Title: Instructions to the American Commissioners, May–June 1784
From:
To: American Commissioners

            May 7th. 1784

          Whereas Instructions bearing date the 29th. day of October 1783 were sent to the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America at the Court of Versailles empowered to Negotiate A Peace or to any one or more of them for concerting Draughts or Propositions for Treaties of Amity and Commerce with the Commercial Powers of Europe
          Resolved That it will be advantageous to these United States to conclude such Treaties with Russia, the Court of Vienna, Prussia, Denmark, Saxony, Hamburg, Great Britain, Spain, Portugal, Genoa, Tuscany, Rome, Naples, Venice, Sardinia and the Ottoman Porte.
          Resolved that in the formation of these Treaties the following points be carefully stipulated.
          First That each Party shall have a right to carry their own Produce, Manufactures and Merchandize in their own bottoms to the Ports of the other, and thence to take the Produce and Merchandize of the other, paying in both Cases such duties only as are paid by the most favoured Nation, freely where it is freely granted to such Nation, or paying the Compensation, where such Nation does the same—
          Second. That with the Nations holding Territorial Possessions in America a direct and similar Intercourse be admitted between the United States and such Possessions; or if this cannot be obtained, then a direct and similar intercourse between the United States and certain free Ports within such Possessions; that if this neither can be obtained, permission be stipulated to bring from such Possessions in their own bottoms the Produce and Merchandize thereof to these States directly and for these States to carry in their own bottoms their Produce and Merchandize to such Possessions directly

          Third. That these United States be considered in all such treaties, and in every Case arising under them, as one Nation upon the Principles of the Fœderal Constitution.—
          Fourth. That it be proposed, though not indispensibly required, that if War should hereafter arise between the two Contracting Parties, the Merchants of either Country then residing in the other shall be allowed to remain nine Months to collect their Debts and settle their Affairs, and may depart freely, carrying off all their effects without molestation or hindrance; And all Fishermen, all Cultivators of the Earth and all Artizans or Manufacturers unarmed and inhabiting unfortified towns, Villages or Places, who labour for the common subsistence and benefit of Mankind, and peaceably following their respective employments, shall be allowed to continue the same, And shall not be molested by the Armed force of the Enemy, in whose power by the Events of War they may happen to fall; but if any thing is necessary to be taken from them for the use of such Armed force, the same shall be paid for at a reasonable Price; and all Merchants and Traders exchanging the Products of different Places, and thereby rendering the necessaries conveniences and comforts of human life more easy to obtain and more General, shall be allowed to pass free and unmolested, and neither of the contracting powers shall grant or issue any Commission to any private Armed Vessels empowering them to take or destroy such trading Ships or interrupt such Commerce.
          Fifth. And in case either of the Contracting Parties shall happen to be engaged in War with any other Nation, it be farther agreed in order to prevent all the difficulties and misunderstandings that usually arise respecting the Merchandize heretofore called Contraband, such as Arms Ammunition and Military Stores of all kinds, that no such Articles carrying by the ships or Subjects of one of the Parties to the Enemies of the other shall on any account be deemed contraband, so as to induce confiscation and a loss of Property to individuals, Nevertheless it shall be lawful to stop such Ships & to detain them for such length of time as the Captors may think necessary to prevent the inconvenience or damage that might ensue from their proceeding on their Voyage, paying however a reasonable Compensation for the loss such arrest shall occasion to the Propietors; and it shall be further allowed to use in the service of the Captors the whole or any part of the Military Stores so detained, paying the owners the full Value of the same, to be asscertained by the current Price at the place of its destination: But if the other

contracting party will not consent to discontinue the confiscation of contraband goods, then that it be Stipulated that if the Master of the Vessell stopped will deliver out the goods charged to be contraband, he shall be admitted to do it, and the Vessell shall not in that case be carried into any port but shall be allowed to proceed on her voyage.
          Sixth. That in the same case where either of the contracting parties shall happen to be engaged in War with any other Power, all goods not Contraband belonging to the Subjects of that other Power and shipped in the bottoms of the Party hereto, who is not engaged in the War, shall be entirely free; and that to ascertain what shall constitute the blockade of any place or port, it shall be understood to be in such Predicament, when the assailing power shall have taken such a station as to expose to imminent danger any Ship or Ships that would attempt to sail in or out of the said Port; and that no Vessell of the Party, who is not engaged in the said War shall be stopped without a material and well grounded cause; and in such cases justice shall be done and an Indemnification given without loss of time to the Persons aggrieved and thus stopped without sufficient cause—
          Seventh. That no rights be stipulated for aliens to hold real property within these States, this being utterly inadmissible by their several laws and Policy; but where on the death of any person holding real estate within the territories of one of the contracting parties, such real estate would by their laws descend on a subject or citizen of the other, were he not disqualified by alienage, there he shall be allowed a reasonable time to dispose of the same and with draw the proceeds without molestation.
          Eighth. That such treaties be made for a term not exceeding ten years from the exchange of Ratification
          Ninth. That these Instructions be considered as supplementary to those of October 29. 1783 and not as revoking, except where they contradict them. That where in Treaty with a particular Nation they can procure particular Advantages, to the Specification of which we have been unable to descend, our object in those Instructions having been to form out-Lines only and general Principles with many Nations, it is our Expectation they will procure them, though not pointed out in these Instructions; and where they may be able to form Treaties on Principles, which in their Judgment will be more beneficial to the United States than those herein directed to be made their Basis, they are permitted to adopt such Principles. That as to the Duration of the Treaties, though we have proposed to

restrain them to the Term of 10 years, yet they are at liberty to extend the same as far as fifteen years with any Nation, which may pertinaciously insist thereon; and that it will be agreeable to us to have supplementary Treaties with France, the United Netherlands and Sweden, which may bring the Treaties we have entered into with them as nearly as may be to the Principles of those now directed; but that this be not pressed, if the proposal should be found disagreable.
          Resolved, That Treaties of Amity and Commerce be entered into with Morocco and the Regencies of Algiers, Tunis and Tripoly to continue for the same Term of 10 years or for a Term as much longer as can be procured.
          That our Ministers to be commissioned for treating with foreign Nations make known to the Emperor of Morocco the great Satisfaction which Congress feel from the amicable Disposition he has shewn towards these States and his Readiness to enter into Alliance with them; that the Occupations of the War and Distance of our Situation have prevented our meeting his Friendship so early as we wished: But that Powers are now delegated to them for entering into Treaty with him, in the Execution of which they are ready to proceed. And that as to the Expences of his Minister they do therein what is for the Honour and Interest of the United States.
          Resolved that a Commission be issued to Mr John Adams Mr Benjamin Franklin and Mr Thomas Jefferson giving Powers to them or to the greater Part of them to make and receive Propositions for such Treaties of Amity and Commerce and to negotiate and sign the same, transmitting them to Congress for their final Ratification and that such Commission be in force for a Term not exceeding two years.

            May 11. 1784.

          Resolved That our Ministers to be commissioned for treating with foreign Nations be referred to the Instructions of the thirtieth Day of May 1783 relative to the British debts the Objects of which they are hereby directed to urge with Perseverance. That they require with Firmness and Decision full Satisfaction for all Slaves and other Property belonging to Citizens of these States taken and carried away in Violation of the Preliminary and definitive Articles of Peace; and to Enable them to do this on precise grounds Congress will furnish them with necessary Facts and Documents.
          Resolved, That Doctor Franklin be desired to notify to the

Apostolical Nuntio at Versailles that Congress will always be pleased to testify their Respect to his Sovereign and State; but that the Subject of his Application to Doct. Franklin being purely spiritual, it is without the Jurisdiction and Powers of Congress who have no authority to permit or refuse it, these powers being reserved to the several States individually.—
          That Doct. Franklin be instructed to express to the Court of France the constant Desire of Congress to meet their Wishes: That these States are about to form a general system of Commerce by Treaties with other Nations: that at this Time they cannot foresee what claims might be given to those Nations by the explanatory Propositions from the Count de Vergennes on the 2d. & 3d. Articles of our Treaty of Amity & Commerce with His Most Christian Majesty; but that he may be assured it will be our constant Care to place no People on more advantageous ground than the Subjects of his Majesty.
          Resolved, That the Papers containing the claim of the five Fosters, brothers for the Prize of their Vessel “the three friends” made by Captn. Landais of the Alliance frigate which Papers were communicated by the Count de Vergennes to Doctor Franklin to the end he might apply to Congress for an indemnification of the said Fosters, be remitted to the said Ministers with a Copy of the fourth Clause of the Instructions to them of October 29th. 1783 and the following extract from Dr. Franklin’s Letter of July 22. 1783 to the Secretary for foreign Affairs viz “Mr. Barclay has in his hands the Affair of the Alliance and Bonhomme Richard. I will afford him all the Assistance in my Power. But it is a very perplexed Business. That expedition tho’ for particular reasons under American Commissions and Colours, was carried on at the King’s Expence and under his Orders. Mr. de Chaumont was the Agent appointed by the Minister of the Marine to make the outfit. He was also chosen by all the Captains of the Squadron as appears by an Instrument under their hands, to be their Agent, receive sell and divide Prizes &ca. The Crown bought two of them at Public sale, and the Money I understand is lodged in the hands of a responsible Person at L’Orient. Mr. de Chaumont says he has given in his Accounts to the Marine and that he has no more to do with the Affair except to receive a balance due to him. That Account however is, I beleive, unsettled, and the absence of some of the Captains is said to make another difficulty which retards the completion of the business. I never paid nor received any thing relating to that Expedition, nor had any other

