Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 May 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Lahaie 23e. May 1781

En réponse à l’honorée vôtre du 19e. je pourrai vous faire voir quand il vous plaira que l’expression Treaties with France and Spain est dans la Copie Angloise manuscrite que vous m’aviez remise ici, et qui a servi à l’Imprimer.
J’ai assuré de vos complimens Mr. Manson, en le priant de les garder pour lui: car, entre nous, il faut prendre garde que ces Messieurs ne nous exposent pas. Ils ne sont pas tous aussi discrets que Mr. Luzac, ni aussi prudents, ni même aussi sincerement nos amis: et ils font volontiers confidence au public de ce qui les flatte.
Voici ce que Mr. V——r m’a remis pour vous le faire tenir de sa part. La Traduction françoise en va paroître incessamment, et je ne manquerai pas de vous l’envoyer. Cette piece vous plaira par Sa force. Je vous informerai de ce qui s’ensuivra.
Vous savez, Monsieur, la discretion avec laquelle j’attends depuis plus de cinq ans l’accomplissement des promesses du Congrès en consideration de mes fideles services, pour lesquels j’avois accepté avec joie les ordres positifs non sollicités. J’ai eu l’honneur de vous insinuer, dans quelles difficultés cruelles cette discrétion m’a enveloppé, et qui augmenteront Si je ne suis aidé. Vous savez la petite allouance que je reçois de Paris; et vous êtes convenu avec moi que je devois avoir effectivement beaucoup de peine à vivre avec cela: aussi ne le puis-je; et il faut d’année en année que j’y mette du mien, et plus que du mien; ce qui me rend misérable jusque chez moi. Vous Savez aussi que le Congrès m’avoit destiné le Secrétariat de cette Légation sous Mr. Lawrens, avec 500 £. st. d’appointement. Vous me promites Monsieur, l’hiver dernier à Amsterdam, que si vous receviez une Commission pour cette Rep. comme celle de Mr. Lawrens, vous feriez à mon égard ce qu’eût fait Mr. Lawrens. Enfin vous m’avez dit ici, que sans le défaut de finances vous me feriez jouir des appointemens qui m’étoient destinés. Je crois avoir trouvé un moyen d’applanir cette difficulté, en vous proposant de me fournir 2 obligations de mille florins de l’Emprunt ouvert chez Mrs. De Neufs., et de me permettre de tirer Sur Mrs. De Neufville, pour votre compte, en un ou deux payemens, aux termes qu’il vous plaira de fixer dans le cours de cette année 1781 ce qui manqueroit de 300 £. st., déduction faite des 2000 florins en dites Obligations. De cette maniere, en continuant toujours de tirer sur Mr. Franklin ce que je Suis accoutumé d’en recevoir, je jouirai provisionnellement cette année des 500 £. St: qui m’étoient destinés; et vous ferez agréer au Congrès sans difficulté, ce qu’il avoit intention de faire, et ce que vous m’avez dit de pouvoir faire en vertu de vos pouvoirs. Ce dont votre grand crédit auprès de lui, mérité à tant de titres me confirme d’autant plus d’être assuré.
De cette maniere, l’intérêt des Obligations me mettra en état de payer celui d’une dette que j’ai été forcé de contracter dans le service des Etats unis, et pour lequel une petite Terre, la seule ressource de ma famille en cas de ma mort, est hypothéquée, et je pourrai en même temps mettre un peu plus d’aisance dans mon oeconomie ici. Je vous devrai mon repos si vous pouvez donner les mains à cet arrangement; et je ne doute pas que vous ne le puissiez. J’attens que vous ajouterez à cette faveur celle d’une prompte réponse, qui fera cesser les peines journalieres, qui me rendent, je vous le jure, la vie excessivement amere.
On m’assure que d’autres villes, et même des provinces, vont suivre l’exemple de la Remontrance d’Amsterdam. Je vous en donnerai connoissance à mesure.
Vous trouverez sur le feuillet ci joint la substance de ce que j’ai écrit à Manson, au sujet d’une sotte Traduction prétendue nouvelle et anterieure à la mienne qui a paru dans le Politique Hollandois.
Je suis avec un très grand respect & l’attachement le plus sincere, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obéissant Serviteur

Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 23 May 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Sir
The Hague, 23 May 1781

In response to your honored letter of the 19th, I will show you, when you wish, that the expression Treaties with France and Spain was included in the English manuscript copy that you left with me, and that was used by the printer.
I gave Mr. Manzon your compliments and asked that he keep them to himself, because, between us, we must be certain that these gentlemen do not expose us. They are not as discreet, nor as prudent, as Mr. Luzac is, and are not sincerely our friends. They would confide in whoever flatters them.
Here is what Mr. V——r gave me for you on his behalf. The French translation will appear at anytime now and I will not fail to send it to you. The strength of this piece will please you. I will inform you of what it entails.
You know, sir, of the discretion with which I have waited more than five years for the fulfillment of promises made to me by Congress for my faithful services. Services which were positive orders gladly accepted, not solicited. I had the honor to tell you of the harsh difficulties that resulted from this discretion, difficulties that will increase if I do not receive help. You know of the small allowance that I receive from Paris, and you agreed with me that it is very difficult to live on that alone. Well I cannot, and each year I have to supplement the allowance more and more with my own money, which in turn is making me miserable at home. You also know that Congress had intended that I act as this delegation’s secretary under Mr. Laurens with a 500 pounds sterling salary. You promised me, sir, last winter in Amsterdam, that if you were to receive a commission for this republic like the one for Mr. Laurens, you would do for me what Mr. Laurens would have done. Finally you said to me here that if finances were not lacking, you would give me my promised salary. I believe I have found a way to smooth out this difficulty by proposing to you that you furnish me with two obligations of a thousand florins from the loan opened by Messrs. Neufville. Then you could permit me to withdraw from your account with the Messrs. Neufville the remaining 300 pounds sterling in one or two payments according to terms set by you for the year 1781, the deduction being offset by the 2,000 florins in said obligations. By doing this, and by continuing to draw my usual amount from Mr. Franklin, I would receive the 500 pounds sterling that was promised to me as my yearly salary. By the virtue of your powers you could persuade Congress to agree to this without difficulty since this was their intention. Your great standing there, rewarded with so many titles, assures me that this will be confirmed.
By doing this, the interest of my obligations will allow me to pay a debt that I was forced to take on, in my service to the United States, by mortgaging a small parcel of land which is the only family resource in case of my death, and at the same time will help me with finances here. I would be very grateful if you could help with this arrangement; I do not doubt that you can. I will await a prompt response from you, which will end my daily pain, which, I swear to you, is making life very bitter.
It is said that other cities, as well as provinces, will follow the example of the remonstrance at Amsterdam. I will send confirmation of this as it happens.
You will find, on the enclosed page, the substance of what I wrote to Manson regarding a foolish so-called new translation, that was done prior to my translation, and that appeared in the Politique Hollandais.
I am with great respect and sincere affection, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 24 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Amsterdam, 24 May 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s handPCC, No. 84, III, f. 163–168. printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 4:431–433.
In this letter John Adams provided an English translation of Amsterdam’s address of 18 May to the States of Holland. The city’s deputies noted the ineffectual measures taken thus far to prosecute the war against Britain and particularly the inability of the Dutch navy to protect the nation’s commerce. Such a state of affairs was unworthy of the Dutch Republic and puzzling to the Northern Powers from whom aid was being sought. The only way to correct the situation was to enter into negotiations for an alliance with France, redouble efforts to convince the Northern Powers that their assistance was absolutely necessary, and make effective use of the nation’s resources against the British enemy. In his two final paragraphs (printed as one in Wharton), Adams called it a “manly address,” reflecting “the old Batavian Spirit.” It owed its appearance, Adams believed, to “the presentation and publication of my memorial to the States General, which was more universally and highly applauded than was expected by me or any one else.” Adams, like the Gazette de Leyde when it published Amsterdam’s address on 25 May, noted that there was no mention of the Dutch-American treaty proposed in his memorial. He attributed the omission to ongoing deliberations, but see his letter of 26 May to Dumas, below.


Title: From John Adams to Joshua Johnson, 24 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Johnson, Joshua

Dear Sir
Amsterdam May 24th. 1781

I have recieved your obliging Letter of May 8th. with the Newspaper inclosed, for which please to accept my thanks. The English meet a warm reception at the Southward where they have already had reason and will have more to repent of their rashness. I congratulate You upon the Accession of Maryland to the Confederation and upon the general good prospect of Affairs. Our Country rises superiour to all her difficulties, and I hope in another Year to see her shine.
Will You please to transmit the inclosed Letter to Congress by the first opportunity? My Compliments to your good Family and to all the good Americans at Nantes.
With great Respect and Esteem I have the honour to be, Sir, your humble & obedient Servant.


