Title: John Adams to Joel Barlow, 4 Apr. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Barlow, Joel

              Sir.

              Grosvenor square

              April 4th. 1786—

          I am much obliged to you for your favour of December 12th. 1785, and for the oppertunity of reading the vision of
            Columbus a Poem of very great Merit—as soon as I had read it, I went out with it to my
            friend Dr. Price at Newington Green, and left it with him,
            together with your Letter to him
          The Doctor will do you every service in his Power & I will
            do what may be in mine.
          As the English is very little read in any Country of Europe, except
            England, a Poem in that Language will never, or at least for many years to come make any
            fortune in any part of the World except England & America,—
          In French, if it had the same merit it would sell to some degree
            every where—I hope that you & your friends Dwight, Trumbull and Humphreys will
            contribute with other causes to make our Language more generally studied—But this must
            be the work of time— There is not extant a Poem, written by any Englishman now living;
            that will bear any Comparison, with the Vision of Columbus, or the Conquest of
            Canaan—There is indeed no very eminent Poet on the stage—Sherriden, Anstey Mason,
            Hayley, Day & some others have written some things well. As Day & Hayley
            have been rather favourable to America, it may be proper to consult one of them—
          The Dedication to the King of France, will do it honour in that
            Kingdom but not in this—It is even questionable, whether it would not ruin the sale of
            it here where alone it can be sold at all, very few Copies will ever be disposed of in
            france, or any other part of Europe, at least for many years to come. You must consider
            that the public opinion here is very different from that in America—This Nation is
            & ever has been profoundly Ignorant of what has happened in America, and all the
            Channels of information are so stopped up by Influence & Power, that it is
            utterly impossible to convey the truth to their minds.
          There are some Expressions in the Vision of Columbus which would be
            adjudged libellous by any Court & Jury in the Kingdom. And the Attorney General,
            ex officio would think himself bound to prosecute the Printer & Publisher for
            Example in what you say of Adams, whether you mean John or Samuel, I know not: but as it
            is left doubtfull it will be here applyed to me, and as I am the public Minister from
            the U States here, if I were to be instrumental, or only accessory to the Publication of
            it for what I know it might produce a Declaration of War. “From all the tyrants
            guileful plotts the Veil he drew” I have taken the liberty to write guileful,
            instead of Tyrants, a Word that never has been tolerated in England They never dared
            even to publish the declaration of Independance without gutting it—The Poem must be
            revised by somebody who will determine what Corrections of this Sort are indispensable
            for no Printer will run the risk of a Pillory & Imprisonment for the sake of
            publishing a Poem that notwithstanding its beauty, harmony & Sublimity, too
            probably will have a dull sale. Neither America nor her Heroes nor her sages, are
            popular here. Much otherwise—The United States must encourage their own Poets, as well
            as Warriors—or they will be discouraged—All Europe is too Jealous of both to do this
            Duty for us—
          You may depend however upon every thing in my power to do, and when the Poem is
            printed, I will consult the Imperial Ambassadors here, to Know if a copy may be
            presented to each of their sovereigns, without offence. I shall be glad at any time to
            hear from you & am with great esteem / Yours

              J. A


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 5 Apr. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Madrid

              5 April 1786

          I Beg leave to Refer you to the Copy of what I wrote M. Jefferson
            today, to which I have nothing to Add relative to M. Lamb or Myself. The Accession of
            this Court to the Treaty with France Holland and Sweden seems highly probable, if a
            Judgement may be made from several Circumstances taken and Compared together, and the
            Consequences that are Drawn Here, are, that a Counter Treaty will be Formed by England,
            with some of the Northern powers
           I will write you before I leave Madrid, and when I get to Cadiz,
            In the mean time I remain, Most respectfully Dear Sir Your Most Obed serv.

              Thos Barclay


Title: Samuel Partridge to John Adams, 6 Apr. 1786
From: Partridge, Samuel
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Boston

              Aprl 6th. 1786

          I Suppose that Before this Comes to your hand, you will Receive
            some papers from Congress Reletive to goods taken from me And four others by
            order of Genl. How at the time that he Left this town, which
            I was indebted for to Lane son And Fraser in London, And it was takeing Away the means
            of Paying them. And thay Are this day A pushing me for Payment or Security by
            there Atturneys hear, which will Leave me in disagreable Circumstances, if this Money
            Cannot Be obtain’d, I am Sensable of your fealings for Such As Exerted themselves in
            bringing About the grate Event, Of Independance, I have ondly to Request that you will
            Make our Case your one So far as you Can, And favour Me With A few lines Adviseing of
            the Reception that our deman[d] Meats with, And you will grately oblige— / Sr: / Your Most obedd. Hume Sert

