Title: To John Adams from James Jay, 19 July 1782
From: Jay, James
To: Adams, John

London July 19. 1782
Sir

My arrival in this kingdom is a matter so trivial in itself, that I should not think of saying any thing to Your Excellency about it, if certain paragraphs in some of the Public Papers did not seem to render it proper at this Juncture.
I cannot suppose that those paragraphs, suggesting that I am authorised by Congress to negotiate with the British Court, can at any rate make the least impression on You; or even impose on any persons but those who are utterly ignorant of the circumstances of my coming here; on which fact alone, that falshood, and all the others connected with it, are built. But as I presume the circumstances I allude to, may be unknown to you, I think it not amiss to give you a little sketch of them, which will be sufficient to enable you, if it should ever be worth while, to expose the misrepresentation.
I was taken prisoner in the Jerseys, carried to N. York and confined 3 weeks in the Provost. Sir Guy Carleton’s arrival, and the new System of conduct he brought with him, released me from confinement. On the same principle however on which I was confined, it was thought improper to exchange me, or to permit me to return on parole within our own Lines, for some months; in order, by that severity, to deter others from renewing the Scheme, which, they alledge, I was concerned in, of getting Specie from New York and Long Island, to relieve the necessities, and carry on the public business, of our State. Finding myself thus condemned to pass the time in idleness, and among Tories, in the British Lines, I applied, a day or two after my release, for leave to go to the Continent of Europe, and return again in the Autumn, unless my exchange should be effected before that time. This request I was indulged in, with an exception against going to France. The time allowed me to perform the voyage being but short, and the Packet ready to sail, I embraced that opportunity of coming to Europe to prevent the disagreeableness of a late passage home, which a longer continuance in N. York would subject me to. Thus, Sir, it is evident that Congress knew nothing, and could know nothing of my coming abroad. Neither had I been in Philadelphia, nor held any communication with that Honble. Body for some months before I was taken.
I am happy in the present opportunity of congratulating your Excellency on the success of your negotiation with the States of Holland: and of assuring You that I am, with great respect & esteem, Your Excellency’s Most Obedt: & humle. Servt:

James Jay


Title: To John Adams from Engelbert François van Berckel, 22 July 1782
From: Berckel, Engelbert François van
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 22 Juillet 1782
Monsieur

Par Madame d’Hogendorp, qúi demeúre actúellement a La Haÿe, Son Epoux, le Conseiller de la Ville de Rotterdam, Se troúvant, a present, aux Indes orientales, Je me trouve continuellement pressé, poúr m’interesser en faveur d’ún Inconnu, qui doit avois été presenté a votre Excellence, pas le jeune Monsieúr d’Hogendorp, fils des Súsmentioner; et a qúi, Selon qu’on me dit, Votre Excellence aúroit donné qúelqúes adresses en Amerique; Sans pourtant avoir trouvé a propos, de lúi donner aúcune lettre de Recommendation. Comme Je n’ai pas l’honneur de connoitre le dit Inconnú; Et que, d’ailleúrs, comme voús Scavez, Je ne me mêle jamais de ces Sortes d’afaires; J’ai taché de m’en excúser aússi, par raport a çelle çi. Mais on revient a la charge. On me dit, qu’il ne S’agit d’aúcune recommendation: qu’aú contraire Le dit Inconnú Va qúitter Sa patrie, dans le dessein d’aller S’etablir dans les Etats unis d’Ameriqúe, pour toujoúrs; et que poúr y trouver ún moyen de Subsistance, il demande ún employ, que l’on y troúvera convenable a Ses Lúmieres, apres un Examen, qúe l’on trouvera bon de prendre de Ses connoissances, et de Son merite. Monsieúr et Madame d’Hogendorp etants de mes proches Parens; je ne Scaúrois resister plús longtems a des instances Si vives. En consequence de quoi, je prends la liberté, de voús temoigner, que votre Excellence m’obligera infiniment, Si elle voudra avoir la bonté, Sans donner des lettres immediates de recommendation, de donner aú dit Inconnú la direction, et les oúvertúres necessaires, poúr le bút qu’il Se propose, de pouvoir S’etablir Solidement dans votre heureúse Repúbliqúe; et de pouvoir obtenir pour cet effet, un Employ analogue a ces Talens. En Verité, il est encore plus inconnú a moi, qu’a Votre Excellence, púisqúe vous vous êtes entretenú avec lúi: Mais qúelqúe Inconnú qu’il noús Soit; il me Semble, qu’il peút être recommandable, S’il veút Se Soúmettre a L’Examen, qu’il vient d’offrir lúi meme. Et ce n’est que Sur ce pied la, que j’ai l’honneúr d’interceder aupres de votre Excellence, en Sa faveúr. Pour ce qu’il en est de Sa Famille, et des circonstances, qui l’engagent de qúitter Sa Patrie; Votre Excellence poura S’en reposer, Súr les avis, qúe Madame d’Hogendorp Voús en fera parvenir. Ils Seront, Sans doute, conformes a la plús exacte verité.

Poúr ce qúi regarde notre traité de Commerce, Vous m’obligerez infiniment, Si votre Excellence Voudra avoir la bonté, de me donner les eclaircissements reqúis, Súr la dificulté d’admettre les Remarques, que la Commission de Leúrs Haútes Puissances voús a commúniqúer, Sur le projet, que votre Excellence Leur a delivré. Si Vous voudriez me mettre en etat de faire Sentir la Solidité dú refus, que l’on me dit que vous avez fait, a l’egard de quelqúes alterations proposies; ce Seroit le moyen, d’avancer une afaire, qui pourroit être trainée, Sans cela, encore bien de tems. Mais pour cet effet, il faut que Sois parfaitement Eclairé, aú Sújet de vos vúes; et de celles du Congres, Rien ne me Sera plus agreable, que de vous donner a toute occasion, des preúves de mes Sentiments de Estime et de Consideration distinguée poúr Votre Excellence; en vous temoignant Sincerement que je Suis Monsieur Votre Tres Humble et tres obeissant Serviteúr

E. F. van Berckel


Title: Engelbert François van Berckel to John Adams: A Translation, 22 July 1782
From: Berckel, Engelbert François van
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam, 22 July 1782
Sir

Madame d’Hogendorp, who currently lives at The Hague, and her husband, councilor of Rotterdam, who is presently in the East Indies, are strongly urging me to intercede on behalf of an unknown, introduced to your excellency by the young M. d’Hogendorp, son of the aforementioned. According to what I hear, it seems your excellency would have given him some addresses in America, but not a letter of recommendation. Since I do not have the honor of knowing this person, and since I do not interfere in this sort of business, as you know, this gives me reason to try to excuse myself from it. But they persist. I am told that it is not a question of a recommendation, but rather that this person is leaving his country with the intention of establishing himself permanently in the United States, and that in order to find a way of making a living there, he is asking for a job suitable to his talents after an appropriate examination. M. and Mme. d’Hogendorp are close relatives, so therefore I cannot continue to ignore their request. Consequently, I am taking the liberty to ask your excellency whether he would be so kind as to oblige me in giving this person the necessary introduction, rather than letters of recommendation, so that he may reach his goal of establishing himself solidly in your happy republic and obtaining a job equal to his talents. The truth is that he is less known to me than to your excellency, since you spoke with him. But as unknown as he is to us, it seems to me that he may possess a commendable character since he himself offered to submit to an examination. And so it is because of this that I have the honor, your excellency, to intercede on his behalf. Since he and his family are engaged in the details of leaving the country, your excellency can rely on the information sent by Mme. d’Hogendorp, which will, without a doubt, be quite accurate.
As for our treaty of commerce, you would oblige me greatly, sir, if you could kindly clarify your difficulties with the remarks made on your submitted plan by the commission of their High Mightinesses. If you could explain the reasons for your refusal regarding the proposed alterations, which I have heard that you have already made, it would be a way to advance this business that could otherwise be slowed down. But to this end, your views and Congress’ views must be perfectly clear. Nothing would be more agreeable to me than to give you, sir, on every occasion, my expression of esteem and distinguished consideration while remaining, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

E. F. van Berckel


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 22 July 1782
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Boston N.E. July 22. 1782
My dear Sir

We have received here with uncommon Pleasure the Accounts of the Success of your important Negotiations in Holland notwithstanding the Opposition and Traversings of a pow’rful British Party in that Country. By the last Vessel from France, which left Nants the Beginning of June, we are told, that the Independence of these States has been acknowledged by all the States of Holland, and your Excellency recieved in Form as their Minister Plenipotentiary, and all our Accounts agree that these Events would, without doubt, take place in May; upon which I most sincerely congratulate you and my Country. It gives us also great Pleasure to learn that the new Ministry of England are like to succeed in their Design of a separate Treaty with Holland no better than their Predecessors, and that this last Power has made a common Cause with the Enemies of Britain. If this may be depended on the Court of London may soon find itself obliged to seek Peace upon a broad and fair Bottom, and with such Concessions as shall establish the Security and Repose of Europe and America. Perhaps, however, their late Success in the West Indies may inspire them with other Sentiments, and the new Ministry may follow what they blamed in the old, the Continuance of a War ruinous to themselves, upon partial and accidental Encouragements.
I have been highly pleased with the Disposition discovered by my Country upon the Change of the British Ministry, the Arrival of Genl. Carleton at New york, and the prevailing Apprehension that he was come to detach us from our Allies and prepare the Way for a separate Peace with England. The Idea of such a Proposal was every where received with just Indignation and Contempt, manifested in private Conversations, in the public Newspapers, and in the Resolves of the Legislatures of these States, with which our own has concurred.
Our Finnances, particularly in this State, labour: The Accounts of our Treasury, it is said, are deranged: We have paid our full Proportion, if not more towards the Expence of the War, but from the present Perplexity of our public Accounts cannot make this appear in a Light it ought to do at Congress. Our Legislature have been much divided respecting Measures for removing our Difficulties upon so capital a Point; an Assistant Treasurer has lately been chosen, (Mr Ivers) who is esteemed an excellent Accomptant. It is acknowledged the States have a great Financier in Mr Morris; He has made great Savings to the States by his new Arrangements, and to the Surprize of every one has amidst all our pecuniary Perplexities established a National Bank upon firm Credit. Personal and local Prejudices have sometimes appeared respecting these Arrangements; but they are to be expected in human Affairs; and are not likely at present to rise so high as to do any essential Injury to the public Welfare.
Some Uneasinesses have lately risen in the Counties of Hampshire and Berkshire about paying Taxes, fomented it is said by the old Tories in that Quarter: and Persons under Custody of Authority have been violently rescued. Government is now trying Ancient Methods, and Mr Saml Adams, Genl. Ward, and Mr Gorham Speaker of the House are going this day as a Committee from the Court to inquire into these Matters, and rectify the Mistakes of the People, which we hope will prevent any Necessity of a severer Exertion of Civil Authority.
This will be deliver’d to you by Mr Rogers, who married a Daughter of Col. Henry Bromfield. Mrs Rogers accompanies her Husband in this Voyage to Europe, in Hopes of reestablishing her Health which has for a long Time been much impair’d. Your Acquaintance with the Character and Connections of this Gentleman and Lady leaves no Room for me to say any Thing respecting them. I am much interested in their Welfare, and warmly wish them every Thing happy. The Departure of the Lady in such infirm Health produces a particular Tenderness towards her in the Bosom of all her Friends.
I am with every Sentiment of Respect and Affection, your Excellency’s most obedient and very humble Servant

