Title: James Burrow to John Adams, 9 Jun. 1786
From: Burrow, James
To: Adams, John

              May it please your Excellency

              From my Apartments in The Chappel Rooms at No: 12. Clerkenwell-Close, opposite Newcastle House

               9th: June 1786

          I presume to write Your Excellency both upon a Publick and Private
            Business—The inclosed Simple little Fugitive Peice, or Compilation (for it deserves no
            better name) was hastily put together at an early Æra of the late Warfare between the
            Mother Country and the Magnanimous United States of North-America: The Writer thereof
            was intirely a Volunteer in their Service, and the little Book was extensively
            circulated; but never expos’d to Sale—It was the last Efforts of a warm Advocate of
            Publick Liberty, to stop the unnatural Effusion of Christian Blood after the D–gs of War
            were let loose; But before that, much Pains had been taken by the Author to open the
            Eyes of some deluded Great Personages relative to the then approaching Rupture; And
            which was honestly as well as Zealously done, from a certain Conviction that eminent
            Danger Discomfiture and Loss would ensue by prosecuting Hostile measures:—The Return for
            which however (as might from the Circumstances of the Case, too naturally be expected)
            was much Contumely from the Proud, together with not a little Spight and Malice, from
            some mean artful interested People in domestic Affairs.—
          The above may be sufficient at present to furnish your Excellency
            with a small Clue to this part of the Political Detail.—
          The underwritten is partly of a private nature.—
          I had a most worthy Friend in the late Commodore George Walker, a
            brave useful Virtuous Gentleman, who after having acted with great Spirit, Resolution
            & Success in the former Wars, and being very active in encouraging the Northern
            Fisheries, went to and cultivated a Settlement, 1st: at
            Canso, and then at a Place called Niposiquit in Chaleure Bay North America, where He
            resided several Years: As he was growing in Years He found a Resolution of coming home
            with a full Intention of spending the Remainder of his Days with me in Peace &
            Quietness; for which purpose he Embarqued at the beginning of the late Troubles (and not
            knowing that Hostilities were Commencd) on Board of a Fine Snow called “The John” but
            was snapped up (being totally Unarm’d) by a small American Privateer called “The Civil
            Usage” and carried into the Port of Newbury near Boston in New-England, where (although
            I heard not of any particular Uncivil Usage to him or his Crew, personally as Prisoners) He was nevertheless Stript of his
            whole Property, vizt: his Vessell, Cargo, Furniture and
            valuable Effects &c, to a very large Amount—I had this honest Gentleman, and
            some belonging to Him, to assist for a very considerable time; which I did with much
            Chearfulness & Satisfaction, because I knew his real merit, Integrity and
            benevolence of Heart: And He was surely one of the most innocent, as well as deserving
            Sufferers of the whole Group of Petitioners that applied
            for Relief at the Publick Treasury, for which He made proper Solicitations; but obtained
            no Recompence or Remuneration whatsoever; And being tired out with Unavailing Promises,
            He droopd, And died.
          The unfortunate Gentleman had uncommon parts; was wellread; of
            sound Theoretical, and great experimental professional Knowledge, not only as a
            Sea-Commander, but as a Draughtsman—He was naturally piqued at first, on the Loss of his
            whole Property, but after he found himself slighted at home, and understanding the
            Magnitude of the Greivances which the Subjects of the Now United States, Then, laboured under, He would have become Conficiently “Un Converti” to so glorious a Cause: And as
            well from his Enterprizing Genius, as from his intimate Acquaintce: with most parts of South-America and the
            West Indies, He would have been a most Valuable Acquisition to any Maritime State—He
            lost some invaluable Notes & Papers on Board the Snow “John” which he was taken
            in; and would have given any thing (accordg. to his Ability)
            for Recovery of them:—They were written in a private Character, So that without a proper
            Key, they could not possibly be of any Use to the Captors; But as The Commodore was a
            kind of living Dictionary we endeavour’d to Establish the most interesting of those
            Papers by oral Communication from him; However ’tis not altogether improbable but that
            the Papers themselves, i.e. “the very identical Papers” may still remain undistroyd, and
            be Yet recoverable.
          I further presume in an humble manner to Signify unto Your
            Excellency, That you may do me a great Kindness, and For which I shod. be bound in all Gratitude, to make you the best Return in
            my Pow[er.]—Nay I flatter myself that I could be somewhat Useful—I was originally
            brought up in a Publick Departmt. of Governmt., Even so long ago as when His late Grace Thomas Holles
            Pelham Duke of Newcastle was one of The late King’s Principal Secretaries of State, and
            was also Employ’d in His Graces private Auditorship Business—But I know of no Warps in
            my Education, either from Parents or Masters, nor yet from the Venal world; for I may
            almost be said to have lived out of the world as it were, or very privately at least,
            for some Years;—My best Master has been Experience, aided, I trust, by some Strong
            innate Traces or Reminiscence of those Faculties which humane Creatures were originally
            indued with, prompting or leading them to be Religious, grateful, just, compassionate,
            Useful, and vigilant; and if not corrupted or effaced by contrary Impressions, may be
            brought into Action at sometime or other, for the benefit of Society.—
          The worthy Gentleman, Mr Walker,
            mention’d in the Former part of my Letter, And myself had much private Conversation
            about the probable Rising Greatness and Opulence of No.
            America. But He was apprehensive Then, The Fruit could not possibly come to that
            perfection immediately, which it naturally wou’d have done about a Century hence, when
            ripened by the mellowing Hand of Time—Providence however is above all human Conjectures
            and Operations—Mr W, was very capable of advising in matters
            of Publick Emergency, and was of Opinion that the several different States on a proper
            Fœderal Union, by Cultivating Commerce, might become the Arbiters of Europe, and
            conservators of Publick Tranquility both in the Old and New–world; And at the same Time,
            He wou’d have been equally capable of Hurling the Thunder-Bolts of War in the most
            effectual manner upon the Transmarine Settlements of every publick Enemy; But He, ala’s!
            is no more.—All I can say in addition to this at present, is, That I humbly solicite The
            Honour of an Interview with your Excellency anyday when it may be convenient; And That I
              shod. think my self happy to live under Government of the
            United States of North-America, which have so much Virtue for their Principle.
          I have the Honour to be, / May it please your Excellency / Your
            Excellency’s most devoted, / very respectful, and obedient / Humble Servant

              James Burrow.


Title: Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst to John Adams, 9 Jun. 1786
From: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan
To: Adams, John

              Amsterdam

               9th. June 1786.

          We have the honor to inclose Your Excellency a Bond No: 4543 of the Loan raised for Account of the United States of
            America dated 11th. June 1782. of Which your Excellency
            omitted to sign the Receipt. We therefore beg you to compleat this Formality, where we
            have marked with a Pencil; And to return us this Bond by our Friend Mr: Daniel Parker, Who will shortly re-visit this Country.,
          We are respectfully / Your Excellency’s / Most Obedient &
            very / humble Servants

              Nico. & Jacob van
                Staphorst.


Title: Thomas Barclay to the American Peace Commissioners, 10 Jun. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: American Peace Commissioners,Adams, John,Jefferson, Thomas

              Gentlemen

              Mogadore

              10th. June 1786

          I arrived here after an agreeable Passage of Five days and was very
            well received by the Governor & by the People who seem pleased to see Persons
            from a Country at so great a distance come to compliment their Sovereign; As the
            Governor had no orders concerning our going forward, I was obliged to send a Courier to
            Morocco to demand that Permission, and at the same time wrote to Mr. Chiappi of that Place, desiring him to lay my Request before the King, that
            no greater Guard might be sent here, than would be sufficient to render the road safe
            & the Journey comfortable. To this Letter an answer was returned the Day before
            yesterday, that the King desired I might depend on a most gracious Reception, &
            Yesterday the Governor of Morocco with thirty Soldiers arrived here to conduct us to
            Court. His Majesty wrote to the Governor of Mogadore to furnish me with every thing I
            want, & to send me from hence satisfied, and has given orders at two places on
            the Road that we may be furnished with his own Mules. The Governor of Mogadore was so
            polite as to request I would return on board the Vessel to give him an Opportunity of
            receiving us at the Head of his Soldiers, & has since proposed making an
            Entertainment in the Country, but I declined both Offers on Account of the Parade and of
            the unavoidable expence that would have attended them. It [is] in vain to be troubling
            you at present with any Opinion about the probability of our Success, which indeed I
            think somewhat uncertain, there are some prejudices to be obviated and one Matter of
            Moment stands in the way. We have fixed on the Day after tomorrow for our departure and
            I shall as soon as possible have the pleasure of addressing you from Morocco. In the
            mean time I am with the greatest esteem & Respect, / Gentlemen, / Your most
              obt. humble sevt.

