Title: IV. From the Abbé de Mably [post 15 January 1783]
From: Mably, Abbé de
To:

[post 15 Janvier 1783]

L’ABBE DE MABLY est bien faché de ne s’etre pas trouvé chez lui quand Monsieur Adams lui a fait l’honneur d’y passer. Il a celui de lui remettre l’ecrit qu’il a addresse: jamais l’Abbé de Mably ne s’est proposé d’écrire l’histoire de la revolution d’Amerique, il seroit mort avant que d’avoir rassemblé la moitié des materiaux d’ún si important ouvrage. Il sera tres obligé à Monsieur Adams s’il veut avoir la bonté de lui faire tirer une copie de la derniere partie de cet ecrit, en y joignant quelques remarques sur le genie et les interets de quelques unes des premiers confederés, et surtout sur l’etat actuel des richesses ou fortunes des particuliers, et sur la nature du luxe connu en Amerique.

        Translation
[post 15 January 1783]

The Abbé de Mably deeply regrets not having been at home when Mr. Adams paid him the honor of a visit. He has however the honor of returning the text addressed to him: the Abbé de Mably never intended to write a history of the American Revolution, for he would be dead long before he had collected even half the material needed for so large a work. He would be much obliged if Mr. Adams could kindly obtain for him a copy of the last part of this text, adding a few remarks about the genius and interests of the first confederates, and especially about the current state of wealth or fortunes of private individuals and the degree of luxury found in America.


Title: VI. From Jean François Marmontel, 8 March 1783
From: Marmontel, Jean François
To:

Ce. 8, Mars, 1783.

Mr. Marmontel a l’honneur de faire mille complimens a Monsieur Adams, et de lui renvoyer l’excellente lettre qu’il a eu la bonté de lui confier’. Elle lui fait sentir plus que jamais l’extreme besoin qu’il a de ses secours et de ses lumieres pour etre en etat d’écrire passablement l’histoire de la grande revolution, qui fait la gloire de l’Amerique septentrionale et qui assure son bonheur.

        Translation
8 March 1783

Mr. Marmontel is honored to present his compliments to Mr. Adams, and to return the excellent letter he so kindly entrusted to him. More than ever, this letter makes him realize how greatly he needs Mr. Adams’ help and insight to compose a reasonable account of the great revolution that constitutes the glory of North America and guarantees its happiness.


Title: To John Adams from the Duc de La Vauguyon, 12 January 1783
From: Vauguyon, the Duc de La
To: Adams, John

Versailles 12 Janv 1783.

J’aurois vivement desiré monsieur d’avoir l’honneur de vous voir avant mon depart de Paris et je me Suis a cet effet presenté chés vous inutilement Je m’etois chargé dans l’esperance de Vous y trouver de vous remettre moy même des lettres que M. James Jay m’avoit recommandées et que je m’empresse de vous faire passer ci jointes. Recevés monsieur tous mes regrets de n’avoir pû vous demander vos commissions pour la haye et vous renouveller l’assurance des Sentiments inviolables de consideration très distinguée avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’être, Monsieur, votre très humble & très obéissant Serviteur
Le duc De La vauguyon

Translation
Versailles, 12 January 1783

I very much hoped, sir, to have the honor of seeing you before I left Paris and called on you with this in mind, but in vain. Hoping to find you at home, I intended to deliver the letters Sir James Jay entrusted to me and which I hasten to enclose. Please accept my regrets at being unable to request your commissions for The Hague, and to assure you of the inviolable sentiments and most distinguished consideration with which I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
Le duc De La vauguyon


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Barclay, 13 January 1783
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Lorient 13th. Jany. 1783

I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 25th. November, and was so well pleased to find you had not intirely forgot Me, that I did Not recollect you had passed so long a time in silence— The truth is that I know you have so Many Matters of Consequence to think and write about, that I shou’d be very sorry you wou’d ever Endeavour at any kind of punctuality with Me
I am sure I need not tell you that it will give me great pleasure to hear every Now and then that you are well, and to receive and forward your Commands on All occasions
I Congratulate you on your relief from that Source of Plague, vexation, and Torment the Money, and I heartily wish you were not so singular on that subject,— I do not wish your sentiments alterd, but that there were More people like you in that respect. The Heer Adams arrived last Evening in four weeks from the Delaware, and brought the Inclosed Dispatches for you and Mr. Dana, I thought it proper to send those for Mr. Dana to you, as you perhaps will incline to put them under an other Cover, and know the best Manner of forwarding them—
The subjects of Peace and War have Engross’d the attention of every person here for some weeks, and we are still in suspence Concerning the Issue of your Negociations— I am forwarding the public supplies as fast as in My power, this seeming to be the properest step I Can take— If any thing Definitive is done, you or My friend Mr. Thaxter will oblige Me much by Informing me of it, as soon as it Can be done with propriety, as My knowing it as earlie as my Neighbours may be of great use in the Government of myself respecting the public Matters under my Care— God bless and prosper you My Dear Sir, is the True wish of Your affectionate
Thos Barclay


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 13 January 1783
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
St: Petersbourg. Jany: 2/13. 1783—

I have read your preliminary treaty with some attention and much satisfaction. You will suffer me however to suggest whether it might not be expedient in the definitive Treaty, to ascertain more particularly the property of all the Islands in the Lakes, but especially those situated in, or near the entrance of, their several water communications; as also the right of navigating on either side of the imaginary line drawn thrô the middle of the Lakes, and of their communications, as shall be necessary and most convenient for the full enjoyment of a free navigation from one of them to the other. Suppose it shou’d be alleged as it may be with some plausibility, that this imaginary line passes thrô the communications at an equal distance from their main shores—and suppose there are two passages formed by an Island lying on one side of such a Line, the one fit for canoes or small boats only, and the other for large Battoes or vessels. Wou’d there not be room for one party to claim an exclusive right of passage thro the great channel? You will at once see the effect of such a pretension upon the Interests of the other, if persisted in. The intention of both parties may be that this imaginary line thrô the communications, shoud pass along the middle of the best and largest channels, and that the property in the Islands lying within them shou’d be settled accordingly. Yet if this shou’d be clearly explained in the definitive Treaty, may it not be advisable to secure a right of passage up and down any of the water passes; as those may become more or less convenient according to the changes they may undergoe in the several seasons, as well as the size of the boats or vessel which may pass them. It is sometimes necessary in those routes to transport effects over carrying places, which may not only be in fact made, but be feasible on one shore of the communication—and to land from time to time for drawing boats and vessels up and down the communication—as well as to put into places for shelter from storms, and for other necessary purposes. Without mutual liberty in those respects (in time of peace) a communication from Lake to Lake may be absolutely impracticable for one or both of the parties.— As the Indians on the North of the Lakes frequently pass them to trade on the South, might it not be expedient to secure a free passage for them, and liberty to trade with either party as they may think proper— The exception at the end of the second article may be a source of continual contests, as there has been repugnant claims subsisting between those Neighbours. The Line is certain, the exception leaves all at loose— I submit these reflections to your candour and friendship. You will pay what attention to them you may think they deserve. I had at first intended to have addressed them to all the Commissioners, but I thought it wou’d be rather too formal a mode; and that every beneficial purpose might as well be answered in this private Course. I make no apology for this liberty, knowing that we are embarked in the same cause, and wish to promote its success by all means in our power—
I am, my dear Sir, with the most perfect esteem & sincere regard / your much obliged Friend, & most obedient humble Servant
FRA DANA


Title: From John Adams to Lady Juliana Fermor Penn, 14 January 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Penn, Lady Juliana Fermor

My Lady.
Paris January 14. 1783

I received Yesterday the Letter, your Ladyship did me the Honour to write me, on the twenty fourth of December, and am obliged to you for your polite Attention to me.

The Subject of the Letter is as I Suppose in Pensylvania and must ultimately be decided by the Government of that Commonwealth So that probably no question concerning it, will ever come under my Consideration in any publick Character, if however it Should happen otherwise I Shall ever be disposed to do you all the service, which may be consistent with my duty.
But whether in a publick or private Capacity, I shall ever have a just Respect for the Family, and be desirous to do them Justice in all Things, as far as may be in my Power
I have the Honour to be very respectfully, your Ladyships / most obedient and most humble servant


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 14 January 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
Lahaie 14e. Janv. 1783.

L’Incluse pour Philade. vous mettra au fait du courant ici. L’honorée vôtre du ler. Janv. est pour moi une vraie & précieuse Etrenne de nouvel an. J’ai fait confidence verbale du contenu à Mrs. De G——, V. B., & V. sous le sceau du secret, & à personne autre. Ils en ont été charmés. Du reste, ils étoient bien sûrs d’avance de vos bonnes dispositions & de celle de Mrs. vos Collegues pour cette Rep. Ce qui leur tient à coeur, c’est que, com̃e Mr. Brantzen écrit constam̃ent dans ses Dépeches ici, de la part de Mr. le C—— de V——, le soin qu’il a des intérêts de la rep., vous l’autorisassiez demême ministériellement à apprendre à L. H. P., que vous les avez également à coeur.
Ces Messieurs ici S’appliquent à cet égard le vers de l’Ecole: Scire tuum nihil est, nisi te scire hoc sciat alter. En un mot, ils souhaitteroient, que les dites Dépeches rendissent ici la justice qui est due à chacun.
Mr. De Gr. a écrit à Mr. Brantzen, pour qu’il pressât de sa part Mr. le Baron de Linden (ci-devt. Envoyé de la rep. en Suede) de revenir au plutôt de Paris où il est depuis quelques mois. Mais il n’a pas fait ouverture à Mr. Brantzen de son plan, parce qu’il ne voudroit pas que celui-ci en com̃uniquât quelque chose prématurément à quelque relation en ce pays. Mr. Gr. vous prie donc, Monsieur, d’avoir un Entretien avec Mr. De Linde Mr. De Linde étoit logé en Novembre à l’Hôtel des Etats-Unis rue Gallion & je suppose qu’il y est encore, & de lui confier de sa part, sous le secret, que son plan est de faire ensorte, que Mr. De Linde soit nom̃é Ministre de cette Rep. auprès des Etats-Unis; & que, pour cet effet, il faut qu’il revienne incessam̃ent ici, pour battre ensemble la fer pendant qu’il est chaud. Mr. V. Bl. de son côté n’a rien contre ce plan.
La poste, qui va partir, ne me laisse que le moment de finir, avec mon respectueux attachement, Monsieur, De V. Exce. / le très humble & très obéisst. / serviteur
Dumas

