Title: Thomas Northcote to John Adams, 23 Oct. 1786
From: Northcote, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Honourable Sir

              Cheney Walk Chelsea

              Octr. 23d. 1786

          I have supported the cause of America from the first of the
            dispute, because I thought it the cause of Mankind, of truth and liberty. If you peruse
            the Public Advertiser, you are a witness that I continue to defend the honour of
            Congress against the Loyalists, and to expose those Slavish principles which induced
            them to become traitors to their native country, and with equal baseness, sturdy
            beggars, and sycophants of the Crown, in this every-way plunder’d Nation. I have Sir,
            devoted my property, my time and strength to the former Colonies, at the time they were
            most in danger, and I stand forth to this hour, almost alone, to defend my own
            principles with their Conduct. I am turned of Sixty four, with many great infirmities,
            and am now reduced to my half pay (Sixty pounds a year) since the loss of my excellent
            friend Dr. Jebb, and the cruel desertion of me by the Duke
            of Richmond, who for some years gave me a small assistance, unworthy of his great
            dignity and fortune, and of his written acknowledgments of my talents and Services to
            the cause of freedom.
          Under these losses, I have unavoidably incured a debt within the
            last two years, of about Fifty pounds, chiefly for Lodgings, which I am utterly unable
            to pay. And being unfortunately unconnected with party, or Sect, I am, as to beneficial
            services, neglected by them all.
          I naturally in this Situation look up to the liberality of
            Congress, for whom I have long and zealously laboured.
          I want but little—And it appears to me that their honour is
            concerned to give me protection, when so many Refugees are, upon a wrong principle, so
            happily provided for here. It concerns them to prevent the destruction of their
            friend, and the friend of liberty, by the proscriptions of power and party, while their enemies and
            the tools of Despotism, are caressed and rewarded. If your Excellency would do me the
            honour to send a Copy of this Letter to Congress, with my small vollume of Tracts, and
            could in the mean time relieve my present exigencies, on their account, I flatter myself
            so humane an Action would reflect equal credit on both. Were I younger and in better
            health I would go to one of your middle States with my Small Income, and print a
            Collection of my numerous papers if properly encouraged. But I am too far advanced in
            years, and too much exhausted in strength and constitution, to have any other hope than
            a decent retirement at Bath, where I have some sincere friends, and both the waters and
            climate are friendly to me.
          If Sir, you approve of my Tracts, which Mr. Stockdale was so kind as to deliver, I shall beg it as a favour, that you
            will be pleased to send half a dozen of them to Congress by the first convenient
            opportunity, with my very humble respects, and warmest wishes for the prosperity of
            America. I have only Sir, to beg your excuse for the freedom of this plain address,
            which unmerited necessity urges me to make.
          I remain with all due respect / Your Excellency’s devoted humble
            Servant

              Thos. Northcote


Title: Benjamin Hichborn to John Adams, 24 Oct. 1786
From: Hichborn, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Boston

              24th Octr. 1786

          I have long intended to write to you, but the fear of giving you
            more trouble than Information, has hitherto prevented me—the present critical Situation
            of public Affairs, & the probable issue of them, so different from what is
            conceived by most of our Politicians, have at length overcome every other Consideration
            & I have now taken my pen to communicate a Sentiment which I must entreat of
            you, by every tie of honor & friendship, (let the Event, be what it may) that
            you, never will mention it as having come from me—After this grave Introduction I may
            venture to tell you that there is a first determination in the Minds of Men of y[thorn
              sign]e greatest Influence, to change the form of
            Government thro’ the Continent, & shoud the present convulsions in this State
            continue the Change will most assuredly take place in a very short time—you may wonder
            at my Confidence, but depend upon the prediction,—what form of Government will succeed
            the present I will not pretend absolutely to determine, but that a great change will
            happen soon, unless, contrary to all appearances & the uniform bias of the human
            Mind, the most violent civild Commotions which ever made thier appearance, shoud
            suddenly subside without any either hope or fear to produce the
            change—perhaps I am writing not a word of news to you, & I think it not
            improbable, at least I can say I hope so because I never wish to see the political wheel
            in motion unless you have some share in the direction of it, & I most ardently
            wish shoud any great Event take place I hope before it is complicated, that
            you will be on the Spot—you have friends & Confidants I know, & perhaps
            some of them, have wrote you on the same Subject; but I know some of your confidential Friends, have no Idea of the
            Subject—; shoud you incline to receive any further communications on this head, if you
            will honor me with a line by the Packet, I will without Reserve let you know everything
            that I may possess respecting it—you may observe Sir, that I use very little ceremony,
            & I think I know your Character too well to suppose it necessary—I have always
            wished for an opportunity of demonstrating the esteem & Confidence I feel
            & if possible to afford you a Satisfaction proportionate to y[thorn sign]e accidental injury I occassioned your feelings in suffering
            your letters to fall into y[thorn sign]e Enemies hands—I had
            determined to write you about two Years since to inform you of what I dare say no one
            else woud, which was that in case you returned to America, you without ye[thorn sign] least doubt have been chosen Governor—I suppose
            [were you] here at any time before our next Elect[ion] you woud have almost an unanimous
            vote—Bowdoin I believe will not be chosen & unless you shoud be here I suppose
            Hancock will—I write in a hurry that is scarcly decent, but as I do not write to
            recommend myself I hope it will be ye[thorn sign] more
            readily excused, The Vessel which carries this will sail in a few minutes—I beg leave to
            recommend my much esteemed Friend & Brother Mr
            Gardner (who is again in London with Mrs: Gardner) to your
            notice & shall acknowledge any civilities you may shew them as doubly done to
            myself—please present my respects to Mrs. Adams &
            believe me your undissembled / Friend

                B Hichborn

            NB I shoud not dare to write this but under cover to Mr. Gardner you may answer it if you please thro […] channel
              as letters [. . . ] from Persons in your Station are frequently [ . . .]—


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

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               October 27. 1786

          When the Ratification of Congress, of their Treaty with the King of
            Prussia, arrived here, the Term limited for the Exchange of it was near expiring. as a
            few Members of the States general, had discovered Uneasiness at my coming to London
            without going to the Hague to take Leave, it seemed a convenient Opportunity to go over
            and Shew them as much of the Respect they required, as remained in my Power. accordingly
            I went, and making the customary Visits to the President, Pensionary and Secretary,
            renewed the assurances of the Friendship, Esteem and Respect of the United States for
            their High Mightinesses and the Republic, and the Visit appeared to be kindly received.
            The Exchange of Ratifications was soon made with the Baron De Thulemeier who had time to
            transmit the Act of Congress to the great Prince, who first proposed the Treaty, Some
            days before he expired. The Ratification under the Signiture of Frederic the great is
            here inclosed.
          At the Same time, Sir, you will receive so much of the substance of
            a Treaty of Commerce, between France and England, as the Ministry have thought fit to
            publish. This is So great an Event. and must have Consequences so extensive, that I feel
            myself incapable of forming any Judgment of it upon the whole. Every Treaty of Commerce
            between these nations, for three hundred Years, has been found beneficial to France and
            hurtful to England.
          But at present, this Nation is very Sanguine, the Advantage will be
            theirs. They boast of the Superiour skill of their Manufacturers the Superlative
            Excellence of their Manufactures; the Multitude of Inventions and Machines peculiar to
            themselves, by which Time and Labor is Saved, and Productions Sold cheaper than in any
            other Country. A Markett like France, where five and Twenty Millions of People have
            occasion for English Fabricks must be a valuable acquisition. Commercial Connections by
            softening Prejudices, may lessen the Disposition to War. and a Friendship, even an
            Alliance with France, would enable the two nations to govern the World. This is at
            present the style of Conversation, and the Treaty appears to be popular.
          France and England, are both endeavouring, at this moment to impose
            upon each other by professing Desires of Friendship which they never felt. The secret
            Motive of both is to impose upon the United States of America. The English imagine that
            by assuming an appearance of Friendship for France, they shall excite a Jealousy of
            France in America, and provoke Congress to break their Faith with her. The French, are
            in hopes that by putting on a shew of Familiarity with England they shall Stimulate
            Congress to make them Proposals of closer Connections. The whole at Bottom is
            a Farce of political Hypocrisy. The United states will continue Steadily, it is to be
            hoped, on the Reserve.
          England is now pursuing her Proposals of Treaties of Commerce with
            the Emperor, the Empress of Russia, with Denmark, and Portugal, and perhaps Spain.
            France and the Emperor took the only Way, to compell England to treat when they by their
            edicts prohibited British Manufactures. The United States must imitate the example, or
            they will never be attended to.
          The present Appearances of Friendship, are forced and fained. The
            time may not be far distant, however, when We may see a Combination of England and the
            House of Bourbon, against the United states. it is not in gloomy Moments,
              only but in the utmost Gaiety of Heart, I cannot get rid of the Persuasion
            that the fair Plant of Liberty in America must be watered in Blood. You have seen enough
            in Europe, to know that these melancholy forebodings are no chimaeras. There is such a
            Disposition, in the principal Powers who have Possessions in the Indies, that Our
            Country will find no other Resource, but to swear her Children on the holy Altar, to
            fight them all at once in defence of her Liberties.—It may have some tendency, to save
            Us from Such Extremities if We enter into Treaties with the two Empires, for these will
            soon be jealous of any Connection between France and England.
          The Chevalier De Pinto’s Courier is not yet returned from Lisbon
            with the Treaty. This worthy Minister makes frequent Apologies, on Account of the
            Absence of the Queen in the Country and the Unsettled state of the Court, but perhaps
            there may be difficulties, which he is not apprized of, or not inclined to mention.
          Mr Barclays Treaty with Morocco is not
            yet come to hand. Congress will I hope determine whether We are to send him or any other
            to Algiers, without more Money in his Hands. it would cost Us three or four thousand
            Pounds to send any one and unless he has Power to offer larger Presents he would only
            make matters worse.
          I hope our Country in every part of it, will cherish their Militia
            as the Apple of their Eyes, and put every Thing in as good a Posture of defence as
            possible, and keep as a constant Expectation of War. This is the best and most Serious
            Advice that can be given, by, Dear sir / your most obedient and most / humble servant

              John Adams


Title: Edward Augustus Holyoke to John Adams, 27 Oct. 1786
From: Holyoke, Edward Augustus
To: Adams, John

              Sir.

