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

Amsterdam the 11th. May 1782
Sir

Mr. Fynje having communicated us his conversation with your Excellency last evening, we beg leave to assure you, that we’ll gladly do all what lays in our power to give you Satisfaction; We therefore to convince you of our inclination in this respect do without any hesitation Accept of the terms you proposed of 4 1/4 pct. for the Remedium and other Charges.
The other point we’ve proposed to your Excellency Since we are greatly of opinion that it would contribute very much to the Success of the Loan, which we most heartly do wish to execute with honor and reputation. Since your Excellency however doth not chuse to comply with our wishes, we think it our duty to consider Such measures, as may enable us to agree with your Excellency in this point also.

As it now will be necessary to have an enterview with the undertakers, and Should be glad to have the concurrence of Mr. Van Vloten; who yet considers himself bound untill he is discharged either by your Excellency or Mr. Hodshon, we beg leave therefore to desire your Excellency to furnish us with a note for him to this purpose.
We have the honor to be most respectfully Sir! Your Excellency’s most obedt. & hble. Servts.

Wilhem & Jan WillinkNico. & Jacob van Staphorstde la Lande & fÿnje


Title: To John Adams from Jacob Roorda, 12 May 1782
From: Roorda, Jacob
To: Adams, John

Harlinqué Le 12e. mai 1782
Monsieur

Selon votre desir je prens la Liberté de vous Envoÿer celle ci en François, mais comme cette Langue ne m’est pas Si familliere, de pouvoir vous marquer tout ce que j’ai dit dans ma precedente et comme je ne doute pas ou vous aurez bien la bonté de m’excuser, quand j’ÿ commets tant et plus des Fautes, La Semaine passée j’ai pris la Liberté de vous marquer mes Vrais Sentiments à L’Egard de L’independance, des traise Etats de L’Amerique, en vous temoingnant ma reconnoissance pour vous, qui est venu ici, pour procurer à votre comme à notre Republique un traité bien avantageux le quel produira un Heureux avenir, et je Souhaitois que vous eussiez le bonheur d’être Couronné du bon Succes; et comme La Province de Frise est glorieuse de ce quelle à eté la Premiere qui à Conclue à cet important Evenement, et que les Habitans et Les Etudiants de la Ville de Franeker Sont à Comble de leur Joÿe, qu’ils font faire un feux d’Artifice, le quel dit on Sera fort Joli, Si vous eussiez le desir de venir voir la Province de Frise, ou Si vous aviez de L’inclination de voir ce feux d’Artifice, pour etre temoin de la reconnoissance de Ses Jeunes gens pour ce noble Evenement ils vous auront beaucoup de l’oblgation de vouloir bien assister à Cette Fête. Je vous prie de vouloir avoir la bonté de venir Chez moÿ, je vous offre en bon Frison ma Maison, et je ferai tout mon pouvoir de vous faire le temps que vous passerez ici aussi agreable qu’il me Sera possible, vous m’obligerez infinement.
Je me flatte que vous M’honnorerez d’une reponse Satisfaisante, alors j’aurai L’honneur de vous marquer le temps precis, quand on aura cette Fête; en attendant je me recommande dans vos bonnes graces, et Suis avec un profond Respect, Monsieur, Votre Tres Humble et Obeïssant Serviteur

Jacob Roorda


Title: Jacob Roorda to John Adams: A Translation, 12 May 1782
From: Roorda, Jacob
To: Adams, John

Harlingen, 12 May 1782
Sir

According to your wish, I take the liberty of writing this in French, but as this language is not so familiar to me, I will not include everything that I wrote in my preceding letter and have no doubt that you will be so kind as to excuse my many errors. Last week, I took the liberty of writing to you with my true feelings regarding the independence of the thirteen American states and also as proof of my gratitude to you for coming here in order to obtain a treaty between your republic and ours, a treaty that will prove advantageous to a happy future, and I wished that you would be successful. And, as the province of Friesland takes glory in being the first to recognize this important event, and as the inhabitants and students of the town of Franeker are so overjoyed, there are going to be very beautiful fireworks to see, should you have the desire to come to Friesland. These young people will be very obliged to you if you could attend the celebration to be witness to their recognition of this noble event. Like any good Frieslander, I offer you my home, and I will do everything possible to make your stay here agreeable. This would greatly oblige me.
I flatter myself that you will honor me with a satisfactory reply, then I will be able to tell you the exact date of the celebration. Meantime, I wish to remain in your good graces and am with deep respect, sir, your very humble and obedient servant

Jacob Roorda


Title: From John Adams to Francis Dana, 13 May 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Dana, Francis

Hague, Hotel des Etats Unis de L’ Amerique,May 13. 1782
My dear Friend

Yours of April 12/23 is just come to hand: Last night, for the first time, I Slept in this House, and I hope that the Air of the Hague will have a good Effect upon my Health, otherwise I must embark for the blue Hills.
The Independance of America, has been acknowledged by this Republick, with a Solemnity and Unanimity, which has made it, in a peculiar Sense the National Act. The Publication of the Memorial of the 19 of April 1781, Sett all the Writers of Gazettes and Pamphlets to work to propagate and illustrate the Hints thrown out by it, so that in the Course of a years time, the People were universally convincd and their Zeal was animated, to such a Degree, that When the Plott came to its unravelling, they threw out Testimonies and Arguments in their Requetes which must do great service to the American Cause. The Ennemy have perceived this, and have done all they could, to prevent an Extensive Publication of them.
Pray let me know what Gazettes or periodical Papers are published with you and in what Languages, and whether there is any Indulgence to the Press with you.
I have laid before their H. M. a Plan of a Treaty, which I hear no objection to, and am told by the grand Pensionary will be settled in about 2 Weeks. The other matter is not yet Stirred. I shall wait for the advice of allies in this Case, although I ventured to go against it, in the former.
Once in my Life, the Words Piddling &c cost me, very dear: but I Shall never get them out of my Head: I shall be plagued with Piddling Politicians as long as I live: at least, untill I retire from the Political Career to the blue Hills. There are at this Moment So many Politicians piddling about Peace, general, and Seperate, that I am Sick to death of it. Why is there not one Soul in Europe, capable of Seeing the plainest Thing in the World. Any one of the neutral Powers, Saying to the Rest,

America is one of us, and We will all Share in her Commerce. Let us all as one declare it.
These Words once pronounced, Peace is made, or at least Soon and easily made. Without it all may nibble and piddle and dribble and fribble: waste a long time, immense Treasures and much human Blood. And they must come to it at last.
The new British Ministers blunder at first Setting out. They had but one System to choose, which could succeed and that they have missed.
They must come to it, finally: but it will be after an opposition Shall be formed and cemented, which will give them much trouble and make them unpopular.
No News from America, a long time, except of the Safe Arrival of my dear Charles.


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

On 14 May 1782, two days after John Adams moved into the new American legation, John Thaxter inventoried the household furnishings. On 16 Oct., the day before Adams left The Hague for Paris and the peace negotiations, Thaxter likely reviewed his inventory, focusing on the glass- and dinnerware, to determine what had been added since 14 May or was missing or broken (see No. I, note 1, below). Thaxter’s inventories are not as detailed as those done by Marie Dumas, the housekeeper at the legation and C. W. F. Dumas’ wife, on 22 and 24 June 1784. Although the inventories were done at different times over a period of about two years and must contain items obtained after the move to the legation, they are printed here because it is likely that many of the items described by Marie Dumas in her inventories were present but not included by Thaxter in his 1782 inventories. For the nature of the document from which the inventories are taken, see the descriptive note to John Thaxter’s inventories (No. I, below). Note that French and Dutch words or phrases used by John Thaxter in his inventories have been translated in brackets following the entry in which they are used, while Marie Dumas’ inventories have been translated in full following the format for translations of other foreign language documents.
The inventories provide an excellent account of the furnishings of an eighteenth-century residence, in this case the American legation at The Hague. Marie Dumas’ 1784 inventories likely include all or most of the furnishings that were moved in 1785 from The Hague to the new American legation at Grosvenor Square in London. Unfortunately the lack of a corresponding inventory for the London legation makes it impossible to know precisely what was transferred from The Hague to London. Nor is it possible to know definitively, solely from the descriptions in the inventories, what furnishings originally at The Hague were retained by the Adamses when they returned to the United States in 1788 and may now be at the Adams National Historical Park.


Title: I. John Thaxter’s Inventories of Household Furnishings, 14 May – 16 October 1782
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, John

Inventory

A true copy of the Inventory made by Mr. John Thaxter

14 may 178216 octr. 1782

12 chafing Dishes
30 Bocale Goblets—2 broken
4 salt sellers, Ghrystal
22 English Wine Glasses flat—10 Wanting
9 Dozen and 2 Wine Glasses small—14 gone
4. Décanters
11. dito flat
23 Wine glasses bought by mad: dumas
19 Rhenish Glasses.
12 small Décanters bought by mad: Dumas
2 Castors.
12 Liqueur Glasses böt by Mad: Dumas.
1 Lantern.
5 Beer Glasses.

this received in good order
(was signed) Lotter.

8 yellow metal candlesticks
4 Weights of Copper
3 little Bells.
12 Water plates.
1 pair scales.
3 Wash Basons, Queéns, Ware
6 Blue spitting pots.

Queéns Ware.
3 Doz. and 9. Queéns Ware soop Plates—9 Wanting
8 Doz. et 3. dito flat plates—12 Wanting
6. Great round Dishes.
3. dito round Dishes.
8. dito.
2. dito oval
3. dito round and Deep—1. broken
2 dito round &c.
1 Turen and its Plate.
4 paniers avec leurs assiettes baskets with their plates for strawberrys
5 butter boats—2. Wanting
2. Three cornered plates
3. sous coup saucers
2. fait a coeur heart shaped
4. cal.
14. little dessert plates—1 wanting
2. Trouels. fish knives

this Articles received in good order
(Was signed) Lotter.

1 faire soupe.
3 Doz. et 9. small Bowls—5. Wanting
5 Doz. Plates for the Bowls—6. wanting
5 Bowls for chocolate
13 Sugar Pots.
4 Doz. and 8. large cups.
5. Doz. saucers and 2.
3. Doz. and 8 ordinary Tea cups—11. Wanting
4. Doz. and 4. Saucers.—2. Wanting
10 Tea pots—3 little broken
5 mugs
6 cream Pots
2 Larger Sorts Pots a créme
9. pieds aux oeufs—Egg Pots
8 pepper Pots
5 Salt Sellers.
4. mustard pots
1 coffee pot—broken
2 Sallad Plates.

received this above Articles in good Order
(Was Signed) Lotter.