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 14 January 1783

The enclosed for Philadelphia will inform you of current events here. Your distinguished letter of 1 January was a true and precious New Year’s gift. I imparted its contents orally to Mr. Gyselaar, Mr. Van Berckel, and Mr. Visscher, in the strictest confidence, and to no one else. They were delighted. Moreover, they were already certain of your goodwill and that of your colleagues toward this republic. Given that Mr. Brantsen is always writing dispatches about the Comte de Vergennes’ concern for Dutch interests, their heartfelt wish is for you to authorize him to inform their High Mightinesses officially that you have them equally in mind.
In this connection, the gentlemen here apply the old school maxim to themselves: Scire tuum nihil est, nisi te scire hoc sciat alter. In a word, they would like the said dispatches to render to each his just deserts.
Mr. Gyselaar has written to Mr. Brantsen telling him to urge the Baron De Lynden (former envoy of the republic to Sweden) to return forthwith from Paris, where he has been for several months. But he has not fully apprised Mr. Brantsen of his plan because he did not want the latter to communicate any of it prematurely to one of his connections in this country. Mr. Gyselaar thus asks you, sir, to talk to Mr. De Lynden, who was staying at the Hôtel des Etats-Unis in the rue Gallion last November—and must, I suppose, still be there—and tell him confidentially that his plan is to arrange for Mr. De Lynden to be appointed this republic’s minister to the United States. To this end, he must necessarily return here, so that both may strike while the iron is hot. Mr. Van Berckel, for his part, has nothing against this plan.
The post is about to depart and leaves me but a moment to conclude, with my respectful esteem, sir, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas


Title: Francis Dana to the American Peace Commissioners, 14 January 1783
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

Gentlemen
St: Petersbourg Jany: 3/14 1783.

I was honoured with your favour of the 12th. of Decr: by the last post, enclosing a Copy of the preliminary Treaty of Peace between his Britannic Majesty and the United States. I most heartily congratulate with you upon this great event, in which you have had the honour of so distinguished a part. I think that we ought to be, and shall be satisfied with the terms of peace. But we are here wholly at a loss whether the other belligerant parties will be able to adjust their several pretensions, and of Course whether our Treaty will take effect. The prevailing opinion here among the best informed, is that we shall have a general peace. However this may be, we shall see a war break out on the other side of Europe. Some of the Powers which will be engaged in it, do not wish to see all the present belligerant Powers at peace, for reasons which will readily occur to you.
I thank you, Gentlemen, for your opinions respecting the communication of my Mission to the Ministers of Her Imperial Majesty, and of the other Neutral Powers, residing at this Court. But, “absolute certainty of success” are strong words, and will bind me down to a state of inaction till the conclusion of the present War; unless I shou’d receive positive assurances that things are prepared for my reception; of which I have no expectation. I have yesterday consulted the French Minister upon this matter, and acquainted him at the same time with your opinions, as well as communicated to him the preliminary Treaty. He thinks that thô in this moment I might not meet with a refusal, yet my admission wou’d be upon various pretences, postponed, till advice shou’d be received here, whether we are to have peace or war: a question which it is expected will be decided at furthest in the course of a fortn’night, and that if the War shou’d be continued, I shou’d not be received. Thus I am doubly bound down as above, during the War. If unfortunately the negotiations shou’d be broken off, it is my present determination to retire from this Court, without communicating my Mission, and to return by the first opportunity to America. I cannot think it for the honour or interest of the United-States, after what has already taken place between them and his Britannic Majesty, that I shou’d wait the issue of another campaign. I am persuaded we have nothing to fear from this quarter in any event. If they will not improve a fair occasion which is presented to them, to promote the mutual Interests of both Empires, they may hereafter repent it.
I am, Gentlemen, with the greatest respect and esteem, / Your most obedient & most humble Servant.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Boylston, 17 January 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, Thomas

Sir
Paris January 17. 1783

Your Favour of the 23 of December never reached me, till to day. The Souvereignty of the United States of America, is indeed recognized by Great Britain, Holland and France explicitly, and will probably be So Soon by all the Nations of the Earth. Much remains however to be done, I agree with you. To remove all Causes of Disunion and cement the Affections and Confederation of the States, to give Stability and Authority to the Laws, to extend our Commerce and regulate our Finances, to preserve Intelligence and Virtues in the People and at the Same time a martial Spirit and military Establishments So that our Liberties may neither be in danger at home nor from abroad; to regulate the system of foreign Affairs So that We may be as Usefull to Europe, and derive as much benefit from it as our natural Situation and Circumstances will admit, without being duped by its Artifices or infested with its faults; is Occupation Sufficient for all the Talents and Virtues which our Country affords.
Europe is indeed as you observe an excellent School, but it is a detestible one at the Same time, and I confess to you, I Sometimes fear We shall be better Schollars at learning its Vices and Follies than its usefull Institutions and commendable Qualities.
I am not able to give you any Information respecting Peace or War. my private opinion is, that there will not be another Campain though the Peace may not be determined on, long before the Time for opening one.— But this opinion is founded upon Reasons so uncertain even in my own mind that I cannot depend much upon it, nor pretend to advise you.— I am, sir your humble servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 19 January 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

Sir
Paris Jan. 19. 1783

I have yet to acknowledge the Receipt of your Favours of the 26. 27. 30. & 31 of Decr. and 2 of January. Your Dispatches are sent along as you desire.— I hope you are, quite recovered from your Indisposition.
I can give you no Information concerning Peace. it is given out that the point will be decided here to day or Tomorrow: others Say that the Duke de la Vauguion is to make the Peace at the Hague.
inclosed is a Copy of our Preliminaries, but I must intreat you not to permit them to be published or Copied, without further Information from me. You may communicate them in Confidence to our Friends, but it is thought best, to let the British Ministry lay them first before Parliament, and take their own Time for it.
The great Points of Independance, the Fisheries, the Missisippi and the Boundaries are Settled to our Satisfaction. But in Point of Compensation for Damages, We must put our Hands in our own Pockets.
With great Regard, I have the Honour to be &c


Title: From John Adams to Jean de Neufville & Fils, 19 January 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Neufville, Jean de & Fils (business)

Gentlemen
Paris Jany. 19. 1783

You favour of the 30 of December, I have recd, as well as the Letter mentioned in it.—
I am obliged to you Gentlemen, for paying the Interest you mention, which if you please Messrs Willinks Van staphorsts and De la Lande and Fynje will repay you, on Account of the United States.
In order to Save you the Trouble for the future would it not be best to desire the Holders of those Seven obligations, to deliver them to Messrs Willinks &c and take others in stead of them from them.? or at least you may refer them in future to those Houses to receive the Interest.
I have the Honour to be, very respectfully, Gentlemen your most / obedient &c


Title: To John Adams from Robert Morris, 19 January 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Adams, John

Sir
Office of Finance 19th. Jany 1783—

Altho’ I have not yet been honored with any Letters from your Excellency I cannot omit the Occasion of Writing which offers itself by Mr. Jefferson. Having already congratulated you on the Acknowlegement of our Independence by the States General, and on the rapid Successes of your Labors equally splendid and useful. I hope when this Letter shall have reached your Hands I may have the additional Cause of Congratulation that the Loan you have opened in Holland shall have been compleated, this is a Circumstance of great Importance to our Country and most particularly so to the Department which I have the Honor to fill— Whatever may be the Success of it whether general or partial I pray your Excellency to favor me by every Conveyance with every minute Detail which can tend to form my Judgment or enlighten my Mind. For the more perfect Security of our Correspondence, I do myself the Honor to enclose the Counterpart of a Cypher to the Use of which you will soon become familiarized and I hope you will be convinced that any Confidence with which you may honor me shall be safely reposed and usefully employed for the public Benefit—
I have the Honor to be / with perfect Respect / Sir / your Excellency’s / most Obedient / & / humble Servant
Robt Morris

Mr. Jefferson will charge himself with the Delivery of the Cypher mentd—.


Title: Declarations of the Suspension of Arms and the Cessation of Hostilities between the United States and Great Britain, 20 January 1783
From: Adams, John
To:

Versailles, 20 January 1783. MS of declarations in French; English translation by John Pintard (PCC, No. 84, IV, f. 323–330). FC’s of declarations and Arts. 1 and 22 of the Anglo-French preliminary peace treaty in French (Adams Papers). LbC’s of declarations in French and Arts. 1 and 22 of the Anglo-French preliminary peace treaty in French (Adams Papers); APM Reel 109. LbC-Tr’s of declarations in French and English and Arts. 1 and 22 of the Anglo-French preliminary peace treaty in French (Adams Papers); APM Reel 103. PRINTED (French and English): Miller, Treaties,Treaties and Other International Acts of the United States of America, ed. Hunter Miller, Washington, 1931–1948; 8 vols. 2:108–110. On 18 January the Comte de Vergennes wrote to Benjamin Franklin to request that he and John Adams come to Versailles on the morning of 20 January to attend the signing of the preliminary peace treaties concluded by Great Britain with France and Spain. Two purposes were served by the presence of the Americans and by declarations that they and Alleyne Fitzherbert signed at the ceremony. First, the documents signified that the preliminary Anglo-American peace treaty was in effect pursuant to the statement in its preamble that it would not be considered as concluded until peace was established between France and Great Britain. Second, because the Anglo-American preliminary treaty did not establish the conditions governing a cessation of hostilities, the declarations made it clear that it would be implemented according to the treaties signed with France and Spain, with the specific examples being Arts. 1 and 22 of the Anglo-French treaty. For the formal implementation of the armistice by Great Britain and the United States, see the proclamations by George III and the American Peace Commissioners of 14 and 20 Feb., respectively, both below. For a detailed examination of the documents, see Miller, TreatiesTreaties and Other International Acts of the United States of America, ed. Hunter Miller, Washington, 1931–1948; 8 vols., 2:111–112. For John Adams’ account of the signing of the declarations, his dispatch of them to America, and Congress’ resulting action, see his 22 January letter to Robert R. Livingston, and notes, below.


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 22 January 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,
Paris Jany. 22d. 1783.

