrier au Conferance, who keeps a Pension, It is Containd in a Box with other Teas for Doctor Franklin and Mr. Jefferson— The quality Not Very uncommon, but as good as any at this place, of the last Importation from China, and so reasonable in the price that I Dare Not Mention it. lest you shou’d think less of the Tea than it deserves—
        You were Extremely well off in getting the set of China which was Intended for Mr. Ridley for I do assure You, there is Not such a one for Sale in this Town— I intend to return to Paris, by way of Bordeaux. Can I do any thing for you there, do You want any wines, of Good Quality and at the Cheapest rate.
        I have a great mind to send you a Couple of hhds. of Obrion Claret at 500 livres Per hhd— I shall desire Mr. Darcel to Call on you for 1000 livres. which please to pay him on My acco.
        You will have the Goodness to present My Best wishes to Mrs. Adams and Miss Adams, and to beleiv Me My Dear Sir / Your Very Aff. / and Obedient Servant

          Thos Barclay


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 21 October 1784
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur
          Lahaie 21e. Oct. 1784

        Mardi 19 au soir Leurs H. P. dépecherent un Exprès à Paris, avec l’acceptation unanime de la part des 7 provinces des points réservés en blanc dans le Traité défensif adopté de part & d’autre; & pouvoir à leurs plénipo: de signer ce Traité &c.
        J’attends l’adresse demandée à Londres, non seulement pour les Lettres que je pourrai écrire à V. E. par cette route, com̃e la plus

sure dorénavant pour parler Sans gêne; mais aussi pour avoir dans la suite cette occasion de plus pour acheminer mes paquets, surtout en hiver.
        Je me rappelle, Monsieur, que vous m’avez dit que cette Rep. a besoin d’une guerre pour se relever entierement. Je m’aperçois que vous aviez raison. Celle dont elle est menacée a déjà produit plusieurs bons effets: par exemple de connoître toutes ses ressources; & elle en a beaucoup; & je ne serois pas surpris de voir son armée en peu de mois doublée: d’engager les Partis à se réunir tout de bon pour la défense com̃une; & je les vois s’acheminer à grands pas vers cette réunion.
        La Com̃ission des 6 provinces, pour aller ajuster le Différent au sujet des votes entre les Villes & la Noblesse de la province enrouée d’Overyssel, est complete. J’ignore les dispositions de celui de la Gueldre, frere de Mr. Linde de Hem̃e. Les 5 autres sont bons patriotes.
        Mr. L’Envoyé de Linde, ayant pris congé de L. H. P., est parti pour la Zélande, d’où il ira dans la huitaine se rendre par Calais à Londres.
        Mr. Brush, est revenu fort content de son voyage à Berlin. Il présente ses respects à V. E. Le Roi lui a fait un très bon accueil, & a témoigné recevoir avec plaisir les lumieres que Mr. Brush, selon le desir du Roi, a données à ses ministres sur les avantages d’un Com̃erce direct entre les Etats-Unis & ceux du roi.
        Le Baron de Groothous est grandement dans la faveur du Roi, à qui il a Si bien ouvert les yeux sur les tracasseries internes de ce pays, que le roi a déclaré qu’il ne s’en mêleroit & d’un autre côté ce Monarque a parlé avec estime de la conduite des Pays-bas unis dans ces derniers temps.
        Je suis avec grand respect, / De Votre Excellence / Le très-humble & très / obéissant serviteur

          C.w.f. Dumas

          Je dois supprimer dans cette Lettre diverses choses concernant cette rep., à cause du danger de la route.
          Mes respects à Made. Adams, & à Mess. vos Collegues.

