Title: To John Adams from Charles Storer, 13 September 1783
From: Storer, Charles
To: Adams, John

          Sir,
            London. 13th. septemr: 1783.
          By Mr: Thaxter I ought in duty to have written you, and, not having done it, I fear you may be inclined to lay some neglect to my Charge. I have only to say in apology that our time, from our arrival to Mr: Thaxter’s departure, was constantly employed—and I hope to his satisfaction, as that was our object here.—
          My motive in writing to you is particular. I have acknowledgements to make for many kindnesses and Civilities. If in any measure I have been happy enough to have rendered you some service in return, the reflection will be abundantly satisfactory. I was young to be indulged with your Confidence; but was not insensible of the honor conferred upon me—and hope I have not merited your disapprobation: If, on the contrary, I may have imbibed any patriotic Sentiments, or obtained any little insight into the field of Politics & Negotiation, the Credit they may hereafter gain me shall be ever accompanied, Sir, with a gratefull remembrance of your late Indulgence.—
          Enclosed I take the liberty to send you a few peices of Massachusetts & New-York Newspapers, which perhaps you may not have seen. They contain some Instructions to Representatives, & Resolves.—
          Port-Rosaway in Nova-Scotia seems to have become the Asylum of the Refugees. ’Tis said 30,000 have embarked from NYork for that place, & many are going from this Kingdom to settle there. They talk of their having carried a million & an half of property with them—much more than they are worth, I imagine— The Government here are about giving them every Encouragement, & Bounties; so that ’tis said they must soon outrival the New-England States— Too feeble attempts of miserable men!—
          Some British Merchants have recd. letters from their old Correspondents in America, who write that they were able at the Commencement of the war to pay their debts—but that the war had so reduced them, that they could now pay only their Principal: And it has been said that the Merchants were going to remit their Interest money.— Mr: Hartley, I am told, arrived in Town last Evening, with our Definitive Treaty, & I hear your idea has been adopted, vizt. the re-signing the Provisional Treaty.—
          Mr: Fitch & family, whom I saw yesterday, desire their respectfull Compts: to you & Master John, to which I would beg leave to add mine, and to assure you I shall be ever ready & happy to receive any Commands you may please to honor me with.
          I have the honor to be, Sir, / Your Oblig’d, humle: servt:
          Chas: Storer.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 14 September 1783
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress

          Sir
            Paris Septr: 14. 1783.
          I beg Leave to introduce to your Civilities Mr: Thaxter, who goes home with the definitive Treaty of Peace, and the original Treaty with Holland.
          Mr: Thaxter will present you a Medal, a Present to Congress, from the Province of Friesland, he will also present another to your Excellency of which I beg your acceptance. These were sent as Presents to me and I have no more, otherwise I should have been glad to have Sent more of them to America.
          With great Respect I have the Honour to be your Excellencies / most obedient Servant.


Title: From John Adams to Robert Morris, 14 September 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Morris, Robert

          Sir
            Paris Septr: 14. 1783.
          I beg Leave to introduce to you Mr: Thaxter, and to recommend him to your Benevolence— If very hard Services constitute Merit he has it in great Perfection— When I was received in Holland it would have been natural for me to have recommended him to Congress for the Secretary to that Legation, But Mr: Dumas had been long there. and had behaved well— As Mr: Thaxter came out with me, when I was Sole in the Commission for Peace it would have been natural that he Should have been appointed Secretary for which he was extremely well qualified: but the Dr: who knows better than I do, how to provide for himself and his Connections got his Son appointed.
          I cannot expect that any Gentleman will serve the public with me if he Sees himself constantly neglected, and others appointed to honours. and Employments, who certainly have not more Merit. Mr: Thaxter has never till the last year, or rather this year been allowed enough for his Necessary Expences. The Dr: has allowed his Son three hundred a year—if this should be made up to Mr: Thaxter he would be satisfied or if Congress should think proper to appoint him Secretary to some Legation with a moderate Salary, one half of what has been given, it will be very well.— But I cannot desire any Gentleman to attach himself to me, and do the Drudgery of my Office, without Reward, when he sees others rewarded so amply.
          With great and Sincere esteem I have the honour to be, Sir, your most / obedient and most humble Servant


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 14 September 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

          My dear Friend
            Paris Septr. 14. 1783
          Give me Leave to introduce to Your Acquaintance and Friendship, Mr Thaxter, who goes home with the definitive Treaty.
          This Treaty which is but a Repetition of the Provisional Articles was all We could obtain, a poor Compensation for nine Months Negotiation; but I assure you We were very glad to get the Hand put to this.

          I was in hopes to have Soon Seen you in Philadelphia, but Congress have had the Goodness to resolve upon a Commission, very honourable to me, which will detain me, I know not how long.
          I hope the States are Settling fast into order, and that all will go well. There will be disputes for Sometime about the Refugees but I hope they will have no serious ill Effect.— it would have been better for them to have had no Article, but the Reputation of national Faith and Royal honour, induced the English to insist even on this. We could obtain no Peace without it, and therefore We could not hesitate.
          The Interest upon Debts I hope will be made easy, but We could obtain no stipulation for it.
          With great and sincere Esteem your Frid
          John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 September 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur
            Lahaie 18e. 7be. 1783
          Je vous remercie de m’avoir mis à même de pouvoir répondre aux questions qu’on me fait sur votre retour ici; & je vous félicite de la nouvelle besogne dont vous êtes chargé. Quoiqu’elle doive être un peu longue, elle ne peut que vous être agréable par son importance, en occupant tout à la fois votre activité, votre intelligence & votre fermeté.
          Dans l’incertitude où vous êtes, Monsieur, si vous retournerez au Printemps prochain en Amérique, ou si vous viendrez résider avec votre famille à La Haie, je vous souhaite ce qui sera le plus de votre goût; & à ce propos, je vous demande la faveur de m’instruire de ce que le Congrès aura réglé là-dessus, dès que vous le saurez, afin que je puisse prendre les mesures nécessaires pour une retraite pour moi & ma famille; dans le temps où Vous ou votre successeur voudrez disposer de l’hôtel: car si l’on veut avoir quelque choix à cet égard, & ne pas payer trop cher, il faut louer en Janvier pour occuper en May.
          Je ferai tout ce qui me sera possible pour ce que vous me recom̃andez, Monsieur, quant à l’Emprunt; & pour cet effet, j’irai passer quelques jours de la semaine prochaine à Amsterdam, où je me conduirai à cet égard avec la plus Scrupuleuse circonspection. Pour être en état de mieux aller au but, en sondant imperceptiblement les terrains, & correspondant avec Mr. Morris avec quelque fruit, il faudroit que j’eusse une copie ou un Apperçu des conditions & engagemens réciproques de l’Emprunt actuel, que je tiendrai aussi secret que vous me le prescrirez: Savoir, du bénéfice accordé à la Direction actuelle, & jusqu’à quel point, som̃e & temps le Congrès est obligé de s’en tenir à celle-là. Vous m’en avez touché quelque chose en conversation; mais je n’en ai pas conservé une idée assez distincte, pour pouvoir me passer d’Instruction: Or la vôtre, Monsieur, me mettra en état d’agir d’abord; au lieu que je serois au moins 6 mois avant de pouvoir en recevoir une d’Amérique.
          Ma famille, sensible, com̃e elle doit l’être, à votre bon souvenir, vous présente ses respects, & vous prie de permettre que Mr. votre fils trouve ici leurs amitiés avec les miennes, qui suis avec grand respect / De Votre Excellence / Le très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
          C.w.f. Dumas

          Translation
          Sir
            The Hague, 18 September 17831
          I thank you for putting me in a position where I can answer questions concerning your return here, and I congratulate you on the new duty with which you have been entrusted. Although it might be a bit protracted, it must be agreeable to you for its importance, occupying at the same time your energy, your intellect, and your steadfastness.
          In the state of uncertainty that you are in, sir, as to whether you will return next spring to America or reside at The Hague with your family, I wish you whatever is most to your liking, and on this subject, I ask you the favor of letting me know what Congress decides on this matter as soon as you have word in order that I might take the necessary steps so that my family and I may withdraw elsewhere during the time when you or your successor will want to make arrangements for the legation, because if one wants to have a choice in the matter, and not pay too much, one must rent in January to take occupancy in May.
          I will do everything I possibly can for whatever you recommend, sir, regarding the loan, and to this effect, I will spend several days next week at Amsterdam, where I will conduct myself with the most scrupulous circumspection. In order to be in a position to arrive at the goal, quietly sounding out the terrain, and corresponding with Mr. Morris with some fruitful outcome, I would need a copy or a sketch of the terms and agreements of the current loan, which I will keep as secret as you stipulate, in order to know the benefits of the current guidelines and what point, sum, and time Congress is required to abide by it. You touched on this in conversation with me, but I did not retain a clear enough idea of it in order for it to provide instructions for me, and yours, sir, will put me in a position to act first, since I otherwise have to wait at least six months to receive instructions from America.2
          My family, hoping, as it should, to remain in your good graces, sends their respects and asks that you pass along to your son their friendly regards with those of yours truly, who is with great respect your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
          C.w.f. Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Robert Morris, 20 September 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Adams, John

          Second
            Sir
            Office of Finance 20 September 1783
          I have been duly honored with your Excellency’s favors of the fifth tenth and eleventh of July— I have taken the Liberty to make some Extracts from the two latter which are transmitted in a Letter to the Governor of Massachusetts Copy whereof is enclosed— Permit me Sir to give my feeble Approbation and Applause to those Sentiments of Wisdom and Integrity which are as happily expressed as they are forcibly conceived.— The Necessity of strengthening our Confederation providing for our Debts and forming some fœderal Constitution begins to be most seriously felt; But unfortunately for America the narrow and illiberal Prejudices of some have taken such deep Root that it must be difficult and may prove impracticable to remove them.
          I agree with you Sir in Opinion that the late Peace was not all Circumstances considered a bad one for England. It is undoubtedly a Peace equally glorious to, and necessary for America. All Ranks of Men in this Country feel as well as perceive the Benefits of it; and the Fault-Finders (for such Men there always will be) are borne down by the general Torrent of Applause—
          I was happy to learn by the Washington Packet that you intended a short Trip to Amsterdam for the Purpose of urging on the Loan. I hope you may have met with the Success due to your Zeal and Abilities, I shall ask no greater—
          with perfect Respect / I have the Honor to be / Sir / your Excellency’s / most obedient / and / humble Servant
          Robt Morris