concern in it than barely ordering the Alliance to join the Squadron at Mr. de Sartine’s request.” From which extract there is Reason to beleive the United States of America had no concern in the Expedition; but that it was carry’d on wholly under the Authority and for the Advantage of his Most Christian Majesty. That if this fact should not be so apparent as to give full Satisfaction to his Majesty’s Ministers, they then take such Measures as in their Discretion shall be thought most conducive to an amicable and equitable adjustment thereof on the best evidence they shall be able to procure—
          Resolved, That the Claim of the Sieur Bayard against these United States for the sum of 255236 Dollars continental Money is not founded in Justice from the Circumstances of the Case as stated by himself, which are “That a Vessel & Cargo in which he was interested sailing in May 1779 from Charles Town for France was taken by an English Armed Vessel, and retaken by an American Frigate called the Boston that she was carried to Boston and there sold as French Property by Mr. de Valnais Consul for France at that Port—that he unfaithfully and irregularly, as is suggested, endeavoured to have the whole adjudged to the Recaptors, but that the Sentence was that they were only intitled to one eighth and the Sr. Bayard’s Correspondents obliged Mr. de Valnais to deposit with the Consul of France in Philadelphia 255236 dollars continental Money in part of the proceeds with a reserve to the Sr. Bayard against Mr. de Valnais of every right of redress for his irregular Conduct.” That no injurious intermeddling by the United States or any of them or by any of their Citizens is here complained of— That the Money was constantly in the hands of the Sr. Bayard’s Correspondents or of the Consul of his Nation— That he may indeed have suffered by its depreciation as many others have suffered both foreigners and Citizens, but the latter in a much higher Degree than the former— That this Depreciation was not effected by any arbitrary change by Congress in the Value or denomination of the Money which yet has been frequently practised by European States, who never have thought themselves bound to make good the Losses thereby incurred either by their own Citizens or by foreigners, but ensued against the will & the unremitting endeavours of Congress.— That in this Case too it might have been lessened, if not prevented by investing the Money immediately in Gold or Silver or in other Commodities. Congress are therefore of opinion that these States are not bound to make Good the Loss by Depreciation—
          That as to the Residue of the Claims of the Sieur Bayard, if

founded in truth and right they lie only against the State of Georgia, to the Governor of which Congress will transmit Copies of the Papers, expressing at the same time our Confidence that that State will cause to be done in it, what Justice and the respect due between friendly nations require, and that the Sieur Bayard be referred to them.
          Resolved, That the friendly Services rendered by the Sr. John Baptist Pequet, Agent for the French Nation at Lisbon, to great Numbers of American Sailors carried Prisoners into that Port during the late War, and his sufferings on that Account merit the sincere Acknowledgements of Congress, and that it be referred to the said Ministers to deliver him these in honourable Terms, & to make him such Gratification as may indemnify his losses & properly reward his Zeal.
          Resolved, That the papers relating to the detention of the schooner Nancy, captn. Gladden, belonging to Citizens of these United States residing in North Carolina, be transmitted to our ministers for negotiating Treaties with foreign Powers; and that they be instructed to make inquiry into the cause of the seizure and detention of the said schooner and her Cargo, and if it shall appear that she has been unjustly detained to demand the release of the Vessel and the restoration of her Cargo with adequate damages for her detention—

            June 3. 1784.

          Resolved, that the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States for negotiating Commercial Treaties with foreign Powers be, and they are hereby instructed, in any negotiations they may enter upon with the Court of Spain, not to relinquish or cede in any event whatsoever the right of the Citizens of these United States to the free Navigation of the River Mississippi from its source to the Ocean—

            (signd) Chas. Thomson. secy.


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 8 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje

          Gentlemen.
          The Hague May 8th: 1784.

        I am to take with me to Paris, a Quantity of Bills of Exchange, formerly accepted by me, in behalf of the United States and paid by Messrs: Fizeaux, Grand & Co. it is necessary that a List of these Bills should be made, before I sign a Receipt for them; and therefore, these are to request you, to speak to Mr: Fizeau upon the subject, and assist in making the List, or at least in examining and comparing it, that there may be no mistake; I shall call at Amsterdam, for the Bills the latter End of next Week, or beginning of the week after, at furthest.
        I am &c.

          P.S. I owe Mr: Holtzhey, Medallist for some Medals. will you be so good as to pay this, and send me the Receipt, and charge it to the United States as part of my Salary? One favour more: i: e: a List of the Sums, of Money, advanced to me, and payments for me, in Paris, London, or here since last July— This will be necessary for me to have in order to the settlement of my Account, with Congress or Mr: Barclay.


Title: John Adams to Rolland & Co., 9 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Rolland & Co.

          Gentlemen
          The Hague May 9: 1784.

        I have rec’d the Letter you did me the Honour to write me yesterday.
        I am surprised that Mr: Barclay, should desire you to transmit to me, any Information respecting the Bills, as I have nothing to do with them, and I have no Curiosity about them. I am still more surprised at your saying that I stand accountable for a Bill of 824.ƒ— I presume to say, Mr: Thaxter had too much Sense and Modesty, ever to promise the acceptance of a Bill, which he had no authority to do. And I most certainly never promised any such Thing. And now I promise I will have nothing to do with it—not so much as to write to Congress about it.
        Your most humble Servant.


Title: John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 11 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Barclay, Thomas

          Dear Sir.
          The Hague May 11. 1784.

        I have this Moment rec’d your Letter of the 6th: and have now only to say, that if you have not absolutely engaged the House I desire you would not engage it at all, and if you have engaged it, to get released from that Engagement upon the easiest Terms you can— This is an Unlucky Change of Mind But I shall not change again.
        With great Esteem, your &c.


Title: Edmund Jenings to John Adams, 11 May 1784
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          London May 11th. 1784.

        I did myself the Honour of writing to your Excellency by the last Post, & inclosing a Letter, which might have been productive by this Time of an Event, which I assure myself would have been painful to you. I Know not as yet, what is the result of my Ennemies Council thereon. I called three times at Vine Street Yesterday but found no Letter from either. Let them take their Time, I have done, what I was under the Necessity of doing in Consequence—of their

Insolence. I am told I need not go further, as I assure your Excellency I have been urged by no Vindictive Passion having determind & declared, that if the Meeting had been had, not to have enjoind Either of my Ennemies I Know my Duty better to God & man & myself, that to take such means of Vindication. & I hope I shall ever remember it; but this must not be told in Gath, for then the Philistines will be more troublesome
        I am with the greatest Respect / Sir your Excellencys / most obedient humble Servant

          Edm: Jenings

          PS. I wish your Excellency would shew the Anonymous Letter to Mr [Brush?], now I beleive at Amsterdam, I think He will Know the Hande.


Title: Arthur Lee to John Adams, 11 May 1784
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir,
          Annapolis May 11th. 1784

        I cannot let this opportunity, thõ, from Mr. Jefferson’s hurry, a transitory one, pass; without writing you a line. The arrangement of our foreign affairs which makes Mr Jay Secretary here, & joins Mr. Jefferson with you, must I think be pleasing to you, as they both have a friendship for you & are men of ability. It was my wish that the negociations might be carried on at the Hague or in London But it is tender ground to tread on, & Paris I suppose, thõ for many reasons the most improper, will be the place.
        From the Accounts we have here, I judge that Pitt & his friends will maintain their places against Fox & North; & I suppose you will find them most disposed to treat upon large, wise, & liberal principles. I therefore wish they may continue in place.
        Our treasury is as low & the prospect of raising it by taxes, as unpromising as possible. Either the present Super-intendant must continue in with powers calculated solely to convert every thing to the emolument of himself & his Creatures; or if a reform is made, he & his immoral Assistant have malignity enough to endeavor to ruin where they can no longer plunder. However there is now a plan before Congress for reforming the department, by putting it

into Commission & prohibiting the Commissioners from being engaged in trade or commerce; which I hope will take place. The only adequate fund I can conceve for the payment of our debts, are our western Lands; the cession of which being at length adjusted, if we can secure a large purchase from the Indian Nations, with whom a treaty is soon to be held for that purpose, we may sink so much of our domestic debt, by selling lands for Certificates as will render the remainder very light. It is the importance of this object that has induced me to think of accepting a place among the Commissioners. The negociation will not be so illustrious, (but not less substantially benificial) as those of Europe. Congress is at present well disposd, & their deliberations have been much less under the controul of M. Marbois & the Financier since they left Philadelphia. Much industry will therefore be usd to make them return thither, But I think without success. The adjournment which is fixt for the 3d. of next month, will end my congressional character, not being eligible another year under the confederation. The next year I mean to devote to a tour in the western Country down the Ohio & Missisippi to New Orleans & from thence to Georgia & the Carolinas. After that I shall sit myself down in some retird place, the world forgetting, by the world forgot.
        I wish you every success in your negociations; & a happy return, to, where no one will be more welcome, your own Country.
        Farewell

          A. Lee


Title: John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 12 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Barclay, Thomas

          My dear Sir
          The Hague May 12. 1784

        I am Sorry to have given you, So much Trouble about the House, to no purpose: But I am weary of these perpetual Incertitudes in

which We are kept, and I must put an End to them as far as they regard me, by planning my Affairs for myself, or they will soon put an End to me. I conclude therefore to remain here without farther Wandering, and not to go to Paris at all, at least not untill I know what Character I go in, what I go for, and how long I am to stay.
        inclosed is a Letter from Messrs Hopes, which you wrote for, respecting the Bills upon Spain.
        I Should be glad to know, if Mr Ridley left my Trunk and the Key of it with you: and whether the Ratifications of the definitive Treaty are exchanged. and When and how Mr Jay goes.
        And also if you know of any honest, faithfull Man who would undertake to bring my Trunk, Cloaths Books &c to the Hague. The Trunk ought to be well packed, and the Plate in it, well placed. I will pay Such a Man, what you shall agree with him for. if you dont readily find one, I will Send one from hence.— The Trunk ought never to be out of his Sight.
        Yours


Title: Joint Commission to Negotiate a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Great Britain, 12 May 1784
From:
To:

          [12 May 1784]

        To all to whom these presents shall come or be made known—Send Greeting—
        Whereas an intercourse between the Subjects of His Britannic Majesty and the Citizens of the United States of America founded on the principles of equality, reciprocity and friendship may be of mutual advantage to both Nations— Now therefore Know Ye that we reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, prudence and ability of our trusty and beloved the honorable John Adams late one

of our ministers plenipotentiary for negotiating a peace and heretofore a delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts and Chief Justice of the said State—the honble: Docr. Benjamin Franklin our minister plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles and late another of our ministers plenipotentiary for negotiating a peace and the honorable Thomas Jefferson a delegate in Congress from the State of Virginia and late Governor of the said State have nominated, constituted and appointed and by these presents do nominate, constitute and appoint them the said John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson our ministers plenipotentiary giving to them or the majority of them full power and authority for us an in our name to confer, treat and negotiate with the Ambassador, Minister or Commissioner of His said Britannic Majesty vested with full and sufficient powers of and concerning a Treaty of Amity and Commerce to make and receive propositions for such Treaty and to conclude and sign the same, transmitting it to the United States in Congress Assembled for their final ratification. This Commission to continue in force for a term not exceeding two years from the date hereof—
        In Testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed, Witness His Excellency Thomas Mifflin President this twelfth day of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four and of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America the Eighth—

          Thomas MifflinChas Thomson secy.