Upon a sudden notification from the Comte de Vergennes, Mr. Franklin and myself, in the Absence of Mr. Jay and Mr. Laurens, went to Versailles, and arrived at the Comte’s Office at 10. oClock on Monday, the twentieth of this Month At eleven arrived the Comte d’Aranda & Mr. Fitzherbert. The Ministers of the three Crowns signed & sealed the Preliminaries of Peace, and an Armistice, in presence of Mr. Franklin and myself, who also signed and sealed a Declaration of an Armistice, between the Crown of Great Britain and the United States of America, and recieved a Counter-Declaration from Mr. Fitzherbert— Copies of these Declarations are inclosed.— The King of Great Britain has made a Declaration concerning the Terms that he will allow to the Dutch, but they are not such as will give Satisfaction to that unfortunate Nation, for whom, on Account of their Friendship for Us, and the important Benefits We have recieved from it, I feel very sensibly and sincerely.— Yesterday we went to Versailles again to make our Court to the King and Royal Family, and recieved the Compliments of the foreign Ministers.
The Comte d’Aranda invited me to dine with him on Sunday next, and said he hoped, that the Affair of Spain and the United States would be soon adjusted à l’amiable— I answered, that I wished it with all my Heart.— The two Floridas and Minorca are more than a quantum meruit for what this Power has done, and the Dutch unfortunately are to suffer for it.
It is not in my power to say, when the definitive Treaty will be signed.— I hope not before the Dutch are ready.— In six Weeks or two Months at farthest, I suppose.
It is no longer necessary for Congress to appoint another Person in my Place in the Commission for Peace, because it will be executed before this reaches America— But I beg Leave to renew my Resignation of the Credence to the States General and the Commission for borrowing Money in Holland, and to request that no Time may be lost in transmitting the Acceptance of this Resignation, and another Person to take that Station, that I may be able to go home in the Spring Ships.
I have the honor to be, with great / Respect, / Sir, / your most obedient & / most humble Servant.
John Adams.—


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 January 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Lahaie 23e. Janv. 1783

Je remis hier à Mr. Ph. Massey, allant à Paris, un petit paquet, contenant la seconde Médaille de Mr. Holtzhey.
Vous recevrez aussi, par cet Ordinaire, toute une Cargaison de Lettres arrivées ici pour V. E. d’Amérique, je suppose. J’espere qu’elles vous donneront de bonnes nouvelles de Votre chere famille.

Mr. De Gr. aoui dire que le fameux Ecrit Aan’t Volk, a été traduit en françois. Si cela est, & si l’on peut l’avoir à Paris, il voudroit bien, & V. S. aussi, en avoir un exemplaire par occasion, ou quand vous reviendrez.
J’espere de le voir dans une heure d’ici. En attendant, voici ce qui S’est passé ici depuis quelques jours. Nous verrons com̃ent nos Messieurs prendront le radotage.
L’Envoi du Bn. de H. paroît calculé pour rendre, s’il est possible, adieux certain Ministre, qui a trop bien servi son Maître au gré de certaines gens. Ce Mine. me paroît n’avoir rien à craindre d’un Négociateur de cette trempe. Je suis avec grand respect, Monsieur, De V. Exce. / le très-humble & très ob. serviteur
D

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 23 January 1783

Yesterday I gave Mr. Philip Mazzei, who was leaving for Paris, a small parcel containing Mr. Holtzhey’s second medal.
You will also receive, via this mail, a batch of letters that came for your excellency from, I suppose, America. I hope they contain good news of your dear family.
Mr. Gyselaar has heard that the famous Aan’t Volk has been translated into French. If that is true, and it is available in Paris, he and I, your servant, would like to have a copy now, or whenever you return.
I hope to see him in an hour’s time. Meanwhile, this is what has taken place here during the past few days. We shall see how our gentlemen react to this drivel.
The dispatch of the Baron de H. appears calculated, if it is possible, to be rid of a certain minister, who has served his master rather too well for some men’s liking. This minister seems to me to have nothing to fear from a negotiator of this stripe. I am with great respect, sir, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
D


Title: To John Adams from Addenet de Maison Rouge, 24 January 1783
From: Rouge, Addenet de Maison
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Paris ce 24 janvier 1783

je me propose d’aller à Versailles dans Le Cours de la semaine prochaine. je Chercherai de nouveau la traduction des Prior Documents que je n’ai point trouvée chés Mr Pissot. je m’émpresserai de vous La remettre aussitôt que je me la serai procurée. je vous Prie d’être persuadé du desir que j’aurai toujours de Concourir à vos vues; et je m’éstimerai heureux de pouvoir par là meriter votre Confiance.
Je Suis avec un Profond respect / Monsieur / Votre très humble et / très obéissant serviteur
Addenet D M R

Translation
Sir
Paris, 24 January 1783

I propose going to Versailles at some point next week. I shall make another search for the translation of “Prior Documents,” which I did not find at Mr. Pissot’s. I shall hasten to send it to you as soon as I have obtained a copy. I pray that you will be persuaded of the desire that I have always to concur with your views and shall consider myself happy if I can thus deserve your trust.
I am with profound respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
Addenet D M R


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 January 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
Lahaie 24e. Janvr. 1783.

La maniere subite & imprévue dont on a reçu ici la nouvelle de la signature des Préliminaires par toutes les autres Puissances belligérentes, sans que celui qui tient le plus à coeur ici ait été fixé, a d’abord consterné nos Amis; mais après être revenus de leur premiere Surprise, Mr. Van Berkel, à la requisition & Sur les instances de Mr. le Grand-Pensionaire, dans une conférence secrete, a proposé un moyen, Sans doute le plus noble & le plus solide, pour parvenir au but desiré & desirable à tous. Mr. le Gd. Pre. l’a Saisi avec empressement; & l’on est convenu, que Mr. Van Berkel me prieroit de leur part, de consulter Votre Excellence en toute diligence sur ce moyen, que voici:
“Pour accélérer la Négociation de la paix générale, & pour prévenir les discussions ultérieures entre L. H. P. & la Grande Bretagne sur le point de la Navigation libre & illimitée, on demande à Mr. Adams, s’il se trouve assez autorisé de la part du Congrès, pour accéder au Traité de la Neutralité armée déjà conclu entre quelques Puissances belligérentes de l’Europe, ou pour entrer dans une pareille Négociation avec l’Espagne, la France, & les Pays-Bas Unis?”
“Dans l’un & l’autre cas, L. H. Puissances pourroient faire la même proposition à la France & à l’Espagne, afin de prévenir les discussions sur le point de la Liberté des mers, qui pourroient arrêter la paix générale; & pour mettre la République en état de faire sa paix avec la Grande-Bretagne, qui pourroit être retardée par des difficultés que pourroient rencontrer des stipulations particulieres, ou des arrangemens à faire avec l’Angleterre sur ce point.”
“Le Traité définitif entre l’Angleterre & la République pourroit alors se faire sous la Réserve du Droit primitif de toutes les Nations, qui se trouvent dans l’exercice de ce Droit, à moins qu’ils ne s’en soient départis par des Traités particuliers au sujet de Contrebandes reconnues pour telles par les Contractants respectifs.”
“Mr. Adams est prié instam̃ent, de communiquer ses idées sur ce point le plutôt possible, & d’y ajouter ses réflexions sur les moyens d’avancer une telle Négociation & d’acheminer la paix générale. Car il paroît, qu’en attendant, la république pourroit accéder à l’Armistice, qui devra résulter de la signature des préliminaires de paix entre les autres Puissances belligerentes, & traiter avec l’Angleterre sur tous les autres points en question.”
Vous êtes le Maître, Monsieur, Si vous le jugez à propos, de conférer aussi là-dessus ministériellement avec Mr. Brantzen.
Il ne me reste plus, que de vous présenter les complimens & tout ce qui se peut penser de plus cordial de la part de Mr. Van Berkel qui vient de me quitter, pour me laisser écrire tout ce que dessus. Je Suis avec un très grand respect, Monsieur, De Votre Excellence / le très humble & très obeissant / serviteur
C W. f. Dumas

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 24 January 1783

The sudden and unexpected news that the preliminaries had been signed by all the other belligerent powers, but without the point deemed here most essential having been settled, initially alarmed our friends. But after they had recovered from their surprise, Mr. Van Berckel, at the request and urging of the grand pensionary and in a secret meeting, proposed a means, doubtless the noblest and most solid, by which to attain an end desired by and desirable to all. The grand pensionary embraced it eagerly, and it was agreed that Mr. Van Berckel would ask me to consult your excellency with all possible speed on their behalf. Here is the text of the proposal:
“To hasten the negotiation of a general peace, and to avoid further discussions between their High Mightinesses and Great Britain on the matter of free and unlimited navigation, we ask Mr. Adams if he is authorized by Congress to accede to the Treaty of Armed Neutrality already concluded between some European belligerent powers, or to enter into a parallel negotiation with Spain, France, and the Netherlands?
“In either case, their High Mightinesses could make the same proposal to France and Spain in order to forestall discussions on the point of freedom of the seas, which would impede the general peace; and place the republic in the position of making its peace with Great Britain, which would be delayed by difficulties that would be encountered from the particular stipulations or arrangements to be made with England on this point.
“The definitive treaty between England and the Republic could then be made contingent upon the customary law of all nations that find through the exercise of this law the means to depart from it by particular treaties on the subject of contraband goods recognized as such by the respective contracting parties.
“Mr. Adams is asked to communicate his ideas on this point as soon as possible; and also his thoughts on how best to further such a negotiation and bring about a general peace. For it seems that in the meantime the Republic could accede to the Armistice, which must necessarily result from the signature of preliminary peace accords between the other belligerent powers, and treat with England on all the other points in question.”
You are at liberty, sir, if you judge it appropriate, to confer on the matter, ministerially, with Mr. Brantsen.
The only remaining task is to present the compliments and most cordial sentiments of Mr. Van Berckel, who has just left me, so that I could write the above. I am with great respect, sir, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
C. W. f. Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Eliphalet Brush, 25 January 1783
From: Brush, Eliphalet
To: Adams, John

Sir
Bordeaux 25 Jany: 1783—

I had the honor of writing you Some time ago Requesting a pasport for a Vessel I have here, on a Supposition that peace was near at hand, but was not favour’d with your answer, which made me Suppose my Letter mis-carried.— The Confirmation of a Suspension of Arms, induces me to Request you wou’d do me the favour, to procure me as soon as possible, proper Certificates for the brig Minerva Capt. Hallet, for Philadelphia, in order that she may go Unmolested.
Shou’d you incline to Send any packits of Letters by this Conveyence, you have only to send them to me here, & I shall not fail forwarding them.
You’l oblige me much to give me a Line by Return of post, if what I request is practicable
I have the honor to be with Great / Esteem / sir / Your Most Obt / Humbl servant
E. Brush


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 28 January 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Mr.
Lahaie 28e. Janv. 1783