              Thos Barclay


Title: Samuel Austin to John Adams, 11 Jun. 1786
From: Austin, Samuel
To: Adams, John

              Sir

               Boston

              11th. June 1786—

          Your favor of y[thorn sign]e. 25 May
            last ⅌ Capt. Biggilo, now lies before me.—In answer to
            which, shall only Observe. The difficulties and Obstacles you mention, which are in the
            way, and which at Present Prevents my Recovering my money, however Plausible, are
              altogether falacious, and without foundation with Respect to this State,
            yet it seems they are made an objection of such Magnitude that neither I, nor your
            Excellency can at Present Remove, but hope will soon be done by Congress.—
          With respect to Brittish Subjects not Recovering their debts here,
            there is no Foundation for such a Charge against this state, there is not the least
            Obstruction in their way, nor any thing done to impeade their availing themselves of
            every law of this state, Eaqually with any Subject in it, and they are every
            day without any difficulty Recieving their just & legal demands, so that upon
            the same Principals, upon Supposition that there is State on the Continent who have made
            a law Preventing Brittish Subjects from recovering their just debts, and hereby done
            wrong, yet I say on the same Principles that the latter is Condemned, Most Certainly
            that Goverment where no such impediment takes place, must be acquited, and intirely
            Exculpated from every Charge of the kind, as not being by any Means in the like
            Predicament, with the State objected to.—
          This affair is of great Consequence to me, and must hope in time
            will have a favorable Issue—
          I think myself happy in having it Committed to your care, and under
            the Patronage of Congress—and am well Sattisfied there will be nothing
            wanting on your part to serve me herein—I would only further Observe, that
            Notwithstanding the Similarity there is in my case, and the other three Gentlemen, yet I
            was the only Person to whom Genl How made Solemn Promise, he
            would either Restore the goods again or Pay for them—
          With the greatest Respect & Esteem / to you, your good
            Lady, & family, / I am Sir Your oblidg’d Hume. Sert.

              Samuel Austin

            P.S Deacon Smith’s wife died about a fortnight since


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 13 Jun. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Mogadore

               13 June 1786,

          I wrote you and Mr Jefferson the last
            by a Vessel Bound from hence to Liverpool, a Copy of which go’s by this Conveyance to
            Cadiz—At present I have little to add but that our Journey to Morocco has been postponed
            by the Governor untill Tomorrow at Sunrise, and that of this Date I have valued on you
            in Favor of Mrs Barclay at usance for one Hundred Pounds
            Sterg which please to Honor and place to Account of the United states
          I have been obliged to make presents here to All the Kings officers
            from the Governor Down to the Two Rascalls who work at the Customs House, In the Custom
            House the Amount of the whole perhaps 600 Dollars—This is no more than one Introduction,
            and as Matters End as they will
            may, the Expence will be Considerable we have only a small Escort of 30
            soldiers with the Governor of Morocco to Conduct Us, Things are great and small by
            Comparison—The Marquis of Vialli had upwards of 400 to Accompany him. My Best wishes
            attend your Ladies and your self being Always / Dear Sir / your affec. & obliged
            / Humble serv.—

              Thos Barclay


Title: John Adams to Samuel Williams, 14 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Williams, Samuel

              Sir

              London

              June 3. 1786—

          I am much Obliged to you for your Letter of the 9. of April, The
            Memoirs of the Accademy of Arts & sciences, shall be sent to Sir Joseph Banks,
            & the other Packet to Manhiem
          I am much more at ease in my own Mind to have my Sons with you,
            than I should be to have them here with me, or at any other University—and nothing can
            give me more satisfaction than to hear, that they behave with propriety—
          Dr. Gordons Voyage to England, and his
            intention of remaining here, have probably diminished the Number of Subscribers in
            America, and I much doubt whether he will meet that Encouragement in Europe which he
            expects—Nobody thrives, no Books will sell in this Country, unless it is encouraged by
            the Court, and the Drs. History be it what it may, will
            never be cherished there
          The Court & the Nation would be glad to have the whole
            story blotted out of memory—There is a general Disposition to prevent every American
            Character & Work, from acquiring Celebration—Every thing American is so
            unpopular that even Printers and Booksellers are afraid of disobliging their Customers,
            by having any thing to do with it—Nothing of the Kind will sell in prose or Verse—I am
            sorry to say that it appears to me the Seperation between the two Nations must and will
            be final and perpetual in affection as well as in Laws—This, which is false policy in
            this Country, will be ultimately its destruction and make it a signal example to the
            World
          It is a Pitty that because a People has been divided in halves that
            the two Parts should be destined to be forever Rivals and Ennemies, at heart, and I
            cannot say that our own Country men, have in all things acted a rational Part, Yet I do
            think it has been and is in the power of this Cabinet to restore a real friendship
            between the two People, But I think now there is very little Chance of it because those
            very Men who acquired their fame, Popularity & Power by professing friendship to
            us are now at last as bitter against us as the others—all this however should not
            prevent us from doing our Duty in all points—we shall find our Interest in it at
            last—

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to Rufus King, 14 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: King, Rufus

              Dear Sir

              London

               June 14. 1786

          Yesterday, arrived by the Post your Favours of the 2. 4. &
            5. of May.
          “Every Day will furnish America with fresh Proofs, of the
            fallacious nature of all her hopes of Prosperity, Grandeur and Glory, from the friendly
            disposition of foreign Powers. Whatever assistance she may ever derive from any of them,
            must be purchased at a greater Price than it will be worth. Reverence thyself, is a
            Precept of private Morality, but it is equally applicable And equally necessary to
            States & Individuals..—Know thyself is another of as much Importance
            to both. Our Country is yet more deficient in the latter than in the former.”
          Credit, has been the Inlet to most of the Luxury and Folly which
            has yet infected our People. He who could devise a method to abolish it forever, would
            deserve a Statue, to his Memory.
          Agriculture, manufactures, and Commerce with one another, would
            Soon make Us flourish.
          “The Want of Concert, and the Want of Confidence in each other,
              and the trifling with public Faith have emboldened our Rivals, which are
            all Europe, and have let loose the Barbarians, and alltogether have already not only
            ruined our Navigation and Commerce, but reduced the Price of our Produce. This last will
            be soon felt, and will arouse the Planters & Farmers. But it will fall much
            lower, if our Navigation is not attended to, if We depend upon foreign ships, it will
            dwindle to almost nothing.”
          The most allarming Circumstance, that has happened is the
            Innattention to Congress.—that Seven states only should be represented, for so long a
            time, is Proof when the affairs of the Union, were in so embarrassed and
            dangerous a situation is Proof of something so bad that I dare not name it.
          The proposed Convention, it is to be hoped will do good: but I know
            not why Congress could not have done as well or better.
          The Barbary Powers, will not be appeased for less than two or three
            hundred Thousand Pounds. Congress have Such Sums to pay in Europe in 1787, that I know
            not how they will obtain the Money. Lay on Duties to pay the Interest and it may easily
            be obtained by Loans.: but not otherwise. Mr.
            Lamb was sent by Us to Affrica, because he was sent by Congress to Us. We could easily
            have found better Men. But it will be in vain to send any body, untill he is provided
            with Money Sufficient.—We must not call it Bribery. We should learn to talk of it as
            other nations do, as Gratuity Generosity, magnificence, Friendship, Custom & all
            that. if we fight them We shall only increase their demands and be obliged to pay them
            as much more as will make up all the Damage We do them.
          “All Nations are contriving to take Advantages of Us and make
            Profit and Power out of Us, and if Planters & Merchants North and south do not
            unite in measures of Defence We shall find ourselves a Prey. The Agriculture of the
            Country will feel the Ruin, when it comes to their Turn as severely as the
            Merchants."
          "immense Quantities of Grain have been sent from England to
            Bordeaux & Marseilles this Spring. This demand ought to have been supplied from
            America. Why was it not.? because of the difficulty of freight.—”
          Mr Jay mentions a Letter of the 1. of
            May. This I have not recd. it contains perhaps the sense of
            Congress, concerning the Exchange of Ministers.—I shall punctually obey my orders. —
            —Untill every Law of the States is repealed, whether respecting Debts or Tories, which
            is inconsistent with the Treaty: Untill the frontier Posts shall be surrendered to Us
            & the Negroes paid for “Untill all the States shall have firmly established a
            system of national Revenue and taken a decided Resolution in favour of their own
            Navigation, by a Peace with the Barbary Powers as well as giving a clear Encouragement
            to their own ships beyond all others, my situation here will be so unpleasant, that I
            shall constantly wish to be at home.
          To be obliged to embark with my Family in any miserable Merchant
            ship, or accidental Packett, in the dead of Winter, would be very disagreable: but if
            orders should arrive So that I could embark in Season in the Fall, or if they should be
            delayed till Spring, they would relieve me from a heavy Load.
          “The Poor Prisoners at Algiers, the old Debtors in all the States,
            the suitors for Vessells captured after the Armistice, all the Merchants in America, and
            all the Farmers are now or will soon be looking to me for Relief from their Distresses,
            when I know I can do them no service, and all their hopes must depend upon the Measures
            taken by Congress and their own Legislatures.
          I see that Pains are taken in the American Newspapers to hold up to
            the People hopes and Expectations of a Change of Councils here. nothing can be more
            impolitik, fallacious and abusive.—The Eyes of the People ought to be undeceived and
            opened, upon their true Situation and real Danger.”
          My affectionate Respects to Mr Alson, and to your / Lady if you
            please.
          With great Esteem, your most / obedient humble servant

              John Adams


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 15 Jun. 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dr Sir

              New York

              15th: June 1786

          At the Request of General Washington I commit to your Care the
            enclosed Letter for Mrs. Mc.Cauly Graham which I have received from him—the Vessel that carries this is
            preparing to sail—You shall hear from me again by Capt.
            Coupar—
          I am Dr Sir / Your Friend &
              Servt.