Title: John Adams to the president of Congress, 13 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress

          Sir
          The Hague May 13. 1784

        Since my last Arrival in Holland, I have not transmitted to Congress, the Details of the Politicks of this Court and Nation, nor of those neighbouring Courts which are exciting disputes with it. Mr Dumas has been in the Habit and Train of that History and I have not thought fit to interrupt him: But if I Should reside here regularly, the whole Business of the Mission will of Course go through my Hands. I therefore wish to know in what Light I am to consider this Gentleman, and what Relation he is to Stand in to me. I wish it for the Government of my own Conduct, and still more from Regard to him, whom I esteem as a very worthy Man, and one who has for a Course of Years, been indefatigable in the service of the United States, and who is not adequately rewarded or Supported by the Pittance which is allowed him. But what is more disagreable, he has never had any Character or Commission from Congress, and one knows not what to call him whether Secretary or Agent,— I cannot ask him to act as my private secretary which is really much beneath him, although he is ever ready to assist me, in all Things
        I Should be happy to know the Pleasure of Congress in this respect, and to receive their Instructions from time to Time, in all things which relate to the United Netherlands, which I shall endeavour to execute to the best of my Power.
        Inclosed is another Copy of the Project of a Treaty with Prussia, which I transmitted to Paris to Mr Franklin and Jay and have received back again from them with their Approbation, excepting the few Corrections and Inquiries, marked upon it, by those Ministers. The King will Send a Full Power probably to Mr De Thulemeier. and I should be happy to know the Pleasure of Congress
        With great Respect I have the Honour / to be, Sir, your most obedient / and most humble servant

          John Adams


Title: John Adams to the president of Congress, 13 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress

          Sir
          The Hague May 13. 1784

        The Measures taken by the Neighbouring Powers are likely to produce an intimate Friendship and Connection between this Republick and France. England, has mistaken her Policy So much as to delay the Signature of the definitive Treaty, and to keep up a Coldness and Distance, which instead of exciting the Populace, in favour of England as She expected has only accellerated the Union with France, as if She had not been blind She might have foreseen. The Emperor too, who certainly does not wish a close Connection between this Country and France, has revived so many ancient Pretentions as have allarmed this nation, and produced an Application to Versailles for her Mediation. The King of Prussia, perhaps would not be sorry to see the Republick allied to France but whether he had it in view or not his Letters have contributed Somewhat to that End.
        Hitherto, there are only two or three Provinces which have declared for a Treaty with France: But probably the whole Number will soon, embrace the same Policy. The first Step will be a Treaty of Commerce. This will be a Bar to the Renovation of the ancient Alliance with England; But if a War should break out, it will occasion an Alliance with France. a War may happen, for there are manifest Symptoms of a Fermentation in the several Courts of Europe and of a Jealousy between the two Imperial Courts and the House of Bourbon. But Still I hope the publick Tranquility will not be interrupted. The Difficulty of commanding Money will be its best Security. England would not be Sorry to See a War, if she could be neutral but She is not in a Condition to foment it, by furnishing Subsidies.
        The Emperor has large Views, as it is Supposed both for his People and his Family, he is Suspected of vast Projects of Ambition Some of which have Silesia for their Object. But hitherto his Ambition has not been unjust in general, but has appeared in beneficent designs for his Subjects and Mankind, and it is much to be wished

it may never overleap those bounds. if his Life and that of the Empress of Russia, Should be prolonged for Some Years and England Should recover the command of Money, She may probably furnish that Instrument of Mischief, and blow up a general War. it is good to look forward as far as We can, that We may be prepared for our own Part.
        With great Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir your most obedient and most humble / Servant

          John Adams


Title: John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 13 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

          Dear Sir
          The Hague 13 May. 1784

        I have received your Letter with the Copy inclosed, which has affected me too tenderly, to write any other Answer at present than this, that I have ever vindicated your Character as far as lay in my Power, from the Suspicion of having written that anonimous Libel the only case that I have ever heard of, in which it was endangered: and that I Shall ever continue to vindicate it, because I believe you as innocent of it, as an Angel in Heaven, and as incapapable of Such a Baseness.
        With great Esteem, I have the Honour to be / Sir your most obedient and most humble / Servant


Title: John Adams to Richard Cranch, 14 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Cranch, Richard

          dear Brother
          The Hague May. 14. 1784

        I am here in anxious Expectation of the Arrival of my Family, which I hope are coming in Calahan. When I Shall have the Happiness to see you I know not, but I think it probable I Shall remain here untill I return to America, as We learn nothing of any determinations of Congress. Mrs & Miss Adams will not be Sorry to have made a Trip to the Hague provided they are not obliged to Stay long, and one Year I fancy will suffice them. But it is not for Mortals to foresee, future Events, or to lay plans with any Certainty. By an obstinate Perseverance in Exercise, walking, at least Six or Seven miles a day, I have got the better of the Disorders into which Voyages Journeys and too much Application had thrown me. But I dare not depend on the Continuance of Health.
        I wrote you sometime ago, an Answer to Mr Tyler, to whom present my Regards. I must Submit to Providence, the Protections of this Gentleman and the Lady he Solicits, and doubt not they will succeed very well in Life: But I dont know when nor where, they will meet again. They must concert their own Plan, with the Advice of their Friends
        Your affectionate Brother

          John Adams.

          My Duty to my Mother, and Affections to all


Title: Mason Locke Weems to John Adams, 14 May 1784
From: Weems, Mason Locke
To: Adams, John

          London May 14 1784

        Your Excellency’s very Friendly Letter of the 22 April is safely come to hand, for which be pleased to accept my warmest thanks. a poor Acknowledgement truly for so Signal a favour. The Honourble Mr Laurens advises me to proceed immediately to Copenhagen But his Lordship the Bishop of St Asaph, thinks I might as well Stay a

few Weeks longer, and see whether or no Parliament will pass an Act for ordaining American Candidates without exacting the Oath. My very Generous Friend Mr Johnson thinks a Letter from your Excellency or some Illustrious Personage of your Acquaintance, to a Danish Bishop would do me much Service. this would be a favour of such Magnitude, as to surpass my Gratitude to Say how much it would Oblige
        Your Excellency’s very Sincer / Friend & Servt.

          Mason Weems

          Be pleased to direct your Letter to me at No 8 Quality Court Chancery Lane


Title: John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 16 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Barclay, Thomas

          Dear Sir
          Paris 16th. May 1784—

        Last Night I received your letters of the 10th.  and 11th. Inst: and am sorry you had the Trouble of writing to me about the Bills, which was owing to a Misstake made by the Gentlemen at Amsterdam— In place of sending My letter to your Care, they address’d you directly on the subject— Immediately on receipt of your resolution respecting the House at Auteuil, I gave Notice to the owner that I Cou’d not go on with the Engagement, I had made him written proposals which he accepted, But the Tradespeople were not begun to work, and I do not Expect it will be attended with any Expence—
        I am Sincerely Dear Sir / Your very obed serv.

          Thos Barclay


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 20 May 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          The Hague May 20. 1784

        I Shall go to Amsterdam next Week, receive all the Bills of Messrs Fizeaux & Co and Send them to you by Express, by whom I pray you

to send me my Trunk and all my Effects. The Express will not Sett off, under ten days. You need not mention at present that I have Sent for my Effects. The Coach you may keep a little longer, if it is not inconvenient to you. if it is, as it is the Property of the United States you may Sell it, and give the public Credit for the Proceeds. When the Express returns, I will finish my Accounts and transmit them to you for a final Settlement.
        yours Sincerely.


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 22 May 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Paris 22d. May 1784—

        I am favor’d with your letter Covering one from Mess: Hope & Co. relative to the Draughts on Mr. Jay which were twice paid. and I am much obliged to you for the Trouble you have had—
        The Trunk which you Mention was left by Mr. Ridley, but No Key that I Can hear of, there is another Trunk of yours here, Exclusive of a very small one, and a quantity of Cloaths— I Do not beleive I Can Engage a person to be depended on to go to the Hague with your things— But if you are at a loss. on this head, I Can, and will with pleasure send My Servant Charles with such of your things as you order, He has lived with Me upwards of a year, and is I Beleive as Honest as most Domestics— He is heartily at your service on this occasion, therefore do not decline his going if it will be the least Usefull to you— Your large Trunk was opned at the Custom House, being stop’d at the Barriere as it was passing to this House— A smith did the business as there was No Key, and I Beleive if the things go on to the Hague it will be Necessary to Repack them— This is the account Mr. Champion gives Me, who attended the Examination at the Custom house—
        There is also here a parcil of Books belonging to you, Be particular in your Instructions relative to Every thing—
        I Believe, but am Not quite Certain, that I am Clear of any Engagement respecting Auteuil, and that the matter is done with—
        I have Examind Very Carefully the account of the acceptances which you gave Me, and I find in page 18, you mention No. 55 dated 6th. July 1780 favor of Joseph Carleton 550 florins presented by Mess: De Neufville & son the 24th. July 1781— The first of the set, Letter O— and in page 36, you describe the same Bill, Exact in All its Circumstances, as presented by Mess: De Neufvilles the 8th. July 1782—
        You will oblige Me if you will Examen Your Book, and give me some Information respecting this Matter— If I send Charles to the Hague I will return by him the papers you gave me to Compare with

the Copies you made of your Vouchers, and perhaps You wou’d incline to furnish your account Current with the United States— I shall also take that Opportunity of procuring the Original Bills of Exchange from Mess Fezeaux & Grand, & Mess: Willinks—
        I am with great Respect / and Esteem / Dear Sir / Your Very Obed Sevt.

