Title: From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 7 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, William Temple

      Dear Sir
      Amsterdam Decr. 7th 1780

     I duly recieved your favour of the 6th of November, and ought to have acknowledged it before.
     I am glad to find by his Excellency’s late Letter, that his Health has returned. The Gout I fancy has done the Business of a Physician, and laid the foundation for fine Health and Spirits, for the ensuing dull Winter.
     I could wish for the Gout too, or any thing else, to make the Scene agreable to me, who in this Capital of the Reign of Mammon, cannot find the Air of Passy, nor the Amusements of Paris. Here are Examples of Industry, Simplicity and Oeconomy, which I should think worthy to be translated to our Country, provided I could see any thing like public Spirit in them. But here, these are only private Virtues and begin and end in Self. Pray give Us the News when there is any, that We may not faint. Mr. Thaxter and the younger Gentry desire to join their Respects to those of your very humble Servant

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 8 December 1780
From: Digges, Thomas,Church, William Singleton
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir

       8 Nov i.e. December 80

     Yours of the 17 with an inclosure to JT, as well as one of the 27th both got safe which was particularly satisfactory, as a friend who is now a fellow Citizen of yours and who left me about the 24th Ultimo may have before now explaind. He could explain to You every thing that I for the present wish explaind. Things are not worse, but insults and aggravation increase. Nothing can exceed the folly and infatuation of the day. To attempt to describe it would be impossible—they have got to the very paroxism of folly, aggravation, and resentment. An opinion generally goes forth thus—America is ours still; If a reasonable Man does not willingly give into this opinion, He is insulted and contemnd. You may form some sense of this by the publications of the day, which I hope you get regularly. You may write to me as usual—I wish for a line to put to the test whether it gets safe, and tell me in it how the papers come to hand &ca. &ca.
     J. T—— got away the 2d Instant to Oostend and will I hope see you. On no account whatever risque his coming here again—he parted rather reluctantly and talkd strangely—more of this hereafter. I wish your Countrymen kept all their fools and—more to themselves and not suffer them to expose others. Much is the mischief which has arrisin from that quarter. I will write you more particularly soon.
     We Englishmen not only think we can war successfully with all the world, but we are now actually possessd of an opinion that America is ours again. Nothing now remains but a small force of men and ships to be sent in the spring are wanted and these are actually intended to be sent in the spring. The Virga. Expedition there is great expectation from—but more from defection of principal men in the American Army.
     I am with great respect Yrs &ca. &ca.

      S.W.C


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Cooper, 9 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Cooper, Samuel

      Dear Sir
      Amsterdam Der. 9. 1780

     I wrote to you and Coll. Johonnot a few days ago, but have Since found a Letter, from you of 25 July which I am afraid is not acknowledged.
     The promised Reinforcement is not yet Sailed from France and when it will be ready I know not. I hope they will Send more ships. But you will hear more from France. I left it the 27 of July and know not when I shall return.
     I Sincerely wish myself, at home. Peace will not be made these twenty Years, in my deliberate opinion. And to what Purpose I should Stay here I know not. In America I could do some good, if I could get there without going after Mr. Laurens.
     Our unthinking Countrymen, never from the Beginning appeared to me to be Sufficiently sensible of the Difficulty and Danger of the Work they were about. They seem now to think, that they have nothing to do but call upon Nations of Europe to their Aid. Many think that they have only to propose Peace, and there will be Peace. Only ask for Accommodation, and they shall have it.
     Depend upon it, neither Peace nor Accommodation are is not at the Disposal of America, on any other Terms whatsoever than unconditional Submission to G. Britain, and a War with France and Spain, and how little soever France and Spain are disposed to assist Us, We should find them a very different Ennemy from what they were the last War. Their marines, and Finances are as much more formidable as those of Great Britain are less.
     I know not the Reason, but our Countrymen never appeared to me to have considered Seriously what it was to commit Hostilities against Great Britain. They seem to think the English still their Friends. But they will find themselves the Dupes of their own good Nature and unsuspicious Temper. There is not in England one half the Malice and Rancour against Frenchmen and Spaniards that there is against Americans. The King and Ministry have found means and had the Art to inspire even the Populace with a Hatred of Us, as bitter as that of the common Soldiers who are employed to butcher Us in America.
     The Mob themselves would pull the Ministry to Pieces, if they were to make Peace with Us. If We do not in Time find out G.B. to be our Ennemy and, that we must renounce all Ideas of Connection, Correspondance and Intercourse with her, I shall be mistaken.
     The Dutch Politicians, after the two Invasions of their Republick by Louis the 14 and Louis the 15.—published little Books containing short and Simple narrations, adapted to the Capacities of the common People of the Devastations, Cruelties and Brutalities of the french Armies, committed in the Republick, intermixed with little Prints representing many of the most detestible of those Scaenes. The Books were intituled French Tyranny, and they were read by every body, and they contributed to excite an universal Hatred and Horror of that nation which runs through every Vein to this day. The English Ministry are representing Americans, in Prints and Caracatures, in a light equally odious to the People of England. Yet the Gentlemen in America seem to be afraid, to represent the British Conduct towards them, lest it should alienate the Affections of the People. If there is ever any affection again between Americans and Britains it will be miraculous indeed.
     Our officers too are continually expressing their Admiration of British Officers, Troops, Navy, Discipline &c., as if they thought the Way to make their soldiers fight was to represent the Ennemy as terrible. It will not be at all wonderfull, if Militia fly, and continental Troops too as long as this is the Case.
     Pray put our Countrymen into a more able Way, of managing the best Cause and working with the best materials. If between 3 and 4 millions of People, inhabiting such a Country as ours, and in a manner out of Debt, cannot defend themselves, against between five and six millions 3000 miles off, and 200,000,000, in debt, it will be the most shamefull Discovery that ever was made.
     Most affectionately & respectfully yours


Title: From John Adams to Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 9 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Capellen tot den Pol, Joan Derk, Baron van der

      Sir
      Amsterdam Decr. 9. 1780

     I have received the Letter, which you did me the Honour to write me, on the 28. Ultimo. The Pamphlet, which I took the Liberty to Send you, may possibly excite in Some Minds a Curiosity, to read the original Memoire, and turn the attention of many to a Subject that deserves a Serious Consideration. It is very probable that Mr. Pounal, meant to allarm, this Republick and perhaps other nations, by Several Things which he has inserted in his Work: for he is by no means a Friend of America. The Truths he tells in her favour, dont come from a willing Witness.
     These little Allarms, and Jealousies of Merchants or of Nations are not much to be regarded. The American Question, one of the greatest which was ever decided among Men, will be determined by the Cabinets of Europe, according to great national Interests. But let these decide as they will, America will be independent. It is not in the Power of Europe to prevent it. Little mercantile Apprehensions, and less Family Competitions and Alliances among Princes, may light Up a general War in Europe. It is possible that a Jealousy of the House of Bourbon, may inkindle a War of several Powers against those Nations who follow the several Branches of that Family. But this would promote rather than retard American Importance. American Independance is no longer a Question with one Man of Sense in the World, who understands any Thing of the Subject.

     That Merchant must be a very shallow superficial Thinker indeed who dreads the Rivalry of America, independant, in the Fisheries, in Freight, and in the Coasting Trade, and yet, would not be afraid of it, connected with Great Britain. The Possibility of Americas interfeering, with any Nation in any of those Things will certainly be retarded by her Independance.
     I believe with you that the Credit of America, was never lower in the Low Countries than at this Hour: but I am unfortunate enough to differ, from Your Opinion concerning the Causes of it. The Tales of Gates and Arnold, and the French and Spanish Fleets &c. are ostensible Reasons. The true one is, the apparent Obstinacy and Fury of England, manifested several Ways particularly in the Treatment of Mr. Laurence and the Rage at the Discovery of his Papers. These have intimidated every Body. Every one dreads the Resentment of the Stadthouderian and the English Party, which are the Same, and no one dares Stand forth in opposition to it. So be it—Let them go on, lending their Money and hiring their Ships to England to enable her to murder People of whom neither the Lender nor the Borrower are worthy. Time will Shew them, how much Wisdom there is in their unfeeling Sacrifice of every Sentiment and every Principle upon the Altar of Mammon. The Less America has to do with such People the better it will be for her.
     As to Authentic Informations, Sir. No Information from America would alter Sentiments, which are formed upon Motives, which lie altogether in Europe. No Information from America, could alter the Constitution of this Republick; give the stadtholder less decisive Influence in it, or destroy the Relations between the Families of Hanover and Orange. I should not think it therefore, Wise, nor honest in me to deceive America with any kind of Hopes of Assistance in any Way from this Republick.
     There are a few very few Individuals, among the foremost of whom, You, sir will ever be rememberd who would wish from generous Motives to do us Service, but they are So overborn by the opposite Party that they never will be able to do much, excepting in a Case, in which We should have no need of their Assitance. I have the Honour to be, with great Esteem, Sir your most obt &c.