Porcelaine Blue service
4 Great Dishes deep
4 dito flat.—1 broken
8 dito flat.
7 Small.
8 Small dito
4 Dégoutieres strainers
4. Turens with their tops
47. Soop plates
9. Doz. and 8 plates flat—5 Wanting
23 little flat plates
22 little deep plates
12 Sallad plates.
8 butter boats
8. Salt Sellers.

the full content of this received in good order
(Was Signed) F. Lotter.

Porcelaine de saxe
1 Tea pot and its saucer
1 tea canister
1 cream pot With its Saucer
1 Bowl with its Saucer
1 Sugar pot With its Saucer
6 coffee cups.
12 tea cups
12 Saucers.

another Set of porcelaine
1 tea pot
1 cream pot
2 sugar pots
12 tea cups
12 saucers
12 coffee cups
12 saucers
1 Bowl with its saucer
1 tea pot
1 cream pot
1 bowl
12 cups
12 saucers.
1 Punch Bowl.

this I have received in good order
(was signed) Lotter.

Blue porcelaine
1 tea pot with its Saucer
1 tea canister
1 Bowl with its saucer
1 sugar pot with its dito
11 cups one broken.
8 saucers.

this Articles received in good order.

2 oval affairs for Wine glasses
2 round dito for Tea
6 plattes for Bottles
17. dito for Wine glasses
16 Blac

this 5 articles received in good order
(was signed) Lotter

Bought by Madam Dumas.
3 Grand compots—chrystal 3 large crystal fruit-bowls
6 dito avec leurs couveriles 6 ditto with their lids
4 dito Sans couverts 4 ditto without lids
2 Pots de moutarde avec Leurs cuilleres 2 mustard pots with their spoons

received this Articles in a good order
(Was Signed) F: Lotter.

Mr. A.
1 Feather Bed

Mr. T.
3 Feather Beds
2 Feather Beds—chamber opposite
1 little chamber
1 good Feather
2 for Servants.
10

Mr. A.
1 matrass
3 little chamber
m. T.
2
6.

Bolsters.
1—chamber
3 little chamber
mr. T.
2
mr. A.
1
2 Servants
9

pillows
8 little chamber
2 mr. T.
1 mr. A.
4 servants.
15

Strawbeds
mr. A.
2.
2. m. T.
4. servants
8.

Blankets.
1 mr. a.
5 little chamber
1 little chamber
3 mr.—T.
4 jacob and john
2 girls.
16.

Coverlids
1 chamber
1 mr. A.
2 mr. T. chamber
1 little chamber
1 girls
6.

Alle the Beddings received as in the Lÿst mentioned
(Was Signed) F: Lotter.

52 Draps 52 sheets
13 nappes fines 13 fine tablecloths
5 nappes pour la cuisine 5 tablecloths for the kitchen
53 nappes serviettes fines dito 3 more 53 fine napkins ditto 3 more
11 Essuimains 11 towels
3 petits dito 3 small ditto
19 toits de lits 19 canopies
4 tablier pour Les Domestiques 4 aprons for the servants
34 grosse Serviettes, 34 large napkins (ceci nest pas sur Linventaire de mr. J. Thaxter) This is not on Mr. J. Thaxter’s inventory.
7 Russen sloopen Russian pillow-cases
6 white waiscoats and 3 pair of breeches.

received all Well(was signed) F: Lotter.


Title: II. Marie Dumas’ Inventory of Household Furnishings: A Translation, 22 June 1784
From: Dumas, Marie
To:

22 June 1784

Inventories of everything belonging to his Excellency Mr. Adams, esquire, as well as what I received from Amsterdam that I purchased per order of his Excellency Mr. Adams, and also items that I purchased that were absolutely necessary for his home. Several articles will not be found on Mr. Thaxter’s inventory, such as chairs, tables, carpets of all sorts, mirrors, beds, and several articles of useful furnishings necessary to run a household. Done by me, Marie Dumas, at The Hague, 22 June 1784.

Furniture in the anteroom
16 green damask chairs and their covers.

2 ditto armchairs and their covers.

1 new Turkish rug

2 gray toile curtains

2 gauze curtains with brass rods

Living room
1 large new Turkish rug

2 large pieces of the same added to the large carpet at the hearth

1 red damask settee and cushions

6 ditto armchairs with their down cushions.

6 ditto armchairs without cushions

4 damask curtains and their rods

8 tassels with their cords.

1 large gilded mirror.

1 large marble tabletop and marble base.

Dining room
2 Turkish carpets attached together

1 round gilded mirror

2 large gray toile curtains

2 gauze curtains with brass rods.

12 chairs with green upholstery

2 ditto armchairs.

Mr. Thaxter’s bedroom upstairs
1 large red floral English carpet

2 assembled mahogany camp beds

1 round gilded mirror.

1 brown oak table with two drawers

1 mahogany desk with three drawers

1 dressing mirror with three drawers and a key.

6 chairs with green upholstered seats and backs

1 brown thing with two drawers to hold water for washing with a hand towel.

1 yellow porcelain bowl

1st prepared bed
1 blue and white mattress

1 featherbed

1 bolster

1 cushion

2 sheets marked I.A. 41.

1 canopy marked I.A. 33.

1 wool blanket with red and yellow embroidered corners

1 floral cotton quilt with a red background.

2nd prepared bed
1 blue and white mattress

1 featherbed

1 bolster

1 cushion

1 sheet marked I.A. 41.

1 sheet marked I.A. 11.

1 canopy marked I.A. 33.

1 wool blanket with red and yellow embroidered corners

1 white floral cotton quilt with a red background.

1 iron grate

1 set of tongs.

Balcony room
1 assembled mahogany camp bed

1 blue and white mattress

1 featherbed

1 bolster

1 cushion

2 sheets marked I.A. 11:

1 canopy marked I.A. 33.

1 wool blanket with red, black and green corners.

1 floral cotton quilt with a white and red background.

1 black leather chest with a drawer

Mr. J.Q. Adams’ bedroom
1 Turkish English red floral carpet

1 round gilded mirror

1 dressing mirror with three drawers

1 mahogany desk with 4 closed drawers

1 portrait of Mr. Washington with a gilded frame.

1 small closed writing box

1 brown thing with two drawers and a yellow porcelain bowl and pitcher for washing and a hand towel

1 grate

1 broom.

1 set of tongs

1 brown oak table with two closed drawers with a closed writing desk on top with a green blotter

1 pewter writing case

6 chairs with red upholstery

3 closed chests

1 small-corded box where I keep my seal

1 round painted table

1 cabinet with a list of the books it contains of which I have a copy

1 cabinet with a list of its contents of which I have a copy

1 wardrobe with the list of its contents of which I have a copy

1 assembled mahogany bed

2 small straw mattresses

1 green and white mattress

1 featherbed

1 bolster

1 cushion

2 sheets marked I.A. 41.

1 canopy marked I.A 33.

1 wool blanket marked in each corner with yellow, black and green.

1 blue and white floral cotton blanket with a red background.

1 yellow porcelain chamber pot

1 small silver candelabra that I returned to his Excellency Mr. Adams.

His Excellency Mr. Adams’ bedroom
3 Turkish carpets attached together.

3 mahogany desks each with three drawers

1 mahogany secretary with a locked drawer

1 marquetry secretary with a drawer.

1 mahogany cabinet with 3 drawers.

2 small mahogany tables each with one drawer

1 larger mahogany table with one drawer and a green table cloth.

1 large mirror in a gilded frame.

2 dressing mirrors each with 3 drawers

The portrait of his Excellency Mr. Adams in a gilded frame.

The portrait of Mr. J.Q. Adams in a gilded frame

The portrait of Mr. C: Adams in a gilded frame

1 brown thing with two drawers, a yellow porcelain pitcher and a hand towel used for washing.

2 mahogany tables with 17 large boards and 12 small ones.

1 mahogany ladder that opens.

1 mahogany tea box with three copper boxes

1 mahogany tobacco box

1 mahogany box for razors

1 painted tin box

1 black leather box with nailhead trim.

6 green upholstered chairs with matching backs

1 thermometer

1 grate, 1 set of tongs, and a broom.

1 small white case

1 silver sword and a switch decorated in silver.

1 whip, and two hats.

1 assembled mahogany camp bed with four green damask curtains and the flap in the same fabric 10 tassels with the top adorned with fringe.

2 straw mattresses

1 green and white mattress

1 featherbed

1 bolster

1 cushion

2 sheets marked I.A. 10

1 canopy marked I.A. 33.

1 wool blanket with corners embroidered in red and yellow

1 red floral cotton quilt with a white background

1 damask bed spread lined with taffeta.

2 gray toile curtains at the windows

1 yellow porcelain chamber pot.

 All this Articles I have found so as they are cited here (was signed) F. Lotter.

In the storeroom
2 floral footed dessert dishes.

4 of the same without flowers.

2 bottles of gherkins

1 bottle of capers.

1 bottle of Moroccan liqueur

1 ditto of orange liqueur

2 lanterns for the front of the house

2 covers ditto, green and gold.

3 English carpets

1 small piece ditto

2 small pieces of Turkish carpets

2 iron foot warmers

1 iron stove

1 basket of pipes

2 green gauze curtains sewn together and with brass rod.

2 red table cloths for his Excellency’s bedroom

Vestibule
1 lantern painted green and gilded, with a board

1 mahogany leaf for the mahogany table.

1 pieces black carpet

On the stairs
3 english carpets

29 brass rods to attach them

58 brass fasteners for attaching to the step

In the pathway
2 green benches.

3 mats.

received these articles in good order.

Kitchen
1 soap dish

30 tin molds

1 large table with two drawers

1 tin plated cauldron for boiling water

1 round table with one drawer

1 tin plated cauldron for monsieur’s tea.

2 large white boxes

1 tray to chop vegetables

1 vegetable chopping board

1 large stove and its stand.

6 sieves

1 perse with three drawers

1 tin box painted with red and yellow flowers

1 gréve dish

1 syringe for the windows

1 pudding mold

6 rods to hang laundry

1 bellows.

2 lanterns for the servants

1 green barrel with iron bands

2 [spits?].

In the second storeroom
1 camp bed

1 chest with linens

Room adjoining the servants’ room
1 desk with a green blotter, writing case and bell

2 straw mattresses

1 featherbed

1 bolster

1 cushion

2 sheets marked I.A. 41.

1 canopy marked I.A. 8.

2 wool blankets marked in each corner

1 cotton blanket with a red background and white flowers

Servants’ bed
2 straw mattresses

1 featherbed

1 bolster

2 cushions

2 sheets marked I.A 41.

1 canopy marked I.A. 8.

2 wool blankets marked in each corner.

received the Same

Cook’s bed
1 featherbed

1 bolster

1 cushion

2 sheets marked I.A. 41

1 canopy marked I.A. 8.

2 wool blankets

received as Stands here mentioned (was signed) F. Lotter.


