Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 21 June 1785
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

            Monsieur,
            Lahaie 21 Juin 1785

          L’Expéditeur à Rotterdam de nos Messrs. d’Amsterdam, m’apprend qu’il a reçu les Passeports de L. H. P. que je lui avois envoyés pour vos effets; que le vaisseau qui en est chargé est déjà descendu la Riviere; & qu’il a envoyé Aux dits Sieurs les connoissemens & le suivi de tout.
          Je résume aujourd’hui les honorées vôtres du 3, 10 & 14 court.
          J’ai vu avec Intérêt & plaisir la relation que V. E. a eu la bonté de me faire de votre audience & réception.
          J’ai été ce matin chez Mr. le Greffier, com̃e il m’en avoit prié; mais des affaires inopinées l’ayant obligé de sortir, il m’a fait prier de revenir demain ou après-demain. Du reste vous pouvez, Monsieur, regarder l’affaire dont il s’est agi com̃e entierement finie à la satisfaction réciproque.
          Je trouve com̃e V. E. que votre apparition vous attirera bien des Observateurs, tant malévoles que bénévoles. Vous avez raison de mépriser les premiers: car il n’auront jamais de leur côté que le rire des sots; & vous savez les paroles de l’Evangile, “que bienheureux sont ceux dont on parle mal en mentant.”
          Je ne suis nullement surpris que vous goûtiez Mr. De L.: il ne le sera pas non plus, quand vous lui apprendrez, que Mr. son frere a eu sa bonne & docte part à la chicane Diplomatique qui vous a été suscitée. Je suis avec grand respect, De Votre Excellence le très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur

            Cwf Dumas

          TRANSLATION

            Sir
            The Hague, 21 June 1785

          The shipper in Rotterdam of our gentlemen of Amsterdam informs me that he received the passports from Their High Mightinesses which I had sent him for your effects, that the ship charged with them has already descended the river, and that he has sent to said gentlemen the receipts and accounting of everything.
          I return today to your honored letters of the 3d, 10th, and 14th of this month.
          I read with interest and pleasure the account of your audience and reception, which your excellency had the goodness to send me.
          This morning I called on the secretary, as he had requested, but some unexpected affairs having obliged him to go out, he requested me to return tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. You may rest assured, sir, that the affair in question is altogether concluded to mutual satisfaction.
          I find, like your excellency, that your appearance will attract a good many observers, malevolent and benevolent alike. You are right to disdain the former, for they will never have anything but the laugh of fools on their side; and you are familiar with the words of the gospel, that “blessed are those against whom evil things are falsely said.”
          I am in no way surprised that you appreciate Mr. Lynden; nor will he be when you inform him that his brother had a good and wise part in the diplomatic chicanery generated for you. With great respect, I remain your excellency’s most humble and most obedient servant

            Cwf Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Clement Cottrell Dormer, 22 June 1785
From: Dormer, Clement Cottrell
To: Adams, John

            Bemers Street Wednes: 22d: June 1785.

          Mr: Cottrell presents his Compliments to Mr: Adams, and informs Him, that there is no Ceremonial attending the Presentation of the Ladies of Foreign Ministers, except an Ambassadress, who has Private Audience of their Majesties attended by the Mr: of the Ceremonies—
          Mrs: and Miss Adams will be Presented in the Circle, in the same manner as all other Ladies—to the King by the Lord in Waiting; to the Queen by the Lady of the Bed Chamber—and any Lady of Mrs: Adams’s acquaintance, who may go with Her to Court, will give in the Manner of Mrs: & Miss Adams as above—
          Mr: Cottrell is to attend Count Woronzow to his Audience of the Queen before the Drawing room, which Audience over, he will be in the Drawing room, and shall be very happy to be of any Service to Mrs: & Miss Adams—


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1785
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir
            Paris June 22. 1785.

          My last to you was of the 2d. inst. since which I have received yours of the 3d. and 7th. I informed you in mine of the substance of our letter to Baron Thulemeyer. last night came to hand his acknolegement of the receipt of it. he accedes to the method proposed for signing, and has forwarded our dispatch to the king. I inclose you a copy of our letter to mr Jay to go by the packet of this month. it contains a state of our proceedings since the preceding letter which you had signed with us. this contains nothing but what you had concurred with us in, and as Dr. Franklin expects to go early in July for America, it is probable that the future letters must be written by you & myself. I shall therefore take care that you be furnished with copies of every thing which comes to hand on the joint business.
          What is become of this mr̃ Lambe? I am uneasy at the delay of that business, since we know the ultimate decision of Congress. Dr. Franklin having a copy of the Corps Diplomatique has promised to prepare a draught of a treaty to be offered to the Barbary states; as soon as he has done so we will send it to you for your corrections. we think it will be best to have it in readiness against the arrival of mr̃ Lambe on the supposition that he may be addressed to the joint ministers for instructions.
          I asked the favour of you in my last to chuse two of the best London papers for me, one for each party. the D. of Dorset has given me leave to have them put under his address, and sent to the office from which his despatches come. (I think he called it Cleveland office, or Cleveland row, or by some such name: however I suppose it can easily be known there.) will mr̃ Stockdale undertake to have these papers sent regularly, or is this out of the line of his business? pray order me also any really good pamphlets which come out from time to time, which he will charge to me.
          I have the honour to be with sentiments of real respect and / affection Dr. Sir / Your most obedient / and most humble servt

            Th: Jefferson


Title: From John Adams to William Gordon, 26 June 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Gordon, William

            Sir
            Bath Hotel Westminster June 26 1785—

          I have received your Letter, and can assure you that the use you made of any expressions of mine concerning the refugees was not the cause of my silence, I never troubled my Head about those expressions enough to take a Copy of them, but whatever they were they were the Language of the Heart.— Base and abandoned as many of them the refugees are I should Scorn to hurt the Hair of the Head of any one of them. they would be impotent and despicable in the United States, in England and in Nova Scotia they may do some harm Mischeif
          I have been sufficiently informed of the unprosperous state of the Whale Fishery occasioned by the exorbitant Duty imposed on the Oil in England since we have been called Aliens and nothing has been or shall be wanting on my Part to get the Imposition off, but I see no room for sanguine Hopes at Present— the English as well as the French are flattering themselvs with visionary hopes of introducing and establishing the Whale Fishery among themselvs. the Merchants and others in New England who have heretofore been concerned in this Fishery should endeavour to make a Contract in France with the Person who has the Contract for illuminating Paris and thirty other Cities. Nothing will operate so forcibly in England as such a rivalry. some of the Merchants here have Labourd with the Ministry to take off this oppressive Duty—but they have Labourd hitherto in vain, The Ministry are so embarrassed with Ireland, and with the Shop tax and various other things Taxes. now become Inevitable by the Late imprudence of the Nation, and they are so watched by various Bodies in opposition that they have not the Courage to follow their own Inclinations and Judgments their own Merchants are as much distressed as ours, yet they cannot obtain the Fa    for remittances Which they wish—
          I have been received here with all the Forms and with Strong Professions of Friendly dispositions—but Professions alone will not answer the End. We must wait to see what substantial Proofs will be given of sincerity. if I found the Nation well informed I should think all well: but so far from it that I scarcly find a Man who is informed. I find nobody who understands the real relation between this Country and ours—and who sees the Importance of our Commerce to them

          the same Pride and Vanity and the same Contempt of America which Produced the late War and their inhumane Conduct in the Course of it is Still industriously kept up in the Nation especially by the refugees—and Causes the Present obstructions to Commerce. I am astonished at the incorrigible Wickedness and obstinacy of these refugees, instead of being sensible of their own situation and of the Infinite Evils they have brought upon this Country, they are Still as false as wicked and as imprudent as they were twenty Years ago and Notwithstanding the Punishment they have received and the Nation for beleiving them there are Multitude of People Still disposed to beleive them in the Worst and falcest of their Pretentions
          The Paragrafts respecting Coll Palfrey are the abominable Inventions of Insurance offices in order to inhance the Premioums on American Vessells, and to get away their Freight there has never been one American Vessell molested by the Algerines nor more than one by the Em Morocco. our Merchants are not yet aware of all the Tricks Played here to deceive them.— I wrote you by my son who will be with you I hope before this Letter I long to hear from him—
          I Presume Mr Bowdoin is your Governer, and that all things go on smoothly. Mr Temple is here, and behaves in a Manner very friendly to America— if he goes out as he proposes to do in August, and can get the better of that Jealoussy of himself which Perhaps his incaution excited during the War he will do no injury to America, but on the Contrary I beleive more service than we can expect from any other British Consull
          Let me hear from you as often as you can. I am / Sir, your friend & sert


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 26 June 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Dear Sir
            Bath Hotel Westminster June 26. 1785.