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 9 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

      My dear Friend
      Amsterdam Decr. 9. 1780

     Your Favours of July 11. and 19. are before me. They were received at Paris in my Absence and it is not long Since I received them. I have led Such a wandering Life that I have not had Time to answer them, till now.
     We expect every day, to receive the Lists of the new Administration, the Speech at opening the first General Court &c.—a high regale they will be.
     I am of your Mind concerning the Flaggs to England and the Importations from thence. Poor Trumbull and Tyler as well as Mr. Laurens, will convince our Countrymen I hope. Great Britain, has become litterally, in the Language of old Authors concerning Atilla “The Scourge of God and the Plague of Mankind.” She must be abandoned and renounced forever. There has been too much weak Communication with them which must be cutt off.
     I can tell you little News from this Country. The Designs of France and Spain, you will learn from others. You cannot have them from me because I know them not. The Design of the Dutch is to keep Peace if possible. No Resentments of Injuries, or Insults—No Regard to national Honour or Dignity, will turn them out of their pacific Course. They will lend Money and hire Transports to the English, and sell Goods to America and naval stores to France and Spain. In short, get Money out of all Nations but go to War with none. They will not lend Us any Money, nor do any thing, to favour Us, but get Money out of Us, lest England should declare War against them for aiding, abetting, and comforting Rebellion, against Treaties which the English have long Since declared void, but the Dutch still hold Sacred, as their Honour and their Religion.
     Such a Nation of Idolaters at the Shrine of Mammon never existed I believe before. The English are as great Idolaters, but they have more Gods than one.
     The Republick, however, has acceeded to the armed Neutrality, and We expect in the Course of five or Six Weeks to know, the Principles and the system of it, how many nations have joined in it, and what We may expect from it. The Principle, that free ships shall make free Goods, will assist Us in procuring present Supplies, and will be more usefull to America hereafter, When she as I hope will be neutral, altho other Nations may be at War, than to any nation of Europe. But I dont expect that any sensible Advantage will result, from it to Us, very Soon. The Prince of orange, and the States General will proceed So slowly, not to say will affect So many Delays, that it will be Some Years before any great Thing will result from it.
     My eloquent Friend, the Abby Raynal, whose History you mention is publishing a new Edition of that Work in which he has inserted the compleat History of our Revolution. He Says he has mentioned my Name, as one of the Characters, without which the Revolution would not have been accomplished. At the Same Time he Says he has cast Some Blame upon me. I told him I was then sure, at least of such an Immortality, as he wanted who burnt the Temple, but I have promised to attack him if he has abused me. He wont let me see it. Perhaps he may alter it, and erase my Name. I told him he ought to, if he had ascribed a fifth Part of the Work to me, as he Says he has, because an 1000 part of it, is not my due. it is exactly 1/3,000,000th. that belongs to me. Be it as it may Suum cui que Decus Posteritas rependit. I wish I were at home that I might do something worthy of History; here I can do nothing. The beauteous olive Branch will never decorate my Brows. I must Spend my Life, in the Pride, Pomp, and Circumstance of glorious War, without sharing any of its Laurels.
     My most profound Respects to Mrs. Warren—I dread her History more than that of the Abby. I want to know in what Colours She will draw Brother Lee. He little knew what Eyes were upon him.
     Most affectionately yours


Title: To John Adams from the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 12 December 1780
From: Lovell, James,Continental Congress, Foreign Affairs Committee
To: Adams, John

       public
       Sir
       Philada. Decr. 12. 1780

      In Addition to other Papers respecting your Ministration I now forward an Act of Congress of this day.
      You know that it has been much if not intirely the Practice of the Comtee. of foreign Affairs to let the Resolves which they transmit speak for themselves. In the present Case however there is no danger of a too warm Expression of the Satisfaction of Congress even if, in performing singly the Duty of our whole Committee, I should write in the approving Language of a personally affectionate and very partial Friend.

       James Lovell for the Comtee. of forgn. Affrs.


Title: Exctract from Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes, 12 December 1780
From: Lovell, James,Continental Congress, Foreign Affairs Committee
To: Adams, John

       December 12th. 1780
      Congress took into Consideration the Report of the Committee on the Letter of June 26th. from the Honble. John Adams, whereupon
      Ordered That the said Letter be referred to the Committee of foreign Affairs; and that they be instructed to inform Mr. Adams of the Satisfaction which Congress receives from his industrious Attention to the Interest and Honor of these United States abroad especially in the Transactions communicated to them by that Letter.

       Extract from the MinutesJames Lovell


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 12 December 1780
From: Digges, Thomas,Church, William Singleton
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir

       12th. Decr. 1780

     All your favours to the 27 ultimo and particularly that with a disagreeable inclosure came safe to hand, and I should be glad to know the parcells I forward get safe. I have attended regularly to your order, and they go by every post.
     I have no news to relate to you. Were I to attempt to describe the present dispositions and folly of us Englishmen it would fill pages. The opinion that America is ours again is now so universally prevalent that a person almost gets insulted who indicates a doubt of it. The malevolent and insulting language now held by a very great majority of this Country towards honest Americans or those who avowedly espouse their Cause is beyond all belief. Things here are getting fast to an extremity which philanthrophy would wish to avoid. But thus it ever was in similar cases. I had no notion that we Englishmen corrupted as we are, should so soon become a society of Devils—for literally we are little Better. I dayly pray it was in my power to quit it forever. Were it not direful necessity that keeps me here I would very soon quit it for a better clime.
     Every opinion is that you Hollanders will truckle to, and do nothing hostile to the interests of this Country, and we look upon Your joining the northern leagued neutrality as nothing materially affecting the Interests of Great Britain.
     Give me a line as heretofore and intimate what is novel as to your Provinces acting hostily or otherwise with regard to this Country.
     I dont find the friend You lately wrote to and about possess’s any other Commission than what was first intimated. Some late manoeuveres has for a time shut out communication between Us. All friends are well as the present intemperate season will admit and join me in good wishes to you.
     Compliments to a late Traveller from hence and tell him some few things left behind in his Lodgings at Norfolk Street have been forwarded on by me. I wrote him a line last post, and should be glad to hear from Him.
     I am with great regard Yours

      S:C.W


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 26, 14 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

      Duplicate
      Sir
      Amsterdam December 14th. 1780

     I am every day accepting the Bills of Exchange, which were drawn upon Mr. Laurens: but I have no prospect of obtaining Money to discharge them, from any other Person, than Dr. Franklin.
     For some Years before I came to Holland, every Person I saw from this Place assured me, that in his Opinion Money might be borrowed, provided Application was made, with proper Powers directly from Congress to solid Dutch Houses. After my Arrival here, those Assurances were repeated to me, by Persons whose Names I could mention, and who I thought could not be decieved themselves, nor decieve me. But now that Powers have arrived, and Application has been made to Dutch Houses undoubtedly solid, those Houses will not accept the Business. In short, I cannot refrain from saying that almost all the professions of Friendship to America, which have been made, turn out upon Trial to have been nothing more than little Adulations to procure a Share in our Trade. Truth demands of me this Observation. Americans find here the Politeness of the Table, and a Readiness to enter into their Trade, but the Publick finds no Disposition to afford any Assistance, political or pecuniary. They impute this to a Change in Sentiments: to the loss of Charlestown—the Defeat of General Gates—to Arnold’s Desertion—to the Inactivity of the French and Spaniards &c. &c. &c.—but I know better. It is not Love of the English, although there is a great deal more of that than is deserved, but it is Fear of the English and the Stadhouderian Party.
     I must therefore intreat Congress to make no more Draughts upon Holland, until they hear from me that their Bills can be accepted, of which at present I have no Hopes.
     People of the first Character have been and are still constantly advising, that Congress should send a Minister Plenipotentiary here, and insist upon it, that this would promote a Loan. It is possible it may: but I can see no Certainty that it will. Sending a few Cargoes of Produce, would do something.
     The Dutch are now felicitating themselves, upon the Depth and the Felicity of their Politicks. They have joined the Neutrality and have disavowed Amsterdam, and this has appeased the Wrath of the English, the Appearance of which in Sir Joseph Yorke’s Memorial terrified them more, than I ever saw any Part of America intimidated in the worst Crises of her Affairs. The late News We have of Advantages gained by our Armies in several Skirmishes in Carolina contributes a little to allay the Panick. But all in Europe depends upon our Successes. I say

      Careat Successibus opto
      Quisquis ab Eventu, facta notanda putat.

     I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant


Title: To John Adams from Henry Grand, 15 December 1780
From: Grand, Henry
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Paris Dbe. 15th. 1780

     I have been honoured with your’s 7th. instant, Serving to inform me that in case Messrs. Bondfield at Bordeaux and J. Williams at Nantz should draw upon our house for your Account, to pay due honour to their drafts, which shall be punctually done. In the Interim I have to inform that the Madeira Wine for which they will have to draw is just got home and incurred the following charges for which your account is debited, vizt.

      £
      6.
      5

      to M. Fleury & Desmadiere their charges

      37.
      12

      for carriage

      44.
      8.
       9
      for Duties

      7.
      4

      petty charges at the Custom house, Keeping and Porterage

      £
      95.
      9.
       9

   I have not had time to examine that Wine Yet but you may depend on all endeavours to get the most of it.
     Being likewise without news I remain Most respectfully Sir Your most obt hble sert

      Hy. Grand

      I lately received a large packet containing smaller ones for you and M. Thaxter which I have forwarded but there remains a very big one which it would cost a great deal of Money to send by Post. It is directed to Messrs. J. Adams and Fr. Dana for publick service. For this last Consideration I should have sent it immediately had I not expected M. Dana’s arrival here soon, for which he desired me to send him no more letters to Amsterdam.


Title: Certification of C. W. F. Dumas’ Oath of Allegiance to the United States, 16 December 1780
From: Adams, John,Searle, James
To:

      Amsterdam December 16. 1780

     Charles William Frederick Dumas, personally appeared before Us and took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America, upon the holy Evangelists of Almighty God.

      John Adams Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States
      James Searle Member of Congress for the Commonwealth of Pensylvania


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Digges, 17 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Digges, Thomas,Ross, Timothy D.