              Saml. Partridge

            PS. Shall be farther oblgd. of Your
              Appinon any Matter So far As may be Consistant


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 7 Apr. 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              New York

               7 Ap. 1786

          I lately sent you five or six copies of the last Edition of my
            Pamphlet. I then supposed it to be correct, but have since discovered in it the Errors
            mentioned in the inclosed note—be pleased to correct it accordingly.
          we are well tho not officially informed that all the States have
            granted the Impost to Congress, except new York, in whose Legislature there is a strong
            Party against it. You will think it strange, and yet so the Fact is that this Party has
            not a little been cherished by certain Gentlemen of Congress who were here last
            Autumn—
          Your Letters by the last Packet have been recd.–but I defer particulars to a private opportunity which I am told will soon
            offer—
          Yours very sincerely

              John Jay—

            255.513.402.129.255.217.371.189.489.290.43.401.217.201.204.446.
            409.350.243.513.206.401.630.353.241.242.482.501.180.194.619.
            592.143.82.418.642.82.409.561.409.407.338.380—

            Transcription of Cipher

          In my opinion a categorical answer to your memorial should not be
            prest without the further order of Congress.


Title: Mercy Otis Warren to John Adams, 8 Apr. 1786
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, John

              Sir–

              Milton

              April 8th 1786

          While in the silent watches of the Last night I was Contemplating
            the Viccissitudes of Life, the Fickleness of Mankind & the Instability of human
            Friendships—I determined to take up my Pen in the morning & inquire if it was
            possible that Mr Adams should never have directed one line
            to his friends at Milton since he held the Rank of Minister at the Court of Britain.
          I have been always Confident he is among the Last in the United
            States that would forsake so known, so tryed, & so uniform a Friend as he has on
            that pleasant Hill, which I Expect to Leave before long Even if Life is protracted—
          But while we were at Breakfast we had the pleasure of yours dated
            Dec 12th Confirming (what I sincerely wish may Ever be the
            Case, with those who have observed so well of their Country) that your situation is
            Eligible to the Height of your Wishes—
          Another Circumstance inducing me to interrupt you by this
            Conveyance was to forward the inclosed.
          The Reason of this address to the public you will see in the
            Exordium, & my Motive for puting it into your hand is to Corroborate what I
            [asserteed] in my Last, that the Gentleman whose signature you will there see, has not
            forsaken his Country, but his Country have forgoten him—and what is still more
            Extraordinary–He has not a political Friend Either in Braintree or Weymouth.
          If you or yours Can investigate the Cause of this Remarkable Change
            you can do more at a distance, than we who reside in the Neighbourhood are able to
            discover—
          Calihan is to sail on the Morrow so that you must Excuse but a
            short letter from me & perhaps none from Mr Warren—
            but be assureed the next oppertunity will Convey you the warm Expressions of a Friendly
            Heart, with the General Observations on political and Commercial affairs, of one who is
            invariably the same both in public and private life—
          Yours Came unaccompanyed with any thing Either from Mrs or Miss Adams though they are both much in arrears on the
            Epistolary [score]—But were my spirits in the usual key that would be no bar to my
            inclination to Cherish Every social Moment that Friendship may Claim. But
            while my mind is Clouded by the Recent pangs of Domestic sorrow, to which till of Late
            my Heart has been a stranger, it would be hardly kind to Call her from the Zenith of
            prosperity, & the full Enjoyment of all the Felicity that Honour affluance
            & Health Can give, to listen to the plaintive strains of Maternal tenderness,
            which daily pours its tears over the tomb of a most amiable son—
          My Charles is no more—my other Children Yet live—God Grant they may
            live above any dependance on a Cold ungratful World… prepare them Early like their
            Excellent Brothers to Enter in a state of Higher Perfection—
          To my dear Naby my best Love with the inclosed Momento from the
            Boston Gazette—
          With Every sentiment of Esteem Regard & / affection to Mrs Adams & Yourself / [subscribes] your Respectful
            Friend

              M Warren


Title: Samuel Williams to John Adams, 9 Apr. 1786
From: Williams, Samuel
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Cambridge in America,

