Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 13 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

The Hague June 13. 1782
Sir

I had Yesterday, at Amsterdam, the Honour of receiving your Excellencys Letter of June 2.
The Discovery that Mr Grenvilles Power, was only to treat with France does not Surprize me, at all. The British Ministry, are too much divided among themselves, and have too formidable an opposition against them, in the King and the old Ministers, and are possessed of too little of the Confidence of the Nation, to have the Courage to make Concessions, of any Sort, especially Since the News of their Successes in the East and West Indies.
What their Pride will end in, God only knows. For my own Part, I cannot See, a Probability, that they will ever make Peace, untill their Financies are ruined and such Distresses brought upon them as will work up their Parties into a civil War.
I wish their Ennemies could by any means be perswaded to carry on the War against them in Places where they might be sure of Tryumphs, instead of insitsing upon pursuing it, where they are Sure of Defeats. But We must take Patience, and wait for Time to do, what Wisdom might easily and Soon do.
I have not as yet taken any Engagements with the Dutch not to make a Peace without them, but I will take such Engagements, in a moment if the Dutch will take them, and I believe they will chearfully. I shall not propose it however untill I have the Concurrence of the Duke de la Vauguion who will do nothing without the Instructions of his Court. I would not delay it, a moment from any Expectation that the English, will acknowledge our Independence and make Peace with Us, because I have no such Expectations. I confess, it would be with infinite Reluctance that I should see a Peace made between England and any of her Ennemies, unless it is made with all. If France, Spain and America should make Peace with England, and leave Holland alone at War, she would be at Mercy, and she would find the tenderest of it, Cruelty.
The permanent and lasting Friendship of the Dutch, may be easily obtained by the United States; that of England never. It is gone with the days before the Flood. If we ever enjoy the Smallest degree of Sincere Friendship again from England I am totally incapable of Seeing the Character of a Nation or the Connections of Things, which however may be the Case, for what I know. They have brought themselves by their Frenzy into Such a Situation. Spain has such Pretensions, Holland has Such Pretensions, America has Such Pretensions, the Armed Neutrality has Such Pretensions, that where is the English Minister, or Member of Parliament that dares to vote for the Concession to them? The Pretensions of France I believe would be so moderate that possibly, they might be acceeded to. But I fear that Spain who deserves the least will demand the most. In Short the Work of Peace appears So impracticable, that I am happy in being restrained to this Country by my Duty and by this means excused from troubling my Head much about it. I have a Letter from America which informed me that Mr Jay had refused to Act in the Commission for Peace: but if he is on his Way to Paris, as you suppose I presume, my Information must be a Mistake, which I am very glad of. Mr Laurens, did me the Honour of a very short Visit, in his Way to France, but I was very Sorry to learn from him, that in a Letter to your Excellency he had declined Serving in the Commission for Peace. I had vast Pleasure in his Conversation, for I found him possessed of the most exact Judgment respecting our Ennemies, and of the Same noble Sentiments in all things, which I Saw in him in Congress.
What is the System of Russia? Does she Suppose that England has too many Ennemies upon her, and that their demands and Pretensions are too high? Does she Seek to embroil affairs and to light up a general War in Europe? Is Denmark in Concert with her, or any other Power? Her Conduct is a Phenomenon. Is there any Secret Negotiation or Intrigue on Foot, to form a Party for England among the Powers of Europe, and to make a Ballance, against the Power of the Ennemies of England?
The States of Holland and several other Provinces have taken the Resolutions, against the Mediation for a Seperate Peace, and this nation seems to be well fixed in its System and in the common Cause.

My best Respects and Affections to my old Frid Mr Jay, if you please.


Title: From John Adams to John Hodshon, 13 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Hodshon, John

The Hague 13 June 1782
Sir

I called the day before Yesterday at your House, but had not the good Fortune to find you at home. My Business was to pay you my Respects, and to present you my Sincere Thanks for your Kindness and Politeness to me, in assisting my Removal from Amsterdam to the Hague, and to pay you the Expence of it. But not finding you at home and being obliged to return to the Hague, I do myself the Honour to write you this Letter for the Same Purposes, and to beg the favour of you to make out the Account and I shall desire a Gentlemen to call on you to discharge it.
I have further, Sir to beg of you to accept of my Thanks for the generous and Gentlemanlike manner, in which you conducted in the whole affair of the Loan, especially in nobly releasing me, from my Engagements with you, if upon Enquiry I should find I could do better for the publick. I am very Sorry to have been the innocent occasion of giving you any disagreable feelings upon this occasion; but I found that a Party Spirit, and very disagreable altercations would have been the Consequence of persevering, and upon the whole I thought it would be better for you as well as the publick, to proceed with the Society, who now have the Loan under their direction.
But Justice and Gratitude will forever oblige me to Say, that your Conduct through the whole Affair, was that of a Man of Honour, a Gentleman and a true Friend of the United States of America.

I have the Honour to be, with great Respect and Esteem, sir your most obedient &c


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 13 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)

The Hague June 13. 1782
Gentlemen

I must beg the Favour of you, to call on Send to Mr De Neufville, and pay him, an Account he has against the United States, for Services done under my Direction amounting to better than 2000 Guilders, and take his Receipt upon the Account and charge it in your Books to the United States of America. He has also a Small an Account against me in my private Capacity, to which should be added the Expence of two frames for Portraits, one of General Washington and one of my son. This I beg you to discharge and place it, to my private Account. I am indebted also for half a Years Rent, of my House in Amsterdam, and as I had hired it for another Year, I am afraid it is not let for so much as I contracted to give. I would beg the favour of you, Gentlemen to compound this matter with the owners of the House, pay the Money and charge it to my private Account.
I am also indebted to Mr John Hodshon, for assisting me, with Boats, Workmen, and accommodations in my Removal from Amsterdam to the Hague, I must beg the favour of you to discharge that Account also, and place it to my private Account. I hope you will excuse me, for desiring to give you this Trouble, with my private affairs, but the publick service would not admit of my Staying long enough in Amsterdam to arrange them myself.

I have the Honour to be


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 13 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)

The Hague June 13. 1782
Gentlemen

There is a Person, by the Name of Joseph Stevens in Amsterdam, a Native of America, who has attended me, through many a dangerous Voyage and painful Journey; but who has fallen in Love with and married a young Woman in Amsterdam, which obliged him to leave my service. I wish well to the Man, and should be glad to assist him if it were in my Power, in getting a Living. But I knew of no better Way, than to beg the favour of you, Gentlemen to employ him, in any of your Affairs, where you can conveniently employ him, to his Benefit, without any Detriment to yourselves. He is well acquainted with Americans and may perhaps be usefull to you. This however, I only submit to your Consideration, and remain, your respectfull humble servant

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 13 June 1782
From: Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 13 June 1782
Sir

Hereby we’ve the honour to hand your Excellency the English Copy of the Bond, which you was pleased to desire for your perusal. We hope to send you soon the printed bonds for signing, and also the authentic copys, which are to be send to Congres for ratification.
Since Messs. Willink and De La Lande & Fynje were occupied with other Business, they had no opportunity to sign this letter, which we beg to excuse, and to accept the assurances of their Esteem, as also of the sincerest and humble considerations from Sir Your most humble, and Most obedient Servants

Nics. & Jacob van Staphorst


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 14 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

The Hague, 14 June 1782. RC (PCC, No. 84, IV, f. 89–93). LbC (Adams Papers). printed: Wharton, Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, ed. Francis Wharton, Washington, D.C., 1889; 6 vols., 5:493–494. Livingston received this letter on 11 Sept. (PCC, No. 185, III, f. 41).
In it, JA informed him that Russia, in pursuit of its objective of a separate Anglo-Dutch peace, had asked France to relax its opposition to such a settlement. JA then included the French text of France’s response to the proposition. France appreciated Russia’s concern but declared that it was inappropriate for either the French or the Russian governments to seek to influence the Dutch. Arguing national sovereignty, the French stated, somewhat disingenuously, that if the Netherlands should wish to honor their relationship with their French allies by not undertaking a separate peace, then Russia must recognize that it would be inappropriate for France to divert them from such a resolution. In the PCC, France’s response is given in the original French and is followed by an English translation by John Pintard. In the letterbook copy, however, the French response is translated into English. There is no indication as to why JA included the French text but not the translation in the recipient’s copy, since both it and the letterbook copy are wholly in JA’s hand.


Title: To John Adams from John Hodshon, 14 June 1782
From: Hodshon, John
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 14 June 1782
His Excellencÿ

As Mess: de Neufville & Son have at Last applied to the Shippers of Capt: Cazneaús Vessel There was a meeting at my Lawyers hoúse on That búsines, when on my retúrn home were sorry to find yoúr Excellency had Calld, and not expecting yoúr Excellencys departure would have been so sudden, was The occasion my not paying yoúr Excellency a vizit That evening, and on sending the next morning were Told yoúr Excellency returnd to the Hagúe.
From were yoúr Excellencÿs pleases to honnoúr me with a most polite Letter, for which praÿ yoúr Excellency to accept my most warmest Thanks and shal Think my self ever happy to preserve yoúr Excellencys esteem and regard.
Agreable to your Excellencys wishes enclosed The reckoning paid the man and rent of the Trunks In all f37:12. If at any Time are Capable to be usefull to yoúr Excellencÿ pray Command and no one wil be more ready to Execute yoúr Commands then him whome begs Leave to subscribe to be with reverence and esteem Your Excellency most obliged & obt servt

John Hodshon


Title: Enclosure: An Account, 31 May 1782
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

His Excellency John Adams Esqr: his Account Current with John de Neufville & Son.

Debtor:

1780

May 30
To amount of sundries sent to the Honble: Lady Adams Pr: the Brig Hannah Captn: Haydon
f
 364:
 18:
 —

1781

July 16
To do: Pr: the Ship Minerva Captn: Brown
″
 392:
 19:
 —

″
To Cash pd: Frans P: Vergendo for silks &c as Acct. of 14 June
″
 136:
 10:
 —

″
To do: Pd: J: DeLanoy for silk Handfs: as  do: 16 do
″
 199:
 15:
 —

″
To do Larwood Van Hasselt & Co: for Postage of a parcell Letters and papers via Gottenburg
″
 12:
 4:
 —

Decemr: 20

To so much, paid by Major Jackson to his Excellency’s son at Bilboa
Bco f.250:
 —

Agio 5  Ct.
″  12:
 10:
 —

″
 262:
 10:
 —

1782

May 26
To Cash paid by Mr Fjasink of Plymouth to the following prisoners in Mill prison.

