Title: The Duc de La Vauguyon to John Adams: A Translation, 14 March 1781
From: La Vauguyon, Paul François de Quélen de Stuer de Causade, Duc de
To: Adams, John

The Hague, 14 March 1781

I have received, sir, the letter which you did me the honor to write to me, and the enclosed copy of the resolution of the Congress of the United States of North America. You inform me that you have made an official communication thereof to the president of the assembly of the States General, and to the envoys of the courts of St. Petersburg, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, and request me to support this step with my good offices. I am persuaded, sir, that you clearly perceive the impossibility of my seconding this measure without the express order of the king, whatever may be my personal zeal for the true interests of North America. Receive, sir, the very sincere assurance of the sentiments of the most distinguished consideration with which I have the honor to be your very humble and very obedient servant,

Le Duc De la vauguyon


Title: To John Adams from James Lovell, 15 March 1781
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, John

Confidential
Dear Sir

ca. 15 March 1781

I wrote you a few days ago the Impromptú. I send much the same Papers now as then.
Beg if the others have not arrived before this reaches you, that you will order Copies of the Resolves to be taken for your own and Mr. Danas Information. For really, Sir I cannot attend in Congress and on Committees, and have my Chamber continually full of Petitioners or Idlers, and yet without even a Boy-Clerk or one of the members of the standing Committee of for. Affairs present, embrace the Opportunities which occur of giving you Information, and which Opportunities are not subservient to the lethargic modes of C——ss.
Some Goods by Jones have come to hand damaged as you may well suppose. I hope they are in Quantity according to their Invoices which I have not seen at any Time. I spent Nights in wiping, drying and repacking if they may be said to have been packed, but I verily believe you put them up yourself. The Case was so far from full that I wonder the Articles were not rubbed to Ruin. However, after all these Snarls, the Damage will be much less than you will conjecture. I have forwarded Mrs. A’s small Articles chiefly already and will continue my Care of the whole. I have acted the Will. Wimble for Madam and Co., Mr. Gerry and Mr. Peabody who were in need of it—Mr. G. is by far worst off.
I sent you, and will again send Copies of 2 fr: Letters and an Extract of one English to be contemplated as Snake-Rattles, tho they were not used, I believe, in a generous Way of Warning, which your old Blue-Hill-neighbours were in the Practice of. I do not think you can with Propriety make other Use of them than what I have above named, because I send them not officially; and I think it would be not proper so to send them.

I imagine you will think my Sentiment about the Timeliness of the Ratification are just, for you know thoroughly the late lying Conduct of the Br: Ministry and ministerial Writers.
Congress did not take a measure, on the Resolutions upon the late Transmission of your Correspondence; But Decency demands of the Committee what I have done to Inform the Parties. As you are not to be answered I presume you show no Forwardness to write. The Information goes better as I send it.
Connecticut has already given us the Power of laying and collecting an Impost of 5 pr. Ct. as a Fund for Payment of Interest and other Debts. I have no Doubt the Rest of the States will as readily come into the Measure, and that it will be followed by other Powers which we shall call for on the same Principles as we did for that; so that Congress will be evidently and substantially in Condition to borrow differently from former Practice which was Faith alone. Money Holders being accustomed to something more solid than that is reconed to be.
I have not lately had a Line from Mrs. A but shall doubtless have in two days. If this Vessel does not sail before I will add.

Yr. affectte:
JL

You have not confidentially said any thing of Monsr. D– “Concordia.”


Title: To John Adams from William McCarty, 15 March 1781
From: McCarty, William
To: Adams, John

Sir
Paris 15th. March 1781

Having been taken the 25th. January last, in the Brig Active, on my passage from Philadelphia to L’Orient and Carry’d into England, The British took from me, all my private paper’s and Bills of Exchange, among which were several setts, drawn by Congress, on Holland; Colo. Palfrey in the Shelaly, who had the Seconds, not being arrived, leaves me without any to Present untill I can receive the third or fourth from America. And as those who are in possession of the first of each sett, Indors’d payable to William McCarty & Co. may present them for Acceptance and Payment; I take the Liberty to request your Excellency, will have them Stopt, as my property, not having Indors’d any one of them.
I am with great Respect your Excellency’s Most Obedt. & very humble Servt.

Wm McCarty


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 16 March 1781
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

(No. 13.)
My dear Sir
Paris March 16th. 1781 Hotel Valois, Rue Richelieu

The dispatches you will receive with this, were sent to me by Colo. Lawrens, last evening, some of them he brought from America, the others came in the Duke of Leinster directly from Philadelphia. If I have not a good oportunity before, I will send them on, next week, by Mr. Searle, who will then certainly set off for Amsterdam, unless he shou’d be too sick to travel. His indisposition has prevented his leaving this City earlier. I shall not be long after him. I hope to be with you, before the Commodore sails. I have additional reasons for returning to America, but with the view of remaining there, in the character of a private Citizen. If Colo. Lawrens does not clear up some difficulties in my mind, I think, my own honour will require it, sure I am, that my Interest will. I have not yet seen him. He arrived at Passy yesterday noon, and set off with the Dr. early this morning for Versailles. I am very sorry I had not an opportunity to talk with him before he went there: but so it has happened. I hope you and the whole family are well. I am at present much engaged in writing to America, and must beg you to excuse my breaking off abruptly. I am, dear Sir, your much obliged friend and obedient humble Servant

FD

P.S. I have at last discovered the key to both of friend Jemmy’s Cyphers. The dispatches I shall commit to Mr. Themmen, a Dutch young Gentn. who was introduced to me by one of our Countrymen—he setts off for Holland tomorrow after noon, and goes thro’ Amsterdam. I have no doubt but he will deliver them safe: in your absence he is instructed to deliver them to Mrs. De Neufville & Son. I am loth to detain them unnecessarily one moment. My own trust prevents my bringing them. I shou’d otherwise have done now, as before, with those brought by Mr. Searle. Dont write me except to advise one of Your receiving these dispatches; lest I shou’d have set off before your letter can reach here.


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 17 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, Charles William Frederic

Dear Sir
Leyden. March. 17. 1781

I received this Morning, your Favour of the 16. inclosing a polite Letter from the Duke de la Vauguyon.
I hope to receive another from you this Evening, and that it will contain an Account of the Fate of my Memorial. Has it been laid before their high mightinesses or not? And what was done with it? Pray, has the president, by the Constitution of this Country, a right to pocket, Suppress, or deliver to the Statholder, Papers addressed to their High Mightinesses?
Is the delusion almost over? When will man kind cease to be the Dupes, of the insidious Artifices of a British minister, and Stockjobber. Peace, is a Tub, easily thrown out, for the Amusement of the Whale, while the Minister opens his Budjet, concerts his Taxes, and contracts for his Loan, and it never fails to be taken for a Fish.
This is the best Place for Business, in the World. I have written my Name, 8 or 9 thousand Times to papers, Since I Saw you. Pray do you know if Mr. de Neufville has any person at the Hague to dispose of my Obligations? If he has not, will you think of a proper Person, as a Broker, or Undertaker, or both, and inform me? I am with great Esteem, your sert


Title: To John Adams from John Bondfield, 17 March 1781
From: Bondfield, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Bordeaux 17 March 1781

As we doubt not of your having Letters by the Alliance our advices of course will serve only as repetition to relate. I shall therefore inlieu of giving request from you information. The Honble. J. L——s is he to superceed the D——r or Is his Buissness confined to a perticular object.His bringing with him Mr. Jackson as secretary would give room to suppose him a residence. In that case the Doctor will of course go back in the Alliance. She will return positively the middle of April and will take all the ships then ready under her Convoy. Could Comodore Gillon get round in time to Join them would be a great reenforceir to this little Squadron which will consist of the Alliance

The Marquis de lafayet
28
eighteen Pounder

The Luzern
18

The Aurora
20

The franklin
20

The Venus
14

beside four of five Armd Schooners and Briggs. And as the Marquis de lafayet will have what is of so much consiquence to the States the Cloathing their Arrival is of very great Moment.
The Venus will sail from hence at the end of the Month to join them. She goes to Boston the other Ships to Philadelphia.
We learn your Loan goes on to your Satisfaction. We are rejoiced to find the Dutch so ready to Acquiess in your demands which proves their regarding your welfare attatcht to their own. By last post we are advised they have offerd 12 milion florens to France to defray the Expence of a Stipulate Force of Ships and Men to go to the East Indies to Act in consort in them Seas against the Common Enemy.
Mr. T. Pain came passenger by the Alliance. His errand must be urgent to engage his Crossing the Atlantic at this time.
Can you point out any Line for young Vernon? He is a smart Youth but wants opportunity to improve should any opening offer for Petersburg or the other Northern States but particularly to that, as a secretary to an Envoy. His figure is in his favor and his Letters wish application in a line to his tast would soon be conform to his Station.

With respect I have the Honor to be Sir Your very hhb Servant
John Bondfield

We are affraid Mr. Palfrey is lost as the ship he embarked in saild from the Delaware the 21 Dcember and is not yet heard of on these Coasts.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 17 March 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Sir
The Hague, 17 March 1781

I did not have the time last evening to forward to you the letter that His Excellency the French Ambassador gave me in response to your letter to him of the 8th instant. The Pensionaries of Amsterdam, Dordrecht, and Haarlem have all asked me to thank you for your kindness in sending them Congress’ resolution. Those from Amsterdam, in particular, regret that the present circumstances did not permit them to respond formally to your letters. The one from Dordrecht agreed with me, that we should go to Leyden together, and that I would have the honor of introducing you to him. But yesterday he had to leave for Dordrecht. Perhaps another time.

The countermanifesto of the republic to that of the British king has finally appeared. You will see the translation soon in the French gazettes, so therefore I will refrain from analyzing it. It is long. Is it as vigorous as it is long? You be the judge. I am with great respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas

Pardon the liberty that I take in enclosing a small bill that your servant presented to Mr. Luzac.