               April 9. 1786—

          I wish to present to the Royal Society of London the memoirs of our
            American Academy of Arts and Sciences: and to convey to Manheim the inclosed packet of
            papers. As we have no direct conveyance from America, may I take the liberty to commit
            them to your care?
          It gives us much pleasure to have two of your Sons in this
            University. Both of them are young Gentlemen from whom their friends have the most
            encouraging hopes and prospects. The youngest is not yet under the mathematical and
            philosophical instruction. The eldest has been with us but a short time; and appears to
            engage with ardor in mathematical and philosophical studies. He can not do me a greater
            pleasure than to put it into my power to be of any service to him in this way.
          The public attention was much engaged the last winter, by Dr.
            Gordons proposals of publishing an history of the American Revolution. The idea of his
            leaving this country to publish his history in Great Britain occasioned an almost
            universal suspicion. He has met with very little encouragement here: And unless his
            history shall appear to be very impartial, it will be altogether disregarded in
            America.
          With due regards to your good Lady, and Daughter, I am, Sir, / Your
            most obedient, / and humble Servant

              Samuel Williams.


Title: James Bowdoin to John Adams, 10 Apr. 1786
From: Bowdoin, James
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Boston

              April 10th. 1786—

          I had the honour of writing to you in August last relative to the
            conduct of Captain Stanhope; and twice since on the subject of British Encroachments
            upon territory of the United States, adjoining the newly established Province of New
            Brunswick. I hope those Letters came to your hand.
          New complaints from our people in those parts have been received,
            particularly from the Inhabitants of Moose Island, situated on the Westerly side of
            Passamaquoddy bay: who by their petition declare, that Mr.
            Wier Sheriff of the County of Charlotte in that Province, has served writs on some of
            those Inhabitants; and threatened to come with an armed force, and carry them to the
            Goal at St. Andrews: and therefore they earnestly pray for
            protection.
          I laid their petition and a letter from Mr. James Avery, concerning the proceedings of the said Sheriff, before the
            General Court, accompanied with a Message on the subject: and to pacify the people the
            Secretary was directed to write them a Letter informing them, that every proper measure
            had been and would be taken, for procuring an amicable adjustment of this business. He
            has also been directed to procure from them a proper statement of the facts, duely
            authenticated by a Justice of the Peace. A copy of the said Petition, Letters and
            Message, is herewith enclosed.
          The Government of New Brunswick, as I am informed, extend that
            Province to the Schooduck, which is the most western river, that runs into the aforesaid
            bay, and has not been distinguished by the name of St.
            Croix: the Shire-town (St. Andrews) being on the east side
            of that river and bounded by it; and many other settlements upon it going on, to secure
            the posession.
          The Schooduck takes a turn to the northwest and west, and issues
            from ponds, as I am told, in the neighbourhood of Penobscot river; and will add a large
            territory to the said Province, in case it should extend to it.
          I have been told, that Mitchel’s Map governed the American and
            British Commissioners in settling the territorial line between the two nations: and as
            your excellency was one of them, you must know, whether the most western river, falling
            into the said bay, was the river intended by the treaty. By the information we have, the
            real St. Croix is the most eastern river, that falls into
            it; and which the indians also call Megacadava; but according to the said Map an
            intermediate river bears the name of St. Croix. If there be
            time for copying it, I will send you a copy of a plan of that Bay, and of the rivers
            running into it, so far as they have been surveyed by Rufus Putnam Esqr. who has been employed by a Committee of the General Court
            in Surveying and laying out Townships, in the eastern part of this State.
          We are making settlements on the west side of the Scooduck, within
            the Townships laid out by Mr. Putnam: several of which have
            been sold by the aforesaid Committee.
          With regard to Moose Island, which contains about 2000 acres, it is
            of importance in this view: that in case it should be determined to belong to Britain,
            we should be excluded the navigation of the bay, up to our settlements on the Scooduck:
            the passage between that Island and the western main being narrow and Shoal.
          I thought it needful your Excellency should be informed of the
            above mentioned facts: of which, as well as of the enclosed Papers, such use may be made
            as you shall think proper.
          The enclosed Paper, to which the Seal of the Commonwealth is
            annexed, will inform you of the unhappy situation of Alexander Gross of Truro in the
            County of Barnstable mariner, who in July 1777, saild from Boston in a Schooner in
              a Schooner to Demarara, and on his return was taken by a Liverpool Privateer;
            was forced into the British service; & afterwards, to gain his liberty, entered
            on board a british Sloop, which was soon after taken by a French Privateer. The Captain
            of the sloop ransomed her for 200 Guineas, persuading the said Gross to become a
            hostage; & promising to redeem him in a short time, by paying the ransom money.
            But he has never performed his promise: which occasioned the said Gross to be put in
            prison at Dunkirk; where he was in August last; & from whence it is wholly out
            of their power to redeem him.
          His friends have requested me to transmit the state of his case to
            your Excellency: which they earnestly pray you to lay before the French Ambassadour in
            London; humbly imploring his Excellency’s influence for effecting the liberation of the
            unhappy young man; and for restoring him to liberty, and to his disconsolate
            Parents.
          The revd. Dr. Gordon, by whom
            this Packet comes, will give you y[thorn sign]e State of
            American Politicks, general & local.
          I have the honour to be, with y[thorn sign]e. most perfect esteem, / sir, Yr Excy’s[expansion sign] most obedt: hble Servt.