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 May 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Lahaie 24e. May 1781

Les Etats d’Hollde. ne pourront former une Résolution, que dans 15 jours ou 3 semaines; car ce ne sera qu’alors que sera l’Assemblée prochaine demandée à la fin de la proposition dont voici la Traduction. En attendant cette Proposition a déjà fait une grande impression, et beaucoup de peine aux Anglomanes.
J’espere, Monsieur, que vous pourrez acquiescer à ma demande d’hier; et par-là vous me tirerez à tous égards d’une peine qui m’ôte le repos, et la facilité d’agir courageusement. Il me semble aussi qu’une centaine de £. St. de plus ou de moins en argent comptant dans la dépense de l’Amérique, ne peut pas déranger sensiblement les Finances des E.U. en Europe, puisque d’ailleurs c’étoit l’intention des E.U. que je jouisse de toute la somme des 500 £. st. dont j’offre de prendre 2000 florins en obligations. Si avec cela vous avez la bonté de vous mettre entierement à la place, vis-à-vis de moi, de ce que Mr. Lawrens avoit le pouvoir de faire pour moi, en me conférant par un Acte provisionnel, en attendant que le Congrès le confirme par un Acte formel, le poste de Sécrétaire de cette Légation avec l’appointement de £ 500 £ st., vous me mettrez entierement l’esprit, et celui de ma famille en repos; je vous en aurai une obligation constante que je n’oublierai certainement jamais, et mon Zele et mon attachement pour votre personne, aussi bien que pour le service des Etats-Unis vous le prouvera constamment.
Je suis avec le respect le plus sincere, Monsieur, Votre très-humble & très obeissant serviteur

Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 24 May 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Sir
The Hague, 24 May 1781

The States of Holland will not be able to form a resolution for another fifteen days or three weeks. This is because the next assembly finally demanded a translation of the proposal. Meantime this proposal has made a great impression and has caused the Anglomanes a lot of pain.
I hope, sir, that you will be able to acquiesce to yesterday’s proposal, and by doing so you will alleviate the pain which keeps me from any rest and from acting courageously. It seems me to that £100 sterling, more or less, cannot matter much in the finances of the United States in Europe, and besides that, it was the intention of the United States that I receive a salary of £500 sterling, 2000 florins of which I offered to take as a loan. If you could act on my behalf, as Mr. Laurens would have done for me, in naming me secretary of the legation, with a salary of £500 sterling, by a provisional act until Congress formally confirms my post, this would be a great relief to me and my family. I would have a steadfast obligation to you that I would never forget, and my zeal and affection for you, as well as for the service of the United States, would continue to prove this true.
I am with the most sincere respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 24 May 1781
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Florence, May 24, 1781

Mr. Dana’s journey to Russia (the first notice of which I have it in Mr. Favi’s Letter of the 6. instant) will probably have retarded my answer to your Excellency’s favour of the 18 of January. I hope Mr. Favi has forward it to you through a safe channel. I send this, through the french Minister at this Court, to a gentleman in the bureau of Mr. de Vergennes, who is desired to convey it safe to you without delay. I long to hear from you, my dear Sir; I am in the greatest uneasiness for our Virginian friends; I hear nothing from them; I am almost distracted. You will probably blame me for want of spirit. Pray, excuse my feelings, or my weakness if you will term it so; but you may be assured, Sir, that I should be quite another man if I was with them. I wish I could fly. My anxiety for my dear adopted Country grows greater in proportion to my distance from it, and the improbability of getting there during the storm. Our last news here are very alarming. Do, Sir, relieve me if you can from the present state of uneasiness as soon as possible, and believe that I shall ever be thankfull to your kindness. Don’t deprive me of the honour of your commands, the executing of which will at any time make me happy, and permit me to subscribe myself most respectfully, Dr. Sr., Your Excellency’s most Obedt. & most humble Servant

Philip Mazzei


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 25 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Amsterdam, 25 May 1781. RC PCC, No. 84, III, f. 169–170. printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 4:435–436.
John Adams provided an English translation of a convention signed at Versailles on 1 May by the Comte de Vergennes and the Dutch ambassador, Lestevenon van Berkenrode, establishing the conditions under which French or Dutch vessels recaptured from the British by privateers or warships of the respective countries would be returned to their owners. It was in Adams’ view “the first Step towards more intimate Connections, between this Republick on one side and France and the United States of America, on the other.”


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 26 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, Charles William Frederic

Sir
Amsterdam May 26th. 1781

I am honoured with yours of the 23d., and percieve by it that the Error I mentioned was not of the Press but of the Copy.
I am very much obliged to Mr. Vr. for the proposition, which I have since read with vast pleasure in the French Translation. It breathes the true Batavian Spirit and must have great effects. I think it was right not to mention America, whatever the venerable Magistrates might think upon that Subject.
You mention that You have waited five Years the Accomplishment of the promisses of Congress, in Consideration of your Services. I am wholly unacquainted with any promise that Congress ever made You, and therefore can make no Answer to this part of your Letter.

You say farther, that I know that the Congress had destined You the Secretaryship of this Legation under Mr. Laurens, with 500 £ St. of Appointment: in this You are certainly mistaken. I never knew nor heard of this. Mr. Searle once mentioned to me, that Mr. Lovell had in a Letter to You, said something about 500 £ St. a Year: but nothing that I heard about the Secretaryship. Since the Receipt of your Letter I have enquired of Mr. Searle, and am informed by him, that the Congress appointed no Secretary of Legation under Mr. Laurens: that they voted him an Allowance of 500 £ a year for the maintenance of a Clerk or private Secretary, and accordingly he brought one over with him Major Young: but that Congress afterwards altered this and reduced the allowance for a Clerk to 350 £ St.
You say that I promised You last Winter at Amsterdam, that if I should recieve a Commission for this Republick like that of Mr. Laurens, I would do with respect to You, what Mr. Laurens would have done.
I told You, that in my Opinion it was not probable that Congress would send me a Commission for this Republick: that Congress would undoubtedly send a Minister here now a War was broke out, but it was most likely it would be some other Gentleman. It was however possible, they might send one to me, and in such a Case, I should chearfully do for You, as far as any thing should be left to my discretion, whatever Mr. Laurens would have done.
You add, that I told You at the Hague, that if it were not for want of Finances, I would give You the Appointments that were destined You. I told You, that if there were any Money here at my discretion to spend for the public, I would pay You myself instead of leaving You as I was obliged to do, to recieve of Dr. Franklin. The Sum was to be, whatever I could discover to be the Intention of Congress, and until then, the Sum which Dr. Franklin has allowed until the farther orders of Congress. But I have not to this Hour any such money.
You speak of my grand Credit with the Congress, as being sufficient to procure a Justification of the measure You propose. But Sir, I assure You I have No Credit with Congress to boast of. If I ever enjoyed a Share of the Confidence of my Countrymen, this was acquired by a most scrupulous attention and Obedience to their principles, views and orders, and the Moment I should depart from this Line of Conduct, and presume to make arrangements and Establishments without their Orders, I should lose all—much greater services, Sacrifices and Hazards than mine, would not be a Fund of Merit sufficient to redeem me.

I have also recieved your Letter of the 24th, and thank You for the Translation of the Proposition of Amsterdam.
In this Letter You repeat the Idea, that the Secretaryship of this Legation was intended for You. This Idea is entirely new to me; and it appears to be so far from well founded, that Congress are getting out of the practice of such Appointments. They have left Mr. Franklin’s Legation without such a Secretary, and they have taken from me the Secretary of my Legation for making Peace: and as Mr. Searle informs me they never had it in Contemplation to appoint a Secretary of Legation here. I have recieved no notice or instruction of any such appointment, nor any Intimation what are the designs of Congress towards You. There is no Allowance made to me, but what was given me as Minister for Peace, and there is no Provision made for Secretary public or private, not even for a Clerk, and I maintain my own private Secretary as I ever have done at my own Expence.
Upon the whole it is absolutely out of my Power to do any thing whatsoever, with respect to You, until I have the Orders of Congress.
I have recieved a Letter from Mr. Lovell, in which he has inclosed a list of Letters recieved in Congress and among others one from You, dated Octr. 4th. and recieved January 24th., against which Mr. Lovell has marked “Concordia”: in the Letter to me Mr. Lovell says “You make no Remarks upon Mr. Dumas’s Concordia.” These Hints may contain something to your purpose, but I dont understand them.
I have the Honour to be with much Esteem and Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.


Title: From John Adams to Fizeaux, Grand & Co., 26 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Fizeaux, Grand & Co. (business)

Gentlemen
Amsterdam May 26. 1781

I have the Honour of your Letter of the 17th. instant, inclosing the 66 Bills of Exchange accepted by me, amounting to Bf. 109780, which you have paid, and for which you, have debited the Account of the United States of America.
I Yesterday received your other Favour of the 25th. instant, inclosing 17 Bills of Exchange, Accepted by me amounting to Bf. 16,220 which you have paid, for the United States of America, and charged to their Account.
You request my Approbation of these Payments, and it is justly due to you. You request also my Approbation of your Negotiation of my Draughts on Dr. Franklin. I take it for granted Gentlemen, that this deserves to be approved, but at present it seems to me, that this, is a Matter, that, belongs to his Excellency Dr. Franklin to judge of, and to him I Submit it. If, however it is necessary for me, to examine, that matter I will do it, but at present I am but a Tyro in the Negotiation of Bills of Exchange. I am much obliged to you for your kind Enquiry after my Health, which is much better. I have the Honour to remain, very respectfully, Gentn., your Humble servant.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 29 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Sir
Amsterdam May 29th. 1781

The English, by the capture of St. Eustatia, seem to have committed the most compleat blunder of all. There was found in that Island a greater quantity of Property belonging to the Britons themselves, than to the French, Dutch, or Americans. They have broke up a Trade, which was more advantageous to them, than to any of their Enemies, as it was a Channel through which British Manufactures were conveyed to North America, and much provisions and assistance to their Fleets and Armies in the West Indies. As the British Merchants were warranted by an Act of Parliament to trade to this Island, all those who are Sufferers by its capture are clamouring against Government and especially against Rodney and Vaughan, for illegally seizing their Property, and threatning these Commanders with as many lawsuits as there are Losers. But what completes the Jest is, that De la Motte Piquet has carried safe into Brest two and twenty of the Vessels loaded with the spoils of St. Eustatia, which Rodney had sent under Convoy of Commodore Hotham and four Ships of the Line: so that Rodney after having lost his booty is like to have lawsuits to defend and very probably the whole to repay to the Owners. Thus the Cards are once more turned against the Gambler; and the Nation has gained nothing but an addition to their Reputation for Iniquity. This is good Justice. There is room to hope for more instances of it; because their Fleets are coming home from the West Indies, and the Spanish Fleet of thirty Sail of the Line under Cordova is again at Sea, and it is hoped the French Fleet will soon go out again.
The English Fleets are so fully employed by the French and Spaniards, that the Dutch might do a great deal if they would: but something in this Machine is fatally amiss. The Patriots weep, but all in vain. The Fleets and Ships that sail, are said to have Orders to act only on the defensive. The Courtiers say that Amsterdam is the Cause of the War; the friends of Amsterdam say the Courtiers are corrupted by the English. Some say the Prince declares he will never do any thing against the English: others say that he has authorized the French Ambassador to assure the King his Master, that he was ready to make arrangements with him: others report sayings of the Princess that the Conduct of some of the Courtiers will be the ruin of her Family. All these Reports serve to no purpose, but to shew the Confusion and Distraction of the Country. However, there must be a Change soon for better or worse, for hunger will break down all ordinary Fences.
I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 29 May 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Lahaie 29e. May 1781