  Jerh: Bass
 }

  J: Field
 A guinea each £5:5:

  S Curtis
  35
 Bco f55:
 2:

  B Newcomb
Agio 5  Ct
″  2:
 15:
 ″
 57:
17:
 —

  Edwd: Saville

31
To postage of Letters and parcells from Octr: 1780 to this day
″
 256:
 12:
 —

″
To Amt of Disbursemts: relative to the Loan open’d by His Excellency the first March 1781 as  Acct
″
 2315:
 10:
 —

f
 3998:
 15:
 —

Credt:

1781

May 7
by a Remittance of the honorable Lady Adams on Doctr B: Franklin Dollars 100 or £500 To: Exchange a 51 3/4
Bo f215:
 12:
 8

Agio 4 3/4  Ct
 ″ 10:
 5:
 —

f
 225:
 17:
 8

1782

May 31
By Ballance due to us
″
 3772:
 17:
 8

f
 3998:
 15:
 —

Errors ExceptedAmsterdam 31 May 1782John de Neufville Son


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 14 June 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 14 June 1782
Sir

We take the liberty to pray your Excellency to inform us, if Autruchian, Danish, prussian Ships shall be received in America, and permitted to unLoad and Load again for their return, we beg pardon of troubling your Excellency with this question because we’d not Load in Such Colours if we are not assured they’ll be admitted in America to unLoad.
We have the honour to remain with respectfull Consideration Sir Your Excellency’s most Humble & Obedt Servants

Wilhem & Jan Willink

We receive together just now, your Excellency’s favours, both together, to the contents of whch. we Shall pay due Respect.


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 15 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

No. 13.
The Hague June 15. 1782
Sir

This Morning, I made a Visit to the Grand Pensionary Mr Van Bleiswick, and had a long Conference with him concerning the Plan of a Treaty of Commerce, which is now under Consideration, and endeavoured to remove some of his objections, and to explain to him the Grounds and Reasons of certain Articles which have been objected to by others—particularly the Article which respects France and that which respects Spain. He made Light of most of the Objections which had been Stated to the Plan and thought it would be easy to agree upon it but there must be time for the Cities to deliberate.
I asked him, if they did not intend to do us the Honour, Soon of Sending an Ambassador to Congress? and Consuls, at least to Boston and Philadelphia. He thought it would be very proper—but Said they had some difficulty in finding a Man, who was suitable, and at the Same time willing to undertake so long a Voyage. I asked him, if it would not be convenient to send a Frigate to America, to carry the Treaty, their Ambassador and Consuls all together, when all should be ready? He Said he could not Say whether a Frigate could be Spared.
Very well, says I Smiling, and pointing to the Prince’s Picture, I’le go and make my Court to His Highness and pray him to send a Frigate to Philadelphia, with a Treaty an Ambassador and two Consuls, and to take under her Convoy all Merchant Vessells ready to go. Excellent says he, Smiling, I wish you good Luck.
We had a great deal of Conversation too concerning Peace, but as I regard all this as idle, it is not worth while to repeat it. When a Minister shall appear, at Paris or elsewhere with Full Powers from the King of England to treat with the United States of America, I shall think there is Something more than Artifice to raise the Stocks and lay Snares for Sailors to be caught by Press Gangs.

I have the Honour to be.


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 20 June 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels June 20th. 1782
Sir

I have the Honour of having recived your Excellencys Letters of the 1st and 7th Instant.
My Friend B cannot tell me any thing more of the Anonymous Letter, but that He receivd it by the foreign post, and that it cost 10 d. The post mark does not appear on it. B had sent a Copy of it to Mr L. It was therefore the Subject of a Conversation between us. Wherein He declared his Disbeliff, and thorough Contempt of its Contents. I Obeyed your Excellencys Injunction, not to mention any thing containd in your Letter of the 7th altho I wished to do it, and I did not moreover mention that your Excellency Knew any thing of such anonymous Letter having been Sent.
Mr L. Staid here a week, during which his Health was visibly established. He left this place last Friday on his Journey to the South of France. He gave me much Information of America with respect to Men and Things, when He left the Country, which tended to Confirm my former Ideas of them. He left me by consequence agitated both with pleasure and Concern on their Account, but when He told me that He would not take his Share in the Commission &ca. my uneasiness was very great in deed. It is not enough for a man to think He can do no good—when He may prevent mischief, nor is this a Time for any One to think of his own Tranquillity, when the Happiness of millions in future are at Stake. This is the moment of greater Danger than what America has yet seene, and which therefore calls forth those, to avert it, who are pitched upon for the purpose. I beleive Mr Jay is now at Paris.
There has been much talk here amongst the English of a Truce or a perpetual Cessation of Arms with the United States. The Latter put me in mind of eternal Love which is too often sworn. Doctr Youngs Lover had a true Idea of its nature, when He said

Eternal Love I swear, my mistress and my Friend,
but say, what Day next week, the Eternity shall End.

 The Atheist disbelieves in the Existence of Eternity and the Lover laughs at it. The one is roguish and the other is foolish but the Politician who talks not of the Perpetuity of Policts, Constitutions and Conventions is somewhat wise and honest.

I have the Honour to be Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant,

Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 21 June 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam the 21th. June 1782
Sir

In consequence of what Messrs. Van Staphorst had the honor of writing you yesterday, we’ve had a meeting last evening about our common business, and have now the honour to advise your Excellency in answer to your respected favor of the 13th. Instt. that agreable to your order we have apply’d to young Mr. De Neufville to have the exact Amount of his Account against the United States for Services done under your direction, which you only mention to be upwards of Two thousand Guilders. Mr. De Neufville however seem’d not to have expected that question and told us that he got no orders from your Excellency therabout. That his House had Sent the Account, consequently that the exact Amount thereof was known to your Excellency and that he therefore was waiting your orders, where he could of course receive the payment for. We do easily conceive that it cann’t be agreable to that Gentleman, that we made him Such a question, and take therefore the liberty to desire your Excellency, that you’ll be so kind as to draw a Bill on us for the Amount in favor of Messrs. De Neufville and remit the Same to them, by which means all difficulties and uneasiness can be prevented.
We do presume that the Same case, if not worse, will exist with Mr. Hodshon and beg therefore leave to propose to your Excellency, that you’ll be so obliging as to write to him, desiring to send the Account of his expences and afterwards to furnish him in the Same manner with a Draft on us.
As to the rente of your House we have not been able to get the proper Informations thereabout as yet, but shall have the honour of writing you fully thereabout with our next.
In the meantime you’ll greatly oblige us by returning the Thousand Bonds as soon as possible, and to believe us always with the utmost Consideration and respect Sir! Your most obedt. & very humble Servants

Wilhem & Jan Willink
Nichs. & Jacob van Staphorst
de la Lande & fynje

We are desired by a friend of ours to remit you the inclosed letter to his Excellency General Washington and to beg the favor of you to forward it amongst your dispatches to America, by which you’ll greatly oblige Sir! Yr. most humble Servts

N. & J. Van Staphorst


Title: To John Adams from B. Gannan & Zoon, 26 June 1782
From: Gannan, B., & Zoon (business)
To: Adams, John

Ostend 26th: June 1782
Sir

Desirous and ambitious of rendering ourselves usefull and agreeable in any mode, tending to for cause, which our best wishes has ever acompanied; we beg leave with due submission, to inform your Excellency, that we are now fitting out here, under Imperial colours for Philadelphia, a Cutter, known for one of the fastest sailing Vessells built in England, burthen 280. tons, mounting 18. guns and sixty odd men, to be ready for sea in the course of some days: should she prove agreeable to your Excellency for the purpose of conveying dispatches, goods or other effects, we will pledge ourselves for the principles of the captain in whom every trust may be confided.

Our name as residents at Dunkirk, is well known at Versailles in the Bureau of marine, equally so to many american Gentlemen, among them, Mr. Nisbett of L’orient, who was lately in these parts.
This same vessell came lately from Philadelphia to this port in seventeen days fully loaded with tobacco, shipp’d by Messrs. Saml. Inglis & Co. of former place. The captain is born English and naturalised Imperial; many of his men are also British, but burghers of this country, they were all very favourably receiv’d, at Philadelphia still the captain seems to intimate a wish of possessing a protection from the ministers of the united states (in Europe) as a guarantee to his safety at his arrival, lest as himself and major of his crew, born Englishmen, should be conducive to some obstacle or trouble.
Under this consideration, we crave your Excellency’s support, and request that it would be so favourable as to ordain any such protection to this vessel, as your Excellency shall judge necessary—she is call’d the Maarstrand, capt. henry Cook.
We have a quantity of prize goods, such as lead, tin, Iron &c. bought at Dunkirk, we make no doubt that the same tho’ English manufactory or make, may be imported into america free and without dangers; any advices, your Excellency will be gracious enough to give us thereon, we will most gratifully acknowledge.
We have the honor to he with profound respect & much at yr command, Sir, Your most Humble & obedient Servants

B Gannan & Zoon


Title: To John Adams from Richard Chapman, 27 June 1782
From: Chapman, Richard
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam June 27th. 1782
Sir

I hope you will pardon the Liberty I have taken of Adressing my Self to you but haveing waited on Mr: Barttly Expecting Some Assistance from him, he Informd me it was not in his Line but that your Excellency was the only person to Apply too.
These lines will Inform your Excellency that I was Mate of a Continental Packet Call’d the Active Commanded by John Hodge Esqr: from Philadelphia Bound to the Havannah with Dispathes we Saild from the Capes of Dilaware the 10th: of March last and was Unfortunately taken the 25th: by the Proserpine Frigate the Brigg with the Capt: was Ordred to Jamiaca myself with the people was Brought home to Spit Head from which place I Soon made my Escape and by the Help of Friends at Portsmouth and London I have Safe Arrived here but have been Under the Docter’s hands good part of the time I have been here till within this ten or twelve days. So that I hope your Excellency will Consider my Situation and Afford me as much Asistence as your Excellency may Judge Nessesery as I am determind to git home as Soon as poserble as I Belong to the Service and Have near five months wages due at Eighteen Dollars ⅌ month I Should take it as a great Favour if it is poserble, for it to be paid to me here, as it would be of Infinite Service to me at present; as I am Intirely Destitute of Cloths and Every other Nessesery I Shall want when I Come to go to Sea. Relying on your Excellency’s Goodness I am with the Greatest Submission your Excellency’s most Obet: Humbl: Servt:

Richard Chapman

NB Your Excellency will be So Kind as to Answer the Above as it will not lay in my power to See him personly If Nessesery till I Receive Some Asitstance.
At Mrss’ Mc:Graves Worm Street.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Barclay, 28 June 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 28 June 1782
Sir

Captain Smedley will, I expect, Sail in about Six days, and if your Excellency has any Dispatches, or other Commands, he will be a good opportunity to Send them by. I Shall endeavour to wait upon you at the Hague previous to his Departure. Mr. Livingston wrote to me Some time ago to Send him Such Pamphlets or Papers as Contain any thing of Consequence or Information, but I can lay my hands only on Some Registers which Shall go, and if you have got a few news papers or any thing of the Kind to Spare, they Shall be carefully forward’d.
Some time ago His Excellency Docter Franklin wrote to me that Mr. Morris had Sent and Estimate of Supplies to the amount of about Two Million of Livers, with Directions, that Mr. Ridley and myself Shou’d Compleat the Purchases, but that the funds Cou’d not be procured in France for its Execution. I beg leave to Submit to your Excellency the propriety of Employing any part of the Loan which you have negociated in Holland for the purposes of Sending those Supplies. My Instructions from Congress empower me to draw in Cases of absolute Necessity on any funds which I Shall Know to be procured for Congress in Europe, of this necessity you must in this Case be the Sole Judge, as you Know much better than I do the wants and the Situation of our Country, and Consequently by what application of the money those Wants Can be best removed. I have taken the liberty of mentioning this matter to you now, and when I have the honour of Seeing you at the Hague you can give me your Sentiments.
Mr. Thaxter gets Something better, his friends have advised his Staying here a few days longer, and indeed it Seems to be absolutely necessary to the Reestablishment of his health.
I have the honour to be with the greatest Esteem and respect Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servant.

Tho Barclay


Title: To John Adams from John Thaxter, 29 June 1782
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 29st. June 1782
Sir

You will doubtless be surprized to recieve another Letter from me dated from hence, and I fully expected to have been at the Hague several days agone when I wrote last, but the prospect of Mr. Barclay’s Company, the kindness and Attention of my Countrymen here and a daily Increase of Health and Strength have hitherto prevented. I intended returning to day in the Chariot de Poste, but I did not find myself very well this morning and the day was bad. Capt. Trowbridge’s Arrival from Boston at the Texel was another Reason of my tarrying in Town. He had 48 days Passage. He is now upon the Pompus and not a being has come on Shore as yet, so that We know of no News by him. If there are any Letters for You, I shall bring them on or forward them immediately.
I have recovered amazingly since my Residence here, and must never open my Lips again to reprobate the Air of Amsterdam. ’Tis excellent for the Chest. My Arms are much stronger than they were, but I am still hampered in writing. I am almost ashamed to stay here longer, and wish most sincerely I could sit down and do a Paris day’s work in writing and relieve You from a Part of your Burden. I am grieved to be useless to You at this moment, when there is so much to do and the Letter Book is never out of my Head. I must work double Tides when I am able.
Smedley and Grinnel are both over the Pompus to their great Joy, and will be ready to go down to the Texel in eight or ten days.

Stephens has been here and informs me he and his Family have been very sick with the bilious Fever—says he does not know what to do with himself—thinks three hundred Guilders would enable him to do hansomely for himself in a short time—requests if You could not spare that Sum that You would be so good as to let him have twenty Ducats to pay his Doctor and House Rent—says he is in great distress and desired me to represent his Case to You. I told him I could mention the Matter to You only, but could not interfere in the Business in the smallest degree nor give him the least Encouragement, and that as soon as I had your Answer I would let him know it. Unfortunately I could not get into Mr. Ridley’s Lodgings, and was obliged to come to Mr. Kaa’s at the first Bible in the Warmoestraat, where I found a Number of our Countrymen, who desire their best Respects to You.
Compliments if You please to Mr. Dumas and Family.
My Paper and Arm both warn me to close—but not without subjoining my sincerest Wishes for your Health, and an Assurance of that invariable Respect and Attachment, with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most humble Servt.

J Thaxter


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 29 June 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam the 29th. June 1782
Sir

In conformity of our agreement we have the honor to accompany your Excellency herewith 25 English and 25 dutch copies of the General Bonds of the Loan of Five Millions for the United States of America, viz: five copies of each Million, to be forwarded to Congress by five different opportunities, in order to get the Ratification thereon.

Respecting the Rent of your House we have Spoken to the Gentlemen who have the direction of it, but as they wish to have your Excellency’s Approbation for the new Bail they told us yesterday that they would write you themselves about it, which of consequence we make no doubt but they’ll have done and we’ll expect your orders if we Shall pay their demand.
We remain with perfect Esteem Sir! Your most obedt. hble. Servts.

Wilhem & Jan Willink
Nics. & Jacob van Staphorst
de la Lande & fÿnje

Instead of the aforementioned five copies we only send your Excellency Three copies of each Million, the others not being ready as yet. We shall be very glad to receive the Bonds for the Second Million as soon as your Excellency has signed them.


Title: To John Adams from John Thaxter, 30 June 1782
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 30th June 1782
Sir

Between 6 and 7 this morning Capt. Trowbridge came and delivered me the five Letters and News Papers inclosed.
Every thing in a quiet state on the other side the Water—Provissions plenty and cheap—hard Money not scarce. He has brought Tobacco, and Sugar and Coffee from Boston. Sugar and Coffee from Boston to Amsterdam, is a Phenomenon in the mercantile World, and ought not to be forgotten.
If there are any Letters for me, please to inclose them to Messs. Ingraham and Bromfield, they may come by the Chariot de Poste at six o. Clock tomorrow Morning.
I have the Honor to be &ca.

J. T.


Title: To John Adams from Jan van Heukelom & Zoon, 1 July 1782
From: Heukelom, Jan van, & Zoon (business)
To: Adams, John

Leÿden the 1 Julÿ 1782
Honourable Sir

We have the Pleasure to inform ÿour Excellencÿ; that we received this morning by the Firebrand Capt Caleb Trowbridge a letter from the Honbe: R. Cranch Esq. he charged üs with his kindest regards to your Excellencÿ and begged we would inform ÿoür Excellencÿ, that your dear Charles after a tedious passage at last arrived safe to the arms of his Mother in perfect health, he hopes that ÿoür Excellencÿ will receive letters bÿ this Same conveyance from your Ladÿ; Your Excellencÿ’s familÿ being all well.

As to oür Büsiness; Mr. Cranch Sold alreadÿ two Pieces of cloth for us, with a good profit, and returned to us the amount in á bill of exchange: he understood our letter and thinks that a verÿ Large and adventageoüs Vent for our Cloths maÿ be had in this waÿ; he Sends üs Samples of the most fashionable Caloürs in America with proper instructions when it is the best time to Ship them; in Short we are So pleased with this Gentleman’s behaviour towards us that we flatter ourselves to have Soon established á Solid and agreeable Correspondence to our Mütüal advantage and here we cannot but present our Sincerest thanks to your Excellencÿ whose kindness so afforded üs this opportunitÿ.
We beg oür Compliments to Mr Thaxter. & are with great respect Honourable Sir Yoür Most obedient & Humble Servants.

John van Heukelom & Zoon


Title: To John Adams from Jean Henri David Uhl, 1 July 1782
From: Uhl, Jean Henri David
To: Adams, John

Berlin ce 1 Juillet 1782
Monsieur

Votre Excellence étant Ministre plenipotentiaire des provinces unies de l’Amerique accredité auprès des hautes puissances les états generaux d’Hollande à la Haye à fait eclater autant de marques de ses grandes qualités, qu’elles me donnent la confïance d’implorer vos secours dans un cas singulier qui m’est arrivé avec un armateur Americain.
Le Plantage Fredericdorp à Suriname appartient à ma femme et Famille en heritières usufructuaires testamentaires de J. F. Knoffel, les heritières sont les deux filles du Defunt P. L. Knoffel Directeur de Monnoye de sa Majesté prussienne, frère du testateur et par consequent des sujets nées prussiennes à Berlin. Les fruits consistent en Café et vont sur des navires hollandois à notre compte et sont addressés sur le compte du Plantage Fredericdorp pour notre Correspondent Mr. Pieter van der Meulen dirckzoon à Amsterdam.
Il arrive souvent dans la guerre que les Anglois prennent les vaisseaux hollandois chargés de fruits de Suriname, mais les amirautés en Angleterre rendent aux sujets neutres prussiens les fruits qui vont sur leur compte et se trouvent dans les vaisseaux hollandois. Les heritiers du Comte de Neal à Berlin qui ont plusieurs Plantages à Suriname ont reclamé et reçu les fruits pris des Anglois sur des Vaisseaux hollandois de leurs plantages; moi même je reclame à present 10000 livres de Café du Plantage Fredericdorp en Angleterre. Nouvellement un Armateur Anglois à pris le vaisseau du Capt. C. G. Weis un americain l’a repris et vendu le vaisseau et la Charge à Martenique; sur le vaisseau hollandois en question se sont trouvé 8679 Livres de Café de mon Plantage Fredericksdorp addressés à mon Correspondent van der Meulen et l’americain s’est approprié le bien des sujets neutres prussiens; que les Anglois leur auroient rendu selon le prix de L’Europe à Londre ou à Amsterdam.
Si les sujets neutres prussiens ne peuvent recouvrer le bien pris par l’americain, ils ont plus tort à craindre des Americains qui sont amis des Hollandois avec qui les prussiens commercent que des Anglois qui sont ennemis declarés des Hollandois.
L’armateur à eu le droit de s’approprier le bien hollandois repris des Anglois par le droit de la guerre, mais non pas le bien d’un neutre. Il l’a ignoré, mais étant informé que les 8679 livres Café du Plantage Fredericdorp appartiennent aux sujets neutres prussiens, le droit des gens exige qu’il le rende et j’ai sans doute le droit de reclamer le prix des 8679 livres de l’Americain selon la Valeur d’Amsterdam; une bagatelle pour l’armateur qui a pris tout d’un coup trois cent mil livres de Cafe sur le vaisseau hollandois et le prix du navire; mais un grand dommage et la ruine pour une famille à Berlin qui dois vivre de L’usufruis d’un Plantage de Suriname!
Je suis sur que la nation des provinces unies de l’Amerique est animée du meme esprit de droiture d’amour de Justice et de respect pour le droit universel des gens libres, que la nation Angloise dont elle est issue et qu’elle rendra en justice ce qui appartient aux neutres. Mais la difficulté d’y parvenir faute de connoissance des voyes ujitées en Amerique est la raison que je prie Votre Excellence de m’aider.
Mon Correspondent et mandataire en Reclames des Produits du Plantage Fredericdorp à Suriname Mr. P. van der Meulen Dirckz. à Amsterdam étalera à votre Excellence les preuves authentiques que les 8679 livres de Café du Plantage Fredericdorp sont pris dans le vaisseau du Capt. Weis d’un Americain et vendu à Martenique; que les produits du Plantage Fredericksdorp appartiennent aux heritiers de Knoffel sujets neutres prussiens à Berlin et que la reclames est fondé sur la verité du fait; Votre Excellence etant convaincu de la verité du fait et du droit, je demande la grave de lui donner la dessus l’attestation, de l’informer de la plus facile maniére dont il puisse recouvrer le prix d’Amsterdam de 8679 livres Café en question pour les sujets neutres prussiens et de suppediter ce qui nous manque de connoissance en Amerique.
Le caractère de votre Excellence deja connu en Europe me fait esperer que votre Excellence me donnera l’occasion de louer et faire connoitre l’amour de Justice de la nation que vous représentés dans les cas du droit des gens envers les neutres sujets prussiens. Je suis avec le plus profond respect Monsieur de votre Excellence le plus humble et très obéissant serviteur,

