Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink to John Adams, 4 February 1784
From: Wilhem & Jan Willink
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Amsterdam 4 febr 1784

        The Houses send to your Excellency the Sheme of the projected Loan, but in order to Leave you to Judge of it, that it agrees with one at 6 Per C: intrest, we need to hand your Excelly. the explication of it; but as it is a work of our invention, we find not proper to give the explication of it to our neighbours, and we pray there fore to keep it Secreted, the more as they comprehend it against 6 Per C:, but you’ll reflect that a ballance of ƒ47844:14. is Safed, whch. we regulated also, in order to fund Largely out of it, the higher allowance of 6 instead of 4 1/2 Per C: premium for the charges.
        Your Excellency’ll be pleased to reflect, that by the principal of two millions yearly is added 6 Per Ct. intrest, whch. wanted to be payed in case it was plainly to be negotiated at that term, and is yearly deducted the 4 Per C: intrest, whch. now in reality is payed, the amount intrest whch. the 2 Per C: we pay less, saves, compose the prices to be drawn in obl: at 4 Per C: intrest from 1785 to 1797, and the gratifications promised at the redeeming, so you’ll reflect that every year that sums become redeamable, we deduct the principal sum only of the first colom, and the Sum with the

          gratifications of the secd: colom, whch. enjoys then a ballance as mentioned more favourable, than if really borrowed at 6 Per Ct.
        We should think very good you desired the Houses to let the subscription be only at our House, but however this would be favourable to it, we may not propose it to them to avoid their displeasure.
        We pray your Excellency to mention nothing of this letter, in your answer to the houses and to believe us with real esteem. / Sir / Your Excellency’s Most / Humb & Obedt Servants

          Wilhem & Jan Willink

        ENCLOSURE

            Pmo.
            Februarÿ
            1784
            Negotiated Principal Sum of
            ƒ 2000000.–.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  120000.–.–

            ƒ 2120000.–.–

            ″
            ″
            1785 . . .
            ƒ2000 000
            to be paÿd 4 pCt.
            ″   80000.–.–

            ƒ 2040000.–.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  122400.–.–

            ƒ 2162400.–.–

            ″
            ″
            1786 . . .
            ƒ2050 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   82000.–.–

            ƒ 2080400.–.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  124824.–.–

            ƒ 2205224.–.–

            ″
            ″
            1787 . . .
            ƒ2050 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   82000.–.–

            ƒ 2123224.–.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  127393. 9.–

            ƒ 2250617. 9.–

            ″
            ″
            1788 . . .
            ƒ2110 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   84400.–.–

            ƒ 2166217. 9.–

            6 pC
            ″  129973. 1.–

            ƒ 2296190.10.–

            ″
            ″
            1789 . . .
            ƒ2110 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   84400.–.–

            ƒ 2211790. 10.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  132707. 9.–

            ƒ 2344497.19.–

            ″
            ″
            1790 . . .
            ƒ2180 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   87200.–.–

            ƒ 2257297.19.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  135437.18.–

            ƒ 2392735.17.–

            ″
            ″
            1791 . . .
            ƒ2180 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   87200.–.–

            ƒ 2305535.17.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  138332. 3.–

            ƒ 2443868.–.–

            ″
            ″
            1792 . . .
            ƒ2270.000
            . . . . . . . . 4 pC
            ″   90800.–.–

            ƒ 2353068.–.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  141184. 2.–

            ƒ 2494252. 2.–

            ″
            ″
            1793 . . .
            ƒ2270 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   90800.–.–

            ƒ 2403452. 2.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  144207. 3.–

            ƒ 2547659. 5.–

            ″
            ″
            1794 . . .
            ƒ2370.000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   94800.–.–

            ƒ 2452859. 5.–

            6 pC
            ″  147171. 11.–

            ƒ 2600030.16.–

            ″
            ″
            1795 . . .
            ƒ2370.000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   94800.–.–

            ƒ 2505230.16.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  150313.17.–

            2655544.13.–

            ″
            ″
            1796 . . .
            ƒ2490.000
            . . . . . . . . 4 pC
            ″   99600.–.–

            ƒ 2555944.13.–

            6 pC
            ″  153356.14.–

            ƒ 2709301. 7.–

            ″
            ″
            1797 . . .
            ƒ2490 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   99600.–.–

            ƒ 2609701. 7.–

            6 pC
            ″  156582. 2.–

            ƒ 2766283. 9.–

            ″
            ″
            1798 . . .
            ƒ2690 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″  107600.–.–

            ƒ 2658683. 9.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  159521.–.–

            ƒ 2818204. 9.–

            1799 . . .
            ƒ2690 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″  107600.–.–

            ƒ 2710604. 9.–

            6 pC
            ″  162636. 5.–

            ƒ 2873240. 14.–

            1800 . . .
            ƒ2690 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″  107600.–.–

            ƒ 2765640.14.–

            Redimable . . . . . . . . .
            ƒ300.000
            with premium
            ″  315000.–.–

            ƒ 2450640.14.–

            6 pCt.
            ″  147038. 9.–

            _____

            ƒ 2597679. 3.–

            1801 . . .
            ƒ2390 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   95600.–.–

            ƒ 2502079. 3.–

            Redimable . . . . . . . . .
            ″ 310.000
            with premium
            ″  328600.–.–

            ƒ 2173479. 3.–

            6 pC
            ″  130408. 15.–

            _____

            ƒ 2303887.18.–

            1802 . . .
            ƒ2080.000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   83200.–.–

            ƒ 2220687.18.–

            Redimable . . . . . . . . .
            ″ 320 000
            With premium
            ″  342400.–.–

            ƒ 1878287.18.–

            6 pC
            ″  112697. 5.–

            _____

            ƒ 1990985. 3.–

            1803 . . .
            ƒ1760 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   70400.–.–

            ƒ 1920585. 3.–

            Redimable . . . . . . . . .
            ″ 340 000
            with premium
            ″  367200.–.–

            ƒ 1553385. 3.–

            6 pC
            ″   93203. 2.–

            _____

            ƒ 1646588. 5.–

            1804 . . .
            ƒ1420 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   56800.–.–

            ƒ 1589788. 5.–

            Redimable . . . . . . . . .
            ″ 350 000
            with premium
            ″  381500.–.–

            ƒ 1208288. 5.–

            6 pC
            ″   72497. 6.–

            _____

            ƒ 1280785. 11.–

            1805 . . .
            ƒ1070 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   42800.–.–

            ƒ 1237985. 11.–

            Redimable . . . . . . . . .
            ″ 370 000
            With premium
            ″  407000.–.–

            ƒ 830985. 11.–

            6 pC
            ″   49859. 3.–

            ƒ 880844.14.–

            _____

            1806 . . .
            ƒ700 000
            . . . . . . . . 4
            ″   28000.–.–

            ƒ 852844.14.–

            Redimable . . . . . . . . .
            ƒ700 000
            With premium
            ″  805000.–.–

            Which balance of
            ƒ 47844.14.–

        show’s that the sheme is more adventagious than at 6 pCt. marelÿ.—


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 5 February 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje

          Gentlemen
          The Hague February 5. 1784

        I have received your Favour of the Fourth, and considered its Contents. I am very Sorry to find there is no Hope of obtaining the Money upon the old Obligations with an Additional Gratification. The Credit of the United States must be very low indeed, in this Republick, if We must agree to Terms So exorbitant as those in the Plan you have inclosed to me, in order to obtain about two hundred Thousand Pounds sterling.— The News of It will cause Such an Allarm and give Such Disgust in America, that the Effect of it will be positive orders to borrow no more. This indeed would be no Evil to America.
        However Since the Bills are drawn, to avoid the Mischief which would follow the final Protest of them, I will agree to the new Plan you propose, provided you can not obtain the Money upon more moderate and reasonable Terms. But I must intreat you Gentlemen to use your Utmost Endeavours to obtain some Diminution of the Gratifications if it is possible.

        I am well perswaded of your Disposition to do this Business as Advantageously for the United States as possible, and therefore it is unnecessary for me to Use any Arguments with you, upon the occasion.
        I beg Leave to recommend to you that the subscription should be opened, at only one House, Messieus Willinks for Example as this Method, is more convenient for the Subscribers, and not less beneficial for the other Houses.
        You will be pleased to make it, an indispensable Condition that the Money be furnished for the Payment of all the Bills, for I am determined if any of them go back protested they shall all share the same Fate.
        With great Esteem &c


Title: Alexander Coffin & Peleg Coffin Jr. to John Adams, 5 February 1784
From: Coffin, Alexander,Coffin, Peleg, Jr.
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir—
          Boston. Feby 5. 1784

        While your great application to Public business increases the number of your friends (Especially in this Commonwealth) it cannot fail to multiply the Applications of those who must Consequently feel themselves distress’d at the very Idea of an Alien duty (much talk’d of by the Brittish Court as we are inform’d) on the Article of Spermocetei Oil; the use of which has never been much Known in Europe, excepting on the Island of Great Brittain, and has since its first use arrose in its Value from £14:—:— to £84:0.0 sterling per Ton—
        England in order to prevent the other Nations of Europe engaging in this business Prohibited the Importation of Oil from any Place without the Kingdom, has thereby made a monopoly of that most Advantageous branch of our Trade: and has ever been the only market in the World from whence the Artists of the Whale fishery of this Commonwealth, could derive the least advantage
        The southern States have the best of markets for their Produce while the Circumstances of this State carry their Commerce under every Possible Embarrisment, which while it tends to ruin a part, must certainly injure the whole of the Continent—
        From the small share we have in the Politics of our Country, as