Vous aurez reçu aujourd’hui, par un Courier de Mr. l’Amb. de fce. parti Samedi 24e après dîner ma Lettre du 24e., qui est de la derniere importance pour ceux de la part de qui je l’ai écrite, & sur laquelle ils languissent de recevoir votre réponse, parce que l’effet qu’ils s’en promettent est seul capable, à leurs yeux, de réparer l’énorme & impardonnable faute (c’est l’expression adoucie de leur sentiment) que l’on a faite en les abandonnant, sacrifiant, trompant & jouant. (Voilà com̃e ils parlent à Mr. l’Ambr. même, qui voudroit qu’ils entamassent cette même négociation en 1ere. instance avec le Minere. de fce., & en promet en ce cas la réussite desirée; ce qu’ils refusent tout plat.) Il m’a dit, & à eux aussi, qu’il croyoit que vous ne feriez point difficulté de prendre cela sur vous, mais que Mrs vos Collegues, & notam̃ent Mr. F——n, probablement s’y opposeroient. Ils lui ont répondu, que ne voyant aucune raison pourquoi Mr. F—— s’opposeroit à ce que cette mesure fût prise conjointemt. avec les 3 puissces. belligérentes, plutôt que d’en laisser l’avancemt ou le retardemt à la fantaisie d’une seule, ils regarderoit certainement cette opposition com̃e l’effet de l’influence de Mr. le C. de V. sur Mr. F——n, qu’alors il seroit inutile de s’adresser davantage à eux pour aucunes négociations quelconques, & qu’en ce cas Son Exce. pourroit à l’avenir se contenter de s’adresser à L. h. p. sans exiger que leurs personnes & villes fussent plus longtemps compromises & Cernées.
J’ai cru, M, dans une affre. si grave, devoir vous rendre compte explicitement de toutes les circonstances. J’ajouterai, que la Nation est outrée du dernier procédé de la fce., & que M. De V—— acheveroit de perdre toute sa confiance, s’il intriguoit pour traverser cette mesure, qu’ils proposent, avec une parfaite confiance en votre candeur & en vos dispositions
Samedi 25 au Soir, j’allai com̃uniquer à Mr. le Gd. Pre. la copie de ma Lre. du 24 que voici; & il l’approuva.
Hier 27. J’allai aussi lui lire in extenso la copie des Prelimes. dont vous m’avez favorisé & puis aux autres amis. Personne n’en aura copie jusqu’à ce que vous me le permettrez
Mr. Gyzr. que j’ai vu ce matin, & Mrs. V. B. & Vr. avec qui je soupai hier, m’ont chargé de leurs meillrs. comps. pr. V. E.
Translation
Sir
The Hague, 28 January 1783

You will have received today, by the French ambassador’s courier, who departed after dinner on Saturday the 24th, my letter of the 24th. It is of the utmost importance for those on whose behalf I wrote it and who impatiently await your reply, because in their eyes it alone can produce an effect capable of repairing the enormous and unforgivable wrong (that is a polite term for their feelings) that has been committed in abandoning, sacrificing, deceiving, and abusing them. (That is how they speak to the ambassador himself, who would like them to take up the same negotiation directly with the French ministry and promises in that case the desired result; but this they flatly refuse to do.) He told me, and them also, that he thought you would have no objection to assuming this task, but that your colleagues, notably Mr. Franklin, would probably oppose it. They replied that they saw no reason why Mr. Franklin would be opposed to this measure being taken jointly with the three belligerent powers rather than leaving its advancement or delay to the caprice of one only—that they would certainly regard such opposition as the result of the Comte de Vergennes’ influence on Mr. Franklin. They added that it then would be useless to solicit them further for any negotiations, and in that case his excellency himself might in the future approach their High Mightinesses directly, without any longer requiring the involvement of their people and cities.
I thought, sir, that in so grave a matter, I should give you an explicit account of all the circumstances. I shall further state that the nation is outraged by France’s latest maneuver, and that the Comte de Vergennes would completely destroy all remaining trust if he conspired to thwart the measure they propose. They seem to have complete confidence in your candor and inclinations.
On Saturday evening, the 25th, I went to show the grand pensionary a copy of my letter of the 24th, which he approved.
Yesterday, the 27th, I visited the grand pensionary again to read him in full the copy of the preliminaries with which you have favored me, and afterward to our other friends. No one shall have a copy until you give permission.
Mr. Gyselaar, whom I saw this morning, and Mr. Van Berckel and Mr. Visscher, with whom I dined last night, begged me to present their best compliments to your excellency.


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 29 January 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

Sir,
Paris. 29th. January. 1783—

Upon receiving the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 24th. late last evening, I went immediately to consult with my Colleague, Mr: Jay—and we agreed to go this morning to Dr: Franklin. Accordingly we went today to Passy & communicated your letter to him & after recollecting the Powers we have received, we all agreed that I should make you the following answer—
You will readily recollect the Resolutions of Congress which I did myself the honor, two years ago, to communicate to the President of their High-Mightinesses, & to the Ministers of Russia, Sweden & Denmark, at the Hague. The letter to the President was sent “au Greffe”—and there may perhaps be now found. These Resolutions contained the approbation of Congress of the Principles of the Declaration of the Empress of Russia, and authorised any of the American Ministers in Europe, if invited thereto, to pledge the faith of the United-States to the observance of them—
Sometime after this, Congress sent Mr: Dana a Commission, with full power, to accede to the Principles of the Marine Treaty between the Neutral Powers; and he is now at Petersburg, vested with those Powers; and, according to late Intelligence from him, has wellfounded Expectations of being soon admitted—
It is the opinion of my Colleagues as well as my own, that no Commission of mine, to their High-Mightinesses, contains authority to negotiate this business, and we are all of opinion, that it is most proper that Mr: Dana should negotiate it—
But, as there has been no express revocation of the Power, given to all or any of us, by the first Resolutions, and, if the Case should happen that Mr: Dana could not attend in Season, on account of the Distance, for the sake of accelerating the Signature of the Definitive Treaty of Peace We should not hesitate to pledge the faith of the United-States to the observance of the Principles of the Armed-Neutrality— I wish it were in my power to give you a more satisfactory answer, but Candor will warrant no other—
With great respect to the Gentlemen, as well as to you, I have the honor to be, Sir, / Your humle: Servt.
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 29 January 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, Mercy Otis

Madam
Paris January 29. 1783.

Your Favour of the 25 of October never reached me till to day, but it has given me great Pleasure as your Letters always do.— I was disappointed however in finding no Line from Mr Warren except the Superscription of yours.
I assure you, Madam, what I Said about certain Annals was no Sarcasm. I have the Utmost Veneration for them, although I never was honoured with a Sight of any of them.
Let me intreat you not to reserve any Place in them for the Dutch Negotiation, if you intend to celebrate my Patience, of all Virtues or Qualities I hate Most to be praised for my Patience. I had rather you Should immortalize my Impudence, for I rather think it was this quality, than the other which produced the Effect in Holland.— I entered into the Seven United Provinces with as much Impudence, as I should have appeared in the 13 United States of America. As Johnny Morehead Said to Mr Bollan. “Mr Such an one used, Sir, to come into my House with as much Impudence, as you would come into your own.[”] If the Word Shocks you Madam call it modest Assurance, or honest Boldness, or almost what you will except Patience.
The Times, Madam have made a Strange Being of me. I shall appear a Domestic Animal, never at home, a bashfull Creature, braving the Fronts of the greatest ones of the Earth.—a timid Man, venturing on a long Series of the greatest dangers.—an irritable fiery Mortal, enduring every Provocation and Disgust—a delicate Valeludinarian bearing the greatest Hardships.—an humble Farmer, despising Pomp, shew Power and Weath, as profuse as a Prodigal and as Proud as Cæsar— But an honest Man in all and to the Death.—
Alass! who would wish for Such a Character? Who would wish to live in Times and Circumstances when to be an honest Man, one must be all the rest.? Not I.— it can never be the Duty of one Man to be concerned in more than one Revolution. And therefore I will never have any Thing to do with another.
But to be more to the Purpose—I Sincerely hope my Friend Mr Warren will go to Congress. I am astonished to learn that at a Time when a large Portion of the Massachusetts was at Stake and in question, and all their Fisheries there should be, but one Member attending the Great Wheel from that State.
I have never had an Opportunity, Madam, to see your Son since he has been in Europe, but once or twice at Amsterdam, and that before I had an House there. He has been travelling from Place to Place; and altho’ I have often enquired after him, I have seldom been able to hear of him. I have heard nothing to his disadvantage; except a Shyness and Secrecy, which, as it is uncommon in young Gentlemen of his Age and Education is the more remarked, and a general Reputation which he brought with him from Boston of loving Play. But I have not been able to learn, that he has indulged it improperly in Europe. But my Advice to him and every young American is and uniformly will be, to stay in Europe but a little while.
The Reflection, Mrs Warren, that We are now at Peace after the Contest of one and twenty years, which you and I have been witnesses of, is Sweet indeed.— Those Qualities which through the Course of that Period have attracted the Attention and Confidence of the People, will now be little regarded, content, They have answered their End, and may now be laid aside.— Yet it is too Soon for Mr Warren or me to retire— Stability and Dignity must be given to the Laws, or our Labours have all been in vain and the old Hands must do this or it will not be done.
I hope to have the Pleasure of renewing old Acquaintances e’er long, and of being no stranger at the Blue Hills.
There is but one Case in which it is possible that I should Stay in Europe another year, and that is that Congress should renew the Commission with which I came out to make a Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain, in that Case I should hope my Dr Mrs Adams would come to me. But there is not I think the least Probability of that, nor indeed do I desire it. The first and strongest Wish of my Heart is to go home to my Family.— But in all Events The Mountain shall come to Mahomet or Mahomet shall go to the Mountain. My Family shall come to me or I will go to them.
With the greatest Esteem and Respect, Madam, / I have the Honour to be, your Fred, & sert
John Adams—


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 30 January 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
Lahaie 30e. Janvr. 1783.