Jean Henri David UhlConseiller à la Chambre de Justice superieureallemande de sa majesté le Roi de Prussè


Title: Jean Henri David Uhl to John Adams: A Translation, 1 July 1782
From: Uhl, Jean Henri David
To: Adams, John

Berlin, 1 July 1782
Sir

It is because of the fact that your excellency, minister plenipotentiary of the united provinces of America, has displayed so many of the great qualities of his character, in view of the High Mightinesses, the States General at The Hague, that I have the confidence to ask for assistance in a very singular situation involving an American ship owner.
The Fredericdorp plantation in Suriname belongs to my wife and her family through an usufructuary bequest by J. F. Knoffel. The heiresses are the two daughters of the late P. L. Knoffel, finance minister for his Prussian majesty, brother of the testator, and consequently Prussian-born subjects in Berlin. The coffee crop aboard the Dutch ships was ours and was addressed in the name of the Fredericdorp plantation for our correspondent Mr. Pieter van der Meulen in Amsterdam.
It so happens often in the war that the English take Dutch ships loaded with Suriname’s goods, but any goods belonging to neutral Prussian subjects on board these Dutch ships are returned by the English admiralty. The heirs of the Count de Neal in Berlin, who have several plantations in Suriname, have reclaimed and received their crops seized by the British from Dutch vessels. I am currently reclaiming 10,000 pounds of coffee from the Fredericdorp plantation in England. Recently, an English ship-owner took the ship of Captain C. G. Weis. An American took it back and sold the vessel and its cargo in Martinique. The 8,679 pounds of coffee from the Fredericdorp plantation, addressed to my correspondent van der Meulen, were on board the Dutch ship in question. The American took what is rightfully the Prussians’; the English would have returned it to them according to the European price in London or Amsterdam.

If the neutral Prussians cannot recover the goods taken by the Americans, then the mistake would be to fear the Americans, who are friends with the Dutch and with whom the Prussians trade, rather than to fear the English who are Holland’s declared enemy.
The ship owner had the right to confiscate Dutch property taken back from the English by the rules of war but not the property of a neutral party. He ignored this, and being informed that the 8,679 pounds of coffee from the Fredericdorp plantation belong to the neutral Prussians, the law of nations demands that he return them. I no doubt have the right to reclaim the price of the 8,679 pounds according to the value in Amsterdam. It is a trifle for the ship owner who suddenly took 300,000 pounds of coffee from a Dutch ship and the ship itself; but what great pity and ruination for a Berlin family whose livelihood depends on the profits from a Suriname plantation!
I am certain that the united provinces of America are animated with the same spirit of love of justice and respect for the universal rights of free people as the English nation from which it descended, and that justice will be brought to the neutrals. But the difficulty in achieving this lies in not knowing the common ways in America, and that is the reason I am asking your excellency for assistance.
My correspondent and proxy for reclamations for the Fredericdorp plantation in Suriname, Mr. P. van der Meulen Dirckz in Amsterdam, will send authenticating proof to your excellency that 8,679 pounds of coffee from Fredericdorp plantation were taken from Captain Weis’ ship by an American and sold in Martinique; that the Fredericdorp plantation’s products belong to Knoffel’s heirs, the neutral Prussian subjects in Berlin; and that the reclamation is based on fact. I ask that your excellency, being convinced of the truth of the facts and the law, grant me the favor of giving you the above attestation and of informing you in the easiest way possible so that you may recover the Amsterdam price for the 8,679 pounds of coffee in question for the Prussian neutrals, and provide us with the knowledge we lack about America.
Your excellency’s character is already well known in Europe and makes me hope that you will give me this occasion to praise and recognize the love of justice in the country you represent in the case of the law of nations toward neutral Prussian subjects. I am, with the deepest respect for your excellency, sir, the very humble and very obedient servant,

Jean Henri David UhlMember of the Supreme GermanCourt of His Majesty the King of Prussia


Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 2 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Gerry, Elbridge

The Hague 2. July. 1782
Dear sir

Well! how do you find yourself, after a little Repose? Are you married? or making Fortune in Trade? or Still buried in Politicks, and publick Good? I am in a longing Condition for your Letters, because they used to give me, the most comprehensive Ideas of affairs. You ought to remember me, for it was you, who sent me abroad in quest of Adventures, which have ruined me de fond en comble—I am worn out and broken to Pieces—but can still laugh at the Folly, and ill Nature of the World.
I can tell you no News. The Mynheers have received us, with open Arms at last. If They should not do much for Us, they have increased our Reputation, and they have bound themselves to do nothing against Us, which is a great Point gained. The open, publick Manner in which all has been conducted, redounds much to our Honour.
The News, must be divided into that which respects War, and that which respects Peace. The War in Europe is wholly maritime. The combined Fleet Sailed from Cadiz, the 4. June, and has not been heard of Since. It is expected in the Channell, to be joined by the Dutch and by other French ships from Brest. But some begin to suspect, that Cordova is gone to Jamaica or New York. If they come to the Channell the English cannot meet them—they must skulk into Torbay &c certain little Intrigues, from certain Individuals in Russia and Denmark, make some suspect that these Powers wish to favour England, but they can do nothing. They all agree that the American Question is decided, but say there are so many Pretentions, against England, that she should be favord a little. Ireland has carried Points for the present, which will be the foundation of a War between them and England hereafter.
Mr Grenville is at Paris, and after a long time has obtained Powers to treat with all the belligerent Powers, but as the English dont allow Us to be a Power, they mean to chicane, to raise the stocks, to get Money and to lull the sailers in to Tranquility, that they may press them without suspicion. I have no faith in the Success of this Negotiation for Peace, but wish I may be deceived.
What is become of the American Navy? Is it the System to let it die? This is not prescient. How does your Constitution Work and your Governors &c behave? does all play well like a good Instrument of Musick.
I hope you go to Congress again. Jackson and Lowell, I find are going, these are good Hands. But there is a Parsons that I want to go, if You and sullivan, Jackson Lowell, &c go, Mass. will be highly represented. We must send our best Men there. That is the great Wheel—The Governor himself, Councellors senators, Judges all ought to consider it, as honourable to go to Congress. We should be very carefull to send no mean Men there. I wish I had the Honour to be there, nevertheless.
I fancy, that in America, the Task will not be difficult—There are three subjects, which ought to be attended to above all Things, Finance, a Navy, and foreign affairs. These subjects are not yet generally well understood, and their immense Importance is not discerned. If We do not maintain an Independence in our foreign Politicks, if We do not avoid Frivolity, Intrigue and Chicane, and rest upon our proper Basis, Reason and Right our Posterity will have reason to regret it for Ages and forever. We shall be made the Sport. We are not and never shall be a Match for them, in Power and Magnificence Intrigues of Pleasure, Bribes and Corruption, and the moment We tolerate this Method in our Ministers, we are hurried down a torrent. Whereas it is the easiest Thing in the World to make ourselves respected, by standing upon national Interests.
In Time We shall have Courage equal to our Strength. It is worth while to go abroad, to see by what Men this World is governed—and by what Women!

Adieu, my dear Friend, remember me


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 2 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

The Hague 2 July. 1782
Dear Sir

It is a long time Since I had a Line from you, and from Sickness, and various Engagements it is long since I had the Pleasure of Writing to you. I Suppose that Milton Hill, furnishes you with Amusement enough, in your beloved science and Practice of Agriculture. I wish I had Fortune enough to purchase me an equal Farm upon Pens Hill, and enter into an Emulation with you, which should make his Hill shine the brightest. I find that the various Combinations of street Dust, Marsh Mud and Horse dung furnish a more delicate Employment, than the foul Regions of machiavillian Politicks. Yet when Honest Wisdom tryumphs over its opposite, as is sometimes the Case, Politicks themselves offerd an Exquisite Entertainment, to a well regulated Mind.
It is a Problem at present whether the English will evacuate N. York and Charlestown or not. It is very probable they would if they could, but how to get away. A great Number of Transports must be had—these must be protected by a superiour Fleet. If Pigot, who succeeds Rodney should go with the whole Fleet, the French and Spaniards may do Mischief in the West Indies in the meantime.
It is supposed, that Carleton, has orders to make Propositions to Congress but what can they be? Reconcialion, Seperate Peace, even upon an express Acknowledgment of our Independence, can never be thought of. We must keep our faith and not violate our Treaties—it is whispered too that the Garrisons of N. York and Charlestown are to be removed to Rhode Island, which is to be fotified as a Place of Arms &c. This Policy is beyond my Comprehension. There is but one sensible system for the English, and it is amazing to me they dont see it, that is evacuate the United States and declare them by an Act of Parliament independent. Then, they might defend themselves better against France and Spain and other European Powers, would wish them success, and aid them by Negotiation to obtain more favourable Terms of Peace. But the present British Ministry have forced themselves into Power, partly by decrying the Capacity and Activity of the old Ministry and partly by Promisses to the King and Nation that they had Address enough to make a seperate Peace with America and Holland. Both these Professions were false—they now appear to be so—and the Ministry know not what to do.
The present Ministry therefore, as I conjecture will languish away the time undecided what to do, untill they become as unpopular as the past, unless the Parliament Should be dissolved, and a new Election should give them a more decided Majority, ready to vote for American Independance—the Principles of the Armed Neutrality; Fisheries to France and spain, Restitutions to Holland, Gibraltar and Minorca to Spain &c. &c &c.
Thus it is that an Empire has, in a Frenzy, committed Suicide upon itself, almost as suddenly, as one of its Individuals could have Swallowed a Pistol Bullet.
They have Succeeded in propagating a general opinion in Europe that Peace will be soon made, and that their Stocks will rise after a Peace which opinions have actually raised them before the Peace, 5 or 6 Per Cent, by foreigners sending over considerable sums to purchase in, if the Conferences for Peace should be broken off, the Stocks will fall again. Both Sides will be loth to break off: but I really dont expect that any Thing will come of them this year.