Title: To John Adams from La Corbiere, 17 March 1781
From: La Corbiere, M.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
à Turin le 17e. mars 1781

Je viens de lire dans la Gazette de Berne No. 20 en datte du 10 mars article de la haye que V. Ex. est actüellement occupée en hollande de la levée d’un Emprunt d’un Million de florins pour les Etats unis de L’Amerique; Je m’etais bien doutté quils devaient étre dans le cas de faire une operation à peu près de ce genre, puisque jai eú l’honneur decrire à Mr. Le Docteur Franklin le 7e. du Court. la lettre dont je prend la liberté de vous envoyer Copie afin que V. Exell. examine si la proposition que je faisait ne serait pas mieux accueuillie du Public qu’un Emprunt qui ne presente que 5%. En ce cas, et si elle le juge à propos je lui enverrai le plan, où ce qui voudrait encore mieux je me rendrai tout de suitte en hollande pour en conferer avec V. Ex. car ces sortes de negotiations se traittent mieux par conversation que pas correspondance, surtout en ne donnant qu’un extrait bien succint coe. jai fait dans la lettre cy jointe. Je crois que V. E. sera contente des nouveauter et des attraits de mon Plan, il y a 10 années D’annuite, et 9 de Rentes Viageres qui sont en Coupons pbles. en porteur quoique sur des tetes differentes, et la 20eme. va jusqu’a la mort des Rentiers: En attendant ses ordres j’ai lhonneur detre très respectueusement Le très humble et très obeissant Serviteur,

De La Corbiere,
poste restante à Turin

P.S. Je presume que V. Ex. ne permettra pas que si jai à faire le Voyage D lhollande, ce soit à mes depens et que dans le cas ou mon Plan serait mis en usage, il me sera payé une Commission que je laisserai regler par Mess. fiseaux & Grand qui peuvent etre les juges de la reussite a près la communication que je crois quil conviendra qui leur soit faitte en choisisant leur maison pour le Payement des Rentes de ce qui se placera en hollande, et je dirai a qui il faut s’adresser a Genes, car il faut bien prendre garde quil y a dans cette Ville de grands partisant de . . . .

Le dit C.


Title: La Corbiere to John Adams: A Translation, 17 March 1781
From: La Corbiere, M.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Turin, 17 March 1781

I just read in the Gazette de Berne, No. 20, dated the 10th of March from The Hague, that your Excellency is currently in Holland occupied in raising a loan of 1 million florins for the United States of America. I suspected that such an operation was taking place so I had the honor to write to Doctor Franklin on the 7th of this month, a copy of which I take the liberty of enclosing here, in order that your Excellency can determine whether my proposal would not be better received by the public than a loan at 5 percent. If this is the case, I will send the proposal, or better still, I can come immediately to Holland to confer with your Excellency because these sorts of negotiations are better served through conversation than through correspondence, especially since the enclosed letter contains only a succinct extract. I believe that Your Excellency will be pleased with the novelty and appeal of my plan: there are 10 years of annuities, nine years of annuity interest which are in coupons payable to the bearer, and the twentieth lasts until the death of the lenders. While awaiting orders, I have the honor to be very respectfully, your very humble and very obedient servant

De La Corbiere
poste restante à Turin

P.S. I presume, should I have to make a trip to Holland, that your Excellency will permit it only at my own expense, and that if my proposal is put to use, I will be paid a commission which could be arranged by Messieurs Fizeaux & Grand. They can be the judges of the success of the proposal after the communication that I believe will be made to them by agreeing to choose their house for annuity payments made in Holland, and I will say to direct letters to Genoa, because it is a necessary precaution in this city of partisans of
The said C.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 18 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Leyden, 18 March 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC, No. 84, III, f. 78–93. printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 4:306–313.
This letter was read in Congress on 19 Nov. and consisted of English translations of the States General’s countermanifesto of 12 March and Prince Gallitzin’s memorial to the States General of 1 March. The countermanifesto was a point by point rebuttal of Britain’s manifesto of 20 Dec. 1780 that justified its declaration of war against the Netherlands (to the president of Congress, 1 Jan., calendared above). In their response the Dutch declared that they, not the British, were the aggrieved party. The Netherlands had maintained a strict neutrality under the law of nations at great cost to itself in a situation where to favor Britain would have meant war with France. The Anglo-Dutch war did not result from Dutch violations of the law of nations or a refusal to grant the assistance required under the Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1678. Neither did it stem from the sanctuary given John Paul Jones at Texel in 1780, St. Eustatius’ status as a conduit for trade with the United States, or the Lee-Neufville treaty of 1778. Instead, Britain began the war because it refused to accept and respect Dutch neutrality and, most importantly, the republic’s decision as a sovereign state to accede to the armed neutrality. The Netherlands, therefore, was entitled to take whatever action was necessary to defend its sovereignty and resolve its grievances.
In contrast to the countermanifesto, Prince Gallitzin’s memorial offered hope for peace. It emphasized Catherine II’s interest in resolving the misunderstanding between Britain and the Netherlands and her willingness to mediate the conflict impartially. Gallitzin indicated that the same memorial put before the States General was being presented to the British ministry and that Russia hoped for an affirmative response from both parties.
In a paragraph inserted between the Dutch manifesto and the memorial, John Adams wrote that he found it “remarkable that their high Mightinesses, after so long delays, have chosen for the Publication of this Manifesto, a Time when the Mediation of the Empress is depending.” For additional information on the countermanifesto and the memorial, see Jean de Neufville’s letter of 2 March, and note 2, above; and that from C. W. F. Dumas of 17 March, and note 3, above.


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 19 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, Charles William Frederic

Dear Sir
Leyden 19. March 1781

The inclosed Extracts, are of So much Importance, that I send them to you, for your opinion whether it is prudent to communicate them to the Russian Minister, or not.
The Intelligence is such that I can make no official Communication. If you think it will do any good, and no harm or at least more good than harm, you may communicate it in Confidence to Friends.
Mr. Dana’s Commission, which perhaps is to treat with any or all the northern Powers, is to come by Coll. Palfrey and Duplicates by young Coll. Laurens, as I conjecture.
I have read the Manifesto with Pleasure, because it is a reasonable and a manly Performance. It would have been better perhaps without the last Clause, which will be taken both by Freinds and Ennemies as a Sigh for Peace with England, but much may be Said in Excuse of it. I wish too they had left out their Disapprobation of Amsterdam. It was not necessary, and it never did their high mightinesses any honour, at least I venture to think so.

Adieu.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 19 March 1781
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Sir
Brussels March. 19th. 1781

I have recived your Excellencys Letter of the 12th. Instant. It afforded me much Consolation being much depressed at the possible ill turn affairs might have taken if the Empress had in the least Started aside from Her noble System. But I find, she is Steady, and by consequence our Malicious Enemy may be brought to Submit to what is reasonable and Just.
I Hope however, that Holland will not be amused by the Talk of Peace, and relax in her Preparations—Lord North hath already gained something by the report, and will gain more, if the Negociation is spun out to any length. If England attempts to do it, the Confederated Powers ought to take the Alarm, for it will shew most Evidently the Scheme of the common Ennemy.
When I consider the State of the English Navy, the Temper of Holland and the Northern Powers, and the fleets at Brest and Cadiz, I think it is Impossible that the Grand Squadron as it is called, can leave the coasts of England defenceless, and go to the relief of Gibraltar. If it does go, it must be on the Certainty, that the Northern Alliance mean to do nothing, or it is proposed to grant it the Terms demanded—for what accidents may Happen to the Ships before they can return to the Channel. What might not be done during its Absence! If there was the least Spirit of Enterprise, the Antient Affair at Chatham would be trifling to what might be done.
If your Excellency has an Opportunity of seeing the three last Numbers of the Lettres Hollandoise, your Excellency will see the Proposals published therein and that I have talked to the Author on certain Subjects. I must talk to Him Again thereon.
The Hint which your Excellency gave me of what might Happen affords me the greatest Joy. Immediately on the receipt of your Excellencys Command I put the Thoughts, which Occurred to me, on paper and take the Liberty of inclosing them. More may be said thereon and if your Excellency approves of the general Outline I will renew the Subject and get it published Here. The more strokes given, if they are rightly given, will make the Nail go better.
I find the Emperors Minister at Madrid is most intimate with Cumberland. But Cumberland has some fair daughters. I Hope it is they alone, who Attract his Excellency no great Harm will be done.

I am Sir your Excellencys Most Faithful & Obt. Humble Servt.
Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 19 March 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Honourable Sir
Amsterdam the 19 March 1781

May we thank Yoúr Excellency for the Obligations she was so kind as to retúrn ús by Mr. Thaxter. The best way we foúnd to remedy the doúble númbers we have send to yoúr ExcellencŸ, would be that Mr. Thaxter númberd oúrs again conformably in Cifer under oúr written númbers, and signd them.
We had the honoúr to forward yoúr Excellency; No. 21 to 30, those may easily be Alterd in the Cifers we now received adding a Zero 0. to each.
No. 131 to 170. could be 231 to 270 altering the 1 of the húndreds only in a 2.
This will be more easy then to alter oúr written Numbers; and they may all fúrter be alike as we will continúe to Number in Screptis, and in Cifer, we wish to have Yoúr Excellencys approbation there on, to prepare a larger quantity and to finish those we have received.
With the most respectfúll Esteem we have the honoúr to be Honourable Sir, Yoúr Excellencys most devoted obedient humble Servants

John de Neufville & Son


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 20 March 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Monsieur