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          The Hague, 21 October 1784

        On the evening of Tuesday the 19th, Their High Mightinesses dispatched an express to Paris with the unanimous acceptance by the seven

provinces of the points kept blank in the defense treaty adopted by either side and power granted to their plenipotentiaries to sign the treaty, etc.
        I await the requested address in London not only for the letters that I will be able to write to your excellency by that route, as the most secure for speaking without constraint, but also for the packets that I will be able to send on, especially in winter.
        I remember, sir, that you said to me that this republic needs a war in order to rise up completely. I realize that you are right. The one with which it is threatened has already had several good effects, for example, to know all its resources, and it has a lot, and I would not be surprised to see its army double in only a few months; and to engage the parties to join together in earnest for their common defense, and I see them making great strides toward this union.
        The commission of the six provinces to adjust the dispute over the vote between the cities and the nobility of Overijssel, which has rendered the province voiceless, is complete. I do not know the mindset of the commissioner from Gelderland, brother of Mr. Lynden van Hemmen. The five others are good Patriots.
        The envoy, Mr. Lynden van Blitterswyck, having taken leave of Their High Mightinesses, departed for Zeeland, from where he will go in the course of the week by way of Calais to London.
        Mr. Brush returned from his trip to Berlin very pleased. He sends his respects to your excellency. The king gave him a very warm reception and claimed to receive with pleasure the insights that Mr. Brush gave to his ministers, at the king’s request, into the benefits of direct commerce between the United States and his dominions.
        The Baron von Grothaus is greatly in the favor of the king, whose eyes he so opened to the internal bickerings of this country that he declared that he will not interfere in it. On the other hand the king has spoken with esteem of the conduct of the United Netherlands of late.
        I am with great respect your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant

          C.w.f. Dumas

          I have to suppress in this letter several things concerning this republic because of the danger of this route.
          My respects to Mrs. Adams and to your esteemed colleagues.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 26 October 1784
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur,
          Lahaie 26 Oct. 1784

        Depuis quelque temps, & plus les apparences de guerre se fortifient, plus je me trouve obséde, tant par des Americains que par

des Hollandois, pour leur procurer des Lettres de mer Américaines. Il m’est aisé de me défaire de ces derniers, quoiqu’ils reviennent toujours à la charge, en leur disant que cela n’est pas en mon pouvoir, & en leur promettant d’en écrire à V. E. Mais il n’en est pas demême des Américains, qui se plaignent hautement de ne pas trouver ici le recours auquel ils ont droit de s’attendre. Ils disent qu’ils ne sauroient faire leurs affaires, sans être assurés d’être aidés sur le champ, lorsqu’elles viennent à l’exiger; & je conçois qu’ils ont raison.— Entre autres il s’est présenté un Mr. C. Dutilh Marchd. de Rotterdam, & Jn. Veder patron de Navire, accompagnés de Mr. La Baussaie Agt. de France. Ils m’ont fait voir une Procure de Mr. Et. Dutilh, leur parent, Négt. établi à Philadelphie, chargeant le dit Mr. C. Dutilh d’acheter un Vaisseau pour compte de lui E. Dutilh, que le dit Jn. Veder, qui m’a produit son Acte de Bourgeois de Philadelphie, devoit com̃ander & conduire avec la cargaison qu’on y mettroit, à Philadelphie.— Après avoir consulté nos amis là-dessus, & notam̃ent Mr. De Berenger, qui m’on dit que je ferois mal de ne pas prendre sur moi d’aider ces gens, je leur promis de leur donner une Déclaration, qui pût servir de Lettre de mer, s’ils m’exhiboient l’Acte légal & authentique de la Vente du Vaisseau, autrement nom̃é ici transport, & le Manifeste de sa Cargaison. Quelques jours après ils l’ont fait; & en conséquence je leur ai donné (NB. gratis, ce dont j’ai la déclaration signée du Capitaine) une Déclaration, dont voici copie, dans laquelle j’ai suivi le plus exactement possible le modele qui s’en trouve dans le Traité de Com̃erce conclu ici par V. E. J’ai seulement omis l’apostrophe aux Empereurs, rois, &c. qui eût été absurde de ma part. Ce Vaisseau est déjà en route pour Philadelphie.
        Un autre Américain, que j’ai promis d’aider sous les mêmes conditions, & qui peut revenir d’un jour à l’autre me som̃er de lui tenir parole, c’est Mr. Wildick, Citoyen & propriétaire de terres en Pensylvanie, & d’un Vaisseau nouvellement bâti à Philadelphie, dont il m’a fait voir les Actes, lequel m’a été recom̃andé par le Col. Senf. Mr. Wildick m’a observé, que si je ne voulois pas l’aider en cela, des Négociants Anglois profiteroient des Marchés que lui ne pourroit conclure en ce cas.
        J’ai déjà donné connoissance de l’un & l’autre cas dans mes dernieres Lettres au Président du Congrès. En attendant, com̃e cela ne laisse pas de m’inquiéter, quoique j’aie cru faire pour le mieux, je prie V. E. de vouloir bien m’écrire le plutôt possible votre sentiment là-dessus; & s’il y a de l’inconvénient à le faire à l’avenir, de