              Salem

              Octr. 27th. 1786.

          I have the Honour to inclose Your Excellency a Vote of the
            Massachusetts medical Society; by which You will percieve the grateful Sense they
            entertain of your Excellencys. Favours: and, in Compliance
            with their agreable Injunction, to return You the Thanks of the Society, for the fresh
            Instance of your Excellencys. Attention to their Interests,
            in forwarding the Extract from the Register of the Royal Academy of Surgery at Paris.
            Permit the Society Sir, still to hope for the Continuance of your Excellencys. good Offices, and Me the Honour to subscribe myself, with
            all possible Respect, / Your Excellencys. most obedient /
            & very humble Servant

              E. A. Holyoke


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

              Dr Sir

              New York

              27th: Octor.
                1786.

          The Revd. Doctor Provost is so obliging
            as to take Charge of this Letter together with other Dispatches which he will deliver to
            you.—
          This Gentleman being elected by the Convention of episcopal
            Congregations in this State, and having the most express Recommendations from that Body,
            as well as from a general Convention lately held at Wilmington, is going over to be
            consecrated a Bishop.—
          Permit me to introduce him to you as a Gentleman who merits and
            possesses the Esteem of all who know him. The liberal Attention you have shewn to the
            Requests of the Convention on these Subjects, has received their Thanks and
            Acknowledgments, and I am persuaded that the same Disposition will secure to my Friend,
            the Doctor, your Civilities and friendly Aid.—
          With great and sincere Esteem and Regard / I have the Honor to be /
              Dr Sir / Your most obt. and
            hble: Servt.

              John Jay—


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

              Dear Sir

              Paris

               Oct. 27. 1786.

          I formerly had the honour of mentioning to you the measures I had
            taken to have our commerce with this country put on a better footing; & you know
            the circumstances which had occasioned the articles of whale oil & tobacco to be
            first brought forward. latterly we got the committee, which had been established for
            this purpose, to take up the other articles, & on their report the king
            & council have come to the decisions explained in the inclosed letter from M. de
            Calonnes to me. the abandonment of revenues raised on articles of importation shews a friendly disposition. I have had thro
            this business a most zealous, & powerful auxiliary in the M. de la fayette, by
            whose activity it has been sooner and better done than I could otherwise possibly have
            expected. tho you are free to shew the inclosed letter as you please, I would wish it to
            be kept out of the public papers two or three months. I am Dear Sir your affectionate
            friend & servant

              Th: Jefferson


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink to John Adams, 27 Oct. 1786
From: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan
To: Adams, John

              Sir.

              Amsterdam

              27 Octobr[expansion sign] 1786.

          The premiums of the Loan were drawn before yesterday and we have
            the Pleasure to inform Your Excelly.of one of £1000 on your
              Ne. 1195. we congratulate you the more with it as we
            adviced you to take rather these than that of 5 fl: Intrest and it succeeds to our
            wishes.
          We present our respectfull compliments to Madam Adams and have the
            honor to be with great esteem / Sir /Your most Obed Servants

                Wilhem & Jan Willink

          Sir
          We had the pleasure of writing to Your Excellency to advice the
            premium on your fortunate No. whch. copy above we refer to. being without your esteemed favors we have the honor
            to be with true esteem / Sir / Your Excellency’s Most / Obedt. & Hume servants

              Wilhem & Jan Willink


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst to John Adams, 27 Oct. 1786
From: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan
To: Adams, John

              Amsterdam

               27th. October 1786

          We have the Honor to acquaint Your Excellency, that agreeable to
            the Conditions of the Loan of Two Millions raised for the United States, the Second
            Drawing of Premiums was effected the 25th. Instant to the
            Amount of Sixty Thousand Guilders; Which it is at the Option of the United States, to
            pay in New Bonds the 1st. February 1787 or in Specie Six
            Months after the Drawing. The first drawing was discharged in Money Primo Febry, and strongly impressed with the good Consequences a
            similar Mode of Payment for the succeeding Ones would have upon the Credit of the United
            States, especially as it would not now be from the Capital borrowed, We pressed the
            Commissioners of the Board of Treasury, to furnish us early their directions in what
            Mode these Premiums should be paid off, strongly advising the Money. Being without their
            Answer We beg leave to submit the Matter to Your Excellency and for your Government to
            inform you, We have now in hands belonging to the United States about ƒ170,000 — — Out
            of which we do not forsee any other Disposals than the Interest due next February
            ƒ80,000— —Your Excellency and Colonel Smith’s Salaries &c and such Drafts as you
            may expect from the Negotiators with the Barbary Powers, The Extent of which Your
            Excellency will compute; And if then You should judge the Affairs of the United States
            would admit a Specie Payment of the ƒ60,000— —Premiums; We are convinced Your
            Excellency, urged by the same Motives as ourselves, will immediately authorize us to
            advertise it.
          It appears to us by the Representation of the Honorable Congress of
              2nd: August, that it is intended this Object should be
            paid in Cash; And we flatter ourselves the new Revenue System so long and strongly
            recommended will pass; so as to enable the Treasury with ease to provide the f250.000 Interest that will be due next June.
          We are respectfully / Your Excellency’s / Most obedt. and very hble. servts.

              Wilhem & Jan Willink

              Nico. & Jacob van
                Staphorst.


Title: the Board of Treasury to John Adams, 31 Oct. 1786
From: Board of Treasury,Osgood, Samuel,Livingston, Walter,Lee, Arthur
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Board of Treasury

               October 31st: 1786.

          In your Letter of the 19th May last,
            you were pleased to inform us that you had already accepted Bills which had been drawn
            on you to a considerable amount by Mr. Barclay and Lamb, in
            consequence of the appropriation which had been made by Congress for forming Treaties
            with the Barbary Powers; but as we have no advice from you since that date we are at a
            loss to know whether the whole or what part of the appropriation has been drawn for on
            the Dutch Commissioners to the present day—The Accounts transmitted by those Gentlemen
            to the first of June last do not specify the particular disbursements for this object;
            but as far as we are able to form an Estimate from the Accounts transmitted, we presume
            that out of the various drafts you have made on them to the first of June last, 76.000
            Florins have been on Account of the Barbary Negociations—If this is the Case 114.000
            Florins remained after that day subject to the appropriation above mentioned.—
          The Embarrassments of the Government for want of a steady and
            operative system of Revenue are daily growing more distressing; and such commotions have
            of late prevailed in the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, that we cannot
            promise ourselves that the complexion of our Affairs, will soon change for a Better.
            Thus circumstanced it has not been in our power since the remittance of the last sum of
            144,000 Florins, through your hands to make any considerable remittance to the Dutch
            Commissioners— We wish therefore most anxiously that the whole of the Monies
            appropriated by Congress may not have been exhausted by an unsuccessfull attempt to form
            Treaties; as we are Extremely apprehensive that in this case there may not be sufficient
            funds in the Month of February next, in the hands of the Dutch Commissioners to enable
            them to discharge the Interest which will then be due; and it is not in our power to
            remit in season any Funds to make up a deficiency.—
          If therefore you can possibly avoid drawing out of the hands of
              Messrs: Willinks the whole of Monies which have been
            appropriated for the Barbary Treaties till the February Interest is discharged, we must
            request the favor of you to do it; and no time shall be lost on our Part in making such
            further remittances, as may complete any part of the sum of 200.000 Florins, which may
            have been applied towards the Payment of Interest—We are / with great Respect &
            Esteem / Sir / Your Obedt: Hume.
              Servts.

              Samuel Osgood

              Walter Livingston

              Arthur Lee


Title: the Marquis of Carmarthen to John Adams, 1 Nov. 1786
From: Carmarthen, the Marquis of
To: Adams, John

              Whitehall

              Novr. 1st. 1786.

          Lord Carmarthen presents his Compliments to Mr. Adams, and it is with the greatest Concern that he has the Honour to acquaint
            him with the melancholy News of the Death of Her Royal Highness the Princess Amelia, His
            Majesty’s Aunt, Yesterday Evening, between five and six o’Clock.


