Title: The Commissioners’ Accounts with Ferdinand Grand: Doit Compte des Etats Unis par Messieurs Franklin, Lee et Adams chez Fd. Grand, 12 November 1778 – 11 February 1779
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: First Joint Commission at Paris

       12 Nov. 1778 – 11 Feb. 1779

      1778

      Debit
      Credit

      Novemb.
      12
      Pour Solde du précédent Compte.

      439728.
      15.
      7.

      Pour une traite de Mr. Hy. Laurens Président du 7. 9bre. 1777. à 30. jours de vue, dont ces Mrs. ont été debités deux fois au lieu d’une.

      900.

      12
      Acceptation de M. B. Franklin à une traite de J. Philips du 28. Septemb. à uso
      1200.

      17
      Payé à Mr. Arthur Lée sur recu
      4800.

      18
      Acceptation de Mr. B. Franklin, à traite de Ph. Hancock de Bruxelles du 2. 7bre. à vue
      124.
      5.
      9.

      23
      Acceptation de M. B. Francklin à traite de Daroy et Moylan du 17. 9bre. à vue
      246.
      15.

      28
      Mandat de Mrs. Lée et Adams à John Brown
      480.

      28
      Acceptation de Mrs. B. Franklin à traite de Rt. Niles de Bordeaux du 9. 9bre. à vue
      240.

      30
      Mandat de Mrs. Franklin, Lee et Adams a J. Adams
      240.

      30
      Mandat de M. John Adams a Son ordre
      285.

      Decembre
      1
      Mandat de Mrs. Franklin, Lée et Adams à La plaine
      840.

      2
      Mandat de M. J. Adams payé à Jardy
      265.
      10.

      4
      Autre de Mrs. Franklin, Lée et Adams à Luther Turner
      240.

      7
      Acceptation de Mr. B. Franklin, traite de J. D. Schweighauser de Nantes du 17. 9bre. à 8 jours de date.
      9954.
      18.

      14
      Mandats de Mrs. Franklin, Lee et Adams à L. Brook 288. à R. Brook 288. à A. Blée C. Blue, Coggeshall, E. Butes, G. Sugar 192. chaque
      1344.

      14
      Acceptation de B. Francklin, à traite de Horneca Fizeaux & C. d’Amsterdam du 12. 9bre. à vue
      114.
      11.

      16
      Payé à Mr. J. Adams Sur Son reçu
      2400.

      16
      Payé à Mrs. Franklin et Adams sur recu
      5000.

      19
      Acceptation de M. Arthur Lée a traite de Th. Diggs de Bristol, du 5. Xbre à un jour de vue, sur A. Johnston
      803.
      13.
      3.

      28
      Acceptation de M. B. Francklin a traite de Greenleaf de Rotterdam du 11. Xbre. a vue
      159.

      28
      Mandat de Mrs. Franklin, Lée et Adams, du 24 Courant
      480.

      29
      Ditto de Mrs. Franklin et Adams à Young
      240.

      30
      Acceptation de M. B. Francklin, à traite de W. Bingham de la Martinique du 16 Juillet à 3 mois de vue
      600.

      31
      Mandat de Mr. B. Franklin
      2400.

      31
      Acceptations de Mr. B. Franklin du 19 Xbre. à deux traites du Loan office, du 31. 8bre. de 1500. et du 9. 9bre. de 600.
      2100.

      1779

      Janvier
      2
      Mandats de Mrs. Franklin Lée et Adams à R. Moor 360. à Hyfield et J. M. Carthy 192. chaque, R. Robinson, Shoemaker, J. Cobb, J. Williamson 240. chaque, Wm. Doliver 144
      1848.

      2
      Acceptation de Mr. B. Franklin du 1er. Janvr. a traite du Loan office du 20. 8bre. ord. N. Gilman.
      120.

      4
      Mandat de Mr. B. Franklin du 29 Xbre. à Par ordre
      131.
      10.

      5
      Acceptation de Mr. B. Franklin à traite de Wm. Bingham du 26. Juillet, à 3 mois vue
      6600.

      7
      Mandats de Mrs. Franklin, Lée et Adams du 6 Courant à Rt. Niles 288., Meredith 192., J. Brehon, J. Verbers 240. chaque
      960.

      8
      Mandat de Mrs. Franklin et Adams à Rt. Niles
      192.

      8
      Acceptation de Mrs. Lée et Adams, à traite de Wm. Lée de Francfort du 4 Xbre. à un mois de date
      24000.

      9
      Acceptation de Mr. B. Francklin du 30. 7bre. à traite de Wm. Bingham de la Martinique du 15. Juillet a 3 mois vue
      4400.

      9
      Acceptation de Mr. B. Franklin du 31. 8bre. à la traite de Wm. Bingham du 11 Août. à 2 mois de vue
      4144.
      18.

      12
      Acceptation de Mrs. Lée et Adams au Mandat de R. Izard à vue
      12000.

      12
      Payé à M. Arthur Lée sur reçu.
      4800

      12
      Payé à Mrs. Francklin et Adams sur reçu
      4800.

      19
      Mandat de Mrs. Francklin Lée et Adams, a officers
      240.

      19
      Pour une remise de J. Williams sous ce Compte a été crédité mal à propos
      2400.

      22
      Mandats de Mrs. Lée et Adams à S. Merchant à J. Arnold 240. chaque
      480.

      26
      Acceptation de M. Francklin, à traite de Wm. Bingham du 10 Août. à 2 mois de vue
      15000.

      26
      Acceptations de Mr. B. Franklin à 74. traites du Loan office, 4 de ces traites sont acceptés du 24. Xbre., 14 du 16 ditto, 18 du 22 ditto, et 38 du 19 ditto
      34950.

      28
      Mandat de Mrs. Franklin et Adams à Hog 240. W. Davis 240
      480.

      Fevrier
      6
      Acceptation du Dr. Francklin du 26. Xbre. à 14. traites du Loan office et du 27. Xbre. à 34 autres aussi du Loan office
      43260.

      6
      Acceptation du Doctr. Franklin à une traite de Schweighauser de Nantes du 16. Janvr. à 10 jours de date
      10550.

      8
      Ditto
      19450.

      11
      Payé à Mr. Arthur Lée sur reçu
      12000.

      11
      Ports de Lettres, Paquets, Comissions &c
      318.
      9.

      11
      Pour solde il revient a ces Messieurs
      202946.
      5.
      7.

      L440628.
      15.
      7.
      L440628.
      15.
      7.

      Ainsi arété quadruple sauf Erreur ou Omission
      Paris le 11. Fevrier 1779
      Grand


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 13 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Messieurs

        13e. Nov. 1778

      Les affaires deviennent ici extrêment sérieuses. La résolution (dont ma lettre du 10 vous parle) de refuser les convois aux Matieres marines, n’est pas encore formellement prise ici. On a décidé seulement, que Mercredi prochain on prendra à cet égard une résolution à la pluralité. Mrs. d’Amsterdam ont protesté contre cette pluralité, comme contraire à la Constitution, qui, dans ce cas, demande l’Unanimité; et ils ont fait insérer leur protest dans les Actes. Pour le coup ils se sont vus abandonnés de toutes les autres villes. Mr. Van Berkel a soutenu héroiquement, dans l’Assemblée, les efforts de tous: on peut dire qu’il a eu toute la province, et par conséquent, toute la republique sur le corps, excepté sa ville. Ces Mrs. partirent hier pour Amsterdam, faire rapport au Conseil de la Ville. Si ce Conseil soutient sa Régence, et si le Corps des Marchands éleve de nouveau la voix, comme il y a toute apparence, ils doivent réussir dans leur juste cause. Si le Conseil, contre toute apparence, mollissoit, Mr. V. B. assure qu’il ne reviendra pas ici, mais qu’il laissera faire à qui voudra la triste figure.

      Mr. l’Ambassadeur de France a de son côté déclaré verbalement, il y a déjà plusieurs jours, aux principaux personnages du Gouvernement, et par eux à tous les Pensionaires des Villes,—Que le Roi s’attend à ce que la Republique fasse respecter le Pavillon Hollandois, et protege efficacément, et sans renvoi, son Commerce, dans toute l’extension de ses Traités de 1674 &c entr’elle et l’Angleterre, sur la foi desquels pose la confiance accordée à ce Pavillon; et que, si la Republique ne répond point à une si juste attente, et prétend modifier quelque partie de ces Traités au préjudice du Commerce, le Roi est irrévocablement déterminé à priver la nation des faveurs, dont sa Majesté, par pure affection, et sans y être obligée par aucun Traité, l’a fait jouir jusqu’ici dans les Ports de France.
      Je fais part aujourdhui de cela aux Amis d’Amsterdam pour le publier en pleine Bourse.
      Je pars dans une heure pour où ma presence a été jugée nécessaire dans cet intervalle.
      Je suis avec un très grand respect, Messieurs Votre trés humble et trés obéissant serviteur

       Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 13 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

       Gentlemen

        13 November 1778

      Things are becoming extremely serious here. The resolution (mentioned in my letter of the 10th) to refuse convoys to naval stores has not yet been formally adopted. It has been decided only that next Wednesday a resolution in this regard should be adopted by a plurality. The gentlemen from Amsterdam have protested against this as being contrary to the Constitution which, in this case, requires unanimity, and have registered their formal protest in the Actes. For the moment, they have seen themselves abandoned by all the other towns. Mr. van Berckel has heroically supported their efforts in the Assembly: one could say that, with the exception of his city, he was assaulted by the entire province and, by extension, the whole Republic. These gentlemen left yesterday for Amsterdam to report to the council of the town. If the council upholds its regency, and if the corps of merchants again raises its voice, as seems most likely, they should succeed in their just cause. If the council, against all probability, weakens, Mr. van Berckel swears that he will not return here, but rather will let whoever so wishes cut a sorry figure for himself.
      A few days ago the French ambassador declared verbally, to the principal members of the government and through them to all the pensionaries of the towns, that the King expects the Republic to insure that the Dutch flag is respected, and to protect its trade effectively and without delay, to the full extent of her Treaties of 1674 &c with England, on the strength of which rests the respect accorded her flag; and that, if the Republic does not meet so just an expectation and tries to modify any part of those Treaties to the detriment of trade, the King is irrevocably determined to deprive the nation of the privileges which his Majesty, through sheer affection and without being obligated by any treaty, has thus far allowed her to enjoy in the harbors of France.
      Today I am informing our friends from Amsterdam of this in order to have it disclosed to the full financial community.
      I leave in an hour for where my presence has now been judged necessary.
      I am, with great respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Dumas