          By the Ninth Article of the Confederation, the United States in Congress assembled have the sole and exclusive right and Power of entering into Treaties and Alliances, Provided, that no Treaty of Commerce Shall be made, whereby the Legislative Power of the respective States Shall be restrained from imposing such Imposts and Duties on Foreigners, as their own People are Subjected to or from prohibiting the Exportation or Importation of any Species of Goods or Commodities whatsoever:
          I have ventured, Sir in some former Letters to you, notwithstanding the Delicacy of tampering with the Confederation, to suggest to your Consideration, whether it may not he necessary for the States to reconsider this Proviso, and give to Congress unlimited Authority to enter into Treaties of Commerce with foreign Powers at least for a limited Term of Years. I have also enquired whether it might not be necessary for the States to confer upon Congress Authority, to regulate the external Commerce of all the Members of the Confederation, for a like Term of Years. If the States Should hesitate at this, I am perswaded they would readily comply with Recommendations of Congress to this Effect. for Example, if Congress Should recommend to the Legislatures of the States to lay Duties, heavy Duties upon all British Vessells entering into or clearing out of their Ports, especially upon all Vessells coming from or bound to the West India Islands, Nova Scotia, Canada, or Newfoundland, and upon all Merchandises imported from or exported to any Part of the British Dominions I can Scarly doubt, that every Legislature would immediately comply. And by this Means our own Navigation would be encouraged, and the British discouraged to Such a Degree, as to compell the British Government to enter into an equitable Treaty. Nay I cannot doubt the Readiness of the States to comply with a Recommendation of Congress wholly to prohibit British Vessells and Merchandizes.
          Although I have been received here and continue to be treated with all the Distinction which is due to the Rank and Title you have given me, there is nevertheless a Reserve, which convinces me, that We Shall have no Treaty of Commerce, untill this nation is made to feel the Necessity of it. I am every day astonished at the Ignorance of all Ranks of People of the Relation between this Country and ours. Cui bono? they cry. to what End a Treaty of Commerce, when We are Sure of as much American Trade as We have Occasion for, without it. The Experiment has been tryed and the Americans have found that they cannot Supply themselves elsewhere. There must be quid pro quo. and what have the United States to give in Exchange, for the Liberty of going in their own Ships to our Sugar Colonies and our Colonies upon the Continent? These Smart Reasoners are answered, the Americans allow Britons to come in their own Vessells to all their Ports in the United States, and this is more than a quid for your Quo. This is the true Reciprocity: and while We allow you this Liberty, We have a Right to demand it in Return. But replies the Briton you cant avoid this, you have no Government, You cant agree to prohibit our Ships and Goods or to lay Duties on them. Then Says the American You give up the Argument of Reciprocity You confess that you are not willing to allow Us a Quid for our Quo, and that you are disposed to take Advantage of our Supposed Disunion, to get unequal Benfits from Us. But you will find yourselves disappointed in this Disunion that you build So much upon; nothing but two much good nature to you, and too high an opinion of your Wisdom, has prevented the states hitherto from Uniting in a reciprocal discouragement of your Ships and Goods. but when the Americans find themselves deceived, you will soon see them too much United for your Purposes. Such have been the Dialogues in Conversation for a Year or two, and these ignorant Sophisms of the Britains will never be confuted to any Effect, untill vigorous Measures are taken by all the States in Concert. Whatever Measures are taken I Should recommend them to be taken upon this express Proviso, to continue in force only untill Things shall be otherwise Settled by a Treaty of Commerce.
          I receive Sometimes unexpected Visits from Persons who I Suppose are Sent on Purpose to Say Things to me, which they wish no doubt to have transmitted to you. Since the Appearance of the Resolutions of the Merchants Traders and Mechanicks of Boston, I have Several Times fallen into Company with Persons whose Connections I know, and who have assumed very grave Faces and enquired about the Disturbances at Boston, as they call them and given very Sage Hints of their Fears that those Proceedings would obstruct my Success. a few Days Since, my servant announced Lord Hood would be glad to see me if I was at Leisure. I desired his Lordship might walk up. I was Surprized, that among so many Visits of Ceremony his Lordship should not be content with leaving his Card. But in the Year 1768, I had appeared before him then Commodore Hood, in a Special Court of Admiralty for the Tryal of four Sailors for killing Lieutenant Panton in defending themselves from his Press Gang. His Lordship took Advantage of this very transient Acquaintance of 17 Years standing to make me a friendly Visit. He Soon began a Conversation about the Boston Proceedings. it is not necessary to repeat what was said as it was of no Consequence for you to know, excepting that his Lordship was very Sorry to See the Account of those Proceedings, was very much afraid they would obstruct the Return of Friendship and prove a Bar to what he wished to see a good Treaty of Commerce. I told his Lordship that those Proceedings were prefaced with “Whereas there is no Treaty of Commerce” and as I understood them they were not to be in force any longer than there should be no Treaty of Commerce. His Lordship concluded by Saying that the sooner Such a Treaty was made the better.— I had no doubt then and have been confirmed by others Since in the opinion that his Lordship did not come of his own Head.
          All Parties are upon the Reserve, respecting American Affairs. They are afraid of each other. And it is my clear Opinion, that it is Congress and the states and they alone who can enable me to do any Thing effectual.— I may reason, till I die, to no Prupose. It is Unanimity in America in Measures, which shall confute the British sophisms and make them feel, which will ever produce a fair Treaty of Commerce.
          With great Esteem and Affection, I have / the Honour to be, sir your Sincere / Fred & humble servant

            John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Thaxter, 28 June 1785
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, John

            Sir,
            Haverhill 28th. June 1785

          At the last Term of the Supreme Judicial Court held at Ipswich came upon Trial the Celebrated Cause of John Murray vs the Inhabitants of Gloucester— (This Murray is known by the Name of Salvation Murray, to contradistinguish him from another of the same Name, who preaches a very opposite Doctrine, and is known by the Name of Damnation Murray.)
          Mr. Murray about a twelvemonth agone brought an Action against the Inhabitants of Gloucester for Money had and recieved to his Use, in order to recover a part of his Salary that had been paid by some of his People to the Collector & by him to the Treasurer of that Town. Messs. Tudor and Sullivan were Counsel for the Plaintiff, Messs. Bradbury & Parsons for the Defendants. Mr. Tudor, who opened the Cause, after explaining the Nature of the Action, called in his Evidence to shew who had paid Money and to what amount, how it was appropriated &ca., finally to shew that Mr. Murray had never recieved any part of it— These points were not denied— Upon a cross-examination of the Evidence, Mr. Parsons put this question, “what are Mr. Murrays particular Tenets in Religion”? Mr. Sullivan pray’d the Judgment of the Court as to the propriety of the Question—said the different Sects in this Country were distinguished rather by their different Modes of administring the Ordinances and by their Church Discipline than by any particular Tenets—that we had only to do with the Professions of Christians— Mr. Parsons in reply argued, that this Action was grounded upon the third Article of the Bill of Rights, and that he had put that question to determine whether Mr. Murray was a protestant Teacher within the Sense of that Article—that meer profession was not sufficient in this Case— The Court unanimously determined, that as Murray had grounded his Action upon the 3d. Article, and meant to avail himself of all its Advantages, it ought to appear in Evidence, that he was such a protestant teacher of Piety, Religion and Morality as that Article described. After this determination, a number of questions were put to the Witness on the Stand, to wit, whether Mr. Murray did not deny a state of future punishments? Whether he did not preach Salvation in its most universal Sense? Whether he did not refuse to administer the Ordinance of Baptism to Infants? The Witness was very cautious in his Answers, except as to the Matter of Infant Baptism, which he said Mr. Murray did not administer— With this Exception, little could be collected from him but by Implication— He said, Mr. Murray had affirmed according to Scripture that Christ died for all Men—that the Plaister was as large as the Sore—that as we all died in Adam, so we were all made alive in Christ—but not a word about all being necessarily saved— The Witness appeared to be tolerably well read in Scripture, and to have retained in his Memory those Passages which Universalists quote in their Support— While he answered in the Language of Scripture, he was perfectly safe—he felt his Security, and was crafty enough to avoid being entangled—
          Mr. Bradbury in opening the Defence endeavour’d to establish three points—
          1st. That Mr. Murray and his followers were not a Sect or a Denomination within the meaning of the Constitution, having not as yet acquired a Name even by Reputation.
          2dly. That Mr. Murray was not such a protestant Teacher of Piety, Religion and Morality as was described in the third Article of the Bill of Rights—
          3dly. That his Society was not a corporate Society in the Sense of the Constitution, capable of forming Contracts—
          Little more being said upon the first point, than that they could not be distinguish’d as a Sect, he went on to the discussion of the second, which was somewhat of a trial of their theological learning and strength and for Lawyers they play’d their parts pretty well as Divines— With regard to the Words “protestant teacher” a question arose, who were Protestants and from whence did Protestantism originate— It was observed by the Counsel for the Defendants, that it sprung from a Protest against the fundamental Errors of the Romish Church signed at Smalfa a Town in Germany— It was reply’d by the Counsel on the other side, that it was a Mistake—that the Protest was only against the Authority of a Diet that had been illegally assembled, and not against any fundamental Errors of that Church— So that on one side it was a religious Protest, and on the other a Civil one. It was denied by Messs. Bradbury and Parsons, that Murray was a protestant teacher of Piety, Religion and Morality in the meaning of the 3d. Article—because he did not believe in a future state of punishments and inculcated the same Doctrine on his followers— And this, said they, destroys the moral Sanction, weakens the moral Obligation and has a tendency to render Men bad Citizens, and that therefore a Teacher of such a Doctrine could never be such an one as the Constitution meant to provide for— Whether Murray was right or wrong they would not say, but they were sure the Constitution made no provision for a Teacher—of such Doctrines—
          All this was denied by the opposite Counsel; and the Covenant between Murray and his followers was produced and read as Evidence that he was a Teacher of Religion, Piety & Morality— The Covenant was very well penned, and breathed a spirit of Benevolence— It held up the Doctrines of Piety to God and Love to our Neighbour, and as these are the eternal foundations of Religion, it could not on that account be objected to— This was Evidence of profession only—and I know not who has right to question the practice, where the Sectaries Conduct does not disturb the peace of Society— No Court or Jury can pretend to search the Heart—its Vices must be evidenced by the Acts of its owner; and Intention ought in these Cases ever to be collected from Actions— Very little of consequence was said against the Covenant— It was in general observed that it was not regular Evidence— It would most certainly have been impertinent, if the second Point of their Antagonists had not been set up.— The third point, was, that Murray’s Society was not a corporate Society in the Sense of the Constitution, and therefore incapable of making Contracts— I have ever thought this Point the safest and best to rest the Cause upon, as not involving in its discussion any religious matter speculative or practical, and of Course keeping one Object in view proper for a Court and Jury to decide upon without embarrassment. The Words of the 3d. Article, on which the Defendants relied, are as follows, “The People of this Commonwealth have a right to invest their Legislature with power to authorise & require, and the Legislature shall, from time to time, authorise and require, the several Towns, Parishes, Precincts, and other Bodies politic, or religious Societies, to make suitable provision, at their own expence &ca.” It was insisted upon very strenuously, that the Words, “and other Bodies politic, or religious Societies,[”] had reference to what preceeded, and that the Words “or religious Societies” were explanatory, and upon every possible Construction were—Bodies politic or corporate. But this Construction was denied— It was said that Baptists and Episcopalians and Quakers were unsafe under this Construction—that one Sect predominated or had the preference to another &ca. &c— Much was said about ignorant & illiterate Characters turning Teachers if such Societies were encouraged— However, whether the Article is right or wrong, it was immaterial in Murray’s Case— I cannot see how it is possible to suppose, as it now stands, that any other Society is or was intendend by it than a corporate one.
          The Pleadings being finished, the Court summed up the Evidence to the Jury— And I am exceedingly sorry that I could not be present at that time— I am however informed, that the Court were decidedly and unanimously in favor of the Defendants— But the Jury found for the Plaintiff— Eight of them were at first in favor of the Defendants, but were brought over by the rest of their Bretheren, more especially by a Baptist who was one of them— The Cause is to be reviewed—
          Thus, Sir, you have a very imperfect Sketch of this Trial— You have hardly the Outlines—but you will be able to collect the Merits perhaps from this irregular Account— The Bench & Bar were so crouded, that I could not take Minutes, and have been obliged to trust to a Memory not the most retentive. From your Attachment to the Profession, I presumed that a short abstract of this Cause, would not be unacceptable— With this view I forward it.
          Our Commerce is almost totally stagnated— Our Specie exhausted nearly— If there were as many enquiring the way to Zion, or what they should do to be saved, as there are of those who are ardently praying for the effusion or outpourings of Cash, we should be the happy People saved of the Lord. This perpetual Cry for Money often reminds me of Persons under serious Convictions— If the end of these things will be peace, so be it— If they do not correct some Vices, I am much mistaken— We have imported too many gewgaws, too many trifles— It is now time to lay hold of something solid & durable— We have Land enough, thank God, if we had virtue enough to cultivate it. When I consider my present Situation as out of the Atmosphere of Politicks & cast a retrospective view upon the four years I spent with you, the Contrast makes me smile— I know nothing that passes in Europe, nor even what is going forward in our Government. I know nothing of the Movements scarcely of our own Cabinett, much less of the Intrigues of the European Courts. In the old World, it was common food—here I find it a rare dish—so that my Regimen is totally altered.
          As to my professional Business, it is as good as I could have expected from the time of my settlement here. We are so contiguous to the State of New Hampshire, that it is convenient for me to do business there—altho’ the profits of it are not equal to what we recieve in our State. I find it requires time to be known and to command much business in our profession— There is one of the fraternity in this place, who has been establish’d here about seven years— We are as sociable as Physicians— He has done a great deal of business here, and of course has a number of people in this and the adjacent Towns indebted to him.— This is an advantage, as it secures to him their business.— He never pleads any Causes, so that his prinipal Concern is in the default way— My practice increases, and I do not see at present why my Stand will not be a good one in time. If I cannot maintain myself here, I can but retire with my Books & Clothes, having no other Incumbrances— I don’t mean to include a Wife under the Article of Incumbrances, tho’ I believe them to be sometimes the heaviest— I am much obliged by your advice respecting the choice of a Companion— If it did not clash with my Vows of Celibacy, I would throw off the Monk, so far as that— But I believe I shall hold fast to my Integrity— I hear a great many Reports about my Courtship & propinquity to the connubial State—but the general Issue is always at command, & when that fails, I can creep off with a protestando. I dont wish for the liberty of pleading double.— But it is time to finish my private History, which you commanded me to write to you— It is too uninteresting for your entertainment & not very amusing to him who has the honor to be, with an inviolable Attachment, / Sir, / your most obedient Servt