              John Jay—


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

              Dear Sir

              Paris

               June 16. 1786.

          I inclose you the copy of a letter received from mr[expansion sign]
            Barclay dated Cadiz May 23. by which you will perceive he was still on this side the
            Mediterranean. has mr[expansion sign] Lamb written to you? I hear nothing from him nor
            of him, since mr[expansion sign] Carmichael’s information of his arrival in Spain.
            mr[expansion sign] Randall gave reason to expect that himself would come on. yet neither
            himself nor any letters from him arrive. perhaps they find conveyances for reporting to
            you the causes of their delay. I am anxious also to receive your opinion what is best to
            be done.
          The Swedish Ambassador asked me some time ago to give him in
            writing my thoughts on the best method of rendering the island of St. Bartholomew useful in the commerce between Sweden &
            the U.S. he afterwards pressed this on me every time I saw him till I was obliged to do
            it. I gave it as my opinion that to render that island most instrumental to the commerce
            of Sweden & the U.S. and also most useful to Sweden in every other point of
            view, it should be made a free port without a single restriction. as he had pressed this
            matter so much, I suspected his court might have instructed him to do it, and might also
            direct their minister at London to get your opinion on the same point. this latter
            possibility induced me to trouble you with information of what had passed here.
          I observe in the Leyden gazette of June 2. the extract of a letter
            dated Algiers Apr. 15. which says that on the 10th. of April
            an American vessel the Clementina captain Palmer from Philadelphia was carried in there
            by a cruiser. there being other circumstances mentioned in the same letter relative to
            our affairs which I know to be true, I am afraid this capture is also true.
          The king sets out on the 21st. inst.
            for Cherburg in order to animate by his notice the operations going on there. the Count
            d’Artois has lately been there. this is an astonishing effort of human industry. it is
            believed it will be among the best ports in the world & will contain the whole
            navy of France. those threats of invasion on England heretofore made, may
            become real in a future war, besides the bridle which this fixes in the mouth of the
            Thames.
          Present me affectionately to mrs[expansion sign] & miss
            Adams, assuring them of my friendly & respectful remembrance of them, &
            how much I regret that I am not of their party in visiting the gardens this summer; and
            accept yourself assurances of the esteem & regard with which I have the honor to
            be Dear Sir / Your most obedient humble servt

              Th: Jefferson


Title: the Marquis de Lafayette to John Adams, 16 Jun. 1786
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

              My dear Sir

              Paris

               june the 16th 1786

          This letter is going by a private Hand, and While I am Reminding
            You of one of Your sincerest friends, I am Happy in this Opportunity to Converse with
            You on some Objects of a public Nature
          the Committee for American Commerce Has met some times, when I Have
            Endeavoured to Carry down the farm Generale—there I fought Unsupported, so Great is the
            influence of that Body, and altho I proved that we would do Better without them, than
            with them, and that the king’s Revenüe should Encrease, While the price of Snuf was
            decreasing, Yes I lost the Battle, and wished at least to Make a Handsome Retreat. there
            I was Countenanced By Many, Count de Vergennes Among them, who disapprouved of the way
            of doing Business now adopted By messieurs of the farm—A Contract with Mr. Morill is Existing which furnishes the Whole Consumption at
            a High price, and Has Greatly Reduced the Valüe of that Commodity—the Bargain is
            preserved with A very formal Resolution Never more to Enter into Monopolizing Contracts,
            and in the Mean while the farmer Generals will take Annually from twelve to fifteen
              Hgsds of American tobacco, Coming from an American post on
            American or french Vessels; on the same Conditions with that of mr[expansion sign]
            Morill While the Contract lasts. as I went immediately after into the Country, You will
            Have been Acquainted with this By mr[expansion sign] jefferson
          in the Month of july, the Committee are to Meet Again, and I Hope
            the important Affair of whale oil will be taken in Consideration—a Cargoe of timber,
            shipped by mr[expansion sign] tracy, is now at Brest, and a very proper letter Has been,
            I am Assured, writen by the Minister of the Navy—How far it will Conquer Riga prejudices, I do not yet know
          It Seems, my dear Sir, that lord George Gordon Has Been let loose
            upon You—but the Gentleman is so wild, that it very little matters what He does—Your
            difficulties with that Ministry are of a more serious Nature—I Confess I thought Great
            Britain would act More wisely—those people are very Backward in American Concerns,
            excepting when they Can Blacken the National Character—I am Happy to Hear the people at
            large are about taking fœderal measures; Virginia Has Begun Appointing
            Commissionners—and I Hope Congress will Have those powers that are Necessary to give
            Energy to the Confederation, without encroaching on those Rights which it is proper to
            leave within States so far distant, and so differently Circumstanced.
          Actuated by a desire of fœderal measures, By the feelings I Have
            too often experienced while I Heard the situation of America so much mistaken, and By a
            sense of pride that makes me wish to see the United states disdain to walk the Beaten
            and Common path, I Confess I would like a manly opposition to those Algerine Rascals—I
            am told they may Be Blocked up—and from mr[expansion sign] jefferson you
              Haved Received particulars about it—Should Naples and portugal join, and
            what I would prefer, give their quotas in Monney, a Summer Blockade and Winter Cruize
            might take place—Had you any time to Spare, I Beg You will let me know your Sentiments
            which I know to be more favourable to a Negotiation—perhaps I am I led too
            far By my passions—but However must Be less so, than if a land operation Could take
            place
          Should Some thing Be tried with the Court of Naples, and an
            American Gentleman was sent there don’t you think our friend Mazzey to Be a very proper
            person?—He is Honest, Sensible, and Speacks the language—and in Case Some
              Commission
            charge d’affairsto italy was ever sent, He would I think to Answer
            the purpose—How far Congress may turn their views towards that Country, I am not to
            determine.
          this letter is writen in Hurry, as I am to Send it to mr[expansion
            sign] jefferson Without delay—I Beg you will present my affectinate Respects to
            mrs[expansion sign] and miss adams to whom mde[expansion sign] de lafayette and family
            beg to be Remembered, as well as to Yourself and [clel]
            Smith whom I Beg to Receive my most friendly Compliments—with Hearty and ever lasting
            Sentiments of attachement and Respect I Have the Honour to Be / My dear Sir / Your
            obedient Humble / Servant

              Lafayette


Title: Philip Mazzei to John Adams, 17 Jun. 1786
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir,

              Paris

              17. June 1786

          I received in due time from the Count of Sarcefield, the letter you
            honored me with, dated 20 ulto. According to your obliging
            direction, I have perused Hutchinson’s compilation, which the Count had of you &
            has been so good as to lend me. I have likewise perused Douglass’s, which I have
            borrowed of Mr. Jefferson. I cannot find in any one of them,
            that “les sauvages devoient être dépouillés de toutes les terres qu’ils ne cultiveroient
            pas” as Raynal says p. 429; nor what he says p. 461. about children “On immole des
            enfans de dix ans.” The injurious resolution, against the Indians, was taken by the
            People, according to him, in the year 1630; &
            the horrible sentence, against children 10. years old was executed at the
            time when witchcraft was in fashion.
          A gentleman from Boston (Mr. Appleton)
            promised me to read with attention, in Raynal, the history of New England, & to
            send me his observations, to help me in my confutation of his errors. Your time is
            precious, I Know, & I would not presume to desire of you to take any
            part of it from more important objects; but I hope that, without the least hindrance to
            them, you can & will please (whenever you see Mr.
            Appleton) desire of him in my name to performe his promise, as also to desire our good,
            noble, & worthy Friend Col. Smith, to send me his observations, on the same
            Author, abt New-York & New–Jersey. I would be very
            glad to be informed of the truth or falsity of the 2. above-mentioned facts. I beg you
            will excuse the liberty I take of troubling you, Sir; that you will please to present my
            most respectful & sincere compliments to your most valuable Lady, & that
            will ever believe me a true wellwisher of your good Family, & most sincerely
            & respectfully, / Dear Sir, / Your Excellency’s most Humble, / & most
            Obedient Servant,

              Philip Mazzei


Title: Edward Forbes to John Adams, 18 Jun. 1786
From: Forbes, Edward
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Dublin

