Title: Abraham Whipple to the Commissioners, 27 June 1778
From: Whipple, Abraham
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Honorable Gentlemen
      Nantes June 27. 1778

     In my last letter I had the pleasure of Acquainting you, that it was in my power to take some Goods on board in account of the United States, agreable to Capt. Wm: Jones information, who acquainted me that you had some Goods on hand, which you desired to forward for America.
     My Ship is already graved, and now taking in ballast if am to take any Goods, would be extreamly glad to know, that I may stow the Ship accordingly; My Masts are all made to serve excepting Main and foretop Masts. The Cost of new Masts being so great, I have made the lower Masts serve by repairing them, and I believe they will hold till we Arrive in America. The Main Mast will be Ready to get in in three Days. The Ship will Certainly be ready without unforeseen Accident shou’d prevent, by the twentieth of July and if agreable to your Honours, should be happy of my Orders by the fifteenth, for I am flattered with the hopes of being Ready by that time, with four Months Provision on board, for which I have given indent unto Mr. Schweighauser Agent.
     It gives me pleasure to Acquaint your Honours, that both Officers and Men omit no exertions in their power to get in Actual readiness for Sea, having unfortunately been blockaded so long already, and this alone, without any other motive would induce a desire not to be detained after my Ship is ready for Sailing. If your Honours have any Remarkable News not of a private Nature which has lately Arrived from America should think myself favoured with the Account. Again presuming to Repeat my most earnest Sollicitations for express Orders, to be transmitted as soon as possibly may be I have the honour to Remain, with all imaginable Respect, Gentlemen Your very Obedt. very Hble. Servt.

      Abraham Whipple


Title: John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 30 June 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Honble Sirs
      Bordeaux 30 June 1778

     A vessel Arrived yesterday from Louisiana confirms the Accounts received from them parts of the Back Settlers from Georgia and Carolina having got possession of all the British Posts on the Banks of the Missisipi and of two valuable Vessels Loaden for London that they conducted to New Orleans and there disposed of the Cargoes.
     A Vessel from Carolina for this port was taken by a privateer within 40 leagues of the Land, we are adviced by a pilot Boat come up this Tide that a Privateer of 18 Guns being in the River taken by a french Frigate.
     Le Comte D’aranda past thro’ this City the 28th on his return to Paris from Madrid also a Spanish Noble yesterday Name unknown. I am most Respectfully your honors Most Obedient Servt

      John Bondfield


Title: Hezekiah Ford to the Commissioners, 30 June 1778
From: Ford, Hezekiah
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Gentl.
      Pinboeuf Paimboeuf, June 30th. 1778

     By Capt. Turner, who left South Carolina the Beginning of May, I have the Happiness to communicate the following Intelligence; which he received, in his Passage to this Place, from one of the Prizes. About the middle of last Month, two Privateers, belonging to the State of Connecticut, but last from Boston; the one mounting twenty, nine pounders; the other Sixteen 6’s, fell in with two British Letter of Marques; the one burthen 5’00 Tons, and mounting twenty 9’s: the other upwards of 4’00, and mounting Eighteen 9’s and 6’s: Both loaden with dry Goods, and bound to the West India’s. An Engagement commenced; which proved very obstinate: But at length, through the Bravery and Intrepidity of our Officers and Seamen, they were both made Prizes of, after receiving considerable Damage on both Sides.
     In a former Letter, I took the Liberty to inform you of my Intention of returning to Virginia by Mr. Ross’s Schooner: But in this, I am detered, through the Information, brought by Mr. Turner of the Number of Cruisers, now on this Coast: So that unless you are disposed to honour me with the Care of Letters, to His Excellency, the Governor of Virginia, or to the President of the Hon. the Continental Congress, (in either of which Cases, I shall think myself in duty bound to execute your Orders, though they should be attended with inconceivable Danger) at present, I think it most advisable for me to continue with the Frigate; “to share her Glories, or to die in the Attempt.” I have the Honour to be, Gentlemen Your very Humble, and Obedient Servt.

      Hez: Ford


Title: The Commissioners’ Accounts with Ferdinand Grand, 30 June – 8 August 1778
From: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John
To:

     Doit Compte courrant des Etats unis par Messieurs Franklin Lee et Adams chez F. Grand

      30 June–8 August 1778

      1778

      Debit
      Credit

      Juin
      30
      Pour solde de lancien Compte
      697434.
      4.

      Juillet
      1er
      Mandat de J. Williams du 25 7bre. ordre Mr. Franklin
      891.
      10.

      1er
      Ces Messieurs aiant été debites dans deux differents Comptes, de l’achat fait a L’Orient des 34 Affuts je les credite d’autant dans cellui cy, afin qu’ils ne soient debites qu’une seule fois du Montant de cet Achat de

      5607.
      2.
      6

      3
      Acceptn. de Mr. Franklin du 18 May, aux traittes de Hy. Laurens de York Town a 30 Jrs. de vue ord: La Pierre
      du 6 9bre.
      900
      }
      1473.

      14 do.
      573

      3
      Acceptn. de Mr. Francklin du 5 Juin a traitte de Hy. Laurens du 14 9bre. a 30 Jours de vue
      1030.

      3
      Payé a Mme. de Coalin les 6 derniers Mois de la Maison de Mr. Dean
      3600.

      16
      Mandat de Messrs. Francklin Lee et Adams du 16 Juillet
      720.

      17
      Payé a Poussin Tapissier, pour l’achat des Meubles qu’il louoit cy devant a Mr. Deane suivant le compte a ce Sujet
      4294.

      20
      Pour la Voiture de Mr. Dean que le Scellier s’etoit engagé a reprendre pour 2000 et dont je me suis chargé

      2000.

      Reçu de ces Messieurs

      750000.

      21
      Mandat de Mrs. Franklin Lee et Adams du 21 courant, ord Niles
      4933.

      28
      Mandat de Mrs. Francklin Lee et Adams du 29 do., au Cape. Barnes
      2108.
      15.

      30
      Acceptation de Mrs. Francklin du 26 Juillet a une traitte de Hy. Laurens du 17 9bre. a 30 Jours de vue
      900.

      Aoust
      4
      Mandat de Mrs. Franklin Lee et Adams du 4 Aoust
      ord: Collins
      439.
      }
      823.

      ord: Welsh
      192.

      ord Grenall
      192.

      6
      Acceptation de Mr. Franklin du 27 Juin, a traitte de Hy. Laurens du 7 9bre. a 30 Jours de vue
      900.

      6
      Payé a Mr. Adams sur son ordre
      2400.

      7
      Payé a Mr. Franklin, sur reçu
      4800.

      7
      Payé a Mr. Arthur Lee, sur reçu
      4800.

      Commission a ½p% sur Livres60172.18.6.
      300.
      17.

      Ports de Lettres, Paquets, Commissionaires &ca
      203.
      11.

      Pour Solde il levient a ces Messieurs
      25995.
      5.
      6

      Livres757607.
      2.
      6
      757607.
      2.
      6

      Ainsi arreté double sauf Erreurs ou Ommissions.
      Paris le 8 Aoust 1778.
      Grand

     Note of Additional Sums paid out of the public money for Mr. Deane

      16 April 1778 To his Wheelright
      168.

      1st. May, Hire of his Horses
      128.

         Remainder of his Acct.
      278.

      7th Do. Remainder of a Servant’s Acct.
      417.
      1.

      Do. To another Servant
      244.
      16.

         Sadler’s Acct.
      6.

      13th. July Traituer’s Acct.
      12.
      11.

         Blacksmith’s Acct.
      80.
      10.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 1 July 1778
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Adams, John

      My dear Sir
      Boston July 1st. 1778

     After various Reports of the Capture of the Boston by a British Cruizer, and of her being struck with Lightning at Sea, it was with peculiar Pleasure I lately receiv’d an Assurance Of your Safe Arrival in France. Not long after you sail’d, Mrs. Adams wrote me a Letter upon a Report of Dr. Franklin’s having been assassinated, full of the tenderest Anxiety, and the most amiable Sentiments, sollicitous for the Safety of her dear Partner whom she had given up for a long Interval, to the Service of our Country. I did evr’y Thing I could, in my Reply, to sooth her afflicted Mind, and most sincerely take Part in the Joy which a Letter, I am just inform’d, she has receiv’d from you, must afford her. I feel happy that my Country has two such Negotiators as you and your Collegue at the first Court in Europe, and not a little proud that I can call you both my Friends. May Heaven support you under your public Cares, and prosper all your Efforts for the Safety and Happiness of our dear Country. I congratulate you on the Prospect of a speedy and glorious End to our great Contest, that must give us a distinguish’d Place among the Nations, and peculiar Honor to those whose Services have eminently contributed to it. The Monarch, at whose Court you reside, gave by his wise and generous Treaty, a new Turn to our Affairs. They were indeed very far from being desperate· without it, but the Alliance with France gave a new Spring in ev’ry Part, and rapidly brighten’d all our Prospects. Our Paper Credit is that which of all others still labors most. It has remain’d rather at a Stand for some Time then been much advanc’d. I hope by forreign Loans, or some Method or other, we shall soon be reliev’d in this important Point. I refer you for the State of our Affairs to the Paper, and Letter I have sent by this Conveyance to Dr. Franklin. The Vessel being on the Point of Sailing I must close. Adieu my dear Friend, and accept the warmest Tenders of Esteem and Affection from Your’s