Servants in the Legislature of this Commonwealth from the County of Nantucket, an Island ever fam’d for the Whale fishery, and Inhabited by upwards of Five thousand persons, whos entire dependance for their support is on that Business, (One of the most beneficial branches to the comunity executed in the United States) from whence a great Quantity of Coin has been bro’t into this Country drawn as it were from the Bottom of the great deep, Indeed a great part of the Remittances made to Great Brittain by our Merchants hath been of the spermo: Oil—which from the third Article of Preliminaries have Reason to presume your Excellency is no stranger to.—
        Therefore my dear Sir, from the duty we owe to the United States, to this Commonwealth (and to our Constituents as Fishermen) humbly crave your serious Attention as a matter of great Importance to them, and that you would use your Influence to impress the minds of the other Nations of Europe. with just Ideas of the high Worth & Importance of this branch of Trade, and the Value and good quallities of the Article of Spermocetei Oil; so that an Alien duty Imposed by Great Brittain, shall not Embarras the Trade of this Commonwealth, or throw her worthy Citizens into distress, which must be case should it take place—.
        We have the Honor to be your Excellincys / most Obedt: & Humbe servts.—

          Alexr. CoffinPeleg Coffin Junr:


Title: Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 5 February 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

          Sir,
          Passy, Feb. 5. 1784—

        I received the Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me the 24th past. You have had a terrible Passage indeed, taking it all together from London to Amsterdam. The Season has been, and continues, uncommonly severe, and you must have suffered much. It is a Pity that the good Purpose of your Voyage, to save if possible the Credit of Mr Morris’s Bills could not be accomplished, by your obtaining a Loan from the Regency. I do not wonder at their declining it, nor at the Stop you mention as put to the general Loan by the News of the Diversity of Sentiments among the States about the Plan of Impost. I hope these mischievous events will at length convince our People of the Truth of what I long since wrote to them, that the Foundation of Credit abroad must be laid at home. When the States have not Faith enough in a Congress of their own chusing, to trust it with Money for the Payment of their common Debt, how can they expect that that Congress should meet with Credit when it wants to borrow more Money for their Use from Strangers?—
        Your Excellency saw in England, the Instructions brought to us by Capt. Jones from the Congress, and which you forwarded to me. Expecting your & Mr Jay’s speedy Return hither, I took no Step in consequence of them. Mr Jay is now return’d. And we are both desirous of knowing whether it is your Intention to join us again here, in order to execute those Instructions; because in that Case we should wait your Arrival.
        I have the honour to be, / Your Excellency’s most obedient / & most humble Servant

          B. Franklin


Title: Dennis DeBerdt to John Adams, 6 February 1784
From: DeBerdt, Dennis
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          London Feby: 6th: 1784

        I have now the Honor to forward you a letter from my friend Mr: Edward Browne of Ostend, which respects the business we had the Honor to converse on when you was last in London
        Shoud the contents of his letter meet your Ideas, I am confident no Gentleman residing at Ostend more eligible for the purpose, & I beg leave to recommend the business to your particular attention
        My Brother Mr Reed is safe arrived in England, & shoud you return to this Place, ere he goes again to the Amn: Continent I shall hope for the pleasure of your company to dinner
        Mr Laurens is confined to his Room wth: the Gout in his Head, & very unwell
        We have as yet no Ministry!! Mr Fox’s party has outvoted Mr Pitt & his friends, & the Lords & Commons are at variance in the arrangement of a New Ministerial Union—& God only knows what awaits this distracted Kingdom
        My earnest wish is, that while the Sun of Glory & greatness in this Country is setting it may be rising in the Western World, & shine More & More to a perfect Day—
        I have the Honor to be / sir Your Most Obedt: Servt:

          Dennis De Berdt


Title: Carolina Wilhelmina Haren van Hogendorp to John Adams, 8 February 1784
From: Hogendorp, Carolina Wilhelmina Haren van
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur
          La Haye Ce 8 Fevrier 1784

        Je N’ai pas l’honneur d’etre Connuë de Vous Mais la Cruelle inquiettude ou je Me trouve au Sujet de Mon fils M’enhardit a M’adresser a Vous Monsieur, Sauriez Vous Quelque Nouvelle du

Vaisseau de Guerre Le Erfprins Capne. Aberson a bord du Quel se trouve Mon Cher fils, Ce jeune homme auquel Vous accordates plus d’une audience au Mois de Mars passé—auquel Vous avez bien Voulu donner des letters de recommandation pour les Quelles marques de bonte de votre part Monsieur je Ne Suis pas Moins Sensible Que Si Mon Cher Enfant eut ete a Meme d’en faire Usage— Mais Helas Monsieur la Cruelle incertitude ou je Suis au sujet de Ce bon et brave Garcon de Ce digne fils Ne S’exprime pas, au Nom de Dieu Si Vous avez ou recevez Quelque Nouvelle relative a Ce Vaisseau faites Moi la Grace de Songer a Moi qui ai l’honneur d’etre avec Une estime tante particuliere / Monsieur / Votre tres humble / et affligée servante

          C: W: de HogendorpNee de Haren

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          The Hague, 8 February 1784

        I have not the honor of being known to you, but the cruel apprehension in which I find myself on the subject of my son emboldens me to write to you, sir. Would you have any news about the warship the Erfprins, Captain Aberson, on board which is my dear son, the young man to whom you granted more than one audience last March, and to whom you were so kind as to give letters of recommendation. For such kindnesses on your part, sir, I am no less grateful than if my dear child were able to make use of them. But, alas, sir, the cruel uncertainty that I am in regarding this good and brave boy, this worthy son, cannot be expressed. In the name of God, if you have or if you receive any news related to this vessel, please do me the favor of thinking of the one who has the honor of being with a very particular esteem, sir, your very humble and afflicted servant

          C: W: de HogendorpNee de Haren


Title: John Adams to William Bingham, 10 February 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Bingham, William

          Sir
          The Hague Feb. 10. 1784.

        Since my Arrival at this Place and indeed Since I left London I have heard no News of Mr Jay. will you be so good as to inform me, where he is and what is the State of his Health. As soon as I hear of his Return to Paris I shall have occasion to write to him, perhaps before.— This Place is So out of the Way of all Letters from America, that it will not be expected there, that I am here, So that I shall know nothing for a long time, but what my Friends in London and Paris may please to communicate. Pray how is the Ministry arranged? Is Mr Pitt to hold his Ground? I interest myself much in the Success of that great youth: But I fear his Health will fail him: Such Emminence at his Age, is never acquired, but by Exertions in study, which neither a young Mind nor Body can bear. I have known Several Such Characters, but none of them ever reached thirty. For Gods sake, however dont tell any Body, that I am prophecying Mr Pitts death: I had rather it Should be thought that I pray for his long Life as I really do.
        With &c


Title: John Adams to the president of Congress, 10 February 1784
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress

          Sir
          The Hague Feb. 10. 1784.

        I had Scarcely finished my Dispatches, to go by Mr Thaxter with the definitive Treaty, when I was taken down with a Fever at Paris, and reduced so low as to be totally unable to attend to any Business for a long time. When I grew so much better, as to be able to ride, I was advised to go to England.— As I had nothing to do at Paris, and an Attempt to reside in Holland, would probably have thrown me into a relapse, I took the Advice and after a few Weeks of gentle Exercise and relaxation of Care, with a Change of Air and of Diet I found myself so much better as to venture over, to Holland tho in a very rigorous season to see if I could do any thing to Save the

publick Credit. I have done my Utmost, to no Purpose. Mr Vanberckel & Mr Vischer, who are very well disposd to serve Us have frankly told me, that there was no hope of obtaining the least assistance from the Regency. I went to Amsterdam and Spent Eight or ten days there, but could do nothing. The Bills of Exchange must, for any Thing I see, go back And the Credit of the United States will never revive, untill they shall have established a certain Revenue for the Payment of Interest.
        A long Course of Journeys and Voyages, a Variety of Climates and continual Application of Mind, have So wrecked my Constitution, which was never very firm, and produced these repeated Attacks of the Fever, that It is high time for me, to take a little repose, and as Mr Jay will be with Dr Franklin, at Paris, it will be unnecessary for me to go thither, to execute the last Instructions of Congress, and I shall accordingly remain here, untill further orders.
        Peace is made between Russia and the Porte, and the definitive Treaty between England and Holland, is expected to be soon signed. May the World continue at Peace.— But if it should not, I hope We shall have Wisdom enough to keep ourselves out of any Broil. as I am quite in Sentiment with the Baron de Nolken, the Swedish Ambassador at st James’s, who did me the Honour to visit me, although I had not visited him.— “sir Says he I take it for granted that you will have Sense enough, to see Us in Europe cut each others Throats with a philosophical Tranquility?”
        This Minister requested Governer Pownal to introduce him to me. He did So. The Ambassador told me, he had been twenty Years, at that Court, and had seen the Rise, Progress and End of the dispute with America. That he had lived much with the British Ministers, and had often ventured to give them his Sentiments.— that he had constantly fortold the Issue, but Says he “Altho I was upon good Terms with them they had no Confidence in me. and in this they were right for no Court ought ever to have Confidence in a foreign Minister.”— I mention this, because it is a Maxim, with all old Nations, and I think it high time it should become the Maxim of our young one.
        Governer Pownal, told me, that he meditated a Voyage to America, but was afraid of Jealousies and suspicions, and asked if I thought he might be well recd..— I told him I did not doubt he would be received, respectfully in every Part, of America. That he had been always considered, as far as I know as friendly to America, and that his Writings had been usefull to our Cause.

        With great Respect I have the Honour to be sir / Your most obedient and most humble / Servant


Title: John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 10 February 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

          Dear Sir
          The Hague Feb. 10. 1784.

        Two Days to Harwich, 2 or 3 days there, 3 or 4 at Sea, and 5 or 6. more walking, riding in Boors Waggons and pulling and Hawling in Iceboats, brought me to the Hague, better off too, than to have gone by Calais, Antwerp and Breda. Here I shall stay till further orders.
        A gentle Fermentation continues here, but the Republicans gain more than the Patriots do in England. You’l not forget me in my Solitude I hope, but tell me the News and Speculate as you used to do.
        The News of the Ratification of the definitive Treaty, will reach you Sooner than me. I’l thank you for the first Intimation of it.
        Peace is made in the North, and now Nations have nothing to do but to dispute at home. Let them enjoy their Amusement. it is not to my Taste: So I wont take any Part, but enjoy a philosophical Tranquilty. Absit Invidia Verbis.
        I believe it is no longer problematical, whether there is more discord in England or America. I Suppose all Thoughts of any Treaty of Commerce are laid aside. So be it, if both Parties are agreed in the sentiment that it is unnecessary. Time however I am apprehensive,

will convince both, when it is too late, that they have been mistaken. America, however Stands upon high Ground, much higher than she herself Seems aware of. Who pray will choose to molest her? and what will any Power get by disturbing her repose.


