Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 16 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir

              London

              July 16. 1786

          last night Mr Randal arrived with yours
            of the 9th. If the Prussian Treaty arrives to You, I think
            you will do well to Send Mr Short with it to the Hague and
            Exchange it with Thulemeier, and get it printed in a Pamphlet Sending a Sufficient
            Number to you and to me. if it comes to me and you approve, I will Send Some
              one or go myself.
          The Chevr. De Pinto’s Courier
            unfortunately missed a Packet by one Day, which obliged him to wait a month at Falmouth
            for another. The Chevr. was greatly chagrined at the Delay.
            He is much obliged for your Notes, and I Should be more so for another Copy, having Sent
            mine to my Brother Cranch, who writes me that your Argument in favour of American
            Genius, would have been much Strengthened, if a Jefferson had been Added to a
            Washington, a Franklin and a Rittenhouse. I wrote you lately that the Queen of Portugal
            had ordered her Fleet cruising in the Streights to protect all Vessells belonging to
            American Citizens equally with those of her own Subjects against the Algerines.
          Boylstons Vessell Arrived in Boston, with Sugars, and he expects
            another Vessell hourly; with which he will go again to France.—He desires me, to express
            his Obligations to you and the Marquis, for your former Assistance. Coffin Jones has
            Sent a Vessell to L’orient, with another Cargo of Oil. The French Government would do
            well to encourage that Trade. if they do not, it will go elsewhere. it is in vain for
            French or English to think, that Sperm Cæti Oil cannot find a Market but in their
            Territories. it may find a Market in every City that has dark nights, if any one will do
            as Boylston did, go and shew the People its qualities by Samples & Experiments.
              neither The Trade of America in Oil and in any Thing else will labour no
            longer, than public Paper is to be sold under Par. while a Bit of Paper can be bought
            for five shillings that is worth twenty, all Capitals will be employed in that Trade,
            for it is certain there is no other that will yield four hundred Per Cent Profit, clear
            of Charges and Risques. as soon as this lucrative Commerce shall cease We shall see
            American Capitals employed in sending all where it will find a Market that is all over
            Europe if France does not wisely monopolise it as she may, if she will.
          inclosed is an oration of Dr Rush.
          I am my dear sir, your most / obedient

              John Adams


Title: Abdelhack Fennish to the American Commissioners, 16 Jul. 1786
From: Fennish, Taher Ben Abdelhack
To: American Commissioners

              Morocco

              the 16th. July 1786

          Grace to God who is the sole Unity—Whose Kingdom is the only existing one.
          To their Excellencies John Adams & Thomas Jefferson Esqrs..—this is to acquaint you that I am ordered by the Emperor
            my master (whom God preserve) to acknowlege the reciept of your letter signed at London
            & Paris on the first & eleventh of October 1785, which has been
            delivered into his own hands by the Honble. Thomas Barclay
              Esqr., who came to this court in order to negociate an
            amicable peace between my master (whom God preserve) and all his dominions, &
            those of the United States of America. This matter has been happily concluded to the
            satisfaction of all parties. The contents of this Treaty you will learn from your Envoy
            the said Thomas Barclay to whom his Imperial has delivered it, together with a letter
            for the United States.
          I have likewise his Imperial Majesty’s orders to assure you of his
            entire approbation of the conduct of your Envoy, who has behaved himself with integrity
            & honor since his arrival in our country appearing to be a person of good
            understanding, and therefore His Imperial Majesty has been graciously pleased to give
            him two honorable favorable & unparelleled audience, signifying His Majesty’s
            perfect satisfaction at his conduct.
          As I am charged with the affairs of your country at this court, I
            can assure you that I will do all that lies in my power to promote the friendly
            intercourse that is so happily begun; & of the assistance I have already given
            in your affairs your Envoy will acquaint you, & concluding I do sincerely
            remain, Morocco the first day of the blessed Month of Ramadan 1200.
          (Signed) the servant of the King my Master (whom / God
            preserve)

              Taher Ben Abdelhack Fennish.


Title: John Adams to John Paul Jones, 17 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jones, John Paul

              sir

              London

               July 17. 1786

          I have recieved the letter you did me the honor to write me on the
              10th: of this month & embrace the opportunity by
              Colo. Trumbull to answer it. The Comte de Reventlow
            complaisantly enough, inclosed my letter to the Baron de Waltersdorff in his despatch to
            the Danish Ministry & informed him that it related to a public affair so that
            there is no room to doubt that the letter went safe & that the Court are
            acquainted with its contents. But no answer has been recieved. I am told that the Baron
            de Waltersdorf has been at Paris & the Hague long since the date of my letter to
            him & I was told he was coming to London where I should see him. But he has not
            yet been here, as there is a Danish Minister now in Paris, I should advise you to apply
            to him: for the foreign ministers in general at the Court of Versailles have [ . . .]
            upon their spirits in all things relating to America than those at London. Cash, I
            fancy, is not an abundant article, in Denmark, & your claim has probably delayed
            & suspended all negotiations with Mr. Jefferson
            & me respecting a commercial treaty, for which three years ago, there was so
            little zeal. This however is only conjecture, in confidence.—I have the honour
            &c.
          /Signed/

              John Adams

            /Copy W. Short secy/


Title: Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 18 Jul. 1786
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Philada.

              July 18. 1786.

          Mr Swanwick at whose Request I write
            this Line to your Excellency, will acquaint you with his Motives for desiring it. If you
            can in any way contribute to the Success of an Application he is making in Behalf of his
            Father, you will serve in the Son a constant firm Friend of the American Cause, and
            otherwise a most worthy Character much respected here.
          You will also greatly oblige, / Sir, / Your Excellency’s most
              obedt / & most humble Servant

              B Franklin


Title: Isaac Stephens to John Adams, 18 Jul. 1786
From: Stephens, Isaac
To: Adams, John

              Algir

              July 18th. 1786

          Sir I take the Liberty of Directing a Letter to your Honour in
            order to Convay My Letters To Boston and Will be much obliged to you to forward them
            & further for gods Sake and the Love of Man to assist Us in this Sad State of
            Slavery allthough the Sum Is Large But we Cannot help that it is Despreat To be Under
              the Situation of a Slave as We are the property of the King as Much as his
            horse Sir if Mr Lamb has Related this Matter as he Told the
            King he Would be hear in four months and this King Never puts any Confidence in a Nation
            that Deceves him once I hope Mr Lamb will be hear Within the
            time for the King has given out that word
          our Redemption Nothing [Conserns] the peace
           from Your most obed’nt and humble Servant