          Thos Barclay


Title: John Bondfield to John Adams, 25 May 1784
From: Bondfield, John
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Paris 25 may 1784

        You will have receiv’d advice before this of the departure of Mr Jay for London. I was at Passi on friday the Docter askd me if I had seen you and if you intended to come up. I told him that from some words you made use of I judged that you had had intention to come to paris but that some difficulties at present were obstacles to your design. Mr Laurence has also been at paris but only past throw in his Journey from the South of France to England. the Docter is here alone. Mr Hartley is at Paris as I am not of the Circle that surround Passi I am entirely a stranger to what passes
        The Coffee House politicians are divided in their sentiments of the Event of the Emperors claim on Holland it furnishes them matter for debates with respect I have the Honor to be Sir / Your very hbl Servt

          John BondfieldHotel de valois—


Title: John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 28 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Barclay, Thomas

          Dear Sir
          The Hague May 28. 1784

        I have this moment your Favour of 22. last night I returned from Amsterdam, where I have collected the Bills and left them with Mr Willink to be Sent to you, by an Express, who will sett off, next Wednesday, and bring you a Letter containing all Particulars. By him, you will please to Send all my Things, except the Filtrating Machine, which is at your Service.— As soon as my Express returns I will examine my Books and settle every Thing with you, by Letter. You need not return the Copies I gave you, of my Accounts and Minutes. You will Soon have the original Bills to compare with my Minutes. I Shall wish to Settle my Account current. I left you, my Vouchers, and if any further are wanting for any Article, I beg you to mention it, by Letter. As Soon as my Express returns I will transmit you my Account of the Sums I have received, Since my last Account rendered you and will charge my Salary which has become due Since, which will enable you to finish the whole.
        Mr Jay is embarked, I Suppose, and I am informed Mr Laurens is about embarking, So that there will remain only the Dr and me.

This I expect will occasion new Plans which I shall wait for here, and think no more, of going any where, but to America from hence. if my Family arrives however, I may remain here another Year, provided a good Saddle horse and the Smell of the Hague Grove, Should preserve me my present health so long.
        I thank you for your offer of Charles, but the Express I have engaged will do all the Business for you and for me. I am glad you are released from the Engagement for the House at Auteuil
        With &c


Title: Mercy Otis Warren to John Adams, 1 June 1784
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Milton June 1st 1784

        This will be handed you by a person who will insure the welcome did it come from one who has much less Claim to your Friendship than the writer. at the same time her communications will render any other needless from your American Friends. this therfore is only a line in Testemony of my Respect & Regard. Though if I was to indulge my pen it would be very Expresive of my Wishes for your Early Return to your Native Country: where perhaps your abilities are as much wanted, & your Exertions might be as serviceable as in any Department you may fill in Europe. Yet I cannot say you would be more happy here, but I think your Conduct has Evinced to the World, that this is but a secondary Consideration with you.—
        you will be too Happy when you receive this to make it of any Consequence whether another line is added. May the Felicity of my Friends be Equal to their wishes, nor Mared by the Common Course of Human events more than is necessary in a state of Moral Dicipline— some little interruptions we must feel to Ease our presumption, & some Greater we have always to fear to Remind us of our Dependence.— Dependence, is a word not very pleasing to an american Ear, but though we have broken the yoke of Britain; & Defy the potentates of the Earth, we must not—we Cannot Expunge it from our Vocabulary.— our happiness Depends on too many Contingencies to suffer us to forget our weakness—& our intire Dependence on the Great Font of Felicity for the smallest stream of Enjoyment.—what Language is this to a Man of the World: to a Minister of state, immersed in the Deep systems of political Refinement, among the Nations improved by arts, Erudition & Experience, Caressed in the

Courts of princes amidst the splendor of Greatness, the Glare of Pomp, & all the pageantry of Ambition unshakled by a want of power for the Zenith of indulgence. But when I address the Embassadour I do not forget that I write to the philosopher,—to one who can Contrast the Rational simplicity & the quiet Delights of his own Little Villa, at the Foot of Pens Hill, with the Briliancy of the Birth night or the parade of office & find the Latter sink in the comparison when tryed by the Feelings of the Man not by the Rivalry of pride.
        sure I am that were you to Behold the Variegated Beauties which the summit of Milton this Day exhibits to the Eye of Reason & Gratitude, you would heave one sigh for the Tranquil hour of Contemplation in some Delightful Recess.

          “Where the Free soul Looks down—& pities Kings—[”]

        Mr Warren intends writing: if anything prevents, yet be assumed he is the same Friend to His Country to Virtue, to all Honest Men, Consequently invariably yours, that he was when you Laboured together, planted Fostered & Matured the seed, of a most Glorious Revolution. few: very few of the first Capital hands Remain with us. Death Desertion, indifference, or Foreign Employments have left him almost alone. But the Recollection & Feeling of Conscious Rectitude is the best Companion of declining years—
        Though I Expect much communication from my Friend Mrs. Adams yet from your punctuallity & Long Experienced Friendship I hope my pleasure will be Enhanced by a Line from yourself, To yours Respectfully & affictionatly.—

          M Warren


Title: Marquis de Lafayette to John Adams, 2 June 1784
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Paris June the 2d 1784

        Altho’ I Have not Been Honoured with an Answer to My last letter, I will not lose time in Acquainting You that My departure from l’orient is fixed on the 22d insant— Any letter from You that Reaches

Paris Before the 17th will Be Carefully forwarded By me, and in Case You Had Any to send Clear of post offices, their Being put into My Hands will insure their Being Safely delivered to the persons to whom they are directed
        We Have letters from America as late as the 20th April— Nothing Had Been as Yet Settled By Congress Respecting their political Arrangements—Unless Some passenger is on the Road with More particular dispatches than those which Have Been Received By post— But I Rather think Nothing Had Been done in that Respect
        With an affectionate Regard I Have the Honour / to Be / Dear Sir / Your obedient Humble / Servant

          Lafayette

          As I intend landing in Newyork, your letters to your family will not Have a long way to go—


Title: Jonathan Jackson to John Adams, 7 June 1784
From: Jackson, Jonathan
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          London 7th June 1784—

        I have to acknowledge the receipt of three Letters from you & to ask pardon for the appearance of Neglect in not doing it before—the several Vessels bound to America have taken up my time in writing, together with the business consequent upon Letters received by several Arrivals from thence—
        I have your’s of the 1st May in answer to one by Mr Parker—of the 4th inclosing Colo Pickering’s Letter which I delivered myself to the Person for whom it was directed & she appeared to be much relieved by the reception of it—of the 14th by your Son with whom I have the pleasure of an agreeable Acquaintance & thank you for the occasion of it—
        Mr Adams has assisted me in making several Extracts from Letters I lately received from our mutual friend Higginson they contain such matter in several respects as I thought you ought to be made acquainted with, & such as I did not doubt you would chuse to be, if you have not had it from other quarters— your Son incloses them by Mr Bingham— I hope they may reach your hands in safety without any other’s inspection— Mr B—— is not informed of the Contents— they need no Comment from me—indeed just at present my leisure would not permit me to make any.
        The Pleasure of seeing & conversing with you would lead me to

Holland if my time would permit, but I still Entertain the thoughts of getting home before cold weather— Mr Adams discovered great disappointment in not seeing his mother & Sister by Callahan—& waits impatiently to know the reason— If agreeable I will continue when safe private opportunities offer to give you such Information as I may receive & think that you may wish to have—
        I have promised a polish Nobleman who was a fellow passenger with me from America to give him an introductory Letter to you, as he seemed to have a great desire to become acquainted with you— he is sensible & intelligent— since being here I find that he has become much acquainted with the Prince of Wales Mr Fox &c— he left France this time twelvemonth having been a resident as he tells me at Paris & Versailles these six years— he visited Cayenne the Spanish main & twelve or thirteen Islands in the W Indies—then came to Philada— travelled to Crown point & down to N. York—thro Connecticut & Rd Island to Boston & in Decr Embarked with me from Newburyport for Ireland— he brought Letters to me from the French Consul & Mr Breck—to them from Monsr Luzerne & le Ct De Noailles— he is mentioned Hereditary Chamberlain to the King of Poland & Colo of Dragoons— he may be a devotee to France, but he has never discovered it to me— however I trust nobody but whom I know & have known for a long while— I am thus particular that no deceit may be passed upon you tho’ I beleive you are not apt to be incautious— this Gentleman became acquainted in his rapid progress thro’ our Country with many principal persons & the characters of many, & perhaps in the few months he was passing laid up as much information, as some men would in so many years— but I will not detain you from more important matters these traits are sufficient for your Government—
        I remain Sir, with much respect & esteem / your Friend & very obedt Servt

          Jona— Jackson

          PS— I had quite forgot a request lately made to me which I was desired & promised that I would mention to you— it is from Mr Joseph Cazneau of Liverpool in this Kingdom, that if there should be an Appointment from America of a Consul there, he might be nominated. I observed to him that his Application would be more proper to Congress or some one near them, but he seemed to wish that you might know his inclination— he is a native of Boston—has lived at Liverpool twenty odd years I beleive, & is there a reputable

merchant—the firm of his House is Cazneau & Marlin— You will Excuse me in being thus troublesome my good Sir, Men in your Stations must frequently meet such Applications I suppose—


Title: Jan Willink to John Adams, 10 June 1784
From: Willink, Jan
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Amsterdam 10 June 1784.

        The express set of thursday morning the 3d of June, with the bills of exchange, your letter to Mr. J: Barclay Esqr. & a letter from us to Mess: Van den Yver Freres & Comp̃: at Paris to furnish him with the necessary money, the reason, why I did not advice the same was occasioned by a Severe Sickness of mine eldest Son, who retained me at my seat, & who is thank the Almightÿ on the way of recoverÿ, I suppose you’ll be so Kind to approve of this apologÿ, & to be so obliging as to excuse this Carelesness;
        My Brother pays his most respectfull reguards to you So as I &

our families do the Same, in the meanwhile I subscribe my self with the utmost consideration / Dear Sir / Your most Ob: Huml Servt.