       17th. Decr. 1780

     I regularly recieve the Newspapers, but have not recieved the Books or Pamphlets of any kind.
     If a Majority of the People your Way think America still theirs, they are a Majority of Ideots. They might as sensibly think Gascoigne and Guienne still theirs—poor deluded Fools! how I pity them!
     Sir Jo. Y. is pelting the Dutch with Memorials, in the Stile of Bernard’s Speeches and Hillsboroughs Letters. The Dutch hate War. They will not be Aggressors, but your Ministry have War in their Hearts against Amsterdam, if not the whole Republick. The Ministry laboured to divide the People of Boston from their Leaders, the People of Massachusetts from Boston, and the other Colonies from Massachusetts, until they united all in one independent Sovereignty, which will be an Example in Arms, Arts, Liberty and Glory, for the Admiration and Envy of the rest of Mankind. They are now labouring to divide the People of Amsterdam from the Regency, the other Cities of Holland from Amsterdam, and the other six Provinces from Holland. That Ministry have no other Maxims of Government than Corruption and Division: but they take their Measures so awkwardly, every where but in England, that they produce Union. They will do so in this Case, and presently the 7 United Provinces will be as independent as the 13 United States of America.


Title: To John Adams from the President of Congress, 18 December 1780
From: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Philadelphia December 18. 1780

     You will receive herewith enclosed, a Duplicate of my Letter of the 30th of July, with a List of the original Letters and Duplicates which I have had the Honor to receive from you since that Time.
     The Pleasure and Satisfaction which I have received from the Perusal of those Letters, especially that of the 26th of June with the Despatches accompanying it, makes me lament the Want of Leisure to answer your Correspondence. But Necessity compells me to confide in the Committee of foreign Affairs to give you the needful and particular Intelligence from this Part of the World. It is expected a Secretary for foreign Affairs will soon be established, and constantly devoted to the Business proper for such Department; which will remedy many Disadvantages we at present labour under.
     I have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of Esteem & Respect sir your most obedient & most humble Servant

      Sam. Huntington


Title: To John Adams from James Warren, 19 December 1780
From: Warren, James
To: Adams, John

      My dear Sir
      Plymo: Decr. 19th: 1780

     Having wrote you so often and so fully I presume you would readily Excuse me if I omitted this Opportunity more especially as I am at a distance from the Capital, and have no certain News to hand you, but that Admiral de Ternay died a few days ago of a fever after a few days Illness, which perhaps may have been Occasioned by Chagrin and disappointment. It is also reported here that Cornwallis with 4000 Men have been surrounded by our Troops in Carolina and taken Prisoners. If this should prove true, it will be a great Stroke, and damp the Joy in England on the Acquisition of Charlestown.
     Our New Goverment has been Ushered in with Great Splendor. Balls, Assemblies, Entertainments and Feasts equal to any thing you can tell of in Europe. The silly feelings of Compassion for the distresses of the Country, and the wants and sufferings of the Army have little to do in the Capital. The whirl of pleasure and Amusement has taken into its Vortex the Deacons and the other good People who seldom used to be seen in public but at their Devotions. Whether you will find good Deacon I——rs and good Mr. Scol——y in the dancing or drawing room at a Game of Whist or leading down a Country Dance is uncertain, but if the present G——r is in office on your return you may possibly find them in one or the other.
     We are Trying to get an Army for the war or 3 years. I hope to succeed. I shall write you more by the next Conveyance. Permit me to trouble you with the Inclosed Letter, and to Ask you to tell me how my Son does, and if his Conduct meets your Approbation. Accept Mrs. Warren’s regards, & believe me to be Your Sincere Friend & Humbl. Servt.

      J Warren


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Mandrillon, 20 December 1780
From: Mandrillon, Joseph
To: Adams, John

       Monsieur

        ce 20e Xbe.

      Monsieur Le Professeur Henners à Utrecht vient de m’ecrire que Le libraire Wild a fait emprisonner Mr. Cerisier Sous le pretexte qu’il veut qu’il acheve son ouvrage à Utrecht et non à Amsterdam, ce procedé Est indigne comme il est injuste, comme je ne peux sortir avant midi je me hâte de vous en informer J’ecris La même chose à Monsr. de Neufville obligez-moi, Monsieur, d’agir de concert avec ce Monsr. Et par vos crédit auprès des Magistrats d’ici d’obtenir la liberté de Mr. Cerisier. J’ai L’honneur dEtre en hâte et avec une Considération distinguèe Votre très humble ob serv

       Jh. Mandrillon


Title: Joseph Mandrillon to John Adams: A Translation, 20 December 1780
From: Mandrillon, Joseph
To: Adams, John

       Sir

        20 December 1780

      Professor Henners in Utrecht has written to inform me that the bookseller Wild has imprisoned Mr. Cerisier under the pretext that he can only do his work at Utrecht, not at Amsterdam. This proceeding is as undignified as it is unjust. As I cannot leave at mid-day, I have written hastily to inform Mr. de Neufville of the same thing. Oblige me, sir, by acting in concert with him and, through your credence with the magistrate here, obtain Mr. Cerisier’s freedom. I have the honor to be in haste, with a distinguished consideration, your very humble obedient servant.

       Jh. Mandrillon


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 28, 21 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

      Sir
      Amsterdam Decr. 21. 1780

     The Sentiments and Affections of a People, may be learned from many little Circumstances, which few Persons attend to. The Poets and orators, are generally considered as the Surest Repositories of popular Ideas both in ancient and modern nations. The Clergy may be classed among the latter: and it is very certain that most publick Preachers, accommodate both their Sermons and their Prayers, in Some degree to the general Taste of their Hearers, and avoid every Thing, which will unnecessarily give them offense. At Rotterdam, there are Several English Churches. The Presbyterian Church which would be the least likely, one Should think, to be bigotted to England, I attended. The Parson, after petitioning Heaven in his Prayer, for the States of Holland and West Friesland, the States General and Council of State, and for the Prince of Orange their hereditary Statholder and Governor, &c. added a Petition for England, for the King Queen and Royal Family, for their Health, Long Life and Prosperity, and Added, with peculiar Emphasis, that he might tryumph over all his Ennemies, in the four Quarters of the Globe.
     At Amsterdam I have attended both the Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches and heard Similar Supplications to Heaven, in both.
     At Utrecht, I attended the Presbyterian Church and there heard a Prayer for the English, with more fervour Still, and in greater details. The Parson was quite transported with his Zeal, and prayed that the Rebellion which had So long prevailed, might be Suppressed, and hide its Head in Shame.
     At Leyden there is another English Church. The Parson I am told is a Tory, but prudently omits Such Kind of Prayers.
     This is a Work of Supererogation in these Reverend Zealots, and is therefore a Stronger Proof, that Such Sentiments are popular. The English, who are numerous in all these Cities, are universally in favour of the British Ministry: but there are so many Dutch Families, who understanding the English Language, worship in these Churches, that the Clergy would not give them offence, if such Prayers were offensive.
     This is the more remarkable, as the Religion of North America, is more like that of this Republick, than like that of England. But Such Prayers recommend the Parsons to the Prince of Orange and the English Party, and no other Party or Person has Influence or Courage enough to take offence at them.
     I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 22 December 1780
From: Digges, Thomas,Church, William Singleton
To: Adams, John,San, Ferdinand Raymond

      Dear Sir

       22d Dr./80

     I am thankful for your favor and its inclosure of the 15th Instant. I hope my parcells go regularly for I never omit to put them in the common conveyance. Let me know if the present rupture will make any alteration. When you write Mr. W.S.C. you are requested not to direct but only mark the letter thus X on the seal part, and put it under a Cover directed to Mr. Stockdale Bookseller Piccadilly London.
     The times are going very bad here and we Englishmen seem to feel we can war with all the world. We laugh at and hold you Dutchmen very Cheap. Orders are out for Reprisals and I dare say e’er this some ships are taken. We talk big about seizing immidiately every Dutch ship in our ports, taking all your East and West India Possessions &c. &c.
     I am winding up matters so as to get into a Country less embroild. You will be timely acquainted with my motions for I intend to take the Tour of the North. I beg my Compliments to my friend Mr. De Neufville and am thankfull for his present of news papers and letter. The times and temper of the People at present are against my getting an Answer from a friend whom I have lately wrote much about to the question you last put.
     We begin to talk here now that Mr. L bore a Commission of Plenipotentiary but this I think can be only known by himself. No news but what you will see in the papers.
     I am yours &c. &c.


Title: To John Adams from Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 24 December 1780
From: Capellen tot den Pol, Joan Derk, Baron van der
To: Adams, John