              Isaac Stephens


Title: John Swanwick to John Adams, 18 Jul. 1786
From: Swanwick, John
To: Adams, John

              Sir—

              Philadelphia

              July 18th. 1786

          The Lines which you will find under this Cover from his Excelly. Benjamin Franklin Esquire President of the State of
            Pennsylvania will introduce to your Acquaintance the Writer of this Letter, to whose Lot
            it falls on the Threshold of his Acquaintance with your Excellency to have a favor to
            request of you, which I know not how far it may be right for you to grant or me to
              askit, but I submit the Whole to your better Judgment—If it be found that
            you can consistantly serve me in this Business, the exalted Opinion I have formed of
            your Excellency’s Character induces me to beleive you will do it—Should any Obstacles
            prevent I shall still be happy, whilst you forego the Compliance with my Wishes, to
            think that I shall be known to you, and that by the most respectable Testimonial I could
            have desired, from a Gentleman, the Evening of whose Political Career is as Brilliant as
            the whole of its duration has been useful to his Country and ornamental to Mankind—
          The Case is this—My Father Mr. Richard
            Swanwick arrived in this Country a few Years before the late War with Britain commenced
            and brought him with him from England some Money to purchase Lands with in
            this State where he intended to pass the Residue of his days—As an Aid to his Farming
            Occupation he accepted a Commission from the King to command a Revenue Cutter employed
            in the Bay and River of delaware—in this Situation when the Struggle commenced, his
            Birth as an Englishman, his late Arrival in America, and his holding an office under the
            Crown, all conspired to range him on the British Side—in pursuance of which he openly
            espoused it, and as appears by Certificates in his possession from the Commander in
            Chief of the British Forces rendered them considerable services and stedfastly adhered
            to them to the time of their final Embarkation for Britain, when my Father found himself
            an Exile from his Family—attainted by the Laws of this State and all his Property
            totally forfeited of which his Family never received a Shilling—he is now pursuing
            before the British Government his Claim for Compensation of his Losses—Those he
            sustained in Property are authenicated by a Certificate I have sent him from the
            Comptroller General of Accounts of this State—his Claim of Merit from the Government he
            addresses is established by the Testimony of Sir William Howe Lord Cornwallis Genl. Pattison and others—so far one would think his Title to
            Compensation needed no other Aid—but Influence often times at Courts has more Weight
            than Merit and it appears to be my Fathers Wish to have his Claim countenanced by some
            Gentlemen near the Court, who might perhaps by a Word in his favor secure the Attention
            due to his Request from those to whom it may belong to consider it—On these Grounds it
            was that I have ventured to solicit your Aid in this Particular provided it be not
            inconsistant with your Ideas of Propriety merely to say a word for my Father as you may
            deem most prudent on his communicating his Wishes to you—but if any Circumstance should
            make it improper neither he nor myself will desire You to do anything in it—
          It may be necessary for your Information to add that after having
            compleated my Education in Holland & France I arrived in 1773, at the age of 13
            Years, in this Country, and ever since I have endeavoured to serve it to the best of my
            Abilities—During the War I have held many confidential Places of Trust and quitted them
            at the Peace, I beleive, with universal Approbation at which Period I entered into the
            Mercantile Line in which I have been ever since engaged—The Circular inclosed will
            inform you of my Establishment in Trade and make you or your Friends the Tender of its
            Services—Ever since my Father’s Misfortunes he has had to depend on me principally for
            his support—I have been happy to have it in my power to contribute to it, but I wish the
            Government should have the Charge of this in which Cause he lost his All—
          I am aware Sir, of the Awkwardness of my Situation soliciting
            Attentions from your Excellency who have rendered such important Services to Fœderal
            America, for One who has had the Misfortune to appear as an Enemy to her, but I know
            your Magnanimity will not suffer you to dwell long on this Side of the Question—when you
            consider what my Father has suffered—that the State has long been in Possession of all
            he was worth—that I have faithfully served my Country in the most trying times, and tho’
            in Opposition to this very Parent whom my duty led me to revere and whom now I must
            support unless the Government he has served do something for him— When you consider all
            these Circumstances I am sure you Commiseration will be excited and if you can not
            receive or assist my Father you will pardon the present well meant Request—
          It is not in your public Capacity that I can expect the Attention I
            solicit, but your Excellency in your private Character may more effectually serve me—Any
            Recommendation thus given must have its Weight and will have all my Gratitude—happy will
            it make me at any time to acknowledge the Obligation and to render for it such Returns
            as may be most acceptable to you—but of these None can equal in Value what your
              Excelly. will immediately receive in the pleasing
            Consciousness of having performed a benevolent Action—
          I would not wish to be understood as pleading the Cause of any of
            those Men who in the late War forsook their Native Country, to which all that could
            encite Affection, bound them—Such Attachments on the Side of my Father were all to
            Britain—from thence had he brought the price of his Settlement here—from thence did his
            Livelihood as an Officer principally proceed—all his Connections were there—For the
            Cause of America he never affected an Attachment he did not feel—he hid not himself in a
            neutral Garb, tho’ a safe one—he took an open and decided part—in this he must be
            allowed to have acted the part of an honest Man in so decidedly avowing the Cause he
            espoused and the Consequence has been he has shared in its Catastrophe and
            disgrace—differently situated I have taken a different part—As a Young Man, my
            Attachments are to a young Country—as educated in Holland, my Prepossessions had been
            those of a Republican—As expecting my Livelihood and all I hoped for from America I have
            been faithful to her and would have suffered with her chearfully any Reverse, to which I
            exposed myself by uniformly taking part with her in the most gloomy as well as fortunate
            Periods of the War—I have shared in the Triumphs of my Country, have enjoyed her
            Confidence, have found my Circumstances every way fortunate—and now, sir, I only desire
            a Continuance of Existance to be a Witness of her increasing Glory and an humble
            Instrument among others in promoting it—If such Sentiments uniformly practised can
            entitle me to your Excellency’s Regard I hope to enjoy it, and then I shall never regret
            having written this Letter, be the Success of the Request it contains relative to my
            Father what it may—
          With the highest Veneration for your exalted Station and Merit I
            have the honor to remain— /Your Excellys. / Obt. Hble. Servant—

              J Swanwick


Title: Nathaniel Gorham to John Adams, 20 Jul. 1786
From: Gorham, Nathaniel
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              New York

               July 20h. 1786

          This will be delivered you by Mr. James
            Maury a Gentm. of reputation & credit in
            Virginia—
          I beg leave to introduce him to your acquaintance and from the
            character I have heard of him I make no doubt you will be able through him to derive
            great information of the state of affairs in this Country.—I remain with great
            respect—Sir your most / Humbl Servant