              18th. June 1786

          Tho’ unknown to your Excellency I take the Liberty of addressing
            you in behalf of an honest tho’ unfortunate Man a Subject of the United States of
            America who has applied to me to use my Influence & Interest in behalf of
            himself & Owners with the Commissioners of the Revenue of this Kingdom.
          His Name is Aaron Sheffield Commander of the Brig called the Queen
            of France belonging to himself Coll Saml Ward &
            others of the State of Rhode Island said vessell has been condemned (upon a trial before
            the Sub Commissioners at the Port of Cork) under a most severe clause in one of our late
              Revenue Laws called the hovering Act,—for coming to an
            Anchor for one Tide only at a place called Ballycotton Bay—a man having been produced at
            the Trial that swore he bought a Cask or two of Rum out of said Vessell at that Place
            notwithstanding the Mate & others of the Crew swore there was no Goods of any
            kind deliver’d out of said Ship at that Place. The whole of the 5 Sub Commissioners
            signed the Condemnation of the Rum but so insufficient did the Evidence appear to two of
            them (the Collector & another) that they refused signing the Condemnation of the
            Ship & for same Reason the Collector refused signing the Condemnation of the
            Tobacco which consists of 131 Hhds.
          Capt Sheffield having transmitted to me
            the whole of the Evidence I laid it before Council who was of Opinion there was Ground
            for Condemnation tho’ it was possible the Sentence upon an Appeal might be reversed this
            with the Opinion of some Friends induced me to recommend to Capt: Sheffield not to prosecute an Appeal but to petition the Commissioners of his
            Majesty’s Revenue & throw himself on their Mercy—as the Expence of an Appeal
            would be considerable & the Issue so uncertain, Capt
            Sheffield has acquies’d in my Advice & I have prepar’d a petition representing
            the above Circumstances in the strongest Manner & praying the Commissioners
            might restore the Tobacco & Vessell upon paying a reasonable Gratuity to the
            seizing Officer which petition I mean to present in a few days aided by the Influence of
            a Relation & Friend a Member of Parliament.
          The peculiar Severity of this Law under which his Vessell &
            Cargo has been condemned & the Hardship of this poor Mans Case induces me to
            request your Excellency’s kind Interposition with the British Ministry to write to the
            Commissioners of the Revenue here to soften the Rigour of this very severe Law in behalf
            of his Vessell & Cargo which I doubt not with the Interest I shall make here
            will induce them to determine favourably for him & his Owners.—From the
            extensive commercial Intercourse between this Country & America I need scarcely
            mention the Necessity of having a Consul to reside here (the Seat of Government) such an
            Appointment would add Consequence to the Applications in behalf of such American
            Property as might be endanger’d thro’ Ignorance or Misconduct of the Crews of Ships;
            & least your Excellency should imagine that I am unnecessarily intruding on your
            time—I have inclosed this Letter to Messrs: Lane Son
            & Frazer who can inform you that Capt Sheffield is
            deserving of your Protection—in the meantime I shall render him every Service in my
            Power hoping shortly to be aided therein by your Interference
          I have the Honour to be / Your Excellency’s / most obedt humble. Servt:

              Edwd. Forbes


Title: John Adams to Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 19 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Van Staphorst, Jacob

              Gentlemen

              London

               June 19th. 1786

          I was honoured by the receipt of yours of the 9th. inst. & agreable to
            your request have signed the Bond No. 4543. of the Loan
            raised for amount of the U.S. of A dated 11th. of June 1782.
            have committed it to the Care of Mr. Daniel Parker—I am
            Yours

              J. A—


Title: William Osborn to John Adams, 19 Jun. 1786
From: Osborn, William
To: Adams, John

              May it please Your Excellency.

              Adelphi Hotel

              June 19th. 1786

          Having twice had the Honour to Lodge your Excellency and family
            under my Roof the Adelphi Hotel, I presume with submission to address you on this
            occasion, and to represent that the Bearer hereof Miles Brewton having apply’d to me for
            Charitable Relief: I immediately recollected him as the Son and Nephew of two
            respectable and worthy Gentlemen, Robert & Miles Brewton Esqrs both of Charles Town, South Carolina—He is a native
            American and I well remember to have seen in his early youth, both at Bermudas and
            Charles Town—Being an American myself, born in Philadelphia, anno 1736, I must naturally
            feel a partiality for all such, and particularly, for the Petitioner whose family rank
            high as respectable Citizens of the New Empire: In hopes Your Excellency will excuse the
            Liberty of this address, I beg Leave to subscribe myself,
          Your excellencys most obedient and humble Servant

              Willm Osborn


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 23 Jun. 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

              June 23. 1786.

          I hear of an conveyance which allows me but a moment to
            write to you. I inclose a copy of a letter from mr[expansion sign] Lamb. I have written
            both to him, & mr[expansion sign] Randall agreeable to what we had jointly
            thought best. the Courier de l’Europe gives us strange news of armies marching from the
            U.S. to take the ports from the English. I have received no public letters & not
            above one or two private ones from America since I had the pleasure of seeing you. so I
            am in the dark as to all these matters. I have only time left to address heaven with my
            good wishes for mrs[expansion sign] Adams & miss Adams, & to assure you
            of the sincere esteem with which I have the honour to be Dear sir / Your most obedt. / & most humble sert

              Th: Jefferson


Title: Episcopal Convention Resolution of Thanks to John Adams, 24 Jun. 1786
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: Adams, John

              June 24th. 1786

              In Convention

          Resolved that the Thanks of this Convention be given to his
            Excellency John Adams Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiary at the
            Court of Great Britain, for his kind attention to the concerns of this Church, and that
            the President be desired to transmit the same.
          Extract from the Minutes

              Fras. Hopkinson Secry.


Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 25 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir

              London

              June 25. 1786

          last night I received yours of the 16.—Mr. Lamb has not written to me. Mr Randal I have
            expected every day, for a long time. but have nothing from him, but what you transmitted
            me. my opinion of what is best to be done, which you desire to know is, that Mr Lamb be desired to embark immediately for New York, and make
            his Report to Congress and render his Account, and that Mr
            Randal be desired to come to You first and then to me, unless you think it better for
            him to embark with Lamb. It would be imprudent in Us, as it appears to me to incurr any
            further Expence, by sending to Constantinople, or to Algiers, Tunis or Tripoli. it will
            be only So much Cash thrown away, and worse, because it will only increase our
            Embarrassment make Us and our Country ridiculous, and irritate the Appetite of those
            Barbarians already too greedy.—I have no News of the Clementine Captain Palmer.
          The Sweedish Minister here, has never asked me any Question
            concerning the Island of St Bartholomew.— — —I Suspect there are not many confidential
            Communications made to him, from his Court; he has been here 20 or 30 Years and has
            married an English Lady, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society. From these Circumstances
            he may be thought to be too well with the English. This
            is merely conjecture. Your Advice was the best that could be given.
          The Kings Visit to Cherbourg will have a great Effect, upon a
            Nation whose Ruling Passion is a Love of their Sovereign, and the Harbour may and will
            be of Importance.—But the Expectation of an Invasion will do more than a Real one.
          Mrs Adams and Mrs Smith, have taken a Tour
            to Portsmouth We took Paines Hill in our Way out, and Windsor, in our Return: but the
            Country in general disappointed Us.—From Guilford to Portsmouth is an immense Heath. We
            wished for your Company, which would have added greatly to the Pleasure of the Journey.
            Pray have you visited the Gardens in France? how do you find them? equal to the
            English?
          with great Regard I am, dear Sir your / Friend & humble
            sert

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to Edward Forbes, 26 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Forbes, Edward

              Sir

              London

               June 26. 1786—

          I have recd, the Letter you did me, the
            honour to write me from Dublin on the 18th. of June,
            & am very sorry for the misfortune of Capt.
            Sheffield, & his owners, The Law must be very severe indeed, if you cannot
            succeed in your application for Relief, at least of the Vessell & Tobacco—
          If any interposition of mine with the British Ministry, would have
            any Effect in his favour I would cheerfully engage in it—But as such cases must be
            decided by the Laws, & by certain rules where the Commissioners have any
            Discretion it would be in Vain for me to apply indeed I could not justify to Congress an
            Interposition officially in any such Case without their express orders, I have no
            Authority to demand or require the restitution of the Vessell & to ask it as a
            favour, would neither be approved by my Sovereign nor would it be granted by the British
            Ministry
          I agree with you, in wishing that a Consul was appointed to reside
            in Dublin—
          Yours—

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to Edward Augustus Holyoke, 26 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Holyoke, Edward Augustus

              Sir—

              June 26, 1786—

          About the time of the proposition of a Correspondence between your
            society and the Royal society of Medicine at Paris, I made a similar overture to the
            Royal Academy of Chirurgery, & met with a reception equally encouraging, but
            having never received from Mr. Louis the Perpetual
            secretary, any thing in writing I supposed it was forgotten or neglected—it is but a few
            Day’s since the inclosd extract from the registers of the Royal Accademy of Chirurgery
            was sent to me from Paris, and I embrace the first oppertunity of doing myself the honor
            of transmitting it to you, to be laid before the medical society of which you are
            President—
          Yours

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 26 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              June 26. 1786

          Sometime Since I received from Gov. Bowdoin some Papers relating to
            Alexander Gross, with an earnest desire that I would communicate them to the French
            Ambassador here. I did so and his Excellency was so good as to transmit them to the
            Comte De Vergennes.— —Mr Bartholomy however advised me to
            write to you upon the Subject, that you might prevent it from being forgotten.
          inclosed is a Letter, which I received Yesterday from Griffin Green
            at Rotterdam, with a Paper inclosed dated Dunkirk 15. June. 1786. relating to this
            unhappy Man. What can be done for his Relief I know not. Neither the Ransom Money nor
            the other Charges I Suppose can ever be paid. for Government never is expected to redeem
            Such Hostages and his Relations are not able. If this is the Truth as I Suppose it is,
            it would be better for the French Government and for the Persons interested, to set him
            at Liberty, than to keep him a Prisoner at Expence.
          Let me pray you to minute this affair among your Memorandums to
            talk of, with the Comte De Vergennes & Mr Rayneval,
            when you are at Versailles. They will shew you the Papers, which have been transmitted
            them through the Comte D’Adhemar.
          I wrote you on the 23d. of May ulto——and on the 6th: inst.——which Letters I hope you have received.
          yours