Title: To John Adams from James Lovell, 21 September 1783
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
            Boston Sepr. 21st. 1783.
            It is long, since I took any Opportunity of repeating Assurances of my sincere and very great Esteem for you. Tired most heartily of the Jealousies & Animosities which are almost inseperable from governmental Emploies, and very hardly put to it to find Bread to eat or Rayment to cloathe myself and my numerous Family, I have rarely felt any proper Disposition of Mind for an Attempt to write either usefully or amusingly to you; and have rested quiet in my Conscience under a Supposition that Members of Congress & such like were doing the former, and your most excellent Wife and very lovely Children never failed of the latter. Indeed at this very Time I feel almost willing to be called a Brute & a Blockhead for omitting to write when I knew of so good an Opportunity and was even solicited to do it by Mr. Wheelwright, as his Introduction. Lord bless the young Man! where has he been not to know that it is the Pride of your Life to do Good, and that his best Introduction would be plumply to tell you that he stood in Need of your Informations Counsells or Influence. But, tho’ I myself am perfectly sure of all this, yet his Modesty might counteract his Interest if I did not comply with his Wish; and you might be left to Time and Chance for the Discovery not only of that good Quality in Mr. Wheelwright but of his Integrity Benevolence Sobriety & Industry which make him a valuable Citizen Companion & Friend, if it was not for this short Method of the honest written Testimony of your obliged Friend and much devoted humble Servant
            James Lovell

            [22 September 1783]
            And now for one of Swifts Postscripts. Essentials omitted in the main Body of the Work.

            Your Lady is well, but in much and very just Affliction, as you may readily conceive and will sympathetically feel upon reading the last Paragraph but one under the Boston Head.
            I have a very great Regard for Mr. Thaxter and am moreover in his Debt two or three very kind & very entertaining Letters which I will not attempt to repay because of the latter Quality; let him therefore take a large Portion of my Affectionate Regards as his Dividend in my present Bankruptcy of Wit and Imagination.
            Mr. Chs. Storer was one of my favorites when a Child, I hope he is willing to be upon the Footing of a Friend with me now without any Dread of finding me with the Ferula always in my Hand.
            I embrace your Son with Tenderness from my Esteem of his most worthy Parents.


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 22 September 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur,
            Lahaie 22e. 7be. 1783.
          Ma Lettre ne partira que demain, mais je l’écris ce matin pour la faire mettre à la poste, parce que je me propose, avant d’aller à Amsterdam, d’aller à Dort, entretenir notre Ami, non seulement sur la matiere de l’Emprunt, mais aussi, sur celle du Com̃erce entre les deux Rep., de la perfection duquel sur un plan en grand, j’ai obtenu depuis peu des notions importantes, que je lui communiquerai, ainsi qu’à Mr. Van Berckel.
          Voici une Lettre, reçue d’Angleterre dans ce moment Le papier des deux côtes du cachet s’est trouvé déchiré. Je l’ai raffermi avec des brins d’oubli; & vous verrez par le filet de papier, qui est encore entier, sous le cachet, qu’il y a du moins apparence que la Lettre n’a pas été ouverte.
          J’ai o[ublié], Monsieur, de vous parler d’une que Mr. D[ana] a fait l’honneur de m’écrire de Petersb. en date du [8 Août] il me dit
          “I expect to [ta]ke my departure in about 12 days by a convenient opportunity now offering directly from this port for Boston— I pray you to present my regards to Mr. J. Q. Adams, and to acquaint him, that I shall take his Books, &c. with me to America.— Mr. Allen returns by this opportunity also.”
          Je pense com̃e vous, Monsieur, sur l’amélioration des affaires de la Rep. par la derniere guerre: & une preuve de cela, c’est que le parti rep., par-tout, & notam̃ent en Frise & à Utrecht, loin de se rallentir, vires acquirit eundo. J’entrerai une autre fois dans un plus grand détail là-dessus.
          Mr. De Linde, par une Résolution de Zélande du 15e., est sûr à présent d’être proposé, & par conséqt. nécessairement nom̃é, Envoyé de la rep. en Angle., dès que les ratifications du Traité entre les 2 puissces. seront échangées, & il m’a permis de vous l’apprendre, en vous présentant ses complimens, avec l’espoir dont il se flatte de vous revoir à Londres.
          Aujourd’hui la jurisdiction Militaire & l’abolition du Haut Conseil de Guerre se décide à la pluralité des 6 Villes en Zélande, contre le Pce. qui y a la 7e. voix. C’est singulier de voir com̃e la révolution Américaine a exalté les têtes phlegmatiques de ce pays. Je pourrois vous en citer une anecdote curieuse & interessante en preuve: mais il n’est pas temps encore de la prone[r.] Je ne veux pas avoir à me reprocher d’avoir eventé leurs mines.
          Je suis avec grand respect, de Votre Exce. / le très-humble & très-humble / serviteur
          C.w.f. Dumas

          Translation
          Sir
            The Hague, 22 September 1783
          My letter will not leave until tomorrow, but I am writing it this morning in order to have it taken to the post office, because I am offering my services, before I go to Amsterdam, to go to Dordrecht to have a discussion with our friend not only on the subject of the loan but also about commerce between the two republics, concerning the perfection of which, in the grand scheme of things, I recently gathered important ideas that I will communicate to him as well as to Mr. Van Berckel.1
          Here is a letter just this minute received from England. The paper on both sides of the seal was torn. I closed it again with doubled strands, and you will see from the grain of the paper, which is still whole under the seal, that there is at least the appearance that the letter was not opened.2
          I forgot, sir, to tell you about a letter that Mr. Dana did me the honor of writing from St. Petersburg, dated 8 August. He tells me:
          “I expect to [ta]ke my departure in about 12 days by a convenient opportunity now offering directly from this port for Boston— I pray you to present my regards to Mr. J. Q. Adams, and to acquaint him, that I shall take his Books, &c. with me to America.— Mr. Allen returns by this opportunity also.”3
          I agree with you, sir, about the improvement of the affairs of the republic by means of the last war, and one proof of that is that the republican party, notably in Friesland and Utrecht, far from slowing down, vires aquirit eundo.4 I will give more details on this at another time.
          Mr. De Linde, by a resolution of Zeeland on the 15th, is certain to be nominated and consequently definitely named the republic’s envoy to England as soon as the treaty ratifications are exchanged between the two powers, and he has permitted me to notify you, while sending his compliments, with the hope that he will be fortunate enough to see you at London.5
          Today the military jurisdiction and the abolition of the High Council of War was decided by the plurality of the six towns of Zeeland against the prince, who had the seventh vote.6 It is remarkable to see how the American revolution has stirred up the phlegmatic leaders of this country. I could cite for you a curious and interesting anecdote as proof, but this is not yet the time to trumpet it. I do not want to have to rebuke myself for having laid bare their veins of ore.
          With great respect, I am your excellency’s very humble and very humble servant
          C.w.f. Dumas


Title: To John Adams from John Thaxter, 22 September 1783
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, John

          My dear Sir,
            L’Orient 22d. Septr. 1783.
          I expected at this date to have been at Sea; but the violent Winds from the West & N. West render it absolutely impossible to leave the Port. The Vessel that is to carry me is completely fitted & ready, & has been so ever since the 19th. instant, she having been prepared in thirty six hours after my Arrival— I am infinitely indebted to the Zeal & Activity of Monsr. Thevenard, who has done every thing for me, & treated me with the utmost Attention & Politeness, as he does every American— No Man is more beloved by our Countrymen than him, & their Attachment appears to be indeed well founded.
          Mr. Le Comte de Breugnon, the President of the Council of War here, did me the honor to invite me to dine with him to day, & I am just returned from thence— A great part of the Council was present—
          I am much concerned at being detained here by bad Winds—but knowing that the Packet Boat cannot have made any great progress since her Departure, I am a little consoled— ’Twas reported this morning, that She had returned to the Isle de Grais—but ’twas a mistake— The Commandant sent an Express Boat off immediately to know the Truth of it, with orders to detain her for me—but it proved to be another Vessel.— All I can do is to hold myself in readiness, as I do, at a Moment’s warning—

          I thôt it prudent to write the inclosed Letter, as I came by the Orders of the Ministers for Peace— You will please to shew it to the Gentlemen, if you think it proper.
          With the sincerest Respect & Attachment, / I have the honor to be, / Sir, / your most Hble Servt.
          J Thaxter.