              Nathl Gorham


Title: John Cooper to John Adams, 21 Jul. 1786
From: Cooper, John
To: Adams, John

              May it please Your Excellency

              No: 21 Holles Street
                ClareMarket

              21st: July 1786

          An Englishman, but one who was ever a strong Advocate and
            wellwisher to the American Cause, most respectfully begs to lay the following before
            You—
          Having spent the early part of my life in the East Indies, and
            since my return being employed to do the writing of the King’s Commissioners when at
            Philadelphia and New York, it occurred to me how matters would end before Peace was
            concluded; and I mentioned to John Temple Esqre in July 1778
            a wish that I might be useful in East India matters—Mr.
            Temple on his then returning to England told me he had
            spoke of it to Mr: Laurens, but it was too soon to take up
            East India Affairs; and a confinement of three Years to a Sick bed, with a long
            fruitless Attendance in hopes of a promised provision, has prevented my being so active
            as I wished—But as the East India Trade may be an Object which America would wish to
            encrease, and which I am convinced the Politicks of this Country, as they are now
            carried on never can manage; I beg leave to send your Excellency a List of some Books,
            Chart &ca which I was Years in collecting, and which
            I am confident would prove highly useful in the extension of East India Commerce—
          My disappointments and having buried a valuable Wife and Boy, are
            other motives which make me wish to dispose of this Collection, but particularly as I am
            precluded from returning to the East Indies in the Company’s Service.
          Your Excellency on calling to mind so remarkable a Paper as the
            Letter to Congress dated in Philadelphia June 1778, and signed Carlisle, W Eden, and Geo
            Johnstone will probably recognize this hand writing—and should you approve of seeing
            what is mentioned in the enclosed list, or purchasing the same—On being honored with
            your Commands I will immediately attend with them
          I beg the Honor to subscribe myself with the profoundest respect /
            May it please your Excellency / Your most Obedient & humble servt.

              .John Cooper


Title: Charles Storer to John Adams, 21 Jul. 1786
From: Storer, Charles
To: Adams, John

              Boston.

              21st. July. 1786.

          Nay, Sir, do not confine enthusiasm & patriotism entirely
            to Tories & Refugees—You have always had a good share of it, and I was going to
            claim a little too—You will see by my letter to Mrs: Adams
            how I mean to dispose of my self here—wh: I hope will meet
            with your approbation. On another score I wish to ask your advice & opinion—but
            I always remember what you once told me vizt: that, where
            you could with propriety answer me, you would—further than that you would not—nor do I
            wish it, Sir—
          I am lately from Passamaquoddy with Genl: Lincoln—and while there, three of our vessells from the Westward
            loaded with Lumber were seized by the Sheriff Naval Officer & others from St: Andrews as they were laying
            at Anchor under Dudley Island, a deed of which our
            Government sometime since gave to Colo: Allen—One sloop was
            unloading on Campo Bello which is supposed to belong to the British—It seems they have
            been laying out the Province of New Brunswick into Districts—and the western District
            includes Moose, Deer, Dudley, & Frederick Islands, the last of which our Naval
            Officer lives on—Further, they extend this boundary of the Western District “to the
            western shores of the west passage into the Bay”: thereby claiming both Channels. but,
            should the Island belong to them by the exception in the treaty, the channels do not
            most surely—The People of St: Andrews, howr talk of havg guard-Ships
            & Galleys placed in each Channel—
          Leonard, a Refugee Miller fm. this
            town is Naval Officer on their side and has ordered ours to quit the Bay as having no
            right there—He was answered, that he knew of no authority but that of Massachusetts by
            which he was appointed, & by which alone he should quit his place. However , as
            we were leaving the Bay we were assured,  or at least heard  that the
            Government of New Brunswick has disapproved of the conduct of the Naval Officers
            & that the vessells were returning, being given up—
          There are great disputes about our Eastern boundaries—The British
            say the St: Croix is what is now called the Scudick—we say, & the Indians have been
            consulted on the point, that the true St: Croix is what is
            now called the Mecakadawick, 12. or 15. miles farther
            Eastward—& the river next westward of St: John’s,
            which I am told you say is the river you meant in settling the treaty—The next thing
            they claim is all the Islands in the Bay, by virtue of that clause in the
              treaty which excepts in their favor all Islands, within 20. leagues of the Coast
              wh: were at the time of the Peace & were formerly
            within the limits of Nova Scotia. Whether these Islands are in this predicament I know
            not—but if they are to have them, they have the finest
            part of the Bay & will have it in their power to injure us greatly—Some there
            say that the Islands meant in the Treaty were those lying on the eastern side of the Bay
            of Fundy, near the coast of Nova Scotia, & which come with 20. leagues of our
            Coast—The British say further that, in proof of those Islands in the Bay of
            Passamaquoddy belonging to them by virtrue of the treaty, Lord Sydney or some Minister writes that tho’ Mr: Adams has been written to on the subject, he has
            never made any representation to the Ministry; which is an acknowledgement
              that those were the Islands excepted—Now, Sir, mostly for my own
            satisfaction, as I am going to settle there, I would request you to inform me on the
            above subject, that I may know how to govern myself. One thing more I would add—which
            is—that inhabitants of Moose Island have been repeatedly summoned to act as Jurymen
            & otherwise to appear at the Courts at St:
            Andrews—& have as often refused, declaring themselves Citizens of the U: States
            & under the Government of Massachusetts—On the British side they say, that if that Island is determined to fall within their line,
            they will make them pay for their refusal—This looks like uncertainty of the right—The
            Governor & Council have the above matter now under consideration—but
            what will be the result I know not—’Tis considered here as a daring insult to the U:
            States & to Massachusetts in particular—I hope therefore that good-will come
            from this fracas—I mean that it will determine our boundaries with more
              precision & certainty—
          “Voila un beau tableau” en verite, as you represent it—I am most
            indebted for your information—If you join in the belief that all will yet be well, I am
            more satisfied in my opinion—You speak of restraining Commerce—I hold up both hands for
            confining it to the very narrowest bounds possible—That we are in a fair way of
            establishing a general system is a peice of information that affords me particular
            satisfaction—Heaven forbid that it should fail of success!—You speak of having a market
            in Europe for all our Produce—I hear the Mr: Barrett, not only compleated the Oyl contract he
            went to France upon—but has also engaged with the French Court to supply their whole
            Navy with Masts & Spars—Commerce in this way is of no disservice to
            us—Encouraging our own productions will enrich us—
          Accept my thanks for the continuance of your Correspendance—which I
            wish not to carry beyond bounds agreeable to yourself—
          Be assured Sir, of my best respects, in which our family joins, and
            that I am with great esteem / Yr: much oblig’d & /
              humle: servt:

              Chas: Storer.