My most profound Respects to your good Lady.
Adieu.


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 2 July 1782
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 2d. July 1782
Sir

We have to apprize your Excellency that we have received Two Bills of the United States in date of the 6th. July 1780 No. 84 and 85 a Six Months Sight, to the order of Joseph Carleton, drawn on the Honourble. Henry Laurens Esqr. for f 550 each, and to request you will inform us, where, we are to send ’em for Acceptance, And at the same time that you would be pleased to inform us whether it is your Wish we should carry the Amount of what you are indebted to us, (as mention’d pr. our letter of 31st. May) on Accot. of the States, and your own, to a new Accot., being as ⅌ our last together f 3772:17:8 as from our Senior Mr. J—— De N——’s having retired from Business, it becomes Necessary.
With due respect We have the honour to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Hble: Servt:

John de Neufville Son


Title: From John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 3 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Mazzei, Philip

The Hague July 3. 1782
Sir

I have received the Letter, which you did me the Honour to write me the 21. May, and thank you for your Congratulations, on the Tryumph the American Cause has gained, in this Country. I call it a Tryumph because, it prevailed over great obstacles, long Habits of Friendship, vast Interests of Capitalists in the Stocks, intimate ancient and modern Connections of ruling Families, and multifarious little Intrigues, from Several other Courts; I cannot call them refined as you do: to me, they appear gross.
I am not able to give you any Advice in the World. I dont believe you will succeed in any Attempt to borrow Money, but you may know better than my belief.
England is not cured of her Delirium, as yet. But the Devil is in the other Powers of Europe, if they Suffer the war to continue much longer. We shall have Ireland, in Alliance with America, France, Spain and Holland, very soon for what I know: and a lucky or unlucky Game and Cards may throw all Europe together by the Ears.
It is so easy and Simple to pacify the Universe that it is amazing it is not done. The System of Mankind is arranged exactly for the Purpose. There is nothing wanting, but for the confederated Neutral Powers, to admit the United States of America, to acceed to the Principles of the armed Neutrality, and the Business is done. England herself would rejoice in it, and, in her Heart thank those Powers, and the belligerent Powers, after this, would chicane but a very little time about Peace.
By keeping open this Dispute, the Neutral Powers may begin to think England too much weakened, and France and Spain too much Strengthened and by and by all may be embroiled. I dont know that America, need distress herself much about this, for the more miserable the Powers of Europe make their Subjects at home, the more will emigrate.
England is So equally divided into Parties, that neither has an Influence decided enough to acknowledge American Independence: but if the Example were set by the neutral Powers, the honest Party in England, would gain by it, Sufficient Authority to venture on the step.
If you are in a Situation to learn the refined Intrigues, as you call them, here, I wish you would explain them to me, for one can learn more in such a round about way, of such Things, than is to be got directly, nearer home.
We may make ourselves very easy, for neither “refined Intrigues” nor crude Intrigues, nor gross Intrigues, nor wicked Intrigues, can much injure Us. The Rescources of our Country appear greater and greater, every Year and the Population, Wealth, and Power of the United States, augment every day, in the midst of the War. I have recd a Letter within four days from Boston which informs me, that the Numbers of People, have increased by many Thousands, Since a Valuation in 1778, according to a new one lately taken, that the Property was proportionally increased, and that even the horned Cattle had increased by many Thousands, notwithstanding the immense Consumption of Beef, by the American Army, the French, Spanish and even English Fleets and Armies, in the West Indies, and in the United States, for all those derive a great Part of their supplies of Provisions, directly or indirectly from New England.
Old England deserves to be damned, and will be, without Repentance for having ever indulged the desire or conceived the Thought of enslaving such a Country: and a great Part of Europe deserve little less, for having viewed the accursed Project, with so much Indifference and Lukewarmness. I never could find an Image to represent the wickedness of this attempt in Britain. Herods murder of the Innocents was a trifle in comparison. Lady Macbeth uttered a Sentiment a little like it.

“I have given Suck; and know how tender tis to love
the Babe that milks me: yet would I: even when ’twas
smiling in my face; have plucked my Nipple from its
boneless Gums and dash’d the Branis out.”

Stop Mother! You may pluck away the Nipple, if you please But the Boy is too big for the rest—have a Care, Mamma!
Such a total Deprivation of all the Moral Sentiments and natural Feelings, must and ever will be punished. Let Us lament that human Nature is capable of such Baseness, but let Us rejoice too, that it is capable of Elevation enough to resist it.

But I am wandering while I should asure you of the Esteem &c.


Title: From John Adams to Jean de Neufville & Fils, 3 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)

The Hague July 3. 1782
Gentlemen

I have received your Letter of Yesterday, and as to the Bills of Exchange, you will please to Send them to me, for Examination and Acceptance.
As to your Accounts; I called, at your House, the Morning I left Amsterdam, with the Cash in order to discharge them, but not finding you within I was obliged to come away to this Place, from whence I wrote to Messrs Willinks &c desiring them to pay you, who answered me that they had offered it, but you had made Some difficulty about receiving it.
However, whenever, or wherever it is paid, there must be two Accounts made out, one against the United States of America, and the other against me, and whenever this is done I am ready to pay the Money here, or Messrs Willinks &c will pay it at Amsterdam, but Receipts must be taken upon each Account as a Voucher.
I Shall not dispute the Articles of the Accounts although I think it was very imprudently managed to pay the Stamps &c &c upon all the obligations, before it was known, that not more than four of them could be disposed of. And the Expences for Advertisements in the News Papers when there could not be more than four or five Creditors or Possessors of Obligations, appear still more extraordinary.
I will enter however into no Disputes but pay the Accounts when presented to me or desire Messrs Willinks &c to pay them when presented to them, that there may be an End of this Business.
Meantime I have the Honour to be, your most obedient sert

J. Adams

P.S. There is the Expence of the Picture of General Washington, and that of the Frame of my sons, which I beg you to add to my private Account, as I see those Articles are omitted.


Title: From John Adams to Edward Rutledge, 4 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Rutledge, Edward

The Hague July 4. 1782
Dear sir

I do my self the Honour to inclose these Papers relative to the Chester, to you, and to beg the Favour of your Attention and Advice, to the Gentleman who bears them.
The owners are very confident that Injustice has been done them. There was no Claim; and they say that the Privateers, contrary to their Bonds, Sent away the Master, and other Persons who could have claimed for them. That no British Subject, had directly or indirectly any Interest in Vessell or Cargo. The owners are very respectable People and I should be very happy to have them convinced, that no Injustice has been done them, if that is the Case, or to obtain Justice for them if they have been wronged. If the Privateers went contrary to their Bonds, those Bonds may be put in suit, for the Benefit of the Injured, or I suppose an Action for Damages would lie against the Commanders.
I congratulate you most Sincerely, on your Restoration to Liberty, and live in hopes of sometime meeting you, again in Congress.

With great Esteem &c


Title: To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 4 July 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John

No: 9Triplicate
Philadelphia 4th: July 1782
Sir

By every late advice from Holland we learn their disposition to enter into a Treaty with us and tho’ we have no intelligence from you since the 11th: of March, we Still presume that you have ere this been received in your public Character—no wise governmt: constituted as that of the United Provinces is, will venture long to oppose the wishes of the people. I am very Solicitous to know how you have availed yourself of the opening this has Afforded you.
If you have been unconditionally received, it will give you more leisure to mature the plan of a Subsequent Treaty, which is too important in its Consequences to be hurried—if possible, it were to be wished that the heads of it as proposed on either Side, could be sent here and submitted to the Judgment of Congress, before any thing was absolutely agreed. The independency to which each of the states are entitled renders great caution in all commercial engagements not provided for particularly by the confederation absolutely necessary for which reason I should prefer definite Articles to loose expressions of standing on the same ground with the most favoured nations. Our Connexion with the West Indies renders it proper to lay that Trade as open to us as possible. Great benefit would result both to us and the Dutch from giving us one or two free ports in such of their Colonies as raise Sugars, where we could exchange the produce of both Countries, and check that monopoly which other nations will endeavour to create at our Expence. Nothing will encourage the growth of such Colony or enable them to raise sugars to more advantage than the cheap and easy rates at which they would thereby receive the produce of this Country. I need not urge the propriety of availing yourself of your present situation to procure a Loan. You may easily convince the government of the Validity of the security which it is in the power of a growing Country, as yet very little incumbered with debt to give That security will derive new force from our being a Commercial people, with whom public Credit is almost invariably preserved with the most scrupulous attention. And such is our present Situation that a Twentieth part of what Great Britain expends annually in her attempt to enslave us, would be more than Sufficient to enable us to defeat all her attempts and to place our finances on the most respectable footing. I see the people of the United Provinces are struck with the importance of forming a commercial connection with us, when ours with Britain is dissolved. Not only Congress, as appears by their public Acts, but the whole body of the people are strongly opposed to the least intercourse with Britain. This would effectually prevent it, if in addition thereto three or four large frigates or two fifties could be stationed in the Delaware or Chesapeak, So as to protect our Commerce against the British frigates from New York. In this case a Voyage to this Country and from thence to the Islands, where our flour and lumber commands the highest price either in money or produce affords the fairest prospect to the European merchant of the most profitable returns. Tobacco and bills offer a more direct return to those whose Capitals will not permit them to engage in the circuitous Commerce I have mentioned.
This Letter is hastily written, as the express that carries it is to go off this evening and I have several others to write. I mention this that you may not consider any thing it contains as an instruction from Congress to whom it has not been submitted.
I have the honor to be, sir With great respect & esteem Your most obedt humble servt:

Robt R Livingston


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 5 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

The Hague July 5. 1782
Dear sir

Will you be so good as to inclose the inclosed to your Friend B and tell him that your humble servant is not the ill natured Mortal that Anonimous Gentry represent him.
Pray what is the News about Peace? You know I presume the whole History of it. I know nothing. Is Mr Jay arrived at Paris? Is, the U. S. of America a belligerent Power? Where is the combined Fleet? Is Gibraltar to be relieved? Is common sense ever to return to G. B.? Is the Pope about to abolish the Inquisition? The Celibacy of the Clergy? &c dont the Emperor make another Journey this summer?
The States of Holland are assembled and next Wednesday go upon my Treaty—and they Say We shall soon agree. The Dutch Fleet too they say is going out. What a Scourge to his Country is that Rodney? His Countrymen, as soon as ever they begin to come to their senses, have their Heads turned again by some of his Feats? But it cannot be always so—a few more thirty Millions, will drain the Fountain.
Pray have you any certain Intelligence that Mr A. Lee is in Congress. I see by the Papers Mr Izzard is chosen?
Adieu


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 5 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

The Hague July 5. 1782
Sir

Soon after my publick Reception by their High Mightinesses The Body of Merchants of the City of Schiedam, were pleased to send a very respectable Deputation from among their Members, to the Hague, to pay their Respects to Congress and to me as their Representative, with a very polite Invitation to a publick Entertainment in their City, to be made upon the occasion. As I had Several other Invitations from various Places and Provinces about the Same Time, and had two many Affairs upon my Hands to be able to accept of them, I prevailed upon all to excuse me, for Such Reasons as ought to be and I Suppose were Satisfactory. The Deputies from Schiedam requested me to transmit from them to Congress, the inclosed Compliment, which I promised to do. I was much affected with the Zeal and ardour of these worthy Gentlemen and their Constituents, which with many other Things of a Similar Kind, convinced me, that there is in this Nation a strong Affection for America and a Kind of religious Veneration for her just Cause.
With great Respect, I have the Honour to be sir, your most obedient & most humble sert

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 5 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

The Hague July 5. 1782
Sir

I have the honour to inclose Copies in Dutch and English of the Negotiation, which I have entered into, for a Loan of Money. My Commission for borrowing Money, promises to ratify what I should do; and the Money Lenders, require Such a Ratification, which Messrs Willinks, Van Staphorsts, and De La Lande and Fynje, have engaged Shall be transmitted. Authentic Copies of the original Contracts, in Dutch and English, are inclosed for the Ratification of Congress, which I must intreat them to transmit forthwith, by various opportunities, that We may be Sure of receiving it, in time; for I Suppose, the Gentlemen will not think it Safe, for them to pay out, any considerable Sum of the Money, untill, it arrives.
Although I was obliged to engage with them, to open the Loan for five Millions of Guilders, I dont expect We Shall obtain that Sum for a longtime. If We get a Million and an Half, by Christmas it will be more than I expect.
I Shall not venture to dispose of any of this Money, except for Relief of escaped Prisoners, the Payment of the Bills heretofore drawn on Mr Laurens, which are every day arriving, and a few other Small and unavoidable Demands, but leave it entire to the Disposition of Congress, whom I must intreat not to draw, untill they receive Information from the Directors of the Loan, how much Money they are Sure of; and then to draw immediately upon them.
These Directors are three Houses, well esteemed in this Republick Messs Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholas and Jacob Van Staphorst and de la Lande and Fynje.
I have made the Contract, upon as good Terms as I could obtain—Five Per Cent Interest—Two Per Cent to the House or rather to the Society of Houses—Two Per Cent to the undertakers—and half Per Cent for Brokerage and other Charges. This four and an half Per Cent, together with one Per Cent for receiving and paying off, the annual Interest, is to include, all the Expences of the Loan of every Sort. These are as moderate Terms, as any Loan is done for. France gives at least as much, and other Powers much more.
I must beg, that the Ratifications of the Obligations may be transmitted immediately by the way of France, as well as Holland by Several opportunities.
The Form of Ratification, must be Submitted to Congress. But would it not be Sufficient to certify, by the Secretary in Congress, upon each of the Copies inclosed in English and Dutch, that they had been received and read in Congress, and thereupon resolved that the original Instruments, executed by me, before the Said Notary be, and hereby are ratified and confirmed.
The Form of the obligations is Such, as was advised, by the ablest Lawyers and most experienced Notaries, and is conformable to the usage when Loans are made here for the Seven Provinces. It is adapted to the Taste of this Country, and therefore lengthy and formal, but it Signifies no more, in Substance, than, “that the Money being borrowed, must be paid.”
With great Respect and Esteem, I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient & most humble Servant

John Adams


Title: A Memorial to the Sovereigns of Europe, 5 – 8 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To:

The Hague ca. 5–8 July 1782
Sir

This War has already continued so many Years, been extended to so many Nations, and been attended with so many unnatural and disagreable Circumstances that Every Man, who is not deficient in the Sentiments of Philanthropy, must wish to see Peace, restored upon just Principles, to Mankind: I shall therefore make no other Apology, for the Liberty I take in Writing this Letter, not in a public ministerial Character, but in a private and confidential Manner So that it is not expected or desired that you should make any further Use of it, then for your private amusement, unless you should judge it proper, to take any publick steps in Consequence of it, in which Case you are at Liberty to make what Use of it you think proper.
All the World professes to wish for Peace: England professes Such a Desire, France, Spain, Holland and America, profess it. The neutral Powers, profess it, and Some of them are giving themselves much Trouble, by Negotiations and offers of Mediation to accomplish, it, either generally or at least partially. All the Nations at War with England seem to be be very well agreed in the Sentiment, that any partial or Seperate Peace, would only retard a general Peace, and therefore do more harm than good, and this Sentiment, is past all doubt perfectly just.
What Measures than can be taken, with any plausible appearance of Probability, to bring about a General Peace?
Great Britain, is in a Situation as critical as any Nation was ever known to Stand in. Ireland and all her foreign Dominions discontented, and almost ripe to follow the Example of the United states of America in throwing off, all their Connections with her. The Nation at home, nearly equally divided between the old Ministry and the New, and between the old System and the new, So that no Party, has an Influence sufficiently clear to take any decided Step. A Sentiment of Compassion for Englandand a Jealousy of the growing Commerce and naval Power of their Ennemies, may take Place in Some of the neutral Powers, and after sometime induce them, especially if any new Motive should turn up, to become Parties to the War, and thus involve all Nations in a flame.
America has perhaps the least to dread, perhaps the most to gain by Such an Event of any of the Nations of the World. She would wish however to avoid it. But the Question is, in what manner?
If England could be unanimous, in the only Plan of Wisdom she might easily resolve this Question, by instantly declaring the United states of America, A souvereign and independent state—and by inviting them as Such to a Congress, for a general Pacification, under the Mediation of the two Imperial Courts as was proposed last Year. But the present british Ministers are not Sufficiently Seated in the Confidence of the King or the Nation to venture upon so Striking a Measure. The King would be displeased, the Nation allarmed, and the old Ministry and their Partisans, would raise a popular Cry against them, that they had Sacraficed the Honour and Dignity of the Crown and the essential Interests of the Nation.
Something is therefore wanting, to enable the Government in England to do what is absolutely necessary for the Safety of the Nation. In order to discover what that is, it is necessary to recollect, a Resolution of Congress of the
5th. of October 1780, in these Words

“Her Imperial Majesty of all the Russias, attentive to the Freedom of Commerce, and the Rights of Nations, in her Declaration to the belligerent and neutral Powers, having proposed Regulations founded on Principles of Justice, Equity and Moderation, of which their most Christian and Catholic Majestys, and most of the neutral maritime Powers of Europe, have declared their Approbation, Congress willing to testify their Regard to the Rights of Commerce, and their Respect for the Sovereign, who hath proposed, and the Powers who have approved the said Regulations.
Resolve, that the Board of Admiralty prepare and Report Instructions for the Commanders of armed Vessells, commissioned by the United States, conformable to the Principles contained in the Declaration of the Empress of all the Russias, on the Rights of neutral Vessells.
That the Ministers Plenipotentiary, from the United States, if invited thereto, be, and hereby are, respectively impowerd to accede to Such Regulations, conformable to the Spirit of the Said Declaration, as may be agreed upon, by the Congress expected to assemble in pursuance of the Invitation of her imperial Majesty.”

This Resolution, I had the Honour on the 8th of March 1781 of communicating to their High Mightinesses, and to the Ministers of Russia, Sweeden and Denmark residing at the Hague, and to inform them, that I was ready and desirous of pledging the Faith of the United states, to the Observances of the Principles of the armed Neutrality, according to that Resolution of Congress.
Now I Submit it to your Consideration sir, whether the Simplest and most natural Method of bringing this War to a General Conclusion is not, for the neutral Powers to admit a Minister from Congress to acceed to the Principles of the marine Treaty of Neutrality in the Same manner as France and Spain have done.
But it will be Said this is Acknowledging the Souvereignty of the United States of America. Very true—and for this very Reason it is desirable, because it settles the main question of the Controversy, it immediately reconciles, all the illdisposed Part of the English Nation to the Measure, it prepares the Way to the two Imperial Courts to invite the Ministers of the United states of America to a Congress, for making Peace under their Mediation, and enables the British Ministry to reconcile the King and the present opposition to an Act of Parliament declaring America independent, and most probably is the only Method of Saving Great Britain herself from all the Horrors of an internal civil war.
This great Point once decided, the Moderation of the belligerent Powers and the impartial Equity of the two imperial mediating Courts, would leave no room to doubt of a Speedy general Peace.
Without Some such Interposition of the Neutral Powers, the War will probably be prolonged untill a civil War breaks out in England, for which the Parties there appear to be nearly ripe. The Vanity of that Nation will always enable artfull Men to flatter it, with illusive hopes of Divisions among their Ennemies, of Reconciliation with America, and of Seperate Peace with some that they make take vengeance on others. But these are all Delusions—America will never be unfaithfull to their Allies nor to herself.