            J. T


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 28 June 1785
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)
To: Adams, John

            Sir!
            Amsterdam the 28th. June 1785.

          We are in the disagreable necessity to acquaint the Honble. Commissioners of the Board of Treasury of the United States of America, that Mess. De La Lande & fynje who at the present moment are debtors to them for the Amount of ƒ112,000, have Stopt payment, and we take the Liberty to Send your Excellency inclosed the Letter to Said Gentlemen, which we left open in order you may peruse it for your Government, time not permitting to write you more fully on the Subject.
          Further we beg your Excellency will seal up the letter, and forward it by the July Packet. If in the interim your Excellency Should have some advice in the matter, you may depend that we are disposed to do every thing in behalf of Congress, which is consistent with the present circumstances of the House.
          We remain very respectfully / Sir! / Your most obt. hble. Servts.

            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNichs. & Jacob van Staphorst

            We send copies by other opportunities


Title: To John Adams from De la Lande & Fynje, 1 July 1785
From: La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

            Sir!
            Amsterdam July 1st: 1785

          Messrs: Willink and van Staphorst have acquainted your Excellency last post, with the calamity that hath befallen our House. We now make free to inclose to your Excellency our Letter to the Honorable the Commissioners of the Board of Treasury, in which we advise them ourselves, of this for us so grievous news, begging your Excellency after perusal to forward it to those Gentlemen.
          May we intreat your Excellency to make use of your influence in our favour, that no vigorous prosecutions may be used against us, but that Congress may be favorably pleased to allow us time to settle our affairs We flatter ourselves we shall then be enabled to Satisfy the pretentions against us.
          In our present disagreeable circumstances, it is the more mortifying to us, that we cannot disown, we have launched with too much imprudence in the American Trade, but ought to have had more foresight, yet we have the Satisfaction, that we shall not be found guilty of any fraudulent designs, and we hope we may flatter ourselves, our Character has never stood in an unfavorable light with your Excellency.
          Give us leave therefore to beg your Excellency again, to interest you in our behalf, and to allow us the honour to subscribe ourselves with the profoundest regard / Your Excellencies most / humble & Obedient Servants.

            de la Lande & fÿnje


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 2 July 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)

            Gentlemen
            Bath Hotel Westminster July 2d. 1785—

          I have received your Letter of the 28th. of June, and have conveyed your Letter to the Board of Treasury, by a Vessell which sails this Day for Rhode-Island—
          I feel most sensibly for the Misfortune of your late associates, De La Lande & Fynje—and as their affairs are most probably irretrievable, it would be to no purpose to enquire how the disaster happened, or to make any Reflections upon it, any further than to enquire if there is any possible means of saving the interest of the United States, which was in their Hands. To this End Gentlemen, I must beg your most earnest Attention. Your situation and Intelligence, render you the only proper Persons to apply to upon the occasion And from your usual Promptitude, and Zeal in the service of the United States I am fully persuaded you will leave nothing undone which can preserve their Property.
          I wish you Gentlemen to make dilligent Inquiry concerning their Property in America and to inform me, what has been the nature of their Connection with Mr. Geyer of London Mr. Ingraham of Philadelphia—the House of Shailor and Seaver at New York, and Mr. William Foster at Boston, and whether you think that any Proscess can be commenced against either, or the Effects of De La Lande & Fynje in the Hands of either, whereby the Interests of our Constituents may be secured—
          Lotter has arrived with my furniture, and I get into the House to day So that you will please to direct your future favours to me, “in Grosvenor Square at the Corner between Duke Street and Brook Street, Westminster—[”]
          With great Esteem, I have the Honour to be / Gentlemen— / Your most Obedient / & most Humble sert.

            John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Cushing, 3 July 1785
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Sir
            Boston July. 3. 1785

          This will be delivered you by The Sieur De le Tombe Consull General of France for the four New England Governments, who during his Residence here have behaved to universal Acceptance, I recommend him to your kind Attention.
          I embrace this opportunity to trasmit you an Authenticated Copy of an Act passed the General Court of this Commonwealth at their present Session entituled an Act for the Regulation of Navigation & Commerce, I have not time to make any Observations upon this Act, as the Vessell is just upon Sailing, but presuming it would be agreable to you to have a sight of it as soon as possible I determined not to miss the Oportunity & should be glad to be favoured with your Sentiments upon it; It is apprehended simular Measures will be adopted by the Other States: Other Acts & measures are now under the Consideration of the Assembly for the promotion of Trade and Commerce Which as soon as determined upon I design to forward to you: I conclude with my best Respects to yourself and Mrs Adams / Your most Obedient humble Servt

            Thomas Cushing


Title: To John Adams from Joseph and Isaac Saportas, 5 July 1785
From: Saportas, Joseph,Saportas, Isaac
To: Adams, John

            Sir
            London 5th. July 1785

          We are Sorry we happend to be from home when your Excellency entended us the honour of a visit, and hope we may flatter ourselves with that Satisfaction, on future Opportunities Which may Call your Excellency in our part of the Town,
          finding that your Excellency had Received previous information Concerning the detention of An American vessel at Mogadore, we think it needless to trouble your Excellency with a repetion of the particulars, but apprehending the Captain Still Continues under Some difficulties, we Are desirous of Contributing our Mite towards his Relieve, which may be Accomplished by Recommending the matter to Some of our particular friends, residents there tho’ not directly in Situation able to interfere officialy in his behalf, in the intrem beg Leave to trouble your Excellency with the inclosed 3 Letters—from the Said Captain to be forwarded thro’ your Excellency’s means as the Safest Conveyance,—
          Our Brother Samuel of Amsterdam desires to assure your Excellency of his best Respects and Joins in repeating our offers of humble Service to your Excellency on all occasions, we have the honour to Remain with every Sentiment of attachment & high Regard, / Sir / Your Excellencies Most / Devoted Humble Servants