            NB. I enclose a Newspaper giving an account of Commencement—You
              will be probably surprised at the political disputations there introduced—as are many
              others—There are Subjects that Students have no right to meddle with—& which
              ought not to be debated in public—It was observed that there were many serious truths
              told, that had better have been concealed—’Twas really so indeed.—


Title: Willing, Morris, & Swanwick to John Adams, [22 Jul. 1786]
From: Swanwick, John,Willing, Thomas,Morris, Robert
To: Adams, John

              SIR,

              PHILADELPHIA,

          REFERRING you to the annexed
            circular Letter from the surviving Partners of the late House of Willing, Morris & Co. and Samuel Inglis
            & Co. we only add the present Lines, for the purpose of tendering the future
            Service of this new Establishment under the respective Signatures of the Partners.

            We have the Honor to be, / Sir, / Your most obedient / and most
              humble Servants,

          The Signature of your most humble
              Servant, T. Willing.

             Willing Morris & Swanwick

          The Signature of your most humble
              Servant, R. Morris.

            Willing Morris & Swanwick

          The Signature of your most humble
              Servant, J. Swanwick.

             Willing Morris & Swanwick

            SIR, PHILADELPHIA,
               September 15, 1783.

          IT is with very great concern that
            we inform you of the sudden and unexpected Death of our late Friend and Partner, Mr. Samuel Inglis, who departed this Life, after a short Illness,
            in the Night of the 13th Instant. This worthy Man has conducted the Affairs of our late
            Society, under the Firm of Samuel Inglis & Co.
            entirely to our Content, and, so far as we know, to the Satisfaction of all those that
            were interested in his Transactions. We lament his Loss most sincerely.
          After paying the Tribute due to his Memory, it became necessary to
            supply his Place, which we have done, by taking into our Partnership, Mr. John Swanwick, a young Gentleman that we bred up under Mr.
              Morris, who has since employed him in a very extensive
            Scene of publick and private Business, in the execution of which he has answered the
            most sanguine Expectations that were formed of him, and proved that his Integrity,
            Application and Talents entitle him to our utmost Confidence. We have concluded to
            introduce our Names into the new Firm, and pray your Attention upon all Occasions, to
            that of Willing, Morris and Swanwick.
          We are, Respectfully, / Sir, / Your most obedient / and most humble
            Servants,

              Thos. Willing

              Robt Morris


Title: Richard O’Bryen to John Adams, 25 Jul. 1786
From: O’Bryen, Richard
To: Adams, John

              Sir.

              Algiers

               July the 25th. 1786—

          Your letter by Mr. Lamb I received and
            wrote you shortly Afterwards Informing you of the Unfortunate event of Mr. Lambs Voyage to Algiers, the particulars long Ere to this
            you you have known.
          Mr. Lamb Signified to the Dey that he
            would try & Get the Money for our Redemption in four Months, but three is past
            and we have heared nothing particular Since. But hopes that our Country will shortly
            extricate us from our unfortunate situation, we the once sons of Liberty, at present In
            the fetters of Slavery.
          the Dey of Algiers can do as he thinks proper with us if it is Not
            his pleasure to let us go—on the same terms that he Lets other nations go for, we Cannot
            help it.
          If it is not the pleasure of Congress, to Redeem us at the price
            the Dey asks here we Unfortunate Americans Must remain—
          the Algerines has been out on a Cruise and has taken five saile of
            shiping on boarde of the prizes was in all 86 Men. the are fitting out at present, and
            will saile about the 10th. August I belive five of the
            Largest will go out of the Streights. the are not affraid of any of the Cruisers, of
            those nations in the Mediteranian that the are at war with the Count D Expilly is in
            Spain &c I belive Mr. Carmical will have the best
            Information from the Count respecting the Policy of the Algerines and the Method we
            should fall on in making a peace with this regency—
          I really think Mr. Lamb a very unfit
            man to Negotiate and affaire of So Much Importance & by his Unpolitical
            proceedings in Algiers he Enhanced our price
          His particular Intimacy with the British Consul whom I have very
            Great Reason to belive is &c Inviterate Enemy To the Interest of the
            Americans
          So that I am shure Congress Could not have got a More unfit man
          the foundation of all treaties should be laid by some one in
            Algiers and then very private
          the Commercial nations, would not wish that the Americans would
            obtain a peace here
          Which I am shure you are fully sensible of
          We are treated very sivilly by the Count & french Consul
            and has no Connections with Mr. Logie—
          I remain your Most obt. & very
            humble servant.

              Richd. O Bryen

            the uncertainty of these letters will not admit me to write you
              of Some particulars but I have wrote by a safe Oppertunity to Mr. Jefferson


Title: William Shippen, Jr. to John Adams, 26 Jul. 1786
From: Shippen, William, Jr.
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Philadelphia

               26. July 1786.

          Permit me to solicit your Attention & protection of my son
            Thomas Lee Shippen as far as it may be useful to & compatible with his plan of
            improvement at the Temple—of which No one can be a better judge than your Excellency—I
            intreat you Sir to confirm & ripen by your sage advice those
            principles of Liberty & Independence which you & his Uncle
            Richard Henry Lee so long agoe planted in his young bosom. I sincerely wish you
            & yours every happiness & am / with great affection / & profound
            Esteem / Your Excellency s / most obedient servt.

              W. Shippen jr


Title: Francis Hopkinson to John Adams, 27 Jul. 1786
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: Adams, John

              Sir.