Title: Matthew Ridley to John Adams, 10 February 1784
From: Ridley, Matthew
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Paris February the 10. 1784

        I am honored with yours of the 25th: Ulto. You will perhaps have heard by other hands the heavey loss I have met with— Mrs. Ridley died the 21st. Ulto. I am highly sensible of your kind wishes— If the kind concern of Friends & the sincere Prayers of an Affectionate Husband could have averted the Event I had still been bless’d with her! Itis a Subject I must drop.— Thank God! my Son Essex is in good Health.
        What the Roman in Heaven may think of the use made of his Name & plough I know not? But certain itis that many on Earth who may not possess all the stiff Virtue of a Cincinnatus think that both his Name & plough are strangely abused. Officers, serving under an Absolute Monarch & whose elevations depend on Wars and Broils, arranging themselves under the revered Name of Cincinnatus!—preposterous Idea!; And is I think only to be equalled by the permission given to them to carry at the Same Button Hole, with the Decoration of a King the Golden trinket of a set of Individuals assuming to themselves the power of creating dinctinctions hitherto unknown to themselves or Fellow Citizens— I cannot say who was the Inventor, but that the Idea is French I have no doubt, none but

such could have imagined a Bit of Ribon with a Trinket at the End of it to make one Citizen contemn the other.
        I hope & believe our Officers have not weighd the tendency of this Business— Pity itis that some one of Influence had not stopd it in time—After decorating the French Officers with it by Permission of the King I fear every Chevalier will be too tenacious of the distinction to relinquish it— The only mode I know to succeed in this would be Ridicule & that of the most pointed kind both here and in America— The difficulty will be how to convey the Ridicule properly into this Country. Otherwise one might say to a Chevalier of the Royal Order. “Le Ruban que vous portez n’est pas grande chose Aujourdhui Celui d’une societé des Individus est attaché a la meme Boutonniere par parmission de Votre Roi et consequemment les Particuliers sont en Etat de confuer de distinctions aufin eclatantes & honorables que votre Saint Roi Louis. Nous avons plusieurs Ordres en Amerique— Les Francs Maçons, Les fils de St. Patrick Les fils de St. Andrew et Les fils de St. Tamminy (Roi Indien) On dit que tous ces Ordres ont intention d’envoyer un de Leur societé en France pour solicite la permission du Roi que tous les Officiers Francois sans distinction puissent porter L’Embleme de leur Ordre. Quel Bonheur pour ceux qui ont si long temps soupiré pour un Morceau de Ruban. Allors mon Ami, Courage vous ne serez pas oublié, et j’espere qu’on ne tardera pas d’y adjouter un Collet—de Chervre.— pour ceux qui ont le Manie des Rubans.[”]
        I am sorry indeed for what you tell me about Mr. Morris’s Bills— Still I hope something will be done about them for I dread the Event of their going back.—
        The late Loan here for 100 Millions is quite filled & upon the same terms they might I believe have had as much more. Every thing seems quiet—& it is said the differences between Russia & the Porte are settled.— Confusion I hear prevails in England & indeed it appears they take great pains there to create disorder.
        The Doctors complaint continues much the same—not very troublesome.— Mr Grand & Family well as are all your Friends— Mr Jay has been returned about a Fortnight—
        With the Money you left I paid your Appartments. ₶744.— Letters received at sundry times ₶78.15 & the remainder I have paid to Mr Barclay whom you will please to call upon for it amounting ₶377.15—
        The packet that carried out Mr. Thaxter is returned but has brought very few Letters. A Vessel is arrived in London left

Annapolis the 6th. of January. The Members of Congress excepting the President were there. As the Captain got under sail he heard the Guns fire & therefore supposes he was arrived & that a House was made up—
        Remember me kindly to your Son— Mrs. Barclay & Family are well & join in best wishes— I am with Respect Dr Sir / Yr. mo Obedt Servt

          Matt: Ridley


Title: John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 11 February 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

          Sir
          The Hague Feb. 11. 1784

        Last night I received your obliging Favour of the fifth of this Month.
        Your Excellencys Sentiment, “that the Foundation of Credit abroad must be laid at Home” is perfectly just, and accords with the General Sentiment of the Money Lenders, Undertakers and Brokers in this Country, whose Universal Cry is “We Should choose to see Some certain Method agreed on and established, for the Payment of Interest before We adventure farther in the American Loan.[”]
        I am glad to hear of Mr Jays Safe return, to Paris and hope his Health is confirmed.— As the Instructions may be executed by any one or more, of the Ministers for the Peace, residing at the Court of

Versailles, it Seems to me to be more for the Benefit of the publick Service, that I Should remain here for Sometime, rather than go to Paris. I have not given over all Endeavours to obtain the Money for the Bills, although the best Friends We have inform me, there is no hope at all from the Publick. We are endeavouring to discover if it is possible by any new Plan of a Loan, to obtain the Money of the Undertakers. Yet by all I can learn I despair of Obtaining it, without agreeing to Terms so disadvantageous as to be little better than the final Protest of the Bills.— indeed it is Still improbable that I can obtain it, upon any Terms at all.— Money is Scarce as well as our Credit feeble. The Loan of the East India Company, warranted by the States of Holland, does not fill, a Case unknown in this Country.
        Your Excellency with Mr Jay, may proceed to execute those Instructions without me, and I hereby intreat that you would without waiting at all for me. It is not likely there will be any difference of Opinion between your Excellencies, concerning any of those Instructions, in which Case alone it would be necessary for me to attend, if Mr Laurens does not.
        It is probable We may soon learn Something from Congress in Answer to our Letter with the definitive Treaty, which will determine whether it is necessary I should join you, at Paris or not.— It would be very inconvenient to me, in the present tender State of my Health to make a Journey to Paris without a necessity, at least untill this formidable Winter breaks up, although I should be ambitious enough of the Honour of joining in the Execution of those orders.
        I wish your Excellencies an happy Year and much Pleasure in the Enjoyment of Peace, as well as Success in your Negotiations, whether joined or not by your / most obedient and most humble sert


Title: John Adams to Joseph Reed, 11 February 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Reed, Joseph

          Dr Sir
          The Hague Feb. 11. 1784.

        Your kind Favour of the 30 Ult. was deliverd to me last night, together with the Packet, which our Friend Mr Gerry committed to your Care.
        You give me great Pleasure, Sir by your assurances that the Removal from Philadelphia and the prohibitory Restrictions passed in Great Britain have Strengthened the American Union, the Authors of those Restrictions, depended upon our Divisions, and expected to increase them. I thought they would be disappointed. & am very glad to learn they are So.
        The Establishment of Funds, for the Payment of our Debts Seems to be the most important and necessary Object of the publick Attention at present.— I am Sorry to inform you that the Want of it has had very unhappy Effects in Europe, and has entirely suspended our public Credit in this Republick, for the present.
        General Washingtons Retreat, is the Completion of his Character, which is the greatest our Country ever produced. She will never want a greater; a Succession of Such will insure her Felicity, and Prosperity. May he however live, and be again our great Pillar, if We shd have another War. But my Friend, is the next Generation, likely to produce Such Characters? Are those morals and that Education which produced Such Men to be preserved or are they in danger? Are the Eyes of our People to be fixed as they have been upon Virtues, or upon Ribbons?
        Let me beg of you sir to present my friendly Regards to Dr Witherspoon to congratulate him upon the delicious opportunity he has of seeing his Friends in Europe in Peace, after the fatigues of a service in which has acted a very great and meritorious Part.— I feel an Affection and Veneration for all Such Men, which will never wear out, if the Dr, or Yourself Should find it consistent with your affairs, to make an Excursion this Way, it would make me very happy to receive you at the Hague.
        Congress, in May last resolved to send a Commission to Dr Franklin, Mr Jay and myself, to make a Treaty of Commerce with G. B.— But no such Authority has arrived?— I am much in the dark about their Intentions, in this respect, and some others. if Dr Witherspoon or Yourself could inform me, you would oblige me.
        Among your Ancient Acquaintances and Correspondents in

          England you will have an opportunity of undeceiving, many Persons and Some of high Rank.— These, ought to have the Utmost Confidence in your Relations and Judgments, as they have had a long Experience of your being in the right and themselves in the Wrong.— But there seems to be absolutely in every European Understanding, an utter Incapacity of comprehending the Truth respecting America. They go on from Generation to Generation, believing every false and discrediting every true Account. Nothing is necessary, after a thousand Experiences that they have been deceived, but the trouble of forging a new Chimæra to obtain afresh their Confidence.
        If you have occasion to write to me, you may address your Letters to me at the Hague, or under Cover to Messrs Wilhem and Jan Willink Merchants at Amsterdam.
        With very great Esteem, and Respect I have the Honour / to be, Dear sir,


Title: John Cranch to John Adams, 11 February 1784
From: Cranch, John
To: Adams, John

          Axminster in Devonshire 11. Febr; 1784.

        As there is so little temptation, at present, to an englishman, to pay any attention to the wretched political informations of his

country, you will have the goodness to pardon me, Sir, if, not knowing whether you have a public character at the Hague, I am so ignorant as not to know if I have misaddressed you: At the same time, I must confess, that no punctilio of ceremony will restrain me from paying an instant & gratefull attention to the honor of your commands signified by your letters of the 31st. ult; brought me by this day’s post—
        The letter I formerly mentioned to you is copied in the inclosed paper; but on reconsidering it, I must own I rather incline to recant those confident expressions of it’s importance, in which I at first (in the zeal of my benevolence) propos’d it to your notice.
        I will detain you no longer than to add, that could I have conceived a great minister of state to be accessible on the common terms of urbanity, like Mr. Adams—I would not have so long delayed, & consequently at last disappointed myself of the honor of, paying my respects to you in person:
        I am, with the highest esteem, Sir, your obliged, / obedient and humble Servant

          J. Cranch.

          May I expect, my dear Sir, ever to have the pleasure of hearing from you again?