J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer ci-joint un numbre encore du Mémoire, de peur que vous n’en manquiez: car on m’en demande encore fréquemment, et j’en distribuerai tant qu’il m’en restera.
Je vous remercie de la maniere explicite et franche dont vous me répondez Sur ce qui me regarde. J’aurai l’honneur de vous écrire plus au long pour justifier mes deux dernieres sur ce sujet, tant à l’égard de ma situation, que sur ce que je croyois que vous en saviez.
A la premiere occasion qui me procurera l’avantage de vous voir, Monsieur, je vous ferai lire dans mes Copies, celle de ma Lettre au Congrès, du 4 Oct. 1780, oú je rends compte des affaires politique, et de ma Situation, ainsi que de mes besoins. Je n’y vois, et n’y vois absolument rien qui puisse expliquer ce que Mr. Lovel entend par ces mots: you make no Remarks upon Mr. Dumas’s Concordia. Tout ce que je Sais là-dessus, et Mrs. Searle et Dana le savent aussi, c’est que mes nombreuses Lettres au Comitté étoient toujours Signées au lieu de mon nom, par le mot de Concordia, et que je ne signe mon nom que depuis que j’écris directement au Président.
Je n’attends que la dissolution de la présente Assemblée d’Hollde., pour vous aller rendre mes devoirs à Amstm. En attendant, je Suis avec tout le respectueux attachement qui vous est voué, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obeissant serviteur

Dumas

Ce paquet, Monsieur, vous parviendra par Mr. Van Arp, à qui j’envoie une Vingtaine du Mémoire dans les trois Langues, qu’il me demande, outre le nombre que je lui en ai déjà envoyé ci-devant.


Title: To John Adams from Fizeaux, Grand & Co., 30 May 1781
From: Fizeaux, Grand & Co.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam May 30th. 1781

We have been honourd with your very esteemd favour of the 26th. Instant acknowledging receipt of your sundry acceptations amounting in all to Bf 126,000. and approving our payment of them for account of the United States of America.
We inclose anew your following acceptations which we have discharged for said account

4 of the 24th. Instant Amounting to
Bf 2200.

11 of the 28th. do.
6050.

Bf 8250.
together

for which we have debited the United States of America; We beg the favour of your acknowledging receipt of these Effects and approve our payment thereof.
Of your acceptations due the 28th. Instant there remains Still undischarged Bf 9888. which we expect every moment to be tenderd us for payment, this Sum with those we have already cleard, and of which we have given you the particulars, amount to Bf 144138. and the produce of your draughts on Paris to 135440.12. 8.
To balance nearly this object we take the liberty of inclosing three blank draughts on his Excellency Dr. Franklin in our favour for

Bf 2200.
}
together Bf 7000. at 2 usances.

2300.

2500.

If you approve of it, we request you’ll please to return them signd, and as tomorrow is the day for Negotiating on France We shall advise you as also Dr. Franklin what they’ll have produced, it is at his Excellency’s particular request that we have dated these draughts at 2 Usances.
Inclosed a letter directed to us by Dr. Franklin for One Mr. Jackson, as this gentleman is perhaps better Known to you, Sir, than to us, We take the liberty of recommending it to your Care.
We remain very respectfully Sir Your most obedient & very humble Servants

Fizeaux Grand Comp.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 31 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Amsterdam, 31 May 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC, No. 84, III, f. 181–182. printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 4:461.
John Adams provided an English translation of a memorial presented to the States General on 28 April by the Danish envoy, Mestral de Saint Saphorin. The diplomat called on the Dutch government to evacuate the Volta River forts of Creve Coeur and Good Hope and thereby end its encroachment on the Danish establishment along the African coast in present day Ghana.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 31 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Amsterdam, 31 May 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC, No. 84, III, f. 185–187>. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 4:463–464.
John Adams provided Congress with English translations of declarations by the cities of Dordrecht and Haarlem in support of Amsterdam’s declaration of 18 May to the States of Holland. Noting the lament of the deputies from Haarlem at the silence of the other towns represented in the States of Holland, Adams ended his letter with “hearty Wishes that this dumb Spirit may be soon cast out.”


Title: From John Adams to the President of the States General, 1 June 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Netherlands, States General of

Sir
Amsterdam June 1. 1781

I have received from my Sovereign, the United States of America, in Congress, their express Instructions to notify to their High Mightinesses the States General, the compleat and final Ratification of the Confederation of the thirteen United States, from New Hampshire to Georgia, both included, on the first day of March last.
I do myself the Honour to communicate to you Sir, inclose, an Authentic Copy, of this important Act, and to request the Favour of you, Sir, to communicate it to their High Mightinesses, in Such manner, as you shall judge, most convenient; as in the present Circumstances of Affairs I know of no more proper mode of discharging this Part of my Duty.
I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect and Consideration, sir your most obedient, and most humble servant


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 1 June 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Sir

ca. 1 June 1781

The carrier of this letter, Mr. Rosenblad, is the Swedish gentleman of whom I had the honor to speak to you here, and for whom you promised to give consideration in procuring a free passage to America on one of the ships departing for the continent. The indisputable testimonies that I have received about him, which he himself is in the process of obtaining, his character which I have come to know, and the merit that I have recognized in him, all make me hope that it will not be difficult to grant him the satisfaction that he demands, that is, to be able to distinguish himself as a simple volunteer soldier in the American army, and to sacrifice himself in the same capacity during his journey. Without speaking of his birth, which is distinguished, his rank of officer of Engineers in his own country; his full range of knowledge, talent, experience, and sentiment; the purity of his morals and the wisdom of his conduct all persuade me that the humble position he nobly strives for will be an estimable acquisition for the American army. I fear, sir, that he will not find you at Amsterdam, but I hope that Mr. Thaxter will fill in during your absence and also tell him what day he can see you when you return. I have the honor to be with very great respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 3 June 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Lahaie 3e. Juin 1781

J’ai bien reçu vos ordres d’avanthier; et je ne manquerai pas de les exécuter Mardi prochain au Matin, ne le pouvant plutôt à cause des Fêtes. Un Ami très-entendu que j’ai consulté, ma conseillé de porter les Lettres moi-même; que cela est plus poli et plus décent pour les uns comme pour les autres, et qu’on ne pourra pas les refuser. J’aurai l’honneur en son temps de vous rendre compte de mes visites. En attendant, je suis toujours avec un très grand respect et le plus sincere attachement Monsieur Votre très-humble & très Obeissant serviteur

Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 3 June 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Sir
The Hague, 3 June 1781

I received your orders of the day before yesterday, and I will not fail in executing them next Tuesday morning, not being able to do so earlier because of the holidays. I consulted a well-connected friend who advised me to carry the letters personally since this would be more polite and decent for everyone, and this way they could not be refused. I will have the honor at that time to give you an account of my visits. In the meantime, I remain with very great respect and the most sincere attachment, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas


Title: To John Adams from James Warren, 4 June 1781
From: Warren, James
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir
Boston June 4th. 1781

It is some Time since I wrote to you, and much longer since I have been honoured with a Line from you. I have but Just got to Town. Mr. George Storer who goes by the way of Denmark is on the point of sailing and I can only Inclose two papers received from Mr. Lovel, and the Boston Papers of the day. I shall write you soon and if you have not forgot that there is such a Man in the world perhaps you will again write to your Sincere Friend & Humbl. Servt. J Warren

June 19th.

With all my diligence I could not get the above on Board the Ship. Another Opportunity now presents. The Navy Board send you the Boston Papers, and though wish to write you a long Letter it is out of my power. I have seen a Copy of a Letter from Dr. F. to C. which I am told has been forwarded to you. I hope you have received it. Will This Letter meet you in Paris, Holland or Vienna?


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 5 June 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Amsterdam, 5 June 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC, No. 84, III, f. 193–195. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 4:468–469.
John Adams included an English translation of a statement made to the States of Zeeland by the deputies from the city of Middelburg on 14 May. The deputies, in consenting to provide higher bounties to those agreeing to serve in the Dutch navy, declared that the reasons for the unprepared and defenseless condition of the Republic should be disclosed to the States of Zeeland so that it could act with the other provinces in the States General to correct the situation and thereby provide for the adequate defense of the nation’s territory, commerce, and possessions. Adams also reported that Zeeland had called on the States General to establish batteries on the coast of Flanders and that the States General had resolved to borrow twelve million florins to finance the war, an increase of four million over the sum previously voted. Finally, Adams noted that William V had traveled to Brielle, Hellevoetsluis, Goeree, and Willemstad to review troops and warships. Adams wrote in closing, “I send to Congress an account of these faint, feeble Symptoms of Life, because there is no appearance of any more vigorous. I am told that this Vis Inertia is profound Policy. If it is Policy at all, it is so profound as to be perfectly incomprehensible. However, their Property and Dominion, their Honour and Dignity, their Sovereignty and Independence are their own, and if they chuse to throw them all away, for ought I know, they have a right to do it. There is one Comfort, if other Nations have nothing to hope, they have nothing to fear from such Policy.”