Les Lettres que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire Vendredi 24 & mardi 28e. ne sont que l’Expression la plus fidele des sentimens de nos Républicains. Je n’y ai rien mis du mien: au contraire, j’ai adouci tant que j’ai pu. Si l’on ne trouve à racom̃oder la chose de la maniere que je l’ai proposée, c’en est fait pour toujours du Crédit ici de la Fce. Voici la Copie promise de la Lettre; & d’une autre de la même main, reçue ce matin. La Fce. & nos Republicains, depuis tous ces jours, Sont l’objet des Sarcasmes, & des railleries ameres des malintentionnés; & nos Republicains, sans avoir NB. perdu courage vis-à-vis de leurs Antagonistes internes, sont outrés, & n’ont plus aucune confiance en ce qui leur est dit Ministériellement de la part de la Fce., pour colorer ce qui vient de se passer, ou pour leur faire faire quelque démarche ultérieure.— Ils plaignent personnellement Mr. le D. de la V., & disent que Mr. le C. de V. le sacrifie, & lui fait perdre d’un coup de plume tout le fruit de ses sages, infatigables & brillants travaux ici. Du reste ils déclarent, qu’ils ne veulent être dominés, ou influés, ou menés à la lisiere, ni par l’Angleterre ni par la Fce.; & que, quoiqu’on leur propose de la part de la Fce., ils ne le porteront plus devant leurs Villes, que moyennant des sûretés suffisantes en poche. Si vous pouvez faire réussir, Monsieur, ce que j’ai proposé, je crois que ce sera une opération politique importante, un coup de partie pour l’honneur & l’avantage des Etats-Unis, parce qu’elle établira leur crédit, leur dignité & leur gloire ici pour toujours. Votre Jugement & profonde pénétratrion, Monsieur, n’a pas besoin que j’entre dans de plus longs raisonnemens là-dessus. Il suffit que cette affaire sera également avantageuse à tous, puisque tous y participeront & se l’assûreront.
Mr. le Comte de Llano m’a fait prier ce matin de lui com̃uniquer les Préliminaires dont Mr. l’Ambr. lui a dit que j’avois copie. Mais il s’est contenté de mes raisons pour ne pouvoir lui donner qu’une idée verbale des dits Préliminaires. J’ai cru pouvoir & devoir faire le même plaisir à Mr. D’Asp.
Voici quelques Lettres arrivées pour V. E., avec les respects de ma famille. Vous connaissez toute la vérité de celui avec lequel je suis / Monsieur, De Votre Excellence / le très humble & trèsobeissant / serviteur,
C W. f. Dumas

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 30 January 1783

The letters I had the honor of writing to you on Friday the 24th and Tuesday the 28th are simply a faithful expression of our republicans’ feelings. I added nothing of my own; to the contrary, I toned it down as much as I could. If the matter cannot be patched up in the manner I propose, any credibility that France enjoys here is doomed forever. Here is the promised copy of the letter and of another in the same hand, received this morning. In recent days France and our republicans have been the object of sarcasm and galling humor from the ill-intentioned, and while our republicans have not lost courage in confrontations with their domestic opponents, they are outraged and no longer have any confidence in what is said ministerially by France, whether it be to gloss over what has just taken place or to induce them to undertake some further step. They feel sorry for the Duc de La Vauguyon and say that the Comte de Vergennes is sacrificing him, causing him to lose with a single pen stroke all the fruits of his wise, tireless, and brilliant work here. Moreover, they declare that they are unwilling to be dominated, influenced, or led about by either England or France and that, whatever proposals France may make, they will no longer place them before their towns unless they possess sufficient guarantees. If, sir, you can bring about what I suggested, I think it will be a major political achievement, a major coup for the honor and advantage of the United States, because it here will establish forever their credibility, dignity, and glory. Your judgment and deep understanding have no need of further arguments. It is enough that this matter will be equally advantageous to all, since all will take part in it and guarantee it.
The Conde de Llano begged me this morning to show him the preliminary accords, of which the ambassador told him I had a copy. But he was satisfied with my reasons for only being able to give him an oral account of the said preliminaries. I thought I could and should pay Mr. Asp the same courtesy.
Here are some letters that arrived for your excellency, together with the respects of my family. You know the truth of those with which I am, sir, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
C W. f. Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 30 January 1783
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam 30: Jany. 1783

We congratulate Your Excellency on the happÿ conclusion of Peace wishing all possible advantage to America whch. can proceed of so fortunate an event.
in the beginning of this month we had the honour to hand to your Excellencÿ the abstract of His acct. Currt. the ballance of whch.

in our favour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   ƒ 4787:11:8.

we transferred in new acct. Your Excellency did hitherto not acknowledge to us the receipt of the Same, So we pray you to mention us, if the Same is received and Noted in Conformity with you.
Messrs. Van den Yver freres & Compe: have drawn on us the ammount of £[₶]4800—payed to Your Excellency

according to their Letter of 20 Inst. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   ƒ 2319: 15—

we have also charged to your Excellency acct. we shall however be obliged to you to get us regularlÿ advised of the Sums you are pleased to dispose by Said Gentlemen.

As we are to remit the acct. Currt. to his Excellency Robt. Morris Esqr. we shall be thank full to your Excellency for an order to the Houses. for the amount of your acct. to Inclose it in Said acct. Currt. of the United States.
We have forwarded your Excellencÿ’s letter to Messs. Adams by the Firebrand Capn. Phoenix Frazier bound to Boston & have recommanded to said Captain to have proper care of the same he is ready to sail by the first fair wind.
We have the honour to remain with respect full Consideration / Sir / Your Excellencys Most / Humble & Obedient Servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 31 January 1783
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
St: PetersbourgJany: 20th: 1783. O.S. [31 January N.S.]

After I had closed my last to you acknowledging the receipt of your’s of the 22d. of Decr:, my Bankers advised me of the new Credit Mr: Grand had desired them to place to my account. I found it to amount to Dr: Franklin’s Moiety of the sum necessary, only. From your letter I was lead to expect that Mr: Grand wou’d have given me a credit here for the whole sum. I desired my Bankers to intimate something of this kind to Mr: Grand, & to desire him to speak to the Dr: & you about it. If the other Moiety shou’d be wanted before I can receive any answer upon the subject, I see no other way than to draw upon your bank for it. It is an expence indispensable. Such is the manner of conducting affairs in this Court.
We are still uncertain as to the state of the negotiations of the other belligerant Powers. You have not given me the least clue by which I might discover your own sentiments about them. Every thing with us here depends upon their favourable issue. Nay more, in my opinion, whether we shall have a general war in Europe, depends upon it also: or in other words, the former may depend upon the latter. For judge you, if this is foreseen, whether it is for the Interest of all the belligerant Powers to terminate the present War.
I shall hope for the earliest intelligence from you when the Treaty spoken of in your last, shall be concluded— I wish you had explained yourself upon the following passage in that letter “I shou’d not be surprised, if the English Minister to the Empress shou’d negotiate for you.” Perhaps the Turkish War, and its probable effects upon the political systems, may not have been taken into your calculation of events. Or perhaps your particular negotiations may have afforded some special light upon this matter. I want in this moment some parts of that curious history relative to our preliminaries. I have made some conjectures about it which I may communicate hereafter. I will say only at present that such a policy of the British Ministry as you hint at in the above citation, wou’d not perhaps be the worst they can adopt in the present Circumstances.
I have no news from your Son, since my last. If you shou’d see Mr: Allen pray tell him, or otherwise desire Mr: Thaxter to tell him I think it wou’d not be advisable for him to come on here yet a while.
I am, my dear Sir, your much obliged friend & obedient hb̃le Servt.
F D


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 1 February 1783
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Paris 1 Feby. 1783

Mr. Fitzherbert has just been with me. He will give passports for american merchantmen, on our doing the like for british ones. He informed me that Doctr. Franklin is preparing a number of these Passports, in his own name. As this Business appears to both of us to appertain rather to the american Commissioners for peace, than to the residentiary minister at this or any other Court; would it not be proper to apprize the Doctr. of our Sentiments, before the passports he is now making out shall be delivered?—
Yours &c:
John Jay


Title: John Adams’ Draft of the Definitive Peace Treaty between the United States and Great Britain, 1 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To:

[1 February 1783]

The Definitive Treaty of Peace and Friendship, between his Britannick Majesty, and the United States of America. concluded at  the  Day of February 1783.
In the Name of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. So be it.
Be it known to all those to whom it shall, or may, in any manner belong.
It has pleased the Most High to diffuse the Spirit of Union and Concord among the Nations, whose divisions had Spread Troubles in the four Parts of the World, and to inspire them with the Inclination to cause the Comforts of Peace to Succeed to the Misfortunes of a long and bloody War, which having arisen between Great Britain and the United States of America, in its Progress, communicated itself to France Spain and the United Netherlands: Consequently, the most Serene and most potent Prince, George the Third by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenbourg, Arch Treasurer and Elector, of the Holy Roman Empire.
Consequently, the United States of America, did on the Fifteenth Day of June in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty one, name and appoint their Ministers Plenipotentiairy and resolve ordain and grant, their Commission, in the following Words to wit
here insert the American Commission.
And his Sacred Majesty the King of Great Britain, did on the Twenty first day of September, in the twenty Second Year of his Reign, issue his Commission under the Great Seal of Great Britain to Richard Oswald Esqr in the Words following vizt.
here insert Mr Oswalds Commission.
And his Said Britannic Majesty on the one Part and the Said United States of America, on the other, did lay the Foundations of Peace in the Preliminaries, Signed at Paris on the Thirtieth of November last, by the Said Richard Oswald Esqr on the Part of his Said Majesty and by the Said John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay and Henry Laurens Esqrs, on the Part of the Said United States, in Virtue of their respective Full Powers aforesaid, and after having mutually Shewn to each other their Said Full Powers, in good Form and mutually exchanged Authenticated Copies of the Same.
And his Said Britannic Majesty did on the Twenty fourth day of July in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty two and in the twenty Second Year of his Reign, issue his Commission Signed with his Royal Hand and under the Great Seal of Great Britain to Alleyne Fitzherbert Esqr, in the following Words vizt.
here insert Mr Fitzherberts Commission.
And the Said Alleyne Fitzherbert, on the Part of his Said Britannic Majesty and John Adams and Benjamin Franklin in the necessary Absence of the Said John Jay & Henry Laurens, on the Part of the Said United States, did at Versailles on the Twentyeth Day of January last communicate to each other their Full Powers aforesaid in good Form, and Agree upon an Armistice in the Words following.
here insert the Declarations.
And now the Said Alleyne Fitzherbert Minister Plenipotentiary of his Said Britannic Majesty, in Behalf of his Said Majesty on the one Part and John Adams Benjamin Franklin, John Jay and Henry Laurens Ministers Plenipotentiary of the Said Unitated States of America, in Behalf of the Said States, on the other, having communicated to each other their aforesaid Full Powers in good Form, and mutually exchanged authenticated Copies of the Same, by Virtue thereof, have agreed and do hereby agree and conclude upon the Articles, the Tenor of which is as follows. vizt.
Art. 1. &c as in the Preliminary Articles.
To be added.
Art. 10. His Sacred Britannick Majesty, and the Said United States, promise to observe Sincerely and bonâ Fide, all the Articles contained and Settled in the present Treaty; and they will not Suffer the Same to be infringed, directly or indirectly, by their respective Subjects and Citizens

Art. 11. The Solemn Ratifications of the present Treaty, expedited in good and due Form, Shall be exchanged, in the City of London, or Philadelphia, between the High Contracting Parties in the Space of Months, or Sooner if possible, to be computed from the day of the Signature of the present Treaty.
In Witness whereof, We the Underwritten their Ministers Plenipotentiary have Signed with our Hands in their Name, and in Virtue of our full Powers, the present definitive Treaty, and have caused the Seals of our Arms to be put thereto. Done at the day of February 1783


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 2 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris 2 Feb. 1783

Mr Adams having Something of Consequence to communicate to the American Ministers Plenipotentiary, for the Peace, requests the Honour of His Excellency Dr Franklin’s Attendance, with the other Ministers, at Mr Adams’s Lodgings, at Eleven O Clock Tomorrow Morning. The Points to be considered are 1. Passports to be given to and received from the British Minister, for British and American Vessells, and 2d Preparations for the Signature of the definitive Treaty, both upon the Propositions of the British Minister Plenipotentiary.