Saml. Cooper


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 22 July 1782
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

St: Petersbourg July 11/22 1782
My Dear Sir

Uncertain whether you have seen the paper from which I send you enclosed an Extract I do myself the pleasure to forward that to you by the earliest opportunity. It was put into my hands by one of my friends here; who I told you in a late letter desired his complements to you, too late for the last post. The whole has not yet been communicated; as I am told, to any one here, but will be in a day or two, when I hope to have the perusal of it. My Correspondent for some reason, I know not what, has not communicated so important a peice of intelligence to me. This communication on the part of G. Britain has been made to both the Imperial Courts, and to that of Versailles; and it seems to me must revive the old mediation on the grounds and principles required by the latter in its last answer to the mediating Courts. You will therefore be probably called upon to repair to Vienna much sooner than you had expected: But I have information which I have little reason to doubt, that the preliminaries are in a state of forwardness, and will be adjusted at Paris. Independance, it is said, is our only object, and the obstacle to that seems now to be removed by the above communication. I fear much they will be there settled upon that ground, and you know my reason for this sentiment. The great object, for independance I do not consider as such that being long ago fully established, will be staved off to a future period, and wn: that shall arrive, we may be told the Estate is held in common and undivided, and that no new tenant can be admitted without the consent of all, because the profits of all may be effected by such a step. I may be too apprehensive in this case, but I cannot help my apprehensions. As I am upon this subject I will now also inclose to you a copy of King James’s Grant of Nova Scotia to Sr: Wm: Alexander, of which mention is made in the papers in your hands. I meet with it in a pamphlet here. If you compare the limits with the Chart of N. Scotia by Jeffereys, No: 14 in the American Atlas, you will find that the line North from the Bay of St: Mary will strike the River St: John, and not the River St: Croix. To account for this, if I am not much deceived, I have somewhere found that the first River formerly bore the latter Name, tho I think there is no mention of this circumstance in the report which you have. But perhaps you will meet with something to clear up this point among the papers I received just before my last departure from Paris, and left with you. I did not peruse them. They were sent by the Secretary of our State in consequence of our application to him for further information upon that subject.
I beg, if it is practicable, to be furnished with a Copy of your Treaty as soon as it may be finished in French or English, or both. Have you an authentick Copy of the last Marine Regulations of Congress which have been published in the Amsterdam Gazette? I have not the whole as a part was published before I took the Gazette here. As these must in some part enter into our Treaties, I am astonished at the negligence of some people in omitting to furnish me with them. Can you do it? Your industrious and faithful friend I find is about to leave you. I suppose he will carry the Treaty for Ratification. Pray request him, for I forgot it when I wrote him by the last post, to leave in your posession The copies he took for me from the old Colo: relative to the limits of N. York &c. &c. Your Son is in good health, but I can’t persuade him to write you.

Adieu my dear Sir, I am with the highest esteem & warmest affection your friend & obedient humble Servant

Copy of the Extract mentioned above.Sa Majesté Britannique dit
“Qu’il ne préjugé, ni ne veut préjuger aucune question quelconque, et qu’il ne prétend exclure personne de la negociation, qu’on a en vüe, qui pourrait s’y croire interessé, soit qu’il soit question des Etats Generaux, soit qu’on y veuille faire entrer les Colonies Americaines.”


Title: From John Adams to Henry Grand, 23 July 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Grand, Henry

The Hague July 23d. 1782
Sir

I recd. in due time your favor of May 31st, I thank You for the settlement of the Account contained in it, the Ballance of which being 86f. 9s., I recieved of Messs. Fizeaux Grand & Co, and gave them two Receipts to serve for one, on the sixth of June last.
With the Wine, I wish You to drink “Success to the three combined or concerted Fleets,” and consequently, “A glorious Peace.”

With great Esteem I have the Honor to be, Sir, your most obedient Servant.


Title: To John Adams from M. Du Cange, 23 July 1782
From: Cange, M. Du
To: Adams, John

La haye 23 juillet 1782
Monsieur

Permettez moi de vous remercier d’une maniere plus particuliere de la façon obligeante avec laquelle vous m’avez reçu ce matin, quoique je n’eusse pas l’honneur de vous être connu. Comme Ecrivain d’une feuille Publique, j’entre dans une Carriere où il m’importe extrêmement de me concilier l’estime des Personnes en place, et Celle de Votre Excellence est du nombre de celles dont je suis le plus jaloux. Combien de fois, Monsieur, Votre Estimable ami Mr. Jennings, m’a fait l’Eloge de votre Caractere avec ce ton de vérité qui est l’apanage de votre nation! J’ose donc prier Votre Excellence, tant en mon nom qu’en celui de Mr. Gosse le Pere, qui aura l’honneur lui même de vous présenter ses respects, de vouloir bien nous gratifier lorsque l’occasion s’en presentera des nouvelles dont vous pourez etre instruit d’une maniere plus particuliere, en vous promettant de n’en faire que l’usage que vous nous dicterez. Je vous fais mes remercimens pour les Papiers que vous m’avez confiés ce matin, et dont nous tirerons tout le parti qui nous Sera possible. Excusez, Monsieur, la liberte que je prends de vous adresser la présente, et ne l’attribuez qu’au desir de gagner votre faveur et votre protection.

J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec Respect De Votre Excellence Le trés humble et très obeissant Serviteur
Du Cange


Title: Du Cange to John Adams: A Translation, 23 July 1782
From: Cange, M. Du
To: Adams, John

The Hague, 23 July 1782
Sir

Allow me to thank you for receiving me this morning even though I was a stranger to you. As a writer for a public journal, it is very important for my career to gain the esteem of prominent people, and your excellency’s esteem is something that I would like to have. How many times, sir, has your estimable friend Mr. Jenings praised you with the honesty that is characteristic of your nation! I therefore dare to ask your excellency, as much for me as for Mr. Gosse Sr., who will have the honor of paying his respects to you himself, to send us any information that you wish us to use and explicit instructions as to how we should use it. Thank you for the papers you gave me this morning from which we will utilize whatever is possible. Please, sir, excuse the liberty that I am taking in writing this letter to you, and view it only as a desire to gain your favor and your patronage.

I have the honor to be with respect, your excellency’s most humble and very obedient servant
Du Cange


Title: To John Adams from James Sullivan, 24 July 1782
From: Sullivan, James
To: Adams, John

Boston 24th July 1782
Dear Sir

Your Numerous friends will undoubtedly give you by this Conveyance all the news we have in this part of the world, but that you may not think me wanting in that respect which we all owe to your public Character, and that Esteem I ever had for you in private life, I intrude this letter upon you: I have not however the ambition to wish you would acknowledge the receipt of it, because I am sensible that your time is wholly taken up in business of importance, and besides, there is nothing in it that can need an answer.
We have had nothing from the Camp or from york for several Days G Washington hath been in Controversy with the present and late British generals upon the Murder of one Capt Huddy of N Jersy who was Tried by the late board of refugees in york and hanged—he ordered one Asgill a Capt in the surrender of york Town to be executed, soon afterwards we heard that Sir Guy Carlton had ordered one Lippencut and the perpetrator out to be hanged on the Jersey Shore but lately nothing has been said about it.
All our Supplies of money from france is carried into york for Goods. So that we have by no means money to pay our Taxes. Congress recommend it warmly to the States to pass effiecacious Acts against Such proceedings. I am ordered now to draw a bill against it in this State—but am very sensible that while the merchants and traders look upon a person who shall now Seize or inform in as odious a light as we used to formerly, very Little will be done in execution of the Act. I got a number of the merchants together and said whatever I had in my mind about it. An association is Set on foot and Deacon Smith and a few others have signed it but it appears to me nearly impossible to make it general. The importers of goods from Europe are ready to associate against taking Goods from york but the bringing English Goods by way of Ostend is not so readily given up. I wish for your sentiments on this Subject writen to some one of your friends who will Communicate them to me.
The finances of each State in the union are intirely deranged, there is a shameful inattention to this important matter throughout the Continent. This State owes at a large Computation about 1700,000 pounds the Interest of which is near about 100,000 annually our present excise if extended to Lemons Limes Oranges Suggar Coffee and Cocoa will amount to a sum fully equal to the Interest, our Civil Government the last year amounted to an expence of 80,000 pounds this may well be reduced to twenty. Congress calls upon us for 400,000 pounds to support our Army the people can bear a Tax of 500,000 without being unreasonably burthened and yet we have not money enough in our Treasury to send an express to head quarters. I inclose you the purport of an Order lately passed by the general Court to have their finances arranged but I have no hope of the general Courts adopting any plan that may be laid before them.
Our new Constitution has lost all the energy which the propriety and Justness of its principles gave it at the first introduction of it. A number of people in the County of Hampshire stimulated by the Tories arose to oppose Government. The Superour Court there in april Last Acted with great firmness and Success agt. them. Their Leader was committed to prison but was afterwards rescued by an Armed force of 130 men. The people there collected in Arms to assist Government. Each side acquired new force untill the Number on the Side of Government amounted to 800 men, on the Side of the insurgents there assembled nearly 400. Both Sides seemed determined. An express arrived to the Governor from the Sherriff. It was laid before the General Court where the question whether the insurgents were wrong or right was agitated. This damped the Spirits of the people on the Side of Government and gave boldness to the other side. Nothing since hath been done save the appointment of a Committee to go to treat with the Insurgents Mr Adams was I am told against the measure but he is now gone on the Commission. Had the governor Ordered the whole militia of the State in motion to aid the civil authority the matter would have Ended well without Shedding blood, but as the matter is now managed by the General Court the weakness of Government is too strongly painted to be capable of Coerce.
I have given you the bad side of our affairs and least you should think that I am in a fit of meloncholly I will give you something better—our Ships have arived lately from Europe beyond our most sanguine expectations. The Country abounds with merchandise as well as produce, and prizes of great Value Tumble in every day and so far are our people from wishing to relinquish their Independence that no man dares to make it a question whether we shall hold it or not. The people at large would not deign to here a Conversation upon the Subject and they will most chearfully Sacrifice every thing to Independence if their Rulers will Conduct their affairs with any tolerable prudence.
I wish your return here exceedingly if you could be Spared from your Countrys service in Europe you could do much for your Country here.