I wish therefore, Sir, for your Advice, whether it would not be prudent for the Sates General to take Some Steps. To propose this matter to the Considerations of the Empress of Russia, the Emperor of Germany and all the other Neutral Courts—or at least to instruct their Ambassadors at all those Courts, to promote, the Admission of the United states of America to become Parties to the late Marine Treaty.


Title: To John Adams from Lewis R. Morris, 6 July 1782
From: Morris, Lewis R.
To: Adams, John

No: 14plicate
Office of foreign Affairs 6th. July 1782
Sir

The same opportunity which carries this to Europe, also conveys Bills to Doctor Franklin, for the amount of the Salaries due our foreign Ministers, from the first day of January to the first day of April 1782.
Your Salary for that time is £650 stg reduced to Dollars at 4/6 sterg. is 2.777 68/90 Doles. Exchange at 6/3 Curreny for 5. Livres is. 14.583 lt Livres, You will draw on Doctor Franklin for this sum.
I am sorry it is out of my power to include in this account, the allowance you make your private Secretary, and the contingent Expences of your Office, but not possest of any rule to estimate either of these Charges, they must necessarily remain unsettled, till we are informed of their amount, you will be pleased to advise Mr Livingston on this subject as soon as possible, with the state of your account, that it may be settled, and the arrears if any, remitted to you.
I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant.

L R Morris


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 8 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

The Hague July 8. 1782
Sir

The Duke de la Vauguion has this Moment, kindly given me Notice, that he is to Send off a Courier this Evening at Eleven, and that the Dutch Fleet has Sailed from the Texel this Morning.
I shall take Advantage of the Courier Simply to congratulate you, on your Arrival at Paris, and to wish you and Mrs Jay, much Pleasure, in your Residence there. Health, the Blessing which is Sought in vain, among these Meadows and Canals, you can Scarcely fail of enjoying in France.
Shall I beg the Favour of you, to write me, from Time to Time the Progress of the Negotiation for Peace? The states of Holland, go upon my Project of a Treaty, the 10th. and I dont foresee any Obstacle to the Compleation of, it, Slowly however. After which I fancy I shall make a further Proposal, with great Modesty and Humility as becomes me, but which the English, if not the Russians and the Danes, will think very forward and assuming. How the Loan here is likely to suceed I cannot as yet inform you, I am flattered with Hopes of getting a Million and an half, but I dare not depend upon one Quarter Part of that sum, nor indeed upon any Part, untill the Money is received. Appearances in this Country are not less uncertain now than they were in the Times of D’Avaux and D’Estralles.
I hope, in God that your Spanish Negotiation has not wrecked your Constitution as my Duch one, has mine. I would not undergo again, what I have suffered here, in Body and mind, for the Fee Simple of all their Spice Islands. I love them however, because with all their Faults and under all their Disadvantages, they have at Bottom a Strong Spirit of Liberty, a Sincere Affection for America, and a Kind of religious Veneration for her Cause.
There are Intrigues, going on here, which originate in Petersbourg and Copenhagen, which Surprize me. They Succeed very ill: but they are curious—have you discerned any coming from the same sources at Madrid or Versailles? Whether the Object of them is, to Stir up a Party in favour of England to take a Part in the War, or only to favour her in Obtaining moderate Terms of Peace, or whether it is Simply, to share some of her Guineas, by an Amusement of this kind, like a game at Cards is a Problem.
As to Peace, no Party in England Seems to have Influence enough to dare to make, one real Advance towards it. The present Ministry are really to be pitied. They have not Power to do any Thing. I am Surprized they dont all resign—if they dissolve Parliament, I dont believe they would get a better. Is Mr Carmichael at Paris with you, or does he continue at Madrid?
With great Esteem I have the Honour to be Sir your most obedient servant

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Jean de Neufville & Fils, 8 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)

The Hague July 8. 1782
Gentlemen

I return you the Bills Ns. 84 and 85 for 5.50 Guilders each accepted, which you Sent me in yours of 5. July.
As to the Accounts, I know of no Reasons, for concealing those Accounts, from the Gentlemen I desired to pay them. And if you will present them to Messrs Wilhem & Jan Willink Nicholas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and De la Lande and Fynje or either of them, they will pay them and take the proper Receipts, or, if you will draw upon me here for the Money, it is ready, at a Moments Warning. I cannot leave the Hague, at this critical Moment, or I would go to Amsterdam, and carry the Money with me in order to pay those debts, and finish the matter.

I have the Honour &c


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 9 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

The Hague July 9. 1782
Sir

You have very much obliged me, by the Act and the Bill. It is to the last degree Astonishing to see, that perfect Ignorance, of the United States of America, which still prevails in old England. They willfully Shut their Eyes, that they may be Sure not to See.
My Bowells of Compassion begin to be moved for this blind, debauched, devoted old Woman Britannia. Is there no possibility of reforming and Saving her? The Powers of Europe, must undertake this charitable Work, if it is ever done, for it is in vain to expect it from herself. The Nation is so divided, there Seems to be no Government left. No Party has Power! No Man, or Number of Men have Influence. The Nation has lost all Confidence in Men and in Systems, and seems almost ripe to draw the sword upon itself. I can think of but one Expedient, to save them and that is this. Let the Empress of Russia, the Emperor the Kings of Prussia, sweeden and Denmark, or in other Words the Neutral Powers, admit Mr Dana, as the Minister of the United States, to Sign the Treaty of maritime Neutrality, that is to say acceed to the Principles of it, as France and Spain have done. This is done in a Moment, and thereby the whole Difficulty is removed. The United states are then acknowledged to be sovereign by all the World. This would instantly Suppress the old Ministry in England and their System, and give Influence and Authority to the new, to propose and obtain, an express Acknowledgment of the Independence of America by Act of Parliament. It would enable them to perswade the King to give a Commission to some Ambassador, to treat with the United States or their Ministers—and it would take away all Objections to an Invitation of Dr Franklin and Mr Jay, to a Congress to treat of a general Peace. In this Way England would be likely to obtain better Terms than in any other.
If you have Influence enough with the neutral Courts, to perswade them to a step which will do them so much Honour, and the weary World So much good, pray make use of it, from a Principle of Philanthropy.
I am with the greatest Esteem, sir, your most obedient Servant

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Jean Henri David Uhl, 9 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Uhl, Jean Henri David

The Hague July 9. 1782
Sir

I received this Morning, the Letter, which you did me the Honour to write me, on the first of this Month, and if it were in my Power to give you any Advice or assistance, in your affair, it would give me Pleasure to do it.
If the Vessell and Cargo were Sold at Martinique, it is probable it was in Consequence of a regular Proscess in the Court of Admiralty there, and by Virtue of a Decree of that Court rendered according to the Laws of Nations and of France in Such Cases. You have not informed me, whether any one, on your Part, claimed your Coffee in that Court. If not, this Seems to have been an omission, it is necessary, that Neuters who ships Merchandizes on the Bottoms of other Nations, should always furnish the Master or some other, with Evidence of their Property and Authority to claim it. If this was done, nether the Court of Admiralty in Martinico, nor the Commander of the Privateer appear to have done wrong. And whether, after this omission it will be easy or even possible for you to obtain a Remedy I know not.
You think it a Trifle for the Privateer—but this Privateer may have many owners, and many families may have embarked their all on bord this adventure, who have been unsuccessfull in other Cruises or even in this So that it is impossible, for You and I, who know nothing of their History, to say that this Coffee is not of more importance to the Captors or Some of them, than to the first owners of it. We can never determine where Justice lies by Such Speculations. The only Questions are how is the Law and the Fact. It is a mere Question of Law and of private Property, a Question in which Authority cannot peroperly interfere, even in a Monarchy, much less in a Republick like the United States where there is no Authority but the Law.
If it were proper for Congress to interfere at all, it would be upon a Memorial of a Prussian Ambassador, and I wish with all my Heart, you would prevail, upon that Great Prince who does so much Honour to his age, to do us the Honour of Sending a Minister to Philadelphia, and use his Influence with all the Neutral Courts to do the same, a Measure so easy to take, and yet in its Consequences perhaps one of the greatest actions of his Reign, and it may be depended on, that every Representation of such a Minister would be attended to with perfect Respect.
If you desire me to interpose with Congress, I really dont know whether I can do it with perfect Propriety: Yet, nevertheless, I will hazard it, So far as to transmit to Congress any Papers, relative to this Matter that you or your Correspondent at Amsterdam can desire. Yet I ought to tell you, that I should have very little hopes of being usefull to you, in this Way, because it does not appear to me to be, the right Way.
The proper Way, and the only one, which has a Probability of success is, for you to give a Procuration to Some one, who is going to America, as several respectable young Merchants are, or to some Correspondent already established there, to make the proper Enquiries, and pursue the matter, against the Privateer in a legal Course, in which Case you must send the proper Evidence. I would give to such an Agent, a Letter of Introduction or do any Thing else in my Power to assist him, with Pleasure.
You may depend upon it, sir, that the Sense of the obligations to Justice, is not less decisive in America than in England, and that every Thing will be done there, which can be done in any free Country to obtain it for you.

I have the Honour to be


Title: From John Adams to Gerbrand Ravekes & J. G. Thin van Keulen, 10 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Ravekes, Gerbrand, & J. G. Thin van Keulen (business)

The Hague 10 July 1782
Gentlemen

I received in Time, your Letter of the 29 of June, and should have answered it before, but upon Searching for the Lease, I found it has been mislayed in removing from Amsterdam, and my Secretary has been Sick and absent, So that I have not been able to find it.
I consent that Messrs Willinks, Van Staphorsts and De la Lande and Fynje, Should pay you, the f491:12s, in Addition to the Arrears of Rent, due, upon your delivering him my Lease and a Receipt. Your Lease, I will return to you as soon as I can find it, and if it should not be found, this Letter shall warrant and indemnify you, from all Demands or Damages arising from it.