            Joseph & Isaac Saportas


Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 6 July 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Gerry, Elbridge

            My dear Friend
            Grosvenor Square Westminster July 6. 1785

          The inclosed Letters I Sent to Mr Jay in Cypher, but as the Conversations with the King and Queen have been reported by Lord Carmarthen and the Lord and Ladies in waiting on the Queen, and are become generally known, there is no longer a Necessity of so much mystery, yet you must be Sensible of the Delicacy of the Subject, and therefore communicate them with Discretion and in Confidence. if Mr Jay Should not have recd the Originals in Cypher you may communicate deliver these to him when you see him but I make no doubt he will receive them.
          The Dispositions of the Ministry, are either very deceitful or very good, but they are watched and embarrassed by oppositions of various Parties, that it will at least be long before they venture on any Thing decisive. They may do Something to the Purpose sooner than I expect, but I see no present hope. I am much afraid there will be a necessity that the People of all the States Should follow the Example at Faneuil Hall But it cannot be too earnestly recommended to them to consider Persons and Property as Sacred. There is no Necessity of violating either. Petitions of the People to their Assemblies and Instructions from them to Congress will be Sufficient for all good Purposes.
          With great Esteem, your Friend & Servant

            John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson with a Draft Anglo-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce, 8 July 1785
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Sir
            Passy July 8th 1785

          We duly received your letter of the 20th of June, and now in consequence thereof send you a draught of a treaty which we should be willing to have proposed to the court of London. We have taken for our groundwork the original draught proposed to Denmark, making such alterations & additions only as had occurred in the course of our negociations with Prussia & Tûscany and which we thought were for the better. These you will find in the 4th. 9th. 13th. and 25th. articles, and are such as met your approbation when we were considering those treaties. Nevertheless we shall be happy to concur with you in any thing better which you may wish to propose either in the original draught or the amendments. Particularly we wish it were possible to convince the British court that it might be for their interest to continue their former bounties on the productions of our country on account of their quality, and of the nature of the returns, which have always been in manufactures & not in money.
          We have the honour to be with / sentiments of the highest respect / Your Most obedient & / Most humble Servants

            B FranklinTh: Jefferson

            N.B All the differences between the draughts of the Prussian & British are noted in the two columns hereunto annexed—

                British
                Prussian

                Art 2.
                At end of clause, add–“submitting themselves” &c.

                Art. 3.
                Do.

                Art. 4.

                line. 1 to carry any kinds of produce, manufactures & merchandize of whatever place they be the growth or manufacture
                to carry their own produce manufactures & merchandize

                1. 4. persons     the other
                the subjects or citizens whatever place or growth

                1. 6. each party reserves to itself
                the K of P. & the U.S. & each of them reserve to themselves

                1. 13. permits any person of their own or any other nation
                permits any other nation

                Art. 5.
                retains last paragraph only.

                Art. 8. obliged to pay any duties, charges, or fees whatsoever, or to render any account of their cargo
                obliged to render any account of their cargo, or to pay any duties &c to the end of the clause.

                Art 10.
                the following addition to the clause. “& exempt from all rights of detraction” &c.

                Art 12. on the other hand &c
                omitted–

                Art 13. Nevertheless &c.
                Nevertheless &c.

          ENCLOSURE
          Draught of a treaty of amity & commerce between his Britannic Majesty & the United States of America.

              [8 July 1785]