Title: III. Marie Dumas’ Inventory of Household Furnishings, 24 June 1784
From: Dumas, Marie
To:

24 Juin 1784

Inventaires de la Batterie de cuisine, selon que je l’ai recue de Monsieur John Thaxter, et come Son Excellence Monsieur Adams, pourra toujours voir Sur le compte du ferblantier, qui a tout Etainne la dite Batterie de cuisine Selon L’accord que l’on avoit fait avec lui, Les comptes ont Eté Livrés à Son Excellence Monsieur Adams dans L’année 1782.

12 casseroles
12 couvercles
2 rond d’une tartiere
2 tartierres
2 couvercles
1 dégoutiere profonde
1 dito platte
3 marmittes
3 couvercles
1 grande avec Son couvercles
1 placque ou l’on cuit le poisson dans Le chaudron
2 grand chaudron avec leurs deux couvercles
1 dito sans couvercle
2 Ecumoir de fer blanc
1 chocoladiere
1 cafetierre
1 Etouffoir avec deux couvercles
1 couvercle de cuivre
1 chaudron pour L’eau
2 chaines
1 grille avec un trift.
2 petites cuillieres D’Etaing
2 trepieds
3 blaakers de cuivre
1 dito de fer blanc
1 Lechefrite de cuivre
2 fers pour mettre devant Le tourne broche
1 tournebroche avec Son appareil
4 blakers peint
1 moulin a caffé
2 balance de cuivre et Le poids dito
1 rol plank et un rouleau
2 fer pour La Viande au tournebroche
1 couteau pour hacher
1 pot de fer pour les cendres.
1 sceau pour aller au marché
2 Bak de mahonny pour couvrir la table
7 cuillieres D’Etaing.

all this articles foundin good order.(Was Signed) F: Lotter

A true Copy of What is Wanting
1 greén carpet of the table
1 oval Affair for Wine Glasses
1 blue flate Dish broken
1 Wine glass of the 9 Dozen Wanting
2 Decanters of the 11 Wanting
2 Bowls of 3 Doz. en 9 Wanting
1 Saucer of 5 Doz. and 2. Wanting
3 cups of 3 Doz. and 8. Wanting
7 Saucers of 4 Doz. and 2. Wanting
1 Sugar pot of 13 Wants
1 milk pot of 6. Wants.
1 mustard pot of the 4. Wants.
1 Salt Seller of 5. Wants.
1 Koffy pot of madam Dumas.
2 Little dessert plates of 13 Wants
3 butter boats of 5 Wants
1 round Dish of 8 Wants 3/poid
2 plates of 7 Doz. and 3 Wanting amongst 3 Defect
10 Soup plates of 3 Doz. Wants.
1 Saucer to the Bowl Wants
1 Saucer of the Sugar pot Wants
2 blue cups of 10 Wants.
1 round Looking glass.

Je certifie moi marie Dumas, que ce que monsieur Lotter a mentionné ci dessus est vrai en foi de quoi je lui Signe ceci pour lui Servir pour Sa justification, Lorsquil devra rendre les Effets, quil à déclare par sa Signature avoir recu de moi.

Fait a La Haie Le 24e. Juin 1784.
(ettoit signé) marie Dumas.


Title: From John Adams to Jacob Roorda, 16 May 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Roorda, Jacob

The Hague May 16. 1782
Sir

I have just now received the Letter, which you did me the Honour to write me, on the twelfth of this Month, and am much obliged to you, for your Congratulations on an Event, which is So much to the Honour and Interest of the two Republicks, to me an abundant Reward for all the dangerous Voyages, fatiguing Journeys and other disagreeable Circumstances, which I have been obliged to Submit to in pursuit of it.
The Province of Friesland has done itself immortal Honour by being the Second Sovereign State in Europe, which has acknowledged the Independence of the new World.
It would give me much Pleasure, if it were, in my Power to assist at the feast of the Students at Francker: but my Engagements are Such that it will be impossible. I must therefore beg the favour of you to present them my Compliments and make them my Excuses. If my Son were here I would Send him to this Feast, that he might improve those Sentiments and Feelings of Liberty, which a young American may be disposed to have, by conversing with the Youth, and breathing the free Air of Friesland. But he is in Russia.
The young Gentlemen of Friesland, will live to see their new Ally, one of the most flourishing and powerfull States in the World, and to consider the late Event as one of the most important Steps, which their Country, ever took. At that time, which is not very distant, Although, I may not live to see it, they will be pleased to recollect, their Rejoicings upon this occasion: and I flatter myself they will not forget a Man, who has taken some Pains and run Some Risques, to form the first Connections between the two Republicks.

With great Respect &c


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 16 May 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels May 16. 1782
Sir

I have receivd a Letter from Mr B of the 3d, wherein He says; that He has every reason in the World to Think, that what He had said to me in the preceeding Letter, (Extracts from which I took the Liberty of sending to your Excellency) was Justly founded, that Mr L is doubtful, whether He shall Act in Character, and that He is well receivd. I doubt not of this Gentleman Acting rightly, but I find that his Stay in England gives Uneasiness and Suspicion, which are not lessened by the reports, that He has been in Holland. If He has not been there, your Excellency can clear up the matter to the Confusion of Mr Ls Ennemies.
I understand, that Mr Fox has sent a Mr Greenville into Holland as a private negociator. He is in the Confidence of Mr Fox. There are so many reel or pretended negociators That I distrust every thing I hear. If England meant honestly, She would declare Herself Openly.
I take the Liberty of sending the inclosed Receipt to your Excellency.
Your Excellency Knows the Cabinet is composed of the Lords Rockingham Camden Thurlow, Shelburne, Keppel Ashburton and Cavendish and Mess Fox and Conway.
Lord Rockingham is a man of a worthy Character, but is too much under the Influence of Burke, whose religion, Principles and Natural Disposition incline Him to carry Power to its Height.
Lord Camden approves of the Principles of Lord Rockingham, but having been closely connected with Lord Chatham is supposed to adopt the Ideas of Ld Shelburne. I trust however He will be Able to Correct them.
Lord Thurlow has that Kind of Honor, which haughtiness gives, and therefore Acts sometimes insolently right, but being naturally of a domineering turn is always for the full Exertion of the Prerogative.
Lord Shelburne is a man of Consummate Vanity, Meaness and falseness. He thinks Himself a great Politician, and He has certainly taken pains to get good foreign Intelligence, but I doubt whether it has improvd his Judgement. He would be Thought to be another Chatham, but He wants his greatness Sagacity and Patriotism.
Keppel is of a Whig Family and attached to Lord Rockingham. He is brave Knows his Profession as a Sailor and wishes well to the Glory of his Country.

Dunning now Lord Ashburton is the Son of an Attorney, and much fitter for his Fathers business, than to be one of the Peers, a Privy Councellor and of the Cabinet. He is made up of Quibble, His manner of reasoning is never plain and Simple, but always farfetched; He puzzles his Audience to Know what He means, and when it is Known, the mind is not convinced, but left in that Embarrassement, in which its preceding attention to discover what He would be at, had plunged it. He is a man of Vanity and pettishness. He has a Knowledge of the Law, but it is merely that of a Lawyer from the Earliest Times when He was in the Temple, He was fully possest of the Omnipotence of an Act of Parliament and no doubt stil retains that Contracted Idea, for He is most violent against the Acknowledgement of the American Independance as is His Patron Lord Shelburne, if the King should flatter these two men, He makes them his own, and by them will create Devisions, of which He will take Advantage. I do not Know, that such an Insidious nobleman as Lord S is could have found a more proper Councillor and friend than Dunning.
The bringing such a Man into the Cabinet shews in design in Lord S, to take a lead therein, and supposing Thurlow Camden and Conway to concur with Him agst the America Independance, that Event is not likely to take place yet awhile, Thurlow however it is supposed will retire Soon. Lord Camden may perhaps influence in some degree Lord Shelburne and Conway may be governed by Burke, and distress may compell the great Ennemy Himself to Submit to reason Justice and Humanity.
Lord John Cavendish is the representative of the House of Devonshire in the ministry. He is Attached to Lord Rockingham by Revolution Principles—He is a man of Merit, what Kind of Financier He will make, time must Shew, but as an honest man with good Assistance, He may do as well as the embarrassed Situation of Affairs will permit.
Conway is supposed to be against the Independancy of America, but his is an uncertain Character, proceeding either from meaness of his family, which may lead Him to snatch the moment of changing to his Advantage, or from his natural Temper. He seems to bee under the Influence of Burke, who has thrust Him forward on two occasions to the Gratification of his Vanity, for he has been succesful in two important motions.
Mr Foxs former Course of Life is against Him but He has lately taken a great Line, and was the principal means of turning out the late ministry. He is much inclined to Acknowledge the Independancy of America, and the making a general Peace, As is the Duke of Richmond with whom He is Connected.
The Cabinet being thus Composed, there seems to be but little appearance of Unanimity therein, particularly as the Head of all acts a most Hypocritical part, pretending the Utmost Satisfaction, and Confidence in the new men, whilst He Encourages his former dependants to oppose every measure of Reform. Your Excellency cannot but Observe the Conduct of Thurlow Loughborough and Mansfield in the Contracters Bill. I cannot think, that the solid reasons given by Lord Camden in Support of that measure had their due Effect; His Threat to retire had perhaps more, it Kept the faction in order for that Moment, but it may encourage its opposition, with effect, when its Machination are complete, I do not Judge of the Temper of the Court merely by what these Law Lords said in that Debate, but this Conduct of the Bishop of Chester, who was made one of the Heirrarchy by the King and Queen without the Inclination of Ministers, affords me a more certain clue to the real desposition of the Times, being that man will have his Reward.
Your Excellency cannot but have Observd, What Mr Fox has said relative to the Dutch war, and will make your ordinary good Use of it.
In short, altho the grand band of Robbers and Murderers is dispersed others may collect themselves, and therefore it is Necessary, that we should go armed.
I am with greatest Respect Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servt,

Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 16 May 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels May. 16. 1782
Sir

I take the Liberty of writing to your Excellency this Letter, expresly to recommend my Friend Mr Ridley to your Excellencys Notice. I Knew Him long in England and Ever found Him warm, Active and Affectionate to the Cause of America, we left the Ennemys Country together. He has since been in America where He signalized Himself, in being very instrumental in providing Vessels for transporting Genl Washingtons Troops, from the Head of Chesepeak to York Town, and in raising a Body of 80 Horse, in which He acted as Adjutant and Treasurer refusing any higher Post. He had the Honor of Chacing Tarllton. He has the Esteem of General Washington Lincoln and the Marquis de la Fayette, and indeed He is most intimate with the Latter and has the Confidence of the State of Maryland, from which He has now a Commission of some Trust.
I need not perhaps have mentioned the preceding circumstances to recommend my Friend to your Excellencys Acquaintance. I Know not either your Excellency or Him, if He does not recommend Himself more strongly, to your Approbation and Esteem, than any words of mine can do; for I think you will find in Him a Knowledge of Men and Things, an Integrity Firmness and Candor, not usually met with. He has a great respect for your Excellency and He Knows other people.
I am with the greatest Consideration Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 17 May 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam the 17. may 1782
Sir

We received by Mr Fynje your Excellency’s esteemed favour of 17 inst, by whch. you are pleased to agree to all the terms we proposed by our letter of 16 inst, with this exception, that the allowance, for remedium of negotiating, and paying out the money, brokeridge, Notary Stamps, and all expences whatsoever, and also for the final redeeming of the negotiated Sum, all together is to be fixed at 4 1/2 ⅌C: at once. Whch. being considered by us, we accept of it, to open the Loan, and to pay out in consequence of the negotiated Sum, or subscription 95 1/2 ⅌ Ct. all expences of negotiating and redeeming to our charge.
We observe the explanation of the promise of opening no other Loan, untill the 5 mills. are compleated; whch. by our writing is, also considered, only relative to your Excellency’s Person.
We beg Leave to assure your Excellency, of our best endeavours to promote the Succes of this Loan, and to desire your influencing recommandation in our favour, by the United States for their Commands.
We have the honour to Subscribe with respectfull Consideration.
Sir your Excellency’s Most Humble and most obedient Servants

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

Your Excellency will greatly oblige us with a few Lines for Answer.