I am Sir the greatest Esteem and Friendship your most obedt & very Hble Servt
James Sullivan

I should not have Trusted the aforgoing Sentiments to paper but am assured that Captain Coffin will Sink the Letter if he is in danger of being taken.


Title: Encosure: Van Zeebergh’s Notes on the Dutch-American Treaty, 25 July 1782
From: Zeebergh, Adriaan van
To: Adams, John

Consideratien op Art. 22. & 23. van het project Tractaat tusschen Haar Hoog Mog. en de Vereenigde Staaten van America.
Wanneer men den generaalen inhoud van die twee Artt. admitteerde, en dús van wegens Hún Hoog Mog. toegaf, dat dit geheele Tractaat in alle zyne Clausulen en Artt. nú en voor ’t vervolg verstaan zal moeten worden niet te contrarieren aan de Stipúlatien, voorkomende in de twee Tractaaten, door de vereenigde Staaten van America met zyne Majesteit den Koning van Frankryk reeds gemaakt &c.; zoo zouden daar úit dan resulteren dezer twee inconvenienten:
Voor eerst, dat wij telkens bij ’t gebrúik maaken van elk Art. met angstvalligheid zouden moeten consuleren alle de Artt. úit den Tractaaten met Frankrijk, om dús na te gaan, of in dezelven iets gevonden wierd, ’t welk eenige limitatie aan het Art. úit ons Tractaat zoude toebrengen.

Iets zeker, dat veel moeyelykheid, en teffens dubieteit, altoos veroorzaaken zoú; te meer noch, wanneer onbekende Secrete Artt. daar onder begrepen zyn.
Ten tweede, dat wij ten aanzien van den zin en ’t verstand van ons Tractaat, bij vervolg van tijd, en wanneer onverhooptelijk eenige verwijderingen tusschen deze Republiek en Frankrijk of Spanje ontstaan mogten, zouden worden geexponeerd aan discússien met de gen. Mogenheden: discússien, die voor deze Republiek altoos te nadeeliger zouden moeten uitvallein, om dat zij zich door het admitteren der voorz. twee Artt. in effecte zouden hebben verbonden, om haar geheel Tractaat úit de gemaakte Tractaaten met de gen. Mogenheden ten allen tijde explicaties te doen ontfangen.
Deze zwarigheden liggen in de letter van de twee Artt. in quaestien volstrekt opgesloten, en zijn voor deze Republiek al te gewigtig, dan dat aan de mogelykheid zelfs om in vervolg van tijd daar aan blootgesteld te worden eenige plaats kan of behoort te worden overgelaaten.
Het kan ook nooit de intentie van den Heer Adams geweest zijn om deze Repúbliek aan diergelijke mogelijke gevolgen van de voors. gemaakte bedenkingen te exponeren, maar zijne Excellentie moet daar mede alleen bedoeld hebben zekere bepaalde Stipúlatien uit de Tractaaten met Frankrijk, die direct eenige exclúsive concessien in zich bevatten.
Zeker is het, dat zoodanigen Stipulatien, als door het formeel Slúiten der Tractaaten, waar in ze voorkomen, haar volledig beslag gekregen hebbende, niet kunnen of behooren te worden geinfringeerd of verminderd door posterieuren Tractaaten met andere Mogenheden; maar dat het compleet effect van zúlke Stipúlatien Speciaal by het maaken van anderen Tractaaten moet worden in ’t oog gehoúden en geconserveerd.
Hierom zoú het zeker vrúgteloos weezen, indien deze Republiek de werking van dergelyke particuliere Stipulatien, of expresselijk, of Stilzwijgend, wilden úitslúiten of verminderen.
En gelijk derhalve het primitief oogmerk van den Heer Adams, op zich zelve beschouwd, moet worden gebillijkt, maar den voorgeslagen wijze, waar op het zelve bereikt zoúde worden, merkelijke zwarigheden voor deze Repúbliek bevat; zoo is de vraag, of dit niet door het inslaan van zekeren middelweg, die aan de wederzydsche bedoelingen genoegsaam voldoen kan, te vereffenen zouden zijn.
Het eenvouwigste middel hier toe zoúde weezen:

Indien den Heer Adams konde goedvinden van de Speciaale Artt. en Stipúlatien, die eenige privative concessie voor Frankrijk (en casúqus ook voor Spanje) behelzen, en door zijn Excellentie bij het projecteren van de twee Artt. in quaestie bedoeld zijn, optegeeven; als kúnnende dan, met betrekking tot die alzoo nominatien opgegeeven Artt. en poincten, in het Tractaat met deze Republiek, of, zoo zúlks gepraefereerd wierd, by een Separaat en Secreet Art., worden geconvenieerd, dat ons Tractaat niet gerekend zoúde worden eenigzins contrarie te zijn aan de zelve poincten, of daar aan in ’t minst te derogeren: met verdere byvoeging, dat even dit zelfde plaats zal hebben ten aanzien van zyne Catholiqúe Majesteit den Koning van Spanje, voor zoo verre hoogst de zelve tot de voors. twee Tractaaten, en byzonder tot de gen. opgegeeven particulieren Stipúlatien, zoúde willen accederen.
Of men zoú bij het Tractaat in generaalen woorden kunnen zeggen: Dat de inhoud van het zelve niet zal worden gerekend contrarie te zijn aan de particúliere Stipulatien, uit kragte der twee gemaakte Tractaaten met Zijne AllerChristelykste Majesteit, en waar toe het aan Zijne Catholicque Majesteit, moet vrij blyven te accederen, voort vloeijende, noch daar aan in ’t minste te derogeren:
Terwijl dan vervolgens bij een Secreet Art. het gen. te maaken Art. indien voege zouden moeten worden geëlúcideerd, dat men met betrekking tot de waare intenties daar van zoú dienen op te geeven de Speciaale gevallen en Artt. uit de Tractaaten met Frankrijk, bij dat beding eigenlijk en alleen bedoeld, en het zelve daar toe nominaten te stringeren.


Title: Adriaan van Zeebergh to John Adams: A Translation, 25 July 1782
From: Zeebergh, Adriaan van
To: Adams, John

25 July 1782

Sir

I have the honor of enclosing to your excellency the considerations we discussed yesterday.
By clarifying my ideas and those of my city regarding the differentiating articles in the treaty plan between the two republics, I hope this can contribute in some way toward a good compromise on a point that, if I am not mistaken, we agree on entirely in principle.
I am delighted to have this opportunity to express to your excellency the respect with which I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

A: Van Zeebergh


Title: Enclosure: Van Zeebergh’s Notes on the Dutch-American Treaty: A Translation, 25 July 1782
From: Zeebergh, Adriaan van
To: Adams, John

Considerations on Articles 22 & 23 of the draft treaty between their High Mightinesses and the United States of America.
If one admitted the general content of those two articles, and thus because their High Mightinesses conceded that this complete treaty, in all its clauses and articles, now and henceforth should be understood not to go against the stipulations of the two treaties already concluded between the United States of America and His Majesty the King of France, etc., then these two inconveniences would be the result:
First, that every time we made use of any article, we would have to painstakingly consult all the articles from the treaties with France to check accordingly whether something were to be found in the treaties which would involve some limitations regarding the article in our treaty.
This would surely always cause much difficulty and uncertainty, especially if unknown, secret articles would be included there.
Secondly, that regarding the sense and logic of our treaty, with the passage of time and if unforeseen disagreements might arise between this Republic and France or Spain, we would be exposed to discussions with those powers: discussions that would always turn out to be more disadvantageous for this republic because, in effect, by admitting the said two articles she would have committed herself to receive interpretations of her own treaty based on those already concluded with the aforementioned powers.
These objections lie expressly and literally in the two articles in question, and are of such importance to this republic that in case it would be exposed to this in the future, room should be made in the treaty.
Also, it can never have been Mr. Adams’ intention to expose this republic to such possible consequences of the aforementioned objections, but his excellency must have therewith intended certain stipulations in the treaties with France containing some exclusive concessions.
It is certain that such stipulations, which have acquired their force by the formal conclusion of the treaties in which they are found, cannot be or ought not to be infringed upon or reduced by later treaties with other powers, but that the complete effect of such stipulations should be kept in mind and preserved especially when making other treaties.
Because of this, it would certainly be fruitless for this republic, explicitly or implicitly, to exclude or reduce the effect of such particular stipulations.
And likewise, Mr. Adams’ primary goal, taken on its own, must be approved, but the proposed manner by which it would be attained contains considerable objections for this republic; thus, the question is whether this could not be settled by taking a certain middle road that would satisfy the mutual intentions.

The simplest way to go about this would be:
That Mr. Adams could indicate the special articles and stipulations that contain some private concessions to France (and as the case may be also for Spain), and if his excellency in drafting the two articles in question could, relative to the articles and points so indicated, agree in the treaty with this republic or, if preferred, in a separate and secret article, that our treaty would not be deemed in anyway to be contrary to these points, or to deviate therefrom in the least: with further addition that the same would take place with regard to his Catholic Majesty, the King of Spain, in so far as the said Majesty would have acceded to the two above mentioned treaties and particularly to the particular stipulations so indicated.
Or one could say in general terms in the treaty: that its contents will not be deemed in any way to be contrary to or derogate from the particular stipulations which have precedence by virtue of the two treaties concluded with his Most Christian Majesty to which his Most Catholic Majesty retains the freedom to accede.
While then, by a secret article, the article placed in the treaty could be explained, indicating in order to make known the true intention of said article, the special cases and articles from the treaties with France that it has properly and uniquely in view and that is only intended to regulate the references thereto.