            The parties being willing to fix in a permanent & equitable manner the rules to be observed in the commerce they desire to establish between their respective countries, have Judged that the said end Cannot be better obtained than by taking the most perfect equality & reciprocity for the basis of their agreement. On these principles, after mature déliberation, the have agreed to the following articles.
            Art. 1. There shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal peace, & Sincere friendship between, his Britannic Majesty, his heirs successors & Subjects on the one part and the United States of America & their citizens on the other, without exception of persons or places.
            2. The Subjects of his Britannic Majesty may frequent all the coasts et countries of the United States of america and reside and trade there in all sorts of produce, manufactures, & merchandize; and Shall pay within the said United States no other or greater duties, charges or fees whatsoever than the most favoured nations are or shall be obliged to pay: and they shall enjoy all the rights, previleges and Exemptions in navigation & Commerce which the most favoured nation does or shall enjoy.
            3. In like manner the citizens, of the United States of America may frequent all the coasts, & Countries of his Britannic Majesty, and reside & trade there in all sorts of produce, manufactures & merchandize; and Shall pay in the dominions of his Said Majesty no other or greater duties, charges or fees whatsoever than the most favoured nation is or shall be obliged to pay and they shall enjoy all the rights, previleges & exemptions in navigation & commerce, which the most favoured nation does or shall enjoy.
            4. More especially each Party have a right to Carry any Kinds of produce manufactures & merchandize of whatever place they be the growth or manufacture in their own or any other vessels to any parts of the dominions of the other where it shall be lawful for all persons freely to purchase them, and thence to take produce manufactures and merchandize of whatever place or growth which all persons shall in like manner be free to sell them paying in both cases such duties charges and fees only as are or shall be paid by the most favoured nation. Nevertheless each party reserves to it self the right where any nation restrains the transportation of merchandize to the vessels of the country of which it is the growth or manufacture to establish against such nation retaliating regulations: and also the right to prohibit in their respective countries the exportation, or importation of any species of goods or Commodities whatsoever, when reasons of State Shall require it. in this case the Subjets or Citizens of either of the contracting parties shall not import nor export the merchandize prohibited by the other. but if one of the contracting parties permits any person of their own or any other nation to import, or export the Same merchandize, the citizens or subjects of the other shall immediately enjoy the same liberty.
            5: all Merchants, Commanders of vessels, & other Subjets & Citizens of each party shall have free liberty, in all places within the dominion or jurisdiction of the other, to manage their own business themselves, or to Employ whomsoever they please to manage, the whole or any part thereof for them; and shall not be obliged to make use of any interpreter, broker, or other person whatsoever, nor to pay them any salary or fees, unless they chuse to make use of them. Moreover they Shall not be obliged in loading or unloading their vessels to make use of those workmen who may be appointed by public authority for that purpose, but it Shall be entirely frée for them to load or unload them by themselves, or to make use of Such persons in loading or unloading them as they Shall think fit, without paying any fees or salary to any other whomsoever: neither shall they be forced to unload any sort of merchandize into any other vessels, or to receive them into their own, or to wait for their being loaded longer than they please.
            6. That the vessels of either party loading Within the ports or jurisdiction of the other may not be uselessly harrassed or detained, it is agreed that all examinations of goods required by the laws shall be made before they are laden on board the vessel & that there Shall be no examination after; nor shall the vessel be Searched at any time unless articles Shall have been laden therein clandestinely & illegally, in which case the person by whose order they were carried on board, or who carried them without order, shall be liable to the laws of the land in which he is. but no other person shall be molested, nor shall any other goods nor the vessel be Seized or detained for that cause.
            7o. Each party shall endeavour by all the means in their power to protect & defend all vessels and other effects belonging to the citizens or subjects of the other, which shall be within the extent of their jurisdiction by sea or by land; and Shall use all their efforts to recover & cause to be restored to the right owners their vessels & effects which shall be taken from them within the extent of their said jurisdiction.
            8 The vessels of the Subjects or Citizens of either party coming on any coast belonging to the other, but not willing to enter into port, or being entered into port & not willing to Unload their Cargoes or break bulk, Shall have liberty to départ & to pursue their voyage without molestation, and without being obliged to pay any duties, charges or fees whatsoever, or to render any account of their Cargo.
            9. When any vessel of either party shall be wrecked, foundered or otherwise damaged on the coasts or within the dominion of the other, their respective subjects or citizens Shall receive, as well for themselves as for their vessels & effects the same assistance which would be due to the inhabitants of the country where the damage happens, & Shall pay the same charges & dues only as the said inhabitants would be subject to pay in a like case. and if the operations of repair shall require that the whole or any part of their cargo be unladed they shall pay no duties, charges or fees on the part which they shall relade & Carry away. the antient and Barbarous right to wrecks of the sea shall be entirely abolished, with respect to the subjects or Citizens of the two contracting parties.
            10 The Citizens or Subjects of each party Shall have power to dispose of their personal goods within the jurisdiction of the other by testament, donation, or otherwise: & their réprésentatives being subjects or citizens of the other party, Shall Succeed to their said personal goods whether by testament, or ab intestato; and may take possession thereof either by themselves or by others acting for them, & dispose of the same at their will, paying Such dues only as the inhabitants of the country wherein the said goods are shall be subjects to pay in like Cases. and in case of the absence of the représentative, such care shall be taken of the sd. goods & for so long a time as would be taken of the goods of a native in like case until the Lawful owner may take measures for receiving them. and if question shall arise among several Claimants to which of them the said goods belong, the Same shall be decided finally by the laws & judges of the land wherein the said goods are, and where on the death of any person holding real estate within the territories of the one party, Such real estate would by the laws of the land descend on a citizen or Subject of the other were he not disqualified by alien-age, such subject shall be allowed a reasonable time to sell the same and to withdraw the proceeds without molestation.
            11. The most perfect freedom of conscience and of worship is granted to the Citizens or subjects of either party within the jurisdiction of the other, without being liable to molestation in that respect for any cause other than an insult on the religion of others. Moreover when the Subjects or Citizens of the one party shall die Within the jurisdiction of the other, their bodies shall be buried in the usual burying grounds or other decent & Suitable places, & Shall be protected from violation or disturbance.
            12. If one of the contracting parties should be engaged in war with any other power, the free intercourse & commerce of the Subjects or Citizens of the party remaining neuter with the Belligerent powers Shall not be interrupted. On the contrary in that case, as in full peace, the vessels of the neutral party may navigate freely to and from the ports & on the coasts of the belligerent parties, frée vessels making frée goods, insomuch that all things shall be adjudged free which shall be on board any vessel belonging to the neutral party, although such things belong to an enemy of the other. and the same freedom shall be extended to persons who shall be on board a frée vessel, although they should be enemies to the other party, unless they be soldiers in actual service of Such enemy. On the other hand, enemy vessels shall make enemy goods; insomuch that whatever shall be found in the vessels of an enemy shall be confiscated without distinction except Such goods & merchandize as were put on board such vessel béfore the déclaration of war, or within six months after it which Shall be frée.
            Art. 13. And in the same case of one of the contracting parties being engaged in war with any other power, to prevent all the difficulties & misunderstandings that usually arise respecting the merchandize heretofore called contraband, such as arms, ammunition & military stores of every kind, no such articles carried in the vessels or by the subjects or citizens of one of the parties to the enemies of the other shall be deemed contraband so as to induce confiscation or condemnation & a loss of property to individuals—
            13 Nevertheless it shall be lawful to stop Such vessels and to make them unlade such articles in the nearest port, putting them under Safekeeping or to detain them for such length of time as the Captors may think necessary to prevent the inconvenience or damage that might ensue from their proceding paying however a reasonable compensation for the loss such arrest shall occasion to the proprietors: or it shall be allouwed to use in the service of the Captors the whole or any part of the military stores so detained, paying the owners the full value of the same to be ascertained by the Current price at the place of it’s destination. But in the case of a vessel so stopped for articles heretofore deemed contraband, if the master will deliver out the goods supposed to be of contraband nature, he shall be admitted to do it, and the vessel shall not in that case be carried ento any post, nor further detained but shall be allowed to proceed on her voyage. nor shall any Such articles be Subject to be taken or delayed in any case if they be not in greater quantity than may be necessary for the use of the ship, or of the persons in it.
            14. And in the same Case where one of the parties is engaged in war with another power, that the vessels of the neutral party may be readily & certainly Known, it is agreed that they Shall be provided with sea letters or passports which shall express, the name the property & Burthen of the vessel, as also the name & dwelling of the master; which passports shall be made out in good & due forms (to be settled by conventions between the parties whenever occasion shall require) shall benenewed as often as the vessel shall return into port; and Shall be exhibited whenever required as well in the open sea as in port. but if the said vessel be under convoy of one or more vessels of war belonging to the neutral party, the simple déclaration of the officer commanding the convoy that the Said vessel belongs to the parti of which he is Shall be considered as establishing the fact, and shall relieve both parties from the trouble of further examination.
            15 And to prevent entirely all discorder & violence in such cases, it is stipulated that when the vessels of the neutral party, Sailing without convoy, shall be met by any vessel of war public, or private, of the other party, such vessel of war shall not approach within cannon shot of the sd. neutral vessel, nor send more than two or three men in their boat on board the same to examine her sea letters or passports. & all persons belonging to any vessel of war public or private who shall molest or injure in any manner whatever the people vessels or effects of the other party shall be responsible in their persons & property for damages & intérest, sufficient security for which shall be given by all commanders of Private armed vessels before they are Commissioned.
            16. It is agreed that the subjects or Citizens, of each of the contracting parties, their vessels, and effects shall not be liable to any embargo or detention on the part of the other, for any military expedition or other public, or private purpose whatsoever. And in all cases of seizure, detention, or arrest for debts contracted, or offences committed by any citizen or subject of the one party within the jurisdiction of the other, the same shall be made & prosecuted by order and authority of law only, and according to the regular course of proceedings usual in such Cases.
            17 If any vessel or effects of the neutral power be taken by an enemy of the other or by a pirate, and retaken by that other, they shall be brought into some port, of one of the parties, and delivered into the Custody of the officers of that port, in order to be restored entire to the true proprietor as soon as due proof shall be made concerning the property thereof
            18. If the citizens or subjects of either party, in danger from tempests, pirates, enemies, or other accident, shall take refuge with their vessels or effects within, the harbours or jurisdiction of the other, they shall be received, protected, & treated with humanity & Kindness, and Shall be permitted to furnish themselves at reasonable prices with all refreshments, provisions, & other things necessary for their sustenance, health & accomodation & for the repair of their vessels.
            19 the vessels of war public & private of both parties Shall Carry freely wheresoever they please, the vessels & effects takin from their enemies without being obliged to pay any duties, charges, or fees to officers of admiralty, of the Customs, or any others, nor shall such prizes be arrested, Searched, or put under legal process when they come to & enter the ports of the other party, but may freely be Carried out again at any time by their Captors to the places expressed in their commissions which the commanding officer of Such vessels shall be obliged to show. but no vessel which shall have made prizes on the subjects of his most christian Majesty the King of France shall have a right of Asylum in the ports or havens of the Said United States; and if any such be forced therein by tempest or dangers of the sea, they shall be obliged to depart, as soon as possible according to the tenor of the treaties existing between his Said most christian Majesty & the said United States.
            20 No Citizen or Subject of either of the contracting parties shall take from any power with which the other may be at war any commission or letter of marque for arming any vessel to act as a privateer against the other, on pain of being punished as a pirate. Nor shall either party hire, lend, or give any part of their naval or military force to the enemy of the other to aid them offensively or defensively against that other.
            21 If the two contracting parties should be engaged in war against a common Enemy the following points shall be observed between them. 1o if a vessel of one of the parties retaken by a privateer of the other shall not have been in possession of the enemy more than twenty four hours, she shall be restored to the first owner for one third of the value of the vessel & cargo: but if she shall have been more than twenty four hours in possession of the enemy she shall belong wholly to the recaptor. 2 if in the same case the recapture were by a public vessel of war of the one party, restitution shall be made to the owner for one thirtieh part of the value of the vessel & cargo, if She shall not have been in possession of the enemy more than twenty four hours; and one tenth of the said value where she shall have been longer: which sums Shall be distributed in gratuities to the recaptors. 3 the restitution in the cases aforesaid shall be after due proof of property & Surety given for the part to which the recaptors are entitled. 4. the vessels of war, public & private of the two parties shall be reciprocally admitted with their prizes into the respective ports of each: but the said prizes Shall not be discharged nor sold there until there legality shall have been decided according to the laws & regulation of the States to which the Captor belongs. 5. it Shall be frée to each party to make Such regulations as they judge necessary for the conduct of their respective vessels of war public & private relative to the vessels which they shall take & carry into the ports of the two parties.
            22 Where the parties shall have a common enemy, or shall both be neutral the vessels, of war of each shall upon all occasions take under their protection the vessels of the other going the same course, & Shall défend such vessels as long as they hold the same course against all force & violence, in the same manner as they ought to protect & defend vessels belonging to the party of which they are.
            23 If war should arise between the two Contracting parties, the merchants of either Country then residing in the other shall be allowed to remain nine months to Collect their debts & Settle their affairs, & may depart freely, Carrying of all their effects, without molestation or hindrance and all women & children, Scholars of every faculty, cultivators of the earth, artizans, manufacturers, & fishermen unarmed, & inhabiting unfortified towns villages or places, whose occupations are for the Common subsistance & benefit of mankind shall be allowed to continue their respective employments, and shall not be molested in their persons nor Shall their houses or goods be burnt or otherwise destroyed, nor their fields wasted by the armed force of the enemy into whose power, by the events of war, they may happen to fall: but if any thing is necessary to be taken from them for the use of Such armed force, the same shall be paid for at a reasonable price. and all merchant & trading vessels employed in exchanging the products of différent places, & thereby rendering the necessaries, conveniences & conforts of human life more easy to be obtained & more general, Shall be allowed to pass free & unmolested. and neither of the contracting powers Shall grant or issue any commission to any private armed vessels empowering them to take or destroy such trading vessels or interrupt Such commerce.
            24. And to prevent the destruction of prisoners of war by sending them into distant & inclement countries, or by crouding them into close & noxious places, the two contracting parties solemly pledge themselves to each other & to the World that they will not adopt any such practise; that neither will send the prisoners whom they may take from the other into the East-Indies or any other parts of asia, or africa; but that they shall be placed in some part of their dominions in Europe or america, in wholesome situations, that they shall not be confined in dungeons, prisonships, or prisons; nor be put into irons, nor bound, nor otherwise restrained in the use of their limbs, that the officers shall be onlarged on their paroles within convenient districts & have confortable quarters, & the common men be disposed in cantonments open & extensive enough for air & exercise, & lodged in barraks as roomly & good as are provided by the party in whose power they are for their own troops, that the officers shall also be daily furnished by the party in whose power they are with as many rations & of the same articles & quality as are allowed by them, either in Kind or by commutation, to officers of equal rank in their own army, and all others Shall be daily furnished by them with such ration as they allow to a common Soldier in their own service; the value whereof shall be paid by the other party on a mutual adjusment of accounts for the subsistence of prisoners at the close of the war: and the said accounts shall not be mingled with, or set off against any others, nor the ballances due on them be witheld as a satisfaction or reprisal for any other article, or for any other cause real or prétended whatever: that each party shall be allowed to Keep a commissary of prisonners of their own appointment with every seperate cantonment of prisoners in possession on the other, which commissary shall see the prisoners as often as he pleases, shall be allowed to receive & distribute whatever conforts may be sent to them by their friends & shall be free to make his reports in open letters to those who employ him. but if any officer shall break his parole, or any other prisoner shall escape from the limits of his cantonment, after they shall have been disignated to him, Such individual officer or other prisoner shall forfeit Somuch of the benefit of this article as provides for his enlargement on parole or cantonment. and it is declared that neither the pretence that war dissolves all treaties, nor any other whatever shall be considered as annulling or suspending this & the next preceding article, but on the contrary that the state of war is precisely that for which they are provided, and during which they are to be as sacredly observed as the most acknowled articles in the law of nature or nations.
            25 The two contracting parties grant to each other the liberty of having each in the ports of the other, consuls, vice-consuls agents & commissaries of their own appointment; whose functions Shall be regulated by particular agreement whenever either party shall chuse to make such appointment. but if any such consuls shall exercise commerce, they shall be submitted to the same laws and usages to which the private individuals of their nation are submitted in the same place.
            26. If either party shall hereafter grant to any other nation any particular favour in navigation or commerce, it shall immediately become common to the other party, freely, where it is freely granted to such other nation, or on yeilding the compensation where Such nation does the same.