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 1 Nov. 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dr Sir

              New York

              1st: November 1786

          My last to you was dated 4th: Ult:
            since which I have been honored with yours of the 15th. July
            last, which was immediately communicated to Congress.—
          My Report on the Answer of the british Minister to your Memorial
            respecting our frontier Posts is under the Consideration of Congress. Your Ideas and
            mine on those Subjects very nearly correspond, and I sincerely wish that you may be
            enabled to accommodate every Difference between us and Britain, on the most liberal
            Principles of Justice and Candor. The Result of my Enquiries into the Conduct of the
            States relative to the Treaty is that there has not been a single Day since it took
            Effect on which it has not been violated in America by one or other of the States—and
            this Observation is equally just whether the Treaty be supposed to have taken Effect
            either at the Date or Exchange of the provisional Articles, or on the Day of the Date of
            the definitive Treaty, or of the Ratifications of it.—
          Our Affairs are in a very unpleasant Situation and Changes become
            necessary and in some little Degree probable. When Government either from Defects in its
            Construction or Administration, ceases to assert its Rights, or is too feeble to afford
            Security, inspire Confidence and overawe the ambitious and licentious, the best Citizens
            naturally grow uneasy and look to other Systems.—
          How far the Disorders of Massachusetts may extend or how they will
            terminate is problematical; nor is it possible to decide whether the People of Rhode
            Island will remain much longer obedient to the very extraordinary and exceptionable Laws
            passed for compelling them to embrace the Doctrine of the political Transubstantiation
            of Paper into Gold and Silver.—
          I suspect that our Posterity will read the History of our last four
            Years with much Regret.—
          I enclose for your Information a Pamphlet containing the Acts of
            the different States granting an Impost to Congress.—
          You will also find enclosed a Copy of an Act of Congress of 20th. and 21st. Ult. for raising an additional Number of Troops. This Measure
            was doubtless necessary, although the Difficulty of providing for the Expence of it, is
            a serious one. I flatter myself you will be able to obviate any improper Suspicions
            which the Minister may be led to entertain respecting the Object of this Force. I have
            pressed the Policy of deciding on my Report on the Infractions of the Treaty without
            Delay, that you may thence be furnished with conclusive Arguments against the
            Insinuations of those who may wish to infuse and support Opinions unfavorable to us on
            those Points.—
          The Newspapers herewith sent will give you Information in Detail of
            Indian Affairs, but they will not tell you what however is the Fact that our People have
            committed several unprovoked Acts of Violence against them. These Acts ought to have
            excited the Notice of Government and been punished in an exemplary Manner.—
          There is Reason to believe that the People of Vermont are in
            Correspondence with Canada. This Hint by calling your Attention to that Subject may
            possibly suggest Modes of Inquiry and further Discoveries on your Side of the Water.
            Some suppose that the eastern Insurgents are encouraged if not moved by Expectations
            from the same Quarter but this is as yet mere Suspicion.—
          I have left my Dispatches for Mr.
            Jefferson (which you will find under the same Cover with this) open for your Inspection.
            You will perceive that the Nature of them is such, as to render it expedient that they
            should be conveyed to him without Risque of Inspection. That Consideration induced me to
            decline sending them by the french Packet.—
          With great and sincere Esteem and Regard / I have the Honor to be /
              Dr Sir / Your most obt.
            & very hble: Servt.

              John Jay—


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 1 Nov. 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              New York

              1 Novr 1786

          Accept my thanks for your Letter mentioning the Marriage of your
            Daughter, and my cordial congratulations on that pleasing Event.—They who best know the
              Coll. speake of him as brave and honorable; and Strangers
            to the Lady draw the most favorable inferences from her Parentage, and from the
            attention and Example of a Mother whose Charater is very estimable.
          I sincerely wish my dear Friend that you had as much Reason to be
            pleased with your political as with your domestic Situation—The Sweets however of the
            latter, must greatly soften the asperity of the former; and when public cares and
            Considerations excite painful Emotions, you doubtless enjoy the Reflection that tho’
            Patriots seldom rest on Beds of Roses, yet that your private Pillow, like your
            Conscience, is free from Thorns.
          as it is not right that the public should be charged for the
            postage of Papers not interesting to them or their concerns; I inclose an order in your
            Favor on Joshua Johnson, for any Sum within six Guineas—Be so good as to take as much
            from him as will replace what you paid for the Postage of the Pamphlets &c.—
          I am Dear Sir / Your affectionate Friend & Servt

              John Jay—


Title: Rufus King to John Adams, 1 Nov. 1786
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir,

              New york

              1st. Novr. 1786

          I do myself the Honor of introducing to your civilities Doctor
            Provost, Chaplain to Congress and Rector of the Episcopal Church in this City—the Doctor
            goes to England for consecration as a Bishop. His very amiable private character, his
            exemplary conduct in his profession, & his firm attachment to the Freedom
            & Happiness of mankind, have very justly endeared him to his friends, &
            Countrymen—
          It would afford me the highest Honor & Pleasure, if this
            letter should pove a motive of the kindest attentions from you & your good
            family in his favor.
          In addition to the pleasure you must receive from an acquaintance
            with this most excellent man, you will thereby acquire the most certain information
            relative to the present & past condition of our Country.
          With perfect respect, I have the Honor to be Dr. Sir your Obedt. & /
            very Hble[expansion sign] servt.

              Rufus King


Title: Thomas Barclay to the American Peace Commissioners, 7 Nov. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: American Peace Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas,Adams, John

              Gentlemen.

              Madrid

               7th Novr. 1786.

          I wrote to you from Cadiz the 2nd. of
            last month, a Copy of which goes under the cover of this and the original, with the
            papers mentioned therein, will I hope be very soon deliver’d to you by Colonel
            Franks.—On my arrival here I had the pleasure of receiving Mr. Jefferson’s letter of the 26 Sepr informing me
            that for the present any farther attempts to arrange matters with the Barbary States are
            suspended. I had determin’d, as soon as I Shou’d know this to be the case, to embark for
            America; but the Season being so far advanced I Shall put off the voyage untill Spring,
            and hope to have the Satisfaction of taking your commands personnally before I go.
          Mr. Carmichael Communicated to me the
            whole of the letters which Mr. Lamb has written to him from
            the time of his first leaving Madrid, and on the perusal it Struck me that an interview
            with him might be attended with some desireable consequences, especially as he had on
            account of his health declin’d Mr. Carmichael’s request of
            coming to meet me at this place; If I had any doubts of the propriety of this measure
            they wou’d have been remov’d by Mr. Carmichael’s Opinion,
            and by the paragraph of a letter written by Mr. Jefferson to
              Mr. Carmichael the 22d. of
            August. I need not add that the objects which I have in view are to obtain as distinct
            an account as possible of what has been done, and of what may be done, and to give Mr. Lamb an opportunity of Settling his account—Tho’ I have a
            commission from Congress to Settle all their accounts in Europe, perhaps Mr. Lamb may not think that his engagements are included in
            this general Power, as He may not chuse to communicate with me freely without the
            permission of the Ministers, And therefore, if Mr. Jefferson
            approves of it, I wish He wou’d write a letter to Mr. Lamb
            mentioning to him as a confidential Servant of the Public to whom he may safely trust
            the particulars of our Situation, and give me such information as He will be sure to
            have faithfully deliver’d to Congress If I arrive safe in America. Mr. Jefferson will also, if he pleases, point out to Mr. Lamb how convenient the opportunity will be for an
            adjustment of the accounts, and if there is any ballance to be remitted by Mr. Lamb to Mr. Adams, I will give
            my best advice as to the mode in which it may be done with the greatest advantage and
            Security to the Public—
          If Mr. Jefferson writes to Mr. Lamb on this Subject, He will be so good as to inclose it
            to me with Such hints and instructions as he Shall judge proper, under cover to Mr. Carmichael—
          It will be some time before I can Set out on this journey, as I am
            charged with a letter to the King from the Emperor of Morocco, which by an appointment I
            am to deliver at the Escurial the 13st. The Count D’Espilly
            came to Town yesterday and to morrow I expect to See him as it is certainly in his power
            to give a good deal of information respecting the Barbary States.—Whatever I can collect
            shall be communicated to you, and I only add that I am clearly of opinion that this
            journey is not only proper but necessary.—
          I am with great respect, / Gentn; /
            Your most obedt. Servant

              Thos Barclay

   (Copy)


Title: Samuel Osgood to John Adams, 14 Nov. 1786
From: Osgood, Samuel
To: Adams, John