Title: To John Adams from Zachariah Loreilhe, 24 September 1783
From: Loreilhe, Zachariah
To: Adams, John

          Sir
            L’Orient Seper. 24th: 1783
          At the desire of Mr. Thaxter I have the honor of Informing you that the Packetboat which Sailled from hence the 18th: Instt: for Newyork, was by distress of weather obliged to put back at the Ile of Groy yesterday in the afternoon, and last night at twelve OClock there being every apearance of a favorable wind, Mr. Thaxter found it Necessary to go on board, and in Such a hurry as made it imposible for him to acquint you with this Circumstance, however the Packetboat is Still at Groy The Wind not having Permitted them to Continue their Voyage, but as it is posible a change may happen every Instant Mr Thaxter has thought it Necessary to remain on board;
          I have the honour to be with great respect / Sir / your most obedient & / humble Servant
          Z: Loreilhe


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 29 September 1783
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
            Elsineur Septr: 29th. 1783. N.S.
          I have already advised you of my determination to return to America. In pursuance of that I sailed in the Ship Kingston Capt: Norwood, from Cronstadt for Boston, on the 28th. of August O. Stile. We arrived here yesterday afternoon in good order, having been twenty days from Cronstadt, eight of which we lay in the Baltic harbour, about 60 Leagues from thence, wind bound. We shall sail from hence as soon as the wind will permit us. We touch in at some port in the channel, Portsmouth if practicable. Shou’d we have a rough passage from hence ’tis not improbable I may spend the Winter in England, chiefly with my brother, as We find on our arrival here, that the Definitive Treaties were concluded on the 2d. & 3d. of this month. and I am still that miserable wretch on the Seas you have seen me to be. I was not made for that unstable element, and we shall probably arrive on our Coast in the most dangerous season of the year. If I shou’d stop in England over the winter I will write you from thence for I do not expect you will suddenly return to America. If the information of the Gazettes which I read at St: Petersbourg may be depended upon, you are destined for the Court of London, but I doubt this from what you wrote me about your return. However we may be disposed of let us not forget each other. I beg you to remember me affectionately to Mr: Thaxter & your Son, and to believe me to remain with the most sincere and unalterable attachment your much obliged Friend and most obedient humble Servant
          FRA DANA

            P.S. I have all your Son’s things with me— Mr: Allen is my fellow passenger & desires to be remembered to you & the family


Title: From John Adams to Charles Storer, 11 October 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Storer, Charles

          Dr: Sir
            Auteuil Octr: 11. 1783
          I have rec’d from Mr: Ridley, some Letters from home and a Newspaper.—
          My Son wrote you Sometime ago, that I was ill, and desired you to come to me— I have written you Since that I had altered my Plan both these Letters may be sent you from London, where untill Mr: Ridley rec’d your Letter of the 6. october from St: Quentin I supposed you were
          Mr: Thaxter is gone home. He sailed from l’Orient in the Packet the 26 of September with the definitive Treaty. I propose to go to London, the Week after next—how long I shall stay there I know not— I have been brought very low by another nervous Fever, and remain so weak that I can scarcely hold my Pen. a Journey to London will at least divert my mind, I hope it will recover my Health. We have rec’d Information from Congress that a Commission is to be sent to Me, Mr: Franklin and Mr: Jay to make a Treaty of Commerce with G: Britain, and I have written to the Ladies to come to me, but whether I shall receive them at the Hague or at Paris, I know not. Mrs: & Miss Adams, will Satisfy their Curiosity, by taking a Voyage; Staying in Europe, about Six Months and then returning with me, to a Philosophic Solitude.—
          Congress have done me great Honour, and given me compleat Satisfaction— I have no longer any Thing to complain of and am I believe as happy a Man, notwithstanding the Weakness of my Nerves, as the Sun shines on. My late Fever, Although it brought me down very low, has been I am perswaded of great Service to me; and I shall enjoy better Health in Consequence of it.
          As to my future Destiny, I am perfectly indifferent, whether I go home, or whether I stay here, or whether I go to Holland again, to which I have no Objection except on Account of my Health— These Things are entre nous.
          With great esteem your most obedient Servant.

            P.S. I cannot advise you to regulate your movements by any Consideration of mine— If you continue your design of going to Italy, you will not have a better Season than the present. or if you pursue, your present Plan of Studying French at St. Quentin you will do well. My Life is still to be, as it ever has been without a Plan Waiting one year, one Month, one Day, to learn what is to be my Fate the next. The blue Hills are my last Resource.


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 14 October 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)

          Gentlemen
            Auteuil near Paris Octr. 14. 1783
          I have been prevented from writing you, a long Time by another Attack of a Fever, the Rests as I Suppose of that violent one which I had at Amsterdam two Years ago which was never perfectly cured.— This last I am perswaded will be of Service to me.
          I must now beg the Favour of you Gentlemen to inform me by Letter, how our Loan proceeds, and what Number of Obligations remain to be disposed of, of the Five Millions. But you will please to address your Letters to me in London under Cover to your Correspondent, who may hear of me at Mr Joshua Johnsons, Merchant, Great Tower Hill, London or you may direct your Letters to me under Cover to him.
          I Shall have occasion for Some Money in London and Should be obliged to you, if you would inclose to me a Letter of Credit upon your Banker or Correspondent in that City, that he may Supply me with the Money I may Want upon my Receipts, as Mr Van den Yver has done in Paris.
          It is uncertain how long I may remain in England, as it will depend much upon the State of my Health: But probably it will not be more than five or Six Weeks. I shall write you however from Time to Time.— You will please to give me Notice, if it Should become necessary for me to come to Amsterdam.
          With great Respect, I have the Honour to be / Gentlemen &c


Title: To John Adams from Charles Storer, 15 October 1783
From: Storer, Charles
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir,
            St: Quentin. 15th. Octor: 1783.
          I am honored by the receipt of your favor of the 11th. instant, and should not trouble again, (for I know you are not fond of receiving useless letters—) but to assure you I participate the satisfaction you say you enjoy from some late Circumstances.—
          Permit me therefore first to congratulate you on the recovery of your health, & of the prospect you have of its being preserved to you in a better state than before— I am very glad you have undertaken a journey to London, as both the journey & variety I am persuaded will be of particular service to you.— Next to the restoration of your health, I rejoice in the honours you say Congress have conferred upon you— No party in that Body should, nor, had they been properly instructed, would they ever have witheld them. To speak to you of Causes would indeed be a presumption—
          So Mrs: & Miss Adams will after all be favored with a sight of this old world— It will be a gratification to them I know—but six months, Sir, will give them a relish for the Blue Hills again.— Neither of the Ladies, I am persuaded will like the whirl & bustle of Europe a longer time— For what port, Sir, do you advise them to embark? I ask, to know if it may be in my power to render them any assistance on their arrival— May I ask too, if the Treaty of Commerce will be negotiated in London or Paris.—
          St: Quentin I have made my abode for a while. My design is to get the french language. & here is a good Society therefore— The tour I proposed to Italy has proved but a Castle in the air, in effect—the fancy of a Youngster’s Brain— My Papa recalls me in the course of next year.— Peace being at last restored he wishes to partake the blessings of it with his Children. He hopes the next year my Sister will be able to return with me. A parents’ feelings none but a Parent knows—and, as my duty, I obey—
          You say, Sir, you cannot advise me to regulate my movements by any Consideration of yours— If by this you mean that the idea of interrupting me should prevent your making use of me, you disappoint my wishes— My services are at your Command—& I have only to say I shall think myself honored in the employ— at the same time, Sir, as you give me leave to address you as a friend, do not think I wish to put myself too forward: On the contrary the more plainness used with me, the more satisfaction on my part—being flattered with your Confidence—
          Permit me to ask, Sir, if Mr: Thaxter said anything to you about money borrowed of Mr: Laurens, while in London— He was kind enough to let us have some, as we found a difficulty in exchanging our Louis d’ors there.— Mr: Laurens was to draw on us, upon our return to Paris—but, as I did not propose to go there immediately, I paid Mr: Thaxter my proportion of the sum borrowed, that he might answer the draft more conveniently— As he did not write me on this subject before he left Paris, you will excuse my mentioning it to you— I do it, not to give you trouble about it, as I have already written to Mr: Thaxter that I would accept Mr: Laurens’ draft—but to satisfy myself if the matter has been settled, being myself a party concerned—
          I am obliged by Master John’s letter of the 23d. ulto: but yours of the 11th. inst: renders an answer thereto unnecessary.— With best Compts: to him, & assurances of perfect respect & Esteem, to yourself, I have the honor to be, Sir, / Yr: oblig’d humle: Servt:
          Chas: Storer.

            P S. You will probably wish to see Mr: Fitch in London. His address is No: 79. Germyn Strt:


Title: From John Adams to Antoine Marie Cerisier, 16 October 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Cerisier, Antoine Marie

          My dear Sir
            Auteuil near Paris Octr: 16. 1783.
          Monsieur the Abby de Mably has prepared for the Press, some Observations upon our American Constitutions, which he has done me the Honour of addressing to me: so that I am zealous to have the Work appear to Advantage in the Impression, both as it is like to be to me, in Particular a distinguished Mark of Respect with Posterity; and what is of much more Importance, it is, probably full of Sentiments and Principles, Advice and Suggestions, which will be usefull entertaining and instructive, to all the virtuous citizens of the united States of America for Ages to come.
          Your own Sentiments in Morals and Politicks, resemble so nearly those of the Abby de Mably; you have so just a veneration for this Sage and amiable Writer; and you have the Happiness, & Prosperity of America so much at heart, that I perswade myself you will think yourself very fortunate to have the Care of the Impression of this Work committed to you An excellent Friend of us all, the Abby de Chalut, has undertaken to copy it, in a very legible Hand, and it will be sent to you Sheet by Sheet. you will correct the Press and send the sheet, printed to the Abby at Paris who will correct it again if there should be Occasion.— Mr: Holthrop will no doubt undertake to Print it upon the best paper and in the fairest Type, or if you prefer another Printer it is at your Choice: only take Care that it be one who will not trifle with the Work.
          The Abby de Mably demands an hundred and twenty Copies for himself, to give away among his friends. This has been his Rule in other Works.—
          I doubt not, the Printer may Sell three Thousand Copies if he takes his Measures wisely, to dispose of as many as he can before it shall be reprinted by others.
          Secrecy, I think ought to be observed as much as possible untill the Work is well advanced, indeed untill the Impression is nearly finished— The Printer will have it in his Power to have it translated into Dutch, Sheet by Sheet and published in that Language at the same time that it is in French; which will be to him a great Advantage and Profit.
          With great esteem, I have the Honour to / be, Sir your most obedient, and most / humble Servant.
          John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Robert Morris, 23 October 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Adams, John