            27. his Britannic Majesty, and the United States of america agree that this treaty shall be in force during the term of ——— years from the exchange of ratifications, and if the expiration of that term should happen during the course of a war between them, then the articles before provided for the regulation of their conduct during such a war shall continue in force until the conclusion of the treaty which shall reestablish peace, and that this treaty shall be ratified on both sides, and the ratifications exchanged within one year from the day of its signature.


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 8 July 1785
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)
To: Adams, John

            Sir.
            Amsterdam the 8th: July 1785

          We Refer Our Selves to what we had the honour to write yoúr Excells. the 17th. June, Since none of yoúr favoúrs, Serves this principally to hand yoúr Excells. the Expences attending the Expedition of yoúr Effects which we have paid, vizt.

              To Mr. Dumas, paid by him to Several people employed to inventarise, pakking, and Transporting the Effects from the Hague to Rotterdam, as by his Account
              f418. 9. 8.

              To Dirk de Vies, Rotterdam, for Expedition of Sd. Effects, porterage, Signing of Passports, bills of loading, amounts- with his provsion as by his Account
              ″ 94.10. –

              for Small Expences, passpts- and two Trunks
              ″  9.10. –

              together
              f522. 9. 8

          for which we have debitted yoúr Excells. Accoúnt please to have it noted in Conformity—
          We Shall also be glad to Receive yoúr Excells. direction about the Payement of ƒ839.5.2. for which Mr. C. Lotter applied to ús—
          We have the honoúr to Remain with due Esteeme / Sir / Your Excells. Most Obedt. / humble Servts.

            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.

            Messrs. de la lande & Fynje have obtained a delay to pay off their debts


Title: To John Adams from Jeremiah Allen, 10 July 1785
From: Allen, Jeremiah
To: Adams, John

            Dear sir
            At Sea July 10. 1785

          Above is a Copy of my last Respects per Scott, but as We had very bad weather, accident may have happen’d to him, Therefore I shall foward this from Elsingneur— If Scott arrives your Excellency will see by a Memorandum the Increase of our Fishery, and which will Continue to increase— last year there were fifteen Hundred Sail from 40 to 70 Tuns and all did well— The Day before I sail’d, I heard our Court Were agoing to prohibit all Foreign Vessells from taking the produce of our Country, and upon application found it was true; also it is the General sentiment of the Continent, and most, if not all but one or two States, are passing similar Laws or impowering Congress to make such Laws the other will of Course— As now every one sees, that Europe wishes to keep us from carrying their productions, and at the same time, they come and take ours— If, this plan is pursued, the Increase of Navigation must be insurance, for it is asserted that last year, five Hundred sail of large Foreign Ships, Were employ’d in the Southern Stat[es.]
          Of Course if they are precluded Ship builing must be brisk, which at present is dull, owing to our not being permitted to Carry the productions of other Countrys, or even sell an American built Vessel— Your Excellency must clearly see, the propriety of this measure and if the about intentions are carry into execution, the demand for Hemp sail Cloth and Iron, must be to a great Amount, and Russia of Course is the only Country, Were you have these articles at first hand, and 20 nay some articles 50 per Ct Cheaper then Elsewere— From these Circumstances those w[ho] have the Honor of knowing Your Excellency feel themselves happy, that you and His Excellency Mr Jefferson, are appointed to Negociate with a power so important to Commerce, but Void of those Gewgaws which are useless to a Young Country—and We to the Northward doubt not your great Abillitys will be employ’d for the best good of the Continent of America at Large.
          I must repeat my request your Excellency will condecend to Write me to the Care of Messrs Cramp & Cazalet—and if while at St Petersburg I can serve you or the Public in any way, you have but to command me

          I am with sentiments of / Respect & Esteem your / Excellency’s Humble servt

            Jeremiah Allen

            PS. I believe the Letters for Russia must be fra[nked]


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 11 July 1785
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir
            Paris July 11. 1785.

          Doctr. Franklin sets out this morning for Havre from whence he is to cross over to Cowes there to be taken on board Capt Truxen’s ship bound from London to Philadelphia. the Doctor’s baggage will be contained in 150. or 200 boxes &c. we doubt that the laws of England will not permit these things to be removed from one vessel into another; and it would be attended with great difficulty, delay & expence should he be obliged to enter them regularly merely to pass them from one vessel to another. will you be so good as to interest yourself (if it be necessary) to obtain a passport for these things or other letters which may protect them in the transfer from one vessel to another. the Doctor being extremely engaged in the moment of departure I informed him that mr̃ Harrison was setting out for London to day & that I would by him sollicit your interference in this matter. you will judge best whether the orders had better be delivered to capt Truxent or sent to Cowes. I rather think the last best, as they would put it in his power to land & store them & to discharge the vessel which carries them. whatever is done should be speedily done. I am with sincere esteem Dr. Sir / Your friend & servt.

            Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Lewis Denis Ward, 11 July 1785
From: Ward, Lewis Denis
To: Adams, John

            Sir
            July the 11th. 1785

          It is with great respect I trouble you with these lines, the peculiarity of my situation, is the only excuse I can make for sending them. My Wife, the daughter of Mrs. Vesey of Boston wishes to convince you of her Behaviour as a Prudent Woman, since her leaving Boston. I think myself happy that there are Gentlemen of known Probity who can speak for her— She has not a Certificate of Marriage and the Revd. Doctor Byles is in America who alone can give it; Doctor Jeffries is in Town who for near two Years attended her in her Illness in Halifax and in more than one of his Visits met Doctor Byles, who visited her allso— On the Battalion of Marines being ordered to Europe there was but those Women to return who had came from England, the enclosed Order will shew in what light she was held by the Commanding officer, by his not only ordering her Passage, but Provisions— On coming to England we were two Years stationed in this Town under Major Johnston late Aid De Camp to Earl Percy— I was then sent to Ireland under Major Duval, for my behavior there beg leave to refer you to his Certificate—after which acted as Quarter Master Serjeant to Plymouth Division of Marines, but my inclination being to my Business, I applied for and by great Interest obtained my discharge, I then set up Bookbinding, but by several losses was unable to proceed— I came here with an intent to work at my Business but cannot get employment, this being the deadest time of the Year—have an offer of going to Evesham in Worcestershire, but have not either the means of setling my Wife here, or taking her with me for want of Money to pay for things burned at my Lodging by an accidental Fire, or her Carriage down. Doctor Jeffries will convince you Sir, in what light I was held by my Officers and the Inhabitants at Halifax—and enclosed you have a Certificate of Mr. Fletcher a Merchant of Halifax for whom I did Business both as Book binder and Clerk— Major Johnston who will be in Town within a Week, will wait on you respecting both my Wife and me— I beg Sir, you will excuse the length of this—and favor me with your answer to No. 14. Catherine Street Strand—

          I am Sir / with great respect / Your Most Obedient / and Most humble Servant

            Lewis Denis Ward


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 12 July 1785
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)
To: Adams, John

            Sir!
            Amsterdam. 12th: July 1785.