      Saml. Cooper


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

       Messieurs
       La Haie 3e. Juillet 1778

      Ce que j’eus l’honneur de vous marquer l’ordinaire dernier de l’Emprunt d’Amsterdam, etoit extrémement exagéré. Cela se réduit à un petit emprunt, que le trésorier de la Ville fait et rembourse, selon le plus ou le moins d’argent en caisse, pour être employé a des bâtimens. La personne de qui je tenois cela, avoit été mal informée. Notre ami m’a mieux instruit.
      Je lui communiquai hier le Traité, ainsi qu’àMr. le Bourguemaî tre régnant Temmink d’Amsterdam. Ces Messieurs en sont très contents: ils le trouvent le plus parfait dans son genre, qui ait jamais été fait; que tout y est prévu, tout ce qui est défectueux dans ceux des temps passéz, remédié.
      Il n’y àprésent qu’à laisser la tourbe s’allumer lentement. J’ai demandé àMr. Temmink la permission de l’aller voir quand j’irois à Amsterdam, et il me l’a très poliment accordée.
      Vous verrez, Messieurs, par la Gazette ci-jointe, et bientôt par celle du bas rhin, si vous la lisez (sans compter les gazettes hollandoises), que j’ai commencé à faire usage des papiers que vous m’avez envoyés. Tout cela fait un bon effet dans ces provinces, entretient une haute idée des Américains, désole et confond Y. et les Nouvellistes ses amis. Depuis l’affaire de Saratoga j’ai rendu constamment les miens maîtres du champ de bataille ici.
      Ce matin les papiers Anglois nous ont apporté la nouvelle singuliere, que la grande Flotte de Keppel n’a abouti qu’à une Expédition de parti bleu; qu’après avoir Surpris deux Frégattes en Station, commencé les hostilités, et fait la bravade vers Brest, dès qu’elle a vu la Françoise sortir de Brest pour en avoir raison, elle s’est retirée, et mise en sûreté dans les Ports d’Angleterre. J’espere à présent, qu’àson tour, la Flotte françoise usera de Représailles, et trouvera quelques Vaisseaux de Guerre Anglois à prendre, sans compter ce qui pourra lui tomber entre les mains des flottes qui reviennent des deux Indes.
      J’ai vu, avec bien de la joie, dans votre Liste, l’arrivée du Dean, parce que je Savois in Petto, que Mon cher Ami Mr. Carmichael étoit dans ce vaisseau, commandé par le Capitaine Nicholson. Les papiers Anglois du 30 Juin en parlent aussi.
      Je prie Dieu, de tout mon coeur, pour qu’il bénir les Armes des Etats-Unis, et de leur accorder bientôt la plus glorieuse paix, et une felicité durable. Je Suis avec le respect le plus sincere, Messieurs, Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur

       D.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 3 July 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

       Gentlemen
       The Hague 3 July 1778

      That which I had the honor to note in my last concerning Amsterdam’s borrowing was greatly exaggerated. It is limited to a small loan that the treasurer of the town borrows and repays more or less according to the amount of money in the coffers and is to be used for some vessels. The person from whom I learned this was misinformed. Our friend set me straight on the matter.
      Yesterday I communicated the treaty to both him and Burgomaster Temminck of Amsterdam. These gentlemen were very pleased; they find it to be the best of its kind, with every objection anticipated and all that was defective in previous ones remedied.
      Now all that we have to do is let the peat slowly ignite itself. At my request, Mr. Temminck very kindly granted me permission to come and see him when I go to Amsterdam.
      You will see, gentlemen, from the enclosed gazette and soon, if you read it, by that of the Lower Rhine (not to mention the Dutch gazettes) that I have started putting to good use the documents you sent me. They have a very positive effect in these provinces, maintaining a high opinion of the Americans while annoying and confounding Yorke and his friends the journalists. Since the Saratoga affair I have consistently rendered my friends the masters of the battlefield here.
      This morning the British papers brought us the curious news that the expedition of Keppel’s great fleet ended up a wasted venture. After having taken two frigates on station by surprise, started hostilities, and blustered toward Brest, as soon as they saw the French fleet leave Brest to overtake them, they retired and sought safety in the English ports. I hope that, in turn, the French fleet will make a reprisal and find a few British men-of-war to capture, besides what they could get out of the fleets coming back from the two Indies.
      I was very happy to see mention, in your account liste of the arrival of the Deane because I knew in petto that my dear friend Mr. Carmichael was on board that ship under the command of Captain Nicholson. The English papers of 30 June mention it also.

      I pray to God with all my heart that He may bless the arms of the United States and grant them soon the most glorious peace and everlasting happiness. I am, with the most sincere respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       D.


Title: John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778
From: Jones, John Paul
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

       3 July 1778

     Being informed from good authority that the Minister desired much to converse with me on a subject of great utility to the United States of America —as there was then no prospect of obtaining permission to sell the prizes—or of getting the prisoners exchanged soon, I thought it for the interest of the Service that I shoud come myself to Paris. It was necessary too that some measure shoud be adopted to quiet the minds of the people in the Ranger.
     The Minister told me his plan—But demanded my parole of Honour not to reveal it to any person whatsoever. I am not therefore at Liberty to communicate it even to you, unless you will first get me absolved of my Parole And also allow me to inform the Minister that it is what you have insisted upon knowing.
     I can how-ever assure you that what has been communicated to me is perfectly consistent with my Duty as an American Officer—With the interests of the United States—and with the most disinterested friendship on the part of France—because tho’ it will contribute to the success and Honor of the American arms, it will involve America in no Expence.
     The Opinion of the Minister is that the success of this plan depends upon the most profound secrecy in the meantime—and I shall at a proper season give the most convincing proofs that it is not an affair of my seeking—and also that my journey to Paris has been perfectly consistent with my instructions from Congress and with My Duty as an American Officer, acting from principle, and having the satisfaction to know that my past conduct has always been honored with the most ample approbation.


Title: Samuel Tucker to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778
From: Tucker, Samuel
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Gentlemen
      On Board the Boston. Lorient July 3d. 1778

     These may Serve to acquaint your Honours of my arrival at this port, after a short Cruze of twenty four Days. While on the Cruze I took four Prizes one of which I sent for Boston in Charge of a Carefull Prize Master and seven Men she being a Brig from Venus Venice her Cargo chiefly Medicine. The others I Ordered for this Port, two of their Cargos fish the other Coles coal? and Bottles, all of little Value. I would inform your Honours the Reason I came in so soon was on Account of Capt. Alexander Murry in the Brig Saratoga from Baltimore that I spoke with June 25th in the Longitude 25″00. West, who told me he had on Board many dispatches for your Honours in General and for the Court of France and many other Letters of Importence to our States. I sent my Boat, on Board he show’d them to my Officers and send me a Line or two, then I bore away to Conduct him Clear of the Cruzers in the Bay as far as I was able too, but unluckly on the 28th last att 10 AM. I saw a Sail to the Southward. I then haild Capt. Murry told him to stear his Course and I would overtake him in the Afternoon but could not come up with my Chase and loath to quit untill 5 PM then haul’d to the Northward for Capt. Murry, att 6 fell in with two Sail a Snow from Sweeden, and a Brig from Scotland, the former I past, the Latter I took, and by the Time I maned her it was very Dark. I went again in Persuit of Capt. Murry and carried all the Sail I possible could to overtake him, when, coming in by Ushant I saw a Cutter of fourteen Guns coming from the Northward, gave her chase but could not come up with her, at Dark gave over Chase and made for Capt. Murry but had not the Good Fortune to see him after except I saw him Yesterday when I was coming in to the Eastward of me, and as he told me he was bound to Nantz I suppos’d it to be him, but was not so near as to be certain.
     Gentlemen Mr. Livingston my 2d Lieutenant who presents this will give your Honours a just account of the Situation of my Ship in every respect whatever. His waiting on your Honours, prevents my Writing of many Circumstances as the Gentleman will give you a just detail of the whole. Pray Gentlemen inform me if I must Carry the Prisoners to America. If I am to carry them I shall build a Prison in the forepart of my Ship, for them and some who I have Entered on Board, who has appeared very Disaffected on the Cruize and two I’ve on Board confined. When meeting Capt. Whipple or Jones will try them, or carry them to America in their present Situation.
     I would inform your Honours that Mr. Livingston acted in the above state like a Good man and must confess I am very sorry to part with him, but his Health is so Imperfect I am sure he Cannot endure the Fatigues of a Cruize, and Especial in my Situation, he will be able to give you the best Account off. I should be very glad to Accompany Capt. Whipple for my Future Cruze. I am Gentlemen with Respect Your Honours Most Obedt. Humble Servt.

      Saml. Tucker

      NB. Three Days after sailing from this Port I fell in with 7 Large Ships two and 3 Deckers Supposing them to be the English Fleet made way from them. The 16th. June I saw them.


Title: Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Honble Gentlemen
      Passy. July 3. 1778

     Agreeable to your verbal order I have given Directions to stop the Reparation of the Arms at Nantes, paying the Workmen their Wages Gratifications and Conduct Money according to agreement. I beg to know if this is agreeable. I am very respectfully Hon Gentlemen Your most obedt Servant

      Jona Williams


Title: To John Adams from William MacCreery, 4 July 1778
From: MacCreery, William
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Nantes 4 July 1778

     Last night arrived here from Baltimore the Brigantine Saratoga, Captn. Murray, who has brought 2 Packets from Congress for the Honble. the Commissioners, and as many for Yourself. My Letters are of the 28th. May, at which time it was generaly understood there, that the Enemy were about embarking from Philadelphia with all haste, and that Genl. Washington was advanceing towards the City in order to annoy them as much as possible. About the 25th. He detached the Marquis de la Fayette with 2500 Men to the East side of the Schuylkill to watch the Enemies motions. As soon as they had Notice of it, Genl. Clinton went out to Attack him in the Night with most of his Army, expecting to surprize him—but the Young noble man having discoverd the Enemy when within about a Mile of him, he made a safe retreat over the River to our Army—upon which Genl. Clinton retreated to Town with great precipitation leaving and few Prisoners and wounded behind.
     All the Men of War have left our Bay (Chesapeak) since the 18 or 19th. May. The People have been made excessively happy by the Publication of the Treaty between us and this Power. They have gone so far as to indulge themselves with Dancing in consequence of it.
     I have delivered the above mention’d Packets to Mr. Schweighauser, Continental Agent at this place, to be forwarded to Passi. This Vessel left Chesapeak the 11th. June. I am with the greatest Respect Dear Sir Your very Obt. Servt.