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 14 November 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

       Versailles, 14 November 1778

      I have placed before the King, gentlemen, the reasons which might convince His Majesty to grant freedom to the subjects of the United States who are prisoners in France. He thought wisely, however, that this favor should be accorded only to those who have been taken on American ships and forced to serve against their country. Therefore, gentlemen, it will be necessary that you take the trouble to assemble a list, certified by you and kindly addressed to me, so that only the good and faithful subjects of the United States may benefit from the favor that His Majesty kindly wishes to grant. I have the honor to be, with the most distinguished consideration, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       De Sartine


Title: John Gilbank to the Commissioners, 16 November 1778
From: Gilbank, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Honourable Gentlemen
      Nantès, 16th. Novr. 1778

     Not having received from you any Answer to two letters which I have had the honour to write to you, requesting to be supplied with Money to enable me, with the first Opportunity, to join my Regiment; And as a Convoy is very shortly expected, and the Vessels will be ready to sail, I am compelled to trouble you a third time on the subject, and to assure you that, without such Supply, it will be utterly impossible for me to proceed any further.
     I beg leave to submit to your Consideration, That my requisition is by no means unreasonable, as it falls far short of what is due to me from the Continent of North America.
     It is I believe the Custom of every Nation to supply an Officer, (who shall happen to be taken Prisoner, and, without Breach of Parole, can arrive at any place where there is an Ambassador, Consul or other person in a public Capacity of the Country to which he belongs,) at least, to the Amount of his pay, to enable him to join his Station. No Ambassador would refuse to supply him, I dare venture to say, to a much greater Amount, if that should not be sufficient, rather than surfer him to want the Protection he has a right to expect.
     If that was not the Case, I do not know what Gentleman would risque his life and Connections, and leave all that is dear to him for the Service of his Country. It certainly is enough to bear all the hardships attendant upon Captivity and Disappointment when it is impossible to come at Relief; But to be exposed to sufferings worse than Captivity itself, and to endure all the Contempt attendant upon want, when within the reach of Protection, is too much.
     Many Arguments might be used to enforce the reason and Necessity of affording such Supplies to Officers in such Situations, But it would be an insult upon the Understanding to endeavour by that means to point it out, As self reflection upon such a subject must of Course be sufficient to convince.
     It appears to me, that Congress will very chearfully allow any Accounts on that head; As I am certain they would wish, and do all in their power, (and sure ’tis their duty) to relieve an Officer of theirs in distress, when that distress is brought upon him by reason of their Service. Wherefore I hope, as soon as the post will admit, (No time being to be left) to receive an Order for such reasonable supplies, as occasion may require and I can assure you I will not abuse that Privilege.
     I need not again mention the great Expence it has been to me in endeavouring to get thus far on my way, after the many disappointments I have met with; and that this application, if to have been avoided, woud not have been made, As I would wish to be thought possessed of a Spirit superior to such Meanness; At the same time I can’t think any Wrong (tho’ my feelings suffer) in asking what I think I have a right to expect.
     If it shou’d be your absolute Determination not to supply me (tho’ I can’t see with what reason or propriety a State Officer shou’d be preferred in that respect to a continental one, which is the Case; [There being a State Officer now here who has an Order to receive what he may want;] As I think if any preference is due ’tis to a Continental one, He being subject to much greater inconveniences, tho’ I wou’d not wish any to be made, As every Officer in the service of the Country ought in similar Situations to be treated alike;) I hope you will not refuse to favour me with an Answer, and the reason of your refusal, As it is a Subject well worthy the legislative Consideration, and on which future instructions ought to be given; Which Answer will enable it to come before the legislature in a proper manner.

     But in such Case What I am to do, I know not. In a strange Country without friends. In a Country too where without the Expectation of tenfold interest ’tis impossible to procure Sixpence to save one from perdition. Deprived of those at home. And refused the protection I expected, with some reason, to receive; is a situation not to be wished! and will require something more, than I am capable of, to extricate myself from!
     I will not trespass longer on your Patience at present than to mention that it has been hinted to me by a Gentleman who was lately at Paris, That some Censures have fallen from you on Gentlemen in the Continental Service trifling away their time and not doing All they can to join their Country. If that Censure is by any means aimed at me, I must beg leave to insist, That my Stay here has been unavoidable, and that I have not suffered any Opportunity to escape me, As no Ship whatever has sailed from hence to America since I have been here but those which sailed the day or two after I arrived, and which were so full of Passengers as not to be able to take in any other, and of which I instantly informed you; Neither do I recollect to have heard of any sailing from any other Port; And if I had, I cou’d not have availed myself of them by reason of the want of Money to defray travelling Expences; And if I shou’d be prevented by the same reason from taking Advantage of the Opportunity which will shortly offer, I must beg leave to protest against any delay being occasioned by any fault of mine, and that without Supplies it will be impossible to go.
     If there is any Officer in particular who has delayed and trifled away his time let him be held forth, but a general Censure promiscuously thrown out, I conceive to be, not only ungenerous, but unjust. As to myself I am sure I have no pleasure in staying here but on the Contrary great Dissatisfaction, and would be glad to embrace any Opportunity of getting away.
     I flatter myself You will not take any thing herein mentioned as meant disrespectfully, As I would always wish to treat Gentlemen, especially in a public Character, with All the respect due to them, At the same time not omitting to say any thing necessary to be said.
     I am with respect Honourable Gentlemen Your most Obedient and humble Servant

      Jno. Gilbank, 1st. & eldest Lieutenant of the ContinentalRegiment of Artillery of South Carolina


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 16 November 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Versailles, 16 November 1778

      I have received with the letter that you did me the honor to write on the 12th of this month, gentlemen, the copy of the letter addressed to you by Mr. Schweighauser, agent for the United States of North America at Nantes, on the subject of the escort that he, together with several other American merchants, requests for a number of vessels that they hope to send off toward the end of the month. I would be most pleased if present circumstances permitted me to have them escorted all the way to their destinations, but in view of the ports to which it has pleased the King to assign his frigates and other vessels, I cannot offer to have those in question convoyed any farther than the Capes. I have the honor to be, with utmost consideration, your very humble and very obedient servant

       De Sartine


Title: The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 17 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de

      Sir
      Passy Novr. 17 1778

     We have received the Letter which your Excellency did Us the Honour to write to Us, on the 14 of this Month, and in answer to the Proposal Enquiry, contained in it, We beg Leave to acquaint your Excellency that there is not now in France, nor to our Knowledge, in Europe, any Frigate or other Vessell of War, belonging to the United States. If there was, We should not hesitate to order her, forthwith, upon an Enterprise against the English Whale Fishery on the Coast of Brazil because, those Vessells now in that Fishery destroyed or taken and their officers and Men captivated the English can never revive this fishery, there being no such sett of Hands, in any other Part of the World British Dominions, none but the Americans having yet learned the Art of Killing that sort of Whales; and because We apprehend that Wounding the English in their Fisheries and Commerce is wounding their Vital Parts. Nor is there any Privateer, in this Kingdom, belonging to Americans, that We know of excepting the General Mifflin Captain McNeil, if indeed, he is not yet Sailed, as We expected he would have done before now. But We have no Authority over, this or any other Privateer. They all follow the orders of their owners. And We suppose, as Captain McNeil has been so long from home, and has made a Cruise already so extensive, hazardous and fatiguing, it is not likely that he would venture to undertake this other Expedition without the orders or Knowledge of his owners.


Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 17 November 1778
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Nantes Novr 17. 1778

     By the Tenor of your Favour of the 8th Instant I apprehend I have committed an Indiscretion. The Satisfaction I feel in contributing to your Pleasure was my only motive and I beg that may be considered as my excuse.
     The Rum cost me nothing, I cannot therefore fix a price, but Billy Franklin is my Banker in small affairs and you may settle it with him as you think proper.
     I am with great Respect, Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant

      Jona Williams


Title: Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 20 November 1778
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

       Passy, Nov. 20. 1778

      You are to go by the shortest Road to Dieppe, and make all the Dispatch possible.
      At Dieppe enquire for Mr. Baron, Merchant there, and take his Advice whether to go off to the Ship, or to acquaint the Captain with your Arrival send him the Letters you have for him, and desire him to come and meet you on shore. The last is safest for the Intelligence you may obtain, as well as for you, if the Weather should be stormy.
      You are to make all the Enquiries noted in the Paper annexed; and put down the Answers in Writing; as well as other Matters he may communicate to you: in which be very exact and clear.
      You are to enquire if he wants Hands, and acquaint him that there may probably be some to be had here at his Return from his Cruise, if that should occasion a Diminution of his Numbers.
      You are to keep an exact Account of your Expences, and use the utmost Frugality therein: By this, your Diligence and Expedition in going and Returning, and your Exactness in executing these Orders, you will recommend yourself to our Approbation.

       B Franklin
       John Adams


Title: Enclosure: List of Enquiries, 20 November 1778
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

      1. Force of his Vessel, Number of Men, &c.
      2. What time he left America, and from what Port.
      3. What Instructions he had from Congress.

      4. If he knows the Contents of his Dispatches.
      5. Ask for News, and Newspapers.
      6. What Account there was of Differences between Count D’Estaign’s People and those of Boston.
      7. Whether he was well supply’d with Necessaries there and Provisions.
      8. Whether he was repair’d and sail’d; and where Suppos’d to be bound.
      9. What the present situation of the Armies.
      10. Whether Burgoyne’s Corps continu’d entire, or were much diminish’d by Desertion &c. and where canton’d.
      11. Whether the great Ships are finish’d, that were building.
      12. What the present State of Paper Money.
      13. Whether Taxes are begun, to sink it.
      14. If he is acquainted with any late Resolutions of Congress material for us to know.
      15. What Persons of Note have of late taken the Oath of Allegiance to the States.