Title: To John Adams from Laurent Bérenger, 5 June 1781
From: Bérenger, Laurent
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
à la Haye le 5 juin 1781

Je viens de recevoir une Lettre de Mr. le Comte de Vergennes par laquelle il m’ordonne d’avoir l’honneur de vous dire, que les intérêts des Etats unis exigent votre presence à Paris, et qu’il desireroit que vous voulassiez bien vous y rendre, aussitôt que vos affaires en Hollande vous le permettront; Je vous Supplie, Monsieur, de me faire part de vos intentions à cet egard, afin que je puisse en informer, M. le Comte de Vergennes. J’ose me flater que vous me donnerez cette marque de bonté, et que vous Serez bien persuadé du plaisir que j’ai à Saisir cette occasion de vous offrir l’hommage du devouement et du respect avec lesquels j’ai L’honneur d’être Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur

BerengerSecretaire du L’ambassade de france


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 5 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Passy, June 5. 1781

I have received the honour of your Letter dated the 25th. past, advising me of your Drafts for Forty Thousand Livres payable to the Order of Captain Joiner, which I shall accept when they appear.
No specific Sum having been mentioned to me by Col. Laurens, as what would be wanted to fulfil his Orders in Holland, I think myself obliged to acquaint your Excellency that I fear my Funds will not permit my furnishing more than about 15000 £ Sterling in the whole, that is, to pay for the Purchase of the Goods that had been bought by Commodore Gillon, and such others as Col. Laurens has himself ordered.

I just now hear by some intelligent Persons who left London last Tuesday, that it was understood the Indienne would sail about the Beginning of this Month, and that some Ships were ordered to cruise for her.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin


Title: To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 5 June 1781
From: Talbot, Silas
To: Adams, John

Sir
Mill Prison Plymouth June 5th. 1781

Your Excellency will find by the date hereof that it Comes from a prisoner, and which is the cause of my present address, therefore on the Confidence of your favour, beg leave to inform you, that in October last being then in, and having the command, of the Arm’d Ship of war Called the Genl. Washington, in which Vessel I had the misfortune to be captur’d by his Brittannick Majesties Ship Culloden, and taken into N. York from whence, in consequence of orders from Admiral Rodney, Seventy others with myself mostly Capital officers of american Ships, were, put on board the Ship Yarmouth and brought to this place, whare I am deprived of every friendly Connection whereby I might receive som Relief in this my Present unhappy condition of Captivity, have therefore in consequence of your Excellencys former favors taken the liberty of thus addresing you, in hopes that you may be pleased to contribute towards my Relief, a Request which the Nature of my Situation, I trust, will sufficently apologize for, and least your Excellency should not immediately recollect my Person and Rank, beg leave to acquaint you, that am the same person, who had the honour to receive from Congress whill your Excellency was a member of that august assembly, several Considerable Promotions of Rank and Honour, in the Millitary Line, in concequence of my singular and Distinguished service, and as all Manner of Correspondance and Negotiation between this Country and the United States of America are at present stopt, and for the want of an Honorable Credit here, I am deprived of those Necessary Supplys which the peculiar nature, of my present distresed State of Captivity doth Require, am thereby induced to Request your Excellency will favor me, with a som of about Fifty pounds sterling which may be charged to me in account of my services either in the Millitary or Navle Departments, in both of which, the United States are Considerably in Arrearages to me otherways if pleasd to advance me this som on my own Privit account. In hopes of your Excellencys, Speedy, and effectual Releif, I have the honor to be with all due Respect, Your Excellencys obliged humble and Obedient Servant

Silas Talbot

PS. For sertain reasons please to send the money to Mr. Robert Heath, Plymouth Dock. I am Sir your servant &c

S T.


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 5 June 1781
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Monseigneur
Nÿmege. le 5 Juin 1781

Aÿant reçú plusieurs temoignages d’amitie et d’estime de votre Excellence, pendant votre Sejour a Leÿde, je me flatte a present, qu’il ne Sera point desagreable a vous, de recevoir de ma part une preuve de ma confiance en elle. C’est un sollicitation, Monseigneur! et j’espere, qu’elle ne vous paroitra pas trop temeraire, a cause qu’elle est par un ami; un homme de talens, qui à un jugement profond avec beaucoup d’erudition, et dont la modestie au plus haut point Zelé amateur de la liberte—d’un caractere brillant, et souffre trop dans le malheur de sa patrie, et souhaitoit d’aller en Amerique: jusque icy il est Ministre de Baptistes a Middelburg—principale ville de Zeelande— estime—honoré de tous ces paroisiens—il voudrait embrasser en Amerique le meme genre de vie, et se croyoit en etat, de precher—en Anglois—dans peu. Je taché, de lui persuader, s’il voudrait partir pour Amerique, de faire un autre emploi et des ces biens, qui ne seront point grand, et des ses talens, mais en vain. Seriez vous en etat, Monseigneur! de lui donner de recommendations a Boston, capable de le faire réussir? ce seroit un acquisition d’un vertueux, eclairé et Patriotique Bourgeois, qui se rendroit digne de l’accueil qu’on lui a fait. Peuetre, que L’indien n’a point encore un aumonier, et quoique des soldats seront plus necessaires, que des ministres, un homme de gout, neanmoins, de courage et de Principes peut-etre d’une grande influence sur l’equipage et un agreable compagnon pour les Officers. Il pourroit faire son transport avec cet vaisseau.
Ainsi j’ai m’acquitté de commission de mon ami, j’ai serai faché, si j’avois eu le malheur de deplaire a votre Excellence.
Le lettre du Gouverneur Trumbull est sous la presse. J’ai fini la traduction, des articles de la confoederation des Etats Unis en 1778, comme aussi du sermon de Dr. Cooper et de heads of enquiry, with the answers to it printed at Boston, comme une piece relatif au lettre du Gouverneur. Un des mes ami traduit les autres pieces, et harangues, relatifs à la constitution de Massachusetts Baÿ, et apres mon retour a Leÿde, je donnerai toutes ces papiers au Public, avec un preface, que j’ecrirai dans l’air libre d’Appeltern. Je serois charmé, si je servis en etat, de montrer par de faits l’interet que je prend dans la cause de L’humanite en Amerique, et de Vous persuader de l’estime, avec laquelle je suis Monseigneur! de votre Excellence le plus zelé serviteur

Fr. Ad. van der Kemp

P.S. Cet midi je pars a Appeltern chez Le Baron van der Capellen, si votre excellence me fait l’honneur de faire une reponse a cet lettre oserois-je demander d’laddresser a Mr. van der Capellen. Je me plains sincerement, d’etre si peu versé dans le Langues Francoises et Angloises, de ne me pouvoir expliquer d’une maniere plus nette et plus preçise, mais cela trouvera bien d’indulgence chez votre Excellence. Le Baron v. d. C. Seigneur de Marsch, a fait une male harangue, peut-etre j’aurai l’occasion d’en donner un detail plus ample.


Title: François Adriaan Van der Kemp to John Adams: A Translation, 5 June 1781
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Sir
Nijmegen, 5 June. 1781

Having received several expressions of your Excellency’s friendship and esteem during your stay in Leyden, I flatter myself now that it will not be disagreeable for you to receive proof of my confidence in our friendship. It is a solicitation sir! I hope that it will not appear to you to be rash, because it is made by a friend; a man of talent, with profound and erudite judgment, and with the greatest modesty, a lover of liberty. He has a brilliant character and suffers greatly due to the misfortunes of his country and wishes to go to America. Up until now he has been the Baptist minister at Middelburg, the main city in Zeeland, and held in high esteem by all his parishioners. He would like to lead the same kind of life in America and believes that in a short time he will be able to preach in English. I have tried to persuade him, because of his talents, that if he would like to go to America he could try a different job since he is of little means. But this was in vain. Would it be possible for you, sir, to give him recommendations in Boston that would help him succeed? He would be a virtuous acquisition, enlightened and patriotic, who would be worthy of the welcome he would receive. Perhaps the Indien needs a chaplain and, even though soldiers are more necessary than ministers, a man of taste, courage and principles can, nevertheless, have great influence on the crew, as well as be an agreeable companion to the officers. Maybe he could go on this ship.
So I take leave of friend’s plea and would be dismayed if I have displeased your Excellency.
Governor Trumbull’s letter is at the press. I have finished the translation of the Articles of Confederation of the United States in 1778, as well as Dr. Cooper’s sermon, and the heads of enquiry, with the answers to it, printed at Boston, as a document relative to the Governor’s letter. One of my friends is translating other papers and speeches relative to the Massachusetts Bay constitution, and after my return to Leyden, I will write a preface to these documents that will be published at Appletern. I would be delighted to be of service, to demonstrate the simple fact of my interest in the humanitarian cause in America, and to persuade you of the esteem with which I am, sir, your Excellency’s most zealous servant

Fr. Ad. van der Kemp

P.S. At noon today I leave for Appletern to the home of Baron van der Capellen. If your Excellency would give me the honor of a response to this letter, I dare ask you to address it to Mr. van der Capellen. I sincerely apologize for not being well versed in French and English, and for not being able to explain myself more clearly and more precisely, but I am sure your Excellency will indulge me. Baron Van der Capellen van de Marsch made a manly address. Perhaps, I will have an occasion to give you further details.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 6 June 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Sir
The Hague, 6 June 1781