              Sir—

              New York

              Novr. 14th. 1786

          I have taken the Liberty to enclose to you several Papers relative
            to some private Business
           I have to request that you will take the Trouble to examine them,
            & if the Money can be obtained to receive it in Part of your Salary on Account
            of the united States; for which I shall be able to obtain Payment here
          I have written to Robert Barclay (who has the Accounts & a
            Power of Attorney from Mary Franklin to collect & receive the Money) to advise
            with you upon the Matter; & if he can obtain the Money to pay it to you.—
          The whole Amount is £1799. 6.3 in which it included a Sum of £140.,
            due to Daniel Bowne—If this can be obtained he requests you will be kind enough to
            receive it on the Principles before mentioned.—
          If there should be no Prospect of recovering any Part of it, which
            however I cannot suppose is the Case, I shall be much obliged to you for favoring me
            with your Opinion in this Respect; Or if any Thing farther is necessary to be done on my
            Part to facilitate the Settlement.—
          The Bearer of this Letter is John Franklin who, altho of the
            Society of Friends, was so warmly & zealously attached to the American Cause
            that the British in the Year 1780, took him up & after having confined him a
            considerable Time sent him out of New York—
          If he should stand in need of your Advice in any Matters, I beg
            Leave to recommend him to your friendly Notice.—
          Upon farther Consideration, I have omitted enclosing the Papers, as
              Mr. Barclay has them—
          I am with great Respect / Your Excellency’s / most obedient
            Servant

              Samuel Osgood


Title: Samuel Osgood to John Adams, 14 Nov. 1786
From: Osgood, Samuel
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir—

              New York

              Novr. 14th. 1786

          I have to acknowledge the Rect. of your
            Favor, which I should have answered sooner, had any Thing within the Compass of my
            Knowledge occurred, of sufficient Consequence to inform you of.—The present Secretary
            for foreign Affairs, I have no Doubt, keeps you well informed of all the political
            Occurances here.—
          But in a Government, where expedients only keep up its Existence;
            it is impossible to foresee what sudden & unexpected Changes may take Place—
          The federal Government seems to be as near a Crisis as it is
            possible for it to be—The State Governments are weak & Selfish enough; &
            they will of Course annihilate the first—Their stubborn Dignity will never permit a
            federal Government to exist—There are however a few Men in every State, who are very
            seriously impressed with the Idea, that without a proper federal Head, the Individual
            States must fall a Prey to themselves, or any Power that is disposed to injure them—with
            this Idea, they are thinking very seriously in what Manner to effect the most easy
            & natural Change of the present Form of the federal Government, to one more
            energetic; that will at the same Time create Respect, & secure
            properly, Life, Liberty & Property—It is therefore not uncommon to hear the
            Principles of Government started in common Conversation—Emperors, Kings, Stadholders,
            Governors General, with a Senate, or House of Lords, & House of Commons, are
            frequently the Topics of Conversation Many are for abolishing all the State Governments,
            & for establishing some Kind of general Government. but, I beleive very few
            agree in the general Principle; much less in the Details of such a Government.
          How to effect a Change is the Difficulty—The Confederation provides
            that Congress shall make the Alterations, & that they shall be adopted by the
            several Legislatures—Yet the Idea of a special Convention appointed by the States, to
            agree upon, & propose such Alterations as may appear necessary, seems to gain
            Ground—But the Danger is that neither Congress nor a Convention will do the Business—for
            the Situation of the United States, & of some of the particular States, is such,
            that an Army must be keept up—And the Probability is at present, that, that Army, will
            be seriously employed—And in Case of a civil War—The Men of Property will certainly
            attach themselves very closely to that Army; the final issue of which, it is feared,
            will be, that the Army will make the Government of the united States.—Many say already,
            any Change will be for the better—And are ready to Risque any Thing to effect it—The
            Disturbances in Massachusetts seem most likely to produce some very important Event. It
            is a little surprising to some, how they come to break out in such a Manner there—It is
            said that the Insurgents have two Objects in Veiw—One to reduce their State Debt,
            & those Securities given by the united States to Citizens of that State for
            their Services, or Monies loand, to their current Value in the Market—the other, to
            annihilate private Debts.—Perhaps this may be in Part true—And the greater Number may
            have nothing for them in Veiw but to remedy some supposed Greivances yet as it affords a
            fine Opportunity for the restless Enemies of this Country to sow Dissentions, we have
            too much Reason to beleive, that they are not only looking on as Spectators, but that
            they are industriously employed in disseminating Disaffection to the present Forms of
            Government—If these Enemies are british, or their old Adherents among us, which seems to
            be the Case, because they are traced from Hampshire & Berkshire, to Vermont,
            & from thence to Canada. If they are british, their Object must be something
            farther than mere Revenge—And that Object can be nothing short of establishing a
            monarchical Government in this Country, & placing some one of George’s Love on
            the Throne.—If this Object is worth to the british, from five to ten Millions Sterg. & they can advance the Money—they can &
            will effect it. Not by Force of Arms, for if they should come out openly against us we
            should fight again—But be assured, this Country is extremely poor, as well as
            extravagant—And I have no doubt but ten Millions artfully applied would secure nearly
            the whole Country.—That the british will, & do cherish all their old Adherents
            is not to be doubted—And that those Adherents never will be Americans, is a Principle
            founded in Nature—
          That the french will not be silent, unoperative Spectators in these
            Negociations, if they should happen, is most certainly to be expected—They wish to keep
            us Just where we are; or if a little more insignificant quite as well; they will
            therefore Veiw without Emotion any civil Commotions that tend to weaken us; But if there
            should be any Danger of the Scale’s preponderating in favor of any other foreign Power,
            they will act with their usual Address—
          The British Party is, & will be great—The french Party
            also—The genuine Americans few.—The Speculators numerous, who care not what the
            Government is, so that they can speculate upon & spunge it.
          Mr. Jay will probably have furnished
            you with the News Papers of this Country, which will contain much with Respect to the
            Hostile Disposition of the Indians—That the british instigate them to make Depredations
            on us, is very natural—But why they are reinforcing Canada, which by the public Papers
            appears to be the Case, is not so easy to determine.
          All Things are operating here to bring the Cincinnati into Vogue.—I
            cannot say, I think they are all for supporting Government; but they are for having
            Government—
          The Leader of the Insurgents in Massachusetts is entitled to the
            Ribbon & Eagle—He left the Army in the Fall of 1780 being then a Captain of good
            Reputation; his Name is Shays.—A Man without Education—But not without Abilities.—He is
            privately involved—which may be the Reason why he has adopted such violent Measures—It
            is generally supposed that he cannot Retreat.—
          As to the Situation of the Finances of the united States they can
            scarcely be in a worse Condition—As to making any farther Attempts to discharge any Part
            of the Principal or Interest of our Foreign Debt it is in vain—The thirteen States do
            not pay enough to keep the civil List together, which do not require more than one
            hundred thousand Dollars a Year.—I have enclosed you a Schedule which will give you a
            full View of the Requisitions of Congress—the Payments & Balances due.—
          I am Sir / with great Respect / Your most obedient Servant

              Samuel Osgood


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

              Gentlemen

              Escurial

               15th. Novr. 1786

          I came here a few days ago to deliver a Letter from the Emperor of
            Moracco to the King which I put into the Hands of the Count de Florida Blanca,
            acknowledging the Sense I had of his Attention & thanking him with great
            sincerity on the Part he had taken in our business at Moracco, He seemed very much
            pleased with our Success, and smiling replyed “Now that we have happily finished this
            Treaty we will see what we can do with others for you”. I am persuaded that this
            Minister is extreamly well disposed to serve our Country, & I doubt not but this
            Court will greatly strengthen our endeavors with the Barbary Powers. It is the decided
            opinion of the Count D’Espilly that nothing ought to be attempted with Algiers at
            present & that you should begin with the Porte; He proposes setting out for
            Africa some time hence & promises a continuation of his good Ofices—He remarked
            that if we could capture one Algerine Cruiser it would greatly facilitate a Treaty. But
            this mode of negotiating would I think prove more expensive than any other & it
            ought to be our last Resort. I am informed by a Letter from Mr. Chiappi of Mogadore that a Vessel is arrived there, the Master of which
            Reports that on his Passage from Lisbon he saw an Algerine Frigate of 40 Guns &
            four Xebecs & that the people who were on board one of them informed him they
            were going to cruise on the Coast of America, but I cannot give entire Credit to the
            Account as the Season of the Year is far advanced, & we have not heard that any
            of the Algerine Cruisers have passed the Strieghts of Gibralter, within which I hope the
            portuguese Squadron will keep them this may
            being all that may be expected from them. Tomorrow I shall return to Madrid
            & from thence to Alicante from whence I shall give you as clear an Account of
              Mr. Lambs situation as Circumstances will admit of. I
            believe there are some Effects belonging to the United States at Corunna worth looking
            after, it is some Years since in Consequence of a Letter from Mr. Morris I endeavoured to recover them—I shall take all the information I can
            of their Value & if it appears clearly that they are worth so much Attention I
            will return to France by that Place, if not, I shall go as soon as possible home by the
            shortest Rout. I am with Great Respect / Gentlemen / Your most obt. humble sert.