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 17 May 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam the 17th. May 1782
Sir

After the letter we had the honour of writing to your Excellency having got a Conversation about the Prospectus of the Loan, we think it would be more easy and convenient for yr. Excellency, to pass five Bonds, each of one Million of Guilders in our favour, authorising and empowering us to divide them in Bonds of thousand Guilders each, under our hands, which Should be Saving a good deal of trouble to yr. Excellency in Signing, and at the Same time be much Safer by Sending over the Ratification of Congress, Since in case those five Bonds in our favor and on our names happened to fall into the hands of the Ennemy, can be of no use whatsoever, and being in blanc there remains always some Risk.
By this we take a greater charge upon us, as we’ll then also take care for the Coupons being Signed, to which however we’ll make no objection.
Inclosed we take the liberty of accompanying to your Excellency a Copy of the Prospectus, which we beg the favor of yr. Excellency to examine and to return us with your Approbation as Soon as possible, as they ought to be printed and distributed next Tuesday.

We have the honour to be most respectfully Sir! Your most obedt. & hble. Servts.
Wilhem & Jan Willink
Nichs. & Jacob van Staphorst
de la Lande & Fynje


Title: Enclosure: A Prospectus for the Dutch Loan: A Translation, 17 May 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Report
Of a loan in behalf of the United States: three million guilders, Dutch currency, with a 5 percent interest rate per year, for the time period of ten years, to be paid off by 50 f coupons, annually.
His Excellency John Adams, Minister Plenipotentiary of aforementioned United States of America &c. &c., especially authorized by the Congress, will execute this loan in three bonds, La. A, B, C, on 1 June 1782, each consisting of one million guilders, adding up to the aforementioned sum of three million guilders, in behalf of Messrs. Wilhelm & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, which will be authorized by their signatures on each 1,000 f bonds and thus 3,000 bonds, number one to 3,000, each of 1,000 f, which have been notarized by notaries public Van Kleef and Van Hole.
The annual payment of 1/5 of the total amount will be made through the drawing of lots, witnessed by the notary public and other witnesses, in the years 1793, 1794, 1795, 1796, and 1797.
The account will be opened as of now to the bookkeepers of Messrs. Wilhelm & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, and should be provided by 1 June, 1 July, 1 August, 1 September, or 1 October of this year, the date of which can be chosen by the lenders.


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 18 May 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)

The Hague May 18 1782
Gentlemen

I have just received your Favour of the Seventeenth of May, in answer to mine of the Same day by Mr Fynje and it is with great Pleasure that I perceive, We are how agreed upon the Terms.
I hope the Loan, will, in Consequence of this Agreement by opened without Loss of Time, and I wish you all the Success and Pleasure in the Prosecution of the Business that you can possibly wish your Selves.
I have the Honour to be, Gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble Servant


Title: To John Adams from Monitor, 20 May 1782
From: Monitor
To: Adams, John

Paris 20 May 1782

We are told here of a chace there has been for sometime in holland and that the name wanted to be run down is our old staunch friend de Nefville; in which base pursuit in the whole groupe of motley hounds, the mongrel Adams distinguish’d himself in such a manner that all here regretted he was not near to be rewarded as joculer by spitting in his mouth and patting his breech with their foot; which he well deserves by heading the pack of turqs and rascals who doubtless will be grateful for it as for other favors, and can do no less than second his attempts at wispering away by inuendos the Characters of every one of those to whom he owes so much of his rise and Consequces.
Blush at thy Conduct for its being worse than a dogs to want for thy Country and thyself that gratitude due to those men that have been the steps to thy elevation. Suppress that envy which merits either cause them to sicken at or raises that malignant rancour so Visible in thy countenance. Study politicks particularly that wanted in a Minister which thou mistakes in supposing it to have any affinity to the tricks or chicannery of a pettifogging Attorney our Agent Mr. Demasse is best able to teach thee that thou most wants if thou will but divest thyself of that insolent vanity and conceit which blinds thee into a belief of thy designs being impenetrable tho experience teaches thee daily the contrary, even by the miscarriages of one of thy latest schemes, thou must thyself see the flimsiness of the veil over them, and how little the mask men puts on disguises thee and still less to thy Colleagues tis hoped for thy credit the report of the Courier de basse rin is true that thy late fever has fixed on thy brain impaired thy faculties—if so phaps Congress is already apprized of it, or that thou will avail thyself of the first lucid interval to guard thyself from doing the like prejudice to the credit of America thou hast lately done by calling in the aid of other ministers who understand business, for in matters of that kind, thou must not trust it will be done to thy hand, as in that of the independence, where the people of holland or the leaders in that affair wanted only an Automaton to personate an Amcan. Minister, and which would sometimes have answerd their purpose far better as they would not have been in fear of having their business spoiled as is sometimes happen’d and advise thee again take advice, for whatever opinion the world may entertain of thy abilities as a lawyer they all know and agree thou art a most wretched politician, nor can all thy puffs and self written panegirick &c. persuade the contrary.

monitor


Title: From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 21 May 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Hotel des Etats Unis de L’Amerique, a la Haye May 21. 1782
My dear General

Yours of the Seventh of this month, was yesterday brought me, by Mr Ridley, and I thank you for your kind Congratulations, on the Progress of our Cause in the Low Countries. Have a Care, however, how you profess Friendship for me: there may be more danger in it, than you are aware of.
I have the Honour, and the Consolation to be a Republican on Principle. That is to Say, I esteem that Form of Government, the best, of which human Nature is capable. Almost every Thing that is estimable in civil Life, has originated under Such Governments. Two Republican Towns, Athens and Rome, have done more honour to our Species, than all the rest of it. A new Country, can be planted only by Such a Government. America would at this moment have been an howling Wilderness in habited only by Bears and Savages, without Such forms of Government. And it would again become a Wilderness under any other. I am not however an enthusiast, who wishes to overturn Empires and Monarchies, for the Sake of introducing Republican Forms of Government. And therefore I am no King Killer, King Hater or King Despizer. There are Three Monarcks in Europe for whom I have as much Veneration as it is lawfull for one Man to have for another. The King of France, the Emperor of Germany and the King of Prussia, are constant objects of my Admiration, for Reasons of Humanity Wisdom and Beneficence which need not be enlarged on. You may well think then, that the Information you give me, that “the King of France was pleased the other day to Speak to you, of me in terms of the highest Regard,” gave me great Pleasure.
I Shall do all in my Power to obtain here a Loan of Money but with very faint hopes of Success. In Short, there is no Money here but what is already promised to France, Spain, England Russia Sweeden Denmark, the Government here, and what will be fatal to me is the East India Comany have just opened a Loan for Nine Millions of florins under the Warrantee of the States of Holland and with an augmented Interest.
My Hopes of a Speedy Peace, are not Sanguine. I have Suspicions of the Sincerity of Lord Shelburne, Dunning and others of his Connections which I wish may prove groundless: but untill they are removed, I shall not expect a Peace. Shelbourne affects to be thought, the Chatham of the Day, without any of his great Qualities. I much fear that all their Maneuvres about Peace will turn out, but Artifices, to raise the stocks. The British Cabinet is so divided, that my Expectations are not very high. Let us be upon our Guard and prepared for a Continuance of the War. The Spaniards will demand Cessions and the Dutch Restitutions, which the English will not yet agree to, if they should get over all the Claims of France and America.
I Should be very happy to have a personal Conversation with you, but this will hardly take Place, untill full Powers arrive in Paris from London and I know very well that whether in America or Versailles or Paris, you will be constantly usefull, to America, and Congress will easily approve of your Stay where you are, untill you shall think it more for the publick Good to go elsewhere.
With great Affection and Esteem I have the Honour to be &c


Title: To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 21 May 1782
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