          Sir
            Office of Finance 23. October 1783
          I do myself the Honor to enclose the Copy of a Letter which I have just written to Messrs. Wilhelm and Jan Willink, Nicolaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, De la Lande and Finje. This Letter will fully explain to your Excellency the Means I have adopted to bring our Funds into the most speedy Operation. Should the Plan meet your Approbation (which I hope may be the Case) I shall then rely on the Exertion of the great Influence you have so deservedly acquired for carrying it into Effect It will I am sure be as pleasing to you as it can be to me to find that the Disposition of our Country is turning fast towards those Measures of public Justice which can alone render her great and respected. Permit me to participate in the Satisfaction you must feel from Knowing that the honorable Sentiments so well inculcated in your Letters have greatly influenced in promoting that useful Disposition.—
          I am Sir with unfeigned Esteem & Respect / your most obedient / and / huml Servant
          Rm.—


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 24 October 1783
From: Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

          Sir
            Amsterdam the 24th. October 1783.
          We have the honour to acknowledge the Receipt of yoúr Esteemed favoúr of 14th. Instant. by which we observe with much Sorrow the Attack of a fever yoúr Excelly. has been troubled with, We hope it will not have been of any Continuance, but that we Shall Soon have the pleasúre to be informed of yoúr Excelly. being Restored to perfect health.
          Our Last to yoúr Excelly. was of the 16th. Instt., but as we fear Said Letter will not have Reached yoúr hands before yoúr departure to London, we inclose herein its Copy for yoúr Excelly’s. perusal—. and as we Crave reference to it; we have the honoúr in Compliance to yoúr Excellys. desire to advice you, that the Number of Obligations Remaining to be disposed of are 1768.—.
          Allways disposed to be of any Service to your Excelly. we are going to Lodge a Credit in yoúr Excelly’s. favoúr at Messs. C. & Rd. Puller in London, with Order to pay yoúr Excelly. whatever Sum of Money yoúr Excelly. maybe Wanted.—
          As we Can’t See yoúr Excells. Coming to Amsterdam Will occasion any benefit to the Loan, we think if your Excelly. particular business does not necessarily Require this Turn, yoúr Excellency may for the benefit of his health, renounce to the fatigues of Such a Voiage.
          We Remain Always with the Sincerest Esteem / Sir / Yoúr Excellys. most obedt. / most humble Servants.
          Wilhem & Jan Willink
            Nichs. & Jacob van Staphorst
            de la Lande & fynje


Title: To John Adams from Matthew Ridley, 26 October 1783
From: Ridley, Matthew
To: Adams, John

          Sir
            Auteuil Oct: 26th.. 1783
          I now inclose you four Letters received since your departure—
          Several very heavey failures have happen’d at Paris— One of them is the House of Bost Horion & Co. for upwards of 3,000,000.₶— Some others are talkd of.— The Affairs of the Caisse D’Escompte are now pretty well settled & the Managers talk of beginning to pay in Specie in the Month of Novemr:
          By the London papers I see that Barney arrived the 9th: of Septemr.— There is a Letter of Sr. Guy Carletons of the 17th. Augt: which appears to me a kind of half refusal to quit New-York— It is a whole one in some respects & the Generals disposition seems to me very ripe to refuse in toto.—
          I expect Mr. Barclay in a few days— Mrs. Ridley has been exceedingly ill; but I now begin to have Hopes— The rest of the Family Bravely & all desire to be remembered to you & Son— Be pleased to inform Mr Jay I was at Passy last Night & that all were well there, but Mrs. Jay a little impatient to hear of his safe Arrival.
          With respect I have the Honor to be / Sir / Your most Obedient / humble Servant
          Matt: Ridley


Title: The President of Congress to the American Peace Commissioners, 27 October 1783
From: President of Congress
To: American Peace Commissioners

            Gentlemen
              Princetown Oct. 27th 1783
            Previous to my leaving the Chair of Congress, I take the liberty again to address you, merely as an individual that you may not be left totally without Information until the Choice of a Minister for foreign Affairs shall take place. I have pressed Congress much on this subject, and am fully convinced of the difficult Situation you must be in for want of Information from this important Office— I have the honor of acknowledging the rect of your several favours of the ——— My last addressed to you, was on the 15th of July giving you a minute account of the Mutiny of the Soldiers in Philadelphia and of our subsequent removal to this Place—since which we have remained here tho. in but indifferent Circumstances of accommodation— Congress lately have determined to fix their place of Residence at the Head of the Delaware over the Falls of Trenton— They take in contemplation to fix another place the Falls of Potomack near Georgetown and to sit alternately at each Place year about— They have also determined to adjourn on the 8th Novr to Annapolis for their temporary residence— They have also passed several important Acts lately, which you will see by the several Proclamations contained in the Newspapers which I do myself the honor of transmitting herewith from the month of Sept 2d ——— Congress have not yet taken the Appointment of a minister for foreign Affairs under Consideration, as their Time is principally taken up with previous measures of a Peace arrangement both Civil & Military— It will now be put off till the removal to Annapolis— I shall add to this Letter (I believe) several Acts of Congress In consequence of a Report on your last Official Letter we have been most Anxiously (looking(?)) for the Definitive Treaty which is really a matter of much more importance in this Country than it is in Europe— The States at best cannot be convinced that Peace is made to any Purpose without this welcome Act, and the Conduct of the British in these States has confirmed them in the Opinion— We lately sent Baron Steuben to Canada to settle with Genl Waldenson the Time and manner of delivering up & receiving the Posts and fortifications on the Frontiers whenever that Genl should be ready so to do— He was refused even a conference on the subject— Genl Waldenson declaring that he knew of no Peace between Britain and America, that his orders were to cease Hostilities which he had carefully done but could go no further— The Baron thinks they are planning their schemes in Canada for holding the Frontier Posts for a year or two longer which would prove ruinous to these States rendition of them must be urged without delay. The Minister from Holland is arrived and to receive his public Audience on Friday next.
            The Effects of the Mutiny in Philadelphia are all done away— The Sergeants who were condemned to die, recd Pardon from Congress in the very last moment of despair this has had a good Effect and the Army have been disbanded without any bad consequences but unhappily without Money.

            Nov. 1st—
            Yesterday we gave public audience to Mr Van Berckel— Just before the Ceremony began Col Ogden arrived with the News of the completion of the Definitive Treaty, this gave a large addition to the general Joy that was already great on the occasion of the Day— Mr Van Berckel appears to be a person very much suited to the Manners of our People and I am very much mistaken if he does not do great honor to his Commission— I shall endeavour to enclose his address and our answer—

            Novr 3d—
            This Morning Congress met & made choice of a new President for the ensuing Year General Mifflin was unanimously chosen, tho’ absent I suppose he will take the Chair in a day or two— I feel myself very happy in having filled up my year and that after having devoted myself altogether to the Public Service for near eight years, I am like to retire to private Life under the blessings of so glorious a Peace— My Presidentship has also been honored by the Signature of both Preliminary Articles & Definitive Treaty which has greatly compensated for all my other Sacrifices.
            E B.


Title: John Adams’ Account with John Stockdale, [29 October–12 November 1783]
From: Adams, John
To:

          [29 October – 12 November 1783]
          John Adams Esq. to John Stockdale

              1783

              Oct.
              29.
              1 qr fools Cap 1/2  1 qr Blotting Paper
              0:
               1:
              10

              1 qr large thick post gilt
              0:
               1:
               3

              30.
              Pens 1d.  1 qr blotting Paper 8d
              0:
               0:
               9

              1 qr fools Cap 1/2  1. d. post Gilt 1/3
              0:
               2:
               5

              Isabella a Play

               6

              Wax 1.  Wafers 6d
              0:
               1:
               6

              31.
              Tape

               6

              Nov.
               1.
              Transactions of the Society of Arts
              0:
               4:
               0

               4.
              Engraving a Plate
              0:
               5:
               0

              Printing 300 Cards
              0:
               4:
               6

              12.
              1 bl of Sealing Wax
              0:
               7:
               0

              Engraving a Plate of Arms
              1:
               1:
               0

              Whartons Virgil 4 vol.
              1:
               4:
               0

              £ 3:
              14:
               3

              2:
              13:
               0


Title: Instructions to the American Peace Commissioners, 29 October 1783
From: Adams, John
To: American Peace Commissioners