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 11 February 1784
From: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Amsterdam 11 Febr 1784

        We postponed to answer the honour of your Excellency’s favour of 5 febr, in hope to be able to mention Something definitif to you, but it would be disagreable to you to enumerate the objections and difficulties, since hitherto we have not yet the answers of all the

undertakers, whilst we are continually Endeavouring to Settle the matter, of whch. the Success is yet too incertain, to give your Excellency’s hope for it, and if any thing was capable to augment our application and endeavours, the letter just now received from his Excelly Robt Morris Esqr. Should be most proper to it, Since he mentions us.
        “The necessity of making a due provision for our publick engagements, be comes every day more evident on this Side of the water, and the States are in consequence proceeding to that object[”];
        “as the period for performing some of my heaviest engagements is now arrived, as I can get a good exchge:, and am convinced you may be in cash to honor it, I this day have drawn on you a further bill of one hunderd thousand Guilders, I am to request Gentlemen that this bill may meet with due notice and payment”
        This shows enough how much his Excelly. Stands in need of money, and that more drafts can yet arrive, and how much therefore the inconvenience should be at the return of protested bills of nonpayment, we Shall therefore omit nothing and wish heartely to become able to advice your Excellency Monday next, when we have final meeting a Satisfactory conclusion; the undertakers press us yet upon more premium, and we have given them to understand, that with one per C: more, that is in all 7 per C: instead of 6 per C:, we should engage your Excellenÿ’s approbation, provided the object can be concluded as proposed to them, whch: is Sir one year postponed the redeeming, and the gratifications so much reduced, that it will safe at Least 10000 £ stg to the States, for whch. to safe, it is convenient to pay one per C: more, Since this doth not amount to £2000 stg. by whch. your Excelly can perceive how much we take the American intrest to Mind, and beg to recieve your agreement to this proposal and approbation of our Conduct.
        We have the honour to remain / with great esteem. / Sir / Your mostt humb Servants

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


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 14 February 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

          Dear Sir
          The Hague Feb. 14. 1784.

        Last Evening, after mine to you of Yesterdays date, was gone to the Post office, yours of the Sixth, was sent me from thence.
        If I were to pray to Neptune, for Liberty of passing thro his Realm, again I should be tempted to Use the Form of a new converted American Indian, at Cape Cod, who went off in a fishing Vessell further to sea than he had ever been before, & was over taken by a storm. He had been taught he must pray, but had not been provided with a Form, so he addressed himself to his Divinity in these

Words “Let me ashore once again on that there Sandy Beach, (pointing to it with his Finger,) and if ever you catch me here again, I give you leave to drown me.”
        Ever Since my Arrival in Holland, I have been employed in endeavours to find out if it is possible to obtain Money for Mr Morris Bills—in the first Place by the Aid or Warranty of the Public that is the Regency of Amsterdam, and upon reasonable moderate Terms. This our best Friends now agree is altogether desperate.— in the next Place to see if any Means could be found to induce Individuals to lend us Money Upon my old Obligations.— This is also agreed to be absolutely impossible for So many other Powers give higher Interest and Premiums, and So many doubts are entertained about our States agreeing upon Funds to pay them, their Interest, that nobody will hear a Word, of venturing farther in the old Loan. The last Resource is to see if by any new Plan of a Loan, We can induce the Undertakers to furnish the Money. They decline and delay, And insist upon extravagant Terms, but will not as yet tottally refuse, nor Say what will be their lowest Terms.— So that I cannot come to you, untill this matter is determined, because, if they will finally agree to any Thing, I must be here, to agree upon the Conditions and Sign the Obligations.
        Dr Franklin and you, if Mr Laurens does not attend will be so good as to proceed, without waiting for me. I will readily answer any Question, according to the best of my Judgment, by Letter, and if you find any difficulty, and desire me to attend I will come as soon as I can.


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 14 February 1784
From: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          [14 February 1784]

        We have had the honour to receive your most esteem’d Favour of the day before yesterday, and observe with pleasure that your Excellency agrees to the alteration which we have proposed by our last in the Plan of a new Loan.
        We had this morning a conference with the Brokers, which was proposed for to have the answer of the Undertakers, and in which we expected the Matter should be quite regulated. But it is with a

great displeasure, that we were obliged to remit the conclusion till next monday, and that we are in the necessity to give you again such a disagreable account.
        The Undertakers agree with us in the opinion that the Loan will have a very good Succes by a public Subscription, but they do not incline to run the risque of it for the whole amount. They only offer to engage till a Million or Some thing more, but we could not possibly Succeed to determine them to double the Sum, and because it is your absolute order that either all the Bills must be paid, or all return, we could not accept their offers, and in case your Excellency don’t incline in this situation to accommodate yourself to the circumstance, we fear all our endeavours will attend to no purpose. We feel how disagreable it is to your Excellency, but we beg to Submit to your consideration, that the Engagement for a Million will furnish us the Money to pay the first drafts, and that we have a good prospect that the Loan will be carried to the whole Capital of two Millions, or at least to Such an amount that before the other drafts become due, we will have money to pay them all. However in case this should not answer our wishes, you’ll please to consider, that for a Sum of Seven hundred fifty thousand Guilders, which were drawn at 150/d Sight, and which by consequence Must be paid in the Month of May, Mr. Morris took an arangement, that in case they might return unpaid, Congres should not pay any charges attending the return, and that by consequence whenever this should be the case, which we flatter ourself will not happen, the disappointment will be less fatal.
        In these circumstances we venture to advise your Excellency to give us order by your answer to this, that we may monday accept the offer of the undertakers, for a Million, or so much more as they then will engage, and to open the Loan for two Millions upon the plan which you have approved, and then we will be certain to pay the first drafts, and have a good prospect likewise to pay the following, notwithstanding we have not the Satisfaction to have the Same certitude about it.
        We beg to give us your answer upon these proposals by the morrow evening post, and have the honour to remain very respectfully / Sir / Your most humble / and most Obedient Servants.

          Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.de la Lande & fÿnje


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 14 February 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje

          Gentlemen
          The Hague Feb. 14. 1784

        I have just received your Letter of Yesterday, as I Suppose, tho without a Date and have maturely considered its Contents. I have weighed your Reasons and considered your Advice, and upon the whole, I think it most prudent to agree, upon the Terms you propose, the Undertakers engaging for a Million, but yet I would pray you to endeavour to perswade them to engage for at least fourteen hundred Thousand Guilders, as this will cover all the Bills already drawn, which you have received Advice of. I will not insist finally however, for more than a Million if you cannot obtain an Engagement for more.
        It is painfull to me, to agree to Such high Terms I own, because, I know that great Numbers of People in America will blame me for it, and think that I had better have suffered the Bills to go back protested. it is my Duty however, to do, the best I can, and between two Evils to choose the least, upon which Principle it is that I agree with you in sentiment and follow your Advice upon this occasion.


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 16 February 1784
From: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Amsterdam 16 Feb. 1784

        We have received your most honour’d Favour in answer to our Letter of Saturday, and observe with pleasure, that after having weighed our Reasons, and considered our advice Your Excellency thinks it most prudent to agree upon the Terms we have proposed.

In consequence of this authorization we have this day accepted the Engagement of the undertakers for a Million, however on condition that we shall open the Subscription for two Millions, and we are in hopes that encouraged by the aprobation of the Public on the Plan, the Undertakers will in a few time ask for the remainder, or at least that before the last drafts become due the money will enter into the Cash.
        We don’t hope that any body in America will blame your Excellency. If you are obliged to Subscribe to more heavy Terms than you think to be reasonable, you have not done it without endeavouring before to make better conditions, and it is clear that no body could have made better ones. It is allways a merit to have prevented the charges and dishonour attending the return of the Bills.
        We intend to send your Excellency next wednesday the printed Plans, and to entertain you more fully about the principal Bond, as soon as will be possible. In the meanwhile we have the honour to remain with Respect / Sir / Your most humb. & Obed. Servts

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


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink to John Adams, 16 February 1784
From: Wilhem & Jan Willink
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Amsterdam 16 febr 1784

        We received with pleasure your Excelly’s favour this morning and hope you are satisfyed with our endeavours to safe the honour of Congress drafts, the more as on the Reduced sheme is agreed for the million, so the inclosed explication will manifest to your Excellency, that in the final redeeming it is more profitable ƒ 1.89.946:17— than negotiated at 6 per C:
        a principal House the Broker, endeavour’d to persuade to take 100 Oblts. but refused it, because it considered the intrest too Low yet for America and that it considered it not convenient for his intrest, to take a share of it, you may guess at the name written with four letters.
        We have the honour to remain most respectfully / Sir / Your Excellency’s most / Humb & Obedient servants

          Wilhem & Jan Willink

        ENCLOSURE
        Sheme of a Loan of two million of Guilders, Negotiated at 6 Pr. Ct. in the Year

            Pmo:
            feby:
            1784 . . . .
            Negot: Principal Sum of . . . .
            ƒ 2000000. —. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  120000. —. —

            ƒ 2120000. —. —

            ″
            1785 . . . .
            ƒ2000000 . . . . . . .
            4 pC . . .
            ″   80000. —. —

            ƒ 2040000. —. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  122400. —. —

            ƒ 2162400. —. —

            ″
            1786 . . . .
            ″2050000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   82000. —. —

            ƒ 2080400. —. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  124824. —. —

            ƒ 2205224. —. —

            ″
            1787 . . . .
            2050000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   82000. —. —

            ƒ 2123224. —. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  127393.  9 . —

            ƒ 2250617.  9 . —

            ″
            1788 . . . .
            2110000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   84400. —. —

            ƒ 2166217.  9 . —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  129973.  1 . —

            ƒ 2296190. 10. —

            ″
            1789 . . . .
            2110000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   84400. —. —

            ƒ 2211790. 10.  —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  132707.  9.  —

            ƒ 2344497.19. —

            ″
            1790 . . . .
            ″2180000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″  87200. —. —

            ƒ 2257297. 19. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  135437.18. —