      Will M.Creery


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Tucker, 4 July 1778
From: Tucker, Samuel
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Lorient July the 4th 1778

     These will be handed you by Musco Livingston Gentleman my 2d Lewt. Who now must Leave me on account of an Imperfect State of helth att Present and During the Short Cruze. Dear Sir your Honnours Provided me a Good offercer Whose Vallue on board my Ship Was great being a Good Commanding offercer and beloved throughout the Ship but my Loss is not Small in Parting with Such an offercer but I Consent to it out of Pure Regard to the Gentleman he not fit att Present to Indure the fatigues of a Cruze and hope Sir your Honnour will take the greatest Notice Care of Such Gentleman. He is in my opinion Worthy of any Command May be given him.
     Dear Sir Mr. Livingston will give your Honnour a Just account and true Detail of my Cruze and Part of my Infernal Crue Who I judge to be Concernd in the Consparicy Carred on att Bordeaux Before I Saild. But Sir I have two Confind Who was over heard damning the Congress the Ship and offercers and Each Other for not being sworn before they where Confind and deprived of their oppertunity.
     Dear Sir it was in my Power to make a great Cruze if my People was but well affected but am apprehensive they will not be Dureing this Cruze Except I Could get some Americans Exchanged from England Which makes my Situation Very Disagreable.
     Dear Sir I Pray you may be in as good State of helth as I am at Present. Please to give my Complements to Masters Johne and Jesse and with due Respect I Remain yours to Serve

      Saml Tucker


Title: John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 4 July 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Honble. Sirs
      Bordeaux 4 July 1778

     The Union Cap. Barry arriv’d the 2 Instant from Edenton which place he left the 6th June. I apply’d for Letters that I apprehended as being loaden by Mr. Hewes he would have had in charge but am told he had only three, two for a Merchant at this place and one for Nantz. Its a disapointment having so short a passage not to receive advices. The Captain says he intended for Sweeden but the winds have held favorable for this Port he alterd his plan. It is distressing to hear the accounts given of Loss’s on the coast by the negligence and wilful Misconduct of the Pilots situated at the Pass’s on the Carolina Coast. We have receivd few reports from them quarters without accompanying protests of ship Masters against the Inhabitants who in lieu of succoring have frequently misled or refused assistance. It is an object very hurtful to the Navigating Interest and merrits to be noticed by the Gouvernment of that Province. The Captain gives accounts of a Sloop fitted out by Mr. Decater arriving at Edenton the day before he parted, Mr. Decater will undoubtedly write Mr. Res de chaument per this post. Mr. De Sartin has given an invitation to the Merchants at this Place to unite in fitting out Armd Vessels offering to provide the Cannon wanting at the Expence of the Crown to be return at the Cessation of Arms.

     Mr. James Willing headed the party that have cut off the English Settlements on the Missisipi a vessel from New Orleans arrived here a few Days past her Cargo is estimated at one Million Livres.
     Great Arrivals from the French Islands the last two Tides. One of the Ships met an English Frigate, the Captain  led the Frenchman on his being so near his pt hey expected to Act offensively waiting only to learn the conduct Comte D’Estaing would observe at his Arrival in America.
     There is a Whisper of an affair betwixt Genl. Washington and Genl. Clinton to the prejudice of the former. I have perticularly questiond the Captain arrived he says all was quiet therefore I suppose the Account fabricated on this side.
     Permit me to pay to your Honors the Compliments of the Day which we propose to Celebrate in the Usual Strain. I am with due respect Honble. Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Servant

      John Bondfield


Title: John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 4 – 5 July 1778
From: Jones, John Paul
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Passy. June 5. July 4–5 1778

     Plan for expeditions submitted to the American Plenipotentiaries and to the French minister of Marine by Com. Jones.
     As the first proposal, will be impeded for some time, in the interval A great variety of projects present themselves, some of which might prove of great utility to France and America by distressing the common enemy at a small expence.
     Three very fast sailing frigates, with one or two tenders, might enter the Irish Channel and burn at Whitehaven from two to three hundred ships and besides the town, which contain 50,000 inhabitants, this would render it difficult, if not impossible to supply Ireland with coal the ensuing winter.
     The same force would be sufficient to take the Bank of Ayr in Scotland, and to destroy the town:—or, perhaps, the whole shipping in the Clyde, with the towns and stores of Greenwich and Port-Glasgow provided no alarm was first given at other places. The fishery at Cambletown is an object worthy attention, and in some of the ports of Ireland ships may perhaps be found worth from 150,000 to £200,000 Sterling each.
     It might, perhaps, be equally expedient to alarm Britain on the east Side which might be effected with equal and perhaps inferior force, by destroying the Coal shipping, of New-castle &c. which would occasion the utmost distress for fuel in London: and there are many towns of Consequence on the east and north coasts of England and Scotland which are defenceless, and might be either burnt or laid under contribution.
     The success of either of these, or the like enterprizes will depend on surprizing well, and on despatch both in the attack and in the retreat, therefore it is necessary the ships should sail fast, and that their force should be sufficient to repel any of the enemy’s cruizing frigates, two of which may perhaps be met at a time.
     It is scarcely conceivable how great a panic, the success in any one of these projects, would occasion in England. It would convince the world that their coasts are vulnerable, and would, consequently, hurt their public credit.
     If alarming the coast of Britain should be thought inexpedient, to intercept the Enemy’s West-Indian or Baltic fleets, or their Hudson Bay ships, or to destroy their Greenland fishery, are capital objects, which promise success if well adopted, and any one of them might be finished, before the first can take place.


Title: To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 5 July 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Challiot July 5th. 1778

     I enclose you my Copy of Capt. Jones’s Instructions. My opinion is that in quitting his Ship without our leave or orders was a breach of his duty—that his continuing here after receiving his orders is a still more flagrant breach of his duty—that we shall be justly blamd, if we do not give him immediate and peremptory orders to proceed to his duty and compel obedience to them.
     You will see by the enclosd Account from Mr. Grand, that not only Mr. Williams’s drafts have been paid before his Accounts are settled without our orders; but that he has been drawing and giving Mandates since his being here, as if he were a Commissioner, which are also paid without our knowlege or Order. It seems we are only Commissioners for the responsible part, while Mr. Chaumont and Mr. Williams are to plan operations for the Captains of continental Ships and to spend the money for which we are to answer. These things must be checked, or it is easy to see where they will end. I am not well enough to come to Passi to-day, but will see you to-morrow. If the Order for Capt. Jones and the Letter for Mr. Schweighauser are made out today, they can be sent to me to sign. I shall be obligd to you to send me the charges you promisd me against the conduct of my Secretary. If they appear of consequence, he shall either answer them, or quit me. Adieu

      A. Lee


Title: Sartine to the Commissioners, 5 July 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

       Versailles 5. Juillet 1778

      Comme je suis dans le cas, Messieurs, d’avoir besoin du Capitaine Jones pour quelqu’expédition particuliere, je desirerois qu’il pût rester ici.
      Si vous n’y voyez point d’inconvénient, vous me ferez plaisir de le laisser à ma disposition et de donner le Commandement de son Batiment à son Second s’il doit retourner en Amérique. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec beaucoup de considération, Messieurs, votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur,

       de Sartine


Title: John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 7 July 1778
From: Bondfield, John
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Honble Sirs
      Bordeaux 7 July 1778

     Yesterday arrived from Edenton the Sloop Sally Cap Norton which place he left the 6th June. He has brought few Letters, he mentions the entire Capture of the fourth regiment who upon the expedition of Col. Maitland pushing into the Country their retreat was cut off and obliged to lay down their Arms officers and Soldiers not one escaping. He gives also accounts of the Arrival of several vessels perticularly the Rodrique of Rochfort a valuable Ship in the Bay of Cheasapeak.
     Having frequent oppertunities of Associating with the Agents or Consuls of the different European States I obtain an insight of the advantages which there respective Countries reap by their establishment which with submission permit me to represent to your honors presuming that a like plan might be of use to your Mission.
     The Commerce of the United States becoming at this day a new field in her Trade with Europe and for want of proper establishments no returns or estimates can be made of the Nature or value of the branches opening which might be of consiquence to your honors in the forming of Treaties or obtaining indulgence for certain branches of Imports or Exports a certain knowledge of which with its growing State might be obtain’d (as is acquird by the European States) by Instructing the Agents in the different departments to keep an Account of the Shiping arriving from and sailing to America which is easily performd should an order be obtaind for each vessel before her declaration at the Bureau de l’Amiraute make his Report to your Agent an object I could easily attain here but which would meet with more Sanction should and order from Mr. De Sartin to the Commissiaire or donateur come down in Virtue of  application in consiquence of which declartion I should be impowerd to transmit you monthly as would the other Agents in their respective departiments a general Return of the Imports and Exports. You would by that means be inform’d of the extent of the Trade, the quantity of the objects Produce Imported and thereby at one View draw the Ballance that America would hold in her Trade with this Kingdom as also others where your Agents are establishd.
     I just scetch the above for your honors consideration which I judge may In time be so methodized as to be of essential Use. I am with due Respect Your honors Most obedient Humb Servant

      John Bondfield


Title: Poreau, Mackenzie & Cie. to the Commissioners, 7 July 1778
From: Poreau, Mackenzie, & Cie. (business)
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

       Messeigneurs
       Dunkerque Le 7. Juillet 1778

      Des Américains et autres nous ayant confié quils étoient retenus dans le desir de se signaler par le defaut d’apui et le manque de fonds, nous avons eü L’honneur de vous demander pour eux une Commission en Course sous votre pavilion. Votre intention ayant été de ne la remettre qu’a un capitaine que vous honorez de votre bienveillance il est venu icy et nous a paru bien méritant et tout a fait digne de votre Confiance. Mais occupé de la Gloire qu’il est fait pour acquerir il trouve un navire qui peut porter 4. pieces de canon et 12. pierriers beaucoup trop petit quoiquil en ait vû à côté de celui là autres tout à fait semblables pour ainsi dire tout prê a partir en cas dévenement. En un mot il voudroit un batiment d’un port et d’une force beaucoup plus considerable et un nombreux Equipage pour pouvoir tenter quelque action d’Eclat. Mais dans une projet ou Ion peut tout perdre nous ne voulons risquer que 30 a 40. mille francs et son projet couteroit au moins 100. mille Livres. Dans ces circonstances il nous refuse la Commission qui pourtant nous étoit destinée. Un autre Sujet de mortification pour nous, c’est qu’il s’est ouvert a Coffyn Courtier anglais de ce que nous avons eû L’honneur de vous Conner, car nous ne nous persuadons point que vos Seigneuries puissent avoir fait part de nos inquietudes a ce Courtier, nous le Connoissions pour l’Etre l’homme de confiance Des Anglais et nous ignorions qu’il fût Lagent Secret du Congrès, ainsi notre inquietude pouvoit être fondée. Au reste nous ne Croirons Jamais (quoiquil ose S’en vanter) que vous lui fassiez passer notre Lettre ce qui est une chose Sacré. Qu’ant au Cape. Amiel au merite du quel nous rendons Justice nous ne pensons pas que nous Soyons tenus de nous preter à un projet au qu’el nous n’avons Jamais songé et qui est beaucoup au-dessus de ce que nous voulions bien Risquer. Nous Sommes très mortifié que le nôtres ne puisse lui convenu quoique assurement il Soit moins douteux que bien dautres, c’est pourquoi nous vous prions de vouloir bien nous envoyer la commission pour en faire Lusage dont l’un de nous qui a eû l’avantage de vous entretenir a eû L’honneur de vous parler, nous osons le répeter encore une fois, ce projet est plus combiné sur la prudence et sur L’esperance du Succès. Sil y avoit de L’inconvenient de nous addresser la Commission, vous n’en trouveriez, peut être aucun de nous la faire passer sous le couvert de M. Le Prince de Robecq, à moins que vous ne trouviez bon de la remettre à celui qui de notre part aura L’honneur de se presenter a vous, a moins encore que vous ne Jugiez plus a propos que l’un des Americains qui nous est recommandé et en faveur de qui nous vous faisons tant d’instances n’aille la recevoir de vos propres mains. Nous avons L’honneur d’Etre avec respect Messeigneurs Vos très humbles & très obeissantes Serviteurs

       Poreau Mackenzie & Comp. &c.