       Monsieur
       Zwol 24 Decembre 1780

      J’aurois deja eu le plaisir de repondre de bouche a votre honnorée du 9 de ce mois Si la gelée m’avoit permis de m’embarquer Mardi passé, comme je l’avoir projetté. Je prendrai la liberté d’en Suivre le fil dans celle cÿ.
      Si Gouverneur Pownall peut avoir eu dessein d’allarmer cette Republique et peut etre d’autres Nations il eût été plus prudent de ne pas publier La brochure en François Sans quelque antidote en forme de note Sur les passages les plus dangereux. Vous vous rappellerez, Monsieur, que cela a été mon opinion lorsque j’eus lhonneur de Vous en parler a Amsterdam.
      Pour ce qui est du credit de l’Amerique; j’avois pris la liberté de vous tracer dans ma derniere cumulativement toutes les causes, qui coöperent a Son abaissement actuel. L’invasion de la Georgie et de la Caroline Meridionale; la prise de Charlestown; la perte des fregates Continentales; la defaite de Gates; l’inaction des flottes Combinées de Guichen et de Solano; la Superiorité decidée des Anglois aux Isles et a N: York meme; la defection d’Arnold; le mecontentement de l’armée et la jalousie entre elle et le Corps politique; l’etat toujours fluctuant de Monsieur Necker et l’incertitude de la durée du phenomene d’une bonne administration en France et enfin ce qui est plus que tout cecÿ et que j’avois oublié par megarde d’ajouter a ma precedente, la depreciation monstrueuse des papiers Americains; depreciation qui ne peut qu’aboutir a une banqueroute nationale Si le Congress ne trouve pas le moien de les Sauver par de la monnoie Sonnante. Tout cecÿ, Monsieur, ne sont nullement des Tales. Ce Sont des faits qui influent Sur la Nation en general; qui meme font trembler les Amis de l’Amerique, parmi lesquels j’en connois de tres eclairés, qui apprehendent beaucoup les Suites d’une annihilation totale du cours des papiers. Ils craignent que l’Angleterre ne Saisisse les momens ou l’armée faute de paÿe n’existera plus ou Sera fort affoiblie; ou la Milice pour la meme raison ne Sera pas assemblée en nombre Suffisant; Ils redoutent les troubles, les derangemens, la confusion que doit occasionner une banqueroute nationale dans toutes les Classes du Peuple, et ils tremblent a la perspective, qu’a la fin ce Peuple se lassera de Soutenir une guerre qui entraine avec elle des calamités qu’aucun peuple n’a jamais eprouvées Savoir un manque total despeces et tout ce qui resulte d’une Si terrible Situation. Il en coute moins de verser son Sang pour Sa patrie, que de Souffrir a la longue l’indigence pour l’amour d’Elle. Si le Peuple Americain trouve encore dans Sa vertu et dans Son patriotisme une ressource contre cette epreuve, Surement c’est un Peuple encore unique a cet egard comme il l’est a bien d’autres. Vous concevez, Monsieur, que toutes ces inquietudes ne Sont pas les miennes. C’est la facon dont ma Nation envisage les affaires de l’Amerique que je vous depeins.
      Tout Credit Soit d’un peuple Soit d’un particulier, depend uniquement de deux choses, Savoir de l’opinion que l’on a de la bonne foi de l’emprunteur et de la possibilité ou il se trouve de faire face a ses engagemens. Quant a l’Amerique: le premier article n’est jamais revoqué en doute; mais je Suis mortifié de ne pas pouvoir en dire autant du Second, et je puis vous assurer, Monsieur, que, selon la Nature de la chose, ce ne Sera que par des informations authentiques du veritable état des affaires dans le nouveau Monde que vous reûssirez a persuader les Capitalistes du Vieux de lui preter leur argent. N attendez pas qu’on le fasse par principes. Une telle generosité Surpasseroit les bornes de la vertu du gros des hommes. Cependant je puis vous assurer que la grande pluralité de ma Nation, certainement plus de 4/5 parties aime les Americains et leur Souhaite une bonne reûssite. Etant du Paÿs, parlant sa langue, frequentant toutes les classes de mes concitoÿens, je Suis plus a meme de former un jugement juste la dessus, que ceux, qui Sont privés de ces moiens d’information. Ce n’est que les gens attachés a la Cour que l’on ne gagnera jamais, mais, graces a Dieu, ce ne sont pas les Seuls; ce Sont meme les moindres de ceux de qui l’on a quelque chose a esperer. Je Vous conjure pour cela Monsieur de ne pas donner a vos Seigneurs et Maitres une idée de la Situation des affaires dans ce Paÿs et sur tout de la façon de penser de ses habitans en general, laquelle, a la fin, pourroit ne pas Les trouver justifiée par l’evenement, et occasionner des mesures, qui eloigneroient de plus en plus les deux Republiques faites l’une pour l’autre et que je Souhaiterois ardemment de voir plus en plus S’unir. La votre est dans une violente crise, d’ont en bonne politique avant de se determiner on doit absolument attendre l’issue, qui peut tourner du bon coté. Une guerre avec les Anglois me paroit inevitable. S’ils ne la cherchoient pas ils ne hasarderoient pas de nous pousser a bout par des outrages, qui ne leur sont utiles a rien; que jamais peuple n’a avalé, ni enduré Si longtems que nous avons été contraints de le faire. C’est bien dommage dans ces circonstances que la Saisie des Papiers de Monsieur Laurens a fourni aux Anglois un pretexte Specieux a maletraiter la Republique ou plustot la Ville d’Amsterdam que l’on veut perdre a tout prix et de qui je crains que l’influence de la C——r n’empeche les autres membres de l’E——t de prendre la defence. Mais quoiquil arrive la lumiere peut naitre des tenebres memes. L’Amerique ne peut Se tirer d’affaires Sans notre argent. Il faut donc pour lui favoriser ses interets attendre patiemment et Saisir avec addresse le moment favorable pour l’attraper. Tot ou tard il se presentera, peut etre plus tot que l’on S’ÿ attend. On doit prendre les hommes comme ils Sont.
      J’ai reçu par le Canal de son Exc: John Jaÿ une lettre du gouverneur Livingston du 15 Mars. Elle me renvoie pour des details a la lettre du gouverneur Trumbull (qui paroitra dans peu) et ne contient d’ailleurs aucune nouvelle, n’etant proprement que l’accusation de la reception de la mienne. The Chief difficulty we have now to Struggle with (ce Sont les paroles du Gouverneur) is the depreciation of our currencÿ; but as Congress has lately most assiduously applied to financing I hope theÿ will discover Some waÿ to extricate us out of that perplexitÿ.
      Je crois que jamais Ces papiers ne Seroient tombés Si bas; je crois meme quils se Seroient parfaitement Sousemis, Si, a chaque emission, le Congress avoit pu imposer des taxes proportionelles; dans ce cas les papiers auroient circulé; l’Etat les recevant toujours au juste prix les particuliers n’auroient pas osé ou pû les refuser ce pari, et ces taxes les auroient tour a tour fait rentrer dans la caisse de l’Etat qui par ce moien la auroit pû trouver les nouvelles Sommes d’ont il auroit besoin en empruntant Sous interets les papiers deja en circulation au lieu detre dans la necessité de faire toujours de nouvelles emissions et d’augmenter plus quil ne falloit la quantité de ces papiers. Il y a moins d’argent dans le monde que l’on ne pense. La meme piece se represente et pour ainsi dire se reproduit plusieurs fois et l’Amerique ne me paroit pas avoir besoin de 200 millions de dollars pour Suffire a tous ses objets de guerre ou de Commerce interieur.
      J’assure de mes respects Messrs. Searle, Gillon, Dena et le Gentilhomme que jai eu lhonneur de Voir Souvent chez Vous sans pouvoir me rappeller son nom; et jai lhonneur d’etre avec une profonde Veneration Monsieur en tres grande hate Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur,

       C——n de P——l


Title: Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol to John Adams: A Translation, 24 December 1780
From: Capellen tot den Pol, Joan Derk, Baron van der
To: Adams, John

       Sir
       Zwolle, 24 December 1780

      I should already have had the pleasure of replying in person to your esteemed letter of the 9th of this month had the cold weather allowed me to embark this past Tuesday, as I had planned. I shall take the liberty of pursuing the thread of your letter in this one.
      If governor Pownall intended to alarm this republic and possibly other nations, it would have been more prudent not to publish the pamphlet in French without some antidote in the form of a note on the more dangerous passages. You will recall, sir, that that was my opinion when I had the honor to discuss the matter with you in Amsterdam.
      In reference to the credit of America, I took the liberty in my last letter of tracing one after another all the causes that conspire to bring about its current abasement. The invasion of Georgia and South Carolina; the capture of Charleston; the loss of the Continental frigates; the defeat of Gates; the inaction of the combined fleets of Guichen and Solano; the decisive superiority of the English in the Isles and even New York; the defection of Arnold; the discontent of the army and the jealousy between it and the body politic; the still fluctuating position of Monsieur Necker and the uncertain duration of the phenomenon of a good administration in France and finally what is more than all this and which I inadvertently forgot to include in my last letter, the monstrous depreciation of American paper; depreciation that cannot but end in national bankruptcy if Congress does not find a way to preserve the paper with metal coin. These, sir, are by no means tales. They are facts that influence the nation in general; that even make the friends of America tremble, among whom I know some very enlightened gentlemen who are greatly apprehensive about the consequences of a total annihilation of the value of paper. They fear that England may seize the moment when the army for want of pay will either no longer exist or be greatly weakened; when the militia for the same reason will not be assembled in sufficient number; they fear the turmoil, disturbances, and confusion that a national bankruptcy must occasion in all classes of the people, and they tremble at the prospect that in the end this people will tire of supporting a war that brings with it calamities of which no people has ever approved, to wit, a total absence of currency and everything that may result from such a dreadful situation. It costs less to shed one’s blood for one’s country than to suffer a long time in indigence for love of it. If the American people continue to find a resource against this trial in its virtue and patriotism, then surely it is a people unique in this respect as it is in so many others. Please understand, sir, that not all these worries are mine. This is how my nation envisages the affairs of America that I have described.
      All credit, whether of a people or a private individual, depends solely on two things, namely, the opinion people have of the borrower’s good faith and the possibility he has of keeping his commitments. As for America: the first article has never been open to doubt; but I am mortified at being unable to say the same for the second, and I can assure you, sir, that, by the nature of the case, it is only with authentic information concerning the veritable state of affairs in the New World that you will succeed in persuading the capitalists of the Old World to lend you their money. Do not expect them to lend on principle. Such generosity would surpass the limits of virtue in most men. Nevertheless, I can assure you that a vast plurality of my nation, certainly more than 4/5 parts, likes the Americans and hopes for their complete success. Being from the country, speaking its language, frequenting all classes of my fellow citizens, I am in a better position to form a correct judgment of the matter than those who are deprived of such sources of information. The only people who will never be won over are those attached to the court, but, thanks to God, they are not the only ones; they are even the least of those from whom something is to be hoped. I therefore urge you, sir, not to give your lords and masters an idea of the state of affairs in this country and especially of the thinking of its inhabitants in general, which might prove in the end unjustified by events, and occasion measures, which would more and more estrange two republics which are made for each other and which I ardently wish to see more closely united. Yours is in the midst of a violent crisis, whose outcome must as a matter of good policy be awaited before setting a course, for things may turn out well. A war with the English seems to me inevitable. If they did not seek it, they would not risk pushing us to the limit with insults, which are in no way useful to them; which no people has ever put up with, or endured as long as we have been obliged to do. It is truly a pity in these circumstances that the seizure of Monsieur Laurens’ papers provided the English with a specious pretext for mistreating the republic or rather the city of Amsterdam whose ruin is desired at all cost and I fear that the influence of the court may prevent other members of the state from coming to its defense. Whatever happens, however, light may issue from darkness itself. America cannot overcome its difficulties without our money. To further its interests, therefore, one must wait patiently and shrewdly seize the propitious moment to capture those funds. Sooner or later that moment will arrive, perhaps sooner than one expects. One must take men as they are.