            ƒ 2392735.17. —

            ″
            1791 . . . .
            2180000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   87200. —. —

            ƒ 2305535.17. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  138332. 3. —

            ƒ 2443868. —. —

            ″
            1792 . . . .
            2270000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   90800. —. —

            ƒ 2353068. —. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  141184. 2. —

            ƒ 2494252. 2. —

            ″
            1793 . . . .
            ″2270000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   90800. —. —

            ƒ 2403452. 2. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  144207. 3. —

            ƒ 2547659. 5. —

            ″
            1794 . . . .
            2370000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   94800. —. —

            ƒ 2452859. 5. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  147171. 11. —

            ƒ 2600030. 16. —

            ″
            1795 . . . .
            2370000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″  94800. —. —

            ƒ 2505230.16. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  150313.17. —

            ƒ 2655544. 13. —

            ″
            1796 . . . .
            ″2490000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   99600. —. —

            ƒ 2555944.13. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  153356.14. —

            ƒ 2709301. 7. —

            ″
            1797 . . . .
            ″2490000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   99600. —. —

            ƒ 2609701. 7. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  156582. 2. —

            ƒ 2766283. 9. —

            ″
            1798 . . . .
            ″2690000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″  107600. —. —

            ƒ 2658683. 9. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  159521. —. —

            ƒ 2818204. 9. —

            ″
            1799 . . . .
            ƒ2690000 . . . . . . .
            4pC . . . .
            ″  107600. —. —

            ƒ 2710604. 9. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  162636. 5. —

            ƒ 2873240.14. —

            ″
            1800 . . . .
            ″2690000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″  107600. —. —

            ƒ 2765640.14. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  165938. 9. —

            ƒ 2931579. 3. —

            ″
            1801 . . . .
            ″2690000 . . . . . . .
            4
             107600. —. —

            ƒ 2823979. 3. —

            Redimb:
            300000 . . .
            & premium . . .
            ″  312000. —. —

            ƒ 2511979. 3. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  150718. 15. —

            ƒ 2662697.18. —

            ″
            1802 . . . .
            ƒ2390000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   95600. —. —

            ƒ 2567097. 18. —

            redimabe:
            310000
            & premium . . .
            ″   325500. —. —

            ƒ 2241597.18. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  134495.17. —

            ƒ 2376093.15. —

            ″
            1803 . . . .
            ƒ2080000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   83200. —. —

            ƒ 2292893. 15. —

            redimabe:
            320000 . . .
            & premium . . .
            ″  339200. —. —

            ƒ 1953693.15. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  117221.12. —

            2070915. 7. —

            ″
            1804 . . . .
            ƒ1760000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″   70400. —. —

            ƒ 2000515. 7. —

            redimabe:
            340000 . . .
            & premium . . .
            ″  363800. —. —

            ƒ 1636715. 7. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″   98202.18. —

            ƒ 1734918. 5. —

            ″
            1805 . . . .
            ƒ1420000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″    56800. —. —

            ƒ 1678118. 5. —

            redime:
            350000 . . .
            & premium . . .
            ″  378000. —. —

            ƒ 1300118. 5. —

            6 pCt: . . . . . . . .
            ″   78007. 2. —

            ƒ 1378125. 7. —

            ″
            1806 . . . .
            ƒ1070000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″  42800. —. —

            ƒ 1335325. 7. —

            redimabe:
            370000 . . .
            & premium . . .
            ″  403300. —. —

            ƒ 932025. 7. —

            6 pC . . . . . . . . .
            ″  55921. 10. —

            ƒ 987946.17. —

            ″
            1807 . . . .
            ƒ700000 . . . . . . .
            4 . . . . . .
            ″  28000. —. —

            ƒ 959946.17. —

            redimabe:
            700000 . . .
            & premium . . .
            ″ 770000. —. —

            ƒ 189946.17. —

        Whch. Shews this plan more favourable ƒ189946:17— than if negotiated merely at the rate of 6 perCt interest:


Title: William Bingham to John Adams, 19 February 1784
From: Bingham, William
To: Adams, John

          Sir,
          London Feby 19th 1784

        I received your Favor of the 10th Inst
        Mr Jay has recovered his Health in a great Measure by his Excursion to Bath, & has returned to Paris— I have not as yet heard of his Arrival there—
        We have recently received but little political News from America— The refractory States seem more favorably inclined towards the Appropreation of such Funds as Congress required for doing Justice to the public Creditors
        Massachusets Bay & Virginia have adopted the Measure—
        The restraining Proclamation of this Country has occasioned the Establishment of Committees, composed of the leading Commercial Characters of the different States, who will digest a Plan of Commercial Retaliation, which will be enforced against G Britain, in Case she does not relax in her contracted selfish System— The Politics of this Country are fast verging towards a Crisis, which must decide the Fate of the Constitution
        Mr Pitt still holds his Ground, supported by the Voice of the People & the royal Favor & Confidence—
        The Coalition Party continue to retain a decided Majority in the House of Commons, & have put an effectual Stop to the Progress of all public Business, so that the Affairs of the Nation will be suspended, untill a new Parliament is chosen or an Union of Parties takes place— The former Step would be adopted, but it is too late to have recourse to it, as the Supplies must immediately be granted, or public Credit would receive a fatal Blow— The Mutiny Bill must likewise pass, or the Army will of course be disbanded—
        The King has made known his Wishes to the Duke of Portland, that an Union of Parties should take place,—but Etiquette prevents the Adjustment of this Business, as the opposition will not treat, except the present Ministry resigns, preparatory to Negotiation—& they absolutely refuse to leave their Places—
        In short, this Kingdom is in a very convulsed State, & except

some Accommodation speedily takes place, will be afflicted with some very serious internal Troubles—
        I am with great Regard / Sir / Your obedt hble servt

          Wm Bingham


Title: John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 20 February 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

          Gentlemen
          The Hague Feb. 20. 1784

        The Day before Yesterday the Baron de Thuilemeyer the Envoy to their High Mightinesses, from the King of Prussia, did me the Honour of a Visit, but as I had Company, he stayed but a short time. As I accompanied him to the Door, he whis told me, that he had Something to Say to me from the King, and desird me to name an Hour, when he might call upon me again. I told him his Hour should be mine, and that I would return his Visit at any hour he should choose the next day. But he choose to call upon me and mentioned Eleven in the Morning. Accordingly Yesterday he came, and told me “that the King who honoured him with a Personal Correspondence, and who was acquainted with my Character by Reputation, had directed him to make me a Visit, and to observe to me, that as his Subjects had occasion for our Tobacco and perhaps other Things, and as We had occasion for Silesia Linnens, and perhaps other Productions of his Dominions, he thought an Arrangement might be made between his Majesty and the United States, which would be beneficial on both Sides,” and the Baron desired to know my Sentiments of it.
        I Answered him “that I was very Sensible of the Honour done me by his Majesty, but that I had Singly no Authority to treat, or enter

          into Conferences officially upon the subject. That Congress had been pleased to confer upon their late Ministers at the Peace, Authority to enter into Conferences. That I could do nothing but in Concurrence with Mr Franklin and Mr Jay who were at Paris: but I thought I could answer for the good Dispositions of those Ministers as well as my own for forming an Arrangement between the two Powers, which might be beneficial to both.— That I would write to you, Gentlemen an account of what had passed between Us. But that it was possible you might have already announced to the Baron de Goltz, the. That I should be[”] He desired that I would, and said he would, write by the first Post to the King, and enquire if his Majesty had any Thing in particular to propose, would inform him of my Answer, and wait his further orders, which probably he should receive, as soon as I should have an Answer from Paris.—
        I have at last obtained Some better hopes of Saving Mr Morris’s Bills which become payable in this Month & March but have as yet nothing like Certainty of Saving those in May. and if fresh Bills appear, which I very much fear, We must fail at last.— however, I have agreed to open a new Loan, and must stay here to Sign the Instruments & obligations, having obtained a Promise, of Money to Save the Bills in March, so that I Shall not be able to join you Gentlemen, for sometime.
        I Suppose We may make the Treaty with Holland or that with Sweeden, in general the Model of one with Prussia. if you think any alterations necessary, they may be proposed to the King either by the Baron de Goltz or de Thuilemeyer. meantime I think it would be proper for you Gentlemen to write to Congress for a Commission to treat & conclude for I take it for granted that no Power can conclude with Us, without any other full Power than our Instruction.


Title: Antoine Marie Cerisier to John Adams, 21 February 1784
From: Cerisier, Antoine Marie
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur
          Amsterdam ce 21 fevrier 1784

        J’espere que dans peu vous aurez la satisfaction de voir paraître l’ouvrage de Mr de Mably, ouvrage qui honore également l’Ecrivain & le héros. Un Régent de cette République a bien voulu se charger de le traduire; il est déjà connu par une traduction de l’Esprit des loix très estimée. Cette production est trop intéressante pour tarder à fixer l’attention des Anglais & des Allemands. J’aurais envie d’y mettre un petit bout de préface, en qualité d’Editeur, pour encourager les Hollandais à examiner leurs propres constitutions d’après les principes de l’Abbé Républicain. Que me conseillez-vous? J’ai reçu une lettre de Mr de Mably que je dois vous communiquer, mais dans l’espérance que vous voudrez bien me la renvoyer.
        Mr van den Corput Agent de S.A.S. Mgr le prince de Hesse Darmstad, m’ayant communiqué quelques observations Sur le plan du dernier Emprunt de l’Amérique, & paraissant desireux de vous les faire passer, je l’ai beaucoup assuré que cette démarche vous Serait agréable. Mr van den Corput est versé profondement dans cette matiere. Il est zélé partisan de l’Amérique; & les diverses connaissances qu’il possède dans une multitude de branches opposées, rendent cet attachement précieux. Quant à moi se serai toujours flatté de pouvoir être utile aux Etats-Unis, sachant qu’il n’est pas de moyen plus sûr de vous prouver avec quelle sincere vénération j’ai l’honneur d’être / De Votre Excellence / Le très Humble & très / obéissant serviteur

          A. M. Cerisier

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          Amsterdam, 21 February 1784

        I hope that in a short while you will have the satisfaction of seeing the work of Mr. Mably, a work which does equal honor to the writer and to the heroes. A regent of this republic wanted to undertake the translation of it; he is already known for a highly esteemed translation of De l’esprit des lois. This project is too interesting to delay bringing it to the attention of the English and the Germans. I would like to add a short preface to it, in my capacity as editor, to encourage the Dutch to examine their own constitutions according the principles of the republican abbé. What do you advise me to do? I received a letter from Mr. Mably that I must send to you, but with the hope that you will be so kind as to return it to me.
        When Mr. Corput, agent of His Most Serene Highness Monsignor the

Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, communicated to me several observations on the plan of the latest American loan, seemingly wishing to have them forwarded to you, I repeatedly assured him that such a measure would be agreeable to you. Mr. Corput is deeply versed in this matter. He is a zealous partisan of America and the breadth of knowledge that he possesses in a multitude of wide-ranging subjects renders that attachment invaluable. As for me I will always be flattered to be able to be of use to the United States, knowing that there is no more certain means of proving to you with what sincere veneration I have the honor of being your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant

          A. M. Cerisier


Title: Joseph Reed to John Adams, 21 February 1784
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          London Feb. 21st. 1784.