          Jan Willink


Title: John Adams to Jonathan Jackson, 15 June 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Jackson, Jonathan

          Dear Sir
          The Hague June 15. 1784

        The Day before Yesterday, Mr Bingham arrived and delivered me the Extracts, for which I am obliged to you, they coincide with

many other Letters and much other Evidence. There is no Commission or Instruction, in Europe, to negotiate any Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain. There is only a general Instruction to “meet the Advances and encourage the Disposition of the Commercial Powers of Europe for entering into Treaties of Amity and Commerce with the United States.[”] This is not sufficient. No Power can treat with Us regularly upon this Authority. No British Minister will. I am afraid the People of the United States, as well as those of England, will be deceived by Mr Hartleys Residence at Paris, into an Expectation, which is groundless. Congress must force, the British Ministry. How? Why by Sending a Commission to treat and conclude. This Commission may be Sent either by a Minister to St. James’s, or to any Minister or Ministers, We have or may Send to any other Part of Europe. But the Commission is indispensable. if the Arrival of Such a full Power, were once notified to the British Ministry, in Person or by Letter, he would not dare to neglect a Moment, to appoint a Minister to treat and conclude: and when once, two Ministers Shall meet, and exchange their Full Powers, the Business will Soon be over. You know the critical Situation of every British Minister. He is dancing upon a Cord, and a Gust of Wind is sufficient to tip him over. He dreads every Clamour. if tolerable Terms, especially if good Terms were offered him by an American Minister, it would instantly raise a Cry against him, if he refused them. Whereas now, if he were to propose good Terms to America, without knowing that She will accept them, this would ruin him. I am bold to Say, there never will be any Treaty or Convention untill Congress Send a Full Power. Massachusetts and New England who are most interested, Should bend their whole Efforts to this End. I know they expect Assistance from me. But I beg you to let them know, in Confidence from me that their Expectations will be disappointed, for I can not do them the least Service, without a Full Power, either to me alone, or to me and others. and I dont think it would be right for me to deceive them by going to Paris, without a Power, and thus holding out the Appearance of a Negotiation, when there is none in Reality. You will keep my Name out of Sight as much as Prudence requires, because, having done enough to make three great Nations my Ennemies, the English the French and the Dutch it is not to be wondered at, that I have hosts of them who take fire at my Name. Notwithstanding this I believe I have as few Personal Ennemies in either Nation as any honest Man ever had, who was obliged to Act So bold a Part

          P.S. A Resolution of Congress of 16 March, which they have ordered to be Sent to me, Mr Franklin and Mr Jay, is decisive against the Appointment of any Person who is not a Citizen of the U. States to the Office of Minister, Chargé des Affairs, Consul Vice Consul, or to any other civil department in a foreign Country.


Title: Tristram Dalton to John Adams, 16 June 1784
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Boston June 16th. 1784

        I cannot omit paying my most sincere Respects by your good Mrs Adams—on whom and your amiable Daughter attend my best prayers— it would have given me great Satisfaction to have offered them my Compliments, personally, before their sailing for Europe, Which I am deprived of by leaving Town this Evening— May the Winds be propitious and every blessing be theirs—
        I have had the pleasure of writing You by several Opportunities since any of your favors have come to hand, which, whenever they do, afford me the highest Delight— Not having my letter Book here, I cannot refer to the Dates of my last Letters, wherein I was very particular—
        Our Politics are not yet settled—and perhaps never may be— The Republican or rather let me say the American Interest seems to gain Ground— Congress have not yet made a Peace Establishment— The Army is totally disbanded—for want only of Money I presume,—except 80 Men to guard the Stores at West Point and Fort Pitt— 700 Men are required to be raised from the Militia of Pennsylvania N Jersey, N York and Connecticutt to guard our Out Posts— The Delegates of the N England States successfully opposed the establishing an Army— The Congress, or some principal Characters

therein, refused to grant some requests presented by the Massachusetts Delegates unless they would agree to the Establishment— They did not and I hope never will—
        Congress adjourned the 3d Instant to the first of Novr, to meet at Trenton I beleive, leaving a Committee to sit at Annapolis in the recess—
        They have put the public Accounts, contracted during the war, into a better Train of Settlement—
        Enclosed is a Gazettee containing a List of the present General Court—Whose Opinions is scarcely yet broached— I fear they are not so liberally disposed to the return of the Refugees and Restitutions required, as the Act. passed the last G Court indicates—which Act &ca I did myself the honour to enclose to You in my last— The People are not enough sensible of the importance of fixing a National Character—
        I find myself happy that a Commission is at Last filled up by Congress to Yourself and two other Gentlemen for the purpose of settling commercial Treaties— As Events or Prospects in this Business may appear proper or worthy to communicate You’ll render me great Service in forwarding them— such Use shall be made of them as You are pleased to direct
        Time, pressing me, does not permit my enlarging—indeed my principal Wish in writing Yourself is to convince You how much I am— / Your particular Friend / And most hble Servant

          Tristram Dalton


Title: Robert Morris to John Adams, 16 June 1784
From: Morris, Robert
To: Adams, John

          Dr Sir,
          Office of Finance 16 June 1784.

        I have not any Letters from your Excellency which are unanswered except those of the twenty first of May and fourteenth of September in the last Year both of which arrived very long after their Dates. I have learnt from the Gentlemen to whom the Management of the Loan in Holland was committed the various good and ill Success which they have met with. And now that I am about to leave this Office let me return to your Excellency my sincere Thanks for the Assistance which has at different Times been derived from the Exertion of your Industry and Talents. I pray you also to beleive that when in private Life I shall continue to feel that Esteem

and Respect with which I have the Honor to be— / Sir / your Excellency’s / most obedient / & / humble Servant

          Robt Morris


Title: Joseph Palmer to John Adams, 16 June 1784
From: Palmer, Joseph
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Germantown, 16th June 1784.

        I heartily give you joy of your meeting your Mrs Adams & her amiable Daughter, as you will receive them before you See this— They are to Sail from Boston about 3 or 4 days hence. We Sincerely mourn our loss in their departure, & as Sincerely rejoice at the foreseen happy meeting of Such dear Friends after Such a long absence— may you all return in Safety, & bless your native Country, after having render’d her the most essential Services abroad. I thank you for your exertions for the public good, & hope you will receive more Substantial proofs of the peoples gratitude, than Patriots usually receive.
        The embarrassmt of my private affairs, & having no concern in public business, has long prevented my writing to you; but as my own affairs begin to wear a better face, I hope to feel that freedom that is necessary for epistolary conversation.
        I have a prospect of carrying on, once more, the SpCe Candle Manufr; but it has been greatly impeded by the uncertainty of a Market for the oil. £18 Stg: per Ton, duty, on its importation into G B, is a prohibition. Shall Britain Say, whether we Shall have a Whale fishery, or not?! They will doubtless do all in their power to prevent our growth in the Maratime way: But will they Sacrifice their Manufrs to obtain that end? But Supposing they will run that risque; will not France, or Holland readily Supply us with Goods, & receive Oil in payment, at as good a price as G B used to give? It is of great national concern, that we encourage our fisheries; in this point of view, I have mention’d the matter, & Shou’d be honor’d by a reply.
        Large quantities of SpCe Candles used to be Ship’d from hence to Holld; & I suppose the demand will rather increase, than diminish, as they are now freely admitted into the Romish Chhs. Upon this ground, I think it probable, that Some great Mercht there, might be willing to Supply 8 or 10 m̃ £ Stg, in Goods, to receive Oil

& Candles, principally, if not wholly, in payment. I Shou’d be willing to enter into a contract of this kind, upon a fair bottom. With our Works, & Sufficient Stock, may be annually turn’d out, about 50 m̃ lb of Candles & 100 Tons Oil. If one of your Secretaries be desired to inquire into this matter, & reply, it will greatly oblige / Dear Sir, Your Sincere Frd & hble Servt:

          J: Palmer

          P.S. My Son has hired a Store in Boston, & is going into the Com̃: way, & wou’d be glad of Consignmts.—

            18th. a Second PS.

          Since the foregoing, I have revolved a matter in my mind, which being attended with great delicacy, I found myself under some diffeculty in determining, whether friendship oblig’d me to Speak of it, or not; but knowing the candour of those most nearly concerned, I Shall venture to say, that it is commonly Spoken of, that Mr Tyler pays his addresses to Your very Amiable Daughter; & appearances countenance the report: neither of the parties, nor Mrs Adams, have said a word to me about the affair; but I tho’t it proper to say what I know of my very good friend Tyler. Previous to his coming to Braintree, I knew not any thing of him, but ’tis said that he scattered some wild Oats; be this as it may, since he came hither, his conduct, so far as I know, has been unexceptionable, & he is generally respected, & has, I believe, his full Share of business. As to his circumstances in life, I know nothing, only that he has purchased Mr Borland’s farm here, about 100 Acres, for about £1000. In my embarrassments, he has been exceeding friendly, which lies me under great obligations, & perhaps has prejudiced me in his favor. But in this delicate matter, I did not think it my duty to intrude advice; only to represent matters of fact, which I have truly done; & I trust that you will excuse one who is always your reel friend—

            J: Palmer


Title: Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 18 June 1784
From: Thomson, Charles
To: American Commissioners

          Gentlemen
          Philadelphia June 18. 1784

        I have the honor of forwarding three comm[issions] which were not prepared in time to go by Mr Jefferson, [and] a duplicate of the instructions he carried with him. I [also] enclose a copy of the Journal of the last session of Congr[ess] as far as printed and a news paper containing the Ordinance for putting the treasury into commission and an Act defining the powers of the committee of the States during the recess of Congress. On the third of this Month Congress was adjourned pursuant to an act passed the 26 April to meet at Trenton on the 30 of October next. With great respect I have the honor to be Gentlemen Yr. Most Ob: h Servt

          C. T.


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 19 June 1784
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Boston June 19. 1784.