20 mars 1781

J’ai l’honeur de la vôtre du 17; et celui d’y répondre, que par la Constitution le Présidt. n’a point le Droit de Supprimer les Papiers adressés à L. H. P., ni de les remettre à un autre. Mais L. H. P. mêmes, peuvent, Si elles le jugent à propos, se dispenser, ou différer, de répondre à de telles Pieces. Or vous vous souvenez sans doute, Monsieur, que je vous ai prévenu, que tel pourroit bien être le parti qu’ils prendroient, sur-tout dans le cas présent, où l’Angleterre n’a pas donné de réponse encore aux ouvertures de la Russie. Les Ministres admis ici sont dans l’usage, quand ils s’adressent au Président, de douer en même temps, par politesse, une Copie de leur Mémoire au Gd. Pensionaire d’Hde. Mais vous savez que celui-ci doit encore réponse à la Lettre qui lui avoit été écrite par la Commission Plénipe. Américaine de Paris en 1778; je n’ai donc pu, ni ne puis, vous conseiller, ni déconseiller de suivre cet usage, lequel d’ailleurs j’ignorois, ne l’ayant appris qu’aujourd’hui: car je ne crois pas qu’il répondroit à la Lettre que vous lui auriez écrite, ou que vous lui écririez encore à ce sujet.
J’ai écrit à Mrs. De Neufville, pour savoir s’ils ont établi ici un Correspondant pour y négocier de vos Obligations: et j’attends leur réponse là-dessus, que je me ferai un devoir de vous communiquer. Ce que je sais, c’est qu’ils ont fait passer ici des plans de la Négociation, en ayant vu un entre les mains d’un Négociant ici.
Je sens que la tâche de signer tant de milliers de fois son nom, est autant de mille fois moins agréable, que celle de rédiger une Constitution. Si c’étoit une occupation que je pusse partager avec vous, je vous offrirois, Monsieur, ma présence à Leide pendant cette huitaine, ou il n’y a rien à faire ici, parce que les Etats d’Hollde. sont séparés.
Je conviens avec vous, que la paix, dont on parle tant, n’est qu’une amorce pour faire des dupes. Mais je ne saurois dire quand l’illusion finira. Je voudrois seulement que cela, et le repos de l’Amérique, dépendissent de moi.
Rien n’est encore décidé de la Cour de Justice d’hollde. Et je commence à douter que l’on décide jamais cette affaire.
Dans ce moment je reçois l’honnorée vôtre d’hier. Je vous remercie de la communication, qui me fait grand plaisir. Je crois que le plus prudent est de ne rien dire de cela sur-tout à l’Envoyé de Russie, jusqu’à-ce que Mr. Dana ait reçu sa Commission. Si quelque raison imprévue me faisoit changer d’idée, je vous le marquerai. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un grand respect, Monsieur Votre très très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur

Dumas

du mercredi 21 Mars 1781
P.S.
Cette Lettre étoit écrite; et j’allois la porter à la poste hier; lorsque je fus détourné par le bruit qui commençoit à se répandre de la prise de St. Eustache par les Anglois. Cela s’est confirmé en plein ce matin. Il faudra voir quelle sensation cela fera non seulement sur la nation en général, mais aussi, et sur-tout, à Amsterdam.
On m’a donné avis d’un autre projet des Anglois contre la Repe. Je l’ai communiqué ce matin à une personne en grande relation avec la Cour. Nous verrons si l’on m’en saura quelque gré: et si cela est, je vous en ferai part, ainsi que de l’impression que je remarquerai qu’aura fait ici l’affaire de St. Eustache.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 20 March 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Sir

20 March 1781

I have the honor of your letter of the 17th and respond to it here. According to the Constitution the president has neither the right to suppress papers addressed to Their High Mightinesses nor the right to deliver them to anyone else. But Their High Mightinesses themselves can, if they deem it appropriate, refrain from, or delay responding to such papers. Now you no doubt remember, sir, that I warned you that they might take such a course, especially in this case where England has not yet responded to the Russian overtures. When the ministers admitted here address the president, they supply, as a courtesy, a copy of their memorial to the grand pensionary of Holland. But you know that the latter must still respond to the letter that was written to him by the American plenipotentiary commission at Paris in 1778. I could not and cannot advise, nor advise against, following this practice, of which I had no previous knowledge until today because I do not believe that he would respond to the letter that you would have written, nor that you will write again on this subject.
I wrote to Messieurs de Neufville to find out if they have established a correspondent here to dispose of your obligations. I am waiting for their reply to this so that I can communicate it to you. I do know that they have begun arrangements for it, having myself seen a plan in the hands of an agent here.
I feel that the task of signing one’s name thousands of times is a thousand times less agreeable than writing a constitution. If it were an occupation that I could share with you, sir, I would have offered my presence in Leyden during the past week, since there is nothing to do here with the States of Holland separated.

I agree with you, that the peace being talked about is nothing but bait to trap dupes. But I cannot say when this illusion will be over. I only wish that this and peace for America depended on me.
Nothing has yet been decided by the Court of Justice of Holland, and I am beginning to doubt if they will ever decide on this affair.
I just received your letter of yesterday. Thank you for this communication which gave me great pleasure. I believe that it would be most prudent to say nothing about this to the Russian envoy until Mr. Dana has received his commission. If any unforeseen reason makes me change my mind, I will tell you. I have the honor to be with great respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas

Wednesday 21 March 1781

P.S.
This letter being written, I was going to the post office yesterday when I was distracted by spreading reports that the English had taken St. Eustatius. It was confirmed this morning. It will be necessary to see what effect this will have on the nation in general and especially on Amsterdam.
I have been alerted to another British plan against the republic. I communicated it this morning to someone with close access to the Court. We will see if they are obliged to me and if so, I will tell you about it and also about any impressions I have concerning the St. Eustatius incident.


Title: From John Adams to Jean de Neufville & Fils, 21 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)

Gentlemen
Leyden March 21. 1781

I have received your favour of the 19th. and will direct Mr. Thaxter to number your Bonds again in figures under your written Numbers and Sign them, and to make the other alterations, according to your Proposal.
Alass poor Statia! But as Providence orders Us unpleasant Potions of Medicine to cure our distempers, So I hope this apparent Misfortune will open the Eyes of the blind; will convince the credulous of their Weakness, in placing any Kind of Confidence in the Justice, the Honour, the Moderation, or Humanity of Great Britain, Virtues which exist only at this time in their own vainglorious Writings and Speeches. I hope also it will accellerate an immediate and direct Commerce with America, and what is of more importance to this Country as well as to that, a Solid Alliance. I hope further, that this Insult to the neutral Confederation will prompt them to take a decided Part, which their own Dignity Honour and Interest demand, and forth with join France Spain and America, in Pursuit of the two greatest Objects of the Negotiations and Wars of the present Age, American Independance and the rights of neutral Vessells. Once more I hope, that this unexampled outrage, to the Law of Nations to public faith, and every Sound Principle among Men, will induce even the great City of Amsterdam to act a more decided and vigorous Part, then she has done. Her Example will be followed with Ardour by every other Member of the Sovereignty, all of whom I have reason to believe, are Slackened in their resolution by the feebleness and Irresolution of that City. I have the Honour to be &c.


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 21 March 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Honourd Sir
Amsterdam 21 March 1781

May it not displease yoúr Excellency that by this present we tútch upon the unhappy afair of St. Eústacia, we do realy pity them who will be loosers thereby, as it will be a terrible stroke and rúin many people, thank heaven oúr own loss and that of oúr frinds can not be by farr so great in this moment then it could have been; and we would willingly have sacrificd a múch larger Súmm in Case we could have prevented this generall Calamity, which by all probability should not have happend, if as the stronger Tories confess them Selfs oúr Navy had been sooner in a better order as it could and ought to have been.

Yoúr Excellency will certainly be informed that Coll. Lawrence Arrived in Eúrope. We heard it by some of oúr American Letters that came over in the same Vessell, and that a greater force was raised in America so as to act offensively which gave ús great pleasúre.
May all those tidings inflúence oúr Loan, and rise the Spirits of the Dútch, so as not to be seduced to an entire ignominy.
With all respectfúll regard We have the honoúr to be Honourd Sir, Yoúr Excellencys most devoted and most Obedient húmble Servants

John de Neufville & Son


Title: From John Adams to Francis Dana, 22 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Dana, Francis

Dear Sir
Leyden 22d. March 1781

I have recieved several Letters from You, but have been so busy signing my Name, that I could not answer.
I give You Joy of Laurens’s Arrival—it is a great Event. I hope he brought You an important Paper, which Lovel mentions in his Letter to You, and Gerry in an excellent one to me.
I rejoice Sir in your Honour, and in the public Good, but I feel myself weakened and grieved at the present loss of a Treasure of Advice and Ability. I hope to see You here in your Route.
Pray commit to writing all your Observations on our first Errand and give them to me. I hope your old Commission is not superseded. In Case of Negotiation, of which however there is no likelihood for Years, I shall summon You. Mr. Laurens must have Letters and important Papers for me. I hope to have them soon. There is no one knows the banking Comn. but Mr. De Neufville and me—it is not more however than Precedent—but let them lye about it if they will—I am not afraid of their Lyes. Statia is gone—and the Dutch are yet dead—when they will come to life I know not.

J.A.


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 22 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Dear Sir
Leyden 22d. March 1781

With great pleasure have I recieved yours of the 19th, with its Inclosures. I wish I could answer more at large, but in addition to a thousand other Objects crowding upon me at present, I have had to write my obscure Name nine and twenty thousand times to Obligations and Coupons, which I expect will give me before it is ended a great Name at least, if not a great deal of Money.
I am exceedingly pleased with your thoughts, all but one. You hold up the Idea of restraining from the East: this Idea never will do. America will never consent to any Restriction whatsoever, but will finally insist on a right to trade with every Nation that will trade with her. For God’s sake let us beat down every Idea of Restriction. I am demonstratively certain, it is the Interest of every Power in Europe to take off every restriction from American Trade. It will be longer in this Case before the Trade of America will interfere with that of any Nation, than if it is clogged. Nitimur in vetitum, Semper cupimusque negata. The Idea of the least restraint is a Poison: it will lay a foundation for embroiling Europe and America for ever: it will occasion another horrid War in seven Years—so would a Truce.
The last Letters Hollandoise are very good—go on I pray You.

J.A.