              PhilA[delphia]

          As Secretary [. . . .] general [. . .]vention of the Pro[. . . .] I
            am directed to add, [. . . .] to your Care, [. . . .] speedily as may [. . . .]
            Canterbury. Your [. . . .] Affairs of our [. . . .]vention with [. . . .]tudes &
            they expressd their [. . . ] sentiments
            is a Letter to you, which must be the Ship Caesar a few books [. . . .] of which [. . .] are [. . .]. A Copy [. . . .] would [. .
            . .] been forwarded [. . .] the Convention both to [. . . .] & the Original both
            [. . . .]
          I am, Sir, with sincere [. . . .] / Your affectionate / and most
            obedient / humble Servant

              Fras Hopkinson


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 30 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Dear Sir

              London

              July 30. 1786

          I have received, the Letter you did me, the Honour to write me, on
            the Sixth of June, with the Ratification of the Treaty with Prussia. As the Term
            limited, is near expiring, I Shall go over to Holland or Send Col Smith, to make the
            Exchange
          Mr Penn, a Member of the House of
            Commons, whose Character is well known in America and in England as a Steady Friend to
            our Country will be the Bearer of this, and will be able to acquaint you with the
            present Disposition of this Court and Nation, and I believe his Information altho a
            British Subject and Senator will not be materially different from mine.
          I cannot but lament from my inmost Soul, that Lust for Paper Money
            which appears in some Part of the United States: there will never by any Uniform Rule,
            if there is a Sense of Justice, nor any clear Credit, public or private, nor any settled
            confidence in publickmen or measures, untill paper money is done away.
          It is a great Satisfaction to me, to learn that you have recd in my Letter of the fourth of March the Answer of this Court
            to the Memorial respecting the Posts. As that is a Dispatch of more importance than all
            others you have recd from me, I Shall be anxious to know
            your Sentiments upon it. You will not expect me to answer Lord Carmathens Letter, nor to
            take any further Steps concerning it untill I shall receive the orders of Congress.
          I wish for the Instructions of that august Body concerning a
            Requisition in their Name for the Negroes. Whether I am to demand Payment for them; at
            what Prices,; and for what Number.
          With great Regard I have the Honour / to be &c

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 31 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Dear Sir

              London

               July 31. 1786

          Paul Randall Esqr, who has been with
              Mr Lamb to Algiers will have the Honour to deliver this
            Letter. in order to lay before Congress the earliest Information of all that has come to
            his Knowledge, in the Course of his Journeys and Voyages he proposes to return, without
            loss of Time to New York. He has conducted, as far as I can judge, with Prudence and
            Fidelity, and has merited a Recommendation to Congress.
          His Salary, will be paid him by Mr.r
            Lamb if arrived in New York, out of the Monies remaining in his Hands. Mr Lamb has drawn upon me for Three Thousand two hundred and
            twelve Pounds twelve Shillings Sterling, and his Bills for that sum have been accepted
            and paid. He will account with Congress for the Expenditure of it, and pay the Ballance
            into their Treasury. Mr Randal was at some Small Expence for
            Cloathing, which it will be but reasonable to allow him.
          There are, it Seems, at Algiers, one and twenty Prisoners taken on
            board the two American Vessells. Mr Lamb has left Some Money
            for their Benefit, but however anxious they may be to be redeemed from Captivity, there
            is reason to fear, that all that Money will be expended before they obtain their
            Liberty, in which Case they will probably write to me for more. I should therefore be
            happy to receive the Instructions of Congress, whether I may be permitted to releive
            them and how far, or whether they must be left to the Care and Expence of their Friends
            in America. if the last Should be the Determination of Congress, I should think it will
            be necessary that Some publick Advertisement Should be made that those Friends may know
            their Duty according to their Abilities. The Provision that is made, for the Subsistence
            and Cloathing of Captives either by the Government or their Masters is Said to be very
            inadequate to their Comfort and Necessities.
          With great Respect and regard I have the / Honour to be, dear Sir
            your most obedient / and most humble Servant

              John Adams.


Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 31 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir

              London

               July 31. 1786

          I have recd, the Ratification of the
            Prussian Treaty, and next Thursday Shall Sett off for the Hague in order to exchange it
            with the Baron De Thulemeyer.
          Your favour of the 11th, instant I have
              recd. There are great and weighty Considerations urged
              in it in favour of arming against the Algerines, and I confess, if our
            States could be brought to agree, in the Measure, I Should be very willing to resolve
            upon eternal War with them. But in such a Case We ought to conduct the War with Vigour,
            and protect our Trade and People. The Resolution to fight them would raise the Spirits
            and Courage of our Countrymen immediately, and We might obtain the Glory of finally
            breaking up these nests of Banditts. But Congress will never, or at least not for years,
            take any Such Resolution, and in the meantime our Trade and Honour suffers beyond
            Calculation.—We ought not to fight them at all, unless We determine to fight them
            forever.
          This thought is I fear, too rugged for our People to bear. to fight
            them at the Expence of Millions, and make Peace after all by giving more
            Money and larger Presents than would now procure, perpetual Peace, Seems not to be
            OEconomical.—Did Monsieur De Massae, carry his Point without making the Presents. Did
            Louis 14. obtain his Point without making the Presents? has not France made Presents
            ever Since. Did any Nation ever make Peace with any one Barbary State, without making
            the Presents? is there one Example of it? I believe not.—and fancy you will find that
            even Massae himself made the Presents.
          I agree in Opinion of the Wisdom and Necessity of a Navy for other
            Uses, but am apprehensive it will only make bad worse with the Algerines. I will go all
            Lengths with you in promoting a Navy, whether to be applied to the Algerines or not. but
            I think at the Same time We should treat. Your Letter however has made me easier upon
            this Point.—Nevertheless I think you have rather undercalculated the Force necessary to
            humble the Algerines. They have now fifty Gun Boats, which being Small objects in Smooth
            Water against great Ships in rough Water are very formidable. None of these existed in
            the time of Monsieur Massae. The Harbour of Algiers too is fortified all round, which it
            was not, in Mr Massaes time, which renders it more difficult
            and dangerous to attempt a Blockade.
          I know not what dependence is to be had upon Portugal and Naples,
            in Case of a War with the Barbarians. perhaps they might assist us, in some degree.—
          Blocking Algiers would not obtain Peace with Morocco Tunis or
            Tripoli, so that our Commerce would still be exposed.
          After all, tho I am glad We have exchanged a Letter upon the
            subject, I percieve that neither Force nor Money will be applied. our States are so
            backward that they will do nothing for some years. if they get Money enough to discharge
            the Demands upon them in Europe, already incurred, I shall be agreably disappointed.—A
            Disposition Seems rather to prevail among our Citizens to give up all Ideas
            of Navigation and naval Power, and lay themselves consequently at the Mercy of
            Foreigners, even for the Price of their Produce.—It is their Concern, and We must
            submit. for your Plan of fighting will no more be adopted than mine of negotiating.—This
            is more humiliating to me, than giving the Presents would be.
          I have a Letter from Mr Jay of 7. July
            by Packet, containing nothing but an Acknowledgment of the Receipt of our Letter of 25.
            of April.— —
          N. Hampshire and R. Island have suspended their Navigation Acts and
            Massachusetts now left alone will suspend theirs, so that all will be left to the
            Convention, whose system if they form one, will not be compleated adopted and begin to
            operate under Several years.—
          Congress have recd the answer which you
            saw, to my Memorial of 30 Nov. and Mr Ramsay writes me, he
            is not distressed at it, because it will produce a repeal of all the Laws, against
            recovering private Debts.
          With every Sentiment of Friendship I am / yours