According to the orders in your letter of the first of this month, I sealed the letter you sent me for the president of Their High Mightinesses with my own seal and addressed it in Dutch with the name of the man who presides currently, the Baron Pallant de Glinthuisen. I brought it to him yesterday morning and told him that I received it from Mr. Adams with orders to deliver it to him. He took it and without unsealing it, told me to return the next day to learn how to proceed after he consulted about the letter. This morning I went back to his home. He had the unsealed cover letter and the papers in his hand. He told me he learned that the address was in my hand, and since I announced the letter was from Mr. Adams, without adding the title plenipotentiary, as it is signed, I deceived him. He added that if one wanted to write, it should be addressed to Their High Mightinesses in the form of a request, just as for any person. He did not want to receive these papers and told me to take them back. At my refusal, he put them in my hat, telling me that I was wrong to tell you to proceed this quickly. Not wanting to engage him personally in a most unfair quarrel, I took my leave. I believed only that I was obliged to point out to him, that you could not address a letter yourself if you did not know the address; that I was acting on your orders, and the proof that I intended no surprise was that I delivered the letter myself, a behavior which seemed to me to be more frank and respectful in all respects than sending it by post, which was my alternative; and that you were not following these procedures because of your superiors, much less because of me, but rather under orders of your sovereign state. It seems to me that you have used the only method available within your power to communicate between two nations. Authentic proof of a complete and perfected American confederation must be regarded by this republic as necessary for the enlightenment of the true intentions of the United States against the enemies of this republic. Finally, I would give you, sir, a faithful report of what just occurred regarding these papers, and I would not know how you would proceed with them later.
The person to whom I gave the other letter invited me to visit this afternoon, and after having received me with civility and cordiality, he said and expressly repeated, that the return of the letter you had written to him, which he placed in my hands, was for a reason. It was for the same reason that the letter to the president was returned, that is, that you wrote in the capacity of minister plenipotentiary, and by your own admission, this commission was in deliberation in the respective provinces. The prince must wait for a resolution from Their High Mightinesses, who in turn must wait for instructions from their arbiters. In a word, it was a matter of pure etiquette, that I must understand and that you must understand also, apart from any personal regards for you.
I will wait for your orders to see if you think I should send the two letters and the two copies again, or if I should retain them. I should add that the president told me that if the letter had arrived by mail, he would have had to suppress it, therefore making it useless.
I hope in all of this that you approve of my conduct, which is that of one who is always with the greatest respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

C. W. F. Dumas


Title: To John Adams from John Manley, 6 June 1781
From: Manley, John
To: Adams, John

Hond. Sir
Mill Prison June 6th. 1781

I presume the Liberty of presenting to your Honor my Destressing Situation, that long Captivity has much impaired my health, and what adds still to my Misfortune, that I am deprived of every Friendly Communication, as I have not received a Letter from America since I have been a prisoner which is almost two Years. My good Friend Mr. Diggs has been my only support And he having left this Kingdom is the reason of my giving your Honor the present Trouble of requesting your Assistance, to send me a small supply of Cash, which I do not Doubt but you will be well convinced I stand greatly in need of, as I can call Heaven to Witness that I am not Master of one sixpence. The Number of Prisoners in this prison is two Hundred and Twenty Eight, Eighteen haveing this day entered into the British Service, and are still Entering, owing to their being no Exchange and the shortness of our allowance, which scarcely will give one good Repast. I can inform you that the Continent is indebted to me for Services in Seventy Six, and Seventy Seven.

From your Most, Obedt. & Most Humbl. Servt.
John Manley

P.S. If I should be so fortunate as to Obtain Any relief from you, should be glad you would Direct to the Revd. Robert Heath Plymouth.


Title: From John Adams to Laurent Bérenger, 7 June 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Bérenger, Laurent

Sir
Amsterdam June 7th. 1781

Capt. Isaac Cazneau of Boston, lately arrived here from Norway, in his passage on board a Danish Vessel, unfortunately fell in with an English Privateer belonging to Hull, called the Flying Fish, who took away his Mate who was his Brother, and a Negroe Boy of about fifteen Years of age named Pompey. The Mate the flying Fish left in Prison in Hull, but kept the Negro on board.
The Privateer is lately taken by a French Privateer the Sans Peur, and carried into Helvoetsluis with the Negro on board, who is a Native of North America, and a Freeman.
Capt. Cazneau is very anxious to obtain for him his liberty. I have the Honour to beg your Interposition in this business, in the absence of his Excellency the Duke de la Vauguion, that if it can be done with propriety, the Boy may be discharged. It is the constant practice in France to set Americans at Liberty, who have been captured in like manner.
Capt. Cazneau is a Gentleman of good Character and well known, so that his Testimony I suppose would be sufficient to prove the facts, but other Witnesses are here, if they were necessary.
I have the Honour to be, with great Respect Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servt.


Title: From John Adams to Laurent Berénger, 8 June 1781
From: Bérenger, Laurent
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam June 8. 1781

I have received the Letter which you did me, the Honour, to write me, on the fifth of this month, informing me, that you have received a Letter from the Compte de Vergennes, by which his Excellency directs you to tell me, that the Interests of the United States require my Presence at Paris, and that he should desire that I would go there, as soon as my Affairs in Holland, will permit me.
I should be extreamly obliged to you, Sir, if you would confide to me the Nature of the Business that requires me at Paris, that I might be able to form Some Judgment, whether it is of So much Importance and So pressing as to make it necessary for me to go forthwith.
His Excellency Dr. Franklin, and Coll. Laurens, have arranged Affairs in such a manner, that the Accounts of the Indian are to be produced to me and I am to draw Bills to discharge them, So that it would retard the Departure of that interesting Vessell, if I were to go now, and it is of much Some Importance to the Publick that I should compleat my dispatches to go to Congress by her; I am also unfortunately involved in a good deal of Business in accepting and discharging Bills of Exchange, a Course of Business which would be put into Some Confusion, if I were to go immediately, and the general Affairs of Congress in this Republick might suffer Some what by my absence. But notwithstanding all, if I were informed that it is any Thing respecting a general Pacification, or an Invitation of this Republick to acceed to the Alliance between France and the United States or any other Affair of Sufficient Weight to justify, my quitting this Post immediately I would do it. Otherwise, it would, as I humbly conceive, be more for the public Interest that I should wait, untill some of the Business that lies upon me here is dispatched, and the rest put into a better order. Let me beg the favour of your sentiments, sir.
Whenever I go, I must beg the Favour of you to furnish me with a Pasport.
I have the Honour to be, with very great Respect, sir, &c.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 11 June 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Amsterdam, 11 June 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC, No. 84, III, f. 197–205. printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 4:487–491.
John Adams included English translations of a petition to the city of Antwerp by its merchants and inhabitants and of an essay by Antoine Marie Cerisier, both without date. The petition requested that the Scheldt River, closed to commerce by the 1648 Treaty of Münster, be reopened. Cerisier opposed reopening the Scheldt because Antwerp’s rebirth as a port would destroy the trade of Ostend and Nieuport and create an important rival to Amsterdam in the Austrian Netherlands. Most importantly, Cerisier argued, the Dutch would lose, control of the forts at the mouth of the Scheldt if the river was opened for trade. For Britain’s 1780 proposal to reopen the Scheldt, see vol. 9:282–283.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 11 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Passy, June 11th. 1781

Mr. Grand has communicated to me a Letter from your Excellency to him, relating to certain Charges in your Account, on which you seem to desire to have my Opinion.
As we are all new in these Matters, I consulted when I was making up my Accounts, one of the oldest Foreign Ministers here, as to the Custom in such Cases. He informed me, that it was not perfectly uniform with the Ministers of all Courts; but that in general where a Salary was given for Service and Expences, the Expences understood were merely those necessary to the Man, such as House keeping, Clothing and Coach: But that the Rent of the Hotel in which he dwelt, the Payment of Couriers, the Postage of Letters, the Salaries of Clerks, the Stationary for his Bureau, with the Feasts and Illuminations made on public Occasions, were esteemed Expences of the Prince or State that appointed him, being for the Service or Honour of his Prince or Nation; and either entirely or in great Part, Expences that as a private Man he would have been under no Necessity of incurring: These therefore were to be charged in his Accounts. He remark’d that it was true the Minister’s House keeping as well as his House, was usually and in some sort necessarily more expensive than those of a private Person; but this he said was considered in his Salary, to avoid Trouble in Accounts: But that where the Prince or State had not purchased or built a House for their Minister, which was sometimes the Case, they always paid his House Rent. I have stated my own Accounts according to these Informations, and I mention them, that If they seem to you reasonable, we may be uniform in our Charges by your charging in the same Manner; or if Objections to any of them occur to you, you would communicate them to me for the same Reason.
Thus you see my Opinion that the Articles you mention of Courtage, Commission, and Ports de Lettres, are Expences that ought to be borne, not by you, but by the United States. Yet it seems to me more proper that you should pay them, and charge them with the other Articles abovementioned, than that they should be paid by me; who not knowing the Circumstances, cannot judge (as you can) of the Truth or Justice of such an Account when presented; and who besides have no Orders to pay more on your Account than your Net Salary.
With Regard to that Salary, tho’ your Receipts to Fitzeau & Grand shown to me, might be quite sufficient to prove they had paid you the Sums therein mentioned. Yet as these are Vouchers for them, and which they have a right to retain, I imagine that it will be clearest if you draw upon me agreable to the Order of Congress; and if this is quarterly it will be most convenient to me.
With great Regard, I have the honour to be Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

B Franklin


Title: To John Adams from Henry Grand, 12 June 1781
From: Grand, Henry
To: Adams, John

Sir
Paris June 12th. 1781

At the receit of the two Letters you honoured us with, I went and laid before Dr. Franklin your observations, the first of which Letters he desired me to leave with him for his Consideration. Expecting to get it back every minute I put off answering you frum day to day, for which I beg your pardon, Dr. Franklin’s enclosed answer stops my mouth respecting both the petit charges, and the method of settling with him. I shall only propose, in order to annull the article relating to Mr. Dana, that you dont like should stand in your account, to send you a fresh account, the ballance of which will be the same with that in your hands, and in which there will be no mention made of Mr. Dana, placing to your credit the 5/7 neat. If this meats with your approbation, you be pleased to return me the state of the account you have, which wont prevent your settling meantime with Dr. Franklin, the ballances of both accounts being the Same.
In your first you desire both your Cloath at Passy and Books in Town to be sent ye and in your last you only mention the Books. I shall endeavour to give you full Satisfaction in that point, but I should have liked to have your last Resolution, to know whether Cloaths and Books are to go, or the Books only. Be kind enough as to give me your Instructions about it.