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 22 March 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Honourd Sir
Amsterdam 22 March 1781

May it please Yoúr Excellency. That we acknowledge the receipt of her most esteemd favoúr, the sentiments expressd there in are most liberall, we are in hopes they may prevaill with oúr people, bútt nationally considered, we confess, we are mostly to slow in oúr motions, the generall, feel the English injury, they are sensible of its soúrce, bútt seem to múch abashd by the loss, to move as yett; may they be awaken’d in time! to prevent destrúction and preserve liberty with smaller fortúnes.
May we also thank Yoúr Excellency for the aproving of oúr arrangement aboút the Obligations, we are still in great hopes the loan will succeed bútt not so soon as we wished, the Statia affair múst decide we think great things, and may accelerate American Independence, and the rights of Neútrall Vessells.
The English seem determind that Amsterdam shall pay therefor, it wónt be oúr faúlt.
Mr. Hodshon hath send ús the inclosed Bills, which we have the honoúr to forward for Acceptance, mean while with all respectfúll regard we have the honoúr to be Honourd Sir! Yoúr Excellencys most devoted And most Obedient humble Servants

John de Neufville & Son


Title: From John Adams to Jean de Neufville & Fils, 24 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)

Gentlemen
Leyden March 24 1781

I received last night your favour of the 22d., inclosing three Bills of Exchange which I have accepted and return inclosed. I have also received another Letter on the Affair of St. Eustatia. I Sincerely condole with you, on the Loss of that Island both as it affects the publick and as it must probably more or less affect your private Interest.
There is great Pains taken to represent this as a fatal Blow to the United States of America, at which I can do nothing but laugh. In my private opinion it will be better for America. The Property taken in that Island, I shrewdly suspect, belonging to English Scotch and Irish Merchants, was more than all that belong to french Americans and even Dutch, altogether. In this I may be mistaken, but in all Events the American Property there was not much.
However after the insidious Artifices of the English in holding out false appearances of a disposition for Peace, shall have amused 8 or 9 nations for a little while, when they discover themselves to have been only duped and mocked by English Impudence this outrage, with others cannot but Unite all the maritime nations in one decisive League, in support of the Freedom of Commerce, and American Independance, without which it is evident to demonstration that the Liberty of the Seas cannot longer exist.
Put American again in dependance on England, and it would be in their joint Power in twenty years, to conquer all the Possessions Establishment of the Spaniards French Dutch and Portuguese in the East and West Indies in Spight of all that the rest of Mankind could do to prevent it. With great Respect, I have the Honour to be, &c.
I would not advise the Powers of Europe, therefore, to let America be reduced to the Necessity, of proposing Terms to Great Britain. With great Respect, I have the Honour to be &c.


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 26 March 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Honourd Sir
Amstdm. 26 March 1781

May it please yoúr Excellency that we thank her for the most kind reception I had the honoúr to meet with. I am sorry my time is so múch taken úp in this moment that I could not make my visit longer and accept of the honoúr offerd me; there is no news aboút the loan; I am very much pleased Yoúr Excellency is so indifferent aboút it for the present, as I can scarcely doúbt it will do in good time. We have learnd patience and perseverance; and repeat often Horaces known system jústúm et tenacem propositi virum, what will bring oúr people we hope in Spirits, is the Arrival of a Vessell belonging to Boston; yoúr Nation Honourd Sir we hope will be the example to oúrs, in many respects, and we are determind never to act únworthy to both, we begg leave to join again to this present Some papers which came to oúr hands for Yoúr Excellency and have the honoúr to be with all devoted Regard, Honourd Sir Yoúr Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servants

John de Neufville & Son

We hope Mr. Charles will be Soon recoverd. May we begg oúr compliments to both the Gent. and Mr. Thaxter. Yr. Ex. be pleased so To.
After what we had the honoúr to mention, may we begg leave to add that we should not be surprised there was some idea at the Hagúe to make domesticall matters úpp, if so we think we shall know it, as we do suppose a certain person came on púrpose to sound me, and some others, this I thought will give yoúr Excellency pleasúre to know, butt may I begg at the Same time that it may remain the deepest Secret with yoúr Excellency own Self, as any enquiry even might Spoill the whole, I dare Say if we are not to Sanguine different opportunitys offer to serve the good Caúse, and yoúr Excellency may depend on that we shall be and are sufficiently on oúr guard not to be Amúsed, carrying on every measúre which may promote any good in the present circúmstances.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Digges, 27 March 1781
From: Adams, John,San, Fernando Raymond
To: Digges, Thomas

Sir

Leyden
March 27. 1781

I am very much obliged to you, for the Trouble you have kindly taken in Sending me Gazettes, Pamplets, and Books, but the alteration of Circumstances, has rendered the Communication So difficult and expensive that I am obliged to desist. Two or three Packets which you mentioned in Letter not long Since have not arrived, nor have I heard any Thing of them.
The Gazettes cost me by the Post, at a Rate of two hundred Guineas I believe a Year, and I am now in a Situation where I have found a Way to have all the Papers at a very Small Expence comparatively. So that I Should be obliged to you to Stop immediately, the two Papers the Morning Herald and General Advertiser, and also the Sending of any more Books and Pamphlets. You will be So good as to send me a minute of the Ballance between Us, and whatever it may be in your favour, I will take measures to discharge immediately. I should be obliged to you, however, for the Continuance of your Favours and the good News of the times. I am with great Respect, Sir, your obliged, humble sert

F.R.S.


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 27 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, Charles William Frederic

Sir
Leyden March 27. 1781

Since I had the Honour to communicate to you my Commission to their High mightiness, by which the general Affairs of America, in this Republick come under my direction, you may possibly be at some Uncertainty about your own Situation and the Continuance of that Small annual Sum which you have heretofore received from the Commissioners and the Minister at the Court of Versailles. In order to remove the Doubt as far as in my Power, I take this Method to inform you, that I have no am perswaded it is the Intention of Congress that you should continue your good services to their Cause if you have no Objection, and that you should have at least the Same allowance continued. I Suppose his Excellency Dr. Franklin will readyly continue to pay your Draughts as usual: but if he should not, and you choose to continue in the service of America under my direction I will undertake to do it, as long as I shall reside in the Republick at my own Expence and Risque, and untill the further order of Congress , or untill I Shall depart from the Republick.

I have the Honour to be, with great Esteem and Respect, Sir your most obedient most humble servant


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 27 March 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Honourd Sir
Amstdm. 27 March 1781

May we begg leave to mention to Yoúr Excellency that nothing materiall hath happend Since oúrs of Yesterday. The greatest news we now múst expect from the Hagúe as oúr States will be Assembled, for we múst not mind for false reports, Súch as that which had been spread to day that Vlissingen was taken by the English, by and by I hope we will learn not to be intimidated, and then see the Spirits of the Dutch people rise. The Captúre of St. Eústacia hath múch affected oúr monied people, and hindred ús to compleat the whole loan, we are Sorry for it as it would have been a matter of as great an importance for the publicq as satisfaction to oúr Selfs, If we may carry all matters to oúr Wishes they will do well at the end. With all Respectfúll Regard we have the honoúr to be Honourd Sir Yoúr Excellencys most devoted and most obedient humble Servants

John de Neufville & Son


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 28 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

Sir
Leyden March 28th. 1781

It is so long since I wrote You, that I am almost ashamed to recollect. I have been in the most curious Country, among the most incomprehensible People and under the most singular Constitution of Government in the World. I have not been able to write You, what could or would be done here, because I was not able to discover, nor did I ever yet find one Man in the Country, who would pretend to say what Course the Republic would take.
At this moment, altho’ I think there cannot be a Peace between them and England; yet I dont see a probability of their being in earnest in the War for some time.
I can tell You one thing however for certain, that the Conduct of Spain has great Influence here. Her delay in acknowledging our Independence contributes amazingly to the Indecision of the Republic. If Spain had fully entered into the System this Country would soon follow.
I must therefore beg of You to communicate to me as much concerning this Subject, as You are at Liberty to do. All Nations it is to be feared will wait for Spain, and thus prolong the Evils of War to unnecessary lengths. My best Compliments to your Family, and believe me to be, with great Esteem, Sir, your most obedient Servant

John Adams

Inclose for me to Messs. De la Lande & Finje, Merchants in Amsterdam.


Title: To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 28 March 1781
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Leghorn, March 28. 1781

Your much esteemed letter of the 18. of January, which on account of my late journeys was sent after me from Florence to Pisa, Leghorn, and Genoa, and from Genoa to Florence again, Pisa, and Leghorn, has at last found me here. I had imagined, that in consequence of Mr. Laurens’s misfortune you would of your own accord continue in Holland longer than you at first intended, and am glad to hear that you have been ordered so to do, as I hope it will be for our good. At least, if any good is to be made of the Dutch, you are in my opinion the properest person to bring them to it. You will probably persuade them to lend us some of their money, but you won’t, I am afraid, so easily succeed to rise up their martial spirits. By your letter it seems, that you have better notion of their warlike operations, than I have. If you could tell me any thing agreable on that, or any other account, I wish you would do it, and I assure you, Sir, that I am far from assuming to trouble you to satisfy my curiosity; I am confident that I can turn to good account any information of things, which are likely to be of service directly, or indirectly, to our glorious Cause.
In answer to your question on the probability of borrowing money in Italy for the United States by the authority of Congress, I beg leave to offer to your perusal part of those 2. letters to my State, which I had inclosed to you unsealed, and which having been forwarded by Mr. Dana I find you did not see.
Part of letter 21. dated Genoa, August 19. 1780.

“You are sensible of the importance of convincing these Nations of our firmness and abilities to support our Independency. I heartly wish you will not fail to keep me thoroughly and constantly acquainted with whatever passes on our Continent. I have paved the way here, as far as the present circumstances would admit, for the execution of your future orders; have comunicated the business to the person I mentioned, who has promised me his friendly assistance; shall set out for Florence in a few days, where I expect to meet with a favourable reception from the Person in question, who can be of a great service to us, both with money, and his great credit; but nothing can be done, you know, untill I can give satisfaction on the situation of our affairs, and receive my powers, which must be well authenticated, and perfectly clear.
“In my last conversation with Dr. Franklin I understood, that out of the 6. per cent one was intended to pay for commissions, brockerage, and other expences, which I find are unavoidable; but I find likewise that they generally amount to 3, or 4 per cent at first, once for ever, which is much cheaper to the borrower than one per cent annually. This is what has been done for the Queen of Hungary, the Ducal Chamber of Milan, and others in like cases. Want of money is not now confined among the belligerent Nations; it seems to be a general case. I hope however that we shall enjoy as good a credit as any other, provided we can give a good account of our firmness to support our glorious Cause. I long to hear from my Country, and to receive your commands, which I hope will be conceived in so ample a form as to avoid the danger of putting a stop to the business &c. &c.”