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to John Lamb, 31 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Lamb, John

              Sir—

              London

              july 31st 1786—

          Mr Randall who prepares to Sail in a
            few Days for N York will deliver you this Letter. If I have not Overlookd any Article in
            your Account you have drawn Bills upon me which have been accepted &
            paid to the amount of 32 hundred and 12 Pounds 12 shillings Sterling for the
            Expenditure of which you will Account with Congress and pay the Ballance into their
            Treasury after paying Mr Randall his Salary. The Articles of
            Extra Expence for Cloathing I think Should be allowed to Mr
            Randall exclusive of his Salary
          If it Should not be the intention of Congress to treat farther with
            the Algerines every Man of Humanity must feel for our unfortunate Countrymen in
            Captivity and at Least it ought to be publickly known whether Congress mean to make any
            provision for their Comfort in the Articles of Subsistance & Cloathing that
            their Relations and Friends may do the Best in their Power. You will do well to
            represent this matter to Government. that they may give Instructions to their Ministers
            what to do in it—I am fully of your opinion of the Policy of treating with the Barbary
            Powers: but if Congress Should determine against it, they will I presume prepare a Naval
            Force to give some Protection to their Commerce and Portugal at least will Cooperate
            with us perhaps Naples will do so too—
          I am Sir yours &c &c—


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 31 Jul. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Mogadore

               31st. July 1786

          Above is Copy of a Letter which I wrote this Day to Mr. Jay, and as it contains all that is proper to say at
            present I shall not now make any additions on the Subject of the Treaty since my arrival
            in Barbary I have taken up three thousand five hundred Dollars which are disposed of,
            & for which I shall value on you some time hence, as it is impossible to
            negotiate Bills on Europe at this place. Tomorrow I am to Set out on my way to Tangers
            & at present conclude with the Assurance of being always Dear Sir / Your most
              obt. / Humble Servt.

              Thos. Barclay


Title: John Adams to John Lamb, Aug. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Lamb, John

              Sir—

          We have received your two Letters, of the 15 & 18. July
            from Alicant and are sorry to learn that your indisposition discourages you from
            travelling by Land or sea
          We still think it most adviseable, both for your own interest
            & that of the United states, that you should return to Congress, for their
            further Instructions, as soon as possible, & we again propose to you, to embark
            from Spain, by the first oppertunity.
          Congress have never informed us, of any Promise made, or
            Encouragement given you, that you should be settled with in Europe, and we think it best
            you should settle with their Board of treasury. Nevertheless if you transmit to us, your
            account we will adjust it, as far as lies in Us, subject to the revision of Congress.
            Your Letter of Credit we wish you to return to one of us. by the first oppertunity, as
            you will not have occasion to draw again by Virtue of it.
          Mr. Randall is gone to N. York
            & it is our wish that you might be there with him that Congress might have an
            oppertunity of receiving from both together, as much information as possible, that you
            might mutually aid each other in settling your account
          We are

              J A—


Title: The American Commissioners to John Lamb, Aug. 1786
From: American Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas,Adams, John
To: Lamb, John

              Sir,

          We have received your two letters of the 15th and 18th July from
            Alicant, and are sorry to learn that your indisposition discourages you from travelling
            by land or by sea.
          We still think it most advisable both for your own interest and
            that of the United States, that you should return to Congress for their further
            instructions as soon as possible, and we again propose to you to embark from Spain by
            the first opportunity.
          Congress have never informed us of any promise made, or
            encouragement given you that you should be settled with in Europe, and we think it best
            you should settle with their Board of Treasury. Nevertheless, if you transmit to us your
            account, we will adjust it as far as lies in us, subject to the revision of Congress.
            Your letter of credit we wish you to return to one of us by the first opportunity, as
            you will not have occasion to draw again by virtue of it.
          Mr. Randall is gone to New York, and it is our wish that you might
            be there with him, that Congress might have an opportunity of receiving from both
            together as much information as possible, that you might mutually aid each other in
            settling your accounts.
          We have the honor to be, &c.,

              JOHN ADAMS,

              TH: JEFFERSON.


Title: John Adams to James Bowdoin, 1 Aug. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Bowdoin, James

              Sir

              London

              August 1. 1786.

          I have lately written to Congress, An Account of the Sentiments and
            Conduct of the Lords of the Admiralty, upon Captain Stanhopes Letters, which will no
            doubt be transmitted to you from N. York. It consists in Substance in the Signification
            to Capt. Stanhope of the “Sensible Displeasure” of their Lordships, and in his Recall
            from the American Station.
          In a late Visit to the Hide a
            Country Seat of Thomas Brand Hollis Esqr, he told me, that
            among a Parcell of Books he lately Sent to the University or the Accademy of Arts and
            Sciences he intended to have placed Prices Treatise, on Minerals, Mines and Mining, but
            it was then lent out. being Since returned, he requested me to transmit it
          The Bearer, will take the Charge of it and deliver it to your
            Excellency as President of the Accademy of Arts and Sciences to be presented to them, in
            the Name of Thomas Brand Hollis Esqr, one of their Members,
            and a Gentleman, with whom, as a beneficent private Character and a warm Friend of
            Liberty, and of America, I have the Pleasure to live upon Terms of Intimacy.
          With great Respect, and Esteem, I have the Honour to be, Sir your
            most obedient and most humble Servant

              John Adams.


Title: John Adams to David Ramsay, 1 Aug. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Ramsay, David