I shall be very happy in rendering my services to Mr. Winston Warren and to evince you on all Occasions of the Sincere attachment with which I have the honour to be sir Your most obt. hble. st.

Hy. Grand


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 15 June 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Sir
Amsterdam June 15th. 1781

The long expected Courier has at last arrived at the Hague from Petersbourg. The Contents of his dispatches are not publick, but all hopes of immediate assistance from the armed Neutrality seem to be dissipated. The Question now is what is to be done next. Some are for Alliances with the House of Bourbon and America: but a thousand fears arise.
France, the Emperor and the Republick have Provinces so intermixed together in Brabant and Flanders, that it is supposed the Emperor would be much alarmed at an Alliance between France and Holland, lest they should soon agree to divide his Provinces between them. The People in these Provinces would it is supposed have no Objection. They all speak the French Language, are of the same Religion, and the Policy of France in governing conquered Provinces according to their ancient Usages, and with great Moderation, has taken away all aversion to a Change of Masters. Some People think, that an Alliance between France and Holland would occasion a general War. This I think would be a benefit to America, although Philanthropy would wish to prevent the further effusion of human Blood.
I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant

John Adams


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

Congress adopted three documents 15 June that represented a major victory for French diplomacy and demonstrated the Chevalier de La Luzerne’s domination of Congress. In 1779 it had taken Congress several months to devise its peace ultimata and appoint a minister plenipotentiary to carry them out. In 1781 a congressional committee met with La Luzerne on 28 May and within eighteen days Congress voted to accept the Austro-Russian mediation, expand the number of peace negotiators in order to limit John Adams’ influence, and entrust France with the ultimate power over the terms of the definitive peace treaty. For detailed accounts of the circumstances leading to Congress’ reconsideration of its peace objectives and the process by which it was accomplished, see Stinchcombe, Amer. Rev. and the French AllianceWilliam C. Stinchcombe, The American Revolution and the French Alliance, Syracuse, 1969., p. 153–169, and Morris, Peacemakers, p. 210–217.
The proposed mediation of the conflict by Austria and Russia offered the Comte de Vergennes the opportunity to bend Congress’ will to the dictates of French foreign policy. If Congress bowed to French demands and accepted the mediation new commissions and instructions for its peace negotiator would be required. In the process either John Adams’ powers could be severely curtailed or he could be replaced by someone more amenable to French policy. It is ironic, therefore, that the joint commission to accept the mediation (No. I, below), was the least consequential of the three documents printed here. On the very day that Congress formally approved it, Britain refused the mediation. Moreover, by the time Adams received the new commission in October, he had rejected the mediation, with French concurrence, owing to the uncertain status of the United States at the negotiations. For the origins of the Austro-Russian mediation, see Francis Dana’s letter of 25 February, note 3, and John Adams’ second letter of 16 May to the president of Congress, and note 1, both above; for Adams’ rejection of American participation in the mediation, see his correspondence with Vergennes in July, below.
When La Luzerne met with the committee on 28 May, he disclosed portions of a letter from Vergennes dated 9 March. The committee reported that the foreign minister criticized John Adams’ efforts to execute his powers as minister plenipotentiary to negotiate an Anglo-American peace. Vergennes believed it “necessary that Congress should draw a line of conduct to that minister of which he might not be allowed to lose sight.” Adams should be allowed “to take no step without the approbation of his Majesty” and, in the execution of his instructions, should be ordered “to receive his directions from the Count de Vergennes” or whomever the principal French negotiator might be. Such instructions were necessary if negotiations were to take place under the mediation of Austria and Russia, for it was imperative that the French and American negotiators present a united front, leaving no hint of conflict for the common enemy to exploit. In any event, Congress needed to act quickly, for although the proffered mediation was “dilatory,” it would not remain so forever. The conference closed with La Luzerne’s exhortation to prosecute the war with the utmost vigor in order to avoid a peace based on the territory then occupied by the belligerents or uti posseditis (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774– 1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 20:562–569).
The Congress acted with dispatch. On 1 June it sent a circular letter to the states that informed them of the Austro-Russian mediation but warned that a peace founded on uti posseditis was a distinct possibility if the war effort was not pressed with determination. On 8 June, after much debate, Congress agreed to a preliminary form of the instructions in which it accepted the mediation, set down its position regarding boundaries, and required the American negotiator to be guided by French advice. On the 9th, a Saturday, it approved an instruction authorizing a truce if such was necessary, but it rejected a proposal to expand the number of negotiators. On the 11th, after fresh consultations with La Luzerne, Congress amended the instructions to restrict further the latitude of the American negotiator and resolved to expand the number of negotiators, electing John Jay on the 13th and Benjamin Franklin, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson on the 14th (sameWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774– 1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 20:585–587, 601, 605–607, 608–610, 611–619, 625–628, 638, 648). For the specific changes made in the course of Congress’ deliberations, see the notes to the instructions (No. III), below.
In just over two weeks La Luzerne persuaded Congress to retreat from the peace ultimata it had so laboriously forged in 1779. La Luzerne achieved his victory in part through his skills as a diplomat, but he was dealing with a far different Congress from that which acted in 1779. Six years of war, coupled with Charleston’s fall, Cornwallis’ southern campaign, British incursions in Virginia, the Franco-American army’s inability to act against New York, and the collapse of American finances, all in the previous twelve months, had produced a war-weariness that made Congress amenable to peace on almost any terms. Indeed, by its votes in June 1781, Congress proved willing to eliminate “itself from any prominent role in foreign affairs for the remainder of the Revolution” (Stinchcombe, Amer. Rev. and the French AllianceWilliam C. Stinchcombe, The American Revolution and the French Alliance, Syracuse, 1969., p. 169). It would be much more difficult, however, for France to enforce the terms of La Luzerne’s victory on John Adams, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin in 1782 when, in the wake of Yorktown and the Battle of the Saints, the British presented them with peace proposals far more favorable than anyone could have expected.
The president of Congress wrote to John Adams on 20 June, below, to inform him of its action and enclosed a set of commissions and instructions. The packet of 20 June went by the same vessel that carried dispatches to Benjamin Franklin and reached Passy on 15 August. Franklin immediately forwarded the packet under a covering letter of 16 August and Adams acknowledged its receipt on the 25th (both below). The president of Congress sent another set of the commissions and instructions under a cover letter of 5 July (Adams Papers), but it is not known when John Adams received it. There are no notations on any of the enclosures to indicate which were sent with each covering letter. The copy of the instructions (No. III, below) printed in this volume is that which John Adams partially deciphered and is now with the covering letter of 5 July in the Adams Papers.


Title: I. Joint Commission to Accept the Mediation of Russia and Austria, 15 June 1781
From: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

15 June 1781

The united States of America, To all to whom these Presents shall come send Greeting.
Whereas his most Christian Majesty our great and beloved Friend and Ally hath informed us by his Minister Plenipotentiary whom he hath appointed to reside near us, that their Imperial Majesties the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany actuated by Sentiments of Humanity and a desire to put a Stop to the Calamities of War, have offered their Mediation to the belligerent Powers in Order to promote Peace.
Now know ye, that We desirous as far as depends upon us to put a Stop to the Effusion of Blood and convince all the Powers of Europe that we wish for nothing more ardently than to terminate the War by a safe and honorable Peace, relying on the Justice of our cause, and persuaded of the Wisdom and Equity of their Imperial Majesties who have so generously interposed their good Offices for promoting so salutary a Measure, have constituted and appointed, And, by these Presents, do constitute and appoint, our trusty and well beloved the Honorable John Adams late a Delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts, the honorable Benjamin Franklin our Minister at the Court of France, the honorable John Jay late President of Congress and now our Minister at the Court of Madrid, the honorable Henry Laurens formerly President of Congress and commissioned and sent as our Agent to the United Provinces of the Netherlands, and the honorable Thomas Jefferson Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, our Ministers Plenipotentiary, Giving and granting to them, or such of them as shall assemble, or in Case of death, Absence, Indisposition or other Impediment of the others, to any one of them, full Power and Authority in our Name and on our behalf, in Concurrence with his most Christian Majesty to accept in due form the Mediation of their Imperial Majesties the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany.
In Testimony whereof we have caused these Presents to be signed by our President and Sealed with his Seal.
Done at Philadelphia this fifteenth day of June in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and eighty one, and in the fifth Year of our Independence, By the United States in Congress assembled.

Sam Huntington President

Attest Chas Thomson secy.