              James Bowdoin

            On examination I find that Putnam’s Plan does not include y[thorn sign]e whole of Passamaquoddy Bay. It is therefore not sent.
            8 Papers enclosed herewith.


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

              Gentlemen

              Madrid

              10th.April 1786.

          The Day before yesterday Mr Carmichael received Letters from
            Algiers from Mr Lamb, dated the 29th. of last Month, and from Mr Randal the 26th. (which I think a wrong Date) with a Postscript from
            onboard a Vessel in the Bay of Alicant of the 1st. Inst.
            after a Passage of 26. [. . .]. He cannot come on shore without a Permission from Court
            to shorten his Quarantine, which Mr Carmichael has applied for, & probably Mr.
            Randal will soon be at Paris.
          Though Mr. Carmichael will write to you
            on this Subject and though I have no Information from Africa, but what I derive from
            him. I think it a Part of my Duty to give you the Outlines of what Intelligence I can
            collect though it should prove a work of Supererogation.
          Mr Lamb’s Letter is short & obscure nor do I understand the
            whole of it. However he says “no Peace can be made until Congress grant a larger Sum to
            pay for it, & that he will return to Spain to wait for [. . .].” Mr. Randal says the Dey of Algiers has refused to treat with
              Mr. Lamb without assigning any Reason for it. It does not
            appear by either Letter that Mr. Lamb has had any Audience
            of the Dey of Algiers: but I shall think it very strange if he returns to Europe without
            knowing on what Terms a Treaty may be made. And I find that to be the Case unless I have
            your Directions to the contrary I shall hold myself justifiable at the Expence of some
            Time & Money to attain this knowledge.
          The Removal of the Court, the Compliance with necessary forms
            & the Intervention of the Holy Week (during some Days of which I need not
            pretend to set forward) has detained me some Time longer than I expected, but the Delay
            can be of no Consequence, as the Count de Florida Blanca was so condescending as to
            apprize the Spanish Consul at Morocco of my being thus far on the Way, Indeed the
            Attention shewn here to the Business in which I am engaged far surpassed my warmest
            Expectations. It will give me great Pleasure to receive a Letter from you. If an
            Opportunity to Cadiz should offer please to put it under Cover to Messrs Lynon & Bellew of that Place who will take Care of
            it.
          I am with great Respect & Esteem / Gentlemen,
            &c.

            (signed) Thos
                Barclay

            I wish what I / put in Cypher may be / tolerably correct, not
              having / Time to examine it.


Title: Elbridge Gerry to John Adams, 12 Apr. 1786
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