              Thos Barclay


Title: Elbridge Gerry to John Adams, 21 Nov. 1786
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

              My dear Friend

              Cambridge

              Novr 21. 1786

          I intended by this Conveyance to have sent You a History of the
            Times, but by various Engagements I am prevented from fulfilling my Wishes—Will You be
            so obliging as to send by one of your Domestics, the Letter to Mr Quin, & the other to the India House?—two such Enterprizes in one Year
            as to marry a Wife & purchase a Farm will I hope apologize a little While longer
            for my Delay in writing to You. I am now seated at Cambridge on the Farm formerly owned
            by Governor oliver, & hope to have many well relished Dishes of politics with
            You here, the present Commotion notwithstanding. Mrs Gerry
            is much obliged to You for so polite a sample of your Gallantry as is contained in Your
            Letter of Congratulation to me, & cordially joins in best Respects to Mrs Adams yourself, Colo &
              Mrs Smith—adeiu my dear sir for the present & be
            assured I am ever yours / sincerely

              E Gerry


Title: Beriah Norton to John Adams, 27 Nov. 1786
From: Norton, Beriah
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Oxford Street 393

              Nor. 27

          With the most respectfull deference purmit me to return your
            Excellency my most unfained thanks for your kind and generous assistence to my once more
            injoying that Valuable jual calld, liberty, and at the Same
            time to assure you that it is out of the power of language to express how much my mind
            is distresst on apperahending that you Sir have received such representation with
            respect to my Conduct as has a tendency of lessining my Character in the mind of that
            man which of all other on earth I wish it to stand fare, no man Can wist to Conduct
            themselves So as to desarve a fare Character more than my Self, nor no won more hurt in
            beliaving that any thing either real or supposed has taken place that has a tendency to
            enger it. I should have waited on you my Self if I thought the present State of my mind
            Could have supported me with decency to Converce with you, or your most Amiable Lady, I
            beg Sir that you will Susspend makeing up any opinion of my past Conduct till I may have
            the honor of Speaking with you in–person. I beg you will let me know by the Bearer when
            I may have Call on you So as to find you least ingaged in Company &
            that I may have your advise in Some matters of Consequence
          I remane your Excely most faithfull
            & most humr Sert,

              Beriah Norton


Title: John Adams to Rufus King, 29 Nov. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: King, Rufus

              Dr Sir—

              Grosvenor Square

              Nov 27 1786—

          The tumultuous Conduct of many People in New England which is
            mentioned in your obliging Letter of the 3d of October, does
            not I hope arise from any Competitions for the Government. If the People who wish for
            Hancock, or those who prefer Bowdoin, those who vote for Sullivan—or such as desire
            Langden, are Capable of exciting such kinds of Unhappiness
            Discontent, and Convulsions in order to keep out—or to get in one or Another
            it will portend a long Course of Unhappiness and never will be remedied by by making one
            or the other hereditary and that must produce hereditary Senates. But before the Body of
            the People Should be convinced of the Necessity of this, I Suppose they would go on
            pulling down the Governor-Senate, and Committing all to a Single House, for this is the
            Hobby horse of too many of Our People and too many of Our Clergy. According to this
            Calculation we may have half a Century of Anarchy to End at best in a limited Monarchy
            with an hereditary nobility—But I trust our People have Understandings to Comprehensive
            to Suffer the Present Disorders to proceed—
          Giving the Choice of Captains Lieutenants and Ensigns to the
            soldiers of the Militia in our Constitution was a Capital Mistake and the overthrow of
            every democratical Constitution heretofore has been Occationed by some such Little
            matter that nobody thought of much Importance at first.
          With much Esteem I am yours &c—


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

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              Nov. 30th 1786

          Your Favour of the fourth of october, I have had the Honour to
            receive, and have dispatched the Resolution inclosed in it to Paris to go from thence to
            Spain: but I hope Mr Lamb is already on his Passage for
            America.
          The Commotions in New England, will terminate in additional
            Strength to Government, and therefore they do not allarm me
          I have lately received from Lord Carmarthen officially
            the enclosed Treaty between France and England. Congress will be able to form a Judgment
            of it, with more Accuracy than I can pretend to.—There is no obvious particular in which
            it can be prejudicial to Us. at first it apeared to be popular here: at present there is
            Some appearance of opposition.
          There are no Symptoms of a more favourable Inclination to a Treaty
            with confederated America, although the Taxes have fallen short very considerably. Mr Pitt will be obliged to propose fresh Taxes and the People
            will bear them. For in this Country, the People Universally endeavour to
            reconcile themselves to their inevitable situation, and to encounter their Difficulties
            with Courage and Constancy. they know that the Interest of their public Debt must be
            paid, or they must be ruined: for nobody even here is profligate enough even to
            insinuate that public Faith and Credit is to be trampled under foot or trifled with.
          It is a Pity that every American could not be transported to Europe
            for a few Weeks, to take a View of the Taxes paid in France Spain Holland, and England;
            and see how the People live. it would soon reconcile them to their Situation, and make
            them ashamed to have ever uttered a Complaint. The just Complaints of the People of real
            Grievances ought never to be discouraged, and even their imaginary Grievances may be
            treated with too great severity: But when a Cry is sett up for the Abolition of Debts,
            equal Division of Property, and the Abolition of senates and Governors it is time for
            every honest Man to consider his situation. The People at large will be miserable Dupes
            indeed, if they indulge themselves in Slumbers, which may give scope to a few of the
            most worthless in society, in point of Morals as well as Property to render their Lives,
            Liberties, Religion Property and Characters insecure. The Laws alone can Secure any Man
            his own Body, Estate or Peace of Mind: and if these are Scorn’d in Gods name what is
            ever to be respected? What is there worth living for?
          Dr White & Dr Prevost &c are arrived at Falmouth but not yet come
            to Town: by them We expect more Letters.
          With great Respect I have the / Honour to be, Sir your most
            obedient and / most humble servant

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 30 Nov. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               Nov. 30th. 1786

          By Dr Gibbon a young Gentleman of
            Philadelphia whom I beg Leave introduce to you, I have the Honour to send you a few more
            Copies of the Prussian Treaty: and to inclose in this, a Resolution of Congress of
            september 26. annulling Mr Lambs Commission &
            Instructions. Mr Jay desires me to transmit it to him, and
            although I hope Mr Lamb is on his Passage to New York or
            already arrived there, it is proper to send it along to Mr
            Charmichael who will be so good as to convey it, if Mr Lamb
            should not be departed. The favour of transmitting it to him let me ask of you.
          You ask me in your last Letter my opinion who should be sent to
            exchange the Treaty with Morocco? I am content that either Mr Barclay or Mr Franks should go, or to leave it to
              Mr Barclay to go in Person or send Mr Franks as you shall judge best. But I wonder the Treaty has not arrived, to
            you.
          Dont be allarmed at the late Turbulence in New England, The
            Massachusetts assembly had in its Zeal to get the better of their Debt, laid on a Tax,
            rather heavier than the People could bear. but all will be well, and this Commotion will
            terminate in additional Strength to Government.
          With great and sincere Esteem, I have the / Honour to be, sir your
            most obedient and / humble servant

              John Adams


Title: Stephen Badger to John Adams, 30 Nov. 1786
From: Badger, Stephen
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Natick