Title: II. Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781
From: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

15 June 1781

The United States of America in Congress Assembled. To all to whom these presents shall come send Greeting.
Whereas these United States from a sincere desire of putting an end to the hostilities between his most Christian Majesty and these United States on the one part, and his Britannic Majesty on the other, and of terminating the same by a peace founded on such solid and equitable principles as reasonably to promise a permanency of the blessings of tranquility did heretofore appoint the honble. John Adams late a Commissioner of the United States of America at the court of Versailles, late Delegate in Congress from the State of  Massachusetts, and Cheif Justice of the said State, their Minister plenipotentiary with full powers general and special to act in that quality to confer, treat, agree and conclude with the Ambassadors or plenipotentiaries of his most Christian Majesty and of his Britannic Majesty and those of any other Princes or States whom it might concern, relating to the re-establishment of peace and friendship; And Whereas the flames of war have since that time been extended and other Nations and States are involved therein: Now know Ye, that we still continuing earnestly desirous as far as depends upon us to put a stop to the effusion of blood, and to convince the powers of Europe that we wish for nothing more ardently than to terminate the war by a safe and honorable peace, have thought proper to renew the powers formerly given to the said John Adams and to join four other persons in commission with him, and having full confidence in the integrity, prudence and ability of the honorable Benjamin Franklin our Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles, and the honble. John Jay late President of Congress and Cheif Justice of the State of New York and our Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Madrid, and the honble. Henry Laurens formerly President of Congress and commissionated and sent as our Agent to the United Provinces of the low Countries, and the honble. Thomas Jefferson Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, have nominated constituted and appointed and by these presents do nominate constitute and appoint the said Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson in addition to the said John Adams, giving and granting to them the said John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson or the Majority of them or of such of them as may Assemble or in case of the death, absence, indisposition or other impediment of the others, to any one of them full power and Authority general and special conjunctly and seperately, and general and special command to repair to such place as may be fixed upon for opening negotiations for peace, and there for us, and in our name to confer, treat, agree and conclude with the Ambassadors, commissioners and Plenipotentiaries of the Princes and States, whom it may concern, vested with equal Powers relating to the establishment of Peace, and whatsoever shall be agreed and concluded, for us and in our name to sign and thereupon make a treaty or treaties, and to transact every thing that may be necessary for compleating securing and strengthening the great work of Pacification in as ample form and with the same effect as if we were personally present and acted therein, hereby promising in good faith that we will accept, ratify, fulfil and execute whatever shall be agreed concluded and signed by our said Ministers Plenipotentiary or a Majority of them or of such of them as may assemble or in case of the death, absence indisposition or other impediment of the others by any one of them, and that we will never act, nor suffer any person to act contrary to the same in whole or in any part. In Witness whereof we have caused these Presents to be signed by our President and sealed with his seal.
Done at Philadelphia the fifteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty one and in the fifth Year of our Independence by the United States in Congress Assembled.

Sam. Huntington President
Witnessed this day by Attest Chas. Thomson secy.


Title: III. Instructions to the Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781
From: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas,Jay, John,Laurens, Henry

15 June 1781

Instructions to the Honble. John Adams Benjamin Franklin John Jay Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson ministers plenipotentiary in behalf of the United States to negotiate a Treaty of Peace
Gentlemen
You are hereby authorized and instructed to concur in behalf of these United States with his most Christian Majesty in accepting the Mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany.
You are to acceed to no Treaty of Peace which shall not be such as may 1st. effectually secure the Independence and Sovereignty of the thirteen United States according to the form & effect of the treaties subsisting between the said States & his most Christian Majesty and in which the said treaties shall not be ft in their full Force and Validity.

As to disputed boundaries and other particulars we refer you to the Instructions given to Mr. John Adams dated 14 August 1779 and 18 October 1780 from which you will easily the Desires and Expectations of Congress but we think it unsafe at this disdistance to tye you up by absolute and preremptory directions upon any other subject than the two essential Articles abovementioned. You are therefore at liberty to secure the Interest of the United States in such manner as circumstances may direct and as the state of the belligerent and disposition of the mediating powers may require. For this purpose you are to make the most candid & confidential communications to thc ministers of our generous Ally the King of France to undertake nothing in the Negotiations for Peace or truce without their knowledge & concurrence & ultimately to govern yourselves by their advice & opinion endeavouring in your whole Conduct to make them sensible how much we rely upon his majestys influence for effectual support in every Thing that may be necessary to the present security or future Prosperity of the United States of America.
If a Difficulty should arise in the Course of the Negotiations for Peace from the backwardness of Britain to make a formal acknowledgment of our independence you are at liberty to agree to a trucc or to make such other concessions as may not affect the substance of what we contend for; and provided Great Britain be not left in possession of any part of the thirteen States.

Saml. Huntington President
Witnessed this day by Chas Thomson secy.


Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 16 June 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Gerry, Elbridge

Dear sir
Amsterdam June 16. 1781

Mr. Le Roy the Bearer of this, is a young American educated in Amsterdam where he has good Connections. He wants mercantile Connections in America.

I wish he could give you hopes of any usefull Connections between our Country and this. If he can, it is more than I am able to do.
The armed Neutrality turns out little better than a Bubble. But as We have little to hope from it, We have nothing to fear. France has settled every Thing this Year, better than ever, and much to the satisfaction of America as I hope and believe. But you must not entertain the most distant Idea of Peace while there is one British soldier alive and at Liberty in America. I am my dear sir your Frd.

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from F. & A. Dubbeldemuts, 17 June 1781
From: Dubbeldemuts, F. & A. (business)
To: Adams, John

Monseigneùr
Rotterdam ce 17 Juin 1781

Noùs sommes interressés dans ùn navire et Cargaison dont cÿ inclùs l’information, la qùelle noùs prennons la liberté de Voùs envoÿer avec prieres de la voùloir examiner et noùs notter en même tems vos conseils, s’il ÿ aùra qùelqùe possibilité poùr obtenir le domage; noùs voùs prions d’excùser les peinès.
Divers de nos amis sont interrés dans les navires et Cargaisons, amenés à Brest et il ÿ en a aùssÿ, qùi doivent recevoir des marchandises poùr Compte Americain, aùserions noùs prendre la liberté de voùs envoÿer ùn de nos particùliers amis, poùr avoir l’honneùr de voùs entretenir; ne prennez pas de maùvaise part la liberté, disposez en toùtes occasions de ceùx, qùi ont l’honneùr d’etre avec toùte l’estime possible Monseigneùr, V t H & t. O. Serviteùrs

F & A Dubbeldemuts


Title: F. & A. Dubbeldemuts to John Adams: A Translation, 17 June 1781
From: Dubbeldemuts, F. & A. (business)
To: Adams, John

Sir
Rotterdam, 17 June 1781

We are interested in a ship and its cargo of which we have enclosed information. We are taking the liberty to ask that you examine this information and advise us as to the possibility of obtaining damages. We beg you to excuse us for causing this inconvenience.
Several of our friends are interested in the ships and cargo brought into Brest. We dared to take the liberty of sending to you one of these friends, who is supposed to receive goods for the American account, in order that he have the honor to speak with you. Please do not be offended by the liberty taken to address you by those who have the honor to be, with the highest esteem possible, sir, your very humble and very obedient servants

F & A Dubbeldemuts


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and William Jackson, 18 June 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Jackson, William

Amsterdam June 18. 1781

This is a Copy of a Letter from Coll. Laurens to me, which I have given to Major Jackson, to shew to his Excellency Dr. Franklin. I should think it most adviseable for Major Jackson to lay the Accounts of the Indian before his Excellency, and pray him to authorize, Major Jackson or Mr. De Neufville to draw upon him, for the Amount, in case of my absence, from this Republick, which may become necessary before Major Jacksons Return, which will however, without doubt be expedited as much as possible, as the Ship waits for nothing else.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from the President of Congress, 20 June 1781
From: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia June 20th: 1781

You will receive herewith enclosed a letter addressed to his most Christian Majesty; with a Copy of the Same for your information.
Also a Commission constituting the four gentlemen therein named in addition to yourself our Ministers for negotiating peace. Also another commission and duplicate Authorizing them to accept the Mediation of the Emperor of Germany and Empress of Russia, in one of which you will observe the Emperor is first named, and in the other the Empress. These are to be made use of as circumstances shall render expedient.

I have also enclosed Instructions (in cypher) for your government in addition to those formerly given for negociating peace with Great-Brittain.
No additional Instructions to your former are yet given relative to a treaty of Commerce with Great-Brittain.
You will immediately communicate the receipt of these dispatches to Docr. Franklin and Mr. Jay to whom duplicates are also forwarded with Similar directions.
I have the honour to be with perfect Respect your humble servant

Saml. Huntington Presid.

P.S. Since writing the foregoing, for want of another conveyance, I have determind to Send this by the Same Conveyance that carries the Duplicates to Docr. Franklin, have therefore taken out, the letter to the King of France, and Copy mentioned in the foregoing.

S. H.


Title: To John Adams from James Lovell, 21 June 1781
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, John

Sir

June 21. 81

France appears to be most perfectly satisfied with the present mediators yet presses us for an Arrangement final of the most moderate terms. Franklin, Jay, H. Laurence and Jefferson are added to you. You would be made very happy by such an Event being grounded on a Desire to alleviate the Distress of a great discretion but blush blush America consult and ultimately concur in everything with The Ministers of his most Christian Majesty the Independence of the United States according to the Tenor of our Alliance kept sole ultimatum. I might have mentioned a Circumstance, not very material in the present Turn of Affairs all or less or one can conclude as plenipo. It is a Satisfaction to me and others alike interested that your other parchments are untouched. I hope therefore that we may conclude our haddock safe. I presume you will be at very little Loss to come at the Clue of this Labyrinth. Gravier now persuaded of the absolute Necessity of the most cordial Intercourse between him and you strongly pressed for orders of that kindand Suppleness knew not where to stop especially when under the Spur of at least Marbois. It is needless to turn Welldiggers on this Occasion the whole is at the Superficies. I must officially convey to you some Papers. I shall use this same Cypher. I suspect that you did not before understand it from my not having said supped in Braintree. I guess I said New England.
The President has sent the Papers before referred to. I furnished the Instructions in a Cypher. If any Thing prevents your coming at the Purport Doctr. Franklin can certainly decypher his. I was intended to send only one Set by one Vessel, but I think that would have added Something to the List of Oddities in this Business.
I do not despair of being able to write again by this Opportunity.
The Franklin came into the River Today. Letters from Mr. Dana are received to April 3d. Your last is still Oct. 24.

Affectly
J L

Make 2 Columns of Letters under the rule of Sequence laid down here. Begin your 1st. Column with the first letter and your second Column with the 2d. letter of the Family Name formerly referred to. Go on to & then follow a b &c. &c. &c. Look alternately into the Columns, and so find what my Figures represent, and Vice versa to write yourself.