Part of letter 22. dated Florence, October 20. 1780.

“In letter 20. dated Paris, June 22d., I said that I should set out for Genoa and Florence, and do all my endeavours to pave the way for executing such orders as I might receive. So I have done, and with as much success in both places, as I could almost wish, considering that I have nothing to show to corroborate what I say in regard to my Commissions. I have greatly lessened here and there the credit of british reports to our disadvantage; and had I my powers a loan-office would probably have been opened in Genoa to take in subscriptions for us before I left it. Some money-men there, and an eminent merchant were determined to send you on your terms the goods I was ordered to purchase for tobacco, and to make use of the Emperour’s flag, which they say they can easily obtain; but they wanted to be assured that after so long an interval you might not have altered your mind. This, you know, Sir, is more than I can do; and my ignorance of the footing, on which our State and Continental Loan-Offices are at present, puts out of my power to encourage adventurers in any thing, as they cannot expect an advantage by it, unless they send a much larger capital than they can fetch back, for the reasons mentioned in letter 8, and I cannot tell them how they can now dispose of their money in America. Here, where I am since the 13. of September, I have been assured that every thing will be done in our favour, which prudently can be done. It is very mortifying for me to be still deprived of my Commissions and Instructions, and was not my character well known it is probable that I should be looked upon as an impostor, since so many ships are arrived from America, and even from Virginia, without ever a letter for me. I must soon return to Genoa to keep in good humour our new Friends, as I find that writing alone don’t answer the purpose as well as I could wish. I shall soon after come back, and then go to Rome, Naples, and Sicily, having been assured that something can be done in all those places. Until I receive your positive orders I have no other rule to go by than to act to the best of my judgment. You know, Sir, my situation, and my feelings for our Country. To be deprived of the power of being of real service at this time is cruel, and my state of uncertainty gives me more uneasiness than I can express. &c. &c.”

I was again at Genoa, as I mention in the beginning of this letter, and have been eye-witness of the large sums those people have lately imployed in France. They have even put some money in England. They won’t keep their money unimployed, and have been tempted by the advantagious annuities of France, and the high interest given by the other. I cannot as yet succeed to persuade them that England cannot continue much longer to pay the interest of such exorbitant debt. The virginity of that Nation in point of bankeruptcy is of so great service to them, that many people won’t open their eyes to look at the impossibility of continuing so; and I dare say you will find many such where you are.
I am of opinion that some money can be borrowed in Italy, notwithstanding the large quantity which has been employed ever since I arrived; but in order that I may persuade them to it, it is requisite that I should be well acquainted, as I have often repeated, with the present sistem of our Finances, and the situation and prospect of our affairs in general.
In mine of the 19. of October I had the honour to inform you that the people here inclined to lend their money rather to Congress, than to an individual State, which I likewise mentioned to Govr. Jefferson in a private letter of the 27th. of the same month. But if I should have the honour to serve the United States in this, I wish that you would undertake to justify my conduct with the Executive of my own State (by whom I was sent cheafly to borrow money for Virginia) although I have not as yet received the duplicates of my Commissions and Instructions, or rather new ones as I ought to receive in consequence of what I wrote to them, and am still without an answer to any of my letters.
You will please to remember, Sir, that Dr. Franklin tried to raise money in Italy at 6. per cent per annum without effect, and to observe in the extract of letter 21, that I expect to raise it on easier terms. Permit me to observe that on application of the kind, either for Congress, or for a single State, from a person who has not the advantage of conversing familiarly with these people, would not only have no chance to succeed, but would be of a great prejudice to my endeavours.
I send this to Mr. Favi, desiring him to give it to Mr. Dana, who no doubt has the means of convaying it safe to you. I wish you will let me know in your next favour how to direct hereafter, that I may write to you in a more direct line. Letters for me must always be directed at Florence, and for better security they should be sent to Mr. Favi.
Want of resolution in the Dutch, either from pusillanimity in the Nation, or corruption in those who are at the helm of affairs, must have, I think, much disgusted the Empress of Russia, if she has ever been in earnest. I cannot flatter myself with the prospect of any good from the Northern Powers. Should you continue to think of them, as it appears you did when you wrote to me, I would be greatly obliged to you for the comunication of your reasons, not merely to satisfy my wishes, but likewise to help me to support my arguments. In expectation of soon receiving the honour of your commands, I am most respectfully, Sir, your Excellency’s most Obedient & most Humble Servant

Philip Mazzei


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 29 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Leyden, 29 March 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC, Misc. Papers, Reel No. 1, f. 287–294. printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 4:335–337.
Read in Congress on 19 Nov., this letter consists of an English translation of the memorial that Baron de Lynden, the Dutch envoy at the Swedish court, presented on 28 Feb. to Count Ulrik Scheffer, the Swedish foreign minister. The points set down in the memorial, which the Dutch also sent to Denmark and Russia, are essentially those contained in the States General’s countermanifesto of 12 March (to the president of Congress, 18 March, calendared above). It emphasized that Britain’s decision to initiate hostilities was not the result of any Dutch transgression, such as the Lee-Neufville treaty, but rather the States General’s decision to accede to the armed neutrality. The Netherlands was at war because it had sought to preserve and protect its neutrality, therefore it was incumbent on the other members of the armed neutrality to come to its aid under the terms of the agreement.
Unfortunately for the Dutch, their hopes for assistance from members of the armed neutrality were in vain. In response the Swedish foreign minister suggested that Sweden, Denmark, and Russia jointly propose an armistice and a return to the status quo ante-bellum. This undertaking would be supported by the naval forces of the three powers and would force Britain to reflect seriously on the consequences that the continuation of the war with the Netherlands would have on its relations with the Northern Powers (Scott, ed., Armed Neutralities of 1780 and 1800The Armed Neutralities of 1780 and 1800: A Collection of Official Documents Preceded by the Views of Representative Publicists, ed., James Brown Scott, New York, 1918., p. 370–374).
Catherine II rejected any notion that the armed neutrality should intervene effectively in the Anglo-Dutch war. She was no more willing than the Swedish foreign minister to risk war with Britain, but neither was she willing to permit either the League of Armed Neutrality or the Netherlands to become inconvenient obstacles to her effort to mediate between Britain and France (same, p. 375–380; De Madariaga, Armed Neutrality of 1780Isabel de Madariaga, Britain, Russia and the Armed Neutrality of 1780, New Haven, 1962., p. 309–311; first letter to the president of Congress, 23 June, below).


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 29 March 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Duplicate
Sir
Leyden March 29th. 1781

It is of Importance to the People of America to observe how much lighter their own Burthens are than those of their Enemies, and for this Reason, I have every Year since I have been in Europe taken Notice of the new Taxes laid annually in Perpetuity upon the People of Great Britain by Parliament, in Support of Tyranny, in addition to all former Debts and Taxes. One sixth Part of the new Taxes of this Year, would be more than sufficient to pay the Interest of the whole Sum which America will this Year expend in Support of Liberty.

The new Taxes consist in an additional duty of five per Cent upon all Articles subject to the duty of Excise, except Malt, Soap and Candles and green Leather, valued at
150,000
£ Sterlg.

Seven per Cent upon the Drawbacks at the Custom house.
167,000

 role="text"an additional Duty of one Penny three farthings upon each Pound of Tobacco
61,000

a Duty of an half penny upon each Pound of Sugar
326,000

704,000

The Interest of the new Loan is said to amount only to
660,000

which leaves a Surplus of
44,000

There cannot be a more striking Contrast than that between the Conduct of Lord North and Mr. Neckar. The abilities of the former as a Financier consist wholly in laying on new Taxes without End: those of the other lie in finding Resources for vast Expences without laying any new Burthens on the People. Mr. Neckar is laying a foundation for a Credit in France as solid as that of Great Britain, by stating to the Public, the Expences and Revenues. This is the only solid Foundation of public Credit. America will never obtain a Credit of any Consequence in Europe, until She has a Credit at Home. It is demonstrable that the People of America are able to lend to Congress every Year, more than Money enough to carry on the War and pay all Expences. What is the Reason they do not? The Reasons are plain: first, they have not known that the public Money was expended by any fixed Rule, so that they could judge how much it amounted to: secondly, they did not see any certain Prospect of the punctual Payment of Interest or Principal at a fixed Value. All the Art of financieering in America lies in ascertaining with precision, by a fixed Standard, how much our Expences are: next ascertaining what our Income is: thirdly, how much must be borrowed: fourthly, how to assure the Payment of Interest and Principal.
If Taxes could be laid by Congress upon Exports and Imports, and upon the Consumption of Articles of Luxury, Convenience and Necessity as they are in Europe, America would be able to raise more every Year in Taxes, than She has ever Spent in one Year. Nay We might oblige Foreigners to pay all the Expences of the War, and establish a Credit much more solid than that of Great Britain, because We have not such a debt to begin with. But without recurring to this System, which might injure our Commerce as well as our Liberties, it is unquestionably owing entirely to Regulations of Prices, Embargoes, and stamping an arbitrary Value upon what had no Value, that has hitherto ruined our Credit. But when all these Systems shall be totally abolished in the several States, and Measures shall be taken to lay annual Taxes of a certain Value, and those Taxes mortgaged for the Payment of Interest, there is not a doubt but every State may obtain Credit enough for the Necessities of its Inhabitants.

I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant
John Adams


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 30 March 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

The Hague, 30 March 1781

I have received the honor of your letter of the 27th and am indebted to you for your obliging intentions which prompted you to write me.
I have not been able to see anyone to find out what is going on because no one has been in and also because I have been indisposed for the past two days. I will go out this evening to try to learn something.
If you go to Amsterdam, have the kindness, sir, to inform me of your departure date, and the length of time that you will be absent from Leyden. It is a necessary precaution these days, since some event may present itself that I must come to tell you of at Leyden and for which I would not like to make a useless trip.
When you write to me through the post, it is only necessary to write my name on the address because everyone knows it. But if the letter is carried by boat, it is good to add chez Made. la Veuve Loder. Otherwise the letters risk being lost.