Title: To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 2 February 1783
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Hotel des Colonies, rue de Prouvert2. February 1783.

Being not in my power to go & pay my respects in person to your Excellency, on account of an indisposition occasioned by the short, but very hard journey from Rotterdam to this City, I have thought proper to send you here inclosed a packet Mr. Dumas gave me for your Excellency at the Hague. I had recd. in Amsterdam the letter you did me the honour to write me the 28. of December last; consequently presented to him the order therein inclosed, & received Baretti’s dictionary, having refused to take that of Crusca, because it is not my property, since your Excellency did me the honour to accept of it. I found in the said letter an unsealed one directed to several Gentlemen, to all of whom I showed it, as from its contents it appeared that your Excellency meant to let them Know that I had the honour of being acquainted with you. I recd. likewise, a few days after, the packet Mr. Lynch had sent for me under cover to your Excellency the 10th. of October last, which I must suppose was found among your papers. I have the honour to be most respectfully, / Sir, / your Excellency’s most humble / and most Obedient Servant
Philip Mazzei


Title: To John Adams from Alleyne Fitzherbert, 3 February 1783
From: Fitzherbert, Alleyne
To: Adams, John

Hotel du Pe: Royl: Feby. 3d 1783

Mr Fitz-Herbert presents his Compliments to Mr Adams, and as he is obliged to go to Versailles tomorrow, begs leave to propose to him and the other American Ministers Plenipotentiary for the Peace to meet at his (Mr F’s) lodgings on Wednesday next at eleven o’clock for the purpose of conferring together upon the subject of the definitive treaty: however should that time or place be inconvenient to Mr Adams or either of his brother-commissioners, Mr FitzHerbert will be very happy to agree to any other.
In consequence of what Mr Adams has been so obliging as to communicate to him respecting the passports which he and his brother-commissioners have ordered to be prepared, Mr FitzHerbert purposes writing to England this afternoon to desire a like number may be expedited to him forthwith from the Admiralty.


Title: To John Adams from Félix Vicq d’Azyr, 3 February 1783
From: d’Azyr, Félix Vicq
To: Adams, John

Monsieur.
3 fevr. 1783

La Socièté Royale de Medecine après S’être Empresseé de Contracter une association de Correspondance avec le Collegè de Boston, association qui la flatte infiniment, m’a Chargé de Vous adresser le Diplôme qui Constate l’union de Ces deux Compagnies. Elle Vous prie de Vouloir bien le faire parvenir aux Membres illustres qui composent le Collegè de Boston;
Parmi le petit Nombre d’exemplaires, du Journal de Medecine Militaire, dont elle peut disposer, elle en a Reservé un pour La Bibliothéque du Collegè de Boston; elle a desiré que je Vous l’adresse pour cette Compagnie, et elle la prie de l’agréer Comme une marque de sa déférence et de son attachement. Je le joins ici. cet Exemplaire est le 1er. Cahier pour l’année 1783; Les 4 premiers Cahiers pour 1782. n’ont été donnés à la Société qu’en nombre a peine Suffisant pour ses membres Residens à Paris.
J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec Respect / Monsieur / Votre très humble et très / obeissant Serviteur
Vicq d’azyr

Translation
Sir
3 February 1783

The Royal Society of Medicine, after eagerly forming an association by correspondence with the college of Boston, a connection it finds most flattering, has instructed me to send you the diploma recording the union of these two bodies. It asks if you would please see that it reaches the illustrious members who constitute the college of Boston.
Among the small numbers of copies of the Journal de médecine militaire at its disposal, the Royal Society has reserved one for the library of the college of Boston. It has asked me to send it to you, so that you might pass it on to that institution, as a mark of its deference and attachment. I am enclosing the first issue for the year 1783. The four first issues for 1782 were given to our society in quantities that scarcely sufficed for those of its members who live in Paris.
I have the honor to be, with respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
        Vicq d’azyr


Title: Passport for British Merchant Ships, [ca. 3 February 1783]
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John
To:

[ca. 3 February 1783]

We John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, three of the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America for making Peace with Great Britain.
To all Captains or Commanders of Ships of War, Privateers or armed Vessels belonging to the said States, or to either of them, or to any of the Citizens of the same—And to all others whom these Presents may concern send Greeting.
Whereas Peace and Amity are agreed upon between the said United States and his Britannic Majesty, & a Suspension of Hostilities to take place at different Periods in different Places hath also been agreed upon by their respective Plenipotentiaries. And Whereas it hath been further agreed by the said Plenipotentiaries, to exchange one hundred Passports for Merchant Vessels— To the End that such as shall be provided with them shall be exempted from Capture, altho’ found in Latitudes at a Time prior to the taking place of the said Suspension of Hostilities therein Now Therefore Know Ye, that free Passport, Licence and Permission is hereby given to the NB Commander now lying at the Port of and bound from thence to
And we do earnestly enjoin upon and recommend to You to let and suffer the said Vessel to pass unmolested to her destined Port, and if need be, to afford her all such Succours and Aid as Circumstances and Humanity may require.
Given under our Hands and Seals at Paris on the day of in the Year of our Lord 1783.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 5 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Congress, the President of

Sir,
Paris Feby. 5th. 1783.