Title: Poreau, Mackenzie & Cie. to the Commissioners: A Translation, 7 July 1778
From: Poreau, Mackenzie, & Cie. (business)
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

       Sirs
       Dunkirk, 7 July 1778

      Some Americans and others having confided in us that they were hampered in their desire to distinguish themselves by a lack of both support and funds, we had the honor to ask you for a privateer’s commission under your flag. Your intention was to give it only to a captain that you honor with your consideration. The gentleman you chose came here and seemed to us deserving and completely worthy of your trust. But, occupied with the glory that, in his own mind, he was born to win, he found a vessel that can carry but four cannons and twelve swivel-guns far too small, he having seen beside her similar ships, as it were, all equipped and ready to depart in case of need. In short, he would like a much larger and more powerful vessel with a more numerous crew in order to undertake some glorious mission. But, in a project where everything can be lost, we are only willing to risk 30 or 40 thousand francs and his project would cost at least 100 thousand livres. Under these circumstances, he refused us the commission that was, however, meant for us. Another subject of mortification for us is that he divulged to Coffyn, an English courtier, some information that we had the honor to confide in you, for we cannot persuade ourselves that your excellencies could have imparted our worries to this agent. We knew him to be the trusted man of the British, but were unaware that he was the secret agent of the congress, hence our worry could be well founded. Besides, we shall never believe (despite his openly saying so) that you had forwarded to him our letter which was a sacred thing. As to Captain Amiel, while paying due justice to his merits, we do not consider ourselves bound by a project that we did not originate and which entails far more than we were willing to risk. We are very mortified that our project does not suit him even though it is far less hazardous than many others. In view of these considerations, we entreat you to be kind enough to send us the commission to be used in the way described to you by the one of us who had the honor to speak with you. Dare we repeat it again, this project is built on prudence and the anticipation of success. If it is inconvenient to address the commission directly to us, you might find a way of doing it indirectly through the Prince de Robecq, unless you might prefer to give it to a representative of ours who will have the honor to visit you, or again unless you deem it more appropriate to give it to one of the Americans who, having been recommended to us and in favor of whom we have told you so much, would visit you and receive it directly from your hands. We have the honor to be with respect, sirs, your very humble and very obedient servants

       Poreau, Mackenzie & Comp. &c.


Title: Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation, 9 July 1778
From: Genet, Edmé Jacques
To: Adams, John

       Sir

        ante 9 July 1778

      I submitted to Comte de Vergennes an excerpt from General Heath’s letter which I have the honor to return enclosed. You will have seen that I have mentioned it in No. 46 of Affaires de l’Angleterre et de l’Amerique . The publication of No. 47 is but waiting for the first news which you will receive and wish to communicate to me as usual through the mail . This periodical pertains entirely to the American cause and the Commissioners. It is for this reason that it is in a position to appeal to the French public. I am with respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant,

       GenetPremier commis des affaires etrangeres


Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 9 July 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Gerry, Elbridge

     Passy, 9 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:149–150. Adams discussed Great Britain’s shortsighted and self-defeating policy in refusing a just treaty and, as an example of Britain’s self-deception and misunderstanding of America, pointed to a peace proposal, rejected out of hand, that sought to bribe American leaders by offering them peerages.


Title: To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 9 July 1778
From: Genet, Edmé Jacques
To: Adams, John

      Honour’d Sir
      Vlles. july 9th. 1778

     Here inclos’d I have the honour to return you the letter you trusted me so obligingly.
     I’m in great impatience to get a printed copy of the Treaties. If you find it in the papers receiv’d by way of Brest, be So good as to Send it me, along with the other news you’ll think fit for publication. My Number 48 is ready, and I expect only the Treaties and such news as you are pleas’d to see publish’d.

      I’m with great respect Hond. Sir Your most humble and obedient Servant
      Genet


Title: Francis Coffyn to the Commissioners, 9 July 1778
From: Coffyn, Francis
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Hond. Gentlemen
      Dunkirk 9th. July 1778

     I beg leave to refer you to the letter I had the honor of writing to you yesterday. This cheafly Serves to inclose a Certificate from the officers of the Admiralty Court of this Town, which I hope will in Some measure obviate the bad impression Poreau’s false insinuations may have occasion’d; however as I am determined to fill the measure to the brim, I shall take the liberty to send you tomorrow three other Certifficates from three different Jurisdictions, one from the Bourgmaster and Magistrates, one from the Judges and Consuls, and one from the President and Counsellors of the board of Commerce in this town, all which I hope will Sufficiently illucidate my Character and conduct, and convince you of the criminal endeavours of my Ennemys. If these vouchers were not capable of restoring me to your Kindness and favours, whatever further proofs you may require, shall be immediately produced, and your order comply’d with; interim I refer to Mr. Amiel who will give you the particulars of every thing on handing you this. I have the honor to remain very respectfully Hond. Gentlemen Your most obedt. & most devoted Humble servant

      Frans. Coffyn


Title: Richard Grinnell to the Commissioners, 9 July 1778
From: Grinnell, Richard
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Honour’d Sir
      Dunkirk July the 9th 1778

     I would Inform you that on the 28th of August Last I a Rived heare from London I had att that time Just obtained my Discharge, from the Belile Belle Isle man of war of Seventy four Guns. I was Impressed on board of her at Sea and without asking my Leave they made mee a mid Shipman on board. A few days after faling in with I Reland I Tok o the oportunity by a fishing boat to write to London to a marchant whome I was none who a plyed to the Lords of the admaralty and obtained my Discharge, and Got me a Protection. With this Protection I made my Escape from London and a Rived heare the 28th of August 1777 I went Emedeately to Newport and Communicated to Mr. Nisbett my Intensions which was to Go to Parris and Indeavour to obtain a Commision to Go to the Brazels and Take and Distroy all the London fleete, which I Could Easely have done. Mr. Nisbett Recommended me to Mr. Coffin who Desired me to write to you. Which I did and Gave all my Papers to Mr. Coffin with a Letter of Recommendation from a marchant in Rhodeisland.

     After waiting two months and heareing Nothing from you Mr. Coffin Toald me that he Belived nothing would be done for mee. And Beged that I would Take the Command of a Vessel to the Braizels in the whaleing Buisness which I was obliged to accept and accordingly wrote to London and Got from thence about ten of my Countrymen four of them went the Voige to the Braizels with mee the Rest was Sent by Mr. Coffin to Nants.
     Mr. Coffin wants me to Go a Nother Voige from hence to the Braizels in his Imploy but I will not Ingage untill I heare from Capt. Amy the Barer of this—as I Should be Glad to do Something for my Cuntry. I have been at a Grate Expence heare at Mr. Fitzgaralds. Mr. Coffin Toald me Before I went from heare he would Pay My account. But I have Setteld my Voige with him and he has Charged me with Every farthing of Mr. Fitzgaralds account and I have paid him. I am Desired by Mr. Nisbett to write a Gain to London and Git over as many of the Amaracans as I Can the way I Shall point out to them now is to Come heare by the way of Holland I make no dout but a Number will Come over if they Can Possibely make their Escape—which I think they will Do.
     This day I heard that my Brother William Grinnell who was first Leftanant of the Columbas when She Ingaged the Glasko man of war is now in Breast and Commands a frigate from Boston. I no not wheather this is true or not.
     I have Laid Before your honour my Preasent Surcumstances and Should be Glad of your honours Commands how I am to Proceede. I have Given my word to Capt. Amy not to Ingage untill I heare from him. I am with much Respect honoured Sirs, your moost obedant humble Servt.

      Richd. Grinnell

      P.S. Mr. Dean who was heare about Nine monthe passt toald me hee was a Prisanor on board the Columbas at the time She had the Ingagement with the Glasko and new my Brother William Grinnell.


Title: From John Adams to William Heath, 10 July 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Heath, William

     Passy, 10 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:156–158. Adams reported the arrival on 8 July of the ratified Franco-American treaties, which were seen as fresh evidence of the increasing isolation of Great Britain and of the unlikelihood of the formation of a coalition of powers against America. He predicted that even Spain would soon join Britain’s open enemies and declared that the British government had but one wise choice—to make a treaty with the United States on the order of France’s with America. Adams believed, however, that Britain would remain blind to the need for a new policy and would decline to a second-rate power.


Title: From John Adams to William MacCreery, 10 July 1778
From: Adams, John
To: MacCreery, William

     Passy, 10 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:155–156. Adams discussed British reports of the evacuation of Philadelphia, congratulated MacCreery on the arrival of a ship in which he had an interest, and advised MacCreery that his description of the actions of Lafayette at Barren Hill would probably appear in Affaires de l’Angleterre et de l’Amérique. Finally, the departure of the Brest fleet was noted together with the hope that a decisive naval battle would soon take place.