       Whether the C. D Estaing found Provisions, Masts and other Materials and Workmen as he wanted?

      16. Where the Enemies Fleet were in America?
      17. Whether any and what Vessels were bound to France from any Part of America?
      18. Whether the Providence Boston and Ranger had arrived and with what Prizes?
      19. Where the Warren Rawley Alliance and other Continental Frigates?


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 20 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Messieurs
       Lahaie 20e. Nov. 1778

      De retour ici depuis Mercredi matin, j’appris après-dîner de notre Ami, que l’acte de despotisme, que ma derniere du 13 Nov. vous annonçoit, a été consommé dans l’Assemblée provinciale après une Séance de 3 heures, et que l’avis préalable avec sa queue, dont je vous ai rendu compte dans ma Lettre du ioe., a été résolu à la pluralité: sur quoi la Ville d’Amsterdam a fait insérer un Protest formel contre cette Résolution, la déclarant nulle, pour avoir été prise d’une maniere contraire à la Constitution de cet Etat, qui, dans ce cas, veut l’unanimité: Protest, dans lequel sont indiquées les suites que cette affaire pourra avoir de la part de la ville lésée. S. Y. n’a eu rien de plus pressé, que d’envoyer en Angleterre une Pinque de Scheveling, avec la nouvelle de ce prétendu triomphe de son Parti ici. Sa Cour ne manquera pas de faire étalage de ce succès dans le Parlement et dans les Papiers: il paroît avoir été mendié pour cet effet. On se gardera bien de faire mention du Protest, qui fait que ce succès n’est dans le fond que de la fumée, laquelle sera bientôt dissipée: car ceux de la grande Ville ont averti, que si l’on tarde ici de faire imprimer son Protest avec la Résolution, elle le fera imprimer chez elle, afin qu’au moins cette nation ici ne soit pas induite en erreur. On prévoit deux suites de tout cela, trèssérieuses: l’une le coup de foudre prédit dans ma Lettre du 10e.; l’autre, la Clôture d’une grande Caisse, dont on ne voit pas comment les autres pourront se passer.
      Je pourrois entrer dans de plus grands détails; mais, outre que le temps me manque, je crains de les confier au papier. J’ajouterai seulement que demain matin ceux de la grande Ville partent, et avec eux toute la gloire Belgique. Les autres ont honte de leur propre ouvrage, n’osent se vanter, et baissent la tête. On fait même, tant qu’on peut, courir le bruit, que la fameuse Résolution a été prise unanimément et conforme aux desirs de la grande Ville.
      Pour achever de vous peindre notre Village, je vous dirai qu’il y a prodigieusement de Boue: on ne voit que cela, dès qu’on met le pied dehors. Bienheureux celui qui peut se tenir chez soi, et ne converser qu’avec sa pantouffle: si elle ne lui dit rien d’agréable, du moins elle ne lui en impose pas.
      Vous ne sauriez croire, Messieurs, combien vos ennemis se sont acharnés à répandre, dans la circonstance présente, pour soutenir les esprits de leur parti et déprimer ceux du vôtre, des contes à l’infini de prétendues divisions et mésintelligences entre les Américains-mêmes, aussi bien qu’entre eux et les françois. On pourroit les mépriser et en rire: mais ce qui désole nos meilleurs amis, c’est qu’il ne vient point de nouvelles directement de l’Amérique par la France. Je prie Dieu qu’il en arrive bientôt, et des meilleures; et suis avec un très-grand respect, Messieurs, Votre très-humble et très obéissant serviteur

       Dumas

       Les Etats de la Province se rassembleront dans 3 semaines.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 20 November 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Gentlemen
       The Hague, 20 November 1778

      I returned here Wednesday morning and, after dinner, learned from our friend that the act of despotism, described in my last of 13 November, had been consummated in the Provincial Assembly after a three-hour session. Also, the preliminary advisory together with its concluding provision, described in my letter of the 10th, has been resolved by a plurality. The City of Amsterdam has inserted a formal protest against the resolution, declaring it null from having been adopted in a manner contrary to the constitution of the state which, in this case, requires unanimity, and another protest indicating the actions that could be taken by the injured city. Sir Joseph Yorke could hardly wait to send a pink from Scheveling to England with the news of the supposed triumph of his party here. His court will not fail to show off this success in Parliament and the newspapers: it apparently having been solicited to that end. They will take care that no mention is made of the protest, which essentially makes this success only smoke that will soon dissipate: for those from the great city have warned that if the publication of their protest against the resolution is delayed here, they will have it printed at home so that at least this nation would not be misled. Two very serious consequences were forseen: first, the thunderbolt I predicted in my letter of the 10th; and second, the closing of a great treasury, which it is difficult to see how the others can do without.
      I could go into greater detail, but, in addition to a lack of time, I am afraid to put it in writing. I will only add that tomorrow morning those from the great city are leaving, and with them all the glory of Belgium. The others are ashamed of their own work and, instead of boasting, bow their heads. The rumor is even being circulated that the said resolution has been adopted unanimously and conformed to the desires of the great city.
      To complete my description of our village, I will tell you that there is an enormous quantity of mud: that is all you see as soon as you set foot outside. Happy is the man who can stay home and converse only with his slipper: if it has nothing pleasant to tell him, at least it will not try to take unfair advantage of him.
      You would not believe, gentlemen, how your enemies have struggled to spread, in the present circumstances, endless tales about alleged divisions and misunderstandings between the Americans themselves, as well as between them and the French, in order to boost their party’s morale and depress that of ours. One could despise them and laugh, but what distresses our best friends is that no news comes directly from America by way of France. I pray to God that some will arrive soon, and that it is favorable, and am, with very great respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Dumas

       The Provincial States will reassemble in three weeks.


Title: John Walshe and Others to the Commissioners, 20 November 1778
From: Walshe, John,Wardell, Jonathan,Hills, S.,Moore, William,Borland, Archibald,Douglas, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Novr. 20th 1778. Brest Road

     Memorial of the Officers late of his Britanic Majesty’s Sloop Drake, Captn. Wm. Moore of the Patience Brig, Archibald Borland of the Tryal Schooner, John Douglass of the Sally Sloop, Prisoners on board the said Brig.
     Sheweth.
     That your Memorialists were brought into this Road of Brest on the 7th May last and on the 11th were put on board this Vessel and allowed the Cabin to be in, which they were untill September 11th. when a French Officer came on board and turned them out, and placed the Guard in the said Cabin, since which, they have been among the Foremast Men, and not allowed to walk the Quarter Deck.
     That they are under the continual apprehension when it blows hard, of driving on shore and loosing their Lives on the Rocks, the Anchors being too light, and the Cables rotten, and not fit to be trusted, and no Spare Anchors and Cables to bring the Vessel up, shou’d she part from those she is moored with.
     That the Seamen are in danger (should they escape the Rocks) of perishing on board, there being no lower Deck in this Vessel, and some of the People on board have not Clothes to skreen them from the Cold in Winter, and others that are oblig’d to lie on the wet Ballast in the Hold, not having Beds, it is needless to observe how unfriendly these Things are to Health.
     That they are informed they are allowed a Pound of Bread, a Pound and a half of Beef and half a Pint of Brandy a Day, which allowance they have never since the departure of the Ranger received, and the quantity they do receive bad in Quality, the Bread in particular being full of Vermin and not fit for Men to eat.
     That they are in danger of going altogether without Provisions and Water, in boisterous Weather, the Vessel lying a great way from the shore, which renders it hazardous for a Boat to attend us, and we they have never more than three Days Provisions on board at a time, and a Gale of Wind at the approaching Season, may last two or three Weeks.
     That it is now seven Months since they have been confin’d within the narrow Limits of a Vessels Sides, and have suffered in their Health, for want of Exercise, therefore request that the American Plenipotentiaries take it into their most serious consideration and admit them on Parole, and favour them with an Answer.
     And your Memorialists subscribe themselves with due respect their most Obedt. Servants

      John Walshe—Master late of the Drake
      Jno Wardell—Purser Ditto
      S. Hills—Surgeon Ditto
      Wm. Moor—Captain of the Patience
      Archd. Borland —Tryall
      John Douglas —Sally

      N.B. Since the departure of the Ranger, two good Cables were taken away from this Vessel, and two under sized ones substituted.


Title: From John Adams to Jonathan Williams, 21 November 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Williams, Jonathan

      Sir
      Passy Novr 21. 1778

     I have received your Favour of the 12 and yesterday, the Rum was brought here consisting of forty Eight Bottles. Two I Suppose had been used to wet the Whistle of the Porters.
     I paid Seventy five Livres and the Man was or pretended to be wroth that I gave him no more.

     Mr. Alexander Shall have his Dozen and his Packet and Dr. Bancroft, his.
     I beg of you to draw upon me for the Cost of the Rum which shall be paid immediately.
     Inclosed you have the Acquit Caution, as you desired.
     I am your humble servant.


Title: Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 21 November 1778
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, William Temple

       21? Nov. 1778

     Upon reconsidering Job Prince’s Letter, it is observable, that there is not a single Circumstance mention’d in it by which one may be assured that it is either an honest Letter or a Forgery and a Trick to get into their Power from us some Person of Confidence from whom or from the Letters we might write by him they might pick out some useful Intelligence. The releasing a French Fisherman taken perhaps by a Comrade for that purpose, might be only to commence an Intercourse and procure Trust on our Part. This Captain may be the same Genius that so artfully trapanned Burnel. You are therefore by no means to go on board his Vessel. But write to him that you have Letters for him from the Commissioners which you are to deliver only into his own Hands, and request his comming on shore to receive them. In the meantime communicate the Suspicion to Mr. Baron, and by his Means obtain Authority to seize the Captain and his Boats Crew as soon as they land, and have the Men separated and examined each by himself. If on Examination they appear to be true Men and not artful Enemies from Dover or Guernesey, you may then give him the Letters, and acquaint him with the Reasons of his being so examined, which he cannot take amiss.
     It seems strange that a Ship after so long a Voyage should not chuse to enter any Port: That she should come in preference to lie off Dieppe: That the Captain in his Letter to us should not relate a Syllable of News of any kind, should say Nothing of the Port he came from, the Time of his Departure, should suppose us acquainted with every particular concerning his Vessel and her Destination, tho’ he has lost the Dispatches, and yet tell us that tho’ he knows the Intention of Congress he wants our Orders for his Cruise.