              30th Novr: 1786—

          Although I have not been wholly unknown to you and it is possible
            that upon recollection you may have some remembrance of me, and notwithstanding your
            known friendship for the clergy of your native country and your disposition to afford
            any assistance in your power to those who may stand in need of it yet considering your
            public character, the high office you sustain and the magnitude and importance of those
            national objects which call for and in a great measure engross your attention, I should
            not have presumed to address your excellency in this manner on some comparatively little
            matters relating to myself & to my decent & comfortable subsistence
            during the remaining part of my journey through life, if it had not been proposed to me
            by Mr. Storer who is my
            worthy friend as well as yours and who by being
            treasurer of Harvard University and one of the commissioners of the New
            England company in London for the propagation of the gospel in N. England &
            parts adjacent in America & who I know has corresponded with you since your
            residence in Europe—I shall therefore without any further introduction and as briefly as
            possible give you a representation of my case & circumstances which occasion my
            giving you the trouble of this letter and also let you know what are my wishes in
            consequence of it & what assistance I have to request of you Sir, so far as it
            may be in your power to help me—In 1753 I gave up certain prospects which it was well
            known were far from being unfavorable and upon the votes of the commissioners in Boston
            and upon the Faith of their constituents who are the governor & company in
            London for the propagation of the gospel &c, consented to settle in this place
            as a christian minister, said commissioners being authorized by the express terms of
            their commission “on the behalf of the said company & their Successors to treat
            contract & agree with such ministers &c for such salaries wages
            allowances & recompences made given & paid or to be from time to time
            made given & paid to them & every of them for their labour pains
            & industry taken or to be taken by them & every of them in the duties
            & employments aforesaid &c & to content pay & satisfy
            all such contracts bargains & agreements & all salaries wages &
            allowances to such ministers &c as they shall so contract & agree with
            &c out of such mony &c as shall from time to time be sent consigned
            remitted or made over to unto the said commissrs.
            or any three of them out of England or any other the dominion of our now gracious
            sovereign King George the second his heirs & successors by the said company
            & their their successors unto New England aforesaid or any the parts adjacent in
            America aforesaid & also to do perform & execute all & every
            other act & acts matter & things whatsoever which shall or may any way
            tend or conduce to the promoting of the gospel of Christ unto and among said heathen
            natives” &c—In consequence of such delegated powers said commissrs. entred into a contract with me to pay me £25. Sterlg Pr Ann. upon my Settling
            & during my continuance in the ministry in this place, which Sum I regularly
              recd. as it became due before the American war and after
            its commencement, though less regularly until 1780, since which nothing has been
            transmitted to me, and we have lately had intelligence that in the month of June last
            the company by a large majority of Votes Resolved to transfer their correspondence to
            New Brunswick which some of the missionaries are informed of by Letter from the
            company’s secretary William Lane Esqr and that the grants that have been made to them
            since May 1779 (at which time there was a Resolve passed by the company “that they would
            pay no more draughts until peace order & good government were restored” which
            resolve they are told “had been confirmed by several subsequent courts)" were made from
            motives of bounty & compassion & that they did consider themselves as
            any longer bound in point of debt to any of their missionaries, but that nevertheless
            since that time from the same motives, of bounty & compassion they ordered one
            of them several sums and that at their last genl. court from
            the same motives ordered him (whose letter from Mr. Lane
            this is extracted from) a certain sum which he is told he is to consider as a final
            dissmission & after which he is never to expect any thing more from them”—As it
            appears by a letter from the honble. Richard Jackson Esqr to Isaac Smith Esqr dated 24th
            June last & lately recd. “that the question relating
            to the removal of their board of Commissrs. had for a long
            time been agitated in the company,” & as every arrival for several years past
            led me to apprehend & even to conclude that the company were at the eve of
            decision relating thereto, I did not make any kind of application on my own account,
            supposing it would be too late to have any effect, & supposing that the
            missionaries would be equally considered according to their respective stipends when the
            company should come to determination, but to my great mortification, I am totally
            disappointed, there being no account of any orders to the company, treasurer A. Champion
              Esqr. to pay any Sum to me although it could not but have
            been known that I had a place in the list of their missionaries and stand in as much
            need of being considered as any of them if not in more as I have continued in the
            service to the present time, not having conceived myself at liberty to quit it, in full
            expectation that my annual stipend would be transmitted to me in some way or other,
            & therefore have waited with patience & in silence for it. But I am now
            sensible that it was highly proper that I should have held up myself to their Veiw
            & remembrance and that I should have continued to do so either by letter or
            petition or both—and this is what I have now undertaken & have wrote to the
            governor Richard Jackson Esqr to Alexander Champion, Joseph Pace & Matthew
            Towgood Esqrs who are members of said Society with some of
            whom or with any other members that you shall have knowledge of, I shall be greatly
            obliged if you will confer on the subject of this letter—I have also addressed a
            petition representing to the company my regular introduction to the
            ministerial office to qualify myself for which more than one third part of the common
            period of human life had been taken up—my being actually employed in the service of the
            company by their commissioners as missionary to the indians here the greatest &
            best part of my life—my advanced age, being more than three score years old—the ill
            state of my health occasioned by the gravel the paroxisms of which have been greatly
            distressing to me—a great deal of sickness in my family—the destruction of my patrimony
            by the burning of Charlestown (my native place) by the brittish troops in 1775, which
            with unpaid rents & other debts to the amount of several hundred pounds are all
            irrecoverably lost—the impracticability of plucking myself up by the roots &
            transplanting myself elswhere at my time of life together with the failure of all my
            usual means of subsistence & praying for the extension of their bounty &
            compassion (to adopt their own language for the present & to answer the
            intention of my petition) & concluding with expressing my hopes that they would
            not turn me over to the cold charity of the world after having spent so large a part
              of my life & that the best of my life in their service
            &c—After my letters & petition were put into the post office, a
            gentleman lately from England gave intimations to several gentlemen in Boston that my
            character laboured with some of the members of the Society upon a report that I had
            instigated & encouraged the indians under my care to engage in the american
            military Service in opposing the measures of that were then taking by the
            brittish government against the now american States—to remove wh. calumny I have
            procured & sent a testimonial signed by the president & profssors of
            Harvard University & by Isaac Smith Ebenezer Storer, Thomas Russell &
            Moses Gill Esqrs all of whom are well known to you, &  which I doubt
            not will remove any unfavourable impressions with respect to that particular part of my
            conduct—to which testimonial Mr William Burgess who is a
            member of the Society & was in Boston a few weeks ago kindly offered to add
            & did actually add a certificate in my favour—The Governor of the company in a
            private letter to Isaac Smith Esqr, after mentioning their resolve in June last to
            transfer their correspondence, informs him that “this measure had been founded on the
            opinion of two iminent lawyers who thought that though natives of the United
            american States, born before the treaty of peace are individually capable of inheriting
            or purchasing & enjoying Lands within the Kingdom of Great Brittain, yet the
            rents of a real estate are not applicable to public purposes to foreign States—That his opinion as a lawyer differed from that of those
            Gentlemen though not altogether without doubt on a subject that was quite new; but that
            he was as well as Mr. Brand Hollis Mr. Towgood and two or three more strongly averse to the making any change until
            the decision of a proper court of Justice had determined the question—But that though
            the opinion of the two gentlemen consulted was not positive the question was carried
            against them by a large majority—that he had used his utmost endeavours in favour of the
            missionaries & had obtained such orders for payment as they had been able
            & which he hoped would remove their distresses:—But unhappily for me, I cannot
            find out that any grants have been made to me—I have therefore to request your
            Intercession influence & good offices in my behalf if you
              can possibly spare your time & mind from application to public
            & more important matters, and if considering your public character there will
            not be an impropriety in it—Query Are the indians Subjects of the united
              States american States? Are they not rather to be considered merely as
            natives & inhabitants of the american continent not subject to the
            jurisdiction of the descendants of any Europeans? And though I have recd. a consideration from the company by their Commissr., yet was it not ultimately for the benefit of the indian
            natives, & not on my own Acct. as I have been paid
            only for my Services performed to them—upon a review of what I have wrote I am ashamed
            of the length of it—it greatly exceeds what I expected—hope it will obtain an easy
            pardon from you, & that it will give you a clear View of what is of no small
            importance to me in my advanced age & infirm State of health and that you will
            give me leave to assure myself of being indebted to you for your attention &
            efforts in my behalf which as soon as known shall be gratefully acknowledged by / Yr Excellency’s most obedt.
            & / most humble Servt.

              Stepn: Badger


Title: Mercy Otis Warren to John Adams, Dec. 1786
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, John

              [To the same]

              Milton
               December 1786

          You Sir, have been so long absent from your native Country that you
            can scarecely realize its present situation; nor shall I attempt to give you an exact
            portrait thereof. Yet I will observe the imbecillity of human nature, is here exhibited
            in as strong a light at this period, as perhaps may be found in any page of history.
          Emancipated from a foreign yoke, the blessings of peace just
            restored upon honourable terms, with the liberty of forming our own governments, framing
            our own laws, choosing our own magistrates, and adopting manners the most favourable to
            freedom and happiness, yet sorry I am to say I fear we have not virtue sufficient to
            avail ourselves of these superior advantages.
          The glorious fabric which you and your compeers with so much labour
            and assiduity have successfully reared, may totter to the foundation before the civil
            feuds that have justly alarmed the Continent, and more particularly the Massachusetts
            are entirely quelled:
          In this Country, lately armed for opposition to regal despotism,
            there seems to be on the one side a boldness of spirit that sets at defiance all
            authority, governments and order, and on the other, not a secret wish only, but an open
            avowal of a necessity for drawing the reins of power much too tight for republicanism,
              or even for a wise and limited Monarchy. Perhaps America is in the
            predicament of an adventurous youth, who has disengaged himself from parental authority,
            before the period of maturity that might have taught him to make a proper use of his
            freedom. You have a friend here who equally criminates the conduct of both parties.
          The causes of the late western commotions may be easily
            investigated, but the consequences must be left to the hand of time. The Cincinnati who
            have been waiting a favourable tide to waft them on to the strong fortress of nobility,
            are manifestly elated by the present prospect. A large body of wealthy citizens are
            flattering themselves, that a strong aristocratic power is fast forming and connecting
            through this country, while the younger classes, more especially the professional
            characters, are crying loud for Monarchy and a standing army to support it.
          Time will make curious disclosures, and you Sir, may be astonished
            to find the incendiaries who have fomented the discontents among the miserable
            insurgents of the Massachusetts, in a class of men least suspected. These in order to
            skreen their own guilt, have secretly fabricated a vague report, and caused the
            malignant rumour to light for a moment on one of the most decided friends to the
            constitution, and to his country: a gentleman whose services have been distinguished,
            whose patriotism is unshaken, and his virtues unconquerable. His fortune has been
            diminished, himself and his family have personally and severely suffered in the public
            cause: he is now persecuted by the spirit of party, and too much neglected by some who
            ought from particular obligations to continue his friends. But he bears the reverse of popularity, and the misfortunes of life,
            with the dignity of conscious rectitude, and that philosophic calmness which is never
            the companion of insurgency, anarchy, or fraud.
          I have always thought epithets of this kind, when applied to such a
            character, too ridiculous for serious refutation: but to my surprize have lately found, that by a strange combination of
              parties, invidious to each other, and who have
            only united to depress a man of too much sincerity, uniformity, and independency of
            spirit, to subserve their designs, they have been so successful as in a few instances to
            injure Mr Warren in the opinion of some he highly
            esteems.
          The philosophical observers of human conduct, I believe are pretty generally convinced that it
            is not worth while for a wise man to
            make very great sacrifices for political liberty; and it is my opinion that from their
            wanton abuse of their best friends, and the manner in which they trifle with the prize,
            the people of America least of all deserve to enjoy it.
          But in all ages, mankind are governed, less by reason than opinion,
            the caprice of the day, or the impulse
            of a moment will blow them about as with a whirlwind, and bear them down the current of
            folly, until awakened by their misery. Virtue in the sublimest sense has an influence
            only on a chosen few—and in their breasts it often finds its own reward.
          Yet, perhaps after all America may emerge from its present
            cloud,—and a more favourable termination of the embarrassments that lie in the way of
            her honour and her freedom may take place, than we have reasons to apprehend from
            present appearance. In this hope I
            leave the field of politics, convinced that human happiness depends on too many
            contingencies, to suffer us to forget our weakness, and our entire dependence on a Being
            who holds the scale of Empire and of justice.
          Dependence is a word not very pleasing to an American ear: but
            though we have broken the yoke of Britain, and defied the potentates of the earth, we
            cannot expunge it from our vocabulary. What language is this to a man of the world,
            claiming independence to his nation: to a minister of state immersed in the deep systems
            of political refinement—negotiating with nations improved by arts, erudition, and
            experience: standing on the zenith of reputation, amidst the splendor of greatness, the
            glare of pomp, and mounted to the pinnacle of ambition!
          But when I address the Ambassador, I do not forget that I am
            writing to the philosopher, who is sensible of the precarious basis of national or
            personal greatness; who knows that one may again become dependent by causes unseen—and the other, obscure from fickleness of his fellow
            men. I think he has philosophy enough to contrast the rational simplicity and the quiet
            delights of his own little Villa at the foot of Penn’s Hill, with the briliancy of the
            birth night or the parade of office, and find the latter sink in the comparison when
            tried by the feelings of reason, and not by the rivalry of pride.
          Adieu, says your respectful friend