The Resolution of Congress of the 12th. July 1781,— “That the Commission and Instructions, for negociating a Treaty of Commerce between these United States and Great Britain, given to the Honorable John Adams on the 29th day of September 1779, be and they are hereby revoked,” was duly recieved by me in Holland; but no Explanation of the Motives to it, or the Reasons on which it was founded, was ever transmitted to me by Congress, or the Committee of foreign Affairs, or any individual Member— Nor has any-body in Europe or America ever once attempted, that I know of, to guess at the reason.— Whether it was intended as a Punishment to me, or with a charitable design not to lead me into Temptation— Whether it was intended as a Punishment to the English for their Insolence and Barbarity— Whether it was intended to prevent or remove Suspicions of Allies, or the Envy and green eyed Jealousy of CoPatriots, I know not.— Of one thing, however, I am fully satisfied, that Congress had Reasons and meant well— But whether those Reasons were founded on true or mistaken Information, I know not.
When I recollect the Instructions, which were given and revoked with that Commission, I can guess, and only guess, at some Considerations, which might, or might not, operate with Congress.— In these Instructions, Congress determined. 1st. That the common right of Fishing should in no Case be given up.— 2dly. That it is essential to the Welfare of all these United States, that the Inhabitants thereof, at the Expiration of the War, should continue to enjoy the free and undisturbed Exercise of their common right to fish on the Banks of Newfoundland, and the other fishing Banks of Newfoundland, and the other fishing Banks and Seas of North America, preserving inviolate the Treaties between France and the said States &ca. &ca.— And 3dly. “That our Faith be pledged to the several States, that without their unanimous Consent no Treaty of Commerce shall be entered into, nor any Trade or Commerce whatever carried on with Great Britain, without the explicit Stipulation herein after mentioned.— You are therefore not to consent to any Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain, without an explicit Stipulation on her Part, not to molest or disturb the Inhabitants of the United States of America in taking Fish on the Banks of Newfoundland, and other Fisheries in the American Seas, any where excepting within the distance of three Leagues of the Shores of the Territories remaining to Great Britain at the close of the War, if a nearer distance cannot be obtained by Negociation:— And in the Negociation You are to exert your most strenuous Endeavours to obtain a nearer distance in the Gulph of St. Laurence, and particularly along the Shores of Nova Scotia; as to which latter, We are desirous that even the Shores may be occasionally used for the purpose of carrying on the Fisheries by the Inhabitants of these States.”
These Instructions are very decisive in favor of our indubitable right to the Fisheries: and it is possible, that Congress might be of Opinion, that Commerce would be the strongest Inducement to the English to make Peace, and at the same time, that there was something so Naval in the Fisheries, that the dread of acknowledging our right to them would be the strongest Obstacle in the way of Peace.— They might think too, that Peace was of more Importance to the United States, than a British Acknowledgment of our right to the Fisheries, which to be sure would have been enjoyed by our People in a good degree without it.— Reasonings like these might influence Congress to revoke the Commission and Instructions in question— But whatever Probability there might appear in them at that time, Experience has since shewn, that they were not well founded. On the contrary, Arguments have been found to convince the British Ministers themselves, that it was the Interest of their King and Country, not only to acknowledge the American Right to the Fisheries, but to encourage the unrestrained Exercise of it— These Considerations therefore can be no longer of any weight against a Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain, or against accrediting a Minister to the Court of St. James’s— Nor can I concieve of any Motive now existing, against these Measures— On the contrary, so many Advantages present themselves to view, that I think it my Duty to recommend them to Congress, as proper to be adopted without loss of time.
If there are in Congress any of those Gentlemen, with whom I had the honor to serve in the Years 1775 and 1776, they may possibly remember, that in arguing in favor of sending Ministers to Versailles to propose a Connection with that Court, I laid it down as a first principle, that We should calculate all our Measures and foreign Negociations, in such a manner, as to avoid a too great dependence upon any one Power of Europe—to avoid all Obligations and Temptations to take any part in future European Wars—That the business of America with Europe was Commerce, not Politicks nor War—And that above all it never could be our Interest to ruin Great Britain, or injure or weaken her any farther, than should be necessary to support our Independence and our Alliances—And that as soon as Great Britain should be brought to a Temper to acknowledge our Sovereignty and our Alliances, and consent that We should maintain the one and fulfil the others, it would be our Interest and Duty to be her Friends; as well as the Friends of all the others Powers of Europe, & Enemies to none.— We are now happily arrived, through many tremendous Tempests, at that period— Great Britain repects Us as Sovereign States, and respects all our political Engagements with foreign Nations; and as long as She continues in this Temper of Wisdom, it is our Duty to respect her.— We have accordingly made a Treaty with her and mutually sworn to be Friends.— Through the whole period of our Warfare and Negociations, I confess I have never lost Sight of the Principles and the System, with which I sat out, which appeared to me too to be the Sentiments of Congress with great Unanimity, and I have no Reason to suppose that any Change of Opinion has taken place; and if there has not, every one will agree with me, that no Measure We can pursue will have such a Tendency to preserve the Government and People of England in the right System for their own and our Interest, and the Interest of our Allies too, well understood, as sending a Minister to reside at the Court of London.
In the next place, the Court of London is the best Station to collect Intelligence from every part; and, by means of the Freedom of the Press, to communicate Information for the benefit of our Country to every part of the World.— In time of Peace, there is so frequent travelling between Paris, London and the Hague, that the Correspondence of our Ministers at those Courts may be carried on by private Hands, without hazarding any thing from the Infidelity of the Posts, and Congress may reasonably expect Advantages from this Circumstance.
In the third place, a Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain is an Affair of great Importance to both Countries.— Upon this Occasion I hope I shall be excused, if I venture to advise, that Congress should instruct their Minister not to conclude such a Treaty; without sending the Project to them for their Observations and fresh Instructions— And I should think it would not be improper upon this Occasion to imitate the Dutch Method, take the Project ad referendum and transmit it to the Legislatures of all the States for their Remarks, before Congress finally resolve.— Their Minister may be authorized and instructed in the mean time, to enter into a temporary Convention for regulating the present Trade for a limited period of Months or Years, or until the Treaty of Commerce shall be compleated.—
In the fourth place, it is our part to be the first to send a Minister to Great Britain, which is the older, and as yet the superior State.— It becomes Us to send a Minister first, and I doubt not the King of Great Britain will very soon return the Compliment— Whereas if We do not begin, I believe there will be many Delicacies at St. James’s about being the first to send.— I confess, I wish a British Minister at Philadelphia, and think We should derive many benefits from his Residence.— While We have any foreign Ministers among Us, I wish to have them from all the great Powers, with whom We are much connected.— The Corps Diplomatick at every Court is, or ought to be, a System representing at least that part of the System of Europe, with which that Court is most conversant. In the same manner, or at least for similar Reasons, as long as We have any one Minister abroad at any European Court, I think We ought to have one at every one, to which We are most essentially related, whether in Commerce or Policy, and therefore while We have any Minister at Versailles, the Hague, or London, I think it clear We ought to have one at each— Tho’ I confess I have sometimes thought, that, after a very few Years, it will be the best thing We can do to recall every Minister from Europe, and send Embassies only on special Occasions.
If, however, any Members of Congress should have any Delicacies, lest an American Minister should not be recieved with a Dignity becoming his Rank and Character, at London, they may send a Commission, to make a Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain, to their Minister at Madrid, or Versailles, or the Hague, or St. Petersbourg, and instruct him to carry on the Negociation from the Court where he may be, until he shall be invited to London,— Or a Letter of Credence may be sent to one of these with Instructions to go to London, as soon as the King shall appoint a Minister to go to Philadelphia.— After all however, my own Opinion is, that none of these Manœuvres are necessary, but that the best way will be, to send a Minister directly to St. James’s, with a Letter of Credence to the King as a Minister Plenipotentiary, and a Commission to treat of a Treaty of Commerce; but with Instructions not to come to any irrevocable Conclusion, until Congress and all the States have an Opportunity to consider of the Project, and suggest their Amendments.
There is one more Argument in favor of sending a Minister forthwith— It is this—While this Mission lies open, it will be a Source of Jealousy among present Ministers, and such as are or may be Candidates to be foreign Ministers—a Source of Intrigue and Faction among their Partizans and Adherents, and a Source of Animosity and Division among the People of the States.— For this Reason, it is a Pity that the first Choice had not been such as Congress could have continued to approve, and the first Measure such as Congress could have constantly persevered in.— If this had been the Case, the Door of Faction would have been kept shut.
As this however was once my Department by the Voice of Eleven States in twelve present, and as I will be answerable at any hazard, it will never be again the Department of any one by a greater Majority, there seems to be a Propriety in my giving my Advice concerning it, on taking Leave of it, if such is the Will of Congress, as I have before done in this Letter, according to the best of my Judgment.
And if it should not be thought too presumptuous, I would beg Leave to add, what is my Idea of the Qualifications necessary for an American foreign Minister in general, and particularly and above all to the Court of St. James’s.— In the first place—He should have had an Education in classical Learning and in the Knowledge of general History, ancient and modern, particularly the History of France, England, Holland and America.— He should be well versed in the Principles of Ethicks; of the Law of Nature and Nations; of Legislation and Government; of the civil Roman Law; of the Laws of England and the United States; of the public Law of Europe, and in the Letters, Memoirs and Histories of those great Men, who have heretofore shone in the Diplomatick Order, and conducted the Affairs of Nations and the World. He should be of an Age to possess a Maturity of Judgment arising from Experience in Business— He should be active, attentive and industrious; and above all he should possess an upright Heart and an independent Spirit, and should be one, who decidedly makes the Interest of his Country, not the Policy of any other Nation nor his own private Ambition or Interest, or those of his Family, Friends and Connections, the Rule of his Conduct.

We hear so much said about a genteel address, and a Facility in speaking the French Language, that one would think a Dancing Master and French Master, the only Tutors necessary to educate a Statesman.— Be it remembered, the present Revolution, neither in America or Europe, has been accomplished by elegant Bows, nor by Fluency in French—Nor will any great thing ever be effected by such Accomplishments alone.— A Man must have something in his Head to say, before he can speak to effect, how ready soever he may be at Utterance— And if the Knowledge is in the Head and the Virtues, are in his Heart, he will never fail to find a way of communicating his Sentiments to good Purpose.— He will always have excellent Translators ready, if he wants them, to turn his Thoughts into any Language he desires.— As to what is called a fine Address, it is seldom attended to after the first or second Conversation, and even in these, it is regarded no more by Men of Sense of any Country, than another thing, which I once heard disputed with great Vivacity among the Officers of the French Frigate Le Sensible.— The Question was, what were the several Departments of an Ambassador and a Secretary of Legation? After a long and shrewd Discussion, it was decided by a Majority of Votes, “that the Secretary’s Part was to do the Business, and that of the Ambassador to keep a Mistress.”— This Decision produced a Laugh among the Company, and no Ideas of the kind will ever produce any thing else among Men of Understanding.
It is very true, that it is possible a Case may happen, that a Man may serve his Country by a Bribe well placed, or an Intrigue of Pleasure with a Woman—But it is equally true, that a Man’s Country will be sold and betrayed a thousand Times by this infamous Commerce, where it will be one served.— It is very certain, that We shall never be a Match for European Statesmen in such Accomplishments for Negotiation, any more than, I must & will add, they will equal Us in any solid Abilities, Virtues & Application to Business; if We choose wisely among the excellent Characters, with which our Country abounds.—
Among the Ministers, which have already crossed the Atlantic to Europe, there have been none exceedg Mr. Jay and Mr. Dana in all the Qualifications I have presumed to enumerate and I must say; that if I had the Honor to give my Vote in Congress, for a Minister at the Court of Great Britain, provided that Injustice must finally be done to him, who was the first Object of his Country’s Choice, such have been the Activity, Intelligence, Address and Fortitude of Mr. Jay, as well as his Sufferings in his Voyage, Journies and passed Services, that I should think of no other Object of my Choice, than that Gentleman.
If Congress should neglect all their old Ministers, and send a fresh one from America, they cannot be at a loss—for there are in that Country great Numbers of Men well qualified for the Service— These are most certainly better known by Name to Congress, than to me, and therefore I shall venture no further, but conclude by wishing this arduous Business well settled, and by Assurances to Congress, and to You, Sir, of my warmest Attachment and Respect.— / your most obedient and most humble / Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Francis Dana, 5 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dana, Francis

Dear Sir,
Paris February 5th. 1783.

Your’s of December 30th., I recieved last Night. Orders are long since gone from Mr. Grand to his Correspondent at St. Petersbourg, to furnish You the Money You want.— You will find our Treaty inaccurate and blundering, but You will pardon all our Bulls, when You know the Haste and the Danger We were in, and think that We have done very well.

I should advise You not to hesitate a Moment about administering the Oath of Allegiance.— I have done it.— Dr. Franklin has done it— Mr. Lee has done it— It will do no harm now & then.
You ask my Opinion in a former Letter about coming away— I cannot advise You to come away before You recieve an Answer and Leave from Congress.— Mr. Livingston has resigned the Office of foreign Affairs—tho’ We have no official Information of it, know not the Cause, nor who is talked of for a Successor.
I did not write You an Account of the Signature of the Peace and Armistice on the 20th. of January, because I knew You would have it sooner twenty ways.
I have no News of my Son, since Stockholm, nor indeed of his leaving that Place, which distresses me much.
With great Esteem, I have the honor to be, / Sir, / your most obedient & / most humble Servant.
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 5 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

Sir
Paris Feb. 5 1783

I recd last night your Favour of 30 of January, with the Copies of Letters inclosed.— I am not at all Surprized at the Sentiments expressed in those Copies, nor am I able to give any Satisfactory Answer to the pungent Questions, which I read there.— I feel very Sincerely afflicted for our Friends without being now able, and without having ever been able to do them any Service.— I could tell you a very true Story, which would convince you, that the United States run a great Risque of as bad a Peace, as that of Holland, and that there is no Thanks to the Minister that your Correspondent thinks hard of, that We had not a worse.— Unsuspecting Confidence is ever dangerous in Negotiations. The States General Should have had a Minister in London as soon as Mr Rayneval went there, and instead of being instructed to trust so much to another, they should have been instructed to have conducted their Affairs wholly themselves.— You knew the Situation I am in and therefore I rely upon your honour to communicate nothing of this to the Duke de la Vauguion. You knew I never liked the French Minister of foreign affairs. I had great Reasons to distrust him. which you knew not, but the World may one day see.
As to the proposed Negotiation, for the Freedom of Navigation, Mr Dana has full Power to treat.— And if France and Spain will come into a Treaty with Holland upon the Subject, Mr Franklin Mr Jay Mr Laurens and myself will treat, En Attendant Mr Dana. But between You and me I doubt whether, the French Minister, will be for Such a Treaty. This is merely from Conjecture not Knowledge, so that no dependence can be placed upon it. if the English are cunning they will make a Merit with Holland of agreeing to the Liberty of Navigation. and I suspect this is their Instruction if they get Negapatnam.
with great Esteem &c