      B Franklin
      John Adams


Title: John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 21 November 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Sirs
      Bordeaux 21 Nov 1778

     I attended yesterday to the Vissit made by the Inspector of the Artillery of the Cannon laying at this Port belonging to Monsr. Le Bertin. The report is as favorable as can be given as to their appearance which is all that can be said of them until Proved. The following is the list given me in by the person who has them under his care.

      77
      Cannon du Calibre de
      36£
      du poids de
      75

      quintx
      la piece foreé et tourné

      8
       Do
      24£
       do
      55
      1/2
      quintx
       Do

      5
       Do
      12£
       do
      33
      1/2
      quintx
       Do

      Les fraix d’epreuve des
      pieces de
      36£
      vont environ de
      80£
      la piece

      celles
      24£
       Idem
      57
       idem

      celles
      12£
       idem
      27
       idem

   There are in other Ports more belonging to the same concern on the same Mold. You will please to observe that the proving of such heavy Artilery amounts to a considerable Sum. Should you see fitting to order the proving be assured of my due attention as also to the quality of the Powder which being a perquisite of the Captain of the Port is made frequently with very little precaution.
     Monsieur de La Touche has been so obliging as to order a frigate to take our Ships round from La Rochelle to Nantes where I expect they are arrived and loading the Various Articles there lodged which Mr. Schweighauser assured us would be prepared ready at their Arrival.
     The latest Arrivals we have at this Port is from Alexandria of 20 Septembre of course we are without any intelegence other than is at your hands.
     I have the Honor to be with due Respect, Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Servant

      John Bondfield


Title: From John Adams to Robert Montgomery, 24 November 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Montgomery, Robert

      Sir
      Passy Novr 24. 1778

     Your Favour of the Sixth of this Month, reached me, three days ago, I am much obliged to you, for communicating to me, the Intelligence contained in it. These orders of Government, afford no Ground for any decisive Conclusions respecting the Intentions of Spain, yet they discover that the Court is attentive to the Progress of the War, and We may expect that the more they think upon the Subject, the Sooner, they will be convinced of the Importance of it, to their Interests, and of the Wisdom of their taking a Part in it.
     I can give you, no News from America, because Several Vessells have arrived at Bilboa, which left Boston and Newbury Port later than any We have from America.
     All the News We have here respects the Captures of French Vessells by the English Privateers, and of English Privateers, by the French Men of War, in which they have been very Successfull. The Number of British Sailors, which has been captivated, is very considerable much more so than the Number of French Sailors taken by the English, which is perhaps a greater Loss to them, than the Capture of larger Portions of their Property, would have been.
     I Shall be much obliged to you, for the Continuance of your Favours, because Intelligence is the soul of War, as it is indeed of every Thing human, but ispecially because every Thing that happens in Spain in Consequence of orders from Government, is important. I am, with much Respect, Sir, your humble servant.


Title: The Commissioners to J. D. Schweighauser, 25 November 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Schweighauser, John Daniel

      Sir
      Passy Novr 25. 1778

     In Answer to your Letter of the seventeenth Instant, We desire you would ship to America, all the Goods belonging to the United States, of every sort. And consequently to write for no more Workmen, but dismiss, immediately, all that remain if any.
     We can give you no Directions about the Articles “entreposed” for the Coast of Guinea: because We understand nothing about the Matter. We neither understand, why, they were entreposed—nor what entreposing is.
     It is impossible for Us to apply to the Minister, without understanding the subject and knowing what Minister We are to apply to, and what Favour We are to apply for.
     We leave it to your Judgment, to remove the salt Petre in the cheapest And best Manner for the Interest of the states.


Title: Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 25 November 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Versailles, 25 November 1778

      The King, gentlemen, has sent passports for four English vessels which are to come from a foreign port to Dunkerque. It is equally necessary that they be protected from insult by American privateers and I ask you to send me, in this regard, four open letters or passports, which they could use if needed. Please note that they must be left blank since they can only be filled out on the spot. I have the honor to be, with the utmost consideration, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       De Sartine


Title: From John Adams to James Lovell, 27 November 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Lovell, James

      My dear Sir
      Passy Novr 27 1778

     It is now a Year, Since I left you, and I have heard very Seldom from you, since that Time. I have written as often as I could, but so many Vessells have been taken that I fear you have heard as seldom from me.
     There is no News, any where excepting the innumerable Reports circulated in every Part of Europe, by the Emmissaries of England, every one of which I know to be false: they still however find Stockjobbers and other Persons to believe them. These Lyes are calculated to make it believed, that there are great Dissentions between the French and Americans, and between the Americans with one another. No Extravagance is too great. Ten Thousands of General Washingtons Army gone over to Clinton. C. D’Estaing making a Procession through the Streets of Boston with the Hoste, and Seizing a Meeting House for a Chappell and the D——knows what.
     I Suffer as much for Want of Intelligence from A. as we used to Suffer in Congress for Want of it from Europe.
     Mr. D. writes a Gentleman here, that on the 14 of September Congress took up forein Affairs, and determined to have but one Commissioner here. If this is the Case I shall be at a Loss, how to conduct myself, unless you recall me. Dr. F. no doubt will be appointed for this Court: if you appoint me for any other, especially that which is mentioned to Me Vienna, it will be more disagreable to me than to be recalled. Because Vienna, is the Court of all Europe, as I conceive at present, the least likely to receive your Agent. I should therefore be reduced to the Necessity of residing at Paris in Idleness, or of travelling to Germany and living there in greater Idleness Still in either Case at a great and useless Expence.
     In Time of Peace, nothing would give me greater Pleasure, than travelling: but at present my Heart is too much affected, with the Miseries of this War, for me to take Pleasure in a mere Gratification of Curiosity, or even in a Pursuit of Taste in Arts, or Knowledge in the Sciences.
     To return home immediately, Some Persons here say would give offence, and be wrong. To Wait to write for Leave, would be loosing Time, and putting you to Some Expence. However, I will determine nothing untill I know what is done. Remember me with the tenderest affection, and greatest Respect to your Colleagues and all others that deserve it, and believe me your Friend.


Title: John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 28 November 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Sirs
      Bordeaux 28 Novr 1778

     Tho’ we are without any interesting inteligence in this or the neighbouring Ports I hold it my duty to advise you that so it is. The Merchants from their heavy Loss’s are obliged to contract their concerns which unfortunately will be sensibly felt by the short Exports for the United States. Excepting three small Cutters belonging to Virginia it is three Months since any expedition went from hence.
     Messr. Beaumarchais and Co. have bought a vessel of 24 Gunns that is to Sail about the 10th of next Month for Rochfort there to join the Roderique and the Drake bought by the same Company. These Vessels I am told are to be reinforced by two ships or Frigates. It will be a fine Convoy for our two Ships at Nantes if it dont too long detain as the fierre Roderique was not hove down when I past Rochfort ten days ago that I much doubt if they will be at Sea of two Months. The inteligence of Monsr. La Motte Piquet having fallen in with a Jamaica fleet outward bound is confirmd to Us by Letters this Post from Britaigne. Our Privateers have not yet sent us in any Capital Prizes. The English Ships keep in Fleets that a vessel of Value is not to be met singly.
     The Farmers General begin to doubt that the abundant supplies they were to receive from Spain, the Brazils, the Ulkraine and Holland of Tobacco will not make up the short Imports from Virginia and are tampering with the holders to engage all at Market before a rise take place. No capital Stock can be expected for many Months. A start in this article very sudden may be expected which may probably engage the Merchants to renew their speculation to America.
     I have the Honor to be with due Respect Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Servant

      John Bondfield


Title: Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 28 November 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin

      Gentlemen
      Chaillot. Novr. 28th. 1778

     Your Letter informing me of the Alteration of your Intention, not having reached my House till some time after the Hour you had appointed for setting out for Versailles, I was gone before it arrived. I informed Count Vergennes, that you were coming, and we waited till 5’ O’Clock under no small Embarressment, especially myself, to conceive what detained you.
     Count Vergennes says, that as there was such bad Management last year in dispatching our Ships, as to detain the Convoy Six Weeks; he wishes we would write him, when the Ships, for which we now desire a Convoy, will certainly be ready to sail, and he will do all in his Power to obtain what we desire.
     I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Gentlemen, Your Mos. Ob Servt.

      Arthur Lee


Title: To John Adams from M. Quillau, 29 November 1778
From: Quillau, M
To: Adams, John

       Monsieur
       le 29. 9re 1778 paris

      Je viens de voir Monsieur Dubourg à qui je dois l’honneur et l’avantage d’être Connu de vous, qui m’a dit que vous m’avies écrit au sujet de Livres que vous voulies vous procurer. Il faut que la personne que vous aves chargée de votre lettre, ne se soit point acquittée de sa Commission, Car je n’ai reçu aucune lettre de votre part. Si elle me fut parvenue, vous deves etre persuadé que j’aurois mis toute la diligence possible pour executer ce dont vous me chargies par cette Lettre. Aussitot que par une nouvelle lettre; vous m’aures instruit des Livres que vous souhaiter avoir, je m’empresserai à vous les faire parvenir le plus promptement possible.
      J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec Respect, Monsieur, Votre très-humble et très-obeissant serviteur

       Quillau


Title: Quillau to John Adams: A Translation, 29 November 1778
From: Quillau, M
To: Adams, John

       Sir
       Paris, 29 November 1778

      I have just seen Mr. Dubourg, to whom I owe the honor and pleasure of being known to you. He told me that you had written me concerning some books you would like to procure. The person to whom you gave the letter must not have carried out his commission, for I never received any letter from you. If it had reached me, you can be assured that I would, with the utmost diligence, have undertaken to carry out your request in that letter. As soon as I receive a new letter with your instructions as to what books you wish to have, I will hasten to send them as soon as possible.
      I have the honor to be with respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

       Quillau


Title: James Smith to the Commissioners, November 1778
From: Smith, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Gentlemen

       November 1778

     Your very extraordinary letter of the 17 of Novr. I have received and acknowledge myself Obliged to you for the representation of my Case to his Excellency the Count De Vergennes.