Title: To John Adams from Antoine Marie Cerisier, 27 July 1782
From: Cerisier, Antoine Marie
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam ce 27 juillet 1782
Monsieur

Peut-être aurai-je l’honneur de répondre demain à l’invitation que vous m’avez faite avec tant d’affabilité, d’aller vous vois à la Haye. Je Sens que j’ai besoin d’aller puiser dans votre conversation; c’est dans cette source féconde que j’irai chercher à réparer la sécheresse de mes faibles lumieres. Si je n’arrivai pas demain a la Haye, ce serait certainement samedi de la semaine prochaine. Comme personne ne me connait dans cette résidence, je serai flatté d’entendre causer l’un et l’autre; mais hélas mon absence ne peut être longue à cause de l’esclavage de la Gazette; j’espere que mon corps en profitera autant que mon esprit; car suivant les médecins, ma santé asses délabrée depuis quelque tems à quelque besoin de changer un peu d’air.

J’ai l’honneur d’etre le même dévoûment & la même vènération que vous m’avez connus de votre Excellence le Très humble & très obéissant serviteur
A M. Cerisier


Title: Antoine Marie Cerisier to John Adams: A Translation, 27 July 1782
From: Cerisier, Antoine Marie
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam, 27 July 1782
Sir

May I please have the honor of responding tomorrow to your affable invitation to visit you at The Hague? I sense that I need to converse with you; it is from this deep well that I will seek to refresh my parched ideas. If I do not arrive at The Hague tomorrow, it certainly will be Saturday of next week. Since no one knows me at this residence, I would be delighted to hear their conversations, but alas, I cannot be absent from the enslavement of the Gazette for very long. I hope that my body will profit from it as much as my spirit because according to the doctors, my fairly poor health would benefit from a little change in the air.

I have the honor to be, with the same devotion and veneration that your excellency has shown to me, your very humble and very obedient servant
A M. Cerisier


Title: To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 30 July 1782
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

Florence 30. July 1782
Sir

The honour of your Excellency’s letter of the 3d. instt. has afforded me a great satisfaction on many accounts, but particularly for the information of the flourishing state of our dear Country.
I hope you will have received before this my preceding of 28. ulto., to which I refer you in regard to the intentions of the European Courts. What your Excellency says on that subject confirms me in my opinion, which has been for some time, and is, that those Powers who should think of joining England, would receive much greater injury by it, than they could do to us. My reply to this Sovereign, as mentioned in my preceding, relative to our Independence, is a clear prove of my way of thinking on that head.

The most dangerous intrigues alluded to in my letter of 21st. May, have been carried on within the circumference of the United Provinces; and I think I was justifiable in calling them not only refined, but even most refined, when I consider that the honest party have not been able to prove them clearly enough, as to bring the guilty to a legal punishement, and that, notwithstanding the precautions already taken, they still exist, to the prejudice of the good Cause, though in much lesser degree. The intrigues of the foreign Courts could not be kept secret, as your Excellency justly observes; but a domestick Enemy, provided of a number of Satellites in almost every department to shelter him, is the Devil. I hope to be sufficiently understood.
I have been much pleased with your Excellency’s prognostick in regard to Irland, because you would not speak without some good foundations; I cannot however be so sanguine in my expectations on that point. I cannot flatter myself with the hope of an alliance with that Kingdom. It seems to me, that if the Irish are united in their claim about external Legislation England will acquiesce in it; that they will lose the point if they are not united.
Your reflections on the barbarous conduct of England cannot be in my opinion better adequate. I make no doubt but we shall pay due regard to it, and behave with gratitude and affection to our Friends, as a Nation; I have however my doubts about a good number of our People, who I am afraid will individually pass over it, and suffer to be lead by old prejudices in favour of a Country, which in point of justice, honour, and delicacy ought for ever to be detested by us. I wish with all my heart that I may be mistaken.
The intense uncommon heat of the Season has reduced me so low, that it will be impossible for me to undertake a journey before the middle of September; therefore I must beg your Excelly’s favour to let me Know before I set out from this place, whether my preceding came safely to your hands, and if you have thought proper to send a copy of it in your cipher to America. I don’t mean to abuse your Excellency’s compleasance but for the certainty of it, while I express my hearty thanks for your very obliging, satisfactory, and friendly letter. And I have the honour to be most respectfully, Sir, your Excellency’s most Humble & most Obedient Servant

Philip Mazzei


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 1 August 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

ca. 1 August 1782

Sir

Supposing your Excellency ignorant of what is true, I take the Liberty of sending you what may be false, but it comes from England, that Land of Insidiousness.
Preliminaries of a Peace, said to be formed by the Rockingham Party, but if formed by any one I think Ld Shelburne is the Man.
1st That the british Troops shall be withdrawn from the 13 Provinces of N America and a Truce made between G B and the said Provinces for — years (suppose 10 or 20).
2dly That a Negociation for Peace shall bona fide be opened between G B and the allies of America.
3dly. if the proposed Negociations between G B and the allies of America should not succeed so as to produce a Peace, but that War should Continue between the said Parties that America should Act and be treated as a neutral Nation.
4thy. That whenever Peace shall take place between G B and the allies of America the Truce between G B and America shall be converted into a perpetual Peace the Independance of America shall be admitted and Guarranteed by G B and a Commercial Treaty settled between Them.
5thly. That these propositions shall be made to the Court of France for Communication to the American Commissrs and for an Answer to the Court of G B.
I will take the first opportunity of sending your Excellency Mr Days Admirable Pamphlet in the mean while give me leave to send you the Character of Ld. Shelburne, as drawn therein:
“A Minister selfish and interested like his Predecessors may feel more Attachment to Pomp and Power than to the Essential Interests of his Country: with boundless Ambition, but a contracted Heart He may take Advantage of popular Delusions to violate his own Professions, or yielding to that mighty Influence against which He has so long declaimed, may Steer the public Vessel towards the very shoals, He has so repeatedly pointed out and instead of making the port, seek for refuge amidst the Storm.”
Yesterday Mr Fitzherbert the English minister at this Court set out from Hence (As He said himself) for Paris.

I am with the greatest Respect Sir your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt.
Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from John Loveney, 1 August 1782
From: Loveney, John
To: Adams, John

Sr

Amsterdam, ca. 1 August 1782

I am to Acquaint you that Captn Allcock is Likely to go to Prison the Bill that was present’d to you it is the Astonishment to every Body it was not Discharg’d by you as he made not the Least Doubt but it wd. be paid on which Account he has plung’d himself into the Greatest Difficulties as I am a Principle Concern’d you’ll Please to Communicate what Can be Done so as to prevent his Going Prison as he is in a Strange Place end without friends he has been at my house Ever since he Came to Amsterdam and I have Supportd him in Eating and Drinking and Money Lent permit therefore to Request Your Speedy Answer will be of the Utmost Consequence: there are many more Creditors for Considerable Sums. Yr. Humble. Servant

John Loveney

Please to Direct at the Crown in the Warmoes Streed


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 3 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Aug 3. 1782

Sir

Your Favour with the Anecdote and that with the Preliminaries, I have recd. Be So good as to Send me every Thing of this Sort, which I will not fail to make a good Use of.
The Imprudence of Ld shelburne in keeping open the question of American Independence, appears, every day more glaring to me and I find it is Seen in the Same light generally in Europe. The Kings Mulish Stubbornness, may cost him very dear. What a dreadfull Curse to have a Mule for a King or a Statholder! What a fine Excuse they furnish to Spain and France? who need no other Justification than british Indiscretion is sure to afford them.
The Court Gazettes in this Country are growing more patriotick, one of them told me lately, “Monsieur, Vous Serez plus content de notre Gazette a l’avenir” and he has kept his Word. Indeed Frisland and Zealand and even Holland are taking Steps, which are alarming to these Gentry. Calling for Orders and Letters, means more than an attack upon the Duke, and has had an Effect accordingly.
I long to See Mr Days Pamphlet. Pray what and who is this Mr Day?
Can you tell me the Names of the monthly and critical Reviewers in London? Franklin and Bancroft have Connections ancient and modern with those Writers, and indeed with most of the Printers and Booksellers in London, which enable them to get a million of Wickednesses and Follies, published, to answer their Views, and to prevent Somethings which would serve a better Purpose, from being published.
Will you be so good as to get Something like this inserted in some of the Papers, absolutely without its being known to any body but yr friend to whom you may send it, that it comes from you.


Title: From John Adams to Francis Dana, 7 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Dana, Francis

Hague. Augst. 7th. 1782
Dear Sir

I have recd. the two halves of your letter to Congress, and they have been sent on. I sent you a few days since a packett fm. our Minister of foreign Affairs. Sometime ago, I sent unto you the miniature of Genl. Washington, wh. Mr. Searle gave me, and I am anxious to learn that you have recd. it.
I can give you no news fm. America, France, Spain or Holland, but what you will have previously seen in the Newspapers. Patience is still necessary with this People. They must have their way and they always march with the slow step, excepting in the month of April last. The Treaty, I am told, will now be soon finished. Tomorrow, as they say, the States of Holland will take their resolutions upon it.

Mr. Thaxter has been sick ever since I removed to the Hague, but is now getting better.
My Son has not written me a line a long time. He should not wait to receive letters from me, because he knows I am busy and he is at leisure.
Now, Sir, for something of consequence. You are weary of a pitifull existence. So am I. Yet we must both bear it, lest our impatience should do mischief. I cannot advise you to come away this year. These moments are too critical and your powers are of too much importance. I think them of the greatest moment of any, except those for Peace. The simple signature of your name would pacify the world. I mean it would settle the great point, which, once settled, any Nation will afterwards continue the war unreasonably at its peril. My most friendly and candid advice is, therefore, to put on Patience as armour, wait another Winter. I don’t mean by this, however, to advise you to be silent, unless you have reason to believe you shall be refused. You may communicate your character and mission in confidence to the confidential Minister—no, I mean the Minister of Foreign Affairs—represent to him that you came to that Court, as the first and Principal in the Armed Confederation, but that your Commission is to all. Represent delicately the propriety of that Courts communicating your application to the other Parties to that Treaty, that, if he refuse, you shall be obliged to go to the other Courts, those of Berlin, Stockholm, Vienna &ce. That it is doubly for the public good of Europe, that this Confederation should as one acknowledge American Independence, that it is even friendship to England and the only means of saving it from irretrieveable destruction. If you receive an answer and a refusal, come off, but go to Stockholm, Berlin or Vienna and sound those Ministers. If you receive no answer, communicate your Character and Powers to the Ministers of Stockholm, Berlin and Vienna, at Petersburg, and pray them to transmit them to their Court, and remain patiently where you are, ’till next year.
The Neutral Nations ought to seize on Fox’s system and settle the matter. If they will do nothing by next Summer, I cannot advise you to wait longer.
I write you this, as crude hints, and beg you would consider them in no other light, and believe me to be your sincere Friend, and humle. Servt.