        I was duly honoured with your Favour of the 11th. Instt. which I communicated to Dr. Witherspoon who joins me in reciprocating every Mark of your polite & friendly Attention, & in expressing our very cordial Acknowledgments—
        The Establishment of our Funds in America tho long delayed & occasionally interrupted will I flatter myself take Place this Winter, at least so far as to establish the Impost by Authority of Congress

confirm’d by the States. How far the Revenue will be faithfully collected & the Laws duly executed remains to be seen. Having found so much Difficulty to check the Intercourse with the British during the War, it is to be feared the Spirit of Smuggling too much predominates in America & that a Competition for the Trade between different States may enfeeble the Collection: As a sumptuary Regulation it would now be very beneficial to the Country for I am sorry to say, my dear Sir, the Appetite for European & especially British Manufactures & Imports is much too strong for our weak Digestion. We neither want, nor can we pay for the Quantitis which this Kingdom is pouring forth in the most lavish Profusion. In this View the Suspension of our European Credit may not be so great a Misfortune as may be apprehended.— The Goodwill of G. Brittain seems to be manifested to America in no other Mode than giving her an unlimited Credit from which I fear both Countries will suffer, there it will check Industry & promote Dissipation & end in Loss & Complaint here. The Morality of America & the Education on which it must be founded have not yet gained that Vigour, which we could wish. The best regulated Armies are poor Schools for moral Virtue. Our Officers are scattered over the whole Country & will of course influence its Manners in a considerable Degree. Their Virtues tho great, are of a different Species; it is impossible to say too much of their Perseverance Patience & Bravery. They have created an Order among themselves which has occasioned a Variety of Sentiment we hope in this Instance Virtues & Ribbons may be inseparably blended.—
        With Respect to a Commission for negotiating a Treaty of Commerce with this Kingdom Dr. Witherspoon & myself both think it was the general Opinion there, that what has been sent as Instructions, connected with former Powers was sufficient; but as to my own Part it was only a general Idea taken up in Conversation the Subject having never been spoke of authoritativly.—
        The little Observation I have made in this City affords but very faint Hopes of removing any Prejudices against America, if my own Abilities were much more equal to such a Task; they seem to labour under the insuperable Curse of never profiting by Experience in any Thing which respects that Country. There must be a Capacity to receive Information & a Spirit to improve it before they learn their true Interest. I confess I find myself most disappointed & deceived in my Opinion of their conciliating Spirit. There is certainly a very great Fund of Bitterness towards America to be done away, before

we can meet with a general Cordiality. Most of the Gentlemen of America are returning thither with these Sentiments & will discourage the Intercourse.— If it is not improper I should be happy to learn what Prospect there is of the Payment of Mr. Morris’s Bills— At least I hope you will excuse my Freedom, when I add that a Motive beyond Curiosity influences me—. By Letters just received from America I find that on the 18th. Decemr. Congress made up 6 States, & single Members from others so as to expect a Congress to form immediately If any Thing important should occur I shall have great Pleasure in communicating it & shall be extremely happy to be honoured with your occasional Favours. As I am with very great Respect & equal Esteem Dr. Sir, / Your most Obed. & very Hble Servt.

          Jos. Reed


Title: L. de Chavannes de la Giraudière to John Adams, 23 February 1784
From: Chavannes de la Giraudière, L. de
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur
          Amsterdam ce 23 fevrier 1784

        Le politique Hollandais est mort, et le Mercure Hollandais vient reprendre sa place. J’ai l’honneur d’envoyer à Votre Excellence le premier No de cette feuille nouvelle. Vous pourrez vous procurer les suivantes chez les Libraires de la Haie qui débitent le Courrier van Europa. J’espere que le public n’aura pas à regretter M. Cerisier pour le zele et le patriotisme, mais moi je regretterai bien fort que Votre Excellence ne se trouve plus à Amsterdam pour y recevoir vos instructions.
        Je vous prie de vouloir me faire passer tout ce qui pourra concerner l’Amérique, et trouver place dans un papier public. Le Chantre de l’Amérique a quelque droit me semble à défendre les intérêts des Treize Etats-Unis, et il doit le premier-être instruit après Votre

Excellence de ce qu’il veut savoir au public en ce pays, avant même la Gazette de Leyde, tout patriote et bien ententionnée qu’elle soit.
        Mon adresse, pour tout ce qui peut concerner le Mercure Hollandais, est à l’Auteur de cette feuille chez Holtrop Libraire dans le Kalvestraat.
        J’attends toujours la réponse à ma derniere lettre, et suis avec le dévoûment et le respect que vous me connaissez, / Monsieur / De Votre Excellence / Le très-humble, très-obéissant Serviteur

          De Chavannes de la Giraudiere

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          Amsterdam, 23 February 1784

        Le politique hollandais is dead, and the Mercure hollandais has taken its place. I have the honor of sending to your excellency the first issue of this new leaf. You can buy the subsequent issues from the booksellers at The Hague who sell the Courier de l’Europe. I hope the public will not miss Mr. Cerisier’s zeal and patriotism, but as for me I will greatly miss your excellency’s being in Amsterdam so I can receive your instructions there.
        I beseech you to send me all that concerns America and would fit in a public paper. The Chantre de l’Amérique has some right, it seems to me, to defend the interests of the thirteen United States, and it must be the first after your excellency to be informed about what the public wants to know in this country, even before the Gazette de Leyde, as patriotic and well intentioned as it may be.
        My address in all matters concerning the Mercure hollandais is in care of the author of this publication at the Holtrop bookseller on Kalvestraat.
        I am still awaiting a reply to my last letter, and remain with the devotion and respect that you know in me, sir, your excellency’s very humble & very obedient servant

          De Chavannes de la Giraudiere


Title: Edmund Jenings to John Adams, 24 February 1784
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

            Sir
            London Febry 24th 1784.

          I have the Honour of receiving your Excellencys Letter of the 10th Instant
          I had heard before of the disagreableness of your Journey to the Hague— I thought the passage by Harwich a bad one, I am glad however to find it was not so bad as that by Dover would have been. I Hope your residence, where you now are, will be rendered more Agreable by the Arrival of Mrs Adams and your Family.
          your Excellency desires me to Speculate as formerly on publick affairs. but in Truth I grow every day more & more averse to meddle with such dangerous and Uncomfortable Matters & cannot but think it is Necessary for me to ruminate on them, as little as possible. however in Compliance with your Excellencys request. I must inform you that there seems to be a disposition in Mr Fox to reconsider the Proclamation Laws, relative to the Trade between the United States and the West Indias. I had this Information from a Gentleman, who having a Petition to present to the House of Commons from one of the Islands applied to the minister, as His Friend to Know when & in what Manner He should do it: on which He was told, naturally enough, that He had better to defer it until the Times should be more settled (when will that be?) and that He

should Heartily concur in giving it his Support. That there were Petitions come over from several other of the Islands against the late Commercial Proclamations, and that, in Consequence Thereof, the late Ideas and System formed thereon must be got rid of. for this End, He thought the American Vessels ought to be Admitted to bring their Lumber into the Islands, & be suffered to purchase the productions of the Islands to the Amount of what the Cargo may sell for. This is Something, but it is piddling à la mode de langletterrea— This Country however will find itself under the Necessity of going farther, and perhaps of entering immediately into a Treaty of Commerce with the United States, for by a Vessel just arrived we find the following resolution has been agreed to by the Delegates of the State of Virginia

            Richmond Decr. 4th 1783.

          whereas it appears by an order of the King of G B in Council bearing date the 2d of July last, made under the express authority of his Parliament, that the Growth or produce of any of the united States of America, are prohibited from being carried to any of the british West India Islands by any other than british Subjects in british built Ships, owned by british Subjects; & navigated according to the law of that Kingdom. And whereas this proceeeding, (though but a Temporary Expedient) exhibits a Disposition in G B to gain partial Advantages, injurious to the rights of free Commerce, and is repugnant to the principles of reciprocal Interest & convenience, which are found by Experience to form the only permanent foundation of friendly Intercourse between States
          resolved, Nemine contradicente, that the United States, in Congress Assembled, ought to be empowered to prohibit british Vessels from being the carriers of the Growth or produce of the british west India Islands to these United States so long as the restriction aforesaid shall be continued on the part of G B, or to concert any other mode to be adopted by the States, which shall be thought Effectual to Counteract the designs of G B with respect to the American Commerce.
          The foregoing is a good rap on the Knucles of the british Politician, but the State of Maryland has given a blow on their Heads by passing a Law for levying a Duties & those severe ones on the Shipping & Manufactures of G B. of which I will give your Excellency an Account, as Soon as I can see the Law itself