          In answer to your favour of the 2d: of this Month, we are Sorry to Confirm your Idea that the Misfortune of Messrs: de La Lande & fynje is most probably irretrivable, and it proves Still more to be so in proportion, we get more acquainted with the nature of their Engagements with Mr: Geyer and the Gentlemen in America: we Shall endeavour to give you a General Idea of those Connexions, and don’t doubt but you will have opportunity to enquire more particularly about the same by one or other Gentlemen in London.
          De La Lande & fynje being people of Little property, but as they fancied in the Situation of doing good buziness in the American Trade fell upon the Idea of Establishing a fund for that purpose and opened a Subscription in the Year 1783. in which diffrent people toke Shares for the amount of ƒ240/m. to which according to the Conditions, they were obliged to add ƒ25000. which together made a fund of abt: ƒ265000. upon this fund they made diffrent expeditions of Goods to the Houses in Boston, Newyork, and Philadelphia, which we Mentioned in our letter to the Commissioners, of the Treasurÿ.— but being desirious to extend the Buziness to the Benifit of the Concerned they agreed with Mr: Geyer to establish a House in England, where they could get goods on long Credit. the Joint Capital was Stipulated at £30000.—of Which de La Lande & fynje were to furnish 2/3, and Geyer 1/3. De La Lande & fynje not only furnished their part in the Stock but yet more than £20,000.—Sterlg over and above it, but the Exports amounting to gether to more than £100,000, there Remains a Sum of £40,000, due to the Creditors in England. for which as we now hear, there is made an arrangement in London by Mr. Geyer, who is the actif partner of that partnership of Geyer & de la Lande & fynje QQ in Consequence of which powers are Send out by the last packet to attach the goods in Boston & Philadelphia, and, bills drawn in favour of the Said English Creditors, With order that all the bills or Remittances Shall be made over to Mr. Geyer. we observe that by this arrangement the English Creditors are Secured, because there is no probability that the Sale of the goods will neat less than their claim. we could wish that Congress and the dutch Creditors were in the Same Situation, and it has been from the beginning our View that it should become a General Masse and in Consequence of that idea we wrote to the Commissioners, that for the benefit of the Joint Concerned we hoped there would not be made attachement in America we Still think that would have been the fairest way, but we cannot Say, that we are att all pleased with the Settlement in England, and we apprehend it may be of bad Consequenses for the other Creditors. notwithstandig this we dont believe it would be prudent to oppose it, and to begin Expensive and uncertain Law-Suits in So Complicate a matter.— we do not Know to propose any thing to Secure the Intrest of our Constituents. unless it could be done with a good prospect in America (Since de La Lande & fynje have no property nor effects here, but almost outstanding in America) this Seems to be a Delicate matter, from diffrent considerations; For 1o: Congress has no claim to the Society of Geyer, de la Lande & fynje QQ to which the Stores belong, and 2o: It would hurt the American Credit, which is already So low, that it would be Very impolitic to expose it to Remarks of a new Kind and Certainly people here would not be pleased with attachements from the part of Congress. we think our Selves obliged to make this observation, from the desire we have to Act for the benefit of America, for we would be extreemly Sorry to give occasion, that the Confidence of the dutch Moneylenders for Congress, Should be lost only for the purpose of Saving a Sum of £10.000 Stlg: which is in our eyes of less Value for it, here nothing can be done, not only because de la Lande & fynje in their diffrent Relations have obtained Surcheance, but also because there is no property att all in Europe that can be attached.
          Mr: Danl: Parker offers to Charge himselves with all the goods, which were Send out by the Society of Geyer de la Lande & fynje QQ at the first cost, and to Run the Risk of Loss and profit, he would pay in 12 and 15 Years, and offers Security for the Double Amount in funds of the United States of America, which would be brought in the treasury books to the Credit of Houses there to appointed, till the payment of the whole Capital, and to pay an intrest of 5 perC he assumes that those funds are of the Same Nature & Solidity and of Consequence as Safe as the Dutch American Loans, and that his proofs were exposed to your Excellency, but that you decline to give a Certificate, because you thought it was not in your department. we could wish you had given it, and that it was practicable to Raise money here on that Security to Remove all difficulty, but we fear it will not Succeed and that every attempt to raise Loans for America will be unsuccesfull as long as the present Confusion in private and public busines Subsist, in America, which people are too much informed & is not likely to be Soon Remedied. Notwithstanding this the offer of Mr: Parker will be taken into Consideration, and there fore your opinion about the Security which he offers may be of Service, and we beg you’ll be So Kind to give it in Answer to this letter, and you would in the Same manner oblige us, by giving us notice of every Circumstance Relative to the American finances, which may be Known to you, in order that we may be able to Support its Credit as much as will be in our power.
          Messrs de la Lande & fynje will have a meeting next week of their Creditors and trustees will be appointed we Shall adsist to the Same to care the Intrest of Congress and advice the Result to your Excellency.
          Since we have no Opportunity here at present to forward Letters we pray you to forward the Contents of this letter to America, which Copy we Shall Send by the L’Orient packet.
          We have the honour to be with the utmost Consideration / Sir! / Your most humb: & obedt: servants

            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNichs. & Jacob van Staphorst


Title: To John Adams from the Marquis de Lafayette, 13 July 1785
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

            My Dear Sir
            Sargues mines july the 13th 1785

          Had I Been But a slow traveller, I should much Sooner Have Received, and of Course Aknowledged Your favours— But the Rapidity of my March Has Been Such, that While letters went after me One Way, I was Scampering on the other, and So on, Untill, By the Blessed fourth day of july, I found myself Magnetized to mr̃ jefferson’s table, where we chearfully Began our tenth Year of independance— I Had afterwards the pleasure to Hear from You Which Had Been intended Much sooner, and doctor Bancroft’s departure to london Gives me an opportunity to Answer— Here therefore I stop, on the German frontier, and looking Back to the Westward, I feel my Heart is Going quite the Contrary Way to that my Carriage is to follow— what different Sensations would I experience, if on leaving this Country, I Had Before my Eyes the Happy prospect of a landing upon the shore of liberty! it is Said a Soldier must Have seen those German Armies, fields of Battles, and so on— I Hope my Military feelings may Enjoy much Satisfaction— as for my Republican Heart there will not Be Great pleasure to taste— little Masters and Big Boned Slaves I am Going to Visit, whose Coloured Ribbonds Hang like so many Halters about their Necks— Some great Sovereigns and distinguished Characters, I Have However a great Curiosity to see— The Emperor, the King of prussia, prince Henry, and Duke of Brunwick are Such men in the light of Whom one must Be much interested— my Ramble about Germany will last untill the middle of october— I Hope, my Good friend, You will continue to Honour me with Your much esteemed Correspondance—and as my want of exactness proceeded from Circumstances not in my power, I Can assure you, you will Have no Reason to Complain—
          I Had Been told His Britannick Majesty was a great dissembler— But Could not think He would Carry it so far as He Has done in your interview— indeed, those people are very Right to take it kindly, Now they Cannot Help it— But While they are Rational in their good Reception of You, I Hope they may Cease to Be quite Mad in their Commercial, I don’t know what, for as to plans I don’t think they Have Any— our fanneüil Hall friends seem to Be out of Humour with them— it is trüe the British trade Has Been Carried on in a Ruinous Way, particularly for the Southen planters, whose luxuries Have Been Encouraged By the Credit of Britain, and who Now will Be plagued By their Creditors— it were to be wished a good treaty was made Betwen England and America, and to You, my good friend, that Glory is Reserved— in the mean while, let us advise our friends in America to make proper Regulations for their Commerce— The want of them, I find are objected to me Every day— altho’ matters in that Head are Much Better than people Generally think, Yet You know great deal might Be done to attain perfection—
          As on my setting out, I told md̃e de lafayette I would soon answer the letter that Had then Come to Hand, She desired Her most affectionate Compliments to You, mr̃s and miss Adams— Anastasia and george present their Best Respects— mention me Most Respectfully to the ladies, and tell my friend Smith I Have not as Yet Heard from Him— I Am not surprised, But am However Happy to Hear He Has Answered the description I gave You of Him, which altho’ dictated By warm friendship was not in the least Exagerated— Adieu, My dear Sir, With Every sentiment of affection and Respect I Have / the Honour to Be / Yours

            Lafayette


Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 14 July 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Carmarthen, the Marquis of

            My Lord—
            Grosvenor Square 14th. July 1785.

          The twenty second Article of the Preliminary Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and France, signed on the twentieth of January 1783—is in these words viz “Pour prevenir tous les Sujets de Plaintes et de contestation qui pourroient maitre a l’occasion des Prises qui pourroient être faites en mer, depuis la Signature de ces Articles Preliminaires, on est convenu reciproquement que les Vaisseaux et Effets qui pourroient être pris dans la Manche et dans les mers du Nord, apres l’Espace de douze Jours, a compter depuis la Ratification des presents Articles Preliminaires, seront de part et d’autre restitués, Que le terme Sera d’un mois depuis la Manche et les mers du Nord, Jusqu’aux Isles Canaries inclusivement soit dans l’Ocean, Soit dans la Mediterranee; de deux mois depuis les dites Isles Canaries jusqu’a la Ligne equinoxiale ou l’Equateur, et enfin de cinque mois dans tous les Autres Endroits du monde, Sans aucune Exception ni autre distinction plus particuliere de tems et de lieux”—
          In the Preliminary Articles of Peace between Great Britain an Spain a Cessation of Hostilities was Stipulated in the same manner—
          On the same twentyeth of January 1783—it was agreed between the Minister Plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty on the one Part, and the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America on the other, that the Subjects, Citizens and Possessions of both Powers should be comprised in the suspension of arms abovementioned, and that they should consequently enjoy the Benefit of the Cessation of Hostilities at the same Periods and in the same manner as the three Crowns aforesaid and their Subjects and Possessions respectively—

          It appears however that many Vessels, which were taken, after the Expiration of one Month from the third of February 1783—the Day of the Ratification of the said Preliminary Articles within that Part of the Ocean, which lies between the Channell and North seas and the Canary Islands, have not been restored, but on the contrary in some Instances such Vessells have been condemned as lawful Prizes, upon an opinion that the Words “as far as” said to be used in the Preliminary Articles, meant the distance from Paris to the southermost Part of the Canaries—
          It must be obvious to your Lordship that this Construction is extreamly foreign from the Intention of the contracting Parties—who never had Paris in Contemplation as a boundary of the region of one Month, nor as any limit of a Measure of distance the Channell and North seas being expressly marked as the Northern Boundary, and the southermost Canary as the Southern, and every part of the ocean from the Channell and North Seas, up to the Canary Islands inclusively is comprehended—indeed the words “as far as,” are scarcely a proper translation of the words Jusqu’aux in the Article of the Treaty— The original Words are “Depuis la Manche et les Mers du Nord, jusqu’aux Isles Canaries” and not Depuis Paris jusqu’aux Isles &c &c—
          The intention of the Contracting Parties is so clear and their Expressions so plain, that it is not easy to account for the misinterpretation of them, but as many Law-suits are depending upon the point and several Americans are now in London waiting their decision—I do myself the honour to propose to your Lordship a particular Convention to determine all these Controversies, on both sides by inserting the Words “Jusqu’a la latitude des Isles Canaries” insteed of [“]Jusqu’aux Isles Canaries” and also the words “Depuis la Latitude des dites Isles Canaries” insteed of “Depuis les dites Isles Canaries” it being apparent from the mention of the Mediterranean as in the same Stage of one Month between the Channell and North Seas, on the north, and the Canaries, on the south, and of the Equinoctial Line as the next Stage that the Line of Latitude of the southermost Canary was intended—
          I have the Honour to be my Lord / Your Lordships / Most Obedient & / most Humble serv.