Title: Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to Ferdinand Grand, 10 July 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John
To: Grand, Ferdinand

      Mr. Grand

       10 July 1778

     We agree that the Bills drawn on you, by Mr. Williams, and paid by you according to the list herewith transmitted shall be charged to the Public Account of the United States; Mr. Williams to be accountable for the expenditure of all the sayd Sums to Congress or to any Person, or Persons appointed by Congress for that purpose, and to the Commissioners of the United States at the Court of France whenever he shall be called to render such Account. This Consent however is not to be considered as any approbation of Mr. Williams Account, nor to have any Influence at all in the final Settlement of them.

      signed B. Franklin
      signed John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 10 July 1778
From: Genet, Edmé Jacques
To: Adams, John

      Hond. Sir
      Vlles. july 10th. 1778

     I have receiv’d the papers you Sent me, and will make a proper use of them as soon as possible. When I have done with them they shall be returned you with my gratitude. I am with the greatest respect Your most humble and obedient servant

      Genet

      PS Keppell’s fleet was still at St. Helen’s on the 6th. The mediterranean fleet under convoy of the Worcester was come into port, and also part of the Jamaica and Leeward Islands fleet. They Believ’d in London that Philadelphia had been evacuated, and 6000 men under Gen. Grant detached to Jamaica, Admiral Byron had been met with on the 19th. 20th. and 24. June. This last time near the Western Islands—and the Asia was in Mad era on the 25th. may with the C. E. I. ships on the 7th. this month July. 3 per % cons, were 60. 7/8; per cent Ex. divid.
      Our fleet was Still at Brest wind bound the 7th. of this month. I have a letter from an officer of the fleet of that date.


Title: William Hodge to the Commissioners, 10 July 1778
From: Hodge, William
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Honorable. Gentlemen
      Cadiz July 10th. 1778

     By Yesterdays’ Post I had the honor of receiving your Letter of the 19th of April. What could have occasioned its not reaching my hands before now, I cannot say, unless the Person who was entrusted with sending it by the Post might have detained it to answer some particular purpose. You inform me in your letter that I am charged in your Bankers Account with upwards of one hundred thousand livres of the public Money for which there is no account from me among the Papers left by Mr. Deane. I have the happiness to inform you that I not only gave to Mr. Deane an account of what Money I received, and of what I paid, but likewise the Accounts of my Merchants at Dunkirk, nay, every Bill, even to the minutest article furnished the two small Vessels that I fitted out at Dunkirk. I have likewise the honor to inform you, that in all the charges I have brought against the two Vessels you will not find a single one made by myself, unless the poor trifling 2 ½ per Cent (which did not half pay my expences attending the fatiguing job I had during my stay at Dunkirk) the charges being all made by the Merchants who I was ordered to employ, and who produced me the Accounts of every tradesman, which I gave into Mr. Deanes’ hands. I should not be thus particular was not your letter full of insinuations respecting my honesty which I look upon as ungenerous, and which I will prove to be without foundation. I gave double receipts for every farthing of Public Money that I received at Dunkirk, of consequence there can be no mistake in regard of the sum which I have received. I Shall inclose you for your satisfaction Gentlemen, the Accounts of the Monies I received, and of what I paid; by which you will find that there was a balance due me, as I was only accountable for one quarter of the Cutter, the other quarter belongs to Messrs. Conyngham and Deane, for which Mr. Deane was accountable. It is very probable that Mr. Deane has taken all the papers relative to the Cutter and Lugger with him, as neither Dr. Franklin nor Mr. Lee would have any thing to say to the two little Expeditions from Dunkirk, of consequence Mr. Deane thinking himself accountable to the Congress, he would undoubtedly take all the Accounts with him.
     I have it from the very best authority that Mr. A. Lee has wrote to Congress and informed them that I had received large sums of Public Money, and that he could not learn to what use it was converted. It is true that I had received some Public Monies, but as Mr. Lee complained that he could not get sufficient for his expences, private Persons were obliged to make use of their Money, as there was not sufficient of the Public’s for the purpose intended. I blush when I think of the Congress being concerned with private Persons in an armed Vessel, but Mr. Lee has wrote to all his correspondents in Spain, that the Congress and I was concerned in a small Privateer, and that in case of any Prizes coming into Spain, they should only pay me one half of the Prize Money: the other half to be remitted to him at Paris; not considering that the Crew wanted their part, besides the great expence attending armed Vessels. I am not a stranger, Gentlemen, to the little disputes that have happened at Paris, Nantes, and elsewhere since I left France, and I am sorry that I am like to make one of the number; all owing to a certain Gentlemen whose characteristic is that of being a dissatisfied, troublesome Man.
     I shall now Gentlemen give you an account of my conduct since my arrival in Spain. As to my claim of the Cutter as the property of Mr. John Ross and myself, I made it from the best authority, as it was in consequence of an Order given me by Silas Deane Esqr. a Gentleman equally empowered (at that time in matters respecting Public business as yourselves). I am greatly surprized to find Dr. Franklins’ name at the bottom of your letter, as his honor not only gave his consent, but advised Mr. Deane to dispose of the Cutter in the manner he has done. This I know to be the case as I seen Mr. Deane speaking to Dr. Franklin upon the subject. Gentlemen, As Mr. Deane has made over to Mr. Ross and myself all right and title to the Cutter, which we have from under his own hand, he gave Captain Conyngham orders to deliver the aforesaid Vessell up entirely to our management, and to put himself under our directions, which he has done, and still intends to do, as both he and myself act from good authority, and in case of any bad consequences, Mr. Deane and not us that are accountable.
     Dr. Franklin and Mr. Deane gave this Vessel up into our hands, as great expences was likely to be incurred, as well as much trouble to the Commissioners. The being upwards of two thirds of her time in Port before my arrival in Spain. The Merchant at Corunna has acted from the same authority as Captain Conyngham from whom I received a sum of Money which was by no means sufficient to pay the Peoples Wages and their part of the Prize Money. I have likewise received other Monies which I have paid to the Officers and Crew, but still it has not been sufficient to satisfy them, as they have insisted on their part of all Prizes they have taken, altho’ the greatest part of the Net Proceeds of Prizes has been stopped in Spain, in consequence of Captain Conynghams’ unfortunately taking a French Brig from London and sent into St. Sebastian. As to my assuming to myself the produce of Prizes, I declare it to be false, and without the least foundation, for I do assure you I have not received one Dollar of the Prize Money more than has paid my trifling expences, which, Gentlemen I will one day prove by the dates and sums of Money I have received, and by the dates and sums I have paid, for all of which I have Accounts and receipts for every Dollar, which I defy Man to call in question. In the distribution of Prize Money I settled it agreeably to the rules and regulations of Congress, which Book of regulations 1 had with me, and had I settled it in any other manner, I think then I should have been liable to have been called to an Account. As to the Ships’ Company complaining of injustice in the settlement of their Accounts, I value it not, as it has been the case that every Ships’ Company has complained of injustice in the settlement of their Accounts of every armed Vessel that has been fitted out since the commencement of the War, and generally without foundation. It matters but little to me what are their complaints, as I have taken receipts from each of them for what, and in what manner I have settled with them. The Vessel being abandoned in consequence, of my conduct, is without the least foundation as well as all the rest, for upon my arrival in Spain I found a number of Captain Conyngham’s Men in Prison at St. Bastiens, in consequence of his taking a French Brig. A considerable number at Bilboa and other small Towns, and the Vessel left destitute of hands, having only a few Officers on board, who were obliged to wear their Arms to prevent a few French Marines from going ashore, and had I not arrived in Spain the Cutter would have remained in the Harbor until this day, for Captain Conyngham was so destitute of Men, that he made an offer of giving the command of his Vessel to the Captain of the New England Privateer that was at Bilboa.
     Now Gentlemen, conscious of the uprightness of my conduct, and the regularity of my proceedings, I leave you to determine upon the justice of the complaints. I have given you an account of my proceedings, and by what orders I have acted. As to your giving Captain Conyngham his future Orders Gentlemen you could not do it, even was the one half of the Cutter belonging to the Public, without my consent, as it would be more than the King of England would dare to do, in regard to the property of any one of his Subjects in like circumstances. As I have settled with the crews of the Privateer agreeable to the Book of regulations (which Captain Conyngham has) I shall make no other distributions amongst them, but shall leave the whole affair to be settled by Congress, when, as some of them understand business they will find that I have neither made any deduction or reservations but what are clearly just. We have had it reported for some days past that Captain Conyngham is taken, but I hope it is without foundation. I intended sailing for America in a few days, but in consequence of your Letter I have concluded if possible to proceed to France, when I shall have it in my power to inform you of every particular, and to convince you of the regularity of my conduct. I Am with the greatest respect &c.

      (signed) William Hodge

      N.B. The Prizes lately sent into Spain by Captain Conyngham are stopped by order of the Spanish Court, in consequence of his taking the French Brig that is at St. Sebastiers.


Title: From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 12 July 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Genet, Edmé Jacques

      Sir

       July 12. 1778

     There are Reasons to believe, that the Story of Commissioners appointed by Congress to meet the British Commissioners, is a Forgery.
     1. Thomas Phillip Ludwell Lee, is mentioned as one of them, whereas there never was a Person of that Name in the Congress. There was once a Person of that Name it is true, in Virginia, a Brother of Richard Henry Lee and of Francis Light- foot Lee, two Members of Congress, and of Arthur Lee Minister Plenipotentiary from Congress to the Court of France but this Thomas Phillip Ludwell Lee has been dead, some Time.
     A blank is left for the Christian Name of Mr. xxx Adams a Member from the Massachusetts, which shews that the Writer was ignorant of it: because if this Account had been taken from any American Paper, it is improbable that this Christian Name would have been omitted because it is so well known in America, that there is at present .
      intelligence is derived, which renders it it would have been eager enough to have informed the World of their Vouchers, if they had any good ones.

     There are others Reasons to suspect this to be a Fiction, which it is not worth while to enumerate.
     I would not be understood however, to Say absolutely that the Congress will not send a Committee to meet the English Commissioners, to enquire of them what Powers they have, and to know whether they have Powers to make a Peace with America, as a Sovereign Republique, and consistent with their Treaty with France? The Answer must be know No. and it is equally certain the Reply will be “Go home then and get such Powers.”
     As to a Publication of the Treaty, sir my Colleagues, are of opinion with me that it should be printed as soon as the King shall think proper. But it would perhaps be not sufficiently respectful for Us to publish it, without his Majesty’s Knowledge.

      John Adams

      4. I have Seen in an English Newspaper, another Account that only three were of the Committee R. H. Lee, Mr. Carroll and Mr. Adams. This Variation in the English Accounts, Strengthens the suspicion of Fraud.
      It is really a melancholly Consideration to an ingenuous Mind, to see a great Nation abandoning all Reverence for Truth, and perpetually imposing upon the World Such palpable Lyes. It is the Duty, it is the Interest of every human Being that the keenest sense of Detestationand Contempt, should be cultivated in every human Mind: But the English are doing all they can to confound the Distinctions between Truth and Falshood, and to make a Lye to be respected as much as the Truth.