      I have received via the channel of his Excellency John Jay a letter from Governor Livingston dated 15 March. For details it refers me to the letter of Governor Trumbull (which will soon appear), besides which it contains no news, being essentially an acknowledgment of receipt of my letter. The chief difficulty we have now to struggle with (these are the words of the governor) is the depreciation of our currency; but as Congress has lately most assiduously applied to financing I hope they will discover some way to extricate us out of that perplexity.
      I believe that these paper notes would never have fallen so low; I even believe that they would have remained perfectly regular, if, with each issue, Congress had been able to impose proportional taxes, in which case the paper notes would have circulated; the state receiving them always at the just price, private individuals would not have dared or been able to refuse this wager, and these taxes would in turn have caused them the
        paper notes to return to the state treasure, which in this way would have been able to come up with the new sums needed by borrowing at interest paper notes already in circulation rather than being compelled always to issue new notes and thereby increase even more the amount of this paper. I think there is only so much money in the world. Each coin represents and as it were reproduces itself several times over, and America does not seem to me to need 200 million dollars to meet all its objectives in war and internal commerce.
      I send my respects to Messrs. Searle, Gillon, Dana, and the gentleman I had the honor to see frequently at your house whose name I cannot recall; and I have the honor to be with a profound veneration, sir, in very great haste, your most humble and obedient servant.

       C——n de P——l


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 30, 25 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

      Sir
      Amsterdam Decr. 25. 1780

     It is very difficult to discover, with Certainty the secret springs which actuate the Courts of Europe, but whatever I can find with any degree of Probability, I Shall transmit to Congress, at one Time or another.
     The Prince of Orange is himself of the Royal Family of England: his Mother was a Daughter of King George the Second, and this Relation is no doubt one, among the Several Motives, which attach the statholder to England.
     His Princess, is a Niece of the King of Prussia, and it is believed is not perfectly agreed with his most Serene Highness, in his Enthusiasm for the English Court. The King of Prussia has a great Esteem and Affection for his Niece with whom he frequently corresponds. In Some of his Letters he is Supposed to have expressed his sentiments freely, upon the Princes Conduct, intimating that his Highness would take too much upon himself, and make himself, too responsible, if he persevered in a resolute opposition to the Armed Neutrality.
     The Empress of Russia, who possesses a masterly Understanding, and a decided Inclination for America, is thought too, to have expressed Some Uneasiness, at the Princes political system.
     The King of Sweeden, who was lately at the Hague, is reported to have had free Conversation, with the Prince upon the Same Subject.
     All these Intimations together, are believed to have made his most serene Highness, hesitate a little, and consider, whether he was not acting too dangerous a Part, in exerting all his Influence in the Republick, to induce it to take a Part, in opposition to the general sense and Inclination of the People, and to all the maritime Powers of Europe.
     The English Court is undoubtedly informed of all this. They dread the Accession of the Dutch to the Armed Neutrality more, than all the other Branches of that Confederation, because of the Rivalry in Commerce, and because the Dutch will assist the Royal Marines of France and Spain more than all the others. The present Conduct of the English indicates a design to go to War with the Dutch, on Pretence of an Insult to their Crown, committed two years ago, by a Treaty with America, in Hopes that they will not be Supported in this quarrel by the confederated neutral Powers. But they will be mistaken. The Artifice is too gross. The confederated Powers will easily see, that the real Cause of Offence is the Accession to the armed Neutrality, and the Conduct of Amsterdam, in projecting a Treaty with America, only a Pretence.
     I have the Honour to be, with great Respect, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 31, 25 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

      Sir
      Amsterdam Decr. 265th. 1780

     Affairs are Still in Suspence. This Day being Chrismas and Yesterday a sunday, there was no publick Exchange held, on either. But Business, and especially, Stock Jobbing goes on, without ceasing, being done at the Coffee houses, on Sundays and holy days, when it cannot be held upon Change.
     The English Mail which had been interrupted by contrary Winds, for three Posts, arrived on Saturday. The English Gazettes of the 19th, announced, that Sir Joseph York, was recalled and a Dutch War inevitable. Private Letters informed that the Comte de Welderen was about leaving the British Court, and that an Embargo was laid on all Dutch ships in Great Britain: that the Stocks had fallen two Per Cent, and that a War was inevitable.
     The Stockjobbers, Englishmen and others, at the Coffee houses had melancholly Countenances and uncommon Anxiety. News was also propagated from the Hague, that sir Joseph York was gone. Others said he had received his orders to go. As there was no Exchange the publick Judgment is not yet made up, whether there will be War or not.
     Some Gentlemen of Knowledge and Experience, think all this a Farce concerted at the Hague, between Sir Joseph and his Friends there, and the Ministry in England, in order to Spread an Allarm, intimidate the States into an Answer, which may be accepted with a Colour of Honour &c, or to do something worse i.e. raise a Spirit among the Mobility against the Burgomasters of Amsterdam.
     I cannot however but be of Opinion that there is more in this, and that the Ministry will carry their Rage to great Extremities. They have gone too far to look back, without emboldening their Ennemies, and confounding their Friends, and exposing themselves to the Contempt and Ridicule of both.
     A few Hours, however, will throw more light upon this important Subject. The Plot must unravel immediately.
     I have the Honour to be, most respectfully your Excellencys most obedient and most humble sert

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 32, 26 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

      Duplicate
      Sir
      Amsterdam December 26th 1780

     The public Papers of this Morning inform Us, that Sir Joseph Yorke left the Hague on the Morning of the twenty fourth, without taking Leave of any body, and bent his Course to London by the Way of Antwerp and Ostend.
     Sometime in the Month of April last, a certain British Ambassador, who had an Inclination to take a few of the Pleasures of Paris in his Way to Germany, said in that City, where I recieved the Information in the time of it, “To be sure the Americans will carry their Point, and establish their Independence, for there will infallibly be a War between England and Holland before Christmas.”
     If the War is considered to commence from the Departure of the Ambassador, Sir Joseph went off exactly in time to accomplish the Prophecy.
     Since the Departure of Sir Joseph has been generally known, the City has been in a Fermentation. The English Ministry are cursed here as heartily as any where in general: Things are said by our Friends to be in a very good Situation: but I never know what to believe. The English are very bold I think—they are very enthusiastical—they are sure of the Assistance of Providence—as sure of Success against all their Enemies, as the old Lady was of Relief from Want, and making her Fortune by drawing a Prize in the Lottery. But have You bought a Ticket, Mamma, said her Daughter? No my Child, said the old Lady, I have no Ticket, but Providence is Almighty, and therefore I am sure of the highest Prize. Ticket or no Ticket.
     I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 26 December 1780
From: Digges, Thomas,Church, William Singleton
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir

       Decr. 26 1780

     I have had a sight of yours of the 15th, 17, and 18th Instant and am thankful for their inclosures. Whenever any publications worth notice, come to Your hands, send them in like manner and they will find immediate insertion here. The Courant being now the most generally read paper for early American intelligence, I constantly give the American papers to the publisher of that paper, and at any time, missing of me, You may have occasion to send any thing worth republication You have only to cut out of the papers the articles and inclose them To Mr. Cooper No. 134 Drury Lane London. They will be very thankfully received and will be usefull to us folks here.
     Before this reaches You, the accounts of our Cabinet proceedings with regard to Hostilities and war with Holland will be publickly known. We Englishmen seem in general to be much Elated at the rupture, and have already taken all the Dutch homeward bound fleets, their spice Islands, St. Eustatia &ca. &ca. &ca. The wise ones about the Ministry say there will be no war and that the Cabinet only act in this bullying manner to make the Mynheers truckle to and cry piccavi. They boast much of disunion in Holland, that there will be an insurrection of the people, that the other Cities of Holland are divided from Amsterdam, one province from the other &ca. &ca. &ca. This is the old American tune that they are playing, and will I guess have as little effect upon the Mynheers as upon the Yankees. If an insurrection is effected I guess the purpose will be to make a King of an insignificant Statholder.
     We have no News from the Continent of Ama. A Frigate is arrived from Barbadoes with a most dismal account of losses sustaind in several of the Islands in the W. Indies in a storm which lasted from the 10 to 18th Octor. Barbadoes has sufferd most, 4,000 Inhabitants lost their lives, the principal part of Bridge Town destroyd and all the vessels in that Harbour. Antigua sufferd little—St. Kitts considerably in the shipping and Craft as well as Stores near the Water. Guadaloupe escapd tolerably well. Martinico very much, all the ships being blown out to Sea and several transports with Troops—St. Lucia, Domenica and Grenada (particularly the latter) felt a great share of distress. St. Eustatia sufferd exceedingly. As the dispatches are but just got to London no correct account can be given and you must be referrd to the papers of tomorrow.