              My dear Sir

              Boston

              12th April 1786

          A few Days since, I recd your Letter of
            the 13th of Decr last, without
            either of the Arrets therein referred to. from the Cover of the Letter, which is
            inclosed for your Inspection, I suspect it has been opened, previously to my receiving
            it; if so, I should be well pleased to know who the person is that is so very curious as
            to loose his Sense of Honor in this Matter.
          When I left New York, the Board of Treasury were seriously disposed
            to investigate minutely, y[thorn sign]e Expenditure of the
            foreign Loans, & I flatter myself, whatever has been wrong, will be rectified,
            or at least brot to Light.
          Virginia has proposed a Fœderal commercial Convention, &
            Massachusetts have appointed their Commissioners; should the other States accede to the
            Measure, I think some effectual plan will be adopted for putting our Commerce on a
            respectable Footing—
          the States appear likewise to be sensible they have long eno’
            trifled with public Credit, & to be disposed to ward of the impending Blow, by
            granting the Impost of supplementary trends. New York alone is opposed to the former,
            & will probably adopt it soon.
          What is the Issue of your Negotiations respecting the Interest of
            british Debts during the War? this is a more important Matter than I formerly supposed
            it, & the Idea of being subject to such a Demand, strikes the American Merchants
            thro’out the Continent so disagreably, that an Attempt to recover the Interest by a
            legal process, would I am apprehensive produce dangerous Convulsions in every State.
            indeed there would be too much Reason for them, for at the Time that the
              American Merchant is responsible for the principal of the british Debt
            & the Interest accruing since the War, and must either pay it, or be subject to
            Arrest, & Attachments, he cannot recover the principal of his Debtors inless he
            takes real Estate or public Securities, neither of which will his british Creditor take
            at their Value, nor even Specie, without an allowance of 6 ⅌ Ct for Loss on Bills of Exche.—indeed every State
            seems to be so impressed with the Injustice of allowing
            to the british Creditors, Interest under such Circumstances, & more especially
            as American Merchants cannot recover on their [Book] Debts Interest, that
              they
            States have almost universally expressed their Sense against such an
            allowance; but at the same Time all Eyes are turned to your Negotiations, & if
            the british Minister will not come into the propositions of Congress, it may be
            necessary in order to give Satisfaction to the Union, for you to hint to Congress what
            it will be best for them to adopt, to do Justice to your & their Constituents. I
            have Reason to expect some of your Competition are laying concealed, to make a Clamour
            against You, should your Measures not be satisfactory to our Merchants—pray give my best
            Respects to the Ladies & be assured I / am my dear sir Yours / sincerely

              E Gerry


Title: William Vaughan to John Adams, 12 Apr. 1786
From: Vaughan, William
To: Adams, John

              Wednesday Apr 12. 86.

          Mr WVaughan presents Compts to Mr.
            Adams is sorry a particular engagement will deprive him the pleasure of waiting on him
            on Tuesday the 18th: instt


Title: Samuel Adams to John Adams, 13 Apr. 1786
From: Adams, Samuel
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Boston

               April 13 1786—

          Doctor Gordon is to deliver you this Letter. He is going to the
            Land of his Nativity, wishing for the best Happiness of his own Country & ours
            and hoping that mutual Affection will be at length restored, as the only Means of the
            Prosperity of both. As he determines to spend the Remainder of his Days in the Country
            where he was born, what rational Man who considers the Ties of human Nature will wonder,
            if “Esto perpetua” is his most ardent Prayer for her?
            But the Attachments he has made here—his private Friendships and the Part he has taken
            in our publick Cause afford Reason to believe that his second Wish is for us. I am
            affraid however, that the Doctor builds too much upon the Hopes of the Return of mutual
            Affection; for Can this exist without Forgivness of Injury, and Can his Country ever
            cordially forgive ours whom she intended to injure so greatly? Her very Disappointment
            will perpetually irritate her own Feelings, and in Spite of Reason or Religion prevent
            her concieving a Sentiment of Friendship for us. And besides, she will never beleive
            that there is a Possibility that we can forgive her. We must therefore be content, at least for a great
            While to come, to live with her as a prudent Man will with one who indeed has professd a
            Friendship for him, but whose Sincerity he has Reason vehemently to suspect; guarding
            against Injury from him by making it his Interest to do as little as possible. This is
            an arduous Task our Country has committed to you. Trade is a Matter I have had so little
            to do with, that it is not in my Power to aid you in this more than in any one thing
            else.—May He who has endued you with a Strength of Understanding which your Country
            confides in afford you all that Light which is necessary for so great an
            Undertaking!
          The Child whom I led by the Hand
            with a particular Design, I find is now become a promising Youth. He brought me one of
            your Letters.—God bless the Lad! If I was instrumental at that Time of enkindling the
            Sparks of Patriotism in his tender Heart, it will add to my Consolation in the latest
            Hour.—Adieu my Friend. Mrs Adams desires your Lady &
            Family may be assured of her cordial Esteem & Love
          Believe that I am very affectionately / Your Friend / &
            humble Servant

              S Adams


Title: William Carmichael to the American Peace Commissioners, 13 Apr. 1786
From: Carmichael, William
To: American Peace Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas,Adams, John

              Gentlemen

              Madrid

              13th. April 1786

          I forward the inclosed Letter from Mr.
            Lamb for your Excellencies Information: That Gentleman has also written to me, But as I
            suppose he has given Mr. Jefferson a more ample &
            satisfactory Detail of the State of his Negotiation than I can comprehend from his
            Letter to me, I do not think it necessary to forward a Copy of it. Mr. Barclay to whom I have communicated all the Intelligence I
            have recieved on this Subject will write your Excellencies more explicitly than my
            Situation permits me to do. I cannot however refrain from remarking that either Congress
            must adopt other Methods than the present to make Peace or instantly determine to
            protect their Trade with the Southern Parts of Europe by a maritime Force.
          I have the Honor to be &c.