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, 5 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)

Gentlemen
Paris Feb 5. 1783

I recd last night yours of Jany 30, and I had before recd that with my Account, I have recd of Mr Van den Yver, frees & Comp. four hundred Louis D’ors at two different Times as they have advised you, You may charge all these Sums to the United states as Moneys paid to me, towards my Salary.— But I shall soon receive of him or you a larger sum, viz 1250 £ sterling, but whether here or at Amsterdam I dont know.
Will you be so good as to Advertize in some Gazette for all Persons in Amsterdam who have any Demands upon me to bring their Accounts to you,. You will let me see them before you pay them.
With great Regard


Title: From John Adams to Thomas McKean, 6 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: McKean, Thomas

My dear Sir
Paris. February 6. 1783

Your Favour by Mr Randall, I received last Night, by the Way of Marseilles, where I Suppose that Gentleman landed and Still remains, as he is not arrived here Whenever I may meet him, all that Attention shall be Shewn him which is due from me, to your Recommendation.— I wish you had oftener laid me under Obligation to you in this Way.— The Sight of your Letter refreshed me like the Countenance of an old Friend.— it gave me Such a kind of Pleasure as I shall feel at the Sight of our worthy Friend Jefferson, if he Should arrive.
The Business of Peace is done, in Substance, and will be compleated formally in the definitive Treaty in a few Days, So that this worthy Gentleman will probably arrive too late for this Business.— But Congress may probably destine him to Some other.— There are openings enough at present. But the Business is all done in a manner. a Treaty of Commerce was Signed Yesterday with Sweeden, by the Sweedish Ambassador here and Dr Franklin. Mr Dana will probably be received too by the Court of Russia, and all the Neutrals. It is a Pity that Sweeden had not been referred to him. Congress must take the Resolution of Supporting their own Systems and their own Elections or they will become the Sport of every intriguing Minister at every foreign Court.
The most important Mission of all is now opened to the Court of Great Britain. You know very well, that I have been unfairly treated in that matter, and you must be Sensible that it is impossible for me to Stay in Europe at any other Court.— in the Name of common Justice then give me my Quietus and let me return home, by accepting my Resignation immediately, that I may not be exposed to the further disgrace of waiting in Europe with the Air of a Candidate and an Expectant of that Mission, if foreign Finesse and domestic faction have determined that I shall not have it.— I dont like the Air of coming home without Leave or I would embark in the first ship.
Pray has Mr Livingston laid before Congress a Letter of Mr Marbois,—this will explain to you, the Attack which was made upon me. But are the essential Interests of our Country, and those servants of Congress who have been determined to defend them to be thus Sacrificed. depend upon it, you have been egregiously imposed upon. it is time to assert your own Dignity The Attack that was made upon me, was an Attack upon your Western Lands and Fisheries, and to betray me in such a Case would be an eternal opprobium to our Country.
If you take the Recommendations of foreign Courts or foreign Ministers or secretaries, you will be the meerest Dupes & Bubbles in the World, you will have ignorant Boys imposed upon you, or dishonest Dotards in their Second Childhood, for the most important Places in your disposal.
With great Esteem and Affection, I have the Honour / to be sir your most obedient & most humble servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 6 February 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
Lahaie 6e. fev. 1783.

Mrs. Jn. De Neufville & fils d’Amsterdam m’écrivent ce qui suit
“Nous vous prions de nous procurer un Passeport, pour le Brig. Américain le Firebrand de Boston, d’environ cent quarante toñeaux com̃andé par le Capne. Phoenix Frazier, qui desire profiter aussitot que possible de la cessation d’hostilités. Et les Vaisseaux de Nantes & de l’Orient obtenant des Passeports sur la requisition qui en est faite aux Ministres, s’il n’est pas de votre ressort d’en accorder, nous vous prions pour le susdit Capitaine d’en obtenir un de Paris, pour le garantir de tous inconvénients en cas de mauvaises rencontres.”
Je suis avec les respects de ma famille, joints au mien, Monsieur, de Votre Excellence / le très-humble & très obéis- / sant serviteur
Dumas

Demain se prendra aux Et. d’hollde. la résolution finale de poursuivre criminellement la désobéissance quant à la sortie de l’Escadre pour Brest
Le reglemt de la jurisdiction militaire est tonjours sérieusemt. sur le tapis de L. N. & Gr. P. Ce sera le croc en jambe du Haut Conseil de Guerre. La Mémoire là-dessus de Mr. Van Berkel, fait & rejeté il y a 10 ans, est adopté par les Etats d’Hollde. & inséré dans leurs registres. Quel triomphe pour l’Auteur!

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 6 February 1783

Jean de Neufville & Fils of Amsterdam writes to me as follows:
“Please would you obtain for us a passport for the American brigantine Firebrand of Boston, approximately 140 tons, commanded by Capt. Phoenix Frazier, who would like to take advantage as soon as possible of the cessation of hostilities. Since ships from Nantes and Lorient obtain passports by requesting them from ministers, if it is not in your power to grant this, we ask that you obtain one from Paris for the said captain as a safeguard in the event of hostile encounters.”
I am, with the respects of my family joined to my own, sir, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas

Tomorrow the States of Holland will pass a final resolution to prosecute criminally the disobedience regarding the sortie of the squadron for Brest.
The administration of military justice is still seriously on the agenda of their Noble and Great Mightinesses. It will be the Achilles heel of the High Council of War. Mr. Van Berckel’s memorandum on this subject, written and rejected ten years ago, has been adopted by the States of Holland and inserted into their registers. What a triumph for the author!


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 7 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

Dear Sir
Paris Feb. 7. 1783.

I have heard no News of my Son, Since he was in Stockholm, the Beginning of December, although I was led to expect his arrival at the Hague by the End of that month—we are now in February and I hear nothing of him, which gives me much Anxiety, least he should have fallen Sick or met with Some other unfortunate accident. I there any way of writing to Stockholm, Lubeck, Copenhague or Hamborough or all of them to enquire after him. Perhaps our Friend Mr: D’Asp would be So good as to write to Stockholm to enquire if any Body heard of him there; and when he quitted that City and for what other he was bound.
Hamborough I should think the likelyest Place to find him, or hear of him at present—I want to hasten his Journey to the Hague—
The Treaty with Sweeden was Signed on the fifth of this month So that Mr: D’Asp and you may now be Friends without political Reserve.
My best Respects to Madame & Mademoiselle, and all other Friends.
Your most obedient.
John Adams.

  You may print our Preliminary Treaty as Soon as you will.


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Codman, 8 February 1783
From: Codman, Stephen
To: Adams, John

Sir:
Bilbao February 8th. 1783

I take the liberty to acquaint your Excellency of my arrival in this place the 15th Ulto. from Havana, in the Ship, Commerce, belonging to Mess Codman & Smith of Boston.— The very unexpected peace which has taken place, will very much injure our Voige, our Cargo of Sugars Still Remaining unsold, and no offers at present made.— I am notwithstanding getting the Ship ready for sea, and shall be able to dispatch her in all this Mo., and as I expect she will arrive in the American Seas before hostilities will cease I have to request of your Excellency, to procure (if possible) of the English Commissioner at Paris, a passport for my Ship against any English Cruizer, and to put her upon the footing of a peaceable Vessell.— The Ship is called the Commerce, is abt: 200 Tons, navigated by abt: 30 men, did mount 14. 6lb. Cannon (but if we procure this passport shall not mount them) the Captains name Ignatius Webber, her Cargo will consist principally of Brandy & Cordage, she will proceed from hence direcly for Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire— Your Excellency will please to excuse my freedom in this Request. I was induced to make it, from a knowledge of your readiness at all times to assist a countryman, and from your connection in Mr Smiths family.— I sailed from Boston last July at which time that family was well, doubtless you have much later accos from thence—should your Excellency have any Commands for Boston, by this Ship you will please to give orders, and they shall with pleasure be executed— As my Ship will be kept waiting for an answer, your Excellency will please to forward this matter (if to be obtained,) by the first post,— after the dispatch of the Ship, I intend to take a tour thro’ France in my way to England and will do myself the honour of waiting upon your Excellency.— I congratulate your Excellency upon the peace, (which as I [am in]formed) is so honourable for our Country—
I have the honour to be / with Respect & Esteem / Your Excellencys / Most Obedient Servant
Stephen Codman


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 9–11 February 1783
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)
To: Adams, John

Sir
[9–11 February 1783]

We are honoured with your Excellency’s letter of 5 Inst: by whch. you desire us to advertise in Some Gazette, for all persons in Amstm., who have any demand on your Excellency to bring the acct: to us, to hand the Same to you, for examination, we shall perform it and stipulate the time for it till 1st. March.
We observe your Excellency desires to have charged to the acct. of the United States the ballances of your acct. but as Messrs Van Staphorst & de La Lande & fynje ‘d not look upon this order en debita forma as directed to us alone, we beg to get the enclosed returned to us signed by your Excellency.
We hope not by the before mentioned motion your Excellency may Leave Europe without before returning in Holland, as we Wish to be happy enough to see you again before it, if otherwise by your passage thro’ other places any letters of our House can be serviciable to your Excellency, please to call upon us.
the solidity of the bonds of Danemarch is so much declined in the opinion of publicq that the same are offered at 90% without buyers.
Mr. Thaxter writes us about the Coach whch. stands in needs of many repairs to the Amount even of 25 a 30 guineas, but if the man doth not incline to this, it maybe Sold for 50 a 60 Guineas, we let him be informed of, and prefers to have it sold at said price or higher if possible so he humbly prays your Excellency to order the disposal of the same on said terms or better’s.
we beg our Compliments to Mr Thaxter and have the honour to be with respectfull regard / Sir / Your Excellency’s Most Humble / and most Obedient Servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink

Pray Sir remember us to Mr J: Jay.
The pacquet is handed to Mr Cerisier, such Pacquets costs a good deal of postage by the mails.