      I am Yours &ca. &ca. &ca.
      W.C


Title: To John Adams from William Lee, 27 December 1780
From: Lee, William
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Bruxelles Decr. 27. 1780

     Your favor of the 20th came to hand last Post. I have been confidently assured that the British Ministers, at least the greater part of them, are greatly anxious for a Peace, as they find the difficulties of carrying on the War, almost insurmountable, but the obstinacy of the King prevails and will do so, until some heavy blow frightens him and enables the Ministers to bring forward propositions of Peace, without offending their Master and loosing their Places.
     Many therefore cast an anxious eye to the South and hope that some capital blow to Cornwallis or Leslie may help them out of their present dilemmas. In wise Policy the Dutch shou’d not loose a moment in sending a convoy with Naval Stores to France, which would be the most effectual method to defeat the evident design of the English in presenting the two last most extraordinary memorials to their H. M. but for the reason above mention’d it will not be surprising if they proceed to extremitys because the more their affairs are embarrassed, the sooner will the King be compell’d to agree to Peace. For two years past I have very often warn’d the Dutch to secure well their possessions in the E. Indias, which I hope they have done, and then they may bid defiance to their Enemies.
     This moment I hear that Sir J. Yorke has quitted the Hague and that an Embargo is layed on all Dutch Vessels in England.
     Surely in this case we must have Peace in the course of a year, and in that pleasing contemplation I heartily bid you adieu.
     With high Esteem & Respect I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most Obliged & Obedt. Hble Servt.

      W: Lee

      Private Letters from London by the Mail of the 19th. mention that they were greatly dejected by the last advices from Ama., that the Germans at N.Y. deserted by hundreds at a time and that there was also great desertion from the British Troops.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 33, 28 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

      Duplicate
      Sir
      Amsterdam December 28th 1780

     The Dutch say that the English are acting the part of the Sailor, having quarrelled with three others as stout as himself, and got his Bones broke and his Eyes beat out in the Squabble, challenged four more to fight him at the same time, that he might have it in his Power to make it up with all seven, with Honour.
     If the English are not actuated by the same blind and vindictive Passions, which have governed them so many Years, it is impossible to see through their Policy. I think it is impossible they should be ignorant of the Articles of Confederation of the Neutral Powers: these Articles, as I am informed, warrant to all the Neutral Powers their Treaties with England, and stipulate that if either is attacked after the twentieth of November last it shall be made a Common Cause.
     If the English should issue Letters of Marque against the Dutch, the States General will not immediately issue Letters of Marque in return; but will represent the Facts to the Congress at Petersbourg and demand the benefit of the Treaty of Armed Neutrality, and all the Powers who are Parties to that Confederation will join in demanding of England Restitution, and, in Case of Refusal, will jointly issue Letters of Marque and Reprisal.
     The political Machine, that is now in Motion, is so vast, and comprehends so many Nations, whose Interests are not easy to adjust, that it is perhaps impossible for the human Understanding to foresee what Events may occur to disturb it. But at present there is no unfavourable appearance from any Quarter. We are in hourly Expectation of interesting News from the English, French and Spanish Fleets, from Petersbourg, from London and the Hague, and especially from North America. Every Wheel and Spring in the whole political System of Europe, would have its Motions rapidly accelerated by certain News from America of any decisive Advantage obtained over Cornwallis in South Carolina, so true it is that America is the very Centre and Axis of the whole.
     The Death of the Empress Queen, it is generally thought, will make no Alteration in the System of Europe: yet it is possible that after some time there may be Changes—none, however, which can be hurtfull to Us.
     I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 28 December 1780
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Brussels Decr. 28th. 1780

     I Had written to your Excellency a long Letter on the State of Affairs, which the Attention, I had the pleasure of paying to Mr. Dana, who staid here four or five days, prevented me Sending, and which is now Swallowed up by what has I am told, passed between the Courts of London and the Hague.
     Never surely did a Nation seek for the Enmity of Mankind with more eagerness, than the English do at this Time. Have they not Ennemies enough, that they shoud seek for more? How can we Account for their proceedings? I saw with Astonishment the Memorial of the 12th Instant. I saw in it a Conduct, that Confounded me, but it is plain, that orders have been long since sent to Act offencively Against the Dutch in the East and West, and that the present procedure is meant to warrant that Violence. One would Imagine, that England well Knew what She was About in this business, if we did not See, that She had been long Acting Contrary to all Knowledge for many years in every Transaction with Us. Does She mean to Confound her Ennemies by the Boldness of her Conduct as I have read is Sometimes a good Rule of Policy? But Surely she ought rather to Confound her former Ennemies by direct Attacks on them, rather than Create new ones, which will take off Her force from the first, to be exerted against the last. This Conduct will certainly not Astonish, but please her former Ennemies. Is she induced to war with the Dutch by the Hopes of Plunder, which the Easy Capture of the Dutch Ships may Afford? Does She propose to take the Cape of Good Hope and Conquer Batavia, what can be her Object? Is Holland insulted and attacked on the Same Principle, that America was, i.e., that it is Easy to Subdue—I am weary of Conjectures, But Dutch Fury is Equal to American Bravery and this Measure may be productive of the greatest Evil to Her. However a Dutch War and the Armed Neutrallity, if it Comes to any thing, may require that France Should Keep a greater Number of Ships in Europe, than is Consistent with the Essential Object of our War. It may be difficult perhaps to Convince the Dutch, that the Independancy of America is particularly their Interest, as it will for Ever prevent their Rival from treating them with Insult and Insolence in future, or that at least, America being freed from her present Embarrassements by the Expulsion of the Ennemy, will Act with Astonishing Vigor against the Common Foe; France at least ought to see it, and make the proper Efforts. Nothing ought to prevent Her from sending a decided Superiority of Naval Force to the States of America. That Measure alone will secure Europe from future Insult.
     Does your Excellency think that England has any Dependance on the Emperor? He has got his Brother Maximilian declared Coadjuter of the Bishoprick of Munster and Cologne, which effects Holland on one Side, while the Low Countries border on the other. He has an Eye on the Bishoprick of Liege and it is said, that Matter is settled to his wish. This cannot but be alarming to the Dutch should He take a part against them. It is likewise alarming to France, nor Can the King of Prussia be Easy at such an increase of Influence and Power in the Emperor. There is much Appearance of the War becoming general. The Fear of it however may make a Peace, which I pray to God may be to the Honour and Advantage of our Country.
     I cannot express to your Excellency the Pleasure, that I have had in Mr. Danas Company. I wish our Country had many such.
     I have received from London a Pamphlet intitled, a Short View of the Lord High Admirals Jurisdiction and of the several Acts for regulating and restraining the Trade of the british Plantations and of the Commissions of Vice Admiralty Courts there, together with the Heads of a Bill for the better regulating the same, printed 1775. This is, I believe, the Book your Excellency wanted, if so, I will send it by the first Opportunity.
     I have read Lord Howes Narrative and Galloways Answer, they are both Excellent for Us. They ought to be read Universally.
     I wish your Excellency and the Young Gentlemen Many happy Years.
     I am Sir your Excellencys Most Faithful & Obedient Humble Servant

      Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 28 December 1780
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Plimouth Dec 28th 1780

     Mr. Warren directed to you only one week since by Capt. Cazneau bound to Amsterdam, therefore has now left it to me to write one time asking your Care of the inclosed, to a Son for whose Welfare, a Heart so Replete as yours with all the parental affections will not wonder I am Exceedingly solicitous.
     We have not heard from him since He Embarked at N Foundland on Board the Vestal Frigate, in which we Learn Your Friend, the Honble. Mr. Laurens, was sent to England, and it is Reported here, was immediatly Confine’d to the tower. I hope this Worthy Man will receive no personal injury, nor the Bussiness on which He went be Materially affected by his Detention.
     Will not the Ministry be at a Loss how to dispose of one in the Character he bears. It will be Humiliating to acknowledge him in the Rank of an Ambassador. It will be trifling and Ridiculous to deny it. It will be mean, ungenerous and Base to treat him in any manner beneath the distinction due to a public Envoy.
     How much beyond the line Marked out in a letter to you, have this Good Gentlemans perigrinations Extended, before He Retires to Learn to die.

     But some need not—nor do others wait for such Favourable Circumstances to preceed the Grand Exit.
     The Late sudden Death of a Certain Great Officer at N port, is Matter of Speculation here—Time must Develope the Characters of Men, and unravel the Intrigues of princes. While the Innocent may Weep for the unfortunate And the Vulgar Gaze at the fall of Greatness, as suddenly brought low as the Meanest of his own Class. But often a Coincidence of Circumstances may occasion the Vague Suspition, and an imputation of Guilt may for a time Light on the Head of those who Least deserve it.
     Happy is the Man who has Equanimity and Virtue Enough to Govern the Reins of Ambition, and preventing the Furious Courser from Rushing into forbidden tracks, has true Greatness of soul to bear him above the Disappointments of Life, whither occasioned by the Common accidents of Time or by the Villany of others.
     The political situation, the state of Commerce, and the Military opperations, of Your Country is a Field I dare not Enter. They are subjects too much above the Delineation of my pen. The state of parties, the Rapid Groth of Idolitry, the Worship of the pageant, the Mimic Greatness of Monarchy in Embrio, are too much below Its Exertions to describe. Nor will I for your sake Even make the Attempt.
     Mrs. Adams will not write by this Conveyance as it is an unexpected one by way of N port. But she was well a few days since.
     If a youth I have Named before is in the same City with you, the highest mark of your Friendship will be that advice I know you sir, to be Capable of Giveing to the young and Inexperienced stranger. Nor am I less Confident of your Readiness to assist the Laudable Wishes of the son of your Friend, (if He Deserves it), by that influance which Flows from a polite and Generous Heart. And that He will not Fail to make himself Worthy of your Warmest Recommendations, is the most Flattering hope of his Mother who Subscribes with the usual Respect and Esteem. But sir, before she adds her Name, pray Remind my Young Friends that all Health & Happiness is Sincerely Wished them by

      M Warren

      Mr. Warren Intends writing by the first opportunity from Boston, desires Best Regards to yourself and Mr. Dana, nor is Mr. Thaxter forgoten by his American Friends.