They are currently building ships of war for the Admiralty of Amsterdam in private shipyards. A shipbuilder in Zaandam offered to build six. I am with great respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 2 April 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Monsieur

2e Avril, 1781

Vous voudrez bien avoir la bonté de joindre le Postcrit ci joint à ma derniere Lettre pour le Congrès.
Deux personnages, sur lesquels je puis me fier, m’ont promis de s’informer touchant le sort de votre Meme. à L. H. P. Mr. Visser croit qu’il a été remis par le Président au Committé secret de L. H. P., qui est toujours compose des premiers Députés des provinces respectives. Si vous êtes à Leide, je pourrai bien y faire un tour pour vous faire une visite à la fin de cette semaine.
Je suis avec un très-grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur

Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 2 April 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Sir

2 April 1781

Could you kindly attach the enclosed postscript to my last letter for Congress.
Two people, whom I can trust, have promised to keep me informed of the fate of your memorial to the High Mightinesses. Mr. Visscher believes that it was given by the president to the secret committee of the High Mightinesses, which is always composed of the first deputies of each province. If you are at Leyden, I could visit you at the end of this week.
I am with very great respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 3 April 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Honourd Sir
Amsterdam 3 April 1781

May it please Yoúr Excellency; to receive with the assúrance of oúr most respectfúll regard, the compliments of Mr. Ch. H Themmen of Groninqúe, who charged ús there with in a Letter; and promises to procúre ús by his frend a packet for Yoúr Excellency, which Mr. Francis Dana from Paris charged ús to forward; whe shall comply there with the moment we receive it; it hath been left as Mr. Themmen writes at Valenciennes, by a mistake, from whence he hath Claimed it, and refers to Mr. Hazlehúrst, who should in Short be here, for fúrther information.
We begg leave to remember to Yoúr Excellency the 7 Bills we had the honoúr to inclose last week, and though we have not received any Accoúnt aboút them, we can not persuade oúr Selfs they can have miscarried.
As to the Loan, we hope Yoúr Excellency won’t take it Amiss that we could not conclude úpon anything as yett; we observed already, that withoút the Captúre of St. Eústacia we should have placed the whole on some terms of different payments, we should even have sacrificed oúr Comission, we wish some happy event may bring ús soon so farr again for oúr undertakers wont come to Any proposalls at present; We found oút one however, who offerd to assist ús, and to dispose from time to time of as many obligations as he Could, with an allowance of 2 p Ct. butt he insisted úpon a Credit of a month for what he should take, even with the bonds in his hands, if it would remain a trifling matter, as it should be, in the beginning, we should not mention a word aboút it for would trúst it to him, bútt it would directly go higher then oúr Comission would Amoúnt to, this offer then we are obliged again to lay before yoúr Excellency for her Contemplation; we have a great prospect with this man of going farr if we could agree to such terms as would make it sufficiently his intrest, for he himself should take the half p Ct. brokerage and allow the 2 p Ct. to others he employd, for which reason he refúses to pay directly withoút Some other Complication, and be it even small there is always risk in giving credit. This we thought it our duty to acquaint Yoúr Excellency with; she may depend upon that oúr own glory will not permitt ús to leave any thing unattempted to obey her orders in the most effectúall manner as we have the honoúr to be most devotedly Honorable Sir Yoúr Excellencys most Obedient and most humble Servants

John de Neufville & Son


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 4 April 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Honourd Sir
Amsterdam 4th. Aprill 1781

The expection of the french Letters made it to late yesterday, so that oúr Letters reached to late even for the post, where for we múst begg Yoúr Excellencys pardon to have only forwarded the Same to day by the Way of Harlem, we receivd English Letters since, a great deal of good news seem to be in the papers both from the Continent and the East Indies. We think they make largely úpp for the boasted of afair of St. Eustacia; we have gott lately letters miscarried going to the Hagúe, so we begg yoúr Excellency to excúse oúr Caution not to extend on some particúlars, which were Comúnicated to ús, they relate to illúcidate some matters which alas we are to openly convinced of already; and by which means we may hope every thing will túrn well at last and to oúr Wishes.

We have the honoúr to be with the most devoted Esteem Honorable Sir Yoúr Excellencys most Obedient and most húmble Servants

John de Neufville & Son


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 6 April 1781
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

Sir
Amsterdam April 6. 1781

This Day the Skipper of a Trech Schuit, brought me, your Excellencys important Dispatches by Coll. Laurens. The Coll. delivered them to Mr. Dana at Paris, with perfect Propriety. Mr. Dana with equal Propriety delivered them to a Gentleman of Character, who undertook to deliver them at Amsterdam, but unfortunately forgot them at Valenciennes. From Valenciennes they travelled partly by Post, partly by the dilligence and partly by the Trech Schuits, that is the Barks which ply in this Country in the Canals, and by a Kind of Miracle arrived Safe. I had been apprized of them and their Misfortune, long before they reached me, and Suffered Torments enough on their Account, altho I took all the Precautions in my Power to recover them.
Their wonderfull Preservation affords some hopes, that they are destined to do good. Yet the Prospect is but distant.
I am very Sensible of the Honour done me by these fresh Instances of the Confidence of Congress, and most Sincerely wish it were in my Power to give any Encouragement of Success. But my Proposals for a Loan, although apparently well received by the Public, have as yet had no success, and I have no Power to discharge the Bills of Exchange, drawn upon Mr. Laurens and me and excepted, but from Mr. Franklin. The War has Struck Such a Damp and Gloom, excited So great a Fermentation, and so many apprehensions, of popular Commotions and many other dangers some real and some imaginary, that I think Still as I have constantly written to Congress, We shall find no private Credit, untill We are publickly received by the States and the Prince, and when that will be I know not. I fear it will be long, but shall soon try the Experiment. The Powers and Credentials are perfect, and Mr. Dana’s appointment to Russia will aid me, if any thing can. The delay of Spain is an obstruction to Us here and every where.
If one were to judge by the Paragraphs, which appear in the English Newspapers and in the Courier du Bas Rhin, one would think that there was a most malignant Spirit against Mr. Vanberkel, and the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, and a determination to Sacrifice him if possible. I rather think however that these Paragraphs are the Fabrication of some of the old Instruments of Sir Joseph Yorke—they are not most certainly the sense of this nation, in whose Estimation in General the Gentlemen of Amsterdam Stand high.
I will not dissemble however to Congress, the Councils of this People are the most inscrutable, of any I ever Saw. There is a Standing Army, and that is marched and cantoned about in new Places. This Army, and every civil officer, in publick Trust is Supposed, to have a decided Inclination to England, and against America, but especially against France. There are mutual Suspicions of Designs of Innovation, but I hope not well founded. All this together with the Novelty of War and the defenceless State of the Nation, intimidates every Body.
I have the Honour to be


Title: From John Adams to the Duc de La Vauguyon, 6 April 1781
From: Adams, John
To: La Vauguyon, Paul François de Quélen de Stuer de Causade, Duc de

Sir
Leyden April 6 1781

I have the Honour to acquaint your Excellency, that I have received from Congress a Commission, to their High Mightinesses with full Powers and Instructions to treat with their high mightinesses, concerning to conclude a Treaty of Amity and Commerce.
I have also received Letters of Credence as a Minister Plenipotentiary to their High Mightinesses, the states General, and to his Most Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, and have made all the Communication to both that is in my their high Mightinesses and to his most Serene Highness, that is in my Power, untill it is determined whether I shall be received or not.
By the 10 Article of the Treaty of Alliance, between the King and the United States
I do my self the Honour to communicate this to your Excellency for your Information, that if any Circumstances should occur, in which the United States may be of service to the common Cause, your Excellency may know where to apply, and that you may have an Opportunity of knowing the sentiments of his Majesty if you judge proper. I shall always be ready to concur with your Excellency whenever it is necessary or proper, that the United States should be made Parties, in any Transactions for the common Good. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect and Consideration, your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant


Title: To John Adams from John Bondfield, 6 April 1781
From: Bondfield, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Bordeaux 6 April 1781

Letters from Cadiz inform us of the arrival of a Vessel at that port from Baltimore she left the Bay the 16 february. The Capt. reports more than we can well Credit, that Arnold had made great distruction in the circuit he had taken which had rouzed the Virginians that a Body of Six Thousand Men had got betwixt him and his Shiping and they were in dayly expectation of his being Burgoign’d. The Americans had gaind a considerable advantage over the Enemy in So. Carolina, and that the affairs in general were in a flurishing State the New Emissions were Current without depreciation and the Royal Interest every where declined. The Ann and Luzern saild from Lorient the 27th. as did the Alliance and the Marquis de la fayet, the 29th. The safe arrival of the two last ships will give great satisfaction to the States the Marquis de la fayet having on Board all the Clothing provided by J. Williams consisting of eight Thousand Suits made up and cloth to make up 4000 more a quantity greatly short of that mentiond by Genl. Sulivan in his intercepted Letter which if it containd what realy the States expect so great a difficientcy will be a provoking disapointment.
We flatterd ourselves Holland would have created a divertion in the North Seas we do not find a single Ship yet at Sea. Letters from Madrid of the 30th. mention the appearance of the Spanish Fleet off Cadiz. Spain has not force to oppose to the Fleet under Darby who will enter Gibraltar without Oppossien. The french Fleet from Brest Saild the 23 of course only a day After the English Fleet left Silly a rencontre of them Fleets is not improbable. With respect I have the Honor to be Sir your very hbb Serv

John Bondfield


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 7 April 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Passy, April 7. 1781

Among the late intercepted Letters from London, is one from the Army Agent there to the Traitor Arnold, by which it appears that his Bribe was 5000 £ Sterling, in Bills drawn on Harley & Drummond, who are the Contractors for furnishing the Army with Money. Inclos’d I send you a Copy of that Letter, and shall send you others by next Post.
The English Papers tell us, that you have succeeded in your Loan. Be so good as to inform me if it is true. It will give me great Pleasure. I obtain’d here, before Col. Laurens’s Arrival, a Promise of 6,000,000 for our Army, to which I hope his Sollicitations will make a considerable Addition. The Marquis de la Fayette sail’d the 27th. past, under Convoy of the Alliance, with a fair Wind, and a Cargo for the Publick, of Arms, Clothing, &c. valued at 1,000,000.
With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

B Franklin


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 8 April 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, Charles William Frederic

Sir
Leyden April 8 1781 Sunday Morning

I returned last night to Leyden, and would Set off this morning for the Hague, if particular Reasons did not oppose.