              M Warren.


Title: John Adams to Francois Adrian van der Kemp, 1 Dec. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, Francis Adrian

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               Decr 1. 1786

          I have received your Letter, and am much concerned to perceive your
            Apprehensions that Affairs might take an unfavourable Turn. The Questions you do me the
            Honour to propose to me, are very difficult to Answer. I have ever been Scrupulous of
            advising Strangers to emigrate to America. There are difficulties to be encountered in
            every Exchange of Country. Arising from the Climate Soil, Air, manner of Living
            &c, and Accidents may always happen.
          With the Sum of Money You mention, a Man and a Family may live in
            America: but it must be in a frugal manner—With a Taste for Rural Life, by the Purchase
            of a Farm, and diligent Attention to it, a Man might live very comfortably. You may have
            Views of Commerce, or other occupations, which may improve the Prospect.
          If a Number of Friendly Families were to remove together, they
            would mutually assist each other and make the risk less as well as Life more
            agreable.
          If you determine to go, I will give you Letters of Introduction
            with Pleasure, being with / Sincere Esteem and Regard, your Friend / and humble
              Servant

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicholas & Jacob van Staphorst, 1 Dec. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan

              Gentlemen

              Grosvenor square

               Decr. 1. 1786.

          I do myself the honour to inclose a Letter to you from the Board of
            Treasury, which I hope contains an answr. to the Question
            you put to me in your last Letter—
          But if it unfortunately should not resolve that difficulty, you
            must determine it according to your own Judgement, for the best Interest and Honour of
            the United States—I agree with you in opinion—, that it will be best to pay the
            Gratifications in Cash, and upon the whole taking all things into consideration, my
            advice is to do it,—with much esteem &c &c &c

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to Wilhem Willink, 1 Dec. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem

              Dr. Sir.

              Grosvenor square

              Decr. 1. 1786—

          I am much obliged to you for the information of my little peice of
            good fortune—I should be much obliged to you, if you would purchase me an Obligation to
            the Amount of it, and send it me, by some safe hand at your Leisure,—Be pleased to
            present my best Respects to your Lady, and to your Brother, & his Lady, Mrs. Adams & the rest of my family desire to join with
            me in expressing their Regards,
          I am

              J. A—


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 4 Dec. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir,

              Madrid

               4 Decr 1786.

          I wrote you this Day by a Courier going to Paris Inclosing You
            Copys of some letters written to You and Mr. Jefferson, and
            advising My Draught on You at Ten Days sight for Four hundred Pounds Sterling in Favor
            of Mess: Drouilheit and Company, which Please to honor and place to Account of the
            United states—
          I am Sir / Your Most Obed / Servant.

              Thos Barclay

            The Bill is of this Date


Title: the Marquis of Carmarthen to John Adams, 11 Dec. 1786
From: Carmarthen, the Marquis of
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Whitehall,

               Decr. 11th.
                1786.

          You will be pleased to recollect that, in the Month of May 1783,
              Mr. Hartley communicated to you, and the other
            Plenipotentiaries then residing at Paris, pursuant to the Instructions he had received,
            a Memorial from the Merchants trading to South Carolina and Georgia, representing their
            just Claims to an Indemnification for Debts due to them from the Creek and Cherokee
            Indians, for the Payment of which a Tract of Land on the Western Frontier of Georgia had
            been ceded to His Majesty in the Year 1773. I must also desire to recal to Your
            Recollection, that upon this Representation being made by Mr. Hartley, the American Plenipotentiaries, though they did not think themselves
            authorized to take Cognizance of the Affair, admitted the Justice of the Claim, and
            assured Mr. Hartley that they would transmit it to
            Congress.
          As Mr. Hartley, previous to the
            Conclusion of his Mission, received no Answer upon this Subject, I am under the
            Necessity of requesting You will inform me whether You are yet acquainted with the
            Determination of Congress relative to this Claim; and if not, that You will have the
            Goodness to take an early Opportunity of again representing the Case of these Sufferers,
            as highly deserving the Consideration of the United States, from whose Principles of
            Equity and Justice I cannot but hope the Memorialists will obtain all due Relief.
          I am, with great Truth and Regard, / Sir, / Your most obedient /
            humble Servant.

              Carmarthen.


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst to John Adams, 12 Dec. 1786
From: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan
To: Adams, John

              Amsterdam

               12 December 1786

          We are honored by your Excellency’s respected Favor of 1 Inst. with an Enclosure from the Board of Treasury of the
            United-States, whereof we transmit a Copy for Your Excellency’s Perusal and
            Government.
          In directing the Payment of the Premiums ƒ60,000.—to be effected in
            new Bonds, the Commissioners appear to have been apprehensive, they should not be able
            to provide timely for the February Interest. The State of their Cash with us at that
            Period, will depend upon the further Disposals your Excellency may make of the 80,000
            Dollars, to be holden for forming Treaties with the Barbary Powers; Of which Sum there
            still remains undrawn about ƒ120,000.—We request Your Excellency to inform us, whether
            this Amount will be fully employed for the Purpose intended and the Probability when it
            must be paid. If the whole should not be required for this specific Object, We would
            with Your Excellency’s Approbation, appropriate Part thereof to the Payment in Specie of
            the ƒ60,000— Premiums; being fully convinced such a measure would have the most
            beneficial Consequences upon the public Credit of America, and would operate very
            favorably upon any further Loans, Congress might be disposed to raise in this
            Country.
          We entreat Your Excellency’s Reply by return of the Mail, and have
            the Honor to subscribe ourselves very respectfully / Your Excellency’s / Most Obedient
            and very / humble Servants

              Wilhem & Jan Willink

              Nico. & Jacob van
                Staphorst


Title: John Jeffries to John Adams, 15 Dec. 1786
From: Jeffries, John
To: Adams, John