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 26 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

              My dear Marquis

              London

               June 26, 1786—

          I am much obliged to you for your kind Letter of the 16th. I most heartily wish you success in your endeavours to
            introduce a benificial Commerce in Tobacco, oil, Timber & all other things,
            between the U.S. & France,
          Ld. G. G.’s
            attack was easily repulsed, The Ministry will not be so easily managed, in one word, I
            will let you into the whole secret, They think that whatever wealth or Power may be
            possessed by the U.S. in Case of another war it will be all thrown into the scale of
            France, Spain & Holland against them—They therefore dread the Growth of our
            Power, as much as they do that of the house of Bourbon—all their Arts however cannot
            prevent our Growth, & their follies will cause the very event they fear, They
            scarcely leave us a Possibility of Neutrality, & if they were not fools, they
            would Know that if we take a side at all, it will be & ought to be against
            them
          I confess I am sorry, that a Convention is to take Place because
            Congress would have done as well, at a less Expence & in a shorter time—I am in
            favour of a Negotiation with the Turks, & averse to all proposals of blocking
            them up fighting them & to all other speculations which may divert the Minds of
            our People, from the Policy of making immediate & perpetual treaties of Peace
            with them—My Reason are—The Damage to our affairs, arising from their Hostilities, is
            infinite—
          Insurance upon 3.000.000 of exports at 6. pr. Cent.
          Do— —[. . .] Do— —Do— —imports at Do—
            —
          Vessells & Cargoes Captured—
          Prisoners to be redeemed at 1500 Doll. pr. head
          Loss of all the Mediterranean & Levant trades.
          Do. & interrupption of Trade to
            spain & Portugal
          Expence of Building & Equipping six & 8.
            frigates
          expence of maintaining them—Compute these Articles & you
            will find they will cost you a Million sterling every Year—
          On the other hand treaties of perpetual Peace may be had with them
            all for 3,00000£—Nay supposing in addition to this you should be obliged to
            give them annually 60.000 pr. ann? which is more than is
            given them by France or England—Cast up your account & strike your Ballance,
            & you will find it immense in favour of Negotiations—
          2d. A War with them will only enhance
            their demands.
          3d. The Southern States will never
            agree to fight them because the ships & seamen must all be supplied from the
            states to the Northward of Maryland—
          From these Reasons I am alway’s mortified to hear Projects of War
            with the Algerines, because they appear to me to have a tendency to divert the Minds of
            our fellow Citizens from what is practicable & politick, to what is
            impracticable & unwise—
           I would not give a farthing for all the assistance that could be afforded us by
            Portugal & Naples—
          When we Know it is easy to have peace for a small sum of Money, it
            is very imprudent to think of War, I confine this Maxim however to the Turks,
            comprehending under that Term 5 Nations
          With other Nations I would fight for Liberty, for Right, for Glory
            at any Expence of Money, But when all the great Powers of Europe encourage these Pirates
            & when they are manifestly stimulating them against us, & piquing our
            honour & spirit to fight them, from the most base and selfish &
            Malicious Motives, I am for outwitting these Knowing ones—I hope we are too old to be
            taken in the snare—The Glory of Wit & Wisdom is a prescious as that of Valour
            & Arms, & I would never submit to the Ignominy of being out generalled
            in Politicks, if I could help it, any more than in War—
          My family desire their Respects to Yours—A Marriage has taken place
            in it, which I suppose will not surprize you as you probably was apprized of the
            Intentions of the Parties I wont take another sheet for the Name of your friend

              J. A


Title: John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 26 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Mazzei, Philip

              Dr. Sir

                London

              June 26. 1786

          The insinuation of the Abby Raynal, mentioned in your Letter of the 17th
            that “the Savages were to be dispossessed of Lands which they would not cultivate” is
            injurious.
          The first settlers of New England, as well as of the other parts of
            America were scrupulous to purchase the title of the Indians, wherever they planted—In a course of many years
            practice in the Courts of Law I have had a great oppertunity of knowing this fact—There
            is scarcely a suit concerning Land, in which the titles & Pretensions are not
            traced back to Indian Deeds—
          The Immolation of Children of ten years old is a fiction of some
            Brain or other. The Abby I suppose found it in some News Paper Pamphlet or other
            Repository of political Lyes, He could have no motive to adopt it, if he had not
            supposed it to be true, but any Person in the least acquainted with the true
            history of the Country would have corrected it—I have not seen Mr. Appleton when I do, I will remind him of his promise to you—

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to Robert Pierepont Jr., 26 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Pierepont, Robert, Jr.

              Mr. Pierpoint—

              Grosvr. square

              June 26, 1786—

          I return you this Letter with all the papers accompanying it, by
            the hand that brought it to me, I have no Authority from your Father to furnish you
            Money, I pray you to give yourself nor me any further trouble about it, for it will be
            in vain. I am yours &c

              J.A—


Title: Thomas Barclay to the American Peace Commissioners, 26 Jun. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: American Peace Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas,Adams, John

              Gentlemen

              Morocco

              26th. June 1786

          This day week we arrived here, since which I have had two audiences
            from His Majesty, the first a public one & the second a private one of
            yesterday. It is but a few minutes since I heard that a Courrier will depart this
            Evening for Daralbeyda, & I have not time to enter into particulars. It will be
            agreable however for you to know, that the last draught of the Treaty is made, &
            will probably be signed in a few days, & that our stay here will not exceed that
            of a week from this time. I believe you will be satisfied on the whole, as there is only
            one article more I could wish to see inserted, & that I really think,
            in all human probability will never prove of the least Consequence.
          I shall proceed to Tangiers and take an early Opportunity of
            sending you a more detailed account of my proceedings; In the mean time I recommend your
            transmitting as soon as possible, through Mr. Carmichael the
            Powers to treat with Tunis & Tripoli, & (if Mr. Lamb has declined all further concern) for Algiers. If you had a Treaty with
            the Porte I flatter myself the rest would follow, & at all Events Tunis
            & Tripoli should be invited to our friendship.—
          There is a young man now under my Care, who has been a Slave some
            time with the Arabs in the Desart, his Name is James Mercier, born at the Town of
            Suffolk Nausincond County Virginia, The King sent him after the first Audience,
            & I shall take him to Spain. I have not time to add, but that I am Gentlemen /
            Your most obedient, / humble Servant,

              Thos Barclay


Title: Taher Ben Abdelhack Fennish to the American Commissioners, 26 Jun. 1786
From: Fennish, Taher Ben Abdelhack
To: American Commissioners,Adams, John,Jefferson, Thomas

          Translation of the within Letter from his Excellcy. Sidi
            Hadg Taher Ben Abdelhack Fennish to their Excellcies. John
            Adams and Thomas Jefferson Esqrs.—
          Grace to God who is the Sole unity Whose Kingdom is the Only
            Existing one
          To their Excellencies John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Esqrs. This is to Acquaint You that I am ordered by the Emperor
            my Master (whom God preserve) to Acknowledge the receipt of your Letter, Sign’d at
            London and Paris on the first and Eleventh of October 1785, which has been delivered
            into his own hands by the Honble[expansion sign] 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, and 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 you Envoy, who has behaved himself with integrity
            and 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 favourable and unparalleled Audiences, 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; And of the Assistance I have already given in your
            affairs, your Envoy will Acquaint you, and Concluding I do Sincerely remain, Morocco the
            first day of the blessed Month of Ramadan 1200,—
          Sign’d the Servt. of the King My
            Master— / whom God preserve—

              Taher Ben Abdelhack Fennish

            I do hereby certify that the above is a true Translation from the
              arabic Language of the Annexed Letter, Morocco y[thorn sign]e.16th. July 1786
            Isaac Cardozo Nuñez


Title: Mr. Grand to John Adams, 26 Jun. 1786
From: Grand
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Paris

              26th. June 1786

          I am much obliged to you for the trouble which you have been So
            Kind to take relating M Barclay’s bills, I am Surprised that you find no advice from him
            of any bill for $100.—besides these which you are So good as to point out, the 24th. 8ber. I paid him the amount of
            two bills, the one for $200, which was accepted by you Sir & the other for
            $100,—the one about which I am now making inquirier, & which Mr Barclay advised you to have drawn at the Same time,
            & by the Same letter with that of $200,—I think both these bills were dated from
            the 24th. 8ber. or the day
            before, be pleased there fore to look on his letters of advice, & expecially on
            that which informed you about that date that he had drawn the bill for $200 to my
            order.
          I beg you will excuse this further trouble, & I am with
            very great regard. / Sir Your most obedient / humble Servant

              Grand


Title: David Griffith to John Adams, 26 Jun. 1786
From: Griffith, David
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Philadelphia

               26th. June 1786

          The General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
            acknowledge themselves greatly obliged to your Excellency, for your kind attention to
            their religious concerns, in forwarding their endeavours to obtain Consecration for
            Bishops, and such a succession in the Orders of her Ministry as is most conformable to
            their principles, and agreeable to their wishes.
          Having instructions, from the Convention, to transmit, to your
            Excellency, their Vote of thanks, I do myself the honor, now, to inclose it.
          With the greatest respect for your Character, both private and
            publick, I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s, most humble /and Obedient Servt.