Having Something, a little interesting to communicate to you, I should be very much obliged to you, if you could come here to morrow morning. I should be glad of your answer this Evening, because if any thing makes it inconvenient to you to come here, I will go to the Hague, and be with you by Noon. It would be much better however for you to come here if you can.

Adieu.
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Sigourney, Ingraham, & Bromfield, 9 April 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Sigourney, Ingraham, & Bromfield (business)

Gentlemen
Leyden April 9th. 1781

I am engaged in some Affairs, which will oblige me to be absent from Amsterdam for some days if not for some Weeks, but when I return it will be necessary for me to have an House to put my Head in and Furniture, suitable for a Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to receive and entertain Company &c. not in the Style of Sir J. Y. of 80.000 Guilders a Year, but however decent enough for my Character in Europe to dine in, with a Republican Citizen.
Will You Gentlemen do me the favour to hire me an House and purchase me Furniture? You may get me the most suitable House You can find, and You need not hesitate at any Price less than 3.000 Guilders a Year. You will however use your Prudence in getting the best House that is to be had, at as cheap a Rate as may be.
As to Furniture, it will not be necessary to get every thing at once, but You must get the necessary Kitchen Furniture, Four Beds suitable for Gentlemen to lodge in, and two at least suitable for Servants. There must be Chairs Tables &c. for one large Room to receive Company, and Chairs and Tables for another Room to do Business. I shall want a prudent skillful Man Servant to take Care of the House, Kitchen and Cellar. If I could find a Man and his Wife, who would live in the Kitchen and be capable of taking the Care of every thing, it would be most agreable to me.
I beg your Answer as soon as possible. I will chearfully allow You what Commissions you please upon this Business, and I ask the favour of You to take this Trouble upon You, rather than Mr. De Neufville, who I suppose would oblige me, because You are better acquainted with American Ideas.

Mr. De Neufville, or the House of Horneca, Fitzeau & Co. will I presume furnish You the Money, or I will send it to You as You choose—the sooner the better. If it does not agree with your affairs to undertake this Business, I should be obliged to You to let me know immediately, that I may desire some other to do it.
I am Gentlemen with Esteem and Respect, your Friend & Hble Servant.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 10 April 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Leyden April 10th. 1781

Relying on your Virtues of and Graces of Faith and Hope, I accepted SSix Bills to the Amount of ten thousand Pounds Sterling, drawn in favour of Mr. Tracy.
I have recieved Advice from Congress of more Bills drawn upon me: when they arrive and are presented, I must write You concerning them and desire You to enable me to discharge them: for I am sorry to be obliged to say, that although I have opened a Loan according to the best Plan I could, and the Plan and the Loan seems to be countenanced by the Public, yet there is little Money obtained, scarcely enough to defray the Expence of Obligations and Stamps; and it is daily more and more clear to me, that We shall never obtain a Loan here, until our Independence is acknowledged by the States— ’till then every Man seems to be afraid, that his having any thing to do in it, will be made a foundation of a criminal Process or a Provocation to the Resentment of the Mob.
The Time is very near when some of the Bills I accepted become payable. I must intreat your Excellency’s Answer to this as soon as convenient, and to point out to me whether You choose that the House of Fitzeau & Grand & Co. or any other should pay the Money. It is a most grievous Mortification to me to find that America has no Credit here, while England certainly still has so much; and to find that no Gentleman in public Life here dare return me a Visit, or answer me a Letter, even those who treated me when I first arrived here with great Politeness. I am entreated however to keep this secret; but have no Motive to secrete it from You. On the contrary You ought to know it.
I am told there will be great Alterations very soon, but I have seen by Experience, that no Man in this Country knows what will be in the morrow.
Let me ask the favour of You, Sir, to give my best Respects to Coll. Laurens and Mr. Franklin.
I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Sigourney, Ingraham, & Bromfield, 11 April 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Sigourney, Ingraham, & Bromfield (business)

Gentlemen
Leyden April 11th. 1781

I am this Moment favoured with your’s of the 10th. and thank You for the readiness with which You have undertaken to get me House as soon as may be.
I will add to the former Trouble if You please, that of procuring me a good Cook, male or female, I care not which, and two Men Servants: one that is capable of managing the Affairs of an House, and one for a Valet de Chambre and Footman: and also the Trouble of hiring me a genteel Carriage, a Light Coach of four Places with suitable Horses and Coachman, also Three Suits of Cloaths, one for the Coachman and one for each Man Servant: they must be Liveries, such as my Servants wore at Paris—deep blue Cloth Coat and Breeches, a Scarlet Cape on the Coat, and a Sleef turned up with Scarlet, and Scarlet Waistcoats—an Hat and Great Coat for each. I will leave it to You to agree for the Wages of these Servants: but it must be agreed with them to leave their Cloaths with me, as all others do in this Country, when they leave me.
Perhaps Madam Chabanel would give You any Advice or Information You want, or Mr. De Neufville.
I inclose two Receipts to serve for one for four hundred pounds Sterling, which I presume the House of Horneca Fitzeau & Co. will pay You upon Sight. In looking for an House, if a suitable one cannot be had for three thousand Guilders or under You may go higher.
I have determined to reside at Amsterdam, for the facility of transacting the Business of the Merchants who have Bills of Exchange upon me, and for the pleasure of seeing more of our Countrymen, than I could see in any other City and for the pleasure of some agreable Acquaintances I have formed at Amsterdam. But our Countrymen ought to be apprized that there is unhappily some difference of Sentiment between the Court at the Hague and the City of Amsterdam and that my residing at Amsterdam may be liable to Misrepresentationinterpretation, if the Motives of it are not understood.
I am Gentlemen with much Esteem your Friend & Hble Servt.


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 11 April 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Honourable Sir
Amsterdam the 911th. Aprill 1781

May we thank yoúr Excellency for her obliging favoúr, which brought ús the Bills accepted, that which Yoúr Excellency refers to ús; we will write to Doctr. Franklin aboút as yoúr Excellency directs, supposing it to be agreable so as to keep the parties by themselfs; We shall have again to join some gazettes to this; and for the moment we are happy to see that every thing seems to go well According to Circúmstances, bútt as for the Loan we are Sorry we still remain in the same situation, we wish some good Accoúnt may alter this matter also soon for the better.
With all Respectfúll Regard we have the honoúr to be, Honourable Sir Yoúr Excellencys most devoted obedient humble Servants

John de Neufville & Son


Title: From John Adams to Sigourney, Ingraham, & Bromfield, 13 April 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Sigourney, Ingraham, & Bromfield (business)

Gentlemen
Leyden April 13. 1781

It will be necessary for me to have, Tea Geer and Coffee Geer and Knives and Forks and Table Linnen.

I believe a dozen and half of Tea Cups and Saucers and as many Coffee Cups— as many Silver Tea Spoons, and an equal Number of larger Spoons —a Set of Table Cloths and Napkins—whether there is half a dozen Table Cloths or a Dozen I dont know in a set. Two dozens of Knives and Forks. I know not what the Cost of all these Things will be—all I can Say is that if the Cash you have is not enough more will be ready, upon your orders, at a minutes Warning. I wish you to be particularly carefull about the House—that it be in a good and pleasant Situation, that it be large roomly and handsome, fit for the Hotel des Etats Unis de L’Amerique. If it is necessary to go higher than three thousand Guilders a Year you may. Yet I should think that an House, quite Sufficient might be had for that, or less. It is possible that I may be obliged to remove from this House, to another City and so to pay double Rent. But I should very chearfully pay double Rent, in such a Case, though I should regret leaving Amsterdam. And there is so much Uncertainty in Affairs, that I must expect to be subjected to Some unforeseen Losses and Expences of this sort. This is new Work to me, having never troubled my Head about the Furniture of Houses but you are much better Judges than I am and I request you to get me every Thing that you judge will be necessary, for me.
Your humble sert.
I mentioned in a former Letter, Furniture for one Room, I now add for another because it will be necessary to have two Rooms decently furnished, besides one for Business. And there must be Some Furniture in the Bed Chambers. I hope to Spend many agreable Hours with you and all other Americans in this Houseand that We shall consult, and Friends of America yours with EsteemAmerica, in this House and that We shall to consult many honesttogether Some honest Plans for the good of our Country.
With great Regard &c.


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 14 April 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
La Haie 14e. avril 1781

Quoique je n’aie encore vu personne, je prends néanmoins la plume, pour avoir l’honneur de vous dire, qu’après y avoir bien murement pensé depuis que nous nous sommes quittés, il me semble que vous ne pourrez vous passer, pour éviter tout blâme et inimitié, lorsque vous viendrez ici pour la démarche en question, de faire votre premiere visite chez M. l’A—— de F—— afin de lui donner connoissance verbale de votre derniere Commission et Lres. de Cr——, et de la nécessité indispensable où vous vous trouvez d’en donner connoissance directe et immediate à ceux à qui elles s’adressent. Ainsi, sans soumettre la démarche même et son détail essentiel à d’autre vue et détermination que la vôtre seule, vous conserverez l’amitié et les bons offices personnels (qu’il faut bien distinguer des Ministeriels, pour lesquels il faudroit un Ordre de sa Cour), que pourra vous rendre la seule personne qui soit dans le cas, pour le présent, de les avouer et témoigner hautement. Au lieu que l’omission de cette politesse diplomatique, et l’aveu froid qui s’ensuivroit immanquablement vis-à-vis de ceux ici, qui déferent de plus en plus aux avis de l’A——, qu’on n’a aucune connoissance de votre mission, &c. feroit sûrement un effet plus ou moins nuisible et mortifiant, en détruisant, ou du moins reculant pour longtemps, ce que nous voulons avancer. Voilà, Monsieur, ce que je crois devoir vous conseiller positivement, tant pour votre agrément personnel dans la suite, que pour le bien de la chose, comme une chose qui ne sauroit être d’aucune mauvaise conséquence, ni, ce que vous appellez a precedent.
On me mande de Paris: “Nous allons vous envoyer une Escadre au Texel. Elle sera bien commandée. Nous commençons à espérer, que les 5 Vx. de Ligne et les 2 m. hommes que nous envoyons au Cap, y arriveront avant Johnston, qui d’ailleurs n’est pas de force à se mesurer avec nos 5 Vx.
J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un très-grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur

Dumas


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 17 April 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Tuesday. 17 April. 1781

Mr. Adams’s Compliments to Mr. Van der Kemp and asks the favour of his Company this Evening at the golden Lyon, to Spend the Evening and Sup with a chosen few of honest Americans.