              May it please your Excellency

              London Margt St Cavend Square
               15 Decr 1786

          Encouraged by the high opinion I entertain of your personal
            character, and persuaded, that in the important publick one, which you now hold, you you
            will be actuated as much for the justice & honour, as you are by your wishes to
            promote any of her interests of America in general
          Permit me Sir, to address you in that honourable publick character,
            & claim your Excellency’s attention to the following facts, in which I am myself
            much interested & in which I conceive both the justice & honour of that
            particular state which was honoured by your birth; & which you have on so many
            important trusts represented & interested yourself in, are more peculiarly
            concerned, suffe me likewise to assure your Excellency, that having been honored by my
            birth, education & many years residence in the capital of the same State, I feel
            myself really interested in the rising honour & future welfare of it, I wish as
            far as may be within my humble walk of life, to promote its happiness, & more
            especially to avoid being the medium of its imputed violation of justice &
            breech of publick faith & honor
          The late Province, now State of Massachusetts are indebted to me
            for acknowledge professional services as Physician &c to the Provincial poor in
            the years 1774, & 1775 the Sum of £693.19.10 Lawful Money
          The numerous orders, vouchers & accounts which compose that
            debt, have been all examined, approved & reduced into three general Accounts, to
            that an acct which have been likewise approved & certified by the signatures of
            the then proper persons authorised to take cognizance, & approve &
            certify them accordingly
          I sent authenticated & attested copies of those three
            general accounts to Boston, & have for several years before the conclusion of
            the late unhappy war in America & more especially since the ratification of
            peace, been continually soliciting by my Attorney & Agent, payment of this
            debt
          After several years delays & referring it from time to
            time, I have been lately informed by my Attorney that my demands had been referred to a
            committee of the General Assembly at Boston, who had determined that I should be allowed
            £150, as full payment of my demand, & that I should receive it in notes valued
            about 37 or 38£ & that I was to receive this as full satisfaction of my
            day—and—This I cannot consent to accept, I cannot but think the loss of the
            interest of the whole debt, for the 12 years it has now been acknowledgly due as much if
            not more than in justice to myself & Children I ought to consent to, or they can
            in honour expect from me—however that I am willing to submit to their consideration I
            had in the course of my discharging the duties of my office been obliged to Advance and
            pay upwards of £90 Sterlg for Meds needed for the publick use.
          I presented my Accounts for payment or a refusal with the causes
            assigned & certified—not for examination, as that had already been done at the
            proper time, & by the persons solely qualified & Authorised to do
            it.
          The Gent who have since taken up that business as examiners were
            not, nor could be in possession excepting the copies of the three general Accounts,
            above mentioned, (which had been already examined, approbated, & certified as
            such) of a single paper, or voucher necessary to give them information & to form
            their judgments
          I have in my possession the three original general Accounts,
            approbated, & the vouchers & authorities from which they were formed
            & by which they were approbated, all which are subject to your Excellency’s
            inspection if you should judge fit.
          I would also crave leave to inform your Excellency, of another
            circumstance respecting those Accounts, which although it should not be considered as a
            legal obligation, yet I cannot but think it a strong & unequivocal claim upon
            the honour of those concerned in it
          At the period when the first of my Accounts, became due, the new
            arrangements in the political & civil government were just introduced &
            taking place in that Province—as it was not designed to acknowledge the validity of the
            change by any deliberate act which implied it, and as my Accounts must, after they were
            approbated, have been presented to the Governor & Council for their warrant for
            payment, they at that time (altho examined & approbated) were for that reason
            suspended from being certified, & where eventually they were officially
            approbated & certified, it was with a stipulated enjunction, that I shoud not
            present them to the Govr & the Mandamus Council for
            payment, as that act would be considered as impliedly acknowledging their power in that
            appointment, to this injunction, although I at that time greatly needed the payment; I
            assented, & although, after that I was not only offered, but urged by the
            Secretary of the Province, to present them, with assurances that the Governor &
            Council would immediately order payment, I involiably kept my engagements made to the
            Gent. who had passed, approbated, and certified my Accounts, that I would not offer
            them, or suffer them to be acted on by the Mandamus Council, without their consent
          As it is wholly owing to this enjunction imposed on me, &
            my faithful observance of it, that I have been now so many years kept out of this debt,
            I am now obliged to solicit it, I cannot but think it, considering my conduct in the
            affair, a very undeserved hardship, in addition to the original injustice of it
          I would now respectfully crave your Excellencys opinion, advice
            & assistance in the business, & cannot but ardently wish you to believe,
            that at the same time that I acknowledge myself induced to to it by motives of private
            interest, I likewise feel myself interested in the future honour of that
              Province
            State But (illegible), of which I was once a happy member, and
            that I earnestly wish to avoid being obliged to detail the circumstances of this
            business, to the honourable the Commissioners of Claims of the American Loyalists,
            before whom I expect shortly to be sumoned, & thereby, however reluctantly,
            furnish them any information of facts which might operate, or even be construed to the
            prejudice of the justice or honour of America in general, & state of
            Massachusetts in particular.
          Permit me to add that I have urgent & important need of
            speedy payment, but that notwithstanding such urgency, I would cheerfully adjust
            & assent to such mode of payment, as may be most for the convenience &
            honour of those concerned in it. I have the honour to be with great respect for your
            Excellency’s important publick character, & repeated obligations to your private
            one,
          Your Excellency’s / much obliged / & most obedient humble
            Servant

              J. Jeffries


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 18 Dec. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan

              Gentn:

              Grosvr. square

              Decr. 18. 1786

          I have this moment the honor of your Letter the 12th. of Decr. I am not able to say
            what orders Congress may give about the farther disposition of the remaining part of the
            80.000 Dollars but I am of your opinion that the Treasury board directed the payment of
            the premiums in new Bonds from an apprehension they should not be able to provide timely
            for the february interest, I know of no probabilty of a further draught for the purpose
            of treating with the Barbary Powers. to any considerable ammount before next spring and
            therefore I must venture to approve of your proposal to appropriate, a part of it to the
            payment of the premiums, being fully of your opinion, that such a measure will have a
            benificial Consequences on the Credit of America
           I am &c

              J. A.


Title: Thomas Pownall to John Adams, 18 Dec. 1786
From: Pownall, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir.

              Decr 18/86

          I have often wished, since I came here into the Country, to fancy I
            could find a time when I might suppose you at leisure & Liberty having a few
            daies that you might pass in the Country. Christmass is a kind of Saturnalia when, for a
            week or ten daies, nothing but eating drinking & gambolling about is done in
            London I wish to seize this interval to claim a kind of promise You made me to come
            & pass a few daies with me & Mrs Pownall in
            our Country Retirement. & I will venture to ask the favor of You & Mrs Adams & Miss to do us the honor of coming this
            Christmass to us at Everton. We are but 49 miles from London, & about seven
            hours post—You can come between an early breakfast & dinner. In return for the
            pleasure You will do us we will endeavour to make the Christmass as pleasant to You as
            our house & neighbourhood will afford.
          The Earl of Scarb’rough, nephew to the late Sr George Saville, has been here with me & leaves me today: &
            hearing me say I wished his frank to You, desires me to give him my Letter, that by
            carrying it to You himself he might, without the Ceremony of a formal
            presentation, take an occassion of makng himself known to you & of knowing
            You.
          I will hope a favorable Answer & am Dr Sir / Yr most Obede /
            & most humble / Sert

              T Pownall

            My address is Govr Pownall Everton
              House near Biggleswade


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 20 Dec. 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

               Dec. 20. 1786.

          Colo. Franks will have the honor of
            delivering you the treaty with the emperor of Marocco, & all it’s appendages.
            you will perceive by mr[expansion sign] Barclay’s letters that it is not necessary that
            any body should go back to Marocco to exchange ratifications. he sais however that it
            will be necessary that Fennish receive some testimony that we approve the treaty; and
            as, by the acts of Congress, our signature is necessary to give validity to it, I have
            had duplicates of ratification prepared, which I have signed, & now send you. if
            you approve & sign them send one back to me to be forwarded to Fennish thro’
            mr[expansion sign] Carmichael. perhaps a joint letter should be written to Fennish; if
            you think so, be so good as to write & sign one & send it with the
            ratification & I will sign & forward it. the other ratification is to go
            to Congress. Colo. Franks wishes to proceed with the papers
            to that body. he should do it I think immediately, as mr[expansion sign] Jay in a letter
            to me of Oct. 26. says that Congress have heard thro’ the French Chargé des affaires
            that the treaty was signed, & they wonder they have not heard it from us.
          I inclose you a copy of a letter from mr[expansion sign] Lamb: by
            which you will perceive he does not propose to quit Alicant. I will forward the
            resolution of Congress to mr[expansion sign] Carmichael which was inclosed of yours
              of Nov. 30. to see if that will move him. as the turn of this resolution admits
            a construction that Congress may think our original appointment of him censurable, I
            have, as in justice I ought, in a letter to mr[expansion sign] Jay, taken on myself the
            blame of having proposed him to you, if any blame were due. I have inclosed him a copy
            of my letter to you of Sep. 24. 1785. mr[expansion sign] Barclay has proposed to go to
            Alicant to settle Lamb’s accounts, & has asked to be strengthened with our
            authority. if Lamb will obey the resolve of Congress it will be better to let him go
            & settle his account there. but if he will not go back, perhaps it might not be
            amiss for mr[expansion sign] Barclay to have instructions from us to require a
            settlement, those instructions to be used in that case only. if you think so, be so good
            as to write a joint letter & sent it to me. but this, if done at all, should be
            done immediately. how much money has Lamb drawn?—I have suggested to mr[expansion sign]
            Jay the expediency of putting the Barbary business into Carmichael’s hands, or sending
            some body from America, in consideration of our separate residence & our
            distance from the scene of negociation.
          I had seen, without alarm, accounts of the disturbances in the
            East. but mr[expansion sign] Jay’s letter on the subject had really affected me. however
            yours sets me to rights. I can never fear that things will go far wrong where common
            sense has fair play. I but just begin to use my pen a little with my right hand, but
            with pain. recommending myself therefore to the friendship of mrs[expansion sign] Adams
            I must conclude here with assurances of the sincere esteem of Dr Sir your friend and servant

              Th: Jefferson

            Should a mr[expansion sign] Maury of Virginia, but now a merchant
              of Liverpool, present himself to you, I recommend him to your notice as my old
              schoolfellow, and a man of the most solid integrity.