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To be used as Baulks in the Beginning and End or within your words.

29

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Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 23 June 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Sir
Amsterdam June 23d. 1781

The answer from Petersbourg, as it is given to the Public, is this.
Her Majesty, the Empress of all the Russias, declares: That as much as She been satisfied with the Zeal with which their high mightinesses have accepted her mediation, so much and more has her compassionate Heart been affected with the difficulties formed by the Court of London, in referring the reconciliation with the Republic to a subsequent and general Negotiation of Peace, between all the belligerent Powers, under the combined mediation of her Imperial Majesty, and his Majesty, the Roman Emperor. As soon as this negotiation shall take place, her Majesty promises beforehand to the Republick all the assistance that depends upon her, to the End, that the Republic may without delay return into the rank of neutral Powers, and thereby enjoy entirely, and without restraint, all the rights and advantages, which her Accession to the Engagements between her Imperial Majesty and the Kings her high Allies, ought to assure to her. In this Expectation, the Intention of her Majesty is, conjointly with their Majesties, to persuade that Court to that moderation, and those pacific Sentiments, which their high mightinesses on their part have manifested. The Empress flatters herself, that the times, and the events which may unexpectedly happen will bring forth Circumstances of such a nature, as will put her in a situation, to make appear, in a manner the most efficacious, her good will and her affection, of which She sincerely desires to be able to give proofs to their high mightinesses.
This answer gives great Scope to Speculation and Conjecture: but I shall trouble Congress with a very few remarks upon it.
In the first place, without insinuating her opinion, concerning the Justice or Injustice of the War between Great Britain and the United Provinces; She imputes the ill success of her mediation between them, to the Court of London, and not at all to the Republick.
2dly. She applauds the moderation and pacific sentiments of their high mightinesses, and implicitly censures the Court of London for opposite dispositions.
Thus far the declaration is unfavourable to the English, and a pledge of her Imperial honour, at least not to take any part in their favour.
3dly. It appears that the Court of London has proposed a Negotiation for Peace between all the belligerent Powers, under the mediation of the Empress and the Emperor. But, as it is certain the Court of London does not admit the United States of America to be one of the belligerent Powers, and as no other Power of Europe, except France, as yet admits it to be a Power, it is very plain to me, that the British Ministry mean nothing but Chicanery: to unman and disarm their Enemies with delusive dreams of Peace; or to intrigue them or some of them into a Peace seperately from America, and without deciding our Question.
4thly. The declaration says not that the Empress has accepted this mediation, nor upon what terms She would accept it. Here We are left to conjecture. The Dutch Ambassadors at Petersbourg wrote last winter to the Hague, that the Empress would not accept of this mediation with the Emperor, but upon two preliminary Conditions, vizt. that the Court of London should acknowledge the Independence of America, and accede to the principles of the late Marine Treaty, concerning the rights of Neutrals. To this She may have since added, that Holland should previously be set at Peace, and become a neutral Power, or She may have altered her Sentiments. Here We can only conjecture.

5thly. It appears that the Kings of Denmark and Sweeden have joined, or are to join, the Empress in a new effort with the Court of London, to persuade it to make Peace with Holland. But how vigorous or decisive this effort is to be, or what will be the Conduct, if they should still be unsuccessful, is left only to conjecture.
6thly. There are Hints at future Events and Circumstances, which her Majesty foresees, but the rest of the World do not, which may give her occasion to show her good Will. Here is nothing declared, nothing promised; yet it leaves room to suppose, that her Majesty and her high Allies may have insisted upon Conditions from the Court of London, which accepted may give Peace to the Republick, or rejected, may oblige Russia, Sweeden and Denmark to join Holland in the War. But all this is so faint, reserved and mysterious, that no dependence whatever can be placed upon it.
I am sorry to see the Idea of a Negotiation for a general Peace held up, because I am so well persuaded it is only an insidious Maneuvre of the British Ministry, as I am that many Powers of Europe and especially Holland will be the Dupe of it. I confess I should dread a Negotiation for a general Peace at this time, because I should expect Propositions for short Truces, Uti possidetis’s, and other Conditions, which would leave our Trade more embarrassed, our Union more precarious, and our Liberties at greater hazard, than they can be in a Continuance of the War, at the same time that it would put Us to as constant and almost as great an Expence. Nevertheless, if proposals of Peace, or of Conferences and Negotiations to that End, should be proposed to me, which they have not as yet from any quarter, it will be my Duty to attend to them with as much Patience and Delicacy too, as if I believed them sincere.
Americans must wean themselves from the Hope of any signal assistance from Europe. If all the Negotiations of Congress can keep up the Reputation of the United States so far, as to prevent any Nation from joining England, it will be much. But there are so many difficulties in doing this, and so many deadly Blows are aimed at our Reputation for Honour, Faith, Integrity, Union, Fortitude and Power, even by Persons, who ought to have the highest opinion of them, and the tenderest Regard for them, that I confess myself sometimes almost discouraged, and wish myself returning through all the dangers of the Enemy, to America, where I certainly could not do less, and possibly might do more for the public Good.

I have the Honor to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Bondfield, 23 June 1781
From: Bondfield, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Bordeaux 23 June 1781

I had the Honor to pay my respects to you the 17th. March since which I am not favord with a line from you. We are without any arrivals of late date from America the latest is a small schooner at Nantes from Edenton who reports Cornwallis was retreating not being able to pursue his plan of marching thro the Southern States and forming a junction with Arnold.
By Loyds list of the 7th. mention is made of a large old french ship having Artillery Stores and Cloathing on board bound from France to No. Ama. taken by the Homeward bound Jamaica Fleet. This Ship we suspect must be the Marquis de la fayett from Lorient. Should it so prove will be a most heavy loss to the United States from the Nessessity they are in of the Goods on Board her to replace which will require time if continued in the same line. We rejoice to learn the Merchants in Holland are entering so spirritedly into Conections with the United States being told a small Fleet is preparing to sail under Convoy of Comodore Gillon we wish them safe to port they have a hazardous Navigation before they get free of these Seas.
The Ship in which Colonel Palfrey embarked must certainly have founderd being without advice of her arrival in Europe or America she saild from Philadelphia 21 Decr. last. That Gentleman being impowerd to transact the Commercial Affairs of the States his non Arrival will suspend the execution of further supplies to the Nomination of some other Consul or Agent. They write us from Philadelphia the loss of Statia is irreparable from the continual supplies formerly drawn from that Island and which they are unable to provide themselves Elsewhere add to which many of the most enterprizing merchants are great Sufferers by the loss of  Ships and property at the Island. The loss of the Luzern belonging to Philadelphia bound from Lorient is also a severe Blow her Cargoe amounting to upwards of eight hundred Thousand Livres repeated Loss’s of such consiquence will suspend the continuance of adventurers and must break in upon the conections subsisting betwixt this Kingdom and America. The chain which had taken place betwixt the Private Merchants in Holland and America will be restraind unless in such cases as the present where a Convoy so formidable as that of Mr. Gillons offers, from this City we have had no Trade with America for many Months we have a considerable Stock of Broad Cloths and other Coarse Woollens which the want of conveyances prevents us from forwarding the arrival of which in America would be of great Service.

With respect I am Sir your very hhb Servant
John Bondfield


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 23 June 1781
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My dear friend
Philada. June 23rd. 1781

The bearer Mr. George Harrison intends to spend a few years in a compting house in Amsterdam. He is the son of a Gentleman who once filled the first office of magistracy in our city, and his family still maintain the first rank among us. The Revd. Mr. White whose political Character and whose office as Chaplain to Congress I presume are well known to you is his Brother in law. I beg your particular Attention to him. He expects much from your friendship and interest in Amsterdam. He is a youth of an excellent character, and carries with him the good wishes of thousands for his prosperity and happiness.
Our Affairs in the South wear an agreeable Aspect. South and North Carolina are again free and independant—a few Sea ports excepted. The French and American troops act with great harmony in conjunction with each other. Paper money the bane of our morals, and characters has breathed its last , most?. Tender laws are repealed and credit both public and private begin to revive among us. Mr. Morris has accepted of the office of Financier General. You know his Abilities and industry. We anticipate the Duke of Sully’s times from his exertions of them both in his new office in the service of his country.
I beg my most respectful compts. to your late Secretary Mr. Dana—and have only to request that you would please to introduce Mr. Harrison to him.
I have the honor to be my Dr sir your faithful friend and most Hble servant

Benjn. Rush


Title: From John Adams to François AdriaanVan der Kemp,, 24 June 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Sir
Amsterdam June 24. 1781

I have received your agreable favour of the fifth of this Month, Commodore Gillon was absent, when your Letter came to hand, and for many days after. As soon as he returned, I took the first Opportunity to Speak with him, on the subject of your Friend the Clergyman. The Commodore has no Chaplain and his Crew is composed of People of various Religions, the greatest Part however are Frenchmen and Catholicks. However if your Friend would See Mr. Gillon, perhaps he might settle the Business with him.
There are in America, so many Clergymen, that I cannot give your Friend any Encouragement of Success: but if he persists in his Resolution to go I will give him a Letter of Introduction, to some Friends.
I am, much pleased at your Intention of publishing, the Pieces you mention, and I dare Say, the free Air of Appelton and the agreable Company of the Baron will give your Preface, a Force proportional to the great Cause of Liberty and Humanity, that it is intended to recommend.
Be so good as to assure the Baron of my best Respects.
Will the Republick take a more decided Part, After the Expiration of the Six months and the News from Petersbourg, or not? What Say the People of the Country? It is among the Yeomanry of every Country that We are to expect to find, the Supporters of Liberty. I am, sir with great Esteem and Respect, your obedient and humble sert.

John Adams