            John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 16 July 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

            Dear Sir
            Grosvenor Square Westminster, the Corner of Duke & Brook streets—July 16th. 1785—

          I have been so perplexed with Ceremonials, Visits Removals and eternal applications from Beggars of one Species and another, besides the real Business of my Department, that I fear I have not answered your favour of the second of June, which I received in Season— I have received from Mr. Garvey all but my wine & have written him to day to forward that and will run the risque of it, as I believe I shall easily obtain an order to receive it without paying duties— Petits Note of Expences which you paid, you either omitted to send me or I have lost it in the Confusion of a Removal, so that I must trouble you to send it again— 173 ƒ8
          As to News Papers, I should advise you to apply to the Comte de Vergennes or Mr. Rayneval or Mr. Gennet the Premier Commis of the Bureau des Interpretes, who, I presume will readily order your Gazettes to come with their own, through the same Channel, free of Expence for Postage The father of the present Mr. Gennet, was so good as to oblige me in this Way in the year 1780—
          I wrote to you and Dr. Franklin on the 20th. of June, requesting you to send me a Project of a Treaty of Commerce with this Court, and proposed that agreed on with Prussia as the Model— Let me beg your answer to this as soon as possible
          The Dr. is to embark at Spithead or the Isle of White, on board of Captain Truckston as he tells me—
          The proceedings at Boston make a Sensation here
          Yours most affectionately

            John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 16 July 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)

            Gentn
            Grosvenor Square Westminster July 16. 1785

          I have received your Letter of the 12 and a former one. Mr Lotter will present you two Accounts approved by me, one against the United States and one against me. these you will please to pay. I pray you also for the future to take upon yourselves the whole Care of the Hotel of the United States at the Hague. Mr Lotter is as honest a Man and as carefull, as ever I met with, and I cannot but recommend him to you to take Care of the House upon the best Terms you can agree with him for, untill the arrival of another American Minister which I hope will be very soon, whoever he may be he cannot have a better Maitre D’Hotel than Lotter.
          I am very Sorry to hear that Mr Parker is so indiscreet as to make Comparisons between the Funds which he Says are of the Same Nature and Solidity, and consequently as Safe as the Dutch American Loans. I persist absolutely in my Resolution never to give him any Certificate concerning those Matters.
          and I beg of you Gentlemen to tell me explicitly and precisely whether you think or Suspect that there has been any fraudulent Contract between De la Lande and Fynje and Mr Geyer and their Connections in Boston, N. York or Phyladelphia, to Secure one set of Creditors to the disadvantage of another. We have a Right to expect and demand of De la Lande & Fynje a sight and Copy of their Arrangements. They ought to have had juster Sentiments of the Sacred Nature of a public Trust than to have applyed a Single Ducat of the public Money of the United States in their Hands to any Projects of private Commerce or to the Payment of any of their private Debts: but if in addition to this Fault, they have committed the greater one of entering into any partial Engagements to the Disadvantage of the United States, which cannot but be construed a fraudulent Contract, they will deserve no Pity from Congress. I desire therefore to be furnished with Copies of their Arrangements with their private Creditors in England and America.
          With great Esteem &c


Title: From John Adams to William Fraser, 18 July 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Fraser, William

            Sir
            Grosvenor Square July 18. 1785

          Dr Franklin as I am informed departed from Paris on the Eleventh, for Havre from whence he is to cross over to Cowes, there to be taken on board Captain Truxtun’s Ship bound from London to Philadelphia. The Doctors Baggage is contained in, from 150 to 200 Boxes. It is doubted whether the Laws of England will permit these Things to be removed from one Vessell into another, and it would be attended with unknown Difficulty Delay and Expence, Should he be obliged to enter them regularly merely to pass them from one Vessell to another. Captain Truxton and his ship are now in London and both will proceed to Cowes before Thursday next.
          If it is practicable that any orders may be given, or Letters Sent, either directly to Cowes or by the Captain, whereby it might be permitted that these Effects should be landed and stored, untill the Arrival of Truxtun, so that the Drs Vessell from Havre may be discharged, and then reimbarked on Board the Vessell bound for Philadelphia, or if this cannot be done, that the Transfer from one Vessell to another may be made, all under the Inspection of the Custom house Officers, it would be a very great Favour.
          If there is no Impropriety in this Request which I am not sensible of, I should take it as a particular Favour, if you would be so good as to procure the necessary Facilities for this Business, and if it cannot be done that you would inform me of it as soon as possible.
          With very great Respect I have the Honour &c


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 18 July 1785
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

            Dear Sir.
            Grosvenor Square July 18th. 1785

          Your favours of June 22d. and July 7 and 11th. are before me. The delay of Mr: Lamb’s Arrival is unfortunate, but I think with you that the sooner a project of Treaties is prepared the better, and I will give the earliest attention to it whenever you shall send it— I shall go this morning to Stockdale, to talk with him about sending you the News Papers, and Pamphlets through the Channell of Cleveland Row ce. Lord Carmarthens office.
          I agree with pleasure to the appointment made by the Dr. & you of Mr. Short, to carry the treaty through London to the Hague, and in joining Mr. Dumas with him in making the Exchange. A Letter to him and another to Mr. Dumas signed by you and me, as the Dr. is gone, would be sufficient Authority: But I shall have no objection of giving each of them a more formal Commission under our Hands and seals, to be our Secretaries specially pro hac Vice— He must carry our original Commission to shew to the Baron De. Thulemeyer and a Copy of it attested by Colo. Humphries to deliver him and Mr. Dumas & he should see the Prussian Commission and receive an attested Copy of that. I do not think of any other Papers necessary.
          I have given to Lord Carmarthen long ago, an Explanation of the power of Congress to form Treaties of Commerce exactly conformable to that which you gave the English Gentn but I did not extend it to the case of Consuls. He asked me no questions concerning Consuls, and I did not think it proper for me to say any thing on that subject, not having any Instruct[ions.] But I am not easy on that head, Mr. Temple talks of going out in three or four weeks, but I am very apprehensive he will meet with the difficulties you foresee.
          I will enquire about insuring, 20.000 Livres on the Life of Mr: Houden— I have written to Mr Frazier, the Under Secretary of State in Lord Carmathens office concerning Dr. Franklins Baggage, have stated the Circumstances as you State them to me, and have solicited the necessary Facilities. I hope for a favourable Answer— Truxton is to depart from hence on Thursday, and I will let him know the answer I may have—
          {I dont like the Symptoms.— Galloway, Deane, Chalmers, Watson, are too much in favour The Lottery for the Tories, although perhaps in Part inevitable, has been introduced with such pompous demonstrations of Affection and Approbation as are neither wise, nor honest. There is too much Attention to the Navy—and there is another Step, which allarms my Apprehensions. Hanover is joining Prussia against the Views of the two Imperial Courts. at least in Bavaria} keep this as secret as the grave but search it to the botom where you are— {Does this indicate a Doubt Whether our Business with De Thulemeyer} may be delayed? does it indicate a design in the {British Cabinet, to be Newtral} in order to be more— {at Leisure to deal with Us?} can it be a— {Secret Understanding bet. St. James’s and Versailles?—} the disigns of— {ruining, if they can our carrying Trade, and annihilating all our Navigation, and Seamen is too apparent.}—
          Yours sincerely

            John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from John Lyddiard, 20 July 1785
From: Lyddiard, John
To: Adams, John

            Honoured Sir
            Powerfull of 74 Guns July 20th. [1785]

          I hope you will Pardon my Boldness of Wrighting to you Itt is to Ask the Favour of you to Gett me my Discharge from a English Man of War, I am a Native of Boston in the Province of Messetucet Bay, New England, I Saild out of Boston in the Year of 1778 in a Brig of 16 Guns in the Continantal Servis Capt William Burk Commd and was Taken September 16th in the Same Year By Byron Fleet and was Sent on Bord the Experiment of 50 Guns, And I was forst to Stay in the English Servas against my will for the Said I was a Englishman and I thote I should Breake my hart, I Long to Gett my Discharge to Go to my Native Hoome I should have Gone Before had I Done Right When I was Paid of But I was a Strange to this Contery and I was Drawd in to Go whear I am now I have Got a Mother a Wife and Children in Boston and I Long to Gett to them, and I hearing that you was in London I made Bold to Apply to your Honour as Noing you Could Gett me my Discharg if your honour Pleased and I hope that you will for the Sake of my Famely, and I Shall be alway Bound to Pray for you
          From your Humble and / Obeidiant Servant

            John Lyddiard

            PC if your honour Please to Wright to me you may Derect to me on Bord his Majesty Ship Powerfull of 74 Guns Amor[s?]e Plymouth


Title: From John Adams to De la Lande & Fynje, 24 July 1785
From: Adams, John
To: La Lande & Fynje, de (business)

            Gentlemen
            Grosvenor Square Westminster July 24 1785

          I have recd your Letter and Sincerely Sympathize with you under your Misfortunes. I have transmitted your Letter to N. York and had before written to the Treasury Board, as much in your Favour, as you could reasonably desire: but it has been Since hinted in Conversation here that you have entered into some Covenant with an House here to the partial Advantage of that House and its Connections here and elsewhere. If this is true, you must be sensible that nobody can justify it, and if it is to the partial Disadvantage of the United states, I Should be in my Situation the last Man in the World to approve of it, or connive at it.— I Sincerely hope it is a false Report. But I think you should furnish your late Colleagues Messieurs Willinks and Van staphorsts with a Copy of your Arrangements with Mr Geyer and any other of your Connections that they may know the Truth and how to vindicate your Characters from Misrepresentations.
          I am Gentlemen with great Regard, though / with just Concern, your Fnd & humble sert