      J. Adams


Title: Samuel Tucker to the Commissioners, 12 July 1778
From: Tucker, Samuel
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Gentlemen
      On Board the Boston, at Port Lewis July. 12th. 1778

     Since my Arrival at this Port, I have been much troubled with those Frenchmen I enter’d at Bourdeaux, although I Enlisted them according to your Honours Orders, which was by permission from the Admiralty; While on my short Cruze, some few words would pass as I understand between the Frenchmen and my other Sailors, but Contrary to Orders which they daily had the Perrusial off and likewise read to them, but on the same Day of my entering this Port they got Liberty eight of them to go on shore, then the Serjent of them who was a Frenchman with the others, raised such reports about their treatment from the Officers, that the Deputies of his Christian Majesty with a General La Touche of LOrient came on board last Evening and asked them in my presence if they would tarry or go on Shore, they told him they reather chuse to go on Shore, as they was Volenteares. But Gentlemen I Enlisted them at Bourdeaux telling them I was not permitted to take Volunteres, so they signed the Ships Book, to Proceed to Boston, I shewed the General the same when on Board, then the General telling me it was better to Leave them, than take them, ordered them on Shore with all their Cloths telling them they forfeited their Wages and Prize Money, but not forfeited, as they have had of the Pusser and myself more than their Wages and Prize Money will amount to. The General told me while on Board he had the Command of my Ship which I was very sorry to hear, and then I produced my Authority, and Regulations of the Honble. Congress, shewing the General by the Interpreter Monnsier Filyot of Port Lewis, an article which mentioned whoever was guilty of Joining in Mutiny or Sedition, should suffer death, and they all were guilty of the same, and then for an Answer to the General, I should command my Ship when at Sea, and made no doubt but I was as Capable as he was to Command any other. Then the General said he would write to the Court of France and Plenipotentarys about the two Officers who had treated his Christian Majestys Subjects so ill, that is Benjamin Reed Gentn. my first Lieutenant and Benjamin Bates my Acting Lieutenant. But Hond. Gentlemen be pleased to beleive that these Gentlemen Officers, never done any thing Contrary to my Orders, except boxing a frenchman’s ears for floging a small Boy and strikeing another for calling him a Buger, puting his fist up to his nose, this they must expect no Officer could bear. My Orders being put up against the Bulk head, to Strike no frenchmen whatever, that small Article they broke twice and never farther which I do not blame them for, except their not acquainting me of it, but those small things will happen amongst such a Number of men and so many different Nations; This same Serjent I took in Bourdeaux, about the last of April, by the Recommendation of one Mr. Frazier a late Major in the Continential Army, he had not one farthing of Money and but few Cloths. I understand he is to go on Board a French Man of War under the Command of the Generals son, and therefore I am not Supprized of their Clearing of him as well as the rest. I would not deliver his Cloths, untill he formed an Account? that is unjust, nor a single farthing is due to him, but reather he is indebted to the Ship more then his Wages and prize Money will come to.
     And now Gentlemen after their Plausible Complaint was heard, and not a Word of my officers beleived. They all would return on Board again but I refused them to come any more on Board my Ship. My Number in all on Board at present is one hundred and forty six, with which on Receiving your Orders how to proceed, I shall go to Sea with, in hopes to joyn Capt. Whipple. I remain with the greatest Respect Your Honours most Obedient Humble Servent.

      Samuel Tucker


Title: The Commissioners to Francis Coffyn, 13 July 1778
From: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John
To: Coffyn, Francis

     Passy, 13 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:159–160. In reply to Coffyn’s letters of 7 and 9 July (above), the Commissioners noted the “abundant Testimonies of your good Character” and declared that their confidence in him was undiminished. He was informed that whatever news he had for America could be sent to James Warren or the Committee for Foreign Affairs or both, but that he should, above all else, insure that his information was authentic because misrepresentations were so common. As to the unemployed American seamen at Dunkirk, the Commissioners wished them to be employed as soon as possible in order to save expenses.


Title: To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 13 July 1778
From: Genet, Edmé Jacques
To: Adams, John

      Hond. Sir
      Vlles. july 13th. 78

     I hope to make a proper use of your observations in the relation to the pretended nomination of the American Commissioners, and am very oblig’d to you for the trouble you have had to write out that account. As for the Treaty, I never would presume to publish it, were it not a translation of a publick and printed paper, and the more So as you may have Seen a copy of it verbatim in the Lond. Ev. post of the 7th. and I dare Say the next Courier de l’Europe gives a translation of it. It is what the Honorable Commissioners cannot hinder, and no deed of theirs. I am with great respect Hond. Sir Your most humble and obedient Servant

      Genet

      I intend to have the honour to See you Wednesday before noon and return you the Amere. papers.


Title: Sartine to the Commissioners, 14 July 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

     Versailles, 14 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:161 (JA’s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 94. Sartine noted that, because of the war, supplies from France to the inhabitants of the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon were in danger of being cut off and requested assistance from the United States, particularly Boston, to carry food and other necessities to them.
     Copies of this appeal were enclosed in letters from the Commissioners to the Mass. Council on 16 July (same, 4:163–164) and to the congress on 20 July (calendared below). In the former they asked that Sartine’s request be attended to if possible, adding as an inducement that a good price would be received, while, at the same time, humanity and Franco-American friendship were served.
     The islands were captured in mid-Sept, by a small expedition under the command of Como. John Evans (London Chronicle, 14 Nov.).


Title: Samuel Tucker to the Commissioners, 14 July 1778
From: Tucker, Samuel
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Hond. Gentlemen
      On Board the Boston at Port Louis July 14th 1778

     I received a Letter from Mr. Livingston of the 8th. Instant wherein he informs me that their is a possibility of an Exchange of Prisoners, a list of what I have on board I send your Honours inclosed with a List of the Men, I suppose must have been Recaptured in one of my Prizes, the other two arrived Eight or ten days past. I am only wating on your Honours how to proceed, in hopes to joyn Capt. Whipple.
     I received a Line from Capt. Whipple wherein he tells me he shall be ready by the 20th to sail, expecting me to wait at the Rivers Mouth for him. As I wrote your Honours in my last of the 12th. Instant concerning my treatment from the Frenchmen, your Honours may be pleased to Judge from the Inclosed Instruement wrote by one of the Marines and five of the same seigned, the Treatment they received from me and Officiers; this I mention Gentlemen to your Honours, because General Latuch La Touche-Tréville intends waiting on your Honours with a tail for Serjent Cauzneau, beleave Gentlemen the Account he has in French I have a Coppy of in English as the General told me, and it is so far false that he is indebted to the Ship, and every person beging me to take the same Merines on board, as they were distitute of every thing, but I utterly denyed them all except those mentioned in the inclosed Instrument, whom I received to Convince the Publick that their Reports was not true. Gentlemen be pleased to Exchange Capt. John Lee if possible, takein in the Brig Fanney and a Brother of mine his Master by the Name of Andrew Slyfield, who are in Mill Prison, and a Nephew of mine by the Name of John Diamond, and should be glad to have an equal Number exchanged from said Prison for mine. O that I was but Maned with Americans, or other Men I could depend upon, I should think my self a happy man, but Gentlemen as I am not I must do the Best I can, allways feeling for my Country, could whish to be at Sea. I am with Respect Your Honours Obedient Humble Servt

      Saml Tucker

      PS. I’ve opened this to acquaint your Honours that the Britania is this minute arrived and that I am happy that none of my People are Prizoners.


Title: To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 15 July 1778
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Challiot July. 15th. 1778

     I am so unwell to-day that I cannot stir out. Will you have the goodness to expedite what is necessary for Mr. Livingston and he will bring the Papers for me to sign. I suppose a Commission, Instructions and our Orders for his sailing will be sufficient. Adieu

      A Lee


Title: Sartine to the Commissioners, 15 July 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

     Versailles, 15 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:161–162 (JA’s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 94. Sartine’s letter concerned James Niggins and John Selby, prisoners at Nantes, who claimed to be American seamen pressed into service on an English privateer after the capture of their vessel, the ship Hancock. Sartine wished to know if the two men were known to the Commissioners as Americans and thus deserving of release.


Title: The Commissioners to Sartine, 16 July 1778
From: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John
To: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de

     Passy, 16 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:164. The Commissioners told Sartine that the congress and the authorities in Massachusetts would be notified of his request, but that the presence of British warships on the Newfoundland and Halifax stations might make assistance to St. Pierre and Miquelon difficult. They also enclosed a letter from J. D. Schweighauser (not found) regarding problems with the prizes taken by American frigates and requested that Sartine permit the prisoners taken by the Boston, Providence, and Ranger to be confined in French prisons at American expense until they were either exchanged or sent to America.


Title: The Commissioners to J. D. Schweighauser, 16 July 1778
From: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John
To: Schweighauser, John Daniel

     Passy, 16 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:163. The Commissioners notified Schweighauser of Thomas Simpson’s appointment to command the Ranger and ordered him to provide Simpson with whatever he might need to prepare for sea. The Commissioners also informed him that the British prisoners were to be left behind and mentioned their effort to have them housed in French prisons.


Title: The Commissioners to Abraham Whipple, 16 July 1778
From: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John
To: Whipple, Abraham

     Passy, 16 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:162–163. The Commissioners informed Whipple of Thomas Simpson’s appointment to command the Ranger as part of a force under Whipple’s overall direction. He was ordered to make every effort to take or destroy the Jersey and Guernsey privateers and to leave his prisoners with whomever J. D. Schweighauser might direct.