              David Griffith, Prest.


Title: David Rittenhouse to John Adams, 26 Jun. 1786
From: Rittenhouse, David
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Philadelphia

               June 26th. 1786

          The Bearer Dr. Benjn. Barton will deliver to you two Copies of the Second Volume
            of Transactions of our Philosophical Society, One of which I beg you, Sir, to accept of,
            the other you will please to forward to Mr. Jefferson the
            American Minister at Paris. Give me leave to recommend to your Notice the Bearer, he is
            my Nephew and a worthy Young Gentleman. His Abilities and great application give reason
            to expect that he will hereafter do honour to his Country.
          I am, Sir, with great respect / your very Humble Servant

              Davd. Rittenhouse


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 27 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Sir

              London

               June 27. l786

          I have received the Letter you did me, the Honour to write me, on
            the 1st. of May; and the Pleasure of Congress Signified in
            it, Shall be Strictly observed. You will perceive by my Letter of the 4th. of March, that it was my Determination to make no Reply to
            his Lordships Answer of the 28th. of Feb. to the Memorial of
            the 30 of November, untill I should receive the Orders of Congress. As We hear that the
            Vessell which carried out that Dispatch, Sprung a leak at Sea, put into Lisbon and did
            not Sail from thence till late in April, I do myself the Honour to inclose a
            Duplicate of Lord Carmarthens Letter of 28 Feb. and of the Representations of the
            Merchants inclosed in it.
          With great Respect I have the Honour to be / Sir your most obedient
            and most / humble servant

              John Adams.


Title: David Griffith et al. to John Adams, 28 Jun. 1786
From: Griffith, David,White, William,Smith, William,Hopkinson, Francis,Powel, Samuel
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Philadelphia,

              June 28. 1786

          The Condescension your Excellency has shewn in delivering to his
            Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury a Copy of a former Address of the Convention of the
            Protestant Episcopal Church & in transmitting the Answer to it, added to your
            great Candor & Liberality in so stating y[thorn sign]e Laws & Constitutions of the United States on the Subject of it as will
            be for ever remembered with Gratitude by the Members of our Church & by all
            Friends of Religious Freedom, hath emboldened us as a Committee of a succeeding
            Convention, to request the like Attention of your Excellency to their Address to the
            Right Revd Bench: a Copy of which we do ourselves the Honor
            to enclose.
          The Revd Mr
            Hultgren, a Native & Subject of Sweden, who is y[thorn sign]e Bearer of this Letter, hath taken y[thorn sign]e Charge of y[thorn sign]e Books
            & other Communications referred to in y[thorn sign]e
            Address, & will provide for their being delivered, with the Assistance &
            under the Direction of the Revd Dr Murray formerly a Clergyman in the State of Pennsylvania, whose past
            Endeavours to forward our Views have induced us to ask of him this Instance of
            Attention—
          With a deep Sense of your Excellency’s great Goodness, we have the
            Honour to subscribe ourselves, / Your Excellency’s obliged & very / humble
            Servants—

              David Griffith—

              William Smith

              Wm: White—

              Fras Hopkinson

              Samuel Powel


Title: William White to John Adams, 28 Jun. 1786
From: White, William
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Philada,

               June 28. 1786.

          I had y[thorn sign]e Honor &
            Satisfaction of receiving your Excellency’s Letter, dated Feb: 28. 1786; and while
            y[thorn sign]e Church to which I belong is emboldened by
            your past Condescension to solicit your further Attention to her Concerns, I take the
            Liberty to enclose you a [Production] wch can have no
            Importance, but what it may derive from y[thorn sign]e
            weighty Business of y[thorn sign]e Body before whom it was
            delivered—
          I cannot conclude without expressing my most hearty Concurrence in
            y[thorn sign]e Sentiments of your Letter; with my Wishes,
            that they may always adorn those Characters, with whom y[thorn sign]e Honour & Happiness of our Country shall be
            entrusted.
          With y[thorn sign]e most perfect
            Respect & Esteem, I have y[thorn sign]e Honour to
            subscribe myself, Your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble Servt—

              Wm: White.


Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 29 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir

              London

              June 29. 1786

          inclosed is a Letter to Mr Lamb
            & another to Mr Randall: if you Approve them please
            to Sign them and send them on, Why those Gentlemen have lingered in Spain I know not. I
            have long expected to hear of their Arrival in Paris. Possibly they wait for orders. if
            so, the inclosed will answer the End.
          The Chev. De Pinto told me on Wednesday that he had orders from his
            Court to inform me, that the Queen had sent a Squadron to cruise in the Mouth of the
            Streights, and had given them Orders to protect all Vessells belonging to the United
            States of America, against the Algerines equally with Vessells of her own Subjects.— —
            —
          With much Affection yours

              John Adams


Title: The American Peace Commissioners to John Lamb, 29 Jun. 1786
From: American Peace Commissioners,Adams, John,Jefferson, Thomas
To: Lamb, John

              Sir—

              London

              June 29th. 1786—

          The Importance of Peace with the Algerines, and the other
            Inhabitants of the Coast of Barbary, to the United States, renders it necessary that
            every information which can be obtained should be laid before Congress:
          And as the demands for the Redemption of Captives as well as the
            amount of Customary Presents are so much more considerable than seem to have been
            expected in America it appears to us necessary that you should return without loss of
            Time to New York, there to give an Account to Congress of all the particulars which have
            come to your Knowledge as well as of your own proceedings and of the Monies which have
            been paid on account of the United States, in consequence of your draughts upon the
            Minister in London.
          From Congress when you arrive there you will receive orders for
            your future Government and in the meantime we have no further occasion for your Services
            in Europe.
          If you Know of a Certain Passage immediately from any port in
            Spain, We advise you to avail yourself of it: if not, we think it most adviseable for
            you to come to Paris and from thence, after having consulted with Mr. Jefferson to repair to L’Orient and embark for New York, in
            the first Packett—As the Instructions we send to Mr. Randal
            are to come on to Paris in his Way to America, unless he should choose to accompany you from some port in Spain,
            We desire you to furnish him with money for his Expenses to Paris, & London out
            of the Cash already in your Hands, and We recommend to him as well as to you all
            reasonable Attention to Economy.
          We are Sir Your most / Obedt. Humble
              Servt.

            London

             June 29. 1786

              John Adams

            Paris

             July 7. 1786.
             Th: Jefferson


Title: John Adams to Paul R. Randall, 29 Jun. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Randall, Paul R.

              Sir

              London

              June 29. 1786

          We have written to Mr Lamb, to return
            to America without Loss of Time, either by the first Opportunity from any Port in Spain,
            or by the French Packett at L’orient.—If You Should choose to Accompany him, We wish to
            accommodate you and therefore consent: but our Desire is rather that you Should come
            first to Paris & London that We may avail ourselves of an opportunity of
            conversing with you more particularly upon the affairs of the United States with those
            of Affrica. We have written to Mr Lamb to furnish You with
            Cash from the Sum that remains in his Hands, to defrey the Expence of your Journey to
            Paris and London.
          We have the Honour to be, Sir / your most obedient & most /
            humble servant

              John Adams.


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

              Gentlemen

              Mogadore

              July 1786.

          I wrote you from Morocco under date of the 16th.—As I do not know when that Letter is likely to reach you, I trouble you now
            with a Copy of it, & as I shall set out in a few days for Tangiers. I defer
            until my arrival in Europe being particular.—
          I am Gentlemen, / Your most obedt.
            humble Servt

              Thos Barclay.