Title: To John Adams from the Duc de La Vauguyon, 17 April 1781
From: La Vauguyon, Paul François de Quélen de Stuer de Causade, Duc de
To: Adams, John

La Haye ce 17e. avril 1781

J’ay recu Monsieur La Lettre par laquelle vous m’informez que le Congres des etats unis de l’amerique septentrionale vous a revetu du Caractere de Son ministre plenipotentiair auprès des etats generaux des provinces unies. J’ignore Si vous vous proposez de presenter vos Lettres de créance a Leurs hautes puissances dans ce moment mais si telle est votre intention je desirerois bien avoir lhonneur de vous entretenir auparavant et vous communiquer des vues qui me paroissent interesser essentiellement La Cause Commune.
Soyez Bien persuadé je vous prie Monsieur de la verité des sentiments inviolables de la consideration tres distinguée avec Les quels j’ay Lhonneur d’etre Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

Le duc de La Vauguyon


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 17 April 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Hounoured Sir
Amsterdam 17 April 1781

We found out by the bring in that the Amsterdam Leyden and Utrecht Newspaper are all belonging to Your Excellency and have accordingly the honour to forward them; the English papers of yesterday went by the  this morning having unfortunately come to late yesterday for which we are to make many apologies for our Clerk that was charged with them; We suppose however that the Leyden paper will be superflouous now and beg your Excellencys orders about it.
Might we beg at the same time to be informed by Your Excellency whether Mr. Saml. Hillegas was yet treasurer of Congress in Jany. 1779 and whether Loan Certificates signed by him under that date be of value. We should be extreemly obliged to your Excellency for that intelligence being asked about it and not willing to assure any thing we are not absolutely Certain off.
We have the honour to be with great respect Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient & Very humble Servants

John de Neufville Son

Many people inquire about the time of Your Excellencys coming in town. May we give them and entertain some hopes of its being soon? Our french letters being just come in We find that a Vessel has arrived at Cadiz from Marylnd which she left 10 feby with the report that 6 or 7000 Virginians had assembled between Arnold and his shipping and that they were in the greatest Ardor to fight that traitor; May we trouble your Excellency with the inclosed.


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 18 April 1781
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

LeydenApril 18th. 1781

I feel myself happy that Congress have made it my duty to consult your Excellency upon the Mission with which they have charged me for the Court of Petersburgh. To this end I have already laid before you, all the papers which I have received from Congress, any way relating to it, and also my correspondence with his Excellency the Comte De Vergennes, and Dr. Franklin upon the same subject, as well as my letters to the President of Congress from the time I received this Commission. From all these your Excellency will be fully instructed in the several matters on which I wish to have your advice; but to bring some of them more immediately under your view, I beg leave to state the following questions.
Whether, all circumstances considered, your Excellency thinks it expedient for me to proceed to Petersburgh in the character of a private Citizen of the United States only, and to wait there for a favourable moment to announce my publick Character?
Or, Whether, previous to my going in such a character, you judge it expedient for me to communicate my design to Prince Gallitzin, the Russian Ambassador at the Hague (secreting from him at the same time, my publick Character) and to take his opinion thereon; according to the intimation given to me by the Comte De Vergennes, at our conference?
Whether it is adviseable to communicate my real Character to the Court of Petersburgh, and to ask their permission before I undertake the journey?
Whether, in case you think it adviseable for me to proceed to Petersburgh, in a private character only, without further communications to any one, You conceive it to be the Intention of Congress, that I shou’d present their resolutions relative to the rights of Neutral Vessels, to the Court of Petersburgh on my arrival there, or whether this is left to my discretion, to be regulated by the then State of Affairs at that Court?
Your Excellency will readily perceive the propriety of my writing to you on this business, altho’ we have already had a conference upon it, and of my requesting your sentiments in writing also.
I shall be happy to make a more particular Communication of my own sentiments and views, in further conversation, if you think it needful, before you give me yours.

I am with the greatest Respect and Esteem your Excellency, most obedient and most humble Servant

FRA DANA


Title: From John Adams to Francis Dana, 18 April 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Dana, Francis

Dear Sir
Leyden April 18. 1781

I am at no Loss, what Advice to give you, in answer to the Questions in your letter of this day, because they relate to a Subject, on which I have long reflected, and have formed an opinion, as fully as my Understanding is capable of.
I think then that it is necessary for you to prepare for a Journey to Petersbourg without Loss of Time, that you travel in the Character of a Gentleman, without any distinction of public or private, as far as the Publication of your Appointment already made in France will admit.
I Should think it altogether improper to communicate your Design to the Prince de Gallitzin of travelling to Petersbourg as a private Gentleman, Secreting from him at the Same time your publick Character. It would expose you to Something very disagreable. The Prince would ask you, why you asked his Advice? when it is well known that private Gentlemen travel, without Molestation in every Country in Europe. Besides the Ambassador, I have reasons to believe, would not, give you any Advice, without Instructions from his Court, and this would require so much Time, that the most favourable Opportunity, which now presents itself would be lost. And after applying to the Prince, and being advised against the Journey or to postpone it for Instructions from Petersbourg, it would be less respectfull to go, than to go now, when the Circumstances of the Times are very favourable.
The Same Reasoning applies equally against Writing to Petersbourg beforehand. The best opportunity would be lost, and the Court would never encourage you to come untill they had determined to receive you, and you would have no Opportunity to assist the deliberations upon the subject, by throwing in any Light, by answering Objections or explaining the Views of Congress.
After your Arrival at Petersbourg, I should advise you, unless upon the Spot you discover Reasons against it, unknown to Us, at present, to communicate your Character and Mission to Count Panin, or the Minister of foreign Affairs in Confidence, asking his Advice, but at the Same time presenting him a Memorial ready prepared for the Empress. If he informs you, that it is best for you to reside there as a private Gentleman, or to travel for a Time into Sweeden or Denmark, or to return here to Holland, where I shall be happy to have your Company and Advice, take his Advice. The United States of America have nothing dishonourable to propose to any Court or Country. If the Wishes of Congress which are for the good of all Nations, as they apprehend, are not deemed by such Courts or Nations consistent with their Views or Interests, of which they are the Supreme Judges, they will candidly Say so, and there is no harm done. On the Contrary Congress will be applauded for their Candour and good Intentions.
You will make your Communication to the French Ambassador of Course, according to your Instruction.
This Method was taken by this Republick, in her Struggle with Spain, nay it was taken by the Republican Parliament in England and by Oliver Cromwell. It was taken by Switzerland and by Portugal in similar Cases with great success. Why it should be improper now I know not.
I conceive it to be the Intention of Congress that you should communicate their Resolutions relative to the Rights of neutral Vessels, and I am the more entirely of this Opinion, because I have already communicated those Resolutions to their High Mightinesses the states General and to their Excellencies, the Ministers of Russia, Denmark and Sweeden, at the Hague, in Pursuance of the Letters I had received from the President, and I should now think it improper in me, to Sign a Treaty according to those Resolutions if invited thereto, because it would be interfering with your department.
America, my dear Sir has been too long Silent in Europe. Her Cause is that of all Nations and all Men: and it needs nothing but to be explained to be approved. At least these are my Sentiments.
I have Reasons in my Mind, which were unknown to their Excellencies the Comte De Vergennes, and Mr. Franklin when You consulted them: Reasons which it is improper for me to explain at present. But the Reasons I have given appear to me conclusive. No Measure of Congress was ever taken in a more proper Time, or with more Wisdom, in my Opinion, than the Appointment of a Minister at the Hague and at Petersbourg. The Effects of it may not appear in Sudden and brillant Success: but the Time was exactly chosen and the happy fruits of it will appear in their Course.
Although I shall be personally a sufferer by your Appointment, yet I sincerely rejoice in it for the publick Good.
When our Ennemies have formed Alliances, with so many Princes in Germany and so many Savage nations against Us—When they are borrowing so much of the Wealth of Germany, Italy, Holland Switzerland, to be employed against Us, no wise Court or reasonable Man can blame Us, for proposing to form Relations with Countries whose Interest it is to befriend Us.
An Excess of Modesty and Reserve, is an Excess still. It was no dishonour to Us to propose a Treaty to France, nor for our Ministers to reside there more than a Year without being acknowledged. On the Contrary all wise Men applauded the Measure, and I am confident the World in general will now approve of an Application to the maritime Powers, although We should remain without a public Reception as long as our Ministers did in France and Spain; nay although We should be rejected.
In this Case Congress and their Constituents, will all be Satisfied. They will have neglected no Duty in their Power, and the World will then see the Power and Resources of three or four Millions of virtuous Men, inhabiting a fine Country, when contending for every Thing, which renders human Life worth Supporting. The United States will then fix a Medium, establish Taxes for the Payment of Interest, acquire the Confidence of their own Capitalists, and borrow Money at home, and when this is done they will find Capitalists abroad willing enough to adventure in their Funds.
With ardent Wishes for your Health, and Success, I have the Honour to be Dear sir, your Excellencys most obedient & most humble servant.

John Adams