Title: To John Adams from Edward Rutledge, 16 July 1778
From: Rutledge, Edward
To: Adams, John

      My dear Sir
      Charles Town So. Carolina July 16th. 1778

     The State of South Carolina, desirous of protecting her Trade, with as little Burthen to the United States as possible, has voted a Sum of Money for the purpose of purchasing three Frigates, has appointed Mr. Gillon to the Command of them and sent him to France to procure them. Satisfied as I am that, you would chearfully shew any Civilities, and if necessary, yield your Protection, to a Man of Character and a Gentleman, I could not forego the opportunity of introducing him to you; and of assuring you that, I shall consider any Act of Kindness, which he may receive at your Hands, with as much Esteem, as if confer’d personally on me.
     I can say nothing to you on the Subject of Politics that would be at all new; you have them of every kind, from the Fountain Head. It is from your Side of the Atlantic that great Things are expected, it is from thence we hope to hear that, you have lighted up a Fire, not only to roast, but absolutely to consume, the whole House of Hanover. Little less will satisfy our sanguine Countrymen, and nothing less will be its Fate, unless the other Powers of Europe should interpose their Influence, and preserve the Remains of a shatter’d Empire. I sincerely congratulate you on an Alliance with France; its Effects have been miraculous——besides its having placed our Currency on a more satisfactory Footing, it has worked wonders in the Minds of Men: with all your Knowledge of human nature you would still be amazed to see, what a Conversion has taken place in the political Opinion of Numbers; from the multitude of Disaffected, we have had whole Hosts of Patriots, new born Patriots Sir, who mean to be firm Friends to our good old Cause; until they shall think it for their Interest to be otherwise. However lest they should relapse, (which you know is ever dangerous, and to be dreaded in these quick Changes) and that they might make some Amends for their numberless Transgressions, we have sent forth Cargoes of them to preach the new Faith, and that they may do it to the Extent of their Abilities, Britain is the chosen Spot, on which they are to repose, their wearied Virtue. She has from Time to Time sent America her Convicts, the Obligation is now to be cancell’d. I congratulate her, on her Acquisition: And that she may be the more secure of her Subjects, we have followed her Example in another Instance, by annexing Death to the Crime of returning from Transportation; a small punishment, tho’ apparently severe for the many Injuries, they have, and the irreparable ones they would have brought on the virtuous part of our Community. I am Dr. Sir with Esteem & with sincerity your most obedt. Servt.

      Edward Rutledge


Title: From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 17 July 1778
From: Adams, John
To: Genet, Edmé Jacques

       Passy, 17 July 1778

     In your forty Eighth Number of Affairs de L’Angleterre et de L’Amerique I find, in Page sixth, marked number I. Resolutions des sauvages contre l’armee Angloise, and in Page 7 marked No. III. Adresse des Principaux Habitans de cette Ville a Robert Rogers, Major General (nomme par le Congres) et Commandant en chef des savages.
     Both these Papers, you may rely upon it, are Forgeries, and that no such Resolution or Address ever existed.
     It ought to be contradicted for many Reasons, but especially because if uncontradicted these Papers will be considered by Historians as Proof, that the Americans, first engaged the savages to take an active Part in the War, and will give a Colour to the Argument of the British Administration, that the Indians must be engaged on their side to prevent them from engaging on the other, whereas nothing is further from the Truth.
     All the Treaties with the Savages made by Congress, or by Commissioners under their Authority, were that they should be neutral. So far from soliciting their Alliance, the Congress, more than once refused the services of Indians. The Honour of employing Indians is wholly British.
     This Robert Rogers, instead of being addressed by the principal Inhabitants of Philadelphia, was made Prisoner by the Council of safety, the first day of his Landing in that City, and enlarged upon his Parol, in Violation of which he afterwards made his Escape to New York, and had there a Commission given him by General Howe.
      from that Body, he never had any  a Single Voice in his favour.
     Nor had he ever any Conferrence, or Concert with Indians, since this War began, as is asserted in Page 8 Number 4.
     The whole of this is an Imposition on the World, and you may assert it to be so boldly, for there are Witnesses enough, who can prove it to be so, among whom one, is your humble sert,

      John Adams


Title: The Commissioners to Vergennes, 17 July 1778
From: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John,Lee, Arthur,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de

      Sir
      Passy, July 17. 1778

     We herewith communicate to your Excellency a Resolution of Congress relative to the Treaties, which we request may be laid before the King. Thereby his Majesty will perceive the unfeigned Sentiments of that Body, as well as those of the whole American People, whose Hearts the King has gained by his great Benevolence towards them, manifested in these Treaties, which has made so deep an Impression on their Minds, that no Time will efface it. We are, with great Respect, your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants

      B Franklin
      Arthur Lee
      John Adams


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 17 July 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

       Messieurs
       La Haie 17e Juillet 1778

      Quoique je sois tous les jours avec le G—— F—— et avec notre Ami, cependant, comme il ne se passe rien d’extraordinaire, j’ai cru pouvoir différer de vous écrire, jusqu’à-ce que les Etats de la Province se séparassent.

      Ce qu’il y a eu d’essentiel pendant cette Assemblée, a été la proposition d’augmenter les troupes, laquelle ayant été absolument rejetée par la ville d’Amsterdam, n’aura certainement pas lieu. Il y a eu de grands débats à ce sujet dans l’Assemblée, entre notre Ami et le G—— P—— dont notre Ami n’est nullement content. Ce Personnage, comme beaucoup d’autres Grands, a ses cotés forts et foibles. Puissamment riche, il ne tient qu’à lui d’être indépendant; très éclairé et judicieux, videt meliora, probatque, deteriora sequitur: avec la même ambition, S’il avoit le courage et la fermeté de notre Ami, il pourroit, dans ces conjonctures, jouer le plus grand rôle, et en faire jouer un à la Republique digne d’elle. Cependant le g—— F—— croit qu’il est pour nous, et dans les sentimens que nous pouvons desirer, et que ce qui déplait en lui à notre ami, n’est qu’une souplesse et des tours de Courtisan. Une telle autorité ne me permet guere de douter: mais, avec tout cela, je suis du sentiment de notre Ami, qui croit que nous sommes redevables de la plus grande partie de ses bons sentimens, à ce qu’il redoute la ville d’Amsterdam; elle lui en impose, à certains égards, plus que la Cour-même; et le parti que j’ai pris, de concert avec notre Ami, de Favertir qu’Amsterdam avoit connoissance de toutes les avances qui lui ont été faites, a influé le plus sur le bon accueil qu’il m’a fait, et sur le parti qu’il a pris de ne rien supprimer.
      J’ai demandé à notre Ami, si les demarches que j’avois faites étoient done inutiles, et n’aboutissoient à rien? Il m’a répondu qu’elles n’etoient nullement inutiles, et qu’elles avoient produit un très grand bien: qu’elles avoient instruit la république, d’une maniere authentique, des dispositions favorables des Etats Américains pour elle, et qu’on ne pourroit plus lui en imposer à cet égard qu’elles avoient considérablement fortifié la ville d’Amsterdam dans Son opposition aux menées du Parti Anglois ici, et en même temps beaucoup affoibli celui-ci: et il m’a prié instamment de continuer à agir toujours de concert avec lui et à lui communiquer ce que j’apprendrois, Sans me décourager, et de me souvenir, moi qui connoissois la maladie de la république que le temps et la patience sont les seuls remedes qui conviennent à son état present. Je ne lui ai point caché, combien je trouvois qu’il y auroit d’impolitesse et de grossiereté, si le G—— P—— ne répondoit pas, au moins par une simple Lettre de politesse à celle, Messieurs, que vous lui aviez écrite. Il m’a dit, que tant que la Cour, par complaisance pour l’Angleterre, témoignera de voir de mauvais oeil qu’on mette la chose en délibération, formelle, le G—— P——, de son côté, ne voudra pas se compromettre avec la Cour par une démarche de son chef. “Mais (a-t-il ajouté) assurer ces Messieurs, que la Ville d’Amsterdam est très sensible à la politesse et confiance avec laquelle ils lui ont fait part de l’ouverture faite au G—— P——, et communiqué le Traité, et qu’elle partage bien sincerement avec eux le desir, de voir le rapprochement et l’entrecours le plus amical entre les deux nations.” Je vous assure, Messieurs, que vous pouvez croire ces assurances sinceres.
      Voilà donc enfin la guerre résolue et déclarée en Allemagne. Voici ce qu’écrit là-dessus l’Envoyé de la Republique Baron de Heide, à Berlin, le 7e. Juillet.
      “Hier matin je reçus du département des affaires étrangeres un Mémoire des motifs qui ont porté Sa Majesté à s’opposer au démembrement de la Baviere, dans lequel, entre autres, le Roi fait voir, combien il a tâché de conserver le repos et la tranquillité de l’Allemagne; mais que tous ses efforts ont été inutiles: que la Cour de Vienne s’est opposée avec beaucoup d’opiniâtreté à tous ses bons desseins, et a rejeté avec fierté tous ses moyens d’accommodement. On apprend de Saxe, que le Genl. Mullendorf est arrivé à Dresde avec son Corps de 20,000 hommes; et de Silésie, que le même jour le Roi a levé son camp et a marché en avant. Ainsi on attend de là tous les jours des nouvelles importantes.”
      Il y a longtemps qu’on ne m’a rien écrit d’Allemagne; et ce que j’ai vu des dépeches des Ministres de la Republique, n’a pas valu la peine d’un Extrait. C’est done par pure disette, et non par négligence, que je n’ai point écrit. Par exemple, Si je vous avois mandé, qu’on a écrit de Londres que le Chev. Howe auroit assuré le Roi, que les Provinces de Connecticut et de Jersey sont disposées à se soumettre, je ne vous aurois copié qu’une complaisance pour une Cour, afin d’en tromper une autre qui veut être trompée.
      Cette Cour ici se proposoit de partir dans peu de jours pour Los, maison de Plaisance en Overyssel, et d’y passer l’Eté; mais tout est contremandé; du moins le départ du bagage est suspendu.
      Les Etats d’hollande, qui devoient se séparer aujourdhui, siegeront encore demain au moins, pour délibérer sur de nouvelles instructions qu’il s’agit de donner au Comte de Welderen, Envoyé à Londres, sur ce que les Anglois ont pris deux Vaisseaux Hollandois revenants de St. Eustache, l’un pour Amsterdam, l’autre pour Ziriczee en Zélande. Peut-être n’est-ce que pour cela que le Prince a différé son voyage.
      Je me dispense de vous envoyer, Messieurs, les gazettes, où j’ai fait insérer? nombre d’articles: cela feroit un paquet.
      Permettez-moi, Messieurs, de finir celle-ci par vous rappeller ce que vous avez eu la bonté de me faire dire par Mr. le Chev. Grand, savoir, qu’en attendant que l’honorable Congrès ait régié ce qui me concerne, je pouvois compter, pour vivre ici, de 6 mois en 6 mois sur cent Louis d’or. J’ai reçu cette Somme de votre part, Messieurs, au commencement de cette année, et j’en ai vécu du ier. Janvier au ier. Juillet. J’ai présentement besoin de pareille somme de 100 Louis d’or, pour Subsister jusqu’à la fin de l’année, ainsi que j’en ai prévenu Mr. Deane. Je prends done la liberté de demander vos ordres, pour savoir si vous voulez que je tire sur Mr. Grand de Paris, comme la derniere fois, ou si vous préférez que Mr. le Chev. Grand me remette cette somme à Amsterdam pour votre compte. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec le plus respectueux dévouement, Messieurs Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur

       D

       Si vous vouliez, Messieurs, m’envoyer une Lettre de recommandation pour qu’un vaisseau qui va partir incessamment d’Amsterdam pour quelque Port de l’Amérique avec des Marchandises, en laissant les noms en blanc, afin que l’Officier commandant dans l’endroit où ils aborderont leur procure, comme à de bons amis, toutes sortes de protection et facilités pour la bonne défaite de leur cargaison, vous obligeriez de fort braves gens, qui font ce premier Essai par mon conseil, et avec le plus grand secret. Mais cela presse: car je crois que le bâtiment est chargé, ou peu S’en faut.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 17 July 1778
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

       Gentlemen
       The Hague, 17 July 1778

      Although I have seen the Grand Facteur and our friend every day, since nothing extraordinary has happened, I have postponed writing to you until the States General adjourned.
      The major question during this assembly was the proposal to increase troops, but because it was firmly rejected by the town of Amsterdam, it will certainly not be adopted. There were great debates in the Assembly on the subject between our friend and the Grand Pensionary, with whom our friend is not at all satisfied. This personage, like many men in high places, has his strengths and weaknesses. He, being extremely rich, can be independent, enlightened, and wise, videt meliora probatque, deteriora sequitur: with the same ambition, had he only the courage and determination of our friend, he could, in these circumstances, play the greatest role and have the Republic play one worthy of herself. Nevertheless, the Grand Facteur believes he is on our side, with feelings matching our wishes, and that what our friend dislikes so much about him is simply the flexibility and maneuvering of a courtier. Such an authoritative opinion alleviates my doubts, but I, nevertheless, share our friend’s opinion that his good disposition is due for the most part to the fact that he fears the town of Amsterdam, which, in some respects, checks him even more than the Court does and thus the course I took, in concert with our friend, of warning him that Amsterdam knew about all the overtures made to him was the strongest influence for the warm reception he gave me and for his decision not to delete anything.
      I asked our friend if the steps I had taken were, therefore, useless and amounted to nothing. He replied that they have not been useless and that they had produced much good: they had informed the Republic, in an authentic way, of the favorable disposition of the United States toward it, and the Republic cannot anymore be misled about this. They also had considerably strengthened the town of Amsterdam in her opposition to the maneuvers of the British party here and, at the same time, greatly weakened that party. Futhermore, he urgently pressed me to continue to act in concert with him and to communicate what I would learn, without letting myself become discouraged and, since I knew the diseased state of the Republic, to remember that time and patience are the only remedies that befit her present condition. I let him know that I would consider it very impolite and offensive if the Grand Pensionary did not reply, at least with a simple courtesy letter, to the one you wrote him. He told me that as long as the Court, out of kindness for England, maintains an unfavorable attitude toward submitting the issue to formal consideration, the Grand Pensionary, for his part, will not wish to compromise his position with the Court by initiating proceedings on his own. “But,” he added, “assure these gentlemen that the town of Amsterdam is very aware of the courtesy and confidence shown in apprising her of the overtures made to the Grand Pensionary and in communicating the treaty, and that she very sincerely shares their desire for a rapprochement and relations of the most amicable kind between the two nations.” I confirm the sincerity of these assurances.
      At last war has been decided on and declared in Germany. Here is what Baron de Heide, the Republic’s envoy at Berlin, wrote on 7 July: “Yesterday morning I received from the department of Foreign Affairs a statement of the grounds for His Majesty’s opposition to the dismemberment of Bavaria, in which, among other things, is shown how much the King tried to preserve the peace and tranquility of Germany and that all his efforts were in vain: the Court of Vienna very obstinately opposed all his good intentions and arrogantly rejected all his plans for an accommodation. We hear from Saxe that General Mullendorf has arrived at Dresden with his army of 20,000 men; and from Silesia that, on the same day, the King broke camp and moved forward. We are thus expecting important news every day.”
      It has been a long time since anyone has written me anything from Germany, and what I saw in the communiqués of the Republic’s ministers was not worth an abstract. Therefore, my reasons for not writing are based on sheer dearth of information, rather than on negligence. For instance, had I reported to you the news received from London that Sir William Howe assured the King that the provinces of Connecticut and Jersey were ready to submit, I would have been merely reporting a statement meant to please one court and to deceive another which wishes to be deceived.
      This Court was planning to leave in a few days for Los, a country estate in Overyssel, and spend the summer there; but all is canceled, at least the departure of the luggage is suspended.
      The Dutch States General, who were to adjourn today, will convene again tomorrow, at least to consider the new instructions to be given Count Welderen, envoy to London, concerning the British capture of two Dutch vessels returning from St. Eustatius; one bound for Amsterdam, the other for Zierikzee in Zeeland. This may be the only reason why the Prince postponed his journey.
      I will not send you the gazettes in which I have inserted many articles because it would become a packet.
      Permit me, gentlemen, to end this letter by reminding you that you had the kindness to inform me through Chevalier Grand that, while waiting for the honorable congress’ decision concerning me, I could count on one hundred louis d’or every six months for my living expenses here. I received this amount from you, gentlemen, at the beginning of the year and have lived on it from 1 January to 1 July. But, as I told Mr. Deane, I am now in need of a similar sum of 100 louis d’or in order to survive until the end of the year. I, therefore, take the liberty of asking you for your orders, so that I may know whether you would like me to draw, on account, on Mr. Grand of Paris, as last time, or if you would rather Chevalier Grand gave me this sum in Amsterdam from your account. I have the honor to be, with the most respectful devotion, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant

       D

       Could you please send me a letter of recommendation for a vessel about to leave Amsterdam for some harbor in America with merchandise, leaving the names blank, so that the commanding officer where they land may give them, in their capacity as friends, whatever protection and facilities are necessary for the advantageous disposal of their cargo. By doing so, you would help very good people who are following my advice in making this first attempt in great secrecy. But haste is needed, I think the vessel is more or less loaded.


Title: William Hill Sargeant to the Commissioners, 18 July 1778
From: Sargeant, William Hill
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

      Gentlemen
      Bordeaux July 18th. 1778

     Having lately Arrived in a Very fast Sailing Vessell from the State of Virginia whose Owners not having it in their Power to arm her in that Country gave me full power So to do here (As well to take the Advantage of any thing that might Offer as to protect our Vessell and Cargo). I therfore take the Liberty of Requesting the favour of your granting me a Commission for that purpose, and least you might Suggest that I have lately Entered in to Arms, or that I might make a Bad Use of your Favours, I beg leave to Inform you that I have served the State of Virginia most part of the present Warr, In a small Trading Vessell nor did I quit her untill She was Condemned and broke up, the Vessell I now Command Is a Briggantine named the Dispatch mounting Eight four Pounders Navigated with twenty five Men, Saint George Tucker of Williamsburgh Owner. Mr. John Hanse: Delap to whom I am Addresed will be so Obligeing as to Stand Security for my Behaviour. I have now been here five or Six Weeks and Shoud have made this Application sooner (But that I Intended to have paid my Respects personally to you as well for this purpose as to have Inquired wether you had any Stores to Ship for the Continent haveing Room for Considerable freight in My Vessell) had it not been for the Very great Difficulty I find while present to keep an American Crew of Sailors in Order in this port. I shall be Ready to sail in 7 or 8 Days. But shall wait for your Answer.
     Shoud you have any Dispatches for the Continent and think proper to send them by me You may Depend On My Care to Destroy them if taken or forwarding them Shoud I arrive safe. I shall Attempt the Capes of Virginia or Ocrecok as Winds weather and other Circumstances may Admitt. I Am Gentlemen Your Most Obedt: Humb servt

      William Hill: Sargeant


Title: Sartine to the Commissioners, 18 July 1778
From: Sartine, Antoine Raymond Jean Gualbert Gabriel de
To: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John

     Versailles, 18 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:166–167 (JA’s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 94. Sartine recounted reports that he had received concerning problems with the French members of the Boston’s crew. Their grievances did not seem to be directed against Samuel Tucker, but rather concerned their treatment by the first lieutenant and two other officers over pay, shares in prizes, and the term of enlistment. Sartine asked that Tucker be sent orders to alleviate the situation and noted that facilities had been offered for the recruitment of new volunteers.
     In a postscript Sartine reported that, in response to a letter from J. D. Schweighauser, he had sent orders to the admiralty officers at Nantes that should remove any problems connected with the disposal of the Ranger’s prizes.
     In a second letter of the 18th (same, 4:167, JA’s English translation; see Microfilms, Reel No. 94 for the French text) Sartine noted the presence in French ports of several American vessels that could be used in the Franco-American war effort, but which were idle. He asked that the Commissioners give orders to end their inactivity.


Title: The Commissioners to the President of the Congress, 20 July 1778
From: First Joint Commission at Paris,Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Laurens, Henry

     Passy, 20 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:168–170; also, with “The Function of Consuls” enclosed, in Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 2:650–653. The Commissioners reported that the Spy had arrived with ratified copies of the Franco-American treaties and that the exchange of ratifications had occurred on the 17th. In regard to the deletion of Articles 11 and 12 of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, the Commissioners stated that, despite receiving news of the action and assurances from the French government that it was agreeable to the change, they were still awaiting instructions and authorization. The Commissioners also commented on the outbreak of hostilities between Britain and France at sea; the prospect of Spain’s joining France against England; their financial situation, requesting that the congress limit its drafts on them; and the services of C. W. F. Dumas, which they believed justified an annual payment of £200 sterling. Finally, the Commissioners noted that the resolution of the congress of 9 Feb. and a letter from the Committee of Commerce of the same date (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 10:139; letter not found) concerning the appointment of commercial agents had been superseded by the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, which permitted the appointment of consuls. They requested instructions on such appointments.