        Supposing that you would receive from Congress a direct communication of the powers given to yourself, Doctr. Franklin & myself, I have deferred from day to day writing to you, in hopes that every day would open to me a certainty of the time & place of my departure for the other side of the Atlantic. Paris being my

destination I have thought it best to enquire for a passage to France directly. I have hastened myself on my journey hither in hopes of having the pleasure of attending Mrs̃ Adams to Paris and of lessening some of the difficulties to which she may be exposed. but after some unexpected delays at Philadelphia & New York I arrived here yesterday and find her engaged for her passage to London & to sail tomorrow. it was therefore too late for her to alter her measures tho’ I think she might probably meet with you the sooner could she have taken her passage as I shall on board the French packet from N. York where I had ensured her choice of accomodations, and was promised that the departure of the vessel should be made agreeable to our movements. she goes however in a good ship, well accomodated as merchants’ ships generally are and I hope will have soon the pleasure of meeting with you.— with respect to our joint agency, our instructions are more special than those formerly sent. these I shall have the pleasure of communicating together with the commissions to yourself & Doctr. Franklin at Paris. my expectation is to sail from New York about the first or second week of the next month. the time of my arrival in Paris will depend on winds & weather: but probably it may be the middle or latter part of August.
        We are informed that Congress adjourned on the 3d. of June to meet again at Trenton the 1st. Monday in November, leaving a committee of the states at the helm during their recess. the particulars of affairs here I shall have the pleasure of communicating to you more fully than I can by letter. for the present I will only inform you in general that their aspect is encouraging. I beg you to be assured of the sincere esteem & regard with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir / Your most obedient / & most humble servt

          Th: Jefferson


Title: John Adams to the president of Congress, 22 June 1784
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress

          Sir
          The Hague June 22. 1784

        If my Memory does not deceive me, I have heretofore transmitted to Congress, the Advice of some of the foreign Ministers here, that

the United States in Congress assembled, Should write a Letter to each of the Sovereigns of Europe, informing them of the compleat Establishment of their Independance.
        Lately in seperate Conversations, with the Ministers of the two Empires, and the King of Sardinia they all repeated this Advice. They Say that this is the Rule: the Practice: and that the Precedents are uniform. The Empress of Russia, did it, lately, when She ascended the Throne. They add, that this is the precise point of Time, now that the Ratifications of the definitive Treaty of Peace are exchanged, which is most proper to make the Communication, and that their Courts expect it from Congress.
        Congress no doubt will write an elegant Letter upon the Occasion, but it would, in substance, be sufficient to say, that on the 4. of July 1776, they found it necessary to declare themselves, a Sovereign State; that they have Since entered into Treaties with Several Powers of Europe, particularly a Treaty of Peace with the King of Great Britain, wherein that Crown has acknowledged formally and Solemnelly, their Sovereignty, and that it is their desire to live in good Intelligence and Correspondance with all the Sovereigns of Europe, and of all other Parts of the World, and with the one addressed in particular, and that there may be Friendship and Harmony between their respective Citizens and Subjects
        These Letters may be transmitted to all or any of your Ministers in Europe, to be by them communicated, through the foreign Ministers at the Court where they reside, or they may be transmitted directly. if Congress are at a Loss for the Titles of any Sovereign, they may leave a Blank to be filled by the Minister to whom the Letter is sent for Communication.
        The Answers which will be respectfully given to these Letters, will prevent many Questions, Discussions and Chicaneries: because that orders will then be given to all Ambassadors Governors, Generals Admirals &c to treat all Americans, Citizens of the United States according to their Characters.
        With great Respect, I have the / Honour to be, Sir, your most / obedient and most humble / Servant

          John Adams


Title: Account of Bills of Exchange Drawn on John Adams and Henry Laurens, 22 June 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Paris June 22d. 1784

        Account of Bills of Exchange drawn by the Commrs. of Loans in America on Henry Laurence & John Adams Esqrs. at Amsterdam.—

            1780
            Feby. 25
            In whose favor Charles Harady No. 5 . . . . 1100 . . . . . . . .
              1.100

            July  6th.
            Joseph Carlton from T Smith 137 Bills of 550 Guilders No. 32 @ 41— 44 @ 61— 65 @ 75 77 @ 79— 82 & 83— 86 @ 103 105 @ 139— 144 @ 152— 167 @ 190 192 & 193 . . . . . say 132 @ 550 Ditto Bills of 824 Guilders 53. No. 31 @ 83 . . . . . Bills of 1100— 28. No. 27 @ 54
            }
            147.072

            Octr. 26th.
            Nat Tracy— 1 @ 22 is 22 Bills of 2494 1 @ 44 is 44 @ 1248 . . .
            }
            109.780

            1781

            Jany 27
            Thos. Lee & J. C. Jones 1 @ 100 is 100 of 550— 1 @ 112 is 112 @ 1100— 1 of 142 2/3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
            }
            178.342 2/3

            June 22
            John Ross 11 @ 29 is 19 of 550 14 @ 30 is 117 of 824— 14 @ 28 is 15 of 1100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
            }
             40.958

                  550
                  824
                  1100
                  2494
                  1248
                  142 2/3

                  251
                   70
                   156
                    22
                    44
                  1

            477.252 2/3

        The Vouchers relative to this Account are lodged with me & have been examined—from them it is formed & is conformable in every Part— An Account dated the 22 May has been furnished to the Superintendant of finance which being made before an Opportunity of comparing with the Vouchers offered & differing in several particulars from them. No Regard is to be had whatever to that Account The Principal Errors in it were occasioned, by my not understanding rightly the Manner in which Mr. Adams had stated his Acceptances— This Account agrees with Mr. Adams’s Relation—with the Vouchers in my Hands & may be depended on—

          signed Thos. Barclay


Title: Edmund Jenings to John Adams, 23 June 1784
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          London June 23d. 1784.

        There are several Arrivals from America one of which has, I am told, brought a Packet addressed to your Excellency & to Dr Franklin. I have received some Letters which contain Nothing worth your Excellencys Knowledge—but the inclosed Paper, which I take the Liberty of sending, least it should be omitted by your Correspondants. you will Know, by the writing, from whom it came, it was sent me under an injunction not to suffer it to be printed, or shewed to any but very sure persons, because it is yet an Unfinished Statement & may undergo considerable Alterations
        I am with the greatest Consideration / Sir / your Excellencys / Most Obedient humble Servant

          Edm: Jenings


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 25 June 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Paris 25th. June 1784—

        I received your letter by the Post and Express almost at the same time. Your things went away last Night at Eleven o’Clock, and Inclosed I send you an Account of them. It shou’d have gone by the Express but it was Very late before the affair was finish’d, and he will shew you a Duplicate of it— I Packed your Two Trunks Myself, and if they do not meet with any Interuption at the Barriers they will Pass to you I Expect in good order which I shall be glad to hear.—
        I Received with the Bills of Exchange a List of—169 Bills amounting to ƒ.186472 which you mention to have received from Mess: Fezeaux some time ago. But of the other Bills which Accompanied them viz 375 amounting to ƒ . 290780 2/3d— there was No list, Therefore I send you a General Receipt for the whole viz—544 Bills of Exchange amount 477252 2/3 Florins—Say Five hundred and forty four Bills amount Four Hundred and seventy seven thousand, two hundred fifty two and two thirds Florins—which agrees with the Contents of your letter, and with the Vouchers—
        I have furnishd the Superintendent of Finance with the Account by way of England, and if you Incline to have Receipts in any other Form from what I send, let Me know and your Directions shall be Only Complied with, I shall answer the other parts of your letter Very soon, and Remain with great Respect and Esteem / Dear Sir / Your Obed & Very / Hum. Serv

          Thos Barclay

          I shall send you the Receipt Next Post. the post for this day is Just going—


Title: Marquis de Lafayette to John Adams, 25 June 1784
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

          My dear Sir
          L’Orient June the 25th 1784

        At the Very instant of Sailing for America, I stop to Send You the New Modelled Regulations of the Cincinnati— My principles Ever Have Been Against Heredity, and While I was in Europe disputing about it with a few friends, My letters to the Assembly, and still more Particularly to the president, Made them Sensible of My Opinion Upon that Matter— Untill Heredity Was Given Up, I forbeared Mentionning in Europe What Sense I Had Expressed— But Mr̃ Jay Being in Paris, I once Explained My conduct to Him, and He Appeared Very Well satisfied— The Valüe I Have for Your Esteem is the Reason Why I Mention those particulars—and so far as Respects me, it is for You that I write this Minuted Account.
        Mr̃ Jay is Named a Minister for foreign Affairs—Mr̃s John Adams, Franklin, and Jefferson are Appointed a Committee to Make Treaties with European Powers
        With Every Sentiment of an Affectionate Regard I Have / the Honour to Be / dear Sir / Your obedient Humble Servant

          Lafayette

          Whatever Has Been thought Offensive, You see the Cincinnati Have Given it Up— Now the New frame Must Be Examined— in Every Circumstance, My dear Sir, depend upon it You Will find me, what Ever I Have Been, and perhaps With some Eclat—i.e.—a Warm friend to the Army—a still Warmer Advocate for the Cause of Liberty— But those two things, When the army is put to the proof—You Will ever aknowledge to Agree with each other.