     You say you do not think you can consistantly Grant my request unless I previously Subscribe the decliration and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America and that when I comply with this condition you will then give the Customary Passport to Calis. If this Customary Passport shall be sufficient to obviate all impediments to my passage to Dover I can understand the Consistency of these expressions otherwise I am at a loss to guess your meaning. I could have no Objection to take the Oaths of Allegiance when I arrive in America But I submit it to your farther Consideration whether this is the proper time and place for such a Measure to a person in my circumstances. The active part I have taken upon every occasion to manifest my Atatchment to the interest of my country through out the whole of this controvercy is no equivocal proof of my sincerity and I am not a little surprised that you should make my taking the Oath of Allegiance a condition when you must be sensible how fatal that measure might prove to my Liberty and even Life should it transpire in England before I could finish my private business. What a happy opportunity would a discovery of this kind Afford a wicked Abandoned Ministry to wrack their vengance upon me whose conduct has rendered him Obnoxious by every effort to oppose them within the compass of his Abilities. Is this the reward of Public Virtue? And Shall the Official Guardians of our lives furnish the very means of our distruction without any one possible benefit to our country.
     I have attentivly perused all the public acts of the Congress and I do not find that they insist upon imposing the Oath of Allegiance upon any person going to England. It is not there that our Enemies can do us mischief. To suspect a mans fidelity with out assigning reasons and insist upon this condition at the time the necessity of his Affairs Oblige him to go amongst his Enemies is a Species of Cruelty and Abandoned profligacy which for the honor of human nature I cannot suppose you intentionally Guilty. You certainly did not consider the consequences of such a proceedure and I am obliged from the respect I owe the commission and for the honour of my Country not to Suppose from any misunderstanding between us that you mean any thing more by this extraordinary proposal than to manifest an inconsiderate Zeal for the Cause of our Country. Did you tender the Oath of Allegiance to Doctor Bancroft Mr. Austin and Mr. Williams whose connection with the British minister you was acquainted with. Without any disparagement to the Characters of those worthy Gentlemen why am I to be suspected more than others. Had you entrusted me with the secrets of Goverment upon which the interests and welfare of our Country depended this conduct would be justifiable. If any thing has been wispered to my prejudice which has given any just grounds of Suspicion and thereby abused your private Confidence, Let him bring his Charges openly. Let me be confronted before witnesses. Let him come from his lurking hole, assume the Character of a Generous open Enemy, and not secretly Stab me in the dark like a private Assassin.
     When I wrote that I was willing to give the most Solemn Assurances of my affection and duty to my Country, could it be supposed that I meant to expose myself to the wispers of secret Enemies and the Rage of a Merciless disapointed and consequently inveterate Administration. It must have occurred to you from a moments reflection that I could only mean such assurances as were binding upon a man of honor and yet would not subject me to the laws of England. When I requested a Passport I intended to pay you the usual compliments payed to the public Ministers of my Country. It gives me pain to remind you that the power werewith you are invested was never given to distress or indanger the Lives and liberties of your Countrymen and I sincerely wish for the honor of the Commission that you may be able to explain your selves in such a manner as to wipe away the foul imputations and suspicions which such behaviour may make you liable to in the opinion of the World, and that private resentment has no share in this transaction. Whatever be your determination I beg you will be speedy in your resolutions as my private affairs are suffering by my absence. I beg leave to Subscribe my self Gentlemen Your much injured Countryman and Humble Servt.

      James Smith


Title: From John Adams to William Vernon Sr., 2 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Vernon, William Sr.

      Dear Sir
      Passy Decr 2 1778

     This Evening I had the Pleasure of yours of the Twenty Second of October, with Duplicate of another of the same day and Triplicate of another of the Second of October, neither of which have arrived.
     I have before received one Letter from you inclosing 2 Letters to your Son. I answered your Letter, and forwarded those to your son which he has since informed me he received.

     Your Son is at a Place called Montauban, a manufacturing Town, in the Province of Guienne, not very far from Bourdeaux. He lives with Mr. Revellat ainé, one of the principal Negociants of that City, a Gentleman of very good Character. Here, your Son, will have an Opportunity of tracing Commerce to its first Sources, and of acquiring the Language, at the Same Time, in both of which I am informed he is very assiduous. The Description, which M. Revellat gave me of his Conduct, the other Day, when he was at Passy, having been introduced to me, by a Letter from him, was very much to his Honour which from what I know of him I was well inclined to believe.
     I thank you, Sir, for the full and clear Accounts you have given me from Time to Time of the State of our little Navy: and not withstanding the long Catalogue of Disasters that has attended it, I Still build great Hopes upon it. I am extreamly happy to hear of the Arrival of the Providence, Boston and Ranger, but am disappointed that they made no more Prizes. While the Merchant Fleets of Great Britain are covering all the Seas, it is to me astonishing that our Frigates take no more of them. I lament with You the Loss of the brave Captains Chew and Skimmer.
     Your Letter to your son shall be forwarded forthwith, So shall all others you may intrust to my Care. I am, with great Respect, your hum sert.

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Vernon Jr., 2 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Vernon, William Jr.

      Dr Sir
      Passy Decr 2 1778

     This Evening, I received the inclosed in a Letter from your Father. He writes that he has never herd from you nor me—I have wrote him several Times. Soon after Mr. Revellat was here, I had accounts from America that Congress were about to take into Consideration the State of foreign Affairs, and I did not know but they might make Such Alterations in the System of Their Affairs here as might render any assistance to me in the Character of a Clerk unnecessary. I have waited to this Moment without Intelligence, excepting, by the Packet received this day, that Congress on the 12 of October had Still foreign Affairs under Consideration. We shall soon learn their Determination, and that will determine me, mean Time, I am with Esteem


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 2 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

      My dear Sir
      Passy Decr 2 1778

     Last Night, I received your Letter of Octr. 7th by a Special Messenger from M. De Sartine, who writes me that he knows not how where nor by whom it arrived. I mention this that it may serve as an Answer in some Measure to the Complaint in your Letter, that neither you nor my other Friends have heard from me. I have wrote very often, to you and them but there is Strange Management with Letters and most that We write are sunk in the Sea.
     I Sincerely grieve for my Country in the News that you are not of either House. But it is Some Comfort to me to think that I shall be Soon a private Farmer, as well as you, and both pursueing our Experiments in Husbandry. The longer I live and the more I see of public Men, the more I wish to be a private one. Modesty is a Virtue, that can never thrive, in public. Modest Merit! is there Such a Thing remaining in public Life? It is now become a Maxim with some, who are even Men of Merit, that the World esteems a Man in Proportion as he esteems himself, and are generally disposed to allow him, to be what he pretends to be.
     Accordingly, I am often astonished at the Boldness with which Persons make their Pretensions. A Man must be his own Trumpeter—he must write or dictate Paragraphs of Praise in the News Papers, he must dress, have a Retinue, and Equipage, he must ostentatiously publish to the World his own Writings with his Name, and must write even some Panegyricks upon them,—he must get his Picture drawn, his statue made, and must hire all the Artists in his Turn, to set about Works to Spread his Name, make the Mob stare and gape, and perpetuate his Fame. I would Undertake, if I could bring my Feelings to bear it, to become one of the most celebrated trumpeted, Admired, courted, worshipd Idols in the whole World in four or five Years. I have learned the whole Art I am a perfect Master of it. I learned a great deal of it from Hutchinson and the Tories, and have learned more of it since from Whigs and Tories both, in America and Europe. If you will learn the Art I will teach it you.
     I have not yet learned to begun to practice this. There is one Practice more which I forgot. He must get his Brothers, Cousins, sons and other Relations into Place about him and must teach them to practice all the same Arts both for them selves and him. He must never do any Thing for any Body who is not his Friend, or in other Words his Tool.
     What I am going to say, will be thought by many to be practicing upon some of the above Rules. You and I have had an ugly Modesty about Us, which has despoyled Us of, almost all our Importance. We have taken even Pains to conceal our Names, We have delighted in the shade, We have made few Friends, no Tools, and what is worse when the Cause of Truth, Justice, and Liberty have demanded it We have even Sacrificed Those who called themselves our Friends and have made Ennemies.
     No Man ever made a great Fortune in the World, by pursuing these Maxims, We therefore do not expect it, and for my own Part I declare, that the Moment, I can get into Life perfectly private, will be the happiest of my Life.
     The little Art and the less Ambition with which I see the World full disgusts and shocks me more and more. And I will abandon it to its Course, the Moment I can do it with Honour and Conscience.
     Remember me, Sir, in the most respectfull Manner to your good Lady, whose Manners, Virtues, Genius, and Spirit will render her immortal, notwithstanding the general Depravity. I am, her & your Friend

      John Adams


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 2 December 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Gentlemen
       The Hague, 2 December 1778

      Today I have the honor to send you the resolution of which I have already spoken. What delayed me a little was my recent trip to Amsterdam, a bothersome cold which I brought back with me, and the three copies which I had to make to send in successive letters to the congress. This piece fully deserves to be published in both French and English for the service of the United States because of the intimate knowledge that it displays respecting the finances, politics, and the ground and naval forces of this Republic. It is the English party that schemes to have the Republic increase the former and continue to neglect the latter. If it were to succeed, there is no doubt that the Republic would immediately be put to the service of England. Judge, therefore, gentlemen, of what importance is the strong resolve of the great city.
      The period of calm in which we are now will last another ten to twelve days, until the States of the Province reconvene. May God send us before then some great and good news from America. I would put it to more than one good use, and it might produce more than one good result. The London Evening Post of 26 November makes us hope that Clinton has been very roughly handled.
      I am, with great respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant,

       Dumas


Title: From John Adams to the President of the Congress, 3 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Laurens, Henry,President of Congress

      Sir
      Passy Decr 3 1778

     I have the Honour to inclose to Congress, the latest News Papers: As they contain the Speech at the Opening of Parliament, and Some of the Debates in both Houses upon the Addresses in Answer to it, they are of very great Importance. I learn by Some Newspapers, and private Letters that an opinion has been prevalent in America, that the Ennemy intended to withdraw from the united States, and considering the cruel Devastations of the War, and the unfortunate Situation of our Finances nothing would give me so much Joy as to see Reasons to concur in that opinion, and to furnish Congress with Intelligence in Support of it.
     But I am sorry to say that the Reverse is too apparent. We may call it Obstinacy or Blindness, if We will, but such is the state of Parties in England, so deep would be the Disgrace, and perhaps so great the personal Danger to those who have commenced and prosecuted this War, that they cannot but persevere in it, at every Hazard. And nothing is clearer in my Mind, than that they never will quit the united States, untill they are either driven or starved out of them.