I am Gentlemen your very humble servant


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 10 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)

The Hague July 10. 1782
Gentlemen

I inclose you a Letter to Messrs Gerbrand Ravekes, and J. G. Thin Van Keulen, and request you to pay them, the Sum of f1281:12s, and take up the Lease, and a Receipt in full for half a years Rent in Arrear, and for the Loss and Expences upon the present year, arrising from their Letting the House to another with my Consent. This Sum you will please to charge to the United States of America.
I inclose you also the Account of Mr Hodshon, for Thirty Seven Florins and twelve, which I request you to send him, and charge it also to the Same Account.
I Sent you Sometime ago, the Second Thousand of Obligations Signed by me, the Receipt of which you have not yet acknowledged. By Mr Barclay, I sent you, Three Dispatches to Congress, for their Ratification of the obligations, and two other Copies of my Letter to enable you to make up two more Similar dispatches, which will be quintuplicate.
You will please also to acknowledge the Receipt of these, and send one of them, by one Vessell and another by another, that some one May arrive, and We may be sure of receiving the Ratification in Time. I wish also that you would write to Congress and inform them, how much Money, they may safely draw upon you for, and by what time. You will be Sure not to exceed. You had better be a few hundred Thousand Guilders under, than any Thing above the Sum because there are bills every day arriving, which were drawn two years ago upon Mr Laurens, which I accept upon the Supposition that you will be able to pay them, five or Six months hence.

I have the Honour to be


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 11 July 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 11 July 1782
Sir

We have before us your esteemed favour of 10 inst: with a letter for Messrs. Ravekes van Keulen, to whom we Shall pay f 1281s12. for half a years rent in arrear, and for the loss and expences upon the present year, and up the Lease, and their receipt to remit to your Excellency, to charge Said Sum to the account of the United States of America.
We Shall hand Mr Hodshon the f 37:12 to place on said account, on which we’ve charged f 2373s 7. payd to Messrs. de Neufville & son according to the inclosed account and receipt.
We’ve also to Said Gentlemen the ballance of your Excellency’s acc. f 1412: 5: 8 of whch. We in close the account and receipt whch. Sum we charge Your Excellency’s account with us.
We have well received the Second thousand obligations Signed by your Excellency, and Mr. Barclay handed us the three dispatches to Congress, together with two other copies of your letter, forwhch. we get two Similar dispatches ready, whch. shall serve for Quintuplicates to be Sent by different Vessels, so as we already practised with one by Captn:  and one by Capn.  in order to receive the ratification on time.
We conveyed Said dispatches with a letter to Congress, by which we respectuously confirmed your Excellency’s letter for the Conditions of the Loan, and advised to have already in cash more than one Million of Guilders.
In consequence of Your Excellency’s writing we Shall henceforth be cautious with our further advices to Congress about it and remember the drafts on Mr Laurens which Shall be payable in 5 a 6 month hence, against whch. time, we don’t doubt, but we’ll have Sufficient money in cash, as we are in a more favourable opinion for the Loan than your Excellency seems to be, in the mean while we beg leave to inform us, of about the Sums, the drafts on Mr. Laurens may amount to.
We have the honour to be with respectfull regard Sir Your Excellencys most humble and Obedient Servants

Wilhem & Jan Willink
Nichs. & Jacob van Staphorst

Messrs de La Lande & Fynje not being home, is the reason of their not signing this letter and of not mentioning, the names of the Capns., whch. they did not yet told us, So we mention it to your Excellency by our first Letter.


Title: To John Adams from Matthew Ridley, 13 July 1782
From: Ridley, Matthew
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam July 13h. 1782
Sir

I did not write you last Tuesday as I had it not in my power to inform you with any certainty on the Subject my Letter was intended for. I can now assure you the Marquis de la Fayette will not leave home this summer. Monsieur de la Touche with the Eagle and some other Frigates have by this time sailed, with sundry Vessels under Convoy, having on board Stores Cloathing &ce for both Armies. A number of Officers are also gone.
Monsieur de Guichen has arrived off Ushant. They have taken 18 sail of Quebec Vessels and a small Frigate.

The business of peace drag’d on very slowly. There was no probability of doing any thing this summer. This was before the late sudden change in England. I think a person may venture to pronounce now that it will drag on yet more heavily if not be entirely broke off. We have it here that Mr. Fox’s open declaration for an avowal of American Independancy in a clear and explicit manner: and saying the Cabinet were unanimously of the same opinion was the occasion of his Resignation. Both the King and Lord shelburne denied the latter part. I have a Letter from there telling me several more Resignations were talkd of and that every thing was in great confusion.
I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble Servant

Matt: Ridley


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 17 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Hague July 17. 1782
Sir

I am honoured with yours of the 14. You might well Smile at the Supposition that I know nothing about the Negotiations for Peace. I have no direct Information about it, Since the 2 of June, but I presume the Reason is, there is nothing to communicate. I am indirectly informed, that Greenville, after a long time recd a Commission to treat with all the belligerent Powers. But as our Ennemy dont acknowledge Us to be a Power, they have thus reserved to themselves a Place for Chicane.
Mr Fox has Shewn himself, an able Man. He has at last taken a decided Part, and if he adheres to it, with Fortitude and Constancy, he will carry his Point, make himself Prime Minister and give Peace to his Country and to Europe, upon the best Terms that are attainable by G. Britain. His opinion, against receiving again the Dependence of America, if offered is perfectly just. It would be, ruinous to G. B. to receive it, as was fully demonstrated in a Parcell of Letters I sent to you two Years ago. Pray what is become of them. Can you get them back? I should be very glad to see them again. Since they are not worth printing, in London I would have them published here in French.
I have the Honour to agree with you, in your opinion that the Master will get the better of the Vassal, in their Contention for Preeminence, but there is another Emulation going on, between the Same Vassal, and a certain hoary head, where I think the Vassal will get the better.
I have had the Honour to Sup at the great Feast at Court, in Company with the great Personages you Saw at Brussells, and had several fine opportunities to take their Phisiognomies very near. Their appearance and their Behaviour, were very agreable. Yet who would wish to be, in their Situation? their Forebodings may very probably be as gloomy as yours.

Will not Fox’s decisive Conduct compel the Master and the Vassal to be explicit? The Declarations of Conway, Richmond, and even shelburne, are so possitive, that the Intention is to acknowledge American Independence, that it Seems difficult for them to evade and equivocate, much longer, especially as Fox and Burke, Cavendich &c will not forget their Declarations. All Europe will consider the Kings Honour Dignity, Parole, engaged to acknowledge our Independence, if he retreats he will, Sink his Character lower than ever in every Court of Europe. I think that Shelburne will not be able to with Stand the Torrent. He must call in the Bedfords to his Aid. These will not be able to support him long, and presently, Several of the old Ministry will come in again. But none of them can disavow, the Declarations, in which King and all are compromised, to acknowledge American Independence, either conditionally or without Conditions. Fox uttered a Volume of good Sense, when he attached the Salvation of his Country to the Words “Without Conditions.” This sentiment has convinced me that he has a more comprehensive View of the State of the Nation, of France, Spain, Holland America, and the Neutral Powers, than all the other Men in England, and has formed a more Sagacious Judgement upon the whole.
Between you and me, Where shelburne says, he has Proofs lately recd that he is not disagreable to the Americans, he means a flattering Letter that Franklin has written him. I dare say he has no other Proof—at least he has none from me, who confess that I have as little Confidence in him, as you have or Mr Fox. I have long foreseen, that his Ambition his Trimming System, and insideous Character, would might Slide itself into the Place of the old Ministry, and put the last finishing Hand to the Ruin of G. B. and have ever wondered, that Fox and Burke did not see it sooner. They however depended I suppose upon the Marquis of Rockingham.
There now remains nothing but for Fox Burke, &c to be Steady. They have Seized the precise Idea and the only one that can be of Service to their Country. If they persevere, they will have the Glory, far greater than even that of a Chatham, of restoring as much Friendship between G. B and America, as is now in the nature of Things possible, and in as short a time as possible, and at the Sametime that of obtaining the best terms possible from the other belligerent Powers. Fox appears to have considered the advantage they give to France Spain and Holland by keeping the Question of American Independence open. An immense Advantage it is, that of throwing the odium of the Continuance of the War upon America  or rather upon England, that of Saying, with Truth We cant give Peace to the World yet, because the English cant perswade themselves to pronounce the Word Independence. This Point, fairly settled America will be Steady to her plighted faith and Honour it is true, but She will say, “I am Satisfied, Satisfy my Allies.” Their Allies must then take upon themselves the sole Merit of continuing the War. This Sentiment, will constrain them to a Moderation to which they have no Motive while the other Question is open.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Barclay, 18 July 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 18th. July 1782
Dear Sir

I had a letter some days ago from Doctor Franklin desiring me not to draw on him for any more money, to which yesterday I wrote a reply, a Copy of which I send inclosed to your Excellency. If you shou’d ask why I trouble you with it, my answer is, that it is for the reason I have given Doctor Franklin for writing so long a letter to him, “because I wish you to know minutely my situation.” I have little doubt but he will relax from his Injunctions, in which Case I shall have the pleasure, I hope, in about ten days of waiting on you for your Commands to France, and to return you my acknowledgements for your kindness and attention to me in Holland.
In the mean time I am with the greatest sincerity Your Excellencys Very Obed Servant

Thos Barclay


Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 19 July 1782
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

Newburyport July. 19th. 1782
Sir

Under the 25th May last I did myself the honor of addressing you in behalfe of a Capt William Armstrong, late Comander of a vessel belonging to me—who, by the then last accounts, was suffering a severe confinement on board a Ship at Portsmo. I felt much on this account, both as he was a worthy young fellow—and as it appeared to me an insult upon a subject of these States—therefore on a public principle, joyned to a presumption on our former connections, I took the liberty to ask your noticing the affair.
It is with much pleasure I can advise of Capt Armstrong’s escape from Portsmo and his safe arrival home. He tells that on his arrival at Portsmouth he was put on board a Guard Ship—Admiral Pye’s, there confined in Irons on both legs, for three months and three days—and part of the time handshackled, for which treatment no reason was given him. At a very great risque, tired of his cruel situation, he effected a happy escape.
Being informed that a regular exchange of American Prisoners who are or may be carried to England, is likely to take place, any such behaviour in the British, for the future, may be easily enquired into—and a stop put thereto.
As the aforementioned Letter of 25th May, may go in the same vessel with this, I beg leave to refer you to the latter part of it, respecting my present engagements in public life, which makes me more earnestly wish for every intelligence, that may be useful in that line.
I remain, with the highest Esteem, and personal Regard, Sir your most hble Servant

Tristram Dalton