Title: Instructions Respecting a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the Netherlands, 29 December 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel,President of Congress
To: Adams, John

      Sir

       29 December 1780

     Instructions to the honble. John Adams
     You will herewith receive a commission authorising you to negotiate a treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United Provinces of the low countries.
     You will also receive a plan, in articles which you are to adopt in whole or without any essential alteration, being always cautious not to admit anything inconsistent with the treaties already concluded between these United States and France, and being particularly attentive to the ninth, tenth and seventeenth articles of our treaty of Amity and Commerce with France numbered as they were finally ratified.
     In settling regulations respecting contraband you will regard not only the enumeration made in our treaty with France, but conform to such regulations as shall be agreed Upon by the Congress of the northern powers concerning which we have expressed our Intentions by resolves passed the fifth day of October last and herewith transmitted.
     Done at Philadelphia this twenty ninth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty and in the fifth year of our Independence by the Congress of the United States.

      Saml. Huntington President
      Attest Chas. Thomson Secy.


Title: Plan for a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, 29 December 1780
From: Continental Congress,Thomson, Charles
To: Adams, John

       29 December 1780

     Plan of a treaty of amity and commerce between the United States of America and the United Provinces of the low Countries.
     The parties being willing to fix in a permanent and equitable manner the rules to be observed in the commerce they desire to establish between their respective countries have judged that the said end cannot be better obtained than by taking the most perfect equality and reciprocity for the basis of their agreement, by leaving each party at liberty to make such interior regulations respecting commerce and navigation as it shall find most convenient and by founding the advantage of commerce on reciprocal utility and the just rules of free intercourse. On these principles the parties after mature deliberation have agreed to the following articles.
     Art. I. There shall be a firm, inviolable and universal peace and sincere friendship between their High Mightinesses the states of the seven United provinces of the low countries and the united states of North America, and the subjects and people of the said parties, and between the countries, islands, cities and towns situated under their respective jurisdictions, and the people and inhabitants thereof, of every degree without exception of persons or places.
     Art. II. The subjects of the said states of the low countries shall pay in the ports, havens, roads, countries, islands, cities or towns of the united states of North America or any of them no other or greater duties or imposts of what nature so ever they may be or by what name so ever called, than those which the nations most favoured are or shall be obliged to pay. And they shall enjoy all the rights, liberties, privileges, immunities and exemptions in trade, navigation and commerce whether in passing from one port in the said States to another or in going to and from the same from and to any part of the world, which the said nations do or shall enjoy.
     Art. III. The converse of article second.
     Art. IV. There shall be a full perfect and entire liberty of Conscience allowed to the subjects of each party and to their families as to matters of religion and a full and entire liberty to worship in their own way without any kind of molestation. Moreover liberty shall be given to the subjects of either party who die in the territories of the other to be interred in convenient and decent places to be appointed for that purpose as occasion shall require; neither shall the dead bodies of those who are buried be any wise molested.
     Art. V. Their High Mightinesses the states of the seven United provinces of the low countries shall endeavour by all the means in their power to protect and defend all vessels and other effects belonging to the citizens, people or inhabitants of the said united states of America or any of them, being in their ports havens or roads or on the seas near to their countries, islands cities or towns; and to recover and cause to be restored to the right owners, their agents or attornies all such vessels and effects as shall be taken within their jurisdiction: And their ships of war or any convoys sailing under their authority shall upon all occasions take under their protection all vessels belonging to the subjects, people or inhabitants of the said United States of America or any of them, holding the same course or going the same way and shall defend such vessels as long as they hold the same course or go the same way against all attacks, force and violence in the same manner as they ought to protect and defend vessels belonging to the subjects of their said high Mightinesses.
     Ar. VI A reciprocal Stipulation.
     Art. VI It shall be lawful and free for merchants and others being subjects, either of the said seven united provinces of the low countries or of the said united states of America by will, or any other disposition made either during the time of sickness or at any other time before or at the point of death to devise or give away to such person or persons as to them shall seem good their effects, merchandizes, money, debts or goods moveable or immoveable which they have or ought to have at the time of their death or at any time before within the countries, islands, cities towns or dominions belonging to either of the said contracting parties. Moreover whether they die having made their wills or intestate their lawful heirs executors or administrators residing in the dominions of either of the contracting parties or coming from any other part although they be not naturalised and without having their right contested or impeded under pretext of any rights or prerogatives of provinces, cities or private persons shall freely and quietly receive and take possession of all the said goods and effects whatsoever according to the laws of each country respectively in such manner however that the wills and right of entering upon the inheritances of persons dying intestate must be proved according to the law in those places where each person may happen to die as well by the subjects of one as of the other contracting party, any law statute edict, custom ordinance or right whatsoever notwithstanding.
     Art. VII. It shall be lawful and free for the subjects of each party to employ such advocates, attornies, notaries, solicitors or factors as they shall think fit, to which end the said advocates and others above mentioned may be appointed by the ordinary judges if it be needful and the judges be there unto required.
     Art. VIII. Merchants, masters of ships, owners mariners men of all kinds ships and vessels and all merchandize and goods in general and effects of one of the confederates or of the subjects thereof shall not be seized or detained in any of the countries lands islands cities towns ports havens shores or dominions whatsoever of the other confederate for public use warlike expeditions or the private use of any one by arrests violence or any colour thereof. Moreover it shall be unlawful for the subjects of either party to take any thing or to extort it by force from the subjects of the other party without the consent of the person to whom it belongs: which however is not to be understood of that seizure and detention which shall be made by the command and authority of justice and by the ordinary methods on account of debt or crimes in respect whereof the proceedings must be by way of law according to the forms of justice.
     Art. IX. It is further agreed and concluded that it shall be wholly free for all merchants commanders of ships and other subjects of their High Mightinesses the states of the seven United provinces of the low countries in all places subject to the dominion and jurisdiction of the said United states of America to manage their own business themselves or to employ whomsoever they please to manage it for them nor shall they be obliged to make use of any interpreter or broker nor to pay any salary or fees unless they chuse to make use of them. Moreover masters of ships shall not be obliged in loading or unloading their ships to make use of those workmen that may be appointed by public authority for that purpose, but it shall be entirely free for them to load or unload their ships by themselves or to make use of such persons in loading or unloading the same as they shall think fit without paying any fees or salary to any other whomsoever. Neither shall they be forced to unload any sort of merchandizes either into other ships or to receive them into their own or to wait for their being loaded longer than, they please. And all and every the citizens people and inhabitants of the said United States of America shall reciprocally have and enjoy the same privileges and liberties in all places whatsoever subject to the dominion and jurisdiction of their high Mightinesses the states of the seven United provinces of the low countries.
     Art. X. The merchant ships of either of the parties which shall be making into a port belonging to the enemy of the other ally and concerning whose voyage and the species of goods on board her there shall be just grounds of suspicion shall be obliged to exhibit as well upon the high seas as in the ports and havens not only her passports but likewise certificates expressly shewing that her goods are not of the number of those which have been prohibited as contraband.
     Art. XI. If by exhibiting the above said certificates the other party discover there are any of those sort of goods which are prohibited and declared contraband and consigned for a port under the obedience of his enemy it shall not be lawful to break up the hatches of such ship or to open any chest coffers, packs, casks or any other vessels found therein or to remove the smallest parcel of her goods whether such ship belongs to the subjects of their high Mightinesses the states of the United provinces of the low countries or the citizens or inhabitants of the said United states of America unless the lading be brought on shore in the presence of the officers of the court of admiralty and an inventory thereof made, but there shall be no allowance to sell, exchange or alienate the same in any manner until after that due and lawful process shall have been had against such prohibited goods and the court of admiralty shall by a sentence pronounced have confiscated the same saving always as well the ship itself as any other goods found therein which are to be esteemed free; neither may they be detained on pretence of their being as it were infected by the prohibited goods much less shall they be confiscated as lawful prize: but if not the whole cargo but only part thereof shall consist of prohibited or contraband goods and the commander of the ship shall be ready and willing to deliver them to the captor, who has discovered them, in such case the captor having received those goods shall forth with discharge the ship and not hinder her by any means freely to prosecute the voyage on which she was bound. But in case the contraband merchandizes cannot be all received on board the vessel of the captor, then the captor may notwithstanding the offer of delivering him the contraband goods carry the vessel into the nearest port agreeably to what is above directed.
     Art. XII On the contrary it is agreed that whatever shall be found to be laden by the subjects and inhabitants of either party on any ship belonging to the enemies of the other or to their subjects the whole although it be not of the sort of prohibited goods may be confiscated in the same manner as if it belonged to the enemy except such goods and merchandizes as were put on board such ship before the declaration of war or even after such declaration if so be it were done without knowledge of such declaration so that the goods of the subjects and people of either party, whether they be of the nature of such as are prohibited or otherwise, which as is aforesaid were put on board any ship belonging to an enemy before the war or after the declaration of the same without the knowledge of it shall no wise be liable to confiscation but shall well and truly be restored without delay to the proprietors demanding the same but so as that if the said merchandizes be contraband it shall not be any ways lawful to carry them afterwards to any ports belonging to the enemy. The two contracting parties agree that the term of two months being passed after the declaration of war their respective subjects from whatever part of the world they come shall not plead the ignorance mentioned in this article.
     Art. XIII And that more effectual care may be taken for the security of the subjects and people of either party that they do not suffer any injury by the men of war or privateers of the other party all the commanders of the ships of war and the armed vessels of the said states of the seven united provinces of the low countries and of the said united states of America and all their subjects and people shall be forbid doing any injury or damage to the other side and if they act to the contrary they shall be punished and shall more over be bound to make satisfaction for all matter of damage and the interest thereof by reparation under the pain and obligation of their persons and goods.
     Art. XIV All ships and merchandize of what nature soever which shall be rescued out of the hands of any pirates or robbers on the high seas shall be brought into some port of either state and shall be delivered to the custody of the officers of that port in order to be restored entire to the true proprietor as soon as due and sufficient proof shall be made concerning the property thereof.
     Art. XV. If any ships or vessels belonging to either of the parties, their subjects or people shall within the coasts or dominions of the other stick upon the sands or be wrecked or suffer any other damage all friendly assistance and relief shall be given to the persons ship wrecked or such as shall be in danger thereof and letters of safe conduct shall likewise be given to them for their free and quiet passage from thence and the return of every one to his own country.