     I hope therefore that Congress will excuse me, for suggesting that there is but one Course for Us to take, which is to concert every Measure and exert every Nerve, for the total Destruction of the British Power within the united States. I have the Honour to be with the most respectfull Consideration sir, your most humble, and most obedient servant

      John Adams


Title: John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 5 December 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

      Sirs
      Bordeaux 5 Decr 1778

     A french Brig belonging to La Rochelle arrived at this port the 2d Instant from Boston, he left that port the 4 November in Company with Adml. D’Estaing with all his fleet reinforced by some American Frigates. The Report circulated in Boston their intent was against Halifax, the Season was far advanct for an attempt of that nature. He kept company thirty Six hours, the Fleet steerd N.E., he struck off for France.
     A vessel equipt by Messr. Decater freind to Monsr. Rey de Chaumont arrived at Pray. His procés verbal contains that he saild from Boston with the Fleet the 4th. Novr., his orders from the Admiral was to keep under his Stern, a Gale of Wind on the 7th. seperated him from the Fleet, not having any rendezvous assigned he stood for France.

     A report prevails of Ad. Byrons leaving N York the 2 Novr with 17 Ships 100 Transports having on board 5000 Troops. I cannot trace the Source of this advice to bring it to a certainty.
     The Boston, Providence, and Ranger Arrived safe at Boston with many prizes eight days before the Brig saild.
     I have the Honor to be with due Respect Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Servant

      John Bondfield


Title: From John Adams to James Lovell, 6 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Lovell, James

      Dear sir
      Passy Decr 6. 1778

     Yours of 12 Oct. We have received, by which We learn that foreign affairs were under Consideration. Mr. D. had wrote on 14 Sept. that they were then under Consideration. From the Time taken We have reason to Expect they will be well digested. There are great Expectations here among the interested. Mr. D and others have written in a manner which makes it expected that one will be left alone here. But what is to be done with the other two is left to conjecture. If I am recalled, I Shall have nothing to do but get home if I can. If appointed to another Court, I shall be in Some Perplexity, because I see no Probability of being received at present. However I can digest nothing, till I know the Premisses.
     If the Plan of having only one here is adopted, it will be in my opinion absolutely necessary that maritime and commercial affairs should be put into other Hands, and the public Money too. The one who will be left here, is not sufficiently attentive to Business, to have So large a Field of it, nor Sufficiently parcimonious to have the Disposition of so much Money, in our pernurious necessitous Circumstances. This is not said from any unfriendly Motive for I have none: but it is impartial Truth, and such as the public Interest demands of me that I should tell.
     The K’s Speech, I have already Sent to Congress by Several opportunities, you will see that he dreads the great Armaments of other Powers in the plural. He must mean Holland and Spain. You will see also that the opposition is more Strong than it ever was before, in both Houses. I will omit no opportunity of sending the other Papers, with the debates as they come, and I pray they may go safe, but immense Numbers of our Dispatches are Sunk in the Sea. I beg of you to write as often as possible to

      J. A.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 6 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

      Dr Sir
      Passy Decr 6 1778

     I had the Pleasure of a Letter from you, a few days before I Sailed from Boston, which I have never been able to answer.
     I think I find more to do here; more Difficulty to do right and at the Same Time give Satisfaction, than I did, you know where.
     We Suffer here extreamly for Want of Intelligence from America, as We did there, and as I fear you do still for Want of it from Europe.
     We have very imperfect Information concerning the State of the Army especially its Health, which you used to have the Goodness to inform me of sometimes. I hope it is better than it was heretofore.
     I should be very happy to hear from you as often as you can, and to know the state of the Hospital as well as Army in General, and every Thing that relates to Government or War. There is a periodical Pamphlet in French under the Title of the Courier de L’Europe Affairs D’Angleterre & De L’Amerique, in which Intelligence and Letters from America are published, for the Information of the People in Europe.
     I have a Strong Curiosity to know, the Artifices, and Subterfuges, with which the Tories still keep alive each others Hopes. When England has not and cannot get an ally, and many Nations are preparing to league themselves against her. When her Merchants are breaking, her Manufacturers Starving, and they are obliged to take them into public Pay, under the Name of Militia, to prevent their Picking Pocketts, robbing on the High Ways, and plundering in Companies all before them.
     I have but one Peace of Advice to give. I never had any other. “Be not deceived.” Tho B. is in a deplorable Situation, the Administration will neither Acknowledge our Independance nor withdraw their Troops. You must kill, Starve or take them all. Your Frid & sert.

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Roger Sherman, 6 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Sherman, Roger

      Dear Sir
      Passy Decr 6 1778

     From the long Series of arduous services, in which We have acted together, I have had Experience enough of your accurate Judgment, in Cases of Difficulty, to wish very often that I could have the Benefit of it here.
     To me it appears that there will be no more cordial Friendship, nor for many Years to come any long Peace, between G. B. and America, and therefore the French Alliance is and will be an important Barrier to Us, and ought to be cultivated with perfect Faith and much Tenderness. But Still it is a delicate and dangerous Connection. There is Danger to the Simplicity of our Manners and to the Principles of our Constitution, and there may be dangers that too much will be demanded of Us.
     There is Danger that the People and their Representatives, may have too much Timidity in their Conduct towards this Power, and that your Ministers here may have too much Diffidence of themselves and too much Complaisance for the Court. There is Danger, that French Councils and Emmissaries and Correspondents, may have too much Influence in our Deliberations.
     I hope that this Court will not interfere, by Attaching themselves to Persons, Parties, or Measures in America. It would be ill Policy, but no Court is always directed by sound Policy, and We cannot be too much upon our Guard. Some Americans, will naturally endeavour to avail themselves of the Aid of the French Influence, to raise their Reputations, to extend their Influence, to strengthen their Parties, and in short to promote the Purposes of private Ambition and Interest. But these Things must be guarded against. I wish for a Letter from you, as often as you can, and that you would believe me your Frnd.


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 7 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Samuel

      My dear Sir
      Passy Decr 7 1778

     On the 21 May, I wrote you a very long Letter, on the Subject of foreign Affairs in general, and particularly in this Country: on the 28 July, I wrote you another lengthy Letter, on the 7 August I wrote you again in answer to yours of 21 June, which is all I have ever received from you, on the 27 November I wrote you again. I hope Some of these have reached you, but So many Vessells have been taken that I fear Some have miscarried.
     I wish I could unbosom myself to you without Reserve, concerning the State of Affairs here, but you know the danger. The two Passions of Ambition and Avarice, which have been the Bane of Society and the Curse of human Kind, in all ages and Countries, are not without their Influence upon our Affairs here, but I fancy the last of the two has done the most Mischief. Where the Carcass is there the Crows will assemble, and you and I have had too much Experience of the Greediness with which the Loaves and Fishes were aimed at under the old Government, and with which the Continental Treasury has been Sought for under the new, to expect that the Coffers of the American Banker here, would not make Some Mens Mouths Water. This appetite for the Bankers Treasure, I take to have been the Source of most of the Altercations and Dissentions here.