          There has been two Pamphlets published since you left England in answer to Lord Sheiffieds, which I think are much better than that which your Excellency saw. besides this I am told That Mr Paine has published in America an Answer to the Commercial Lord
          There cannot be a doubt I think that all parties must concur in adopting a different System towards America however they must be allowed a little more time to amuse themselves with declaring & perhaps shewing one another to be Madmen & perhaps somewhat worse.
          I shall certainly inform your Excellency whenever I hear of the Arrival of the Ratification of the Treaty, when the last Ships left Annapolis There were not then a Sufficient Number in Congress to do that business.
          on a debate in the Commons the other day there was something which dropt, as if a Treaty of Commerce was thought of.
          The Question being whether a Bill Should be brought in to Naturalize Children born of English women in foreign parts; an Objection was taken, that this would tend to Naturalize the subjects of the United States, & by Consequence give them the benefit of British rights & Priveledges, which ought to be done without a return, which was a Matter fit to settled by negociation & this was the opinion of the House
          General Washington appeared in Congress the 23d of Decr last & gave up his Commissions He made a Speech on the Occasion, & was Answered by the President. I must refer your Excellency to the News papers. for them.
          your Excellencys does not, I am Sure, expect, that I should Say any thing of the State of this Country with respect to its Parties, you will see by this Post in the News papers something, that the King gave in Answer to the Commons Address. The whole of it is not published— I am told the Commns have defered entering into a consideration thereof until Monday & are now debating whether they will admit the Votes for Supplies until the Answer is considered.— it does not appear that the Parties have formed any Union.
          I have the Honour to be with greatest Respect / Sir / your Excellencys / Most Obedient / Humble Servant

            Edm. Jenings


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 25 February 1784
From: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Amsterdam 25 febr 1784

        We have received the honour of your Excellcy’s estemed favour of 23 febr, containing an observation abt. the plan, we agree that the Same has some ground only for people who are desirous to try a chance, and afterwards are very indifferent of what becomes of the Stock and Loan, whilst we thought it our duty to keep in view the honour and credit of the United States by preserving the obligations or Loan on the true price, whch. must be maintained thro’ the hope of gaining a premium by anext drawing, whch. takes successively place, wherefore nobody in the interim will sell at a loss, and be satisfyed in the meanwhile with an intrest of 4 per C. while your Friend has only a mind to try his fortune by a chance, when past Several subscribers Should precipate the Sale and decline the prices, whilst your Excellency’ll agree with us that maintaining the price of the Obligations, is only proper to encrease confidence for Congress an confirm their Credit to whch. purpose the Sheme tends perfectly and whch. we shall always endeavour to promote. and as we find the plan and your Excellencys agreement to it generally approved, we are in hopes that it will advance so far as to enable us to face every disposal of his Excelly Robt. Morris Esqr now running on us, and we should venture to assure you of it, if bad intentioned people did not use their influence to decline and ruin the good beginning it has taken
        We have the honour to remain with great Esteem / Sir / Your Excellency’s most / Humbl & Obed Servants

          Wilhem & Jan WillinkNichs. & Jacob van Staphorstde la Lande & fynje


Title: James Warren to John Adams, 26 February 1784
From: Warren, James
To: Adams, John

            My Dear Sir
            Milton Feby. 26th: 1784

          Since my last which went by Mr Temple, I have had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 10th. Sepr by Mr. Thaxter. The Approbation

of your Country is as Extensive as it ought to be. that is, it is Universal. but as there remains now no Expectation of your return here before another Election. I dare say we shall not be Embarrassed by the Modesty of our present first Magistrate. whatever Qualities he may want in the Opinion of others. he is himself a Stranger to any defeciences. & never once thought the duties too Arduous for him, or the honour too high, or the situation too delicate, he has however lately threatned us with a Resignation. he was either Affronted that the General Court the last Sessions did not Answer his Speech or he took it in his head that he would be a great Man as well as General Washington. he proclaimed his design in all Companies with great formality, & summoned his Council to receive it. they met. he Altered his resolution. & we Continue as happy as ever in his Administration. his Character is neither stained with ridicule or Contempt, a privilege peculiar to himself. The General Court is now setting but I hear of Nothing very Important yet done. no stable provision is yet made for paying the Interest of the National Debt. I hope it will never be by an Impost. but I wish it was done in some more secure way. but it Appears to me that the States want Confidence in the Administration. it must be taken out of Morris’s hands. The Treasury put in Commission by rotation, & then I beleive ways & means will be found, especially if this last measure should be Attended with strict & Impartial Justice to the several States.— I have not heard lately from Congress. but I presume from the Character I have of the Members, their foreign policy will in future be Conducted in a different Stile. & that the old man’s arts will not be so succesful as Usual, they talk of an Adjournment in April. Good Providence has so ordered for our Good that Sullivan has resigned, & the Court unanimously Chose Mr Dana, A delegate in his room, the resignation was very fortunate, & the Choice as Judicious Mr Dana dined with me about 10 days ago & will go on soon if Congress does not adjourn.
          I wish it had been Convenient for you & your Country to have returned & taken up your residence here. & Joined with me in the Cultivation of the pleasant Hills in Braintree & Milton. but Instead of that you are Calling away your Family. Your Father Smith is Dead. Coll Quincey will live but a few days. Mr Cranch & Family may go to Boston, & we be left solitary on our Hill. what delays your Treaty of Commerce with Britain. I suppose want of Instructions from Congress. but I am sure the best that could be given, might be Compleated in a minute by refering the whole to your

discretion. The delay may Create difficulties, by giveing time to prejudices to grow & rancle from the Conduct & narrow Policy of Britain who will never grow wise from Prosperity, or Adversity—
          I am told that Penobscot is Evacuated. the Commanding Officer after Applying to our Government for a Commission to some Person to receive the delivery of the place, & waiting in vain went of at last, after haveing Burned the Barracks &c. which we seemed to Care nothing about. I think he did right. Mrs. Warren desires her regards to you. we are all well Except Charles who is in a dangerous situation.— You have not given me a single hint for the Improvement of the Noble Science of Husbandry since you have been in Europe. do you reserve them all for your own use, that you may Excel us in that Art on your return, as much you have done in Politics abroad.
          I am with Great / Esteem Your Friend & Servt

            J Warren
            March 10th:

          Congress have made their Recommendation to the several States Agreable to the Treaty. A Committee of the Genl. Court have it under Consideration, but it is said will not report this Session.— Nothing seems to be a more General Subject of Conversation than the Cincinati Clubb. People seem not to have Considered the Nature & dangerous tendency of the Institution, till they were roused & Alarmed by a Pamphlet wrote in So. Carolina said by Mr Burke, which I would Inclose if the Expence of postage would not be too great. the Bulk of the People in N England more especially have Manifested great Uneasiness at the half pay for Life to the Officers of the Army since Commuted for 5 years pay. but the Uneasiness seemed to be subsideing till Irrittated to fresh resentment by this Institution. County Conventions & Town Meetings are now frequently Expressing their Resentments & determinations to pay no Taxes for the Commutations. The Officers I think deserve some such Consideration. but then they should be Content in Other respects to be on a footing with their fellow Citizens, without Claiming any distinctions that are Invidious now & may be dangerous hereafter. Miss Nabby is here on a Visit. & I dare say you will hear from her Mamah by this oppy. Coll Quincey died last Week. Adeu.— / I am as above—


Title: Mason Locke Weems to John Adams, ca. 27 February 1784
From: Weems, Mason Locke
To: Adams, John

          [ca. 27 February 1784]

        Tho’ I have not the honour of being personally acquainted with you, I flatter myself this will not be deemed an Intrusion, as it is a measure which necessity and the Advice of My Friends (Messrs. Johnson & Chace) have recommended— the Particulars of my Case Mr Johnson informs me he communicated to you, during your Short stay in London, but as I have not the Vanity to imagine they were of Consequence enough to merit a Place among the infinitely more important matters which engage your attention, I beg leave to Recapitulate them. I am a Native of America and a Student of Divinity, two years ago I came over to compleat my Studies and take

orders— My first application was to the great Lowthe, Bishop of London, who flatly refused because I intended to return to America—a thing unprecedented in the Annals of sacred History— Watson, Bishop of Landoff, gave me a gentler Reception, Condesended to Sympathyze with me On the distressed Situation of our Church, and even gave me to hope that a Letter from his Excellency the Govenor of Maryland (my Native State) would gain me admission into the Sacred Vineyard, his Excellency wrote me a very Polite Letter, which I immediately carried to the Bishop. his Lordship, recieved me very courtiously, but told me that he could do nothing without the permission of the Arch Bishop. To the Arch Bishop I went, & have had three conferrences with him on the Subject, the Result of which is that his Grace tho’ very Willing cannot ordain me— Parliament it seems must take it in hand, A law must be passed to enable him to ordain Young Americans without putting them to the Pain of Swallowing the Oaths of Supremacy & Allegiance— thus Sir you see the Condition I am in, after a loss of time, Money & Patience sufficient to distract a Stoic.
        I was with Mr Chace this morning he thinks it probable that the Bishops in Holland Sweden, or Germany would ordain me without requiring the Oaths of Allegiance. He is of Opinion I cannot take it with safety. I have no decided opinion of my own on the Subject, but I know many Ingenuous People who differ from Mr. Chace.
        If you will be so very Kind as to give me your Opinion on the Subject, and to let me Know by the first Post, or Opportunity whether I can be Ordained on the Continent— I will repo[. . . .] immediately, and consider it as an everlasting [ob]ligation confered on your Excellency’s / Most Obdt Humb Servt

          Mason Weems—


Title: Benjamin Franklin and John Jay to John Adams, 28 February 1784
From: Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Passy, 28 Feby: 1784.