Florence 21. May 1782
Sir

Permit me to congratulate your Excellency on your complete success, which I am confident is owing to your prudent, wise, and indefatigable endeavours, at least as much as to certain favourable circumstances. From this place I knew, perhaps better than you could, all the obstacles you had to surmount; which would not be surprising, as it is natural to suppose that you have almost constantly kept company with the independent and patriotick part of the Inhabitants, while I was in the way of being informed of the most refined intrigues of the opposite party from an unquestionable Authority. I have spoken of your Excellency to a great Personage, and mentioned more than once that if any good could be made of the Dutch, you was in my opinion the most proper person to bring them to it, just as I had the honour to write you in my letter of 28. March 1781. I congratulate your Excellency once more, because you have really gained a great point. The Personage in question had his doubts to the last moment.
I took the liberty to trouble you again the 24 and 31. of May following, but having not been honored since with an answer, I am still in doubt whether it did proceed from want of leasure, or from my letters being miscarried. Since that time I have recd. of the Govt. of Virginia the duplicates of my Commissions and Instructions, which were kept either by Mr. Penet, or Dr. Franklin, about a year in France, and at last sent from Passy, and left at Mr. Favi’s house in Paris by an unknown person, without any message, together with 4. letters from the Govr., and one from the Board of Trade. The Govr. writes me that it is the 4th. set of duplicates they have sent me. The letters being now almost 2. years old can be of no service.
I think I told you, Sir, that according to my Instructions I was impowered to give only 5. ⅌ % interest for the money I was to borrow on the credit of my State, and that after I had heared from Dr. Franklin (with whom my Instructions direct me to confer and avail myself of his information and advice) that he had tried to raise money for Congress in Genoa at 6., I had written to the Govt. of Virginia desiring them to enlarge my Powers accordingly. In a letter I wrote them afterwards from Genoa, which I inclosed unsealed to your Excellency before I knew you had left Paris, I informed them that I might raise some money there at 5., allowing 3. or 4. ⅌ % for charges at first, once for ever, as it had been done for the Queen of Hungary, the Ducal Chamber of Milan, and others, which is much cheaper to the borrower than one ⅌ % annually. After receiving the honour of your letter last year, I informed them of what you had written to me in money-matter, of my answer to you on the subject, and desired them, in case the conditions on which the Loan could be obtained did not suit them, to let me know it, and give me leave to act for Congress. The only letter I have recd. since is from Col. Maddison, dated Philadelphia 25. October 1781., in which he tells me that my cipher was lost in the late confusions in Virginia, therefore that I must make no more use of it in my future correspondence, and refers to 2. preceding letters which I have not received. I am at a loss what to do, and know nobody to consult for advice but your Excellency. Could my finances afford it, I would immediately set out for Holland.
As to finances, in one of the said letters the Govr. orders me to draw the sum of 300. louis on the House of Penet & Co:; and says “you will therefore consider yourself as authorised to draw on them for that sum and be assured that your draught will be honored.” In another letter, in which he tells me some thing of the transactions of our State with that House, he says “we have been very attentive to the strengthening their hands.” My bill for the 300. Louis was protested, on pretence of having no funds in their hands belonging to the State of Virginia. I have since heared from a young Virginian Gentleman now in France, son to our Col. George Mason, that Penet had recd. orders from Govt. to pay me 6, or 700. Louis, but “by the by (says he) I have been lately informed that Mr. Penet has protested bills to a considerable amount, drawn on him by the Virginia Agent at New-Orleans.” Mr. Lynch from Nantes writes me in the mean time that Mr. Penet’s affaires are in a sad condition. I have not recd. any money from Virginia ever since I had the pleasure to see you. Had I not had some property and good Friends in this part of the World, I should have been in a deplorable situation. But now the delay begins to be unbearable, and I often think of going to France, and embark for America. I want your advice to sanctify my resolution. Pray, dear Sir, do not deny it me; honour me with an answer, and please to have it delivered to the Director Genl: of the Dutch Post, to whom this is inclosed by the Director Genl: of the Post in Tuscany, who, besides being my Friend, is ordered to take particular care of my letters.
I am sensible of your Excellency’s multiplicity of business of the last importance; a few lines written by any body, and signed by you, is all I take the liberty to ask. And I have the honour to be most respectfully, Sir, your Excellency’s most Humble and most Obedient Servant

Philip Mazzei


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 23 May 1782
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

St. Petersbourg May 12/23 1782
Dear Sir

I had the pleasure of yours of the 28th. of April yesterday, in which you acknowledge the receipt of mine of the 28th. of March, as well as of the paper I had enclosed you in blank, and of my three letters to Mr: Livingston. I hope you will be kind enõ to transmit copies of those papers to Congress, as I do not think it prudent to hazard duplicates of them. I desired the three to Mr: Livingston to be forwarded by the same opportunity, because one of them was a duplicate, and the other two made up only one letter which, for greater safety, I had seperated and sent on to you thro different hands. I wrote to Mr: T. on the 5/16 March by a private hand to whose care I had committed four Court Almanacks and a Russian Grammer to be disposed of as mentioned in the letter. Of these I have yet heard nothing. Mr: T. makes no mention of them in his letter of the 26th. of April. Pray tell him I shall notice that letter shortly. Since mine of the 28th. of March I have wrote you twice viz. on the 12/23 of April, and on the 29th. of April O.S. The great importance of the point you have gained in Holland, will be every where felt and acknowledged, except by those to whom you allude when you speak of the “dastardly meanesses of jealousy and envy.” Your character will receive no lasting stain from their vile artifices. They may occasion some mortification for a while, but publick and private virtue will soon triumph over such Enemies. After the business you mention may be happily finished, you must remember there is another not less important still remaining, which, nothing but an absolute necessity, must induce you to think of quitting. I feel your situation or condition, for my own is not altogether unlike it. The difference however is against me. If I had succeeded in the main point, I shou’d not hesitate a moment to put in execution the plan you talk of for yourself. This I shou’d infallibly have done had I obtained that end: And how long my patience will hold out is uncertain; but it is my present determination not to pass another Winter here. Tho I have not taken the official measure heretofore mentioned, yet I have lately taken another which may possibly be productive of the same end, and in a way unattended with any hazard. I cant now explain myself further than to say, I have undertaken the task spoken of in my letter of the 12/23 of April. I have found the way open for this.
I am happy to learn that my Son has arrived in safety. I have been equally anxious with you about Master John. I must really say I think it wou’d be adviseable that he shou’d return in the way you mention to Leyden, or America; perhaps it might be best if you shou’d continue in Holland for him to go to Leyden. You will feel for my cruel situation if he shou’d leave me. When I reflect upon it myself, I almost determine this shall not be; and that at all events I will press on my business to a speedy conclusion, and quit this Country with him. You will write me more decidedly upon this subject by the return post.
I am dear Sir, with much respect and esteem your much obliged Friend, & humble Servt.

FRA DANA


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 23 May 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 23rd May 1782
Sir

As Messrs. Staphorst had to send the Prospectus of the Loan, with assurance of our respect to your Excellency, we beg Leave to refer to it.
We received this mail the following note from Cadiz—Letters from London give notice his Excellency Mr. John. Adams, authorises the privateers of his Nation, to take portugeese Ships, and shall likewise do it to take danish Ships.
As we know nothing of this, we notwithstanding take the Liberty to enquire by your Excellency abt. the truth, to be able to inform our Friend for his Large concerns rightly abt. it, wherefore a Line for answer shall greatly oblige us.
We are told your Excellency proposed himself to come in Amsterdam, of whch. we together Should be very glad, as your Excellency presence ’d surely accelerate, the readiness of the required pieces.
We have the honour to be with respectfull regard. Sir Your Excellency’s most Humble and Obedient servants

Wilhem & Jan Willink


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 24 May 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)

The Hague May 24. 1782
Gentlemen

I have recd the Letters from Messrs Van Staphorst of the 22 with the Prospectus, and to day that of Messrs Willink is come to hand. I am glad the Prospectus is published, and wish the Bonds to be prepared as soon as possible and Sent to me to Sign. They shall not wait long for my Signature.
My Friend, Mr Thaxter, is so ill of a Fever that I cannot leave him, and therefore cannot come to Amsterdam, at present. If this Gentleman who is all my Dependance should not be able to Sign the Coupons, I must authorize, your Houses or any of you to Sign them.
The Report from Cadiz, that I authorized American Privateers to take Portuguese Ships, and that I should authorize them to take Danish ones, is totally groundless. I have no Such Authority, nor has any other. On the Contrary all the Proceedings of Congress enjoin, the most exact Observance of the Principles of the Armed Neutrality, and the most equitable Respect to the Vessells of every Neutral Power, among whom Denmark and Portugal are undoubtedly numbered.

I have &c


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 24 May 1782
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 24th. May 1782
Sir

In handing your Excellcy.’s Newspapers received ⅌ the mail which arived this day from England, we add thereto an Accot. receivd. at the same time from the Dutch Consul at Plymouth with receipts for moneys paid to some prisoners in Mill prison by your directions transmitted him thro’ us. Said gentleman makes a request to us, to apply to your Excellency on behalf of a Revd. Mr. Mendes, to which all we can do is to enclose said letter for your perusal, requesting it may be return’d us afterwards with the Accot. annex’d the amount of which we have placed to the debit of that of your Excellency with us.
With all due respects We have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Mo. Obed. Humble servts.

John de Neufville & Son


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 29 May 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels May 29. 1782
Sir

Your Excellency will permit me to Congratulate you on you having before This embraced the noble Sufferer Mr Lawrens. I wish I had been a witness of the mutual pleasure you had in meeting one Another in a free Republick.
I doubt not that your Excellency has recievd the Pamphlets, which I sent by Mr Myers, and Mr Hollis Memoirs, conveyed to you by my Friend Mr Ridley. The Copy which Mr B Hollis sent your Excellency is I am Affraid lost. I therefore transmitted to you, that, which was given to me, according to my promise.
I see with pleasure that Mr Cerisier has taken up the affairs of Geneva as a matter interesting to all Republicks, which have any Connection with great monarchs. I Know not whether it will fall within that Gentlemans Plan to insert the Letter of Count de Vergennes to the republic of Geneva, which appeard I think in the Amsterdam Gazette last Octobr.—it is the Letter wherein it was declared, that France woud not Continue her Protection, and disdaind all Interference in their Affairs, but to avenge those, who might suffer, by the violence of the Citizens. The Letter was written in a Stile that effected me much, and as similar Things may happen, I wish the Letter was preserved in la politique Hollandais.

I hear that my nephew is arrivd at Boston and Therefore conceive your Son is so too. I congratulate your Excellency Thereon.
I beleive I need not say any thing more to recommend Mr Ridley to your Excellencys Acquaintance and Confidence. I think your Excellency must have seen something of Him by this time as to induce you to think, He is worthy of your Attention.
I am with the greatest Consideration Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 29 May 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John

No 7Duplicate
Philadelphia 29th May 1782
Dear Sir

It is with equal Surprize and concern that I find not the least attention paid to the several Letters I have written you since I have had the honor to be in Office. I attributed this to their not having reached you, till I saw an extract of a letter which I had written to Mr Dumas, and which went by the Same conveyance with one to you published in the Courier de l’Europe, from which circumstance I conclude it must have been received. It would give me pleasure to learn that I had been deceived in this particular—Because the punctuality with which your correspondence with Congress has hitherto been maintained would otherwise lead me to conclude that you were not satisfied with the present arrangement of the department for foreign affairs—a reflection which would be painful to me in proportion to the value I put upon your esteem. I have seen your letter of the 26th: of March to Doctor Franklin, in which you speak of the application you have had on the score of your powers to treat of a truce. This together with similar applications to Doctor Franklin, and the proposals made to the Court of Versailles convince me that it is their wish to endeavour to detach us from each other. What an insult it is to our intellects to suppose that we can be catched by this cobweb System of politicks. I entertain hopes that your answer together with that of the Count de Vergennes will teach them to think more honorably of us. Our expectations with respect to the success of your mission are considerably raised, as well by your Letter, as by other circumstances that we have learned thro’ different channels, by this time I hope you are in full possession of your diplomatic rights.