     Your old Friend is a Man of Honour and Integrity, altho to be very frank and very impartial, he cannot, easily at all Times any more than your humble servant govern his Temper, and he has some Notions of Elegance Rank and Dignity that may be carried rather too far. He has been of opinion that the public Money has been too freely issued here, and has often opposed. The other you know personally, and that he loves his Ease, hates to offend, and seldom gives any Opinion untill obliged to do it. I know also and it is necessary you should be informed, that he is overwhelmed with a Correspondence from all Quarters, most of them upon trifling subjects, and in a more trifling Style; with unmeaning Visits from Multitudes of People, chiefly from the Vanity of Having it to say that they have Seen him. There is another Thing which I am obliged to mention, there are So many private Families, Ladies and Gentlemen that he visits So often, and they are So fond of him that he cannot well avoid it, and So much Intercourse with Academicians, that all these Things together keep his Mind in Such a constant State of Dissipation, that if he is left alone here, the public Business, will Suffer in a degree beyond Description, provided our Affairs are continued upon the present footing.
     If indeed you take out of his Hands the public Treasury, and the Direction of the Frigates and continental Vessells that are sent here and all Commercial affairs, and intrust them to Persons to be appointed by Congress, at Nantes and Bourdeaux, I should think it would be best to have him here alone, with such a secretary as you can confide in, but if he is left here alone, even with such a secretary, and all maritime and Commercial and pecuniary as well as political affairs, are left in his Hands, I am perswaded, that France and America both will have Reason to repent it. He is not only so indolent that Business will be neglected: but you know that altho he has as determined a soul as any Man, yet it is his constant Policy, never to say Yes or no decidedly, but when he cannot avoid it: and it is certain, in order to preserve the Friendship between the two Countries your Minister here must upon some occasions speak freely and without Reserve, preserving Decency and Politeness at the same Time.
     Both he and the other Colleague, were I am sorry to say it, in a constant opposition to your old Friend; and this Misunderstanding was no secret, at Court, in the City, or in the seaport Towns, either to French, English or Americans, and this was carried So far, that Insinuations, I have been told have been made at Court against your old Friend, not by Either of his Colleagues, that I have ever heard, but probably by somebody or other emboldened by and taking Advantage of the Misunderstanding among the three, that he was too friendly to the English, too much attached to Ld. Shelbourne, and even that he corresponded with his Lordship and communicated Intelligence to him. This whoever suggested it, I am perfectly confident was a cruel Calumny, and could not have made an Impression if the Colleagues had contradicted it, in the manner that you and I should have done. You and I had opportunity to know his invariable Attachment to our Cause long before Hostilities commenced, and I have not a Colour of Ground for Suspicion, that from that Time to this he has deviated an Iota from the Cause of his Country in Thought, Word, or Deed. When he left England or soon after, he wrote a Letter of mere Compliment to his Lordship, a mere Card to bid him farewell, and received such another in Return, which he assures me are all the Letters that ever passed between them, and I have not a doubt of the Truth of it.
     The other Gentleman whom you know, I need not Say much of—You know his Ambition his Desire of making a Fortune and of promoting his Relations. You also know his Art and his Enterprise. Such Characters are often usefull, altho always to be carefully watched and controuled, especially in such a Government as ours.
     There has been so much said in America, and among Americans here, about his making a Fortune by Speculating in English Funds, and by private Trade that it is saying nothing new to mention it. Our Countrymen will naturally desire to know if it is true, and it will be expected of me that I should say something of it. I assure you I know nothing about it. An intimate Friend of his, who recommended, the Major to you, certainly Speculated largely in the Funds, from whence the suspicion arose that, the other was concernd with him, but I know of no Proof that he was. Combinations, Associations, Copartnerships in Trade have been formed here, in which he and his Brothers are supposed to be connected, but I know nothing more than you do about them. But supposing it was proved that he speculated and traded, the Question is whether it was justifiable. Neither you nor I Should have done it, most certainly. Nor would it have been forgiven or excused in either of Us. Whoever makes Profits in public Life, neither of Us must be the Man. But does not prove it unlawful in him. If he did not employ the public Money, nor so much of his Time as to neglect the public Business, where is the Harm? That is the Question. And it ought to be remembered, that he was here a long Time, not as Ambassador, Envoy, Commissioner, Minister, or in any other Trust or Character from Congress, but merely as an Agent for the Committees of Commerce and Correspondence.
     Some of the Gentlemen of Character, who are now in America from this Country, particularly the Minister and Consul, although their Characters are very good, it is to be feared, have had Prejudices insinuated into them, against your old Correspondent. I am extreamly Sorry for this, because I think it is against a worthy Character, and because it will be likely to have unhappy Effects both with you and abroad.
     The other Gentleman, whose Consolation, when left out by his first Constituents was that he stood well with the Body to which he was sent, consoled himself also, when recalled by that Body, with the thought that he was esteemd by that Court, where he had resided. This no doubt will be displayed in all its variegated Colours. The Letter from the Minister, expressing high Esteem, the Present from an higher Personage, and above all the Fleet and the Magnificence that accompanied it, will be all repeated and rung in Changes in order to magnify Merit. Yet I am Sorry to see in the Newspapers such Expressions as these Mr.——“ who was the principal Negociator”—such Expressions if true, ought not to be used, because they have only a Tendency to occasion Division and Animosity, and cannot do any Good. But there is Cause to doubt the Justice of them. In short I think upon an Examination of the Treaties and a Comparason of them with the Treaties and Instructions sent from Congress, I think it is probable that there was not much Discussion in the Case. I wish with all my Heart there had been more.
     This Letter is not so free as I wish to write you, but still it is too free, to be used without Discretion. You will use it accordingly only for the public Good. Knowing the Animosity that has been in two against me here, which I believe to have been carried unwarrantable Lengths, knowing the Inveteracy of many subaltern and collateral Characters, which I think is injurious, to the Individual as much as the Public, and knowing that you will have these Things in Contemplation and much at Heart I have said thus much of my sentiments upon these subjects which I hope will do no Harm.
     Believe me to be your Friend

      John Adams


Title: The Commissioners to the Comte de Vergennes, 7 December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de

      Passy December the 7th. 1778

     To His Excellency Count de Vergennes, Minister & Secretary of State for foreign Affairs:
     At the time the American War began there was very little real Money in that Country, the same having been constantly drawn out as fast as it came in to pay for British Manufactures and Importations of foreign Goods by the British Merchants, with the Duties and other Expences occasioned by their Monopoly.
     This Scarcity of Money, together with the Stoppage of Commerce by the War, would have made it difficult for the People to pay Taxes in support of it; And the new Governments were scarcely sufficiently settled at first to venture upon imposing them.
     The Congress therefore issued Paper Bills in Lieu of Money, which during the first and most Part of the second Year, answered well the Purposes for which they were emitted, in Supporting a vigorous internal Defence, and furnishing a Marine Force which greatly annoyed the Enemy’s Commerce.
     But the too great Quantity of this Currency (which, tho’ the War called for it and required it to be issued, was much more than the diminish’d Commerce could find Employment for) at length naturally occasioned a Depreciation of its Value, which being once begun, could not easily be stopt, or recovered; And it fell so low, as that seven or eight Dollars in Paper have been valued at not more than one of Silver.
     The Treaty with France and the Naval Aid sent from thence having given a more general Confidence in the Stability of the new Government, and in the publick Ability to discharge and pay off the Bills; And Congress, in Proportion as they could supply the Treasury by Borrowing the old Bills of the Possessors upon Interest, having forborne to issue new Ones; they have now recover’d so much Credit, as that the Difference is not at Present more than three for one.
     But a principal Means of recovering and supporting so much of their Credit, has been a Promise made by the Congress, to pay the Annual Interest by real Money in France. This Promise was made for all the Bills that were borrowed before the Month of March 1778, which it is Said amount to near fourty two Millions of Livres Tournois, the Interest whereof at the Rate of six Per Cent, will be two Millions and an half.
     The Congress hoped to fulfill this Promise by Means of Remittances to be made hither of American Produce; or by Loans of Money to be procured in Europe from private Persons, on the Credit of the States; or finally by a Subsidy or Loan from their great and good Friend and Ally his most Christian Majesty. Those Remittances have been mostly intercepted or prevented. The Wars in Europe, and the Demand for Loans of Money on the Credit of more settled States, have made it more difficult to borrow on Account of the Congress. Thus their only remaining Hope at Present is in the Wisdom and Goodness of his most Christian Majesty.
     The Bills of Exchange will probably begin to arrive in December being drawn in September by the Congress Treasurer on the Commissioners here for Payment of the Interest due. And they will continue to be drawn till the Month of March next, and to arrive till the May following. In America those Bills of Exchange will be purchased of the Proprietors who are not in Trade, by Merchants who are; and will be sent here to pay for the Manufactures and Produce of France which those Merchants would import into America.
     The Commissioners will begin to accept, and will pay those Bills as far as the Money they now have, or which they can hereafter borrow, will enable them to go. But if they cannot compleat the whole; If they are obliged to protest any of them; it will be attended with the most mischievous Effects. As not only the Schemes of Commerce will be deranged, and the beginning Correspondence between the Merchants of the two Nations be nipt in the Bud; but the public Credit of American Paper will be ruined, and can no longer be made Use of as an Instrument to continue the War; which will give great Advantage to Britain, by disabling one of the Allies from co-operating against her.
     On the Contrary, if the Bills of Exchange now coming are punctually paid here (which Some have doubted, and therefore the Promise of the Congress has not had the full Effect intended) the Paper Money will, with the Aid of the Taxes which are begun to be levied for calling in and diminishing the Quantity, recover its Value and Importance, and the Congress will be enabled to continue the Use of that Instrument for the Payment of their Forces and the Annoyance of the common Enemy.
     Such is the Fertility of the Lands and Industry of the People in America, that being no longer impoverish’d by the British Monopoly, there is not the least Doubt to be made of their future Ability of repaying with Interest and Thankfulness such Aids of Money as his Majesty in his Goodness shall think fit to afford them.
     The Commissioners therefore pray that his Majesty would graciously take the Premises into Consideration, and compleat the good Work of securing the Liberties of America which he has so magnanimously and successfully commenc’d, by giving Orders for furnishing such Sums from Time to Time as may be wanted for the Purpose abovementioned.

      B Franklin
      Arthur Lee
      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Cushing, 8 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Cushing, Thomas

      Sir
      Passy Decr 8 1778

     I had the Favour of a Letter from you some time ago which I answered immediately, but so many of my Letters are among the Fishes of the sea, that I fear that may be one.
     You know very well that is a long time that I have had a very bad Opinion of the Designs and Dispositions of the B. Court towards America. I assure you I have not conceived a more favourable Idea, since my Arrival in Europe.
     The Malignity of their Intentions is one of the deepest Die, and their Inveteracy is such that nothing but Want of Power will prevent their Annihilating Us. It has been said by Merchants who have made fortunes out of our Labour, at their own Tables even with Americans in Company, that if every Man Woman and Child in America were upon one Plank in the Ocean and it was in their Power to sink or save it, they would sink, and I learn that Expressions of such deep rooted Rancour are so common, and have been so for Years, that it is much to be apprehended it is a general sentiment.
     Our Bayonets, under God must be our Defence. We are contending for all the Ends of Government. The best Government and the Worst are set before Us—Prosperity and Adversity for Posterity are set before Us—We have nothing to do but make the Choice, and surely no Man of Reflection and feeling will hesitate. I wish for the Continuance of your favours & have the Honour to be your vy humble sert

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 8 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Genet, Edmé Jacques