m’autoriser à refuser la chose à d’autres qui pourront se présenter.
        Quant aux Hollandois, l’honnêteté veut que je puisse aussi leur alléguer les raisons au moins de mon impuissance à leur faire plaisir.
        Par exemple, je ne sais que répondre à Mess. Wm. & Jn. Willink, qui me demandent par Lettre pressante du 12, “si je pourrois leur procurer des papiers Américains pour leur Vaisseaux, qui se trouvent actuellement dans differents ports, afin d’obvier aux obstacles que les circonstances actuelles peuvent occasionner; me priant instam̃ent, si cela étoit faisable, de les informer des particularités qui y sont attachées, pour ne jouer qu’à coup sûr, & pour prévenir toutes sortes d’empechemens.” Un autre Négociant, Mr. Beud, connu de V. E. dit-il, est venu exprès de Rotterd, me consulter sur pareille affaire.— Enfin Mr. Gallois, Courtier de Vaisseaux à Amstm., m’est venu parler aussi, & puis m’a envoyé le Mémoire ci-joint, afin d’y avoir une réponse, que je lui ai fait espérer de la part de Votre Excellence.
        Dans ce moment je reçois une Lettre de Mr. R. Wildick d’Amstm., qui allegue, qu’il n’est pas juste de faire aux Américain des difficultés ici, qu’on ne leur fait point en Amériqe., où il leur est permis de prendre pour Capitaines de leurs Vaisseaux des gens habiles de toute nation. Mr. Brush m’a confirmé cela.— Il se plaint aussi des droits considérables qu’il faut payer en ce pays pour acheter légalement un Vaisseau, & voudroit les épargner. Je lui réponds sur cet Article, qu’il ne dépend pas de moi de dispenser les Américains de ces droits du pays; mais que je ne saurois lui donner Déclaration qu’il demande, S’il ne me produit l’Acte de Vente passé légalement devant le Magistrat, qui fasse voir que le Vaisseau est vraiment de propriété Americaine.

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          The Hague, 26 October 1784

        For some time, and all the more so as war becomes more likely, I have been importuned equally by Americans and Dutchmen to procure them American sea letters. It is easy for me to get rid of the latter, although they always try anew, by telling them that it is not in my power and promising them to write to your excellency about it. But it is not the same with the Americans, who complain loudly of not finding here the recourse that they have a right to expect. They say that they cannot conduct their business without being assured of receiving help immediately when they call for it, and I believe they are right. Among others who presented themselves were