I wrote to you three days ago, since which we have nothing that deserves your attention except what you will learn by reading the enclosed to Mr Dana, sent you under a flying seal. It may be well to take some notice of this affair in the Leyden Gazette, as I doubt not, if Asgill is executed, that it will make some noise in Europe. We are distracted here by various relations of a battle fought between the fleets in the West Indies on the 12th of April. The Antigua and New York account is that the British have been victorious—that the Ville de Paris and six other ships were taken or destroyed. The French account that Rodney was defeated, and that Count de Grasse had gone to Leeward with his transports. Tho’ it is now six weeks since the action, we have nothing that can be depended upon.
I am sir, with great respect & esteem Your most obedt. humble servt

Robt R Livingston


Title: To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 30 May 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John

No. 82plicate
Philadelphia 30th. May 1782
Sir

After I had wrote the letter of yesterday and sent it off, I recieved your favours of the 4th. 21. 27 of Feby, 10. &c. 11 of March; the three last I laid before Congress this morning, that of the 21st. I have kept by me for further consideration, tho’ I think upon the whole, as you have submitted them to my discretion, that I shall lay it also before Congress.
I know they have been very solicituous to have some explanation of the Reasons, which induced you to take the step you did, those you assign in your letter are very full, and I see nothing in it, which it will not be proper for you to state to them, and it may remove some objections, that have been raised to the measure.
I frankly confess to you that the stile of that letter, pleases me better than any one you have written, it goes into minutia, that we ought to exact from all our Ministers, since nothing short of it can give us a just Idea of our foreign Politicks, as for a general state of them it may be got thro’ various channels. But every word or look of a foreign Minister or popular Leader may serve to explain matters, which are otherways inexplicable.
I am sorry for the difficulty the cypher occasions you, it was one found in the Office, and is very incomplete. I enclose one that you will find easy in the practice, and will therefore write with freedom directing your letters not to be sunk in case of danger as many are lost by that means, want of time induces me to send you a sett of Blanks for Mr. Dana, which you will oblige me by having filled up from yours, with the same Cyphers, and transmitted by a careful hand to him, this will make one cypher common to all three, which I think will on many occasions be of use to you and Mr. Dana.
I am very glad to hear of your proposed removal to the Hague, as it is the proper stage on which to display your Abilities and Address. I cannot hope to get any determination of Congress on the subject of your purchase in time to be transmitted by this conveyance, when another offers, you shall hear from me, can nothing be done towards procuring a loan from Holland on account of the public 10,000000 of Livres would set our Affairs here on the most respectable footing, we have just recieved an account from Charles Town of the victory obtained by Rodney, this is a severe blow, but I hope will come too late to effect the Politicks of the United Provinces. In the United States it will I hope have no other effect, than to urge us to greater exertions, and a reliance upon our own strength, rather than on foreign Aid, you will be pleased to furnish me with the most minute details of every step that Britain may take towards a negotiation for a general or partial peace.
I am Sir with great Respect and Esteem your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

Robt R Livingston


Title: To John Adams from Gerbrand Ravekes & J. G. Thin van Keulen, 30 May 1782
From: Ravekes, Gerbrand, & J. G. Thin van Keulen (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam Le 30e. May 1782
Monseigneur

Quoique nous ayons fait tout ce que nous avons pu pour Tacher de trouver quelqu’un qui voulut Se charger de la Maison, que nous eumes L’honneur de Louër a Votre Excellce. en notre qualité, il ne S’est trouvé personne, qu’apresent; Mais Comme l’on en Veut donner que f 1200. de Soyer par an, nous n’avons pas osé y Consentir Sans L’aveux de Votre Excellce. en egart a la perte qu’elle y auroit En consequence nous prions tres humblement Votre Excellce. de nous Honnoré d’un mot de reponce, pour nous Servir de Regle.
Nous avons L’honneur d’etre avec la plus grande Concideration & le plus proffond respect. Monseigneur De Votre Excellence Les Tres Humb. & Tres Obeisants Serviteurs

G: Ravekes gg
J: G: Thin Van Keulen gg


Title: To John Adams from Mme. V. Chabanel, 31 May 1782
From: Chabanel, Mme. V.
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam Le 31 Maÿ 1782
Monsieur

Cet Avec Empressement, que Je Solisitte Monsieur Le Baron de, Brederode, Chanbellan Actuels de Sa Majeste Imperià le et Roÿale et Colonel au Service de LEtat, de vouloir Se Charger de La presente, pour Minformer de LEtat de Senté, de Votre Excelence, Lequel Jespere Sera parfaitte, cequi mefera plaisir dEntendre, Comme Aussi de LEstimable Monsieur Thaxter, on Ma dit quil Ettoit fort Malade ades fievres, Jespere quon M’aúramal Instruit et En cas quil a Le Malheur je Luÿ Soúhaitte un Promt Retablissement.

Monsieur Le Baron et Madame Son Epouse Son fort demes bons, Amis Lequels Je Respecte baucaeup. Monsieur est un homme, dún Grand Esprit et tres Zelé patriote, Desire fort de Lier Conaissance avec Votre Excelence et ma Souvant Solisitee de Luÿ En proeuver Les Ocations qui Mont Souvent Manquée.
Jaÿ Recuë des Lettre Mardie de Mon Neveu Le Roÿ du 11 Mars de la havana, que Lambargo Lempechet de pour Suivre Son Voÿage, pour philadelfia cequi est fort Chagimant pour Luÿ, et pour Moi Messieurs van hasselt et Brailfort, Y vont En Caroline, Le Vaissaux du Comandore Nest pas En Core, En ordre Cependt. mon Niveú, Ne le hazardera pas a Le Remonter Aÿant prie passage avec docteur Waterhous, pour philadelfia. Les 5 prix que Mr Gillon ofait Sont Venduë pour 250 Mille florins dehollande, aulieu que Sa Auroit Valuië isi 11 Cent Mille florins, Mon Neveu abien du Contre tans dans Ce Voyà ge, tout La fante du Comandore.
Depuis quelque temps jeSuis fort indisposee de foiblesse de Poitriene et Ma plus Jeúne fille, a Continuellement Les fievre, depuis 3 Semaines.
Toute Ma famille, assúre deleur profonds Respects Votre Excelence, telle que Celle, qui après, Setre Recomander dans Lhonneur de Votre Souvenir, Se Nomme avec La plus haute Estime & Veneration Monsieur Votre Tres Humble Obeisante Servante

V. ChabanelNee Le Roÿ


Title: To John Adams from Henry Grand, 31 May 1782
From: Grand, Henry
To: Adams, John

Paris May the 31st. 1782
Sir

Pursuant to Doctor Franklin’s Approbation I have Settled your Account in the only way you could admit of, that is to Say I have given you credit for the sum you ordered to Mr. Dana’s Account
£6857.
3

adding to that the Ballance I owed you on the 10th. of sept of
2557.
16

makes up a sum of
£ 9414.
19

from which there is to be deducted

1st. the £400. making with the charges
Bf 4045.2

    at 53
£9158.
14.
3
}
9221.
18.
3

2dly. the two payments made to Chavann de la Giraudiere of 31.4  and 32
63.
4.

I Stant your Debter of
£ 193.
 .
9

which I request Messrs. Fizeaux Grand & ce. to pay you by Bf 86. 9. I shall be happy to hear you approve of all this.
The Wine is not yet all gone, but I hope very Shortly to be able to give you in an Account of what it cleared.
I forbear talking Politicks till fortune of War presents me with a fairer Opportunity, meantime I remain with great Respect sir Your most obt hble st.

Grand


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

Amsterdam 31st. May 1782
Sir

We beg leave to reffer ourselves to the letter we wrotte your Excellcy. the 24th. Instt. and have now to enclose your Account Currt. Ballanced in our favour with the sum of f3937: 1: 8 Including the Accot. of Disbursements for the loan In 1781. We shall esteem your Excellcys. ordering our Reimbursement of said sum—and that you Will return us the papers desired by our former—and that you Will at the same time direct us, what we are to do with 500. obligations we still have of said loan. Interim we Remain with due respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt: Hble: Servts:

John de Neufville & Son


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 1 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Hague June 1. 1782
My dear sir

I have taken my Pen, Simply, to thank you for Several excellent Letters, for the Pamphlets by Mr Myers and the Memoires by Mr Ridley, and to tell you that I am Sick.
I Sometimes think I shall die a Martyr to the Dutch alliance, and I declare to you, if it had been the only action of my Life, I should have thought it a Life well Spent, Such are my Ideas of its Importance to the Cause of our Country. The Influence of it, may not be soon percieved and may never appear in a Striking Light. But it will exist. I shall love the Dutch Nation, till I die, although most other Men, perhaps every Man of Spirit in my Circumstances would have cursed them and quitted them long ago. But where the holy Cause is at Stake, I am not a Man of Spirit, enough to do it an Injury.

Mr Ridley ever appeared to me a worthy Man. I have been honoured with but little of his Company, but hope for more of it, which will always give me Pleasure.
The great News, is not well received, at Petersbourg, but your Acquaintance, receives Visits and Congratulations upon the Occasion, from the Ministers of two Powers. This is not the Smallest of the advantages, which will result from it, that an american Minister, at any Court, when he is not recd will be able to See respectable Company. The French Ministers for want of Somebody to countenance them, have been heretofore rather Shy. The Spanish Min. and sec. are very obliging and Social with me, as private Gentn. They did me the Honour to dine with me, two or three days ago—with the Amb. de France and his Family and Some of the Members of this Govt.


Title: From John Adams to Jean de Neufville & Fils, 1 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)

Hague 1. June 1782
Gentn.

I duely received yours of 24 of May, and Should have answered it sooner, if I had been in better Health: But both Mr Thaxter and I have been too ill, to have given that Attention to it, that We should otherwise have done. I return you inclosed, the Letter and Account, of Mr Frasink Pjasink.
This Morning was brought me, yours of 31. May, with the two Accounts inclosed—one of Disbursements relative to the Loan opened on March 1. 1781, on Account of the United States—another my private Account. I should be obliged to you, if you would transfer the article of 105 f. paid Mr Dumas on the 16 of July, from my private Account to that of the publik, as it was for a publik Service.
I propose to come to Amsterdam, as soon as I Shall be well enough, and then to take Measures for discharging both Accounts, which would have been sooner done if you, had Sooner furnished me with the Accounts, as I have several times requested.
I realy know not what to do, with the 500 obligations you still have, nor with those that remain in my Possession. I Should be glad to have your Advice what to do with them. If they cannot be converted to any use, they had better be all burned. It has been, but an unfortunate Enterprize.
I have the Honour to be, your, respectful humble Servant

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 2 June 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Passy June 2d. 1782
Sir

Since mine of May 8th I have not had any thing material to communicate to your Excellency. Mr Grenville indeed arriv’d just after I had dispatch’d that Letter, and I introduc’d him to M. De Vergennes; but as his Mission seem’d only a Repetition of that by Mr Oswald, the same Declarations of the King of Englands sincere Desire of Peace, and willingness to treat of a General Pacification with all the Powers at War, and to treat at Paris, which were answer’d by the same Declarations of the good Dispositions of this Court; and that it could not treat without the Concurrence of its Allies, I omitted writing till something should be produc’d from a kind of Agreement that Mr Vergennes would acquaint Spain and Holland with the Overture and that Mr. Grenville would write for full Powers to treat and make Propositions &ca, nothing of Importance being in the meantime to be transacted.
Mr. Grenville accordingly dispatch’d a Messenger for London, who return’d in about 12 Days. Mr. G. call’d on me after having been at Versailles and acquainted me that he had received the Power, and had left a Copy of it with M. de Vergennes, and that he was thereby authoris’d to treat with France and her Allies. The next time I went to Versailles, I desired to see that Copy, and was surprisd to find in it no mention of the Allies of France or any one of them; and on speaking with M. De Vergennes about it I found he begun to look upon the whole as a Piece of Artifice to amuse us and gain Time; since he had uniformly declar’d to every Agent who had appear’d here, viz: to Forth Oswald, and Grenville, that the King would not treat without the Concurrence of his Allies, and yet England had given a Power to treat with France only, which shew’d that she did not intend to treat at all, but meant to continue the War. I had not ’till Yesterday an Opportunity of talking with Mr. Grenville on the Subject, and expressing my Wonder, after what he told me, that there should be no mention made of our States in his Commission: He could not explain this to my Satisfaction; but said he believ’d the Omission was occasioned by their Copying an old Commission given to Mr. Stanly at the last Treaty of Peace, for that he was sure the Intention was that he should treat with us, his Instructions being fully to that purpose. I acquainted him that I thought a special Commission was necessary, without which we could not conceive him authoris’d and therefore could not treat with him. I imagine that there is a Reluctance in their King to take this first Step, as the giving such a Commission would itself be a kind of Acknowledgment of our Independence; their late Success against Count de Grasse may also have given them Hopes that by Delay and more Successes they may make that Acknoledgment and a Peace less necessary.
Mr. Grenville has written to his Court for farther Instructions. We shall see what the Return of his Courier will produce. If full Power to treat with each of the Powers at War against England does not appear, I imagine the Negociation will be broken off. Mr. G. in his Conversations with me insists much on our being under no Engagements not to make Peace without Holland. I have answer’d him that I know not but you may have enter’d into some, and that if there should be none, a general Pacification made at the same time, would be best for us all, and that I believ’d neither Holland nor we could be prevail’d on to abandon our Friends. What happens farther shall be immediately communicated. Be pleased to present my Respects to Mr Lawrens to whom I wrote some Days since. Mr Jay I suppose is on his Way hither.
With great Respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

B Franklin


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

June 5. 1782

Dr Sir

Just a Line, by our venerable Friend, President Laurens, with whom your Communions will be sweet. Pray let me know if Mr Jay is coming to Paris, or come. The last Victory of Rodney, to whom Heaven grants them to shew that it dispizes them, has restored the national Delirium, in all its Effervescence. We shall have no Peace I suppose, in Consequence. War then! War? Yet I sigh for Peace as much, as a Dutchman.
Yours &

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 6 June 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels June 6th. 1782
Sir

I recievd yesterday your Excellencys Letter of the 1st Instant. I am sorry to hear that your Excellency is sick in Body your Heart is am sure not so, I see that is sound by all your Actions.
I sent your Excellency a Receipt from one of our unfortunate Countryman in prison; If I remember right Mr Sawrey wrote on it, recommending to your Charity 7 of those, who were releivd in March last: Their Names are Lewis Glover Jer: Bass Samuel Curtis Ths Vinton, Gregory and Samuel Clark and W. Horton. I wait your Excellencys order thereon.
My Friend B informed me about a week or ten Days Ago that He had had an Anonymous Letter sent Him to Caution Mr Lawrens against Your Excellency. I wrote immediately to Him to transmit it to me, He has sent the Copy thereof to Mr Lawrens. He tells me it came by the foreign Mail—I shall enquire whether He can discover from what Country. The wretches are at their Dirty work—perhaps Mr Ridley may know the Hand. La Voici.
I sent in the Course of last week, four Letters for Mr Lawrens under Cover to your Excellency, I have another for Him from London, which I shall keep until further orders.
I am Happy to hear that Mr Dana and his Companion have an opportunity of seeing respectable Company. However I like not the Court at present.
A Courier from England for France past through ostend 8 days ago.
Allair, who was put into the bastill sometime ago, makes frequent visits in Holland. He ought to be watchd. I am well assured that He has a Pension from the English King, paid by his Minister here.
I am with the greatest Consideration, Sir Your Excellencys, Most Obedient Humble Servant,

Edm: Jenings


Title: Enclosure: An Anonymous Letter to Edward Bridgen, 3 May 1782
From: UNKNOWN
To: Bridgen, Edward

3. May 1782

Sir

You have a friend who has suffer’d too much from the particular situation he was in lately, not to interest every honest man in his behalf to prevent his being the dupe of artifice, he has already been ill treated from a quarter unlookd for, and the same game is Continued to answr the end first proposed—Amcan. ministers in Europe have various politicks to pursue, and some of them understand best those that can serve their interest—Adams envious of every superior merit has much labour’d clandestinely in injuring Franklin and Laurens to secure his Situation and answer further ends, and by the means he has used, has perhaps succeeded better than in serving the interest of his country here, where his business has been done by others, for however great his abilities as a lawyer—they are the reverse as a Minister—be discreet in giving Mr. Laurens a Caution from that quarter, and at another time you shall be apprized of the secret of a Conduct which is every way base and dishonourable.
yours

XXX


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 6 June 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam the 6th June 1782
Sir

In consequence of Mr. van Staphorst’s information, that your Excellency did intend to come in town Monday or Theusday, we got the translation of the bond performed in better English; whch. we now inclose to submit to your Excellency’s approbation.
We shall be glad to Learn the Same, and to have this translation returned to us, with your Excellency’s advice of the day, you are pleased to fix for passing the bonds here, whch. requires all possible Speed, because we are desired by Several persons, who have their money ready to deliver the bonds, and that it’ll much contribute moreover to engage other Subscribers.
We have the honour to remain most respectfully Sir Your Excellencys most Humble and most Obedient Servants

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


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 7 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

7. June. 1782

Sir

Yours of June 6. is just arrived, with its Inclosure. From the first day of my acquaintance with Mr Laurens to this moment, I know not that I ever Said a disrespectfull or unkind Word concerning him, or entertained an unkind or disrespectfull Thought. I have ever found him and ever represented him as a Man of Honour, Candour, Integrity and abilities, of great publick and private Merit. This however is not the only anonimous Letter that has come to my Knowledge. I dont Suspect these, however, to come from afar. They originate I fear within a few miles. They will do no harm. I suspect they originate from disappointment in the Loan. Say nothing of this.


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville, 7 June 1782
From: Neufville, Jean de
To: Adams, John

7 June 1782

Sir

We are honored by your Excelly. Letter of yesterday with the letters we wanted inclosed, the reason we have mentioned in our last our accounts to you, is—that the Honle. Thos. Barclay Esqr. has lately mentioned again, the reffering them to you and Dr. Franklin, or At least that he should write both your Excellys. on the subject, and it could not but appear more reasonable to us, that the persons empowered by Congress to settle the business in Europe of that kind, should do it now, in this instance; rathan than write to America for directions upon it which we are told can only produce the referring the matter back to themselves, who ought to be the best judges of the matter. With respect to the money advanced to the American Prisoners, and particularly to Capn. Talbot, we are sensible the Dutch Consul went beyond your, or our orders, we have only transmitted him your request in behalf of these men; and he is sensible of it himself, as he acknowledged it by his Letter, and for that reason we sent both letter and account for your perusal; but as your Exy. is not bound by what the consul has done, you will please only tell us, what part, of these charges (if any) you chuse we should pass to your acct—or more properly what part of it we are to discharge from it—having agreeable to yours of 1st. Inst. (which did not object to it) inform’d Mr. F Jarink Pjasink that tho’ he had exceeded orders, you had not disaproved of what he had done, in favor of Captn Talbot but observed to him at same time, not to go beyond orders in future at any rate we should not have suffered him to be out of pocket on such an occasion, knowing how difficult it is to refuse to relieve distressed Prisonners, particularly when they know the persons that Interest themselves in their behalf, but if we are to pay the whole of this, it will be but a very trifling addition indeed, to the charge we have been at on the same account, before; and we should have taken that of these men also to ourselves, had you not given us a list of them to procure their Liberty, if possible; in that case we Could not hesitate in the propriety of Congress’s discharging the disburses of the Consul, by handing it you, rather than in this case, to take that charge to ourselves, but as we said before it can make but a trifling addition to the expence we have been at, and we shall abide by whatever Your Exy. may determine, and have the honor to remain Sir Your most obdt & hum Servt.

John de Neufville


Title: Jacob Roorda to John Adams: A Translation, 8 June 1782
From: Roorda, Jacob
To: Adams, John

Harlingen, 8 June 1782
Sir

I am very disappointed that we will not be able to have the honor of seeing you here with us, as stated in your very gracious letter of 16 May. And even though it stands to reason that your edifying presence will be required elsewhere, I would be remiss, however, if I did not fulfill my duty to tell you that the fireworks will take place on the 13th of the month, and at that same time, I will spare nothing to convince our well-intentioned Frieslanders of the good feeling that you have cultivated for our province.
Whatever great damage a pernicious war causes in part of the world, we take comfort in the hope that one day there will be a universal peace with our neighbors and, for us, with the ever injurious English, and that our trade and navigation will rise up like another phoenix from the ashes, and that the loss suffered by our republic will soon be recovered through trade with America.
I believe that I have already told you I am a merchant and banker with my brother-in-law at the firm of Roorda and Smit. If you would like to honor us with any commissions, you can be assured that nothing would be more agreeable to us, and we would execute them with all possible accuracy.
The nature of trade demands that it always expands. I hope with all my heart that your wise efforts will bring great successes to our republic and yours.
May heaven grant you all that is necessary to maintain true interest in your young republic and the incontestable right owed to each man born into a free country. May the all powerful spread his most precious blessings over the independent America and make it grow and flourish.
And if differences result in our ruination, and we find ourselves forced to bend under the tyranny of a monarchy, may heaven grant refuge in an independent America for all those who are accustomed to submit only to those commandments that are founded on true reason, in equity. Thank God through his providence that there has been, since the beginning of the world, someplace where freedom can be enjoyed.
I ask to be in your good graces and am with a deep respect, sir, your very humble and obedient servant,

Jacob Roorda


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 9 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Amsterdam June 9. 1782
Sir

The Admiralty have reported to their High Mightinesses their Remarks upon the Plan of a Treaty of Commerce, which I had the Honour to lay before them; together with Such Additions and Alterations as they propose. This Report has been taken ad Referendum by all the Provinces, except Overyssel, which has determined to vote as Holland Shall vote, this being the principal maritime Province, and the other inland. The Forms of Proceeding, according to this Constitution, are So circuitous that I dont expect this Treaty, will be finished, and Signed in less Time than three months, though Some of the most active members of the Government tell me, they think it may be Signed, in Six Weeks. I have not yet proposed the Treaty of Alliance, because I wait for the Advice of the Duke de la Vauguion. His Advice will not be wanting, in the Season for it for his Excellency is extreamly well disposed.
I have, after innumerable vexations, agreed with three Houses which are well esteemed here, to open a Loan. The extream Scarcity of Money, will render it impossible to Succeed to any large Amount. I dare not promise any Thing, and cannot advise Congress to draw. I Shall transmit the Contract for the Ratification of Congress as Soon as it is finished, and then I hope to be able to say, at what Time, and for how much Congress may draw.
This Nation is now very well fixed in its System, and will not make a Seperate Peace. England is So giddy, with Rodneys late Success in the West Indies, that I think She will renounce her Ideas of Peace for the present. The Conduct of Spain is not at all changed. This is much to be lamented on public Account, and indeed on Account of the Feelings of my Friend Mr Jay: for I perfectly well know, the cruel Torment of Such a Situation, by Experience, and I know too, that he has done as much and as well, as any Man could have done, in that Situation.
The late President Laurens, made me a Visit, at the Hague, last Week, in his Way to his Family, in France. He informed me, that he had written from ostend to Dr Franklin, declining to Serve in the Commission for Peace. I had great Pleasure in Seeing my old Friend, perfectly at Liberty, and perfectly just in his political opinions. Neither the Air of England, nor the Seducing Address of her Inhabitants, nor the Terrors of the Tower, have made any change in him.
I have the Honour to be, with perfect Esteem and Respect, Sir your most obedient, and most humble Servant

J. Adams

P.S. I hope Congress will receive a Collection of all the Resolutions of the Provinces and the Petitions of the Merchants, Manufacturers &c respecting the Acknowledgement of American Independence, and my Reception, as Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States, by their High Mightinesses. I shall transmit Duplicates and Triplicates of them as soon as Health will permit. But Mr Thaxter has been Sick of a Fever, and myself with the “Influenza,” ever Since, our Removal, from Amsterdam to the Hague. This Collection of Resolutions and Petitions, is well worth printing together in America. It is a compleat Refutation of all the Speculations of the Small half toryfied Politicians among the Americans and of the malevolent Insinuations of Anglomanes, through the World against the American Cause. The Partisans of England, Sensible of this have taken great Pains to prevent an extensive Circulation of them.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 10 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Amsterdam June 10. 1782
Sir

I have the Honour to inform you, that I have this day drawn upon you, in favour of Messrs Fizeau Grand & Co for the Amount of Six hundred and twenty five Pounds sterling being for my Salary, for one Quarter of a Year, which you will please to charge to the United states, according to the Resolutions of Congress. I hope I shall not have occasion to draw upon your Excellency for any further Sums for my Salary, because although I have no Sanguine Hopes of obtaining a Loan very Suddenly, for any very large sum, yet I am led to expect some what.

I have the Honour &c


Title: Contract for a Loan with Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 11 June 1782
From: Adams, John
To:

11 June 1782

Translation from the Dutchminuted on a Seal of 48 Stivers.
(Signed.) Van HoleNotarÿ.
On the Eleventh daÿ of June in the ÿear one thousand Seven hundred and eightÿ two appeared before me Pieter Galenus van Hole Notarÿ of Amsterdam admitted bÿ the honble. court of Holland.
The Honble. John Adams Esqr. Minister plenipotentiarÿ on the part of the united States of America bÿ their high Mightinesses the Lords States general of the united Netherlands &a. &a. in qualitÿ as especiallÿ qualifÿed and authorized bÿ the above mentioned States of america in Congress assembled, for and in behalf of Said States of America to raise a Loan with anÿ person or persons States or  companies with Subjoined assurance in good faith to ratifÿ and fulfill all that Shall be done in this respect bÿ him Honble. Appearer according to authentick copÿ and translation of the original Commission or Power exhibited to me Notarÿ and deposited in mÿ custodÿ in behalf of the joint Moneÿ Lenders.
The Honble. Appearer residing in the Hague but being now in this Citÿ.
And the honble. Appearer acknowledged himself, in his aforesaid qualitÿ and thus in the Name and in behalf of the abovementioned States of America to be dulÿ and Lawfullÿ indebted to and in behalf of Sundrÿ Persons or Moneÿ Lenders in all a Sum of one Million guilders Dutch current Moneÿ arising from and on account of So much readÿ Moneÿ received bÿ him honble. Appearer in his aforesaid qualitÿ to his perfect Satisfaction from the Said Moneÿ Lenders in consequence of the receipt hereafter mentioned to be Signed bÿ the honble. Appearer under the authentick Copies hereof, expresslÿ and formallÿ disavowing the exuse of untold Moneÿs.
And the Honble. Appearer promised in his aforesaid qualitÿ to repaÿ in this Citÿ the Said Sum of one Million of Guilders free from all costs charges and damages to the abovementioned Moneÿ Lenders or their Assigns at the expiration of fifteen ÿears after the first daÿ of June 1782 and that in the following Manner to Wit:
That the abovementioned Capital Shall remain fixed during the Space of ten ÿears and that with the eleventh ÿear and thus on the first daÿ of June 1793 a fifth part or two hundred thousand guilders of the Said Capital of one Million Shall be redeemed and in the Same Manner from ÿear to ÿear untill the first daÿ of June 1797 inclusive So that the whole Capital Shall be redeemed and discharged within the abovementioned Space of fifteen ÿears.
And that for Said Capital at first for the whole and afterwards for the Residue at the Expiration of Everÿ ÿear interest Shall be paid, at the rate of five p:Cent in the ÿear commencing the first daÿ of June 1782, and to continue untill the final accomplishment and that on coupons to be Signed bÿ or for account of Said honble. Appearer in his aforesaid qualitÿ.
That the abovementioned redeeming Shall be performed bÿ drawing in presence of a Notarÿ and witnesses in this citÿ after the Expiration of the first mentioned ten ÿears in Such a Manner that the Nos. of the Obligations drawn Shall be betimes made known in the publick papers.

That the paÿment of the interests as also the redeeming of the respective Periods Shall be made at the compting houses of the hereafter mentioned Gentlemen Directors or at Such other places within this Citÿ as Shall likewise be advertized in the publick Papers.
That the Directors of this Negotiation Shall be Messieurs Wilhem and Jan Willink Nicolaas and Jacob van Staphorst and de la Lande & Fÿnje Merchants of this Citÿ who are bÿ these presents thereto named and appointed bÿ the Honble. Appearer in his afore Said qualitÿ.
The honble. Appearer promising and engaging in the Names of his Constituents that the amount of the interests and of the redeemings to be made from time to time of the Said capital Shall be in due Time remitted to the aforesaid Gentlemen Directors their Heirs or Successors in good Bills of Exchange America Products, or in readÿ Moneÿ without anÿ abatement or deduction Whatsoever.
That this Obligation Shall never be Subject to anÿ Imposts or Taxes alreadÿ laid or in time to come to be laid in the Said united States of America even in case (which God forbid) anÿ war Hostilities or Divisions Should arise between aforesaid united States or anÿ of them on the one Side and the States of these Lands on the other that the paÿment of the Capital or interests of this Obligation can in no wise nor under anÿ pretext whatsoever be hindered or delaÿed.
The Honble. Appearer in his aforesaid qualitÿ promising and engaging moreover for and in the Names of the Said united States that there Shall never be made bÿ them or on their Parts or anÿ of them in particular anÿ convention or treatÿ publick or private at the making of peace or otherwise bÿ which the validitÿ and accomplishment of these presents might be prejudiced or where bÿ anÿ thing Contrarÿ thereto might be Stipulated but that without anÿ Exception the contents hereof Shall be maintained in full force.
The honble. Appearer in his aforesaid qualitÿ likewise promises engages and binds himself bÿ these presents that this engagement Shall be ratifÿed and approved as Soon as possible bÿ Said States in congress assembled and that authentick Copÿ Translation of Said ratification with the original Shall be deposited in custodÿ of me Notarÿ to be there kept with Said authentick copÿ translation of the Commission or Power of Him Honble. Appearer and the engrossed hereof for the Securitÿ of the Moneÿ Lenders untill the abovementioned Capital and interests as aforesaid Shall be redeemed and paid off.
And there Shall be made of this Act (as the Honble. Appearer in his aforesaid qualitÿ consents) above and besides the abovementioned engrossed one thousand authentick Copies which Shall be of the Same force and value and have the Same Effect as the engrossed one, under everÿ one of which copies Shall be placed a receipt of one thousand guilders dutch current Moneÿ either on Name or in blank at the choice of the Moneÿ Lenders to be Signed bÿ him Honble. Appearer, and which Receipts Shall be respectivelÿ numbered from No. 3001 to 4000 inclusive and countersigned bÿ abovementioned Gentlemen Directors and dulÿ attested bÿ me Notarÿ as a testimonÿ that no more than one thousand obligations are numbered in virtue of this Act.
All which authentick copies with the Receipts hereunder placed Shall at the redeeming of the capital be restored bÿ the Bearers.
On failure of prompt paÿment as well of the capital as of the interests at the appointed Periods, the Capital or residue thereof maÿ be demanded bÿ the Gentlemen Directors in behalf of the Moneÿ Lenders who Shall be then interested therein and the aforesaid Principals and committents of Him Honble. Appearer Shall in that case be held and bound to redeem and discharge immediatelÿ in one Sum the remaining capital with the interests and charges.
For the accomplishment and performance of all the abovewritten the Honble. Appearer binds in his aforesaid qualitÿ and thus in the Names and on the Part of the abovementioned united States of America the Said united States of America jointlÿ and each of them in particular together with all their Lands, chattels Revenues and Products together with Imposts and Taxes alreadÿ laid and raised in the Same or in time to come to be laid and raised and thus of all the united States of america jointlÿ and of each of the Same in particular for the Whole.
He the Honble. Appearer renouncing in the Names as above for that purpose expresslÿ beneficium divisionis as likewise de duobus vel pluribus reis debendi Signifÿing a retribution of debts and that when two or more are indebted, each of them can Satisfÿ with the paÿment of their Portion, the honble. Appearer promising in his aforesaid qualitÿ never to have recourse to the Said or to anÿ other Evasions whatsoever.
This being pass’d (after Translation into English was made hereof, and which likewise is Signed bÿ the honble. Appearer and  deposited in the custodÿ of me the Said Notarÿ) within Amsterdam aforesaid in the presence of Gidion Victor et Cornelis Marchant Witnesses.

Coll:
(Signed.) P: G: van HoleNotarÿ

Faithfullÿ translated from the Dutch

Amsterdam this 17th: daÿ of june 1782.
Joannes Vergeel & Son Sworn Translator.