      Dear Sir
      Passy Decr 8 1778

     I had last Night, very late your Card, respecting Mathews. I cannot recollect that any Thing was ever done in Congress, respecting him or his Conspiracy. I remember too have heard of the Transaction at the Time, but it was not an affair of sufficient Moment to excite any extensive Allarm, or make any extensive Impression; and I believe it was thought so little of, as never to have been sent to Congress. If it had, I think I should have known and remembered it, for no Man attended Congress more incessantly than I did from Septr. 1774 to Novr. 1777. I remember to have been told by the Judge Advocate who attended the Tryal of Sedgwick an officer of the Army who I think was tryed by a Court Martial, for some Conduct connected with in the same affair that there was no Plan, or Concert whatsoever. That there was Evidence against a few Individuals of Treasonable Wishes and Speeches, but no concerted Plot digested Plot. The Papers relative to this affair have taken up much more Room than they deserve.
     In your last Number Gen. Washington is quoted as Writing to Congress after Burgoines Captivity that now, then was the favourable Moment for Treaty. You may depend upon it that this is false. I read every Letter he wrote upon that occasion and I know there was no such Idea in any of them. I know farther, that so rapid and irresistable Ways i.e. was the popular Torrent the contrary Way, that such a sentiment would have lost even General Washington the Confidence of his Army, and of his Country and even of his Army. But there is no End to the Lyes, that our Ennemies make and propagate, from every quarter of the World in Excuse of their own Injustice and Inhumanity and I am weary of complaining of them. The Gazettes of the united Provinces and of Germany, are filled with Fictions, by the Emmissaries of Great Britain, and almost every Newspaper in their Dominions is equally crouded with them, and no Improbability is too gross. And indeed it is not to be wondered at, for if they had not previously set all the Laws of God and Man at Defyance they would never have begun this War, but having begun it, they have not hesitated at any atrocious Enormity, nor will they hesitate. For my own Part I think that all Christendom and indeed all Humanity, ought to unite in order to arrest the Massacres and Conflagrations that are meditated under the Colour of such Forgeries, as all the Neighbourhood should unite to kill or chain a mad Dog. Dont print this Letter because all that know me will know from the Egotism of it, and other Characteristicks that it comes from your Friend

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Patrick Henry, 8 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Henry, Patrick

      My dear Friend
      Passy Decr 8 1778

     Mr. Le Maire, writes me that he is about returning. I wrote you on the 9 July a long Letter in Answer to the one he brought, which is the only one I have received from you, altho by a Letter from Lisbon, from a Master of a Vessell taken by the English and carried in there, I learn that he had Letters for me which he sunk.
     I wish, I would give you hopes of Peace. And I would not excite a needless alarm. But by the Hints in both Houses of Parliament in the present session, and by possitive Information, from Persons in England who pretend to know, They the Cabinet, are not only determined to pursue the War, at all Hazzards, but to alter the Mode of it, and make it more bloody and fiery if that is possible. Clinton and Byron with their Army and Fleet are to ravage the sea coast and bombard the seaport Towns—the Army in Canada is to be reinforced, and Parties of Regulars, with as many Tories and Indians, and as they can perswade to join them, are to burn and massacre, upon the Frontiers of Mass Bay, N. York, N. Jersey, Pensylvania, Virginia the Carolinas &c.

     This Kind of Sentiments it is pretty certain at present, occupy their Thoughts, please their Imaginations and warm their Hearts.
     I know very well, that they have already done as much of this humane Work as they had Power to do, and dared to do. I know also that they must ask Leave of the French as well as Americans, and probably of other Powers, to do more Mischief than they have done. I know too that this Plan will be their certain and their Speedy destruction, because it will unite America more decisively, and it will excite that Earnestness Activity and Valour which alone is wanting to compleat their Destruction, and because, by relaxing their Discipline, and becoming less cautious and guarded than they have been, Desertions and Diseases will be more frequent among their Troops and they will more frequently expose themselves to the Snares and Attacks of ours.
     The Spirits of the Nation are terribly sunk, the stocks are very low, lower than ever last War, and there is a Stronger Minority in both Houses than ever there was before. But they are now playing a desperate Game, and I think that the true Principle of their Conduct now, is not expecting ever to get America back, they mean to extinguish in the Hearts of the English Nation ever kind Sentiment towards America, that they may be and by wish to give them up and consider them forever in future with all the Malice, Envy, Jealousy and Hatred that they feel towards the French.
     There is so great a Body of People in the Nation who are terrified at the Foresight of the Consequences of American Liberty—the Loss of the West India Islands of Canada Nova Scotia and the Floridas—a dangerous Rival in Commerce and naval Power, worming them out of their East India Trade, and other Branches—An Assylum, for all, Conspirators, and Minorities in Great Britain, that the Ministry expect such Disgrace and Danger to their Heads from giving it up, that they dare not do it, untill they have wrought the Nation into the rankest Hatred against America, and reduced her to the lowest possible degree of Weakness.
     Many Persons, and I believe the Body of the Nation, foresee more Grandeur and Prosperity to America, and more Humiliation to themselves, in the Train of the Consequences of American Independence, than the Americans themselves do. It is certainly an Object worth contending for another Campaign, and many other Campaigns afterwards, if there was nothing in View but the future Grandeur, Glory and Prosperity of our Country. But We are contending for all the Ends of Government, for nothing less than the Difference between the best Form of Government, that ever existed, and the Worst that ever was formed even in Imagination, for Aristotle himself never thought of such a Government, as that of Ten or fifteen Men in a little Island, composing the Legislature of a vast Continent 3000 Miles off.
     You cannot do me more Honour, or give me more Pleasure than by Writing often. Remember me, to all that I knew, particularly to Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Wyth two Characters, which no Circumstances of Time or Place will ever induce me to forget. I have the Honour to be, with great Respect, your and Affection, your Friend and sert.


Title: From John Adams to Robert Treat Paine, 8 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Paine, Robert Treat

      Sir
      Passy Decr 8 1778

     I have now been Eight Months in Europe, and have received very few Letters from America, and I fear my friends have received very few from me, both I suppose, not owing to a failure in Writing but to Miscarriages in the Conveyance.
     Nothing is of more importance than to be informed of the Designs of the Ennemy. By all that I can learn from every Quarter they are as hostile as possible. Yet their Power is very limited.
     Their ruling sentiment towards Us has heretofore been Contempt: but it is now Fear. They dread Us as the most formidable Rival, that ever arose against them. They fear We shall take from them their four remaining Provinces on the Continent, their West India Islands, their East India Trade, their Whale and Cod Fisheries, their naval Power, their People even they expect will migrate by Thousands. They fear that We shall drain away so many sources of their Financies, As to bring upon them a national Bankrupcy, and this they fear would produce an Arbitrary Government in Form. In short all the Chimeras that Fables have faigned or fear conceived, as well as many real Dangers to them. These fears have arrived too late. But still they will stimulate them to desperate Attempts. And you cannot be too early apprized of the Danger or too well prepared to meet it. It is our Lot to live in these disagreable Times and we must discharge our Parts as well as We can. I hope We shall get honourable through our Difficulties some time or other. So Wishes your humble sert

      John Adams


Title: From John Adams to the President of the Congress, 8 December 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Laurens, Henry,President of Congress

      Sir
      Passy Decr 8 1778

     I have the Honour to inclose, to Congress one other Copy of the Speech, at the opening of Parliament, together with the Debates in Consequence of it.
     The Hints in those Debates, especially those given out by Lord Suffolk, are confirmed by the general Strain of Intelligence from London.
     Letters from Persons, who are supposed to know, announce the Determination of the Cabinet to be, That Clinton and Biron with their Fleet and Army shall ravage the Coast, and bombard and burn the Towns, that their Army in Canada shall be reinforced and that Parties of Regulars, with such Tories and Indians as they can perswade to join them, shall ravage, burn and Massacre on the Frontiers of Massachusetts Bay, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Virginia and the Carolina’s.
     These magnificent Menaces, We know, it is not in their Power to execute, entirely. Yet We may depend they will do as much as they can. They will neither Acknowledge our Independence nor withdraw their Fleets and Armies, nor shall We ever get rid of them but by destroying them or making them Prisoners, untill the Nation is so exhausted and their Credit so sunk that the Minister can raise no more Money.
     It has been usual to consider this as a Ministerial War, but I have ever thought they would Sometime or other discover it to be a national War. The few Men in the Nation who think seriously of this Business See clearly in the long Train of Consequences of American Independance, the Loss of their West India Islands, a great Part, of their East India Trade, the total Loss of Canada, Nova Scotia, the Floridas, all the American Fisheries, a Diminution of their Naval Power, as well as national Bankruptcy and a Revolution in their Government in Favour of Arbitrary Power. And the Nation in general has a confused Dread upon its Spirits of all these Things. The Inference they draw from all this is to go on with the War, and make it more cruel, which is the Way in the opinion of Impartial Persons, to make all those gloomy Visions Realities, whereas the only Way to prevent them is to make Peace, now, before a total Alienation of takes Place on both Sides.
     However all that We can do is to be prepared for the Worst that they can do. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, sir your most obt servant

      John Adams


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 8 December 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John,First Joint Commission at Paris

       Messieurs
       Lahaie 8e. Dec. 1778

      Le Calme dont vous parloit ma Lettre du 2, a cessé plutôt que je ne croyois. On étoit déjà inquiet, depuis quelques jours, de la baisse des fonds Anglois; et les Lettres venues de l’Angleterre augmentoient les transes de nos rentiers. D’un autre côté, le refus de faire imprimer ici le Protest de la grande ville contre la résolution du 18e. Nov. avoit engagé cette ville à le faire imprimer, et à le distribuer non seulement chez elle, mais à l’envoyer à toutes les autres villes de la province: ce qui avoit consterné le parti Anglois, qui ne s’étoit pas attendu que la Ville effectueroit sa menace à cet égard. Voilà où en étoient les choses, lorsqu’hier matin le Mémoire ci-joint mit le comble à l’embarras de ce parti. Mr. l’Ambassadeur a eu la bonté ce matin de me donner luimême une Copie de ce Mémoire, afin de vous en faire part, Messieurs, ainsi qu’au Très honorable Congrès. Ce Mémoire a déjà été envoyé à toutes les Provinces et Villes, comme sujet de convocation et de Délibération. Les Etats de la Province d’hollande se rassembleront le 16. Les villes viendront alors munies de nouvelles Instructions. Je vous rendrai, Messieurs, un compte exact de ce qui s’ensuivra. Je ne doute pas que ce ne soit une nouvelle résolution conforme à ce Mémoire. Par conséquent la manoeuvre Britannique ici tournera à la confusion de l’Ouvrier.

      Je suis avec un très-grand respect, Messieurs Votre très-humble et très-obéisst. serviteur

       Dumas