          By The United States in Congress Assembled
            October 29th. 1783.
          To the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, at the Court of Versailles empowered to negociate a Peace, or to any one or more of them.
          First. You are instructed and authorised to announce to his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Germany or to his Ministers the high Sense which the United States in Congress assembled entertain of his exalted Character and eminent virtues, and their earnest desire to Cultivate his Friendship, and to enter into a Treaty of Amity and Commerce for the mutual advantage of the Subjects of his Imperial Majesty & the Citizens of these United States.
          Secondly. You are Instructed to meet the Advances and encourage the Disposition, of the other Commercial powers of Europe for entering into Treaties of Amity and Commerce with these United States. In Negociations on this subject you will lay it down as a principle, in no case to be deviated from that they shall respectively have for their Basis the mutual Advantage of the contracting Parties on terms of the most perfect equality and reciprocity and not to be repugnant to any of the Treaties already entered into by the United States with France, and other Foreign Powers. That such Treaties shall in the first instance be proposed for a term not exceeding fifteen Years, and shall not be finally conclusive until they shall respectively, have been transmitted to the United States in Congress Assembled for their examination and final directions and that with the draughts or propositions for such Treaties, shall be transmitted all the information which shall come within the knowledge of the said Ministers respecting the same and their Observations after the most mature enquiry on the probable advantages or disadvantages & effects of such Treaties respectively.
          Thirdly. You are instructed to continue to press upon the Ministers of his Danish Majesty the justice of causing satisfaction to be made for the Value of the Ships and Goods Captured by the Alliance Frigate and sent into Bergen, and how essentially it concerns the Honour of the United States that their gallant Citizens should not be deprived of any part of those Prizes which they had so justly acquired by their valour. That as far as Congress have been informed, the estimate of those Prizes at fifty thousand pounds Sterling is not immoderate; that no more however is desired than their true value, after every deduction which shall be thought equitable. That Congress have a sincere disposition to cultivate the friendship of his Danish Majesty and to promote a commercial intercourse between his Subjects and the Citizens of the United States on terms which shall promise mutual advantage to both Nations. That it is therefore the wish of Congress that this claim should still be referred to the equitable disposition of his Danish Majesty in full confidence that the reasonable expectations of the Parties interested will be fully answered; accordingly you are fully authorised and directed after exerting your best endeavours to enforce the said claim to the extent it shall appear to you to be well founded, to make abatements if necessary, and ultimately to accept such compensation as his Danish Majesty can be prevailed on to grant.
          Fourthly. You are further instructed to enquire and report to Congress the reasons why the expedition of the Alliance and Bon homme Richard and the Squadron which accompanied them was carried on at the expence and on account of the Court of France? Whether any part of the prophet arising therefrom accrued to the United States; or any of the expence thereof hath been placed to their account? Whether the proceeds of any of the Prizes taken in that expedition and which is due to the American Officers and Seamen employed therein is deposited in Europe, and what amount, where; and in whose hands?
          Fifthly— The acquisition of support to the Independence of the United States having been the primary object of the instructions to our Ministers respecting the Convention of the neutral Maritime Powers for maintaining the freedom of Commerce, you will observe that the necessity of such support is superceded by the Treaties lately entered into for restoring Peace. And although Congress approve of the principles of that Convention, as it was founded on the liberal basis of maintinance of the Rights of Neutral Nations and of the Priviledges of Commerce; yet they are unwilling at this juncture to become a party to a Confederacy which may hereafter too far complicate the interests of the United States with the Politics of Europe, and therefore if such a progress is not already made in this business as may render it dishonourable to recede, it is the desire of Congress, and their instruction to each of the Ministers of the United States at the respective Courts in Europe, that no further measures be taken at present toward the admission of the United States into that Confederacy.
          Sixthly. The Ministers of these United States for negociating a peace with Great Britain are hereby instructed authorised and directed to urge forward the definitive Treaty to a speedy Conclusion and unless there shall be an immediate prospect of obtaining Articles or explanations be beneficial to the United States in addition to the provisional Articles, that they shall agree to adopt the provisional Articles as the Substance of a Definitive Treaty of Peace.
          Seventhly. The Minister or Ministers of these United States for Negociating a Peace are hereby instructed to Negociate an explanation of the following Paragraph of the declaration acceded to by them on the 20th of January 1783. relative to Captures viz: “That the term should be one month from the Channel and North Sea as far as the Canary Islands inclusively whether in the Ocean or the Mediterranean.”
          Eighthly. Mr. Jay is hereby authorised to direct Mr Carmichael to repair to Paris should Mr. Jay be of opinion that the interest of the United States at the Court of Madrid may not be injured by Mr: Carmichael’s absence; and that Mr: Carmichael carry with him the Books and Vouchers necessary to make a final and compleat settlement of the account of public monies which have passed through the hands of Mr: Jay and himself; and that Mr Barclay attend Mr: Jay and Mr: Carmichael to adjust those Accounts.
          Ninthly. Mr: Jay has leave to go to Bath, should he find it necessary for the benefit of his health—
          Cha Thomson secy.


Title: To John Adams from Edward Bridgen, 1 November 1783
From: Bridgen, Edward
To: Adams, John

          Sir
            Pater Noster Row Novr: 1st: 1783
          When Mr Oldfield asked me to give him leave to make use of my name when he waited on your Excellency, with a card of invitation to the Revolution Club for Tuesday Next, I did not then know that it was intended not to invite the Whigs at present in Administration, which I think necessary you Sir should be informed of.
          I have the honour to be with great respect / Yr: Excellencys / most obedt: Servant
          Edward Bridgen
            I beg my respectful Compliments to your Son


Title: To John Adams from the President of Congress, 1 November 1783
From: President of Congress
To: Adams, John

          Private
            Sir,
            Princeton 1st. November 1783
          I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your several public letters under the dates of June the 23d. to July the 18th. inclusive, by Capt. Barney. Nothing is done in consequence of these letters but what is contained in the instructions inclosed in my official letter by this opportunity to the Commissioners jointly.
          Congress have not come to any further determination on your last letters, relative to your resignation; on account of the peace arrangement not being yet settled.
          Perhaps there will be but very few Ministers employed in Europe, and these in the Character of Residents or simply Ministers.
          The conduct of Great Britain does not appear yet very conciliating, and her measures on this side the water have rather tended to irritate than otherwise.
          Congress will not be in a hurry to send a Minister to the Court of London, till they see how the definitive Treaty will end. We have an account this day from Colo. Ogden that it was signed on the 3d. of September, and that Mr. Thaxter is on his way with it, whom we long to see.
          Your letters on the subject of our credit abroad and the strengthening and cementing the union at home, came at a happy moment, and have had a very good effect. Your Countrymen were running wild on this subject, but your observations & opinion have helped to check them, and the Legislature of Massachusetts have passed the 5 Per Cent. Impost recommended by Congress.
          Mr. Van Berckel is arrived and yesterday received his first public audience of Congress. His address and our answer I send to the Commissioners jointly. He appears to justify the high opinion we had formed of the wisdom of the States of the United Netherlands. Their choice of a Minister so consonant to the temper and manners of the Citizens of these States, shew their judgment and prudence. We are much pleased with this Gentleman, and as far as I can judge from present appearances, I may venture to predict that he will cement the union of the two Republics—
          I shall leave the Chair of Congress on Monday, and return to private life at Elizabeth Town, after almost eight years spent in the service of my Country. I rejoice to have seen the end of all our labours so happily accomplished, and shall ever revere those great men, who have lent an helping hand to the glorious work.
          In private or public life I shall be always glad of the honor of a line from you, Sir, if but to announce your health and welfare.
          I have the honor to be, with sentiments of high respect and esteem, / Sir, / Your most obedt. / & very humb. Servt.
          Elias Boudinot


Title: The President of Congress to the American Peace Commissioners, 1 November 1783
From: President of Congress
To: American Peace Commissioners

          Gentlemen,
            Princeton 1. Nov. 1783
          I am honored by the commands of Congress to transmit you a set of instructions in consequence of your joint and seperate letters of the months of June and July last, by Captain Barney, which I do myself the honor to enclose. These were not finished till the 29th. ult. after having undergone the most mature deliberation and fullest discussion in Congress.

          Yesterday we received from Colo. Ogden the news of the signature of the definitive Treaty on the 3d. of September, and that Mr. Thaxter was on the way with the official news. We long for his arrival tho’ we have no doubt of the fact, which is also announced by the post this day from Boston.
          I do most sincerely congratulate you, Gentlemen, on this most important and happy event, which has diffused the sincerest Joy throughout these States; and the terms of which must necessarily hand down the names of its American Negociators to Posterity with the highest possible honor. May the Gratitude of your Country ever be the fair reward of all your labours.
          New-York is not yet evacuated, but Sir Guy Carleton has informed our Commander in Chief, that he shall get clear of it in all this month, tho’ I think they will not dare to stay much beyond the 15th. instant.
          Your &c.
          E B


Title: To John Adams from John Dudley, 2 November 1783
From: Dudley, John
To: Adams, John

          sir
            poultry Compter Cheapside London2nd. November 1783
          With all due deference—I beg Leave to Lay before you the following facts— Necessity is the motive—that frequently obliges me to actions contrary to my Inclination—hope it will Be admited to pleade in Excuse for the Liberty I take in soliciting your Intrest in my Behalf—without previous Leave— my case is as follows) I am a native of America N Carolina—was an officer in the Service of the united States—and in may 1781 was on the Lines opposite New York—had my Retreat cut of by a party of Refugeas under the command of a Mr Blawvelt—was wounded and taken prisnor—caried in to new York from thence Sent to England—and By my Arrival the wound I had Recieved togather with hard fare I met with had got so Bad that I was obliged to Suffer the Amputation of my Left Leg— which Rendered me Incapible of Returning to my native country till I was Entangled in Debt for common Necessaries of Life— Notwithstanding—I have made frequent applications—to this government— for that Releaf my unhappy situation had an immediate call for—and which I had Reson to Expect—and sorry I am to Say my applications—was of Little Effect— I waited in pirson on the Right Hble. Lord Sydney Late principal Secretary of State &c—and only obtained 10£ Bank Bill—and a passport to go from thence to france— which Sum would not Discharge my Board and Lodgings—my creditors finding that my Situation—immediately arrested me for a Ballence of 40£ and Being in a Strange country could not find Bail But was obliged to go to prison where I still Remain—in a State of missery and Distress— I have Been for three months past without one penney to Support me But Live Entirely on the prison Allowence which is only one penney Bread pr. Day—and have Been obliged to pledge Every Stich of cloathing But what is at present on my Back to Discharge my Lodgings on the Masters Side of the prison—or must Be turned on the common Side of the prison amongst the fellows where thier is no place to Ley Down on But the coald Boards I have Rote to Genl. Conway and was Honored with an Interview By his Aidecamp—and do Expect Something Done for me— But the immediate call I have for Some Assistence for present use Drive me to Look up to you for pity and commisseration—and if convenient to Honor me with an Intervew—that I may communicate the particulars of my unhappy Situation— I shall take it one of the greatest favours in Life—as I am—in prison Hungry without food (Naked without Raiment—and must Say I have not Language to Express my Sufferings— pray Dont fail—if you cannot conveniently Do me the Honor to call on me your Self—for gods sake consider my Distress and Send Some gentleman that will Be So friendly as to Attend to my case—as Speedy as possible—as term Begins this week and if I cannot find Some assistence Between this and tuesday I shall Be plunged further into Missery if possible it can Be So— the Barer of this will wait at the Doar for A verbal answer—and will Return again to me— I most Humbly pray you will Excuse my plain Language—as I can Assure you Distress Render me allmost incencible— your Humanity sir in considering my Distressed Situation—will Lay an Everlasting Obligation on me—and Shall Be most Gratfully Acknowledged—when Ever I can Effect that much wished for object of Returning to my Native country—By— / sir / Your Most Devoted / Much Distressed / Very Hble Servt. &c
          John Dudley