Title: John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 27 June 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Gerry, Elbridge

          Dear Sir
          The Hague June 27. 1784

        I received your Favours by Mr Reed and by Coll Herman, and am much obliged to you for your friendly Sentiments and instructive Communications.
        Your Plan of a Commission to treat with the maritime Powers, has not it Seems been adopted, and the departure of Mr Jay for New York, has now rendered it, impracticable. Congress We are told is adjourned. Mr Jay, and Mr Laurens as well as Mr Dana may be present at the Session in October. and what will be the Result of the Advice of all, I cannot pretend to conjecture.
        if Congress persist in the Plan of negotiating at Paris, with England and the other maritime Powers they must Send a Commission. nothing can be done without Powers. But to whom? to Franklin and me? or will they Send any new Hands? in my Opinion the Method of negotiating at Paris, had better be broken up, and a Minister Sent to England with Power to negotiate, with Some of the other Powers, as well as the Court of St James’s, and Power Sent to the Minister at Versailles, or him at the Hague to treat with the rest, or part to one, and part to the other. But if you continue to negotiate with all at Paris, you should accredite to the King, all the Ministers you employ. this is absolutely necessary, in order, to keep up, the respect to your Ministers which is their due. Without it, they are not intituled to any of the Prerogatives of the Law of Nations. accordingly this is the constant Practice. e.g. Mr Markoff, was lately joined with the Prince Baratinskoi, as Min. Plen. accredited to the King of France, authorised at the Sametime to Sign the Treaty of Peace as Mediator. Mr Brantzen was Sent to Paris by Holland to negotiate the Peace, jointly with Mr Berkenrode. He was made Ambassador Extraordinary to the King of France, at the Sametime that he had a Full Power with Berkenrode to make the Peace. It is in vain to think of keeping up your Character in Courts and with Diplomatick Bodies, with out conforming to their old established

Usages, which they regard as Sacred. if you join me, therefore, with Franklin or any other, to treat in France, I shall expect to have a Letter of Credence to the King. And this Expectation is the more reasonable as I have heretofore resided at the Court of Versailles with the Powers Rank and Character of Min. Plen. and I cannot now reside there, without it, but in a State of Degradation.
        Congress will I hope, write a polite Letter to every Sovereign of Europe, with whom they have no Treaty, informing them of the final Establishment of their Independance, and desiring to live in Friendship. These Letters may be Sent to your Ministers at Versailles, the Hague, or elsewhere or Some to one and Some to others, under a Flying Seal of the United States and Signed by the President and secy, to be transmitted.
        It is given out here, in France and in England that Franklin is determined to go home. if So I Should have no Objection to going there, Sole or connected with others, for finishing these Negotiations, provided you pass a Resolution to defrey the Expence of the Removal of my Family Furniture &c from hence.
        N. B. Yet I believe that the Scheme is to get Billy Franklin appointed in the Place of the old Gentn. Sweeden is only a stalking Horse.


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

          Sir,
          Passy, June 27. 1784.

        Inclosed I have the Honour of sending to your Excellency Copies of Papers contain’d in a Dispatch just receiv’d from Congress. The Affair of the Free-Ports recommended to us, has been someTime settled: They are Dunkirk, L’Orient, Bayonne & Marseilles.—
        I wonder much that we hear nothing from Congress of their

foreign Arrangements. This short Line from the President is the only one I have receiv’d since that of Jan. 14. which accompanied the Ratification.—
        With great Respect I have the Honour to be, / Sir, / Your most obedient / & most humble Servant

          B. Franklin


Title: John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 29 June 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          Sir
          The Hague June 29. 1784

        The Baron de Reishack, has several times said to me that his Court expected that Congress would announce formally their Independence, and asked me, if any Step of that Sort had been taken. that I may be able to give him an Answer, I must request of your Excellency to inform me whether you have made the Annunciation directed in the first Article of the Instructions of the 29 of October 1783 and what is the answer.
        I have the Pleasure to learn, by report only however that Mr Jay is appointed Minister of foreign Affairs and that Mr Jefferson is appointed to Madrid, and that Mr Johnson has received and transmitted to your Excellency, a Packet which probably contains an authentic Account, as it Seems to be posteriour to the Appointment, by being addressed only to your Excellency and to me. I Should be glad to know whether there is any Thing else of Consequence, and whether it appears to be the design and Expectation of Congress that I should join you, where you are.


Title: James Warren to John Adams, 29 June 1784
From: Warren, James
To: Adams, John

          My dear Sir.
          Milton June 29th. 1784

        Mrs. Adams. & Miss Nabby left us last Sunday was a week ago. with a very fine Wind. which has Continued here ever since & promises her a fine passage. if good Wishes in great Abundance Contribute any thing to the shortness or pleasure of the Voyage. it must be propitious. Mr. Jeffeson will I hope hand you this. & be as agreable a Colleague as his Predecessor. you will from him & Mrs. Adams learn every thing that I could tell you, & probably much more. I shall not therefore detain you with a long Letter. on the subject of News. Politics, or Husbandry. & shall only Apologize for the appearance of the Inclosed Letter from our Friend Gerry. he sent it to my Care. & unfortunately sealed it in such a manner that the two Seals stuck together & on opening mine broke this. however not a word of the Contents have been read by any Body. or shall be & I hope will reach in as great security as if no such Accident had happened.
        I am with great Sincerity / Your Friend &c

          J Warren


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink to John Adams, 29 June 1784
From: Wilhem & Jan Willink
To: Adams, John

            Sir
            Amsterdam 29 June 1784.

          We receive this night a letter of the Express with advice of his arrival with 3 truncks in brussel, but to his great Surprise as well as ours the Same are arrested there, and complains much there abt. of Mr. Barclay, whom he had requested several time to enquire if he could take and transport the same with Safety, who assured him not to anxious abt. it, and in consequence he had reposed on Mr. Barclay abt. it, for We had Strongly recommanded to him to enquire of Said Gentleman, if he Should run the least danger, whh. he Should

absolutely avoid, he was now going to apply directly to our Ministers for assistance and we Shall write to them on the subject.
          Mr. Barcklay gave him a trunck closed of whch. the Key was lost, to pack up in the Same the goods &c, he got a smit to open it and bought two truncks more, with the Packing of whch. he has been buzy at Mr. Barclay’s from 9 ô clock in the morning till three ô clock in the afternoon and Mr. Barclay gave him a note of the goods packed in them.
          We are exceedingly affected of this behaviour whilst Mr. Barclay Should have taken better information and given the required instructions to the man, and not have left your concerns and his person so exposed.
          We hope to hear all will be released next mail, and he on the road hither, whilst without this accident he Should already have been arrived
          If your excellency might Judge proper to join a letter to ours, it might perhaps be of Service, in the meanwhile We have the honour to remain With esteem. / Sir / Your Excellencies Most Humbl / & Obedient Servants

            Wilhem & Jan Willink

          Messrs. C & R. Puller have pay’d to your Son young Mr. Adams

              in London
              £  52:10 —
              and for a bill of My Lady

              John Adams
              ″  60: — —
              making together

              commn. there
              ″   1.  2: 6

              £113: 12.  6
              for whch. the Acct. of your

              Excellency is charged at 36/8 SC  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B ƒ 1249: 17: 8

            Agio 3 1/2 PC—
               43: 15: —

               Ct. ƒ 1293: 12: 8

          whch. please to note in Conformity

            Wm & Jn Willink


Title: John Adams to Baron Franz von Reischach, 30 June 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Reischach, Baron Franz von

          The Baron de Reishach
          The Hague June 30. 1784

        I have the Honour to inclose in Confidence Copy of the Resolution of Congress of the 29 Day of October last, which I take it for granted has been communicated by Mr Franklin and Mr Jay.
        I am just now informed, that an Express which I lately Sent to Paris, on his Return, has been arrested at Brussells, and is detained there. He has with him, three Trunks containing my Manuscript Books and Papers, Cloaths belonging to my self, son and servants, and Ninety Six Silver Spoons and Forks, made at Paris for the Use

of my Family: But no one Paper relative to any affairs but my own, nor the Smallest Article of Merchandise of any Kind.
        I know not, whether you can with Propriety write a Line upon the Subject to any one at Brussells, which would no doubt procure the Release of my Express and his effects. if you can, I hereby ask the Favour. if not, it Seems necessary that I Should make this Communication to prevent Reports and Suspicions which may arise from this unlucky Event, With great Respect,


Title: Baron Franz von Reischach to John Adams, 30 June 1784
From: Reischach, Baron Franz von
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur.
          La Haye ce 30. Juin 1784.

        Cest bien malgré moi, que je n’ay pu repondre tout de Suitte à Votre lettre de ce matin, mais mon peu de Coñoissance de la langue Angloise m’at obligé d’attendre à cet effet la rentré d’un de mes Secretaires pour en Coñoitre la Substance; et Satisfaire à vos intentions.
        Il apert par la traduction qu’on m’a faite que vous Suposés et vous doutés que c’est à Bruxelles, que l’Exprès qui vous aportoit de Paris trois Coffres Contenant vos livres, papiers en Manuscript, de L’argenterie et autres effets pour l’usage de Votre famille, a eté arretté et est detenu la; que Consequenment vous desirés que je m’employe à faire relacher Votre Exprès, et Ses effets, et obvier par la même à tous raports ou Soupcons qui pouroient se former de cet évenement.
        Ce que vous me demandés, Monsieur, est trop Comforme à toute Equité et aux principes du Gouvernement General des Païs Bas, ainsi qu’en même tems à mon empressement à vous etre util, pour que dez le depart de la premiere poste pour Bruxelles, je n’en écrive directement à Msr. Le Ministre Plenipotentiaire Cte: de Belgioyoso, et ne puisse vous repondre de Sa Solicitude à aquiescer entierement à votre demande, Le cas étant tel.
        Si vous pouviez cependant m’imformer du nom de l’expres, du jour qu’il a eté arretté et S’il etoit muni de quelques certificats ou passeport, cela abregeroit peut etre une ou autre imformation que les bureaux de Douane de S. M. Imp̃le Sont authorizés a demander.

        Je vous Suis egalement très obligé de la Copie de la Resolution prise par le Congrés le 29. Obre. de 1783. J’en ferai usage; ne Souhaitant qu’acũllies le moment de vous assurer de vive voix la Consideration parfaitte avec laquelle j’ai l’honeur d’etre / Monsieur / votre très humble et tres / Obeissant Serviteur

          Reischach.