     Art. XVI In case the subjects or people of either party with their shipping whither public and of war or private and of merchants be forced through stress of weather, pursuit of pirates or enemies or any other urgent necessity for seeking of shelter and harbour to retreat and enter into any of the rivers creeks bays havens roads ports or shores belonging to the other party they shall be received and treated with all humanity and kindness and enjoy all friendly protection and help and they shall be permitted to refresh and provide themselves at reasonable rates with victuals and all things needful for the sustenance of their persons or reparation of their ships and they shall no ways be detained or hindered from returning out of the said ports or roads but may remove and depart when and whither they please without any let or hindrance.
     Art. XVII. For the better promoting of commerce on both sides it is agreed that if a war should break out between the said two nations six months after the proclamation of war shall be allowed to the merchants in the cities and towns where they live for selling and transporting their goods and merchandizes and if anything be taken from them or any injury be done to them within that term by either party or the people or subjects of either full satisfaction shall be made for the same.
     Art. XVIII. No subjects of their high mightinesses the states of the seven United provinces of the low countries shall apply for or take any commission or letter of marque for arming any ship or ships to act as privateers against the said united states of America or any of them or the subjects people or inhabitants of the said united states or any of them or against the property of the inhabitants of any of them from any prince or state with which the said united states of America shall happen to be at war nor shall any citizen subject or inhabitant of the said United states of America or any of them apply for or take any commission or letters of marque for arming any ship or ships to act as privateers against the subjects of their said high mightinesses or any of them or the property of any of them from any prince or state with which the said State shall be at war and if any person of either nation shall take such commission or letters of marque he shall be punished as a pirate.
     Art. XIX. The ships of the subjects and inhabitants of either of the parties coming upon any coast belonging to either of the said allies but not willing to enter into port or being entered into port and not willing to unload their cargoes or break bulk they shall be treated according to the general rules prescribed or to be prescribed relative to the object in Question.
     Art. XX. The two contracting parties grant to each other mutually the liberty of having each in the ports of the other consuls vice consuls agents and commissaries of their own appointing whose functions shall be regulated by particular agreement whenever either party chuses to make such appointment.
     Art. XXI. It is agreed between the two contracting parties that no clause article matter or thing herein contained shall be taken or understood either in present or future contrary to the clauses articles covenants and stipulations in a treaty between the said United states of America and the most Christian King executed at Paris on the sixth day of February one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight or any of them but the same shall be taken and understood consistently with and conformably to the said treaty.
     Cha Thomson secy.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 35, 31 December 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

      Duplicate
      Sir
      Amsterdam December 31st. 1780

     It will scarcely be believed in Congress, that at a Time when there are the strongest Appearances of War, there has not been a Newspaper nor a Letter recieved in this City from London since the nineteenth or twentieth of the Month.
     There are Symptoms of a more general War. If Britain adheres to her Maxims, this Republick will demand the Aid of Russia, Sweeden, Denmark and Prussia, in pursuance of the Treaty of Armed Neutrality. Those Powers will not be duped by the Artifice of the British Court, and adjudge this War not a Casus Foederis, when all the World agrees that the Accession of the Republick to the Armed Neutrality is the real Cause of it, and the Treaty between Mr. Lee and Mr. De Neufville only a false Pretence. If the Armed Neutral Confederacy takes it up, as nobody doubts they will, all these Powers will be soon at War with England, if She does not recede. If the Neutral Powers do not take it up, and England proceeds, She will drive this Republick into the Arms of France, Spain and America. In this possible Case, a Minister here from Congress would be useful. In Case the Armed Neutrality takes it up, a Minister authorised to represent the United States to all the Neutral Courts might be of use.
     The Empress Queen is no more. The Emperor has procured his Brother Maximilian to be declared Co Adjutor of the Bishoprick of Munster and Cologne, which affects Holland and the Low Countries. He is supposed to have his Eye on Liege. This may alarm the Dutch, the King of Prussia and France. The War may become general, and the Fear of it may make Peace, that is it might, if the King of England was not the most determined Man in the World. But depressed and distracted and ruined as his Dominions are, he will set all Europe in a Blaze before he will make Peace. His Exertions however against Us cannot be very formidable. Patience, Firmness and Perseverance are our only Remedy: these are a sure and an infallible one; and with this Observation I beg Leave to take my Leave of Congress for the Year 1780, which has been to me the most anxious and mortifying Year of my whole Life. God grant that more Vigour, Wisdom and Decision may govern the Councils, Negotiations and Operations of Mankind in the Year 1781.
     I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant

      John Adams


Title: Letter of Credence to the States General of the Netherlands, 1 January 1781
From: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel
To: Netherlands, States General of

High and Mighty Lords

1 January 1781

The United States of North America in Congress Assembled impressed with a high sense of the wisdom and magnanimity of your high Mightinesses and of your inviolable attachment to the rights and liberties of mankind and being desirous of cultivating the friendship of a Nation eminent for its wisdom Justice and moderation have appointed the honble. John Adams late a Delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts and a member of the Council of that State to be their Minister Plenipotentiary to reside near you that he may give you more particular Assurances of the great respect they entertain for Your High Mightinesses. We beseech your High Mightinesses to give entire credit to every thing which our said Minister shall deliver on our part especially when he shall assure you of the sincerity of our friendship and regard.
We pray God to keep your High Mightinesses in his holy protection.
Done at Philadelphia the first day of January in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty one and in the fifth year of our Independence By the Congress of the United States.

Your friends
Sam. Huntington President
Attest Chas. Thomson Secy.


Title: Letter of Credence to William V, Prince of Orange, 1 January 1781
From: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel
To: William V, Prince of Orange and Stadholder of the Netherlands

Copy
High and serene Prince

1 January 1781

The United States of America in Congress Assembled impressed with a deep sense of your wisdom and magnanimity and being desirous of cultivating the friendship of your Highness and of the seven United Provinces of the Netherlands who have ever distinguished themselves by an Inviolable attachment to freedom and the rights of Nations, have appointed the honorable John Adams late a delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts, and a member of the Council of that State to be their minister Plenipotentiary at your Court that he may give you more particular Assurances of the great respect they entertain for your Highness and for the people over whom you preside as Stadtholder.
We beseech your Highness to give entire credit to every thing which our said minister shall deliver on our part especially when he shall assure you of the sincerity of our friendship and regard.
We pray God to keep your Highness in his holy protection.
Done at Philadelphia the first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty one, and in the fifth Year of our Independence. By the United States of America.

Your friends
Sam. Huntington President
Attest Chas Thomson Secy.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 1 January 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Amsterdam 1 January 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC, Misc. Papers, Reel No. 1, f. 204–211. printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 4:219–222.
 Read in Congress on 19 Nov., this letter contained the texts of Britain’s manifesto of 20 Dec. 1780, which constituted a declaration of war against the Netherlands, and an Order in Council of the same date authorizing letters of marque against Dutch ships. The British justified their declaration by citing continued Dutch violations of the law of nations, namely the refusal of the States General to grant the assistance required by the Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1678; the sanctuary given John Paul Jones at Texel in 1780; St. Eustatius’ status as a conduit for trade with the United States and safe haven for American privateers; and the States General’s refusal to punish Amsterdam for its role in negotiating the Lee-Neufville treaty of 1778. The Dutch responded on 12 March with a countermanifesto, for which see Adams’ letter of 18 March to the president of Congress, calendared below.
John Adams described the two documents, which had arrived in the morning mail, as “a new Years Entertainment.” This was principally because, as Adams had informed Congress in two letters dated 25 Dec. 1780 (Nos. 29 and 30vol. 10:433–436), the real reason for the British declaration of war was the Dutch decision to accede to the armed neutrality. Britain was determined to preclude assistance from the neutral powers by transforming the Netherlands into a belligerent. The British declaration ended the Dutch trade in naval stores with France and soon resulted in St. Eustatius’ demise as an avenue for trade with the United States. But the war also deepened Britain’s diplomatic isolation and determined the focus of Adams’ activities during the first half of 1781, for it seemed to augur well for his efforts to obtain Dutch recognition of the United States and raise a loan.


Title: To John Adams from the President of Congress, 1 January 1781
From: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia January 1. 1781

You will receive herewith enclosed, a Commission as Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Provinces of the low Countries, with Instructions for your Government on that important Mission; as also a Plan of a Treaty with those States, and likewise a Resolve of Congress relative to the Declaration of the Empress of Russia respecting the Protection of neutral Ships &c.
Proper Letters of Credence on the Subject of your Mission will be forwarded by the next Conveyance, but it is thought inexpedient to delay the present Despatches on that Account.

I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect & Esteem sir your most obedient & most humble Servant
Sam. Huntington President