              Sir

              London

               August 1st. 1786

          I am much obliged by our Letter of the fourth of May. there have
            been hints of designs or desires to publish a mutilated Edition of your History, but
            your Friends have expressed so much Indignation at them that I hope & believe
            they will be laid aside, and that by degrees the American Edition may be sold—There is
            an Eagerness to read it, even among those who are least favourable to it, all who have
            read it, express an high opinion of its impartiality as well as of its Composition. The
            Bishop of St. Asaph, Doctor Priestly, & Dr. Price, good judges have highly applauded both in my hearing
            as well as several others, of less Name. Mr. Dilly I believe
            was as apprehensive of private Resentment as of public Prosecution.
          The Barbary Piracies will compell the states to give Congress a
            Revenue for the purpose of treating or fighting or both,—or if the States should
            continue determined against both, Many of their Countrymen will fall into Captivity,
            their Navigation will languish for Many years, and the Produce of the Country in all the
            states will fall very low, and more Money will be paid in insurance than would procure
            Peace. The Interest of the foreign Debt must be paid upon pain of War.
          The only thing that is wanting is honour, a terrible deficiency
            indeed you will say. I agree with you. But we must be bold to say to one another, it has
            been Wanting Treaties of Peace, have by all Nations been deemed the most sacred of
            Treaties—Yet Parties have been found to have influence enough in Particular states to
            violate our first Treaty of peace—I wish the memory of it could be blotted out of our
            history, The Posts & the Negroes are our Excuse, and if you write a general
            History I hope you will make the most of them—But I hope you will not alledge them as a
            justification, Credit can only be obtained or continued by Punctuality. Confidence rests
            only upon honour.
          The proposed Conventions, will necessarily do good by bringing the
            Continent nearer together by extending acquaintances, and by informing a greater Number
            of Persons—but they will require time And the demands upon the public are pressing, a
            great sum is wanting for 1787.—speculations of foreigners are much to be dreaded in our
            fœdral & State Paper, Immense fortunes will be made by jobbing in our stocks, by
            Dutch English and French, and the Labour of our Country must be sent abroad to pay it,
            how to prevent it is the question? I suppose, if Congress had now in Europe one Million
            in Cash, they might sink by it 5 or 6 million of their Debt, by Selling bills of
            Exchange for their own Paper at 2 or 3 shillings for a Pound, our Debt would not hurt us
            if we could Keep it due to our own Citizens alone. but when it falls into foriegn hands
            the Case is altered—Yet we had better owe foriegners one Million than five—The Debt must
            be funded at all events this will strengthen the Confederation, and produce a
            Circulation immediately both of principal & Interest and raise spirit of our
            People as well as our Reputation with the World, and Reputation is Power according to
            truth, altho that Truth with others is to be found with many falshoods in that old rogue
            Hobbes—

              J A.


Title: Thomas Brand Hollis to John Adams, 3 Aug. 1786
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              The Hide

               3 July 1786

          I have just heard from Mr Bridgen that
            you are coming this road. his letter was most unluckily missent to Ipswich otherwise
            should have known of your Journey on Tuesday & have wrote to you sooner.
          I hope it will not be inconvenient to call & by resting
            here make your Journey more agreable to your self & Mrs Adams.
          I wish to speak to you about the book mentioned to you, there is a
            great demand for it abroad. if you could obligingly take a few copies with you for to
            give away to principal persons or to settle a correspondence with some bookseller for
            the remainder & the plates also it would be doing service publick.
          I could communicate some circumstances when here, too long for a
            letter, which are material. you will pardon this liberty but as you most obligingly
            mentioned the affair I wish to avail myself of your offer & leave to your
            Judgement the manner.—it might go through Mr Bridgen’s hands
            to whom I have mentioned it.
          My best compliments of thanks attend you & Mrs Adams the col & Lady for the pleasure you gave us
            in your sojourn here which we wish you would renew at your return when convenient.
          I am Dear Sir / with the greatest regard & esteem / your
            most faithful Sert.

              T. Brand Hollis


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 8 Aug. 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

              Aug. 8. 1786.

          Your favour of July 16. came duly to hand by mr[expansion sign]
            Trumbul. with respect to the whale oil, tho’ this country has shewn a desire to draw it
            hither, & for that purpose have reduced the duties to about four guineas on the
            English ton, yet I do not see a probability of a further reduction at this moment. it
            has been much pressed, & I expect every day to receive a final determination.
            should it not be obtained now we have reason to expect some years hence an
            abatement of one third, as a promise was given to the people that the imposition
              of 10. sous per livre should not be renewed at the expiration of the term for
            which it was laid on, which will be about half a dozen years hence. I inclose you copies
            of letters received from mr[expansion sign] Carmichael, O,Brian, and Lamb. be so good as
            to say what answer we shall give the last about his settlement. shall we undertake the
            settlement? if so, where shall it be done? I will join in any thing you please as to
            this. taking for granted, from a message delivered by mr[expansion sign] Trumbul, that
            you are now in Holland, I will only add a request to send me some copies of the ratified
            treaty with Prussia, (which will be I hope in both languages,) and assurances of the
            sincere esteem & respect with which I have the honour to be Dear Sir your most
              obedt. humble servt

              Th: Jefferson


Title: John Lamb to the American Commissioners, 10 Aug. 1786
From: Lamb, John
To: American Commissioners

              Alicante

              August 10th. 1786

          Finding my self unable to Imbark, and desiring to have my
            declaration forwd. as soon as possible according to your
              Excellency orders;. have sent the vessel to Give the earlyst notice. She Saild. the ninth of
            this Curt. with Every Transaction, together with my last
              orders from your Excellencys. the Vessel is insured and doth not sail at
            publick expence. I should be glad if I could here if mr.
            Randile had arrivd. and had dlrd. to your Excellency my decleration which I forwd,d
            by him: at the reception of your Excellency last orders to me. I Stated my Situation in
            Two letters one of the 15th July & the other of the
              18th. ditto, hope they have come safe to hand
          I am with due Respect / Your Excellencys most Obed,nt / Hmle. Serervt

              John Lamb


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 11 Aug. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              D’Aralbyda

               11th Aug. 1786.

          I arrived here today and shall Continue my Journey for Tangiers
            Earlie in the Morning, the Treaty will be forwarded to Paris immediately on my arrival
            in Europe
          Of this Date I have valued on you at 10 Days sight in Favor of
            Mess: Lynch & Bellew for Five hundred Pounds sterling, and for Two hundred and
            fifty Pounds sterg. making together Seven hundred and fifty Pounds, which please to
            honor and place to Account of the United States
          I am Very sincerely Dear Sir / Your obed serv.

              Thos. Barclay


Title: Thomas Barclay to the American Peace Commissioners, 11 Aug. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: American Peace Commissioners,Adams, John,Jefferson, Thomas

              Gentlemen

              D’aralbyda.

               11th. Aug. 1786

          I arrived here to Day and shall Continue My Journey to Tangiers
            Early in the Morning,—The Plague being at Constantina occasions a Rigorous Quaranteen of
            40 Days (from Barbary) in Spain—I shall therefore Endeavor to get into Ceuta, which
            being in the hands of the Spaniards is an Exception to the above remark, and I think the
            Quaranteen from thence is only twelve [...] Days—
          The Treaty shall be forwarded with all Expedition as soon as I
            arrive in Europe, and in the Mean time I am Gentlemen Your Very Obed. / Serv.

              Thos. Barclay


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 13 Aug. 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

               Aug. 13. 1786.