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 4 November 1783
From: Adams, Samuel
To: Adams, John

            My dear Sir
              Boston Novr 4 1783
            Colo John Trumbull, the Son of the worthy Governor of Connecticutt is the Bearer of this Letter. I give the Governor this Epithet, because I think his faithful Services to our Country intitle him to it. Yet even he has undergone the Suspicions of some, unsupported by any solid Reasons that I have heard of. We live in an Age of Jealousy, and it is well enough. I was led to beleive in early Life, that Jealousy is a political Virtue. It has long been an Aporism with me, that it is one of the greatest Securities of publick Liberty. Let the People keep a watchful Eye over the Conduct of their Rulers; for we are told that Great Men are not at all times wise. It would be indeed a Wonder if in any Age or Country they were always honest. There are however some Men among us, who under the Guise of watchful Patriots, are finding Fault with every publick Measure, with a Design to destroy that just Confidence in Government, which is necessary for the Support of those Liberties which we have so dearly purchas’d. Many of your Countrymen besides myself, feel very grateful to you and those of our Negociators who joynd you, in preventing the Tory Refugees from being obtruded upon us— These would certainly have increasd the Number of such Kind of Patriots as I have mentiond; and besides, their Return would have been attended with other mischeivous Effects. Mutual Hatred and Revenge would have occasiond perpetual Quarrels between them & the People & perhaps frequent Bloodshed. Some of them, by Art and Address might gradually recover a Character & in time an Influence, and so become the fittest Instruments in forming Factions either for one foreign Nation or another. We may be in Danger of such Factions, and should prudently expect them. One might venture to predict that they will sooner or later happen. We should therefore guard against the evil Effects of them. I deprecate the most favord Nation predominating in the Councils of America, for I do not beleive there is a Nation on Earth that wishes we should be more free or more powerful than is consistent with their Ideas of their own Interest. Such a disinterested Spirit is not to be found in National Bodies; The World would be more happy if it prevaild more in individual Persons. I will say it for my Countrymen, they are, or seem to be, very grateful. All are ready freely to acknowledge our Obligations to France for the Part she took in our late Contest. There are a few who consider the Advantage derivd to her, by a total Seperation of Britain & the Colonies, which so sagacious a Court doubtless foresaw & probably never lost Sight of. This Advantage was so glaring in the first Stages of our Controversy, that those who then ran the Risque of exciting even an Appeal to Heaven rather than a Submission to British Tyranny, were well perswaded that the Prospect of such an Seperation would induce France to interpose, and do more than she has done if necessary.— America with the Assistance of her faithful Ally has secured and establishd her Liberty & Independence. God be praisd! And some would think it too bold to assert, that France has thereby saved the Being of her great Importance.— But if it be true why may we not assert it? A punctual Fulfillment of Engagements solemnly enterd into by Treaty is the Justice, the Honor & Policy of Nations. If we, who have contracted Debts, were influenced only by Motives of sound Policy, we should pay them assoon as possible & provide sure & adequate Funds for the Payment of Interest in the mean time— When we have done this we shall have the Sense of Independence impressd on our Minds, no longer feeling that State of Inferiority which a wise King tells us the Borrower stands in to the Lender
            Your Negociation with Holland, as “my old Friend” observd, is all your own— The faithful Historian will do Justice to your Merits Perhaps not till you are dead. I would have you reconcile yourself to this Thought. While you live you will probably be the Object of Envy. The leading Characters in this great Revolution will not be fairly marked in the present Age. It will be well if the leading Principles are rememberd long. You, I am sure, have not the Vanity, which Cicero betrayed, when he even urged his Friend Licinius to publish the History of the Detection of Cataline in his Life Time that he might enjoy it. I am far from thinking that Part of History redounds so much to the Honor of the Roman Consul, as the Treaty of Holland does to its American Negociator

            Decr 4th
            I intended to have committed the Care of the foregoing Letter to Mr Trumbull, but when he called on me I was confind to my Chamber by severe bodily Indisposition unable to attend even to the lightest Business. I am still kept at home, but hope soon to be abroad. Mr Jonn Jackson will deliver this to you if he meets you in London, other wise he will convey it by some safe hand. When I shall be certain of your being appointed for London, I will write to you as often as I can.— May Heaven bless you My Friend as I am / affectionately yours


Title: To John Adams from Robert Morris, 5 November 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Adams, John

          Sir
            Office of Finance 5th: Novr. 1783
          I am honored with your Excellency’s favor, of the twenty eighth of July, from Amsterdam; for which I pray you to accept my Acknowlegements. I am perfectly in Sentiment with you, that it is best to avoid Governmental Interference in the Affair of our Loan. If there were no other Reason, I should not like the Demand of grateful Acknowlegement which would be erected on that Foundation. We hear enough already of our National Obligations, and I most heartily wish, for my own Part, that we could at once acquit them all, even to the uttermost farthing; for I seriously beleive that both Nations and Individuals, generally, prove better friends when no Obligations can be charged, nor Acknowlegements and Retributions claimed on either Side.—
          I am also very strongly in Opinion with you that Remittances from this Country would greatly uphold our Credit in Europe, for in Mercantile Life nothing vivify’s Credit like Punctuality and Plentiousness of Remittance. The Plan you propose to obtain them, might also be attended with some good Consequences, but there are Impediments in the Way of it’s Success, which it would be tedious to Detail, and which indeed you could not be so perfectly Master of without being on the Spot. I shall not therefore go into that Matter at present, and the more especially as we have now good Hopes that the Plan of Congress will be adopted by the States— Last Evening, I received advice that Massachusetts had acceded; and I have a double Pleasure in announcing this to you, as they certainly would not have come in but for the Sentiments contained in your Letters. Let me then, my dear Sir, most heartily congratulate you on those virtuous Emotions which must swell your Bosom at the Reflection that you have been the able, the useful, and (what is above all other Things) the honest Servant of a Republic indebted to you in a great Degree for her first Efforts at independent Existence— That you may long live to enjoy these pleasing Reflections which flow from the Memory of an Active and beneficial Exercise of Time and Talents, is the sincere Wish of / Your most Obedient / and / Humble Servant
          Robt Morris


Title: To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 5 November 1783
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir.
            Weymouth Novr. 5. 1783—
          The Pleliminary Articles of Peace, Cessation of Hostilities &C were not announced here by Authority untill sometime in April last, from whence I conclude that Congress did not recieve Dispatches from their Ministers before the latter End of March or beginning of April. Their Confirmation of these Doings of their Ministers was not (I am informed) forwarded to France untill the middle of April and we hear that they were not received before the latter End of July or beginning of August, which must have retarded the signing of the definitive Treaty, A Matter which we have been anxiously concerned about and the Delay of which has occasioned many Speculations— But late Accounts from England give us Reason to conclude that it was signed the 3d Septr. last— If this Business is compleated I hope We shall e’er long have the Pleasure of seeing You in America—
          Since the Cessation of Hostilities, Boston Harbour has been (too well) filled with foreign Vessells— Foreigners are fond of our Money and we are disposed to indulge them: We shall soon gratify them with our current Cash, and when we have got rid of that volatile and seducing Guest, we shall grow serious— I feel most intolerably chagrined to hear my Countrymen complain of Burdens Debts Taxes &C when the unnecessary Articles & Toys brought from abroad and sold here would more than pay their Taxes And it may be asserted and I believe with Truth, that since the Cessation of Hostilities, Vessells from England France Spain Holland Denmark & Sweden have carried from this State more solid Money than would pay a fifth Part of its Proportion of the Continental Debt and still more has been carried from Philadelphia—
          Congress calls upon the States for Cash, the States upon the People, and the People complain of Burdens and Scarcity of Money— This Game played by the People much longer, will play away the Honor, Dignity and Faith of the United States— But I trust it will not— There is a Crisis to all human Affairs— There must be Time for a People thrown into a Chaotic State by War, into a State of Confusion and seduced to a State of Profusion by a pernicious Paper Currency, to emerge and rise into order regain their former Habits and adopt just, solid and aeconomical Principles— In all Nations Complaint of Taxes is a common Topic. It is not surprizing it should be so here, where a People have sustained an expensive War and for which they were almost wholly unprovided—and have been unused to Public Debts of any great Magnitude— it will take some Time to convince them of their Ability to discharge them, but this I trust will after a while be effected. And if prudent Measures are taken, the public Debts will be discharged in a much shorter Time, than has been by some of our Enemies predicted or even imagined by many of our Friends. Congress must be cloathed with a Power, sufficient to bring the Wealth & Strength of the United States to a Point— the Necessity of this seems to be dayly more and more attended to— the more we are Concerned in National Matters, the more we shall see the necessity of some controuling Power over the whole, that shall be competent to the Preservation of the Faith Honor and Interest of the Nation: without this it appears to me to be idle to think of subsisting as a Nation of any great Importance— It has been asserted and I believe with great Truth, That the unappropriated Lands belonging to the Public will if sold at a moderate Price produce a Sum exceeding the continental Debt, but suppose We had no Lands for that Purpose the common Taxes with a judicious Impost and Excise would in Ten or Fifteen Years clear us of Debt—