J. A.


Title: To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 7 August 1782
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Adams, John

Philadelphia Augt. 7th. 1782
Dear Sir

I wrote you a long letter of the 30th. Decr. 1780 to which I have not yet receivd any answer. But I cannot help writing a line to you by this opportunity, as well to congratulate you on the success of your negociations in Holland as to mention to you what I think may be of material concern to you; that the present minister for foreign affairs is as devoted a partizan of Count de Vergennes and Dr. Franklin as any that exists. Here he is entirely under the direction of the Minister and Marbois. It may be obvious that considerable caution will be necessary in your correspondence with such a minister. You may also judge that some ballance is necessary against the french influence here, to keep us from swerving from the interest of our Country wherever that happens to run counter to the real or imaginary interests of the Court of Versailles. Therefore a minister from the States general may be of essential utility here. For when there are two foreign parties, the friends to their country, tho few, may make the scale preponderate as they please, which certainly is not now the case. For these reasons I think you will render us an essential service by hastning the departure of a minister who may answer this valuable purpose.
Our affairs here at present are prosperous. The Enemy have evcuated Savannah after having been beaten in an engagement by Genl. Wayne; and it is pretty certain that the evacuation of Charles-town will soon follow. Hard-money begins to come in by taxes, and when Commerce has a little recoverd us from the baneful effects of Paper-money, I think, our Finances will soon acquire stability, and the States credit.

The Instruction which subjects you to the french ministers gives great offence and uneasiness to many in Congress; and to no one more than to myself. I think it most dishonorable and dangerous. It is a surrender of our Independence and Soveriegnty and an acknowlegment that we are unequal to either. Mr. Jay has expressed the same sentiments very freely to Congress and I hope the Commissioners will not think that Instruction can bind them to assent to any thing injurious to their Country, tho it should be the advice and opinion of those who cannot have the interests of this Country so much at heart, and who are not responsible to us for their conduct.

God bless you & prosper your Negociations, in spight of us, to a safe, honorable & lasting Peace.

PS. please to make my Compts to Mr. Jay, and let him know that his Letters have gaind him some friends, and perhaps lost some. But his account of a certain Court differs so much from what I had learnt of it, that I cannot but think there has been some secret agency in the business. Remember me affectionately to Mr. Laurens.
Sir Guy Carelton and Admiral Digby have announcd to Genl Washington and he to Congress, that Mr. Grenville is instructed to propose the Independence of the 13 provinces, so they phrase it, previous to a negociation.
This Letter was committed to Mr Lee Mr. Witherspoon and Mr Rutlege, who will report I believe—That Congress consider the above Letter as mere matter of Information, inexplicit as to the nature and extent of the Independency directed to be proposd by the british Plenipotentiary; and as Congress have receivd no information on this subject from their ministers for negociating with G. B. therefore no public measure can or ought to be taken upon it, in its present form.
That it be hereby is recommended to the several States in the Union, not to remit of their exertions for carrying on the war with vigor and effect.
That the Commander in chief be authorizd to empower the Commissioners he shall appoint to settle a general Cartel; to release Earl Cornwallis from his parole in return for a similar indulgence granted by his britannic M. to the Honble. Mr. Laurens.
To our very great surprise, we have not receivd one line from you relative to our acknowlegement &c by the States general. Some of us suspect foul play with your Letters as Dr. Franklin has chosen to be silent on the subject, which no doubt is very mortifying to him and his Employers.


Title: Engelbert François van Berckel to John Adams: A Translation, 8 August 1782
From: Berckel, Engelbert François van
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam, 8 August 1782
Sir

I have the pleasure and honor to communicate to you that tomorrow Amsterdam’s deputies to the States of Holland will receive the Amsterdam council’s resolution made today, regarding the treaty of amity and commerce between their High Mightinesses and the United States of America. This council’s resolution contains very precise orders to conform with Holland’s report of 18 July, with which all the other assembly members have already conformed, and orders not to delay the conclusion of this great work for any reason. Also, they must reject the addition of the words, In Europe, in the second, third, and other articles of the treaty concerning most favored nations. After being considered, this addition or limitation was deemed only a novelty for which there has been no example and which would cause great inconveniences. Moreover, our stock exchange has suggested some remarks be added to our council’s resolution, not to propose any essential change to your excellency that could slow down deliberations, but rather remarks that must be communicated to their High Mightinesses in order to add them to notes already made by their committees in the margins of your excellency’s plan delivered to the states general. And for that, they must be the subject of a meeting with your excellency to come to an agreement, on the condition that the business be placed ad referendum; and that the commission of their High Mightinesses have ultimate authority for the final version, with the alterations agreed upon between the two contracting parties. As for the comments made by the stock exchange, they are very simple suggestions that serve to clarify the text by adding or omitting essential points. I have the honor of writing to you about these details in order to prevent any surprises, and so that your excellency, in case some proposal is made that is not in line with what was stated here, can ask me for any necessary clarifications. I am very obliged, sir, for the information in your last letter regarding the stranger. I have not received any news of him since that time. I was very surprised that everything I wrote to you regarding Mme. d’Hogendorp was a mystery to you. I can show you her letter stating that her son introduced the stranger to your excellency. This was before I wrote to you about him.

I have the honor to be with the highest esteem and consideration, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
E. F. Van Berckel


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 8 August 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam the 8 augst. 1782
Sir

We beg Leave to refer to our last letter of 11 July, by whch. we prayed, your Excellency to inform us, of abt. the Sums the drafts of Mr Laurens might amount to.
We have Since payed f 491:12— to Messrs: Gerb: Rarekes & J: G: Thin van Kulen, whch. is charged in acct: to the United States of America, and we inclose the lease of the House.
Said Gentlemen were pay’d of the half year’s rent in arrear, now due to miss Van Tarelink who being in the Country, we want to wait her return to settle it.
In consequence of your Excellency’s writing, to advice rather to Congress a few hundred thousand Guilders under the Sum in cash, than to exceed it anything, we take the liberty to pray your Excellency to inform us, what Sum we are to advice in Cash for congress to his Exc: Mr. Livingston.
We have received hitherto f 1.484000:— of whch. the intrest runs for acct. of Congress
of f1.314000:— from 1 June
of " 170000:— from 1 July
of whch. your Excellency’ll be pleased to take notice.
We have forwarded the letters, with the copies of the obligations to congress.
The original with Capn. Samuel Smedley bound to Philadelphia.
The duplicate With Capn. Moses Grinell bound to Boston.
The triplicate Sent to nantes, to be forwarded by the first Ship.
The quadruplicate with Capn. Shubael Spooner, bound to Philadelphia, (we saÿ) Baltimore.
And the quintuplicate’ll be Send by the very first Ship, whch. shall be ready.

We have the honour to remain most respectfully. Sir Your Excellencys Most Humble and Obedient Servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink
Nics. & Jacob van Staphorst
de la Lande & fynje


Title: From John Adams to Engelbert François van Berckel, 10 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Berckel, Engelbert François van

The Hague August 10. 1782
Sir

I have this day received the Letter which you, did me the honour to write me, on the 8. and am much obliged to you for your candid kind Communications, which will be of much Use to me, as I hope in bringing the Treaty to a just Conclusion. I rejoice that the City of Amsterdam has decided upon the matter so amically and candidly, and whenever any Propositions or Remarks shall be made to me My Sentiments upon them, Shall be communicated with equal Frankness and Candor. Where the Parties are in earnest in Searching for the Truth, and that only, it is not difficult to find, and I know of nothing that either can wish for in this Case but to make the Treaty as perfect and as usefull as possible.
The Resolution of Amsterdam to instruct their Deputies to have the Treaty concluded without delay, and without being again taken Ad Referendum is peculiarly agreable to me, because I am very anxious to have it finished. It has been already, long under deliberation, and it ought to be upon its Passage to Congress for Ratification, together with a Minister from their High Mightinesses to the United States. Gentlemen here, Seem much at a Loss to find a Man, both qualified for this Service and willing to Undertake it. I should think however that many might be found. There is probably no office, in which a Man of Abilities might render more important Service to his Country.
The Reports of Peace are renewed, and Mr Oswald and Mr Fitzherbert are at Paris. Lord Shelburne promises to acknowledge American Independence in the Treaty of Peace, but he will not perform it, and he means nothing but Amusement, which he will keep up for a few Months or Weeks, and by degrees the old Ministry and their old System will be revived in England! When will her Enemies be arroused to a Sight of their Situation and true Interests, and be induced to treat that perfidious Nation as she deserves! I have the Honor to be &c


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 11 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)

Gentn
Amsterdam Hague August 11. 1782

This Morning I recd your favour of the Eighth but I am not able to inform you, what is the Amount of the Bills drawn upon Mr Laurens which are not yet arrived. I have never been exactly informed myself. They cannot I think amount to more than 100000one two hundred Thousand Guilders. I hope not half that sum, but cannot say positively.
I am obliged to you for the Trouble you have taken to pay f491:12s to Messrs Gerb. Rarekes &c and for Sending me the Lease of the House &c.
I am very glad to find that you have recd So much as 1.484,000 f. on the Loan and congratulate you upon it. When I thought it Safest to be a little under, rather than exceed, I had in my Mind reserving enough to pay the Bills on Mr Laurens and a few unavoidable expences here. But I believe you may write to Congress to draw for Thirteen hundred Thousand Florins, and so afterwards from time to time as Money shall be received by you.
I am obliged to you for your Care in sending on the Dispatches to Congress and desire that you would from time to time inform that Body of every Thing with the Utmost Exactness which relates to the Loan.