            (signed)W Carmichael


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 15 Apr. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Madrid

               15th. April 1786,

          Having finish’d my Business here very much to my satisfaction I
            intend to leave Madrid tomorrow. of this Date I have valued on you at Usance to the
            order of Mess. Etienne Druihlet & Co. for Two
            Hundred and Fifty Pounds sterling which please to honor and place to account of the
            United states.
          I am with great respect. / Sir / Your most obed / Humble
            Servant.

              Thos Barclay


Title: Daniel Denison Rogers to John Adams, 15 Apr. 1786
From: Rogers, Daniel Denison
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir,

              L’Orient

               15th. April 1786—

          As I had not an Opportunity of taking leave of you, previous to my
            leaving London, I now beg leave to tender you my warmest Thanks for the many Proofs of
            your Condescension and Politeness—in particular for your obliging, kind Advice—
          I have left a Post, which I defended to the last Moment in hopes of
            the Arrival of Succours—To have maintaind that Post any longer would have render’d my
            Retreat impracticable: and I despaird of the timely Arrival of Succours—my Presence can
            now be of no Consequence but in my own Country, and thither I am bound to assist in
            raising those Succours—These being the Facts, I submit to those whose Profession leads
            them to be, at least, as nice of their Honor as a Merchant, whether I ought to suffer,
            either in my own feelings or the Opinion of the World—
          Mrs. Rogers unites with me in best
            Respects to yourself and Mrs. Adams and kind Regards to Miss
            Adams and I will thank you Sir to present my Compliments to Coll. Smith—
          If I can render you any Services whatever, in my Peregrinations
            from Boston to Philadelphia & from Philadelphia to Boston, I shall be happy in
            the performance of them and I beg you Sir, freely to command me—
          If the Wind is favorable we shall leave, this in the Morng. and wish you Health and every other Happiness, I remain,
            with very sincere Esteem and the greatest Respect / Dear Sir, / Your much oblig’d
            & most obedt. humble Servt.

              Danl Dens. Rogers


Title: Isaac Stephens to John Adams, 15 Apr. 1786
From: Stephens, Isaac
To: Adams, John

              To the Honourable John Adams Esqr.

              Algiers

               April 15th. 1786—

          Sir, I take the Liberty to enclose a line to you as we receivd one
            from you, by the hand of Mr. Lambe which came here to make
            peace for America & to redeam the Americans in slavery But not power to do
            either as the price was so high as six thousand Dollars for a Master and four ditto for
            a mate and fifteen hundred for sailors the King will not bate one sixpence and will not
            have any thing to say as to a peace with america which obliged Mr. Lambe to return to Madrid, which I think Mr. Lamb
            acted with precaution and safety & for the honor and esteem you bear if
            consistant with your power & good will to the unfortunate Americans I could wish
            this money may be paid without going to Congress as it will take such a time for the sum
            to be brought about, for the sum must be paid if ever we are cleared—
          Sir, I am american Born in the town of Braintree and a young family
            near Boston and by misfortunes in the War & at this time, I did not leave them
            in so agreable Situation to live without my help as I could wish them to due or even
            Comfortable for so long a time— But Blessed be God I am Midling well as I hope these
            will find your honour and Keep my Spirits up as well as can be expected with an Iron
            around my Legg and bearing all the insults from the Moors crying there goes american
            Slave and the English out Behind in Comforts—Sir—I shall rest with a full assurance that
            you still will continue the grant of the sum and goodness to the Unfortunate Americans
            as it is of so great a Consequence to me asspecially that has a family and a great
            mortification to me for the sum must be paid if ever We are redeemed from this dessert
            place the People is Carrying rocks and timber on their backs for nine miles out of the
            Country over sharp rocks and mountains which raises great Lumps on their shoulders as
            big as ones fist—Sir for the Love of God and mankind extricate us from this slavery as
            soon as may be from your most Obedient humble servt

              Isaac Stephens


Title: Matthew Robinson Jr. to John Adams, 25 Apr. 1786
From: Robinson, Mathew, Jr.
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Horton

               25th. April 1786

          I am honor’d with your letters both by Mr. Partridge and by the post and am proud to observe; that we so much concur in
            our public and political sentiments. I am particularly pleas’d to agree with you in the
            reciprocal opinion; that the closest union and connection between our