        We had the honor of receiving your Favour of the 20th: Inst, and are persuaded that the Communication of the Friendly Disposition of his Prussian Majesty made to you by the Baron de Thuilemeyer will give great Pleasure to Congress. The Respect with which the Reputation of that great Prince has impress’d the United States, early induced them to consider his Friendship as a desirable Object; and we are happy in being authorised to assure his Majesty that they will most chearfully enter into such a Commercial Treaty with him as being founded on Principles of Reciprocity may be productive of equal Benefits to both Countries. Altho’ we have no Commission to conclude such a Treaty, yet our Instructions from Congress enable us to join with the King’s Minister in preparing a Draft of such Treaty, which being sent to Congress, they would, together with a Commission to conclude the Treaty, give us pointed Instructions on the Subject, and much time might be thereby saved. If you are of this Opinion, and his Majesty should be pleased to approve such a Measure, we think the Articles may be discuss’d between you and the Baron in the first Instance, on the Principles which govern in the Treaties you mention, both of which have been approved and ratified. That being done, we might confer together, & write a joint Letter to Congress on the Subject; we shall nevertheless make this Communication a part of our next Dispatch to Congress.—
        We have the honor to be, / Sir, / Your Excellency’s most obedient / & most humble Servants

          B. FranklinJohn Jay—


Title: Charles Spener to John Adams, 28 February 1784
From: Spener, Charles
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Berlin this 28 february 1784.

        May it please Your Excellence to give a kind reception to the historical Almanack for the Year 1784. which I, this Year for the first time published upon a plan intirely new, & of which I have the honour to present to Your Excellency the annexed copy.
        Being intended to point out & to set in their proper light the most remarkable incidents, who, in the space of every last year, have happened in the political history of states as well as in the litterary way, relating to interesting discoveries in useful arts—being calculated upon a plan of such general utility, my almanac for the present year is solely dedicated to the Revolution of North-America &, by consequence, particularly entitled to being taken notice of by Your Excellence.
        The historical part of it is done by one Mr. Sprengel, Professor of history in one of our best Universities (at Halle) who hath a very good reputation both, as historian & as writer. The cuts are executed by our most eminent artists. If they do not wholly answer the object they represent, Your Excellence will excuse it partly on account of their small size, which gave no room to great compositions,

partly on account of the want of exact knowledge of local circumstances. To get some information about them is one of the secondary objects of the present letter.
        The annexed sketch of the contents of the historical Almanack for 1785 will show to Your Excellence, which of the latest events in North-America I pointed out as the most remarkable & the most able of being represented. In submitting to Your Excellency’s deeper knowledge of American affairs & better judgement of them, I humbly sollicit Your Excellency’s kind decision, “whether You approve of my choosing out of the latest history of the united states, the following transactions, namely:” General Washington’s being sum̃oned by the Congress to become the Legislator of America. & the foundation of (or rather the Surveying of a track of land, chosen for building there upon) a Town for the meeting of the Congress or whether there happened in North America, lately some events more interesting & equally fit of being represented in cuts.
        In either of these two cases I hereby implore Your Excellency’s gracious assistance, partly in communicating to me such papers as will convey a complete & authentic notion of the fact, partly in giving directions for the artists in order that, their designs may not be quite of their own fancy but approach nature as much as possible. I intirely disapprove, for instance, the Session of the Congress as represented in one of the cuts of this Years Almanack. In the first place there were at that period not 13 as represented here, but 53 delegates present, and tho all of them could not be brought in so small a room as this cut, yet the form of their seats, should, I fancy, have been altered. I imagine they have a circular form, the Presidents place some what elevated & so on.
        Please Your Excellence to correct these & similar mistakes & to prevent future one’s either by minute descriptions or by Some slight sketch; in the latter case some few strokes of pencil lead will be quite sufficient.
        As in the composition of this historical Almanack, North-America will always have a very considerable & very interesting share any notion Your Excellence will please to com̃unicate to me, they may consist in general views upon North-American affairs, new regulations for trade, manufacturys, fishery, the troops, legislature, &c. or in relations of remarkable facts—will be most thankfully received & most faithfully made use of, to the glory of the united states & to the instruction & admiration of our part of the globe.
        To proceed in the Gallery of famous Americans I essentially want

Your Excellency’s Portrait. The highest favour therefore, You could bestow upon me, would be the communicating to me Your Excellency’s picture drawn from life. If there exists any good painting from which it might be copied, this shall be done here by one of the ablest hands & the painting returned soon & in the best condition. If there does not exist any painting, I beg leave to have Your Excellency’s head drawn there, for the aforesaid purpose, by a reputable artist.
        Lastly I submitt the annexed Portrait of the late President Hancok, to Your Excellency’s inspection & wish to be informed, whether it really resembles the famous man it represents (what I doubt of) if consequently I can have it copied or if there is means to get a better one, this being taken from Mr. Hilliard d’Auberteuil’s a french historian’s Memoires sur les Anglo-Americains. President Laurens hath graciously promised me the head of Mr. Payne; but, having not yet seen any thing of it, I hereby ask whether it is likewise in Your Excellency’s possession & if You would spare it some weecks for the purpose of being copied.
        May the wellfare of North-America be as everlasting as will be the fame of those eminent politicians, who took so considerable a part in supporting & settling its rights, & amongst whom Your Excellency occupy so distinguished a place— May this Almanac, considered as an hom̃age offered to liberty, from the bottom of despotism, be judged not unworthy Your Excellency’s protection & promotion— May the boldness of my adressing Your Excellence in a language, which, by the shortness of my former Stay in England, I learned but very imperfectly, be graciously overlooked by Your Excellence— I am, with the utmost respect, Your Excellency’s / most humble & devoted Servant

          Charles SpenerBookseller to his Majesty


Title: John Adams to Mason Locke Weems, 3 March 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Weems, Mason Locke

          Sir.
          The Hague March 3d: 1784.

        I have receiv’d the Letter you did me the Honour to write me, under the Cover of my Friend Mr: Johnson, and however dangerous it maybe for an American Minister of State, to intermeddle, in a matter of Religion especially without Orders from his Superiors, I think I can neither transgress nor give Offence, by rendering you any Service in my Power, as a private Citizen, in a matter of so serious Concern
        In the United Provinces of the Low Countries, there are no Diocesan Bishops, nor any higher order of Clergy than Presbyters. The Dutch Church is wholly Presbyterian, and therefore you cannot obtain Ordination by coming here. In Sweeden and Denmark there are Lutheran Bishops, but whatt Articles of Faith it may be necessary to Subscribe or what Liturgy to adopt, I am not informed. I believe that Consubstantiation at least, is among their Creeds. By what Laws or Usages of their Country these Protestant Bishops may be bound, I know not.
        His Excellency the Baron de Nolken, Ambassador of the King of Sweeden to the Court of St: James’s, I believe would very readily inform you, and Governor Pownal, who is well acquainted with that Minister, has so much Humanity and Friendship for America, as to introduce you to him if you desire it. … I believe I may venture to give you Leave to make Use of my Name to either of those Personages. If you were here, I would introduce you to the Baron de Schultz von Ascheraden, the Envoy, of his Sweedish Majesty, to their High Mightinesses, but I think it would save you the Expence, and Trouble of travelling to apply to the Sweedish Ambassador in London, for Information. It is a matter of Importance, Delicacy, and Difficulty, and I should advise you to write to Dr: Franklin and Mr:

Jay upon the Subject if you cannot Obtain Satisfaction in London. They may consult the Sweedish and Danish Ministers at Versailles. I could do the same, with those of the same Powers, at the Hague, but as Congress have joined Mr: Franklin Mr: Jay and myself together in most of their Affairs in Europe, I should not think it prudent in me, to take any step but in Concert with those Ministers.
        I think the advice of my Friend Mr: Chase, against taking the Oaths of Allegiance, prudent, at least untill the Members of the Church in America, shall have digested some Plan, for their future Government. Perhaps Parliament may Authorize, some Bishop in England to ordain American Candidates without administering the oaths— The Bishop of St: Asaph I believe, would give you the best Advice, and perhaps Mr: Benjamin Vaughan could procure you an Introduction to his Lordship— I have not the Honour to be known to his Lordship. But Mr: Vaughan, if you shew him this Letter, will I flatter myself, be of Service to you.
        With much Respect &c.


Title: Antoine Marie Cerisier to John Adams, 3 March 1784
From: Cerisier, Antoine Marie
To: Adams, John

          Monsieur
          Amsterdam ce 3 Mars 1784

        Vous apprendrez de Mr Rosart imprimeur des Remarques de Mr de Mably à quel point cet ouvrage est avancé. Il desirerait ardemment de faire entrer son Edition en France. Mr de Mably qui s’est reservé plusieurs exemplaires a trouvé moyen de se les procurer par le canal de Mr Grand à l’addresse de Mr Franklin. Le libraire ne

voudrait pas que ces exemplaires arrivassent à Paris avant son edition. Il aurait raison de craindre une contre-façon. En conséquence il doit s’adresser à vous & réclamer votre secours. Si vous pouvez l’assister de vos conseils & de votre crédit dans cette occurrence, vous obligerez celui qui est avec le plus profond respect / De Votre Excellence / Le très humble / & très obéissant / serviteur

          A. M. Cerisier

        TRANSLATION

          Sir
          Amsterdam, 3 March 1784

        You will learn from Mr. Rosart, the printer of the Remarques de Mr de Mably, how far this work has advanced. He ardently desires that his edition should enter France. Mr. Mably, who reserved several copies for himself, found a way to procure them through Mr. Grand at Mr. Franklin’s address. The publisher does not want these copies to reach Paris before his edition. He has reason to fear a pirated version. As a consequence he must write to you and request your assistance. If you could help him with your advice and your influence in this matter, you will place in your debt he who remains, with the deepest respect, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant

          A. M. Cerisier


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 4 March 1784
From: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          Amsterdam 4 March 1784.

        We take the Liberty of sending herewith the General Bond of the new Loan with the Dutch Translation of it, and beg you’ll be so kind as to pass this Act before an English Notary in the Hague and to send us the Gross together with the Dutch Translation as soon as possible back. It will be necessary also to make different Copies to send ’em to Congress for its Ratification. Your Excellency will observe we have made the Form of the Bond in such a Manner that your Excellency might be saved the Trouble of signing all the Copies, as was before done, the which Alteration will we hope be acceptable to your Excellency.
        The Loan goes tolerably well. We have already collected almost as much Money as is sufficient to pay the Bills, which are now due,

and we have some good Expectations that we shall be able in a short Time to accept also the remaining Drafts of Mr Morris.
        We have the Honor to remain with due Respect / Sir / Your Excellency’s / Most humble and obedt Servts.

          Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorstde la Lande & fynje