With great Esteem I have the Honour to be


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 12 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Hague August 12th 1782
Sir

Your two Letters containing the Anecdote and the Preliminaries have been recd., and You have seen the use of them.
I have at length a friendly Letter from Mr. Jay, who tells me some good News, which I must not communicate. I have Letters too from Petersbourg with other News. Upon the whole they are consulting upon Preliminaries at Paris, and concerting Plans elsewhere for a Congress. If the King of England and Lord Shelburne knew all I know, they would declare the United States of America free, independent and sovereign, if not from Wisdom, Benevolence or Policy, yet at least from sheer spight and Revenge. There is nothing in my Opinion would mortify their Enemies so much. Yet this Opinion must rest with You and not be quoted. Nothing would disappoint some of their Enemies so much. How would Spain look? How would France look? How would Neutral Nations feel? All Mankind would cry at once, Britain will obtain good Terms of Peace.
There is in the Courier du Bas Rhin of the 10th. and in Luzac’s Gazette of the 13th. a Project for the Neutral Powers to help G. B. out of her Lethargy and Anarchy. If nobody will hearken to Voice of Benevolence, You and I can’t help it. I think it would be very well to speculate in the English Papers upon the same subject. Speculations in the English Papers have the most extensive Influence, because they spread every where. Franklin I verily believe has a Number of Scribblers in his pay in London to trumpet his Fame, and to make more Reputation for him as well as support what he has. It would be well me thinks to have that Money applied to support the Honor, Dignity, Reputation and other Interests of our Country. I say I believe, but this belief is founded upon Evidence a posteriori not a priori. I cant account for the Zeal with which his Cause is espoused, and for the Malice with which those whom he dislikes are pursued upon any other Supposition.
I have no Inclination to a Journey to Paris nor Vienna. I don’t like the manner in which the Negotiations are carried on by Vergennes and Franklin, but I cant help it.

Adieu


Title: From John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 12 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Mazzei, Philip

The Hague August 12. 1782
Sir

Your favours of 28 of June and 30 July, I have recd. I have not transmitted to Congress, the first, because I would not give an allarm unnecessarily. The Intelligence contained in it is wholly groundless, according to the best Information I can obtain and the best Judgment I can form. I am well assured that neither of the Imperial Courts have ever made any declaration, or expressed any Opinion or Inclination against the Independence of America. On the contrary I am in Possession of authentic Documents, which express clearly, in my apprehension other Sentiments.
There may be a War in Europe, but this would accellerate rather than retard a General Acknowledgment of American Independence. England it is certain cannot carry on the present War and at the Same time, engage in another, more extensive on the Continent. With the Stocks at 56, and a War against four nations it is impossible she should pay subsidies to foreign nations. If any Nation declares against Holland, the House of Bourbon and America, Some other Nation will declare for them, so that our Cause will rather be Strengthened, and We shall certainly be renderd dearer to our allies.
Holland instead of loosing its Existence or its name, will if the War continues assume all its old Character and Glory.
What if a War Should happen between Russia and the Port? What can England do? What if a Quarrell should arise between the Emperor and Prussia? What would England get by that? What if Russia and Denmark Should declare in favour of England, which is however altogether improbable. I Say this would be an advantage to America, for We should make more profit of their Trade than they could do Us harm.

I have &c


Title: To John Adams from Herman van Bracht, 12 August 1782
From: Bracht, Herman van
To: Adams, John

Dordrecht 12: Aug: 1782
Sir

I have now the honour to hand you the Second volum of the translated constitutions of America, Inscribed to Your Excell: by the publisher Mr. F: wanner. According to your desire, every expression is avoided that could tend to give offense to any person in times to critical as these. A due tribute of applause, however, has been given, tho the persons who So well deserved it in the true Interests of both republics has been touched upon, where fore I hope the dedication will obtain your approbation.
Permit me to ad the assurance of Mr wanners unlimited esteem the offer of a continuance of my humble Services here an to ashure you that I most respectfully am Sir Your most Obedt. Servant

Herman van Bracht


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 13 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

The Hague August 13. 1782
Dear Sir

The public Papers announce Fitzherbert’s Comission to be, to treat “With the four Powers at War with Great-Britain” But whether they mean Hyder Aly, or the Marattas, is uncertain.
I have obtained Intelligence of a Paper addressed lately from the Court of St. James’s to the Courts of Vienna and Petersbourg, as well as that of Paris, in which are the following words, vizt.
Sa Majesté Britannique dit, “Qu’Elle ne préjuge, ni ne veut préjuger aucune question quelconque, et qu’Elle ne prétend exclure personne de la Négociation qu’on a en vue, qui pourroit s’y croire intéressé, soit qu’il soit question des Etats-Généraux, soit qu’on y veuille faire entrer les Colonies Américaines”—You perhaps may have seen the whole. If you have, I beg a Copy.

For my own part, I am not the Minister of any “fourth State” at war with Great-Britain, nor of any “American Colonies.” And therefore I should think it out of Character for us to have any thing to say to Fitzherbert, or in the Congress at Vienna, untill more decently and consistently called to it. It is my duty to be explicit with you, and to tell you sincerely my sentiments. I think we ought not to treat at all, untill we see a Minister authorised to treat with “The United States of America” or with their Ministers. Our Country will feel the miserable consequence of a different conduct. If we are betrayed into Negociations, in or out of a Congress, before this Point is settled, if Gold and Diamonds, and every insidious Intrigue and wicked Falshood, can induce any Body to embarrass us, and betray us into Truces and bad Conditions, we may depend upon having them played off against us. We are and can be no Match for them at this Game. We shall have nothing to negociate with but Integrity, Perspicuity and Firmness.
There is but one way to Negotiate with Englishmen. That is clearly and decidedly. Their Fears only govern them. If we entertain an Idea of their Generosity, or Benevolence towards us, we are undone. They hate us, universally from the Throne to the Footstool, and would annihilate us, if in their Power, before they would treat with us in any way. We must let them Know, that we are not to be moved from our Purpose; or all is undone. The Pride and Vanity of that Nation is a Disease; it is a Delirium. It has been flattered and enflamed so long by themselves, and by others, that it perverts every Thing. The moment you depart one Iota from your Character, and the distinct Line of Sovereignty, they interpret it to spring from fear or Love of them, and to a Desire to go back.
Fox saw we were aware of this, and calculated his system accordingly. We must finally come to that Idea; and so must Great-Britain. The latter will soon come to it, if we don’t flinch. If we discover the least weakness or Wavering, the Blood and Treasures of our Countrymen will suffer for it in a great Degree.
Firmness, Firmness and Patience for a few Months, will carry us triumphantly to that Point, where it is the Interest of our Allies, of Neutral Nations, nay even of our Enemies, that we should arrive: I mean a Sovereignty, universally acknowledged by all the World. Whereas the least Oscillation will in my opinion leave us to dispute with the world, and with one another, these fifty Years.

With great Respect and Regard I have the Honour to be, Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant
J. Adams


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

Amsterdam the 13th. Augt. 1782
Sir

Inclosed we have the honour of sending to your Excellency an Account, which your Bookseller has given us Some days ago, please to tell us if we are to pay the Same.
We also take the liberty of troubling your Excellency with a more interesting matter, the Rafaction on the Tobaccos, having observed with much pleasure, that your Excellency hinted this point in the Conferences about the Treaty, Since we are fully convinced, that it’s absolutely necessary to bring it upon a better and reasonable footing.
We have the honour to inform your Excellency, that already Some months ago, jointly with Messrs. Crommelin, Mess. De Neufville &ca. we’ve presented a Petition to our Magistrates for that purpose. But as Some Tobacconists were consulted upon the matter, who being well satisfied with the present Customs opposed against any alterations, this has occasioned; that hitherto no Resolution has been taken.
But being informed now, that the States General will answer your Excellency, that this point being only relatif to the Domestick Institutions of the Different Towns, your Excellency may be pleased to converse about it with the Magistrates; we therefore beg the favour of your Excelly. to apply yourself particularly for that purpose, either to the Pensionary or the Deputates of this Town, who may be now present at the Hague, desiring them to represent to their Principals your Complaints about it, in order they may look out for a proper expedient to give Such Instructions to their officers as may answer to the purpose and the general benefit of the Trade, and that they will converse about it with the merchants who are already concerned in the matter; by which joint endeavours we are in hopes of bringing it to a happy Conclusion.

With the utmost Respect we have the honour to be Sir! Your Excellency’s most obedt. & humble Servants.
Nichs. & Jacob van Staphorst Co.


Title: From John Adams to Herman van Bracht, 15 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Bracht, Herman van

The Hague August 15th. 1782
Sir

I yesterday recd. the polite Letter You did me the honor to write me on the 12th. of this Month, together with a very acceptable Present from Mr. Wanner of the second Volume of the Translations of the American Constitutions into the Dutch Language.
The Dedication does me great honor in many Respects, but in none more than in placing me in Company with those illustrious Assertors of the Rights of Mankind, the Van Berckels, Van der Capellens and Gyselaers.

Let me beg the favor of You to present my best thanks to Mr Wanner, and to accept the same yourself, from, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 17 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

The Hague August 17. 1782
Sir

The States General have chosen Mr Brantzen Minister to negotiate for Peace. Yesterday he did me the honour to dine with me. He is represented to me to be a good Man and well fixed in the true System. I have very authentic Information that his Instructions will be such as France and America as well as his own Country ought to wish them.
I have Letters from Boston 17 June—grand Rejoicings on the Birth of the Daughin, every where. The States giving Strong Instructions to their Delegates in Congress, to consent to no Peace Short of Independence, and without Concert with France. The offers by Carlton are highly resented, taken much worse from the present Ministry than they would have been from the former. The Instructions from the States to Congress are to resent as an Insult every offer, which implys a deviation from their Treaties, or the Smallest Violation of their Faith.
I am promised tomorrow a Copy of Mr Fitzherberts Commission. I wish to know whether You or the Dr have had any Conferences with him, and what passed; we are told of a Mr Vaughan and Mr oswald at Paris. Have they any Powers and What?
This will be delivered you by Mr Barclay the Consul, a worthy Man whom I beg Leave to Introduce to you.

With great Regard I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant
J. Adams

N. B. Mr Brantzen told me, he should go home to Guilder land for 8 days then return here for 8 or 10 days more: so that it will be three Weeks perhaps before he Setts out, on his Journey to Paris.


Title: From John Adams to Henry Laurens, 18 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Laurens, Henry

The Hague Aug. 18. 1782
Dear sir

I have just received the inclosed Letter open for me to read. It appears to be from one, who had a remarkable kind of Benevolence towards the U. S. Such as has memorably appeared through the whole War, in almost all Countries, I mean the benign Inclination to be American Agents Jobbers, Officers, Ambassadors, Generals and Kings. Inclosed is a Copy of Fitzherberts Commission. Pray inclose it to Congress that it may go as many Ways as possible. What think you of the Words “Quorum cunque Statuum quorum interesse poterit?” If We should presume to think ourselves included in these Words, will Ld shelburne be of the same Mind?
The States General have appointed Mr Brantzen, their Minister who did me the favour to dine with me 3 days ago and then told me he should set off, for Paris in 3 Weeks. Blessed are the Peace makers. Dont you wish yourself one?