Title: Thomas McKean to John Adams, 1 Jul. 1786
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir,

              Philadelphia

              July 1st. 1786.—

          I do not write to you now as a Public Minister, tho’ I have a
            heartfelt pleasure in your being so, and at the very court where I long wished you to
            reside. The office of Chief Justice of this State now engages my principal attention;
            having quit the Congress in 1783. The affairs of our University, Philosophical &
            Agricultural Societies &c. employ my vacant time; and I enjoy a good state of
            health. So much respecting myself.—
          Permit me now, Sir, to request your attention to the subject-matter
            of the Letter inclosed herewith. It was written by William Augustus Atlee Esquire,
            senior Justice of the Supreme court of this State, one of my brethren. His father,
            William Atlee, an Englishman, died in this city, about forty years ago, without having
            made any disposition of his estate in England. It is believed, his real estate there was
            valuable, tho’ his oldest son, then at law, knows nothing more about it, than what he
            mentions in his letter to me. Will you be so kind as to make some inquiry regarding it,
            or cause it to be done? I should desire to be informed, whether the estate in the
            parishes of Acton and Ealy, called Ford-hook, near London, and that in
            Lincolns-Inn-fields, are to be found? What may be their present condition &
            value? Who is in possession? What shall be said by the possessors, when told of the
            claim of Mr; Atlee? Whether his being now an Alien, and very
            active in the late glorious Revolution, will be a Bar or even a Prejudice to his
            recovering real property in England? And any thing else relating to this matter, that
            can be known.
          I am aware of the liberty I am now taking with you, and of the
            trouble this will give you; but in behalf of a friend, and a worthy Gentleman, who has a
            numerous offspring, and from our former acquaintance, I am induced to sollicit your
            friendship on the occasion. It is not meant, that you should step out of your line in
            the least about it, but only, that you would be pleased to engage some sensible and
            trusty person to manage it under your direction. Your countenance alone will be of great
            weight, and may perhaps intimidate mere occupants or possessors, and leave them more
            readily to yield up the estates to the true owner.
          The expences, this will occasion you, will be thankfully repaid to
            you or Order, by Mr; Atlee or myself, as soon as known.
          Mr; Cutting, who will deliver this, has
            just now been so good as to undertake the performance of every thing necessary, under
            your direction; so that you need not apply to any other person. I must beg the favor of
            you to pay him any money, that may be necessary for searches in offices, travelling
            expences &c. about this business. Could I form any judgment of them, I would
            advance the money here.
          I write in haste, and have only time to assure you, that you have
            my best wishes for your happiness, and that I am; with the warmest attachment, / Dear
            Sir, / Your Excellency’s / most obedient & humble servant

              Tho M:Kean


Title: John Adams to Robert Murdoch, 4 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Murdoch, Robert

              Sir

              London

               July 4. 1786—

          I am no stranger to the case of the unfortunate Alexander Grosse in
            whose favour You did me the honor to write me your Letter from Dunkirk of the 30th. June, I lately received from His Excellency James Bowdoin
              Esqr Governor of the Massachusetts an Application from the
            friends of Mr. Grosse, which as I was desired, I
            communicated to the Comte D’Adhemar, who has transmitted it to the Comte De Vergennes. I
            since received a Letter from a Captain Green at Rotterdam relative to the subject, which
            I have transmitted to Mr. Jefferson Minister Plenipotentiary
            from the United States of America at the Court of France—
          It is not the Custom, for Governments to redeem hostages excepting
            such as were pledged by themselves, it is not, therefore in my power nor in that of Mr. Jefferson’s to redeem Mr.
            Grosse. but in this case the Captors for their own Interest should discharge him, since
            there is no hope, nor scarce a Probability that the Ransom or any part of it, should
            ever be paid—it is better to loose what is past, than to add continually to the Loss,
            although it be but a British shilling a day—
          Mr. Grosse would do well to write to
              Mr. Jefferson at Paris—and desire him to speak to the
            Ministers at Versailles, and if any thing can be done, with propriety, it will be,
            nevertheless, I believe that Government will not interfere, unless the Captors should
            throw upon them the Expence of the Maintenance of the Hostage, in which Case they may
            sett him at Liberty—The Captors I believe will find themselves obliged to carry this
            affair to account of profit & loss & poor Grosse himself, must probably
            sett down 7 Years of his Life as annihlated, it is the fortune of War—
          yours

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to James Warren, 4 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

              Dear Sir

              London
               July 4. 1786

          Your Favour of 30. April, is arrived. I am Surprized to read in
            your Letter that “our Poverty cant relieve Us from the Piracies of the Algerines.” Are
            the thirteen United States then not worth two or three hundred Thousand Guineas? Suppose
            they borrow it at Six per Cent. there will be Eighteen thousand Guineas to pay yearly.
            We now loose a Million sterling a year, by this War.—Are we able to loose a Million and
            not pay Eighteen Thousand Pounds.? Give Congress Power and let them lay on Duties upon
            Imports or Exports upon thirteen states Sufficient to pay this Interest and you may
            borrow the Money. But I never heard or read of Sluggards, who saw so many fantastical
            Lions in the Way, as our People appear to have seen since the Peace.—
          Our Oil may find a Market in every City where a Lamp is burn’d in
            the night, if our Merchants will take Pains by Samples and Experiments to Shew the
            Inhabitants the Superiour Qualities of our Sperma Cœti Oil.
          The Picture you draw of the Ruin of the Country is horrible.— —Bad
            as it may be, Paper Money or a Suspension of Law Processes, I will venture to say would
            make it much worse.—I cannot be of your opinion that there is “a total Change in
            Principles and manners” “nor that Interest is the only Pursuit,” “nor that Riches only
            are respected.” If you look back to the year 1760 and from thence to 1774, you will find
            that Interest was courted and Riches respected, by as many, as they were during the War,
            and during the War by as many, as since the Peace.—as great a Number of, Men of Merit,
            who are poor are respected now, as were respected at any time Since our Memory. it is
            most certain that our Country men, are not and never were, Spartans in their Contempt of
            Weath, and I will go farther and say they ought not to be. Such a Trait in their
            Character would render them lazy Drones, unfit for the Agriculture Manufactures
            Fisheries, and Commerce, and Population of their Country: and fit only for War. I am
            never apprehensive of Anarchy, because I know there is Wisdom and Address enough to
            prevent it.
          All Things must tend to restore publick Faith & Confidence.
            The Debt must be funded and the Interest paid. This will put an End to that speculation
            in public Paper, which now employs all the Capitals, and produce a Circulation that will
            relieve every Distress.
          The Encyclopædia is a valuable Collection of Knowledge and worth
            the Money. The Gentlemans Pocket Farrier and Truslers practical Husbandry, I will
            endeavour to send you. You may pay Dr Tufts for them.
          The Enthusiasm for Agriculture like Virtue will be its own Reward.
            may it run & be glorified.
          I have given my Daughter to Col. Smith a Man of Merit formed in the
            School of his Countries Afflictions. I Shall want her Company, in my old Age, but the
            Conveniences of Parents are not the principal Points to be consulted, in the Marriages
            of Children. The young Couple appear to be very happy, and may they continue so as long
            as they live.
          To return to Politicks, Our Country men are not yet informed of the
            magical Effects of Circulation, and of the ruin of Stagnation.—Stagnation must exist and
            Circulation can never take Place in Society where there is not Confidence of the Members
            in the Public & in one Another. This Confidence never will be restored, untill
            the Debt is funded and all apprehensions of Paper Knavery is annihilated. The only Way
            and the effectual Way to restore our affairs is for every Wise & good Man to
            Unite in restoring Confidence in the Publick.
          With great Esteem & regard, I am dear sir / your most
            obedient & humble Sert—

              John Adams


Title: the Marquis of Carmarthen to John Adams, 6 Jul. 1786
From: Carmarthen, the Marquis of
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Whitehall

               July 6th: 1786

          I have received His Majesty’s Commands to inform You, that, in
            order to prevent the Abuses to which the Indulgence given by the Foreign Ministers is
            frequently liable, by granting that Protection which their Compassion often inclines
            them to afford to Persons who solicit it for the sole Purpose of screening themselves
            from the Laws of their Country, His Majesty has instructed His Secretary of State, for
            the future not to give Notice to the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex to insert the Name
            of any of His Majesty’s Subjects in the List of those, who are to be deemed under the
            Protection of any Foreign Minister excepting only such Persons, as may be employed by
            the said Foreign Ministers in the Capacity of menial Servants.
          I am with great Truth and Regard / Sir / Your most obedient /
            humble Servant.

              Carmarthen.


Title: John Adams to the Comte de Sarsfield, 7 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Sarsfield, Guy Claude, Comte de

              My dear Comte

              July 7th. 1786—

          Colonel Trumbul, whom I believe you saw at Mr. Wests will have the honor to deliver you this Letter—He goes to Paris not
            only to improve himself in his Art, but to practice & pursue it. He is a
            Character that I dare recommend to your esteem—it is in your power greatly to assist him
            in his views, of becoming acquainted with the artists & productions of France,
            & therefore I beg leave to introduce him & Recommend him to your
            attention

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to Mr. Grand, 8 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Grand

              Sir.

              London

              July 8. 1786.

          I have rec’d the Letter you did me the Honour to write me the 26.
            of June. and have looked over Mr. Barclay’s Letters
            according to your desire,—I find you in a Letter from him dated Paris 22 octr. 1785. these Words. vizt “I
            wrote you some time ago advising my Draught on you, in favour of Mr. Grand No. 3: for one hundred Pounds sterling. I
            cannot refer to the date because the Copy is at St. Germains
            to which place I have removed my family & Papers, where I expect they will
            remain during my Absence, I heard at Mr. Grands, that my
            Letter of advice had not reached you, I am now to inform you that I have of this date
            valued on you in favour of Mr. Grand at 30 day’s sight, or
            rather at usance, No. 4. two hundred Pounds sterling, which
            you will please to honor”
          Minutes from my Account
          Octr. 8:1785. I accepted a Bill of Mr. Barclay, No. 2. for £100 stg.
          Ocr. 17. accepted a Bill of Mr.
            Barclay for £100 stg. 1st. of y[thorn sign]e sett, to y[thorn sign]e order of Mr. Grand
          Octr. 31. accepted a Bill of Mr. Barclay for £200 stg. No. 4. first of y[thorn sign]eset
            to y[thorn sign]e order of Mr.
            Grand—
          Now comparing the foregoing Minutes, with the foregoing extract of
              Mr. Barclay’s Letter—I suppose the Bill, which I accepted
            on the 17th. of Octr. is the
            Bill No. 3—which Mr. Barclay
            mentions, Is it not?
          Yours

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 8 Jul. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

              My dear Marquis—

              July 8th. 1786.