a Mr. Christian Dutilh, merchant of Rotterdam, and John Veder, owner of a ship, accompanied by Mr. La Baussaie, an agent from France. They showed me a power of attorney from Mr. Étienne Dutilh, their parent, a merchant in business at Philadelphia, directing the said Mr. Christian Dutilh to purchase a vessel on the account of Étienne Dutilh, which the said John Veder, who showed me his certificate of residency from Philadelphia, was to command and conduct, with a cargo that he was to put aboard, to Philadelphia. After consulting our friends on this matter, notably Mr. Bérenger, who told me that it would be bad for me not to take it upon myself to help these people, I promised to give them a declaration, which could serve as a sea letter, if they would produce the vessel’s legal and authentic bill of sale, otherwise known here as the transport, and the cargo manifest. Several days later they did so, and in consequence I gave to them (n.b. free of charge, for which I have a receipt signed by the captain) a declaration, a copy of which is enclosed, in which I followed as exactly as possible the model found in the treaty of commerce concluded by your excellency. I omitted only the apostrophe to emperors, kings, etc., which would have been absurd on my part. This vessel is already en route to Philadelphia.
        Another American, whom I promised to help under the same conditions and who any day may call upon me to keep my word to him, is Mr. Wildick, citizen and owner of lands in Pennsylvania and owner of a vessel newly built at Philadelphia, for which he showed me the legal documents, and who was recommended to me by Col. Senf. Mr. Wildick observed to me that if I did not wish to help him in this matter, then English merchants would profit from the deals that he could not make.
        I have already reported on both cases in my last letters to the president of Congress. While waiting, as this does not cease to worry me, even though I did what I thought was for the best, I beg your excellency to be so kind as to write to me as soon as possible your opinion on this matter and, if there is some disadvantage to doing it in the future, to authorize me to refuse the thing to others who might present themselves.
        As for the Dutch, honesty demands that I should at least give them the reasons for my inability to accommodate their wishes.
        For example, I do not know how to respond to Messrs. Wilhem and Jan Willink, who asked me in an urgent letter of the 12th “if I could procure for them American papers for their vessels, which are now to be found in various ports, in order to obviate the obstacles that present circumstances could give rise to, earnestly entreating me, if it was possible, to inform them of the particulars involved so that they might act without risk and forestall all kinds of impediments.” Another merchant, Mr. Beud, known to your excellency, so he says, came from Rotterdam expressly to consult me about a similar affair. Finally, Mr. Gallois, shipbroker at Amsterdam, also came to speak with me and then sent me the enclosed memorandum in order to obtain a response, as I led him to hope, from your excellency.
        Just now I received a letter from Mr. R. Wildick of Amsterdam, which

urges that it is not right to create difficulties for Americans here that they do not face at all in America, where they are permitted to take on as captains of their vessels able people of every nation. Mr. Brush confirmed this. He also complains of the considerable duties that one must pay in this country to legally purchase a vessel and would like to save them. To that point I respond that it does not rest with me to exempt Americans from the duties of this country, but I would not know how to give him the declaration that he asks for, unless he produces for me the bill of sale legally passed before the magistrate, which shows that the vessel is truly American property.


Title: The American Commissioners to the Conde de Aranda, 28 October 1784
From: American Commissioners,Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas
To: Aranda, Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, conde de

          Sir
          Passy Octr. 28th. 1784

        We have received the Letter you did us the honour to write us on the 27th day of Septr last, and we thank you for your care in

transmitting to your Court, the information of our appointment to treat with it.
        You desire to be informed if one or more of us can repair to Madrid for the purpose of conducting & concluding the negotiation, because that it is the system of your Court in matters between its Crown & another power to treat in one of the two Governments.
        In answer to this inquiry we have the honour to inform you, that the United States in Congress assembled, have thought fit to propose treaties with most of the maritime powers of Europe and for the accomodation of those powers have been willing that their Ministers should attend on this side the Atlantic. We have already communicated to many Courts through their Ministers at this, our residence here, in order to enter into negotiation with such as shall judge convenient to transmit full powers to treat with us. So that, however desirous we might be of showing our respect to the Court of Madrid by repairing thither, it will be difficult for us to leave this place until we shall have finished the business already begun which may take up much time. We therefore hope that considering the peculiarity of the circumstances, the Court of Madrid may find it convenient to make this case an exception to their general rule.
        With great respect we have the honour to be / Your Excellencys / Most obedt & most humble Servants

          John AdamsBenj. FranklinThos Jefferson