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 18 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Hague Augst: 18th. 1782
Sir

I have the honor to inclose, for the information of Congress a Copy of Mr: Fitzherbert’s Commission.

Georgius Rex
Georgious tertius, Dei gratiâ, magnae Britanniae, Franciae, et Hiberniae Rex, Fidei defensor, Dux Brunsvicensis et Luneburgensis, Sacri Romani Imperii Archi Thesaurarius et Princeps Elector &ca Omnibus et Singulis, ad quos praesentes hae literae, pervenerint, salutem.
Cum belli incendio, jam nimis diu diversis orbis Terrarum partibus flagrante, in id quam maxime, incumbamus, ut Tranquillitas publica, tot litibus, Controveriisque vitecompositis; reduci et stabiliri possit, cumque eâ de causa, virum quendam tanto negotioparem, ad bonum fratrem nostrum, Regem Christianissimum, mittere decrevimus.
Sciatis igitur, quod no, Fide, Industriâ, Ingenia perspicaciâ et rerum usu, fidelis et delecti nobis Alleini Fitzherbert, Armigeri plurimum confisi, eundem nominavimus, fecimus et constituimus, Sicut per praerentes, nominamus, facimus, et constituimus, nostrum verum, certum et indubitatum Commissarium, Procuratorem et Plenipotentiarium, dantes et concedentes eidem, omnem et omnimodum Potestatem, Facultatem, Authoritatenque, nec non Mandatum generale pariter ac speciale (ita tamen ut generale, speciali non deroget nec e contra) in aulâ pradicti bonis fratris nostri, Regis Christianissimi, pro nobis et nostro nomine, una cum Legatis, Commissariis, Deputatis et Plenipotentiarius, tam celsorum et Praepotentium Dominorum, ordinum Generalium Faederati Belgii, quam, quorum cunque Principum et Statuum quorum interesse poterit, Sufficiente authoritate instructis, tam Singulatim ac division, quam aggregatim ac conjunction, congrediendi, et colloquendi atque cum ipsis de Pace firma et stabili, sinceraque Amicitia, et Corcordiâ, quantotius restituendis, conveniendi, tractandi, consulendi et concludendi; eaque omnia, quae ita conventa et conclusa fuerint, pro nobis et nostro nomine subsignandi, superque conclusis, Traetatum Tractatusue, vel alia instrumenta, quot quot, et qualia necessaria fuerint, conficiendi, mutuoque tradendi, recipiendique omnia alia, quae ad opus supra dictum feliciter exequendum pertinent, transigendi, tam amplis modo et formâ, ac vi, effectuque, pari, ac nos, Si interessemus, facere et praestare possemus, Spondentes, et in verbo regio promittentes, nos omnia et singula, quaecunque, a dicto nostro Plenipotentiario transigi et concludi contigerint, grata, rata et accepta, omni meliori modo habituros, neque passuros unquam, ut in toto vel in parte, a quoniam violenter, aut ut iis, in contrarium eatur.
In quorum majorem Fidem, et Robur, Praesentibus, manu nostrâ regia signatis, magnum nostrum, magnae Britaniae Sigillum appendi fecimus; Quae dabentur in Palatio nostro Dioi Jacobi, vicessimo quarto die mensis Julii, Anno Domini, millessimo, Septingintessimo, Octogessimo Secundo, Regnique nostri, vicessimo secundo.

The words Quorum cunque Statuum quorum interesse poterit, include the United States accordg. to them, but not accordg. to the King who uses them: So that there is still room to evade. How much nobler and more politic was Mr: Fox’s idea to insert the “Ministers of the United States of America,” expressly?
The States-General have appointed Mr: Brantzen their Minister Plenipoy: to treat concerng Peace, and he will set off for Paris in abt: three Weeks. His Instructions are such as we should wish.

The States of Holland and West-friesland have determined the last week upon our project of a treaty of Commerce, and I expect to enter into a conference with the States General this week, in order to bring it to a conclusion. I hope for the Ratification of the Contract for a loan, wh. has been sent five different ways. Upon rect. of this ratification, there will be thirteen or fourteen hundred thousand Guildres ready to be paid to the orders of Congress by Messrs: Wilhem & Jen Willink, Nicholas & Jacob Van Staphorst, and de la Lande & Fynjë.
The States and the Regencies, are taking such measures with the Stadtholder, by demanding his orders and Correspondences abt: Naval Affairs, and by reassuming their own Constitutional Rights, in the appointment of Officers &c. as will bring all things to rights in this Republic, which we shall find an affectionate and an usefull friend.
The Communication of the following Instructions to me is such a piece of friendship, and such a mark of Confidence, as makes it my duty to request of Congress that it may be kept secrett.

Instructions projected and passed for Mr: the Ambassador Lesteven de Berkenrode and Mr: de Brantzen.
1st. His most Christian Majesty, having manifested, in the most obliging, manner, by his Ambassador Extraory:, Mr: le duc de la Vauguion, who resides here, his favorable intention, to have an eye to the Interests of the Republic, in the negotiations for a general peace; the aforesd. Ministers, will neglect nothing, but on the contrary will employ all their diligence and all their Zeal to preserve and fortify, more and more, this favorable disposition of his Majesty, towards this State.
2dly. To this end, these Gentlemen, in all wh. concerns the objects of their Commission, or wh. may have any relation to them, will act in a communicative manner, and in concert with the ministry of his sd. majesty, and will make confidential Communications of all things with them.
3dly. They will not enter into any negotiation of Peace, between the British Court and the Republic, nor have any Conferences thereupon, with the ministers of sd. Court, before they are assured, beforehand, in the clearest manner and without any equivocation, that his British Majesty, has in fact and continues to have, a real intention to acquiesce without reserve, that the Republic be in full possession and indisputable enjoyment, of the Rights of the Neutral Flagg, and of a free Navigation, in conformity and accordg. to the tenor of the points enumerated in the declaration of Her Imperial Majesty of Russia, dated the 28th of February, 1780.
4thly. When these Gentlemen shall be certain of this, and shall have recd. the requisite assurances of it, they shall conduct in such a manner in the Conferences wh. shall be then held thereupon with the Ministers of his British Majesty, as to direct things to such an end that in projecting the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between his sd. Majesty and the Republic, all the points concerng. the free navigation be adopted word for word, and literally, from the sd: declaration of her Imperial Majesty and inserted in the sd. Treaty; And moreover in regard to Contraband, (upon the subject of which the sd. declaration refers to the Treaties of Commerce, then subsisting between the respective Powers.) that they establish henceforward a limitation so precise and so distinct, that it may appear, most clearly in future, that all naval stores (les munitions ou mattiers navales) be held free merchandizes, and may not, by any means, be comprehended under the denomination of Contraband. As also, that with regard to the visitation of Merchant Vessells, they establish the two followg. rules as perpetual and immutable—Viz, 1st. That the Masters (Patrons) of Merchant Ships shall be discharged upon exhibiting their Documents, from whence their Cargoes may be known, and to wh. faith ought to be given, without pretending to molest them by any visitation. 2dly. That when merchant Ships shall be convoyed by vessells of War, all faith shall be yielded to the Commanding Officers, who shall escort the Convoy, when they shall declare and affirm upon their word of honor, the nature of their Cargoes; without being able to require of vessells convoyed, any exhibition of Papers, and still less to visit them.
5thly. These Gentlemen shall insist also, in the strongest manner, and, as upon a condition, sine qua non, upon this, that all the possessions conquered fm. the Republic, by the Ships of War or Privateers of his British Majesty, or by the arms of the English East-India Company, during the Course of this war; or which may be further conquered fm. it, before the conclusion of the Peace, be restored to it, under the eventual obligation of Reciprocity; and this, as far as possible, in the same state in wh: they were at the time of the Invasion. And, whereas the greatest part of these possessions have been retaken fm. the common enemy, by the arms of his Most Christian Majesty, these Gentlemen will insist, in the strongest manner with his Majesty and his Ministry, that, by the promise of the restitution of these possessions to the state, immediately after the conclusion of the Peace, the Republic may receive real proofs of the benevolence and of the affection, wh. his Majesty has so often testified for it.
6thly. These Gentlemen will insist also, in the strongest manner, upon the just indemmnification for all the Losses, unjustly caused, by G. Britain, to the State and to its Inhabitants, both in Europe and elsewhere.
7thly. In the affairs concerng. the interests of the Company of the East Indies of this Country, these Gentlemen ought to demand and receive the Considerations of the Commissaries, who are now at Paris, on the part of the Company, and act in Concert with them, in relation to these affairs.
8thly. In all respects, these Gentlemen will hold a good Correspondence with the Ministers of the other belligerent Powers; and it is very specially enjoyned upon them, and recommended, to direct things to this, that in the sd. Negotiations, there be given no room to be able to conclude or resolve either Treaty or cessation of Hostilities, if it be not with the common and simultaneous Concurrence of all Belligerent Powers.
9thly. Finally, and in general, these Gentlemen during the course of all this Negotiation, will have always before their eyes that the Conferences, at Paris, at least for the present, ought not to be looked upon, but as preparatory and preliminary; and that the decision of points wh. may remain in litigation, ought to be reserved to a general Congress, together with the adjustment final, of the definitive Treaty of Peace: The whole, at least, untill their High Mightinesses further informed of the success of these Negotiations, and of the inclination of the belligerent Powers, shall find good to qualify these Gentlemen for the final and peremptory conclusion of a Treaty.

These Instructions will shew Congress in a clear light, the disposition of this Republic, to be as favorable for Us and our Allies, as we could wish it.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Yr: huml: servt.
J. Adams


Title: Antoine Marie Cerisier to John Adams: A Translation, 18 August 1782
From: Cerisier, Antoine Marie
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam, 18 August 1782
Excellency

I had the honor of a visit from Mr. Sarsfield here. He spoke to me about a manuscript that he sent to you, and he seemed to want me to see a copy of it also. He deferred giving me a copy until after his trip, which, he said, he was only making to put final touches on this work. I doubt that he had the least bit of difficulty in getting it for me for a few days while he was at The Hague. There are some things in it that I would like to look at closely. If you have no objections, send it to me by way of Mr. Guild. I will soon be plunging into the great subject of general pacification. I saw your thoughts in the Courier du Bas-Rhin and the Gazette de Leyde, to which I could add my own. I would really like to have a copy of the commercial treaty as it stands now. I ask you to be persuaded of my entire devotion and deep veneration, with which I have the honor to be, your very humble and very obedient servant

A M. Cerisier

If you need to write to me confidentially, please use this address, at Mr. Lainé, watchmaker, opposite the mint tower, to be delivered to Mr. Robert.