          Congress has once & again recommended Imposts, the last Recommendation was laid before the Genl Court in May Sessions, it would have been readily complied with, had not the Appropriation of the Revenue included that part of the national Debt, which came under the Head of Commutation to the Officers of the Army in Lieu of half Pay for Life— This was a grievous Matter— Half Pay for Life or even Commutation said the opposers, is directly opposed to the Principles & Spirit of a free Republic and the Granting of it was a Stretch of Power unconstitutional &C— Be this as it will, Times & Circumstances have been such and are such at present as to convince the more judicious Part of the Community of the Necessity of making full and ample Provision according to the Spirit & Tenor of the Resolves of Congress, This Sessions past over without accomplishing the Point. In September Sessions which ended the 28th ulto. it was taken up again and a Bill passed for laying an Impost as recommended by Congress, the money raised by it to be collected by Collectors appointed by the Legislature they to be accountable to Congress and the Mony to be paid into the Treasury of the United States for discharging the Interest & Principal of the National Debt— I hope the other States will speedily fall into this Measure and I apprehend Necessity will oblige them to it—
          You have no doubt heard of an high Insult offered in July last to Congress by 3 or 400 of the Pensylvania Line, they were chiefly new Recruits and headed by Serjeants an they surrounded the House in which Congress sat and under the same Roof, the ExPresident and Council of Pensylvania; they placed Guards at every Door, & demanded of Congress (with Threats) past Pay, Rations &C The Executive of Pensylvania had timely Notice of their Design, But they deliberated on their Power and the Expediency of calling out the Militia untill they were surrounded—& for some Hours were confined with Congress, after a while the Insurgents were by some People without Doors perswaded to withdraw their Guards & retire— Congress upon this removed to Trenton and it is hoped by all Friends to the Sovereignty of the United States that they never will set again at Philadelphia— This extraordinary Affair has not a little awakened the Attention of the People and I hope in the Issue will be productive of much Good— Gen. Washington upon the first Notice detached a Corps to quell secure the Insurgents but before they had arrived, the Pensylvanian Soldiers had become sensible of their Folly & sued for Pardon, the Ring Leaders were taken, some of them condemned—& have since been pardoned by Congress— at Philadelphia they wish to cast a Veil over this disgraceful Scene, but it will leave an indelible Stain on their Government— If their Executive is incompetent to the Protection of the sovereign representative Body of the United States from Insult, It is high Time, that they have their Residence in some State where the Authority of the Government is adequate to that Purpose— This is a Story that will not sound well abroad—but We shall profit by it—
          Our last Accounts are that Congress have resolved, to hold their Seat hereafter alternately in the Jerseys & Maryland— Great offers of Territory, Jurisdiction &C have been made by a Number of States to Congress to procure its Residence in their respective States—
          I wrote to You in June last, requesting Your Sentiments upon the 5th & 6th. preliminary Articles of Peace, how far they are absolutely binding upon the States, whether the whole of the 5th. is merely recommendatory by Congress to the several Legislatures to be by them decided upon, In what Light the concluding part of the 5th. is to be considered Viz “and it is agreed that all Persons who have any Interest in confiscated Lands either by Debts, Marriage Settlements or otherwise, shall meet with no lawful Impediment in the Prosecution of their just Rights.” Is the 6th. Article positive and binding? I pray You by the first Conveyance to send me Your Comment upon these Matters and give me Your Opinion How far the Articles respecting Refugees Tories &C are binding
          This matter will probably come before the Genl. Court in the Winter Sessions, hitherto the Consideration of it has not been recommended by Congress, having been deferred till the Signing of the definitive Treaty— Congress will shortly sit at Annapolis in Maryland and will return to the Jerseys as soon as a proper Plan and Accommodations are provided— Our present Delegates are Messrs. Gerry, Partridge, Osgood, Sullivan & Danielson—
          Before this You will (I trust) have received Intelligence of the Death of our pious worthy and amiable Friend & Relation Revd. Mr Smith on the 17th. of Septr. last—of which I gave You Notice in a Letter sent in October by a Vessell bound to France— This will probably come by Monsr. Feron who has for several Years resided in Boston as chief Surgeon & Physician to the French Kings Troops & Hospital, The Physicians of that Town speak of him with much Respect, as a Man of great Modesty & Ingenuity, amiable in his Manners and learned in his Profession— As he purposes for Paris, Our Medical Society will transmit by him sundry Letters One for his Excellency J. A. who richly deserves our Warmest Thanks for his kind & friendly endeavours to promote the Interest of the Society— The Society at their last Meeting passed a Vote of Thanks which you will receive You have also my particular Thanks— Our Connections are well, they sincerely wish Yr Return to America, if consistent with the great Objects of Your mission, none does so more sincerely than / Yr Affectionate Friend & Very H Svt
          C. T


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 9 November 1783
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress

          Sir
            London November 9th. 1783.
          About the fourteenth of September I was seized at Paris with a Fever, which proved to be a dangerous one, and brought me, very low, so that I was unable to attend to any business for some time.— on the twentieth of October, in Pursuance of the Advice of my Friends, I sett out from Auteuil a Village in the Neighbourhood of Passy for London, which City I reach’d by slow Journeys, the twenty sixth. I found my strength increase as I advanced, and my Health is so much improved that I am perswaded the last sickness has been of Service to me, having never enjoyed since my great sickness at Amsterdam, so good Health as at Present. Mr: Jay had sett off for London, about ten days before me; and since my arrival, we have been much together, and have found every thing agreeable, notwithstanding the innumerable, and incessant Lyes, and Nonsense of the Newspapers.
          As I came here in a private Capacity altogether, I have not visited any one of the Ministers, nor any one of the foreign Ambassadors, and I am inclined to think upon the whole that I shall not, unless we should receive the Commission to treat of Commerce, which Congress resolved on, the first of last May, while I stay here.
          The Whig Part of the Present Administration are much embarassed with the Tory Part and their Refugees: so that the spirit of the present administration, I must in duty say is not so friendly to the United States as it ought to be, for Want of Powers however, We can reduce nothing to a Certainty. we expect every day to receive our Commission and Instructions.
          Mr: Hartley thinks himself impowered to finish the Business with us, by his former Commission. The Ministry are of the same Opinion; And it is no doubt true. So that as soon as our Commission and Instructions arrive, we shall enter upon the Conferences.— But whether we shall go to Paris, or Dr: Franklin will come here, at present I know not. The Negotiation, I am perswaded, would succeed better here than at Paris.
          I have the honour to be with great Respect, Sir, your / most obedient, and most humble Servant.
          John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to the Second Congregational Church of Newport, Rhode Island, 12 November 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Newport, Rhode Island, Second Congregational Church

          Gentlemen
            London November 12th. 1783.
          I duely received the Letter you did me the Honour to write me on the 26th. of May with two addresses inclosed one to the Ministers and Churches of the reformed in Holland, the other to those in France, and it should have been answered sooner had not a long Sickness prevented.— I am duely Sensible of the Honour, you do me, Gentlemen by confiding this benevolent Office to my Care, and it would give me great Pleasure to be able to give you encouragement to hope for Success: but Solicitations of this Kind are consider’d so differently in America, and in Europe, that an appointment which would be considered as very honourable in the former is regarded in the latter in a different Light. this difference of Sentiment is so real and so serious, that in the opinion of others, as well as in my own, it is inconsistent with the publick Character I have at present the honour to hold under the United States for me to accept of this.— It is agreed on all hands that my Name appearing in this Business would do a great Injury to the Loan of which I have the Care in Holland; so that I must beg the favour of you, Gentlemen, to make my Apology to the Second Congregational Church in Newport for declining a Trust, which my Regard to their Constitution as well as their Welfare, and my personal Respect for you would have induced me to accept with Pleasure had it been compatible with my Duty.
          On occasion of a great Fire in Charlestown formerly and of an application of Dartmouth Colledge lately I have seen that there is such a degree of Ridicule attends such solicitations of Benevolence in Europe, that I cannot advise you to expect any Relief in this way: if you were to send an agent on Purpose, in my opinion he would not obtain enough to pay his Expences.
          With great Esteem and Respect I have the Honour to be / Gentlemen, your most obedient, and most humble Servant.
          John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Charles Chauncy, 12 November 1783
From: Chauncy, Charles
To: Adams, John

          Honorable Sir,
            Boston Novr. 12th. 1783.
          I heartily congratulate you upon the peace, and your instrumentality in order to its being so advantagious an one to these states. I trust, they will not be forgetful to honor and reward you for your eminent services, which have gained you the highest reputation both here and abroad.
          The more special occasion of my now writing to you is, to bespeak your endeavours, so far as you may think proper, to serve the honorable John Temple, who is going to England. His view in going is, partly to render some assistance in forming a commercial treaty, (if not yet done) for wch he is well qualified, as he was for many years at the head of the custom office, and therefore knows more of our commercial affairs than perhaps any one else: But what he principally aims at is, to get ample and honorable reparation for the injustice done him heretofore by the then British Ministry.— It would be good policy to grant him this reparation, and might have a salutary effect in this Country, as his friends and connections here are neither few in number, nor inconsiderable in rank and consequence. So far as it may lay with you to assist him in his proposed designs, your exertions would be gratefully accepted by his connections, and by him, who, wth all due respect, is, wth thousands of individuals here, / your obliged humble Servt.
          Charles Chauncy

            P. S. Mr Temple has been infamously persecuted by a party here, meerly fm Envy, or something worse; but hath at last come off victoriously, and now leaves the party in disgrace wth all honest men for their base and wicked attempt agt. him.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 13 November 1783
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress

          Sir
            London November 13. 1783.
          If any one should ask me what is the System of the present administration? I should answer, “to keep their places”— Every Thing they say or do appears evidently calculated to that End, and no Ideas of public Good no national Object is suffered to interfere with it.
          In order to drive out Shelburne, they condemned his Peace which all the Whig Part of them, would have been very glad to have made, and have gloried in the Advantages of it. in order to avail themselves of the old Habits and Prejudices of the Nation, they now pretend to cherish the Principles of the Navigation act, and the King has been advised to recommend this in his Speech, & the Lords have echoed it, in very strong terms.
          The Coalition appears to stand on very strong Ground, the Lords, and great Commoners, who compose it, count a great Majority, of Members of the House of Commons, who are returned by themselves, every one of whom is a dead Vote. They are endeavouring to engage the Bedford Interest with them, in order to strengthen themselves still more, by perswading Thurloe to be again Chancellor, and Mr: Pitt, whose personal Popularity and Family Weight with the Nation, is very desirable for them, is tempted with the Place of Chancellor of the Exchequer which Lord John Cavendish from mere Aversion to Business, wishes to resign.
          While they are using such means to augment their Strength, they are manifestly intimidated at the sight of those great national Objects, which they know not how to manage; Ireland is still in a State of Fermentation, throwing off the Admiralty Post office, and every other relick of British Parliamentary Authority, and contending for a free Importation of their Woollen Manufactures into Portugal, for the Trade to the East Indies, to the United States of America and all the rest of the World. in as ample manner as the English enjoy these Blessings the Irish Volunteers are also contending for a Parliamentary Reform, and a more equal Representation in their House of Commons, and are assembling by their Delegates in a Congress at Dublin to accomplish it. This Rivalry of Ireland is terrible to the Ministry. They are supposed to be at Work to sow Jealousies and Divisions between the Protestants and Catholics in Ireland.
          The East Indies exhibit another Scene, which will be formidable to the Ministers Here center the Hopes of England; and it is certain that no System can be pursued which will give universal Satisfaction— Some require the Government to take that whole Country into their own Hands others demand aids in Cash, and Troops to the Company: Opposition will be first formed probably upon Indian affairs.
          Public Credit, is the greatest Object of all— The necessary annual Expence, comprehending the Interest of the whole national Debt funded and unfunded, and the Peace establishment, will amount to near Seventeen Millions: the annual Receipts of Taxes have never yet amounted to Thirteen Millions: Here will be a deficiency then of near four Millions a year: which will render an annual Loan necesary, untill the debt will be so increased and the Stocks so sunk, that no Man will lend his Money— The Judicious, call upon Ministers for a Remedy and will embarass them with their Reproaches: but the Stock Jobbers are more numerous than the Judicious and more noisy. These live upon loans, and as long as Ministers borrow twelve Millions a Year, and employ the Stockjobbers to raise it, however certainly the Measure tends to Ruin, their Clamours will be for Ministers. an enormous Loan is the most popular Thing a Statesman can undertake so certain is the Bankruptcy of this Country. opposition will declame upon this Topick, but will make no Impression.
          The United States of America, are another Object of Debate. if an Opposition should be formed, and concerted, I presume, that one fundamental of it, will be a Liberal Conduct towards us. they will be very profuse in Professions of Respect and affection for Us Will pretend to wish for Measures which may throw a veil over the past and restore, as much as possible the ancient good will. They will be advocates for some freedom of Communication with the West Indies, and for our having an equitable share of that carrying Trade &c.
          Administration on the other hand I am confident will with great difficulty be perswaded to abandon the mean contemptible Policy which their Proclamations exhibit.
          In my humble Opinion the only suitable Place for us to negotiate the Treaty in is London— Here with the most perfect politeness to the Ministry, we may keep them in awe, a Visit to a distinguished Member of Opposition, even if nothing should be said at it, would have more Weight with Ministers than all our Arguments— Mr: Jay is I believe, of the same opinion: But we shall not conduct the Negotiation here, unless Dr: Franklin should come over: indeed if Congress should join us in a Commission to treat with other Powers, in my opinion, we might conduct the Business better here than at Paris— I shall however chearfully conform to the sentiments of my Colleagues.
          The Delay of the Commission is to me a great embarassment, I know not whether to stay here return to Paris or the Hague. I hope every moment to receive advices from Congress which will resolve me.
          I receiv’d yesterday a Letter from Mr: Hartley, with the Compliments of Mr: Fox and that he should be glad to see me, proposing the hour of Eleven to day which I agreed to. Mr: Jay saw him, one day this Week. Mr: Jay made him, and the Duke of Portland a Visit on his first Arrival.— they were not at home But he never heard from them untill my arrival, ten days or a fortnight after. informed of this, I concluded not to visit them and did not. But after a very long time, and indeed after Mr: Hartley’s return from Bath, Messages have been sent to Mr: Jay & me that Mr: Fox would be glad to see us.— it is merely for Form, and to prevent a Cry against him in Parliament for not having seen us, for not one Word was said to Mr: Jay of publick affairs, nor will a word be said to me.
          The real Friendship of America seems to me the only Thing which can redeem this Country from total Destruction: there are a few who think so, here, and but a few and the present Ministers are not among them: or at least, if they are of this Opinion, they conceal it, and behave as if they thought America of small Importance. The Consequence will be, that little Jealousies and Rivalries, & Resentments will be indulged, which will do essential injury to this Country as they happen, and they will end in another War, in which will be torn from this Island all her Possessions in Canada, Nova Scotia, and the East and west Indies.
          With great Respect I have the honour to be, Sir / your most obedient, and most humble Servant
          John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from James Warren, 15 November 1783
From: Warren, James
To: Adams, John

          My Dear Sir,
            Milton Novemr 15th: 1783.
          Since my last which went in a French Brigt: by way of Nantes, Copy of which you have above, Nothing Material has taken place, except a Resolution of Congress to erect Buildings & to reside alternately on the Delaware & Potowmack, & in the mean Time they have adjourn’d to Annapolis on the 12th Instant,— this is consider’d by the Patriots as a Triumph. Our Friend Gerry thinks the Measure will have Beneficial, & Extensive, Consequences, & particularly that, it will strengthen the Union, & Confidence of the Southern, & Northern States;— It will at least embarrass those Measures which had been so successful while Congress sat at Philadelphia, & which would have been fully executed had it return’d there again.— The last Ships from London bring us Advices that the definitive Treaty was sign’d the beginning of Septemr: but no Official Account is yet Arriv’d,—nor do we hear any Thing of the Commercial Treaty,— I can suppose that many Difficulties attend that Business— Mr Temple who goes for England and designs to go also to France takes this, and will hand or forward it to You,— I think he has been use’d here very hardly,— Our G——r and his Tools have been the Immediate Actors, whether their Conduct Originated from their Own little, narrow Policy, or is deriv’d from a higher Source I don’t know,— for my Part I have not a Single Reason to suppose he ever did, or ever wished to injure this Country, and he certainly has done it Service in some Instances, and for some Cause or Other has suffer’d greatly,— You will probably see him, & hear his Account of the whole Matter;— His principal Veiws in going to Europe are to endeavour to get from the present Ministry some compensation for the Losses he sustain’d by a former Administration,—& to see and bring Dr Franklin to an explicit Declaration with respect to the Letters;— I wish him Success in both,— If it be convenient for You to give him any Assistance, You will in my Opinion do Service to an honest Man, and oblige those who think him so— Your Lady & Daughter spent the Day with us Yesterday, You will probably have it under their own Hands by this Oppertunity that they are well— I am, with great Respect, / Yr Friend & Hble: Servt:
          J Warren


Title: To John Adams from John Dudley, 19 November 1783
From: Dudley, John
To: Adams, John

          Honble. sir
            No. 2 Fleet prison 19 Novr. 1783—
          I have taken frequent Liberties in troubleing you with Letters stating my Distressed Situation and Soliciting your Intrest in my behalf—am Exceeding sorry to think from your not taking any notice of my necessity—and from some small Hints given me—there is a Susspition arose—that I was not in the Service of the united States or if that I was—Since which, I might have been in the British Service—from which, I feal myself much more distressed in mind—than what I have been under all my other Sufferings—as I Can verrally say I have Ever since the commencment of the Late War been an Advocate for America have faught and bleed under there Coulars, though, at Last had the hard Misfortune to fall into the hands of the British which would not have been the case had I not been wounded on Howbuck Island New Jersey—which wound has Since caused the amputation of my Left Leg—and that I can make it appear that Every application I have made to British government for any assistence has been under the Charector of a prisnor of war and never was Looked on in any other Light by this government—copies of my Letters to the Secretaries of States office I have now in my own hands and the Origenal Letters may be found or answered for at the office—and to gard against any thing that might Injure my Charector as an American I am Truly Anxious to give Every Satisfaction that may Be Necessary on the Subject—and if agreeable to you to hear the particulars I will on friday or Saterday Morning obtain a Day Rule and call on you—when if any thing of the kind Should be found against me I shall never have the presumption to ask any Assistince or Even Expect it But would think But Just if I was Sent confind to Amireca and there Suffer as a crimenal— I Donot wish to take the Liberty of waiting on you without priveous Leave So that a verbal answer By the Barer will Lay an Everlasting obligation on— / Honble. sir / Your Most Devoted / Much Distressed / Very Hble Servt. &
          John Dudley


Title: From John Adams to Antoine Marie Cerisier, 20 November 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Cerisier, Antoine Marie

          Sir
            London Nov. 20. 1783
          Before I left Paris I wrote you, at the Desire of the Abby De Mably, on the Subject of his Letters to me, concerning our American Constitutions,. I have heard nothing more about them. Pray be So good as to let me know what Progress you make in printing them. address your Letters to me, under Cover to Mr Joshua Johnson, on great Tower Hill, or to Mr John Stockdale, opposite Burlington House Piccadelly.
          I have been here with my son, now these 3 or four Weeks, and have found agreable Company and curious Sights enough.— I hope it will not be many Months before I see you—But I hope to hear from you first.
          Yours John Adams