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          The Hague, 30 June 1784

        I was not able to answer your letter of this morning right away in spite of myself, as my limited knowledge of English obliged me to wait for the return of one of my secretaries in order to understand its contents and act to satisfy your wishes.
        It appears from the translation that was done for me that you suppose that the express who was bringing from Paris three trunks containing your books, manuscript papers, silverware, and other effects for the use of your family was stopped and detained at Brussels and that consequently you desire my assistance in securing the release of your express and his effects and in obviating thereby any reports or suspicions that might arise from this event.
        That which you ask of me, sir, is so much in keeping with all fairness and with the principles of the general government of the Netherlands, as well as with my own eagerness to be useful to you, that I will write directly to Minister Plenipotentiary Comte de Belgiojoso by the first post to Brussels, and I can assure you of his solicitude to comply fully with your request, the case being what it is.
        If you could in the meantime inform me of the name of the express, the day on which he was detained, and whether he was furnished with some certificates or passport, that might forestall one or another demand for information that the customs office of His Imperial Majesty is authorized to make.
        I am equally obliged to you for the copy of the resolution of Congress of 29 October 1783. I will make use of it, only wishing for the opportunity to assure you in person of the perfect regard with which I have the honor of being, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

          Reischach.


Title: John Adams to James Warren, 30 June 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

          Dear Sir
          The Hague June 30. 1784.

        Your amiable Son, has done me the favour of his Company, here, for a Day or two, and this Morning goes to Amsterdam, intending to return to England at the End of the Week. From London He embarks Soon for Lisbon. My Son returned with him from London where I sent him to meet his Mother and Sister. But He was dissappointed as well as I.— I Still expect Mrs Adams every day: but her last Letters, (those by your son) leave me Still room to doubt.— in short, every Thing public and private, in which I have been concerned has been so much in doubt, and suspence, ever Since the Peace, that if I have not learned to reconcile my Self to any Thing, it is because I am not a Philosopher. I now repent having written for my Family, and that I had not gone home. Yet I ought not to repent because, it was Bono publico, that induced me to resolve to stay in Europe, to try, if I could execute a Commission which Congress promised to me, F. and J. and have not performed “une Perfidie tres permise dans un Grand Roi,” as Voltaire Says of the King of Prussia.

        Jay is Minister of foreign Affairs. This is a great Point gained in favour of our Country. Wisdom and Virtue have tryumphed, for once.— And I hope and believe, he will give an entire new Cast, to the Complexion of our foreign Affairs. and you may depend upon it, that for Sometime to come as for a long time past, the Character and the System of our Country has been entirely decided by our foreign affairs.
        If I had not been very sensible of this, you would never have heard of me a second time across the Atlantic. if I had not been very sensible of this, you would have seen me at Milton again or heard of me in a British Dungeon four Years ago. My kind Respects to Mrs Warren and all your Family. / Your Friend

          John Adams


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, 30 June 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Wilhem & Jan Willink

          Gentlemen
          The Hague June 30. 1784

        I have just now received your Favour of Yesterday and am very Sorry to find by it that my Express is arrested at Brussells. This Express was Sent to Paris Solely upon Affairs of the United States of America and my private Affairs. In the three Trunks he has with him there is nothing but my Manuscript Books and Papers, Cloaths of myself, Son & servants and Ninety Six Spoons and Forks larger and Smaller made for the Use of my Family while at Paris on the Negotiation of the Peace. I cannot think that any of these can be Subject to any Duty or Impost, and I hope they will be released, with the Express, as Soon as the Circumstances Shall be known. There is nothing most certainly among the Papers which has any Relation to disputes of the present day. You may inclose this Letter. and it may be left, if necessary and where it may be necessary.


Title: John Adams to Hendrik Fagel, 1 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Fagel, Hendrik

          Sir
          The Hague July 1. 1784

        When I was in London last November & December I amused myself often, by running into Booksellers Shops, and purchasing now and then a Book, which I had occasion for. My Son who was lately in London had them embarked for Rotterdam, where, I was last night informed they are arrived.
        It was said that they must be entered at the Custom House, and that a Value must be set upon them by the owner, and that five Per Cent must be paid, upon their Value: But I Suppose it was not known that they belonged to me.
        I dont imagine, that Books thus imported by a foreign Minister, for his own use, and by no means with any View to Sell again, are liable to any Duty or Impost for Entry, or any other Cause, but as I may be mistaken in this, I beg the Favour of your Advice. I am very willing to pay, if the Laws require it, and other foreign Ministers pay the Same: But if they have a Preregative in Such Case, or an Indulgence to be exempted from Payment, I Should wish for the Same. If the Duties must be paid, I know not how to Sett a Value upon them, because as they were purchased in Small Parcells and at many different times and paid for at the time, in haste, I kept no Account of them, and I absolutely dont know whether they cost me fifty Guineas or an hundred. There are two Chests and one Caise of them, marked I. A.—
        With very great Respect I have the Honour / to be, Sir your most obedient and most humble / Servant

          John Adams.

        ENCLOSURE
        Copy of the Receipt.
        Received 19. June 1784 on board the Prince William Henry. Woodward. Pr Rotterdam.

            IA. No. 1. & 2.
            2 Trunks

            3
            1 Case.

          Pr Jno. Reid Mate.


Title: Hendrik Fagel to John Adams, 1 July 1784
From: Fagel, Hendrik
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur.
          a la Haye ce 1 de Júillet, 1784

        Je crois, qu’il ÿ a ún droit, qu’on paÿe a l’entree des livres, qúi viennent des païs etrangers, mais les Ministres públics en Sont exempts. Si Voús aviés presenté ún Memoire, poúr avoir un passeport, poúr les Caisses qúe voús attendés de l’Angleterre, il n’ÿ aúroit eú aúcúne difficulté; Aú defaút de ce Passeport, je suppose, qúe les Commis de la Douane ont exigé le payement des droits. Poúr y remedier, Monsieur, voús pourriés, presenter demain ún Memoire a leúrs Hautes Púissances, (qúe voús remettres a Monsr le President) dans leqúel voús designés les Caisses, qúe voús attendés avec des livres, et voús demandes ún Passeport, oú bien ún ordre a l’admirauté, de laisser passer librement ces effets, qúi voús appartiennent, sans payers des droits, ce qúi Sera accordé immediatement. Je Súis faché, de ceqúe ceci Voús a donné quelqúe embaras, mais quand on est dans ún païs etranger, on ne Scait pas toujours les formes úsitées. J’ai l’honneúr d’etre avec beaucoúp de respect / Monsieúr / Votre tres humble / et tres obeissant / Serviteúr.

          H Fagel

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          The Hague, 1 July 1784

        I believe that there is a duty one must pay on the importation of books, but public ministers are exempt. If you had presented a memorandum to obtain a passport for the boxes that you await from England, there would have been no difficulty; in the absence of this passport, I suppose that the customs officer demanded payment of the duties. To remedy this situation, sir, you may tomorrow present to Their High Mightinesses a memorandum (which you will deliver to the president) in which you identify the boxes with books that you await and request a passport, or alternatively an order to the admiralty, allowing free passage of those items that belong to you without payment of duties, which will be granted immediately. I am vexed that this has caused you any inconvenience, but when one is in a foreign country, one does not always know the customary practices. I have the honor of being with much respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

          H Fagel


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink to John Adams, 1 July 1784
From: Wilhem & Jan Willink
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Amsterdam 1 July 1784.

        We are favoured with your esteemed letter of 30th: June, we had wrote upon the same Subject to our Mr. Van Berckel, and he has been so obliging as to send us directly a letter for our minister in Bruxelles, to whom we Send the same, with your letter, in order to make the required use of the Same, so we hope may Soon be released and return hither, the advice we receive we shall not fail to communicate to your Excellency. in the meanwhile we have the honour to remain most Respectfully. / Sir / Your most Humb Servants

          Wilhem & Jan Willink


Title: John Adams to States General of the Netherlands, 2 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: States General of the Netherlands

          Hauts et Puissants Seigneurs
          Fait a la Haye le 2 Juillet 1784

        Le Sousigné Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats Unis de L’Amerique, a l’honneur de prier Vos Hauts Puissances, de vouloir faire depêcher, ou de lui accorder Un Passeport pour L’Entree libre, ou bien un Ordre a L’Amirauté de laisser passer librement, et Sans payer des Droits, deux malles ou Coffres et une Caisse marquèes I. A. contenans des Livres appartenans au Sousigné, et venus de Londres à Rotterdam par le navire Prince William Henry, Capitaine Woodward.

          Signè John Adams.

        TRANSLATION

          High and Mighty Lords
          Done at The Hague, 2 July 1784

        The undersigned Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America has the honor of entreating Your High Mightinesses to be so kind as to have dispatched or to grant to him a passport for free entry or an order to the admiralty allowing free passage, without payment of duties, of two trunks or chests and one case marked I. A. containing books belonging to

the undersigned and come from London to Rotterdam aboard the ship Prince William Henry, Captain Woodward.

          Signed John Adams.


Title: John Adams to States General of the Netherlands, 2 July 1784
From: Adams, John
To: States General of the Netherlands

          Fait a la Hayele 2. Juillet 1784
          Hauts et Puissants Seigneurs

        Le Sousigne Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats Unis de L’Amerique, a l’honneur de proposer, qu’il laissa l’année passée, a Paris, quelques Effets, en Habillemens, Papiers, Livres, Argenterie &c dont il S’etoit Servi pendant Son Sejour dans cette Ville—qu’il envoya, il y a quelque tems, un Exprès, nommé Egberts D’Amsterdam, pour transporter ces Effets a la Haye; que le dit Expres est maintenant à Bruxelles avec les dits Effets contenus en trois Malles. Le Sousigné prie Vos Hauts Puissances, de vouloir faire depecher, ou de lui accorder, un Passeport pour le dit Egberts avec ces Effets, Sans payer des Droits

          Signé. John Adams

        TRANSLATION

          High and Mighty Lords
          Done at The Hague, 2 July 1784

        The undersigned minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America has the honor of declaring that he left last year at Paris some effects, including clothing, papers, books, silverware, etc., which he had used during his stay in that city; that he sent sometime ago an express named Egberts of Amsterdam to transport those effects to The Hague; and that the said express is now at Brussels with the said effects contained in three trunks. The undersigned entreats Your High Mightinesses to be so kind as to dispatch or grant to him a passport for the said Egberts along with his effects, without payment of duties.

          Signed John Adams