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 19 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Samuel

The Hague August 19. 1782
My dear Sir

The present Minister, Shelburne I remember disgusted me by an unintelligible, misterious and Equivocal Letter or Number of Letters and in general by the Conduct he held, fifteen or Twenty years ago, and I recollect some disputes I had with Mr Otis upon his Lordships subject at that time. His Lordship appears to be the Same Character at this day. He is a good Proof of personal Identity. His Court have lately Signified, in, this Style to the two Imperial Courts and to Versailles, that his Majesty pretended not to prejudge any question, nor to hinder any Person from entering a Congress, whether it was a question of the States General, or whether they would make enter there the American Colonies. The Commission to Mr Fitzherbert, is to treat of Peace with the Ministers quorum cun que Statuum quorum interesse poterit.
Now if St James’s means by this, the United States why not Use the Words? If they do not mean them, We ought not to be decoyd by Such Artifices. There Seems to be Something like an Endeavour in Earnest to agree upon Some Preliminaries, but what will be the Success I know not. Charles Fox has shewn himself the greatest Statesman in G. Britain, and if his Idea had been adopted he would have really served his Country.
I See, by the Papers, the Massachusetts goes on very consistently and Steadily—the Same Govr. Lt, and President of the senate. I wish myself often with you, and hope, sometime or other to be so, for I am weary of So insipid an Existence as I hold in Europe. I am wearing myself out, to little visible Purpose. I came within an Hairsbreadth of Succumbing under this dutch Mission, but thank God it is terminated happily, and I look upon it, the very critical Pivot upon which our System turned in Europe, and Our Sons will see, if We do not the Importance of it. This being accomplished I see nothing more for me to do in Europe, as to Peace I despair as Things now are of doing so much good, as I could do at home, with infinitely more Satisfaction.
This State is thinking of Sending a Minister to Philadelphia if he should land at Boston I hope he will be taken proper Notice of. But the Step here is too Slow, and it is very difficult to quicken it.

Affectionately yours.


Title: From John Adams to Antoine Marie Cerisier, 19 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Cerisier, Antoine Marie

Dear Sir

19th. August 1782

I dare not venture to send the Comte’s Manuscript. If You will come here, You shall have the use of it as long as You please, and all the Accomodations You can desire. Pray quote the Reflections You mention from the Courier de Bas Rhin. I shall be glad to see yours in addition—there is ample Room for many.
The Treaty of Commerce is not yet arranged. I have recd. a Card from the G. Pensionary, to confer with him tomorrow morning on the subject. I hope it will be soon finished.
Your Bookseller is not active enough. We should have the Politique Hollandois here on Mondays or Tuesday Morning at latest: wheras they never come till Wednesday afternoon. You have made the Scribbler look laughably enough. He will not soon forget.
I am very anxious to have the publick Attention turned pointedly to the Admission of the United States into the armed Confederacy. There are very particular Reasons for it.
I will favor Negotiations which Mr. Dana is making and will make, ’tho’ his Name should not be mentioned.
I wish this subject could be considered as it relates to the Emperor and the King of Prussia, as well as the Empress of Russia. I wish that some hints might be thrown out, concerning the Propriety of the Ambassadors of this Republick and of France promoting such a Step at the Neutral Courts. It might be suggested to the Consideration of their High Mightinesses, whether it would not be proper for them as one Member of the Neutral Confederation, to interpose in this Matter, at least by instructing their Ambassadors to promote it.
It would have an excellent effect to have this Subject kept up in the attention of the publick for many Weeks to come, by having always something in the Papers about it.
If there is any foundation for the Idea that is suggested in some late Pamphlets of a brilliant Incoherence in the present general System of Europe, or if there is or should be any Jealousy between the Northern Powers of Europe and the Southern, this Measure is the most natural and simple Remedy. It is the surest Way to cure every Evil of that sort, by opening the Way for rendering America useful to all the Neutral Powers, as well as those at present in War, and useful to all the Northern Powers as well as the Southern.
These are only intended for broken Hints to set your Imagination and Invention at Work.

Adieu


Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 19 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Gerry, Elbridge

Aug. 19. 1782

My dear Friend

I am ashamed to let Mr Guild go without a long Letter to you—but you must pardon me. Mr Guild calls upon me for my Dispatches.
There are Conferences begun about Preliminaries at Paris and Things are tending to a Congress, but I fancy they would have gone on much better, if Congriss had adhered to your their first Plan. Never did the Neccessity of a clear and firm Conduct appear more plainly to me than upon this occasion.
It was my Intention to have written you at large upon affairs—but Mr Guilds obligations to go sooner than expected have disappointed me. As some Compensation however I inclose to you all the newest Papers. In to days it is said France insists on a formal Acknowledgment of American Independence, that her Ministers may meet a Congress.

Adieu


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 19 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Warrren, James

The Hague August 19 1782
My dear Sir

There is now an Harmony so entire between France America and Holland, that I think Affairs must come to a good Conclusion, if they do not it will I am perswaded be our Fault. But I am determined it shall not be mine, and I dont believe it will be Mr Jays.
Spain is now inclined to make a Treaty with us, as I am informed, and the Comte d’Aranda is authorised to treat with him at Paris, this however, must not be made publick tho it may be communicated in Confidence. Mr Dana Seems weary, and I dont wonder. You have no Conception of the Torments that Mr Jay and he and I have endured.
However the Foundations of great Things are never laid without Patience and long suffering.
Shelburne and Fox have Split upon a nice Point and the latter has shewn himself I think a profound Statesman: the later a Selfish, and equivocal Character. He must come finally and with an ill Grace to the Idea of the other, or he will put the last hand to the ruin of that Country.
The Plan Seems to be now to agree if they can upon Some, Preliminaries at Paris and then have a Congress to settle the Treaty, after discussing every Thing.
If Gibraltar falls and the English have no signal Sucess the national Discouragement, will increase, So as to force a Peace perhaps. If they relieve Gibraltar, which will be very hazardous, if they have good News from the East Indies, and especially if they have any naval Advantages they will Struggle for another Campaign or two. Naval Victories intoxicate them to Frenzy—But these are but Drams to a Man in an Hectick.
If there Should be serious Negotiations for Peace, We shall have many Ugly Questions to debate. I dont intend to be answerable for any bad decision of them—but I cannot answer that they will not be badly decided. Canada, Nova scotia, Boundaries, Tories, Fisheries are Bones to pick. But the Pretensions of France, Spain and Holland will not be more easily adjusted, nor the Pretentions of Neutrals, in short the Field is so vast, and the objects of such Magnitude, that the first Glance of the Eye affrightens one, but I have looked at it so long that it has lost its Terror to me. Why should one by anxious—it is easy for a Man to do his Duty. He always has this in his Power and this is as much as he ought to have.
I hope Mrs Warren will give my Dutch Negotiation a Place in her History. It is one of the most extraordinary, in all the diplomatic Records, But it has succeeded to a Marvel.

Adieu


Title: Pieter van Bleiswyck to John Adams: A Translation, 19 August 1782
From: Bleiswyck, Pieter van
To: Adams, John

19 August 1782

The Counsellor Pensionary of Holland will be delighted if his excellency Mr. Adams would do him the honor of meeting with him this evening at about 7 o’clock or tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock, whichever is more convenient for his excellency

P. V. Bleiswick


Title: To John Adams from Henry Grand, 20 August 1782
From: Grand, Henry
To: Adams, John

Paris August 20th. 1782
Sir

I have had the honour of your last Letter to which the least return was a quiker aknowledgement of thanks for its particular civil contents; and I should certainly not have been deficient in that respect had it not been for the Settlement of a part of your Madeira Wine which I let a friend have, for you may well suppose that no man in the World, lett him have been ever so sincere a Wel Wisher to America, no one I say could have got the better of all that Wine in the lapse of time it has been in our Cellar; altho the Claret, from its not having filled more than half the Cask it was put in, is grown sour. The part I sold is 260 Bottles of Madeira which has cleared £325. for which you have credit upon our Books.
You have had for the remaining part a most Strict Compliance to your orders, having frequently, with american friends, toasted Success to America. I must add thereto my repeated thanks.

Being, without any publick News, a little urged by the Time, I must conclude most respectfully Sir Your most obe hub Se
Hy. Grand


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 22 August 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels Augst 22d. 1782
Sir

I Have received your Excellencys Letter of the 12th Instant. I am rejoiced that your Excellency has Got Satisfactory news from Paris and Petersbourgh. I shall Know what it is in good Time, in the mean while confiding myself on your Excellencys Contentment, I am Easy.
I wish the measure recommended in the Leiden Papers was adopted the Effect upon England and other Powers would be Obvious. Nothing in the great Line can be expected from Lord Shelburne. He has too great an Idea of his own Artifice to think of adopting a liberal Plan. His sending Vaughan to Passy is an affront and not a Compliment. Vaughan was a patriot of Old and while He pretended to be so offered to bribe the Duke of Grafton to give Him a place under Governments. The transaction was made public and both parties became ridiculous.
I have read some of the puffs in the English newspapers and have always Laughed at them, there is nothing either of Policy or Philosophy in them. Did I want Proofs of the baseness of a Man the Arts made use of to set Himself off and tarnish the reputation of others, would be sufficient.
I have had delivered to me certain State Papers; They alone are sufficient, even as they now are, to give a Preeminence in the Eyes of Posterity to your Negociaters, but when they shall be accompanied by a recital of what has privately passed (and surely they will be so one time or other,) your Excellencys Mission will have the greatest Eclat.
I send inclosed a Paper, received by the last Post, which shews that something will be done with the long lost performance. I wish it may be published to your Excellencys Satisfaction. It is to be looked for in the General Advertiser.
Mr Barclay and Mr Ridley left me Yesterday I have had the greatest Satisfaction in their Company. We talked of your Excellency much and with mutual pleasure. I am particularly Happy that my Friend Mr Ridley has had your Excellencys Confidence. His Respect and Esteem for your Excellency are equal to my Wishes and expectations.
I beg leave to ask whether your Excellency has receivd a Letter wherein I gave you an extract of a letter from Mr Laurens.

I am with the greatest Respect Sir your Excellencys most Obedient Humbl Sert
Edm: Jenings