          Give me leave to introduce to you Colonel Trumbull, a son of the
            late Governor of Connecticut, He is a Painter who has given Proofs of uncommon Genius
            & Talents for his Art, and is disposed to consecrate both to the Glory of his
            Country—He has already finished Bunkers Hill and Quebec, and is proceeding to saratoga
            & York Town, and I hope will not stop, till he has finished all the principal
            Actions of the War—He will have occassion for your face & figure upon more
            occassions than one—He merits every attention and assistance you can give him. He wishes
            to see all the most eminent Artists & Models in Paris. It is with no small share
            of esteem & regard that I take the Liberty to recommend him to you &
            your Friends as a Man, a Citizen & an Artist worthy of your Confidence

              J A.


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 11 Jul. 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

               July 11. 1786.

          Our instructions relative to the Barbary states having required us
            to proceed by way of negotiation to obtain their peace, it became our duty to do this to
            the best of our power. whatever might be our private opinions, they were to be
            suppressed, and the line marked out to us, was to be followed. it has been so honestly,
            & zealously. it was therefore never material for us to consult together on the
            best plan of conduct towards these states. I acknolege I very early thought it would be
            best to effect a peace thro’ the medium of war. Tho’ it is a question with which we have
            nothing to do, yet as you propose some discussion of it I shall trouble you with my
            reasons. of the 4. positions laid down in your letter of the 3d. instant, I agree to the three first, which are in substance that the good
            offices of our friends cannot procure us a peace without paying it’s price, that they
            cannot materially lessen that price, & that paying it, we can have the peace in
            spight of the intrigues of our enemies. as to the 4th. that
            the longer the negotiation is delayed the larger will be the demand, this will depend on
            the intermediate captures: if they are many & rich the price may be raised; if
            few & poor it will be lessened. however if it is decided that we shall buy a
            peace, I know no reason for delaying the operation, but should rather think it ought to
            be hastened. but I should prefer the obtaining it by war. 1. justice is in favor of this
            opinion. 2. honor favors it. 3. it will procure us respect in Europe, and respect is a
            safe-guard to interest. 4. it will arm the federal head with the safest of all the
            instruments of coercion over their delinquent members, & prevent them
            from using what would be less safe. I think that so far you go with me. but in the next
              steps we shall differ. 5. I think it least expensive. 6. equally effectual.
            I ask a fleet of 150. guns, the one half of which shall be in constant cruise. this
            fleet built, manned & victualled for 6. months will cost 450,000£ sterling. it’s
            annual expence is 300£ sterl. a gun, including every thing: this will be 45,000£ sterl.
            a year. I take British experience for the basis of my calculations, tho’ we know, from
            our own experience, that we can do, in this way for pounds lawful, what costs them
            pounds sterling. were we to charge all this to the Algerine war it would amount to
            little more than we must pay if we buy peace. but as it is proper & necessary
            that we should establish a small marine force (even were we to buy a peace from the
            Algerines,) and as that force laid up in our dockyards would cost us half as much
            annually as if kept in order for service, we have a right to say that only 22,500£
            sterl. per ann. should be charged to the Algerine war. 6. it will be as effectuel. to
            all the mismanagements of Spain & Portugal urged to shew that war against those
            people is ineffectuel, I urge a single fact to prove the contrary where there is any
            management. about 40. year ago, the Algerines having broke their treaty with France,
            this court sent Monsr. de Massac with one large &
            two small frigates, he blockaded the harbour of Algiers three months, & they
            subscribed to the terms he dictated. if it be admitted however that war, on the fairest
            prospects, is still exposed to incertainties, I weigh against this the greater
            incertainty of the duration of a peace bought with money, from such a nation
            people, from a Day 80. years old, & by a nation who, on the
            hypothesis of buying peace, is to have no power on the sea to enforce an observance of
            it.
          So far I have gone on the supposition that the whole weight of this
            war would rest on us. but 1. Naples will join us. the character of their naval minister
            (Acton) his known sentiments with respect to the peace Spain is officiously trying to
            make for them, & his dispositions against the Algerines give the greatest reason
            to believe it. 2. every principle of reason tells us Portugal will join us. I state this
            as taking for granted, what all seem to believe, that they will not be at peace with
            Algiers. I suppose then that a Convention might be formed between Portugal, Naples
            & the U.S. by which the burthen of the war might be quotaed on them according to
            their respective wealth, and the term of it should be when Algiers should subscribe to a
            peace with all three on equal terms. this might be left open for other nations to accede
            to, and many, if not most of the powers of Europe (except France, England, Holland
            & Spain if her peace be made) would sooner or later enter into the confederacy,
            for the sake of having their peace with the Pyratical states guarantied by the whole. I
            suppose that in this case our proportion of force would not be the half of what I first
            calculated on.
          These are the reasons which have influenced my judgment on this
            question. I give them to you to shew you that I am imposed on by a semblance of reason
            at least, & not with an expectation of their changing your opinion. you have
            viewed the subject, I am sure in all it’s bearings. you have weighed both questions with
            all their circumstances. you make the result different from what I do. the same facts
            impress us differently. this is enough to make me suspect an error in my process of
            reasoning tho’ I am not able to detect it. it is of no consequence; as I have nothing to
            say in the decision, and am ready to proceed heartily on any other plan which may be
            adopted, if my agency should be thought useful. with respect to the dispositions of the
            states I am utterly uninformed. I cannot help thinking however that on a view of all
            circumstances, they might be united in either of the plans.
          Having written this on the receipt of your letter, without knowing
            of any opportunity of sending it, I know not when it will go: I add nothing therefore on
            any other subject but assurances of the sincere esteem and respect with which I am Dear
            Sir your friend & servant.

              Th: Jefferson


Title: James Allen to John Adams, 12 Jul. 1786
From: Allen, James
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir—

              Boston

               July 12. 1786

          I Beg you to excuse my obtruding on your Public attention: Tho the
            Subject be comparativly Frivolous, to me it is Very Interesting—You, will, Recollet,
            Sir? what a Friendly Part you took to Adjust our Family Concerns with the late Colo Brattle—They have Since been Settled by Public
            Commissioners, and are now, after the return of Mr T.
            Brattle revising by my consent, But the Proceedings are suspended that I may Prove a
            point by Evidence I flatter myself you will be able to furnish—It relates to An Action
            you Brought Against Mr Oliver of Salem, I entreat you to
            recollet, After droping that Action, my return to you from Mr Oliver who denied receiving the sum of Four thousand pounds which was Charged
            him by Colo Brattle on the Probate Record; I beg you to
            recollet your Sending me to Colo Brattle for his Receipts,
            and that he could not find all of them,—if, Unfortunatly, the multitude of your
            Attentions have effaced the memory of these Circumstances to the Degree you can’t
            recollect them Precisly, I Pray, your Endeavours to remember what you Possibly may with
            regard to what happend at that Period* and which may tend to cast Light on a Point of
            Truth I ought not to be put to the Pain of illucidating—
          I Beg the Honor of An Answer by the most Convinient Opportunity— /
            and am, Dear Sir, with Zeal / & Esteem and affection / your obliged Friend
            & / Huml ser

              James Allen

            *your Conversations with me on Brattle not being able, and saying
              he could not find the recits &c &c


Title: John Lamb to the American Peace Commissioners, 15 Jul. 1786
From: Lamb, John
To: American Peace Commissioners,Adams, John,Jefferson, Thomas

              Alicante

              July 15th. 1786.

          I Recd. Your Excellencys letters of the
              20th ult. I finde by them that Mr. Randall had not Come to Paris when they were wrote, by Mr. Randall I Stated the Exact Situation of our affaires in
            Algiers. and sent forwd. a Duplicate to Congress. the
            Demands at Algiers no Doubt will be greate. my health will by no means admitt of my
            undertakeing the Journey your Excellency Points out. I Dare say my indisposition will
            Excuse me if it, Doth not in Duty to my self. I must necessoryly have no further
            Pretentions to this bussiness and that as long as I have been on this Journey I may be
            Settled with. it will take Sum time before I can get my accts together here. I am under
            bonds at Barcelona for the money I Extracted for Purposes of Algiers. I left the Vessel
            in the Spanish Servis when I left Algiers as I wrote and She is now here under
            Quaranteen and canot yeat be come at. not Doubting but I Should have Return’d to Algiers
            again left maney things their. but as Soon as may be will Collect all my Acct’s when
            that is Done I hope I shall be Settled with in Europe as that was promis’d me before I
            Left america: my letter of Credite will be return’d to your Excellencys Orders. I have
            Drawn as I have Advised. I have letters from Algiers Daited the 11th. July 1786. then no more of our Vessels were Taken. it is highly necessary
            that Sum Orders Should be Given on acct. of Supplys for our
            unfortunate people at Algiers. for their Past maintainance and Cloathing I have paid Sum
            upwards of Eight hundred heard Dollars
          With Due respect Your / Excellencys most Obedient / Hmle. Servt.

              John Lamb