          The inclosed came to hand this morning. mr[expansion sign]
            Carmichael you observe, and mr[expansion sign] Barclay suppose something may yet be done
            at Algiers. it remains for us to consider whether the conduct of the Dey of that country
            leaves any room to hope that any negotiator can succeed without a great addition to the
            price to which we are confined? and should we think in the negative, yet whether the
            expences of mr[expansion sign] Barclay’s going there may not be compensated by
            additional information, by the possibility that he may get at their ultimatum, by the
            importance of possessing Congress of this ultimatum, that knowing their ground, they may
            not suspend a decision. Spain having made it’s peace with Algiers, we may see whether
            their interference can count as money, as it has done at Marocco. hostilities too may
            possibly be suspended or slackened a while longer. these are all chances on which I
            acknolege I build very little; yet as nothing weighs against them but the expence of
            mr[expansion sign] Barclay’s journey, they might be tried. if you are of that opinion,
            send me the necessary papers for mr[expansion sign] Barclay ready signed by you,
            & I will sign them & forward them.—there is lodged in mr[expansion sign]
            Grand’s hands money enough to support the diplomatic establishment of our country in
            Europe three months, on which your draughts & Colo[expansion sign] Smith’s shall
            be honoured if you think proper to make them. I am with sincere esteem Dear Sir, your
            friend & servt.

              Th: Jefferson


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 18 Aug. 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dr, Sir

              New York

               18th: August 1786

          I have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed, a Copy
            of a Report on the Case of the Brig Jane and Elizabeth of Portsmouth in New Hampshire
            seized by a british man of War at Barbadoes; together with Copies of the Papers on that
            Subject annexed to it.—
          The Conduct of the Captain of the Boreas as stated in these Papers
            appears very exceptionable, but unfortunately for the Brig, her Attempt to pass as a
            british Vessel by means of false Papers was equally so.
          This Business therefore must be submitted to your Discretion, for
            as on the one Hand it would be improper to support the Cause of the Brig further than it
            may appear just, so on the other it ought to be asserted as far as it may be right.—
          The Owners doubtless have Correspondents in London who will
            probably apply to you on the Subject; and it is intended by this Report to leave you at
            perfect Liberty to give them such Advice and such official Countenance and Aid, as may
            appear to you to be proper.—
          With great and sincere Esteem and Regard / I am, Dr Sir, / Your most obt. &
            hble: Servt.

              John Jay—


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 19 Aug. 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dr. Sir

              New York

              19th: August 1786

          I wrote you on the 7th: of last Month,
            and also on the 18th. of this enclosing some Papers
            respecting an american Vessel seized at Barbadoes by a british Man of War. I have been
            honored with yours of 16th. 25th. and 28th. May and 6th. June last, which with the Papers accompanying them were immediately laid
            before Congress.
          The Situation in which the Want of an adequate Representation had
            for many Months placed Congress, put it out of their Power to decide on several of my
            Reports, some of which were founded on your Letters. These Delays oblige me to leave
            those Letters unanswered, and to leave you without Instructions on Points on which I
            think you should be furnished with the Sentiments of Congress.
          We daily expect to receive the Treaty with Portugal. 217. 163. 375.
            1. 212. 48. 271. 420. 604. 208. 608. 54. 180. 217. 48. 654. 271. 350. 170. 543. 513. 642. 217. 316. 381. 213. 327. 380.—
          You will herewith receive the late Requisition of Congress, their
            Ordinance for the Indian Department and several other printed Papers. A Vessel for
            London has just touched here, and given me an Opportunity of writing you these few
            Lines. I am mortified to write you such Letters, but that must be the Case, until
            Congress enable me to write more particularly and satisfactorily. You want Answers to
            many Questions, and tho’ I am not at a Loss to form a Judgement of what they should be,
            yet my private Sentiments and those of Congress may not coincide.—
          With great and sincere Esteem and Regard, I am, Dr Sir, / Your most obedient Servt.

              John Jay—

              Translation of Cypher

            I have advised that new commissons be Issued to you and Mr. Jefferson.


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 27 Aug. 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

              Aug. 27. 1786.

          Your favour of July 31 was lately delivered me. the papers inform
            me you are at the Hague, and, incertain what stay you may make there, I send this by
            mr[expansion sign] Voss who is returning to London by the way of Amsterdam. I inclose
            you the last letters from mr[expansion sign] Barclay & mr[expansion sign]
            Carmichael, by which we may hope our peace with Marocco is signed, thanks to the good
            offices of a nation which is honest, if it is not wise. this event with the naval
            cruises of Portugal will I hope quiet the Atlantic for us. I am informed by authority to
            be depended on, that insurance is made at Lorient, on American vessels sailing under
            their own flag, against every event, at the price usually paid for risks of the sea
            alone. still however the most important of our marts, the Mediterranean, is shut. I
            wrote you a proposition to accept mr[expansion sign] Barclay’s offer of going to
            Algiers. I have no hope of it’s making peace; but it may add to our information, abate
            the ardor of those pyrates against us, and shut the mouths of those who might impute our
            success at Marocco & failure at Algiers to a judicious appointment to the one
            place & an injudicious one at the other. let me hear from you as soon as
            possible on this, & if you accede to it send me all the necessary papers ready
            signed. I inclose you the article ‘Etats Unis’ of one of the volumes of the
            Encyclopedie, lately published. the author, M. de Meusnier, was introduced to me by the
            D. de la Rochefoucault. he asked of me information on the subject of our states,
            & left with me a number of queries to answer. knowing the importance of setting
            to rights a book so universally diffused & which will go down to late ages, I
            answered his queries as fully as I was able, went into a great many calculations for
            him, and offered to give further explanations where necessary. he then put his work into
            my hands. I read it, and was led by that into a still greater number of details by way
            of correcting what he had at first written, which was indeed a mass of errors &
            misconceptions from beginning to end. I returned him his work & my details; but
            he did not communicate it to me after he had corrected it. it has therefore come out
            with many errors which I would have advised him to correct, & the rather as he
            was very well disposed. he has still left in a great deal of the Abbé Raynal, that is to
            say a great deal of falsehood, and he has stated other things on bad information. I am
            sorry I had not another correction of it. he has paid me for my trouble, in the true
            coin of his country, most unmerciful compliment. this, with his other errors I should
            surely have struck out had he sent me the work, as I expected, before it went to the
            press. I find in fact that he is happiest of whom the world sais least, good or bad.—I
            think if I had had a little more warning, my desire to see Holland, as well as to meet
            again mrs[expansion sign] Adams & yourself, would have tempted me to take a
            flying trip there. I wish you may be tempted to take Paris in your return. you will find
            many very happy to see you here, & none more so than, Dear Sir, your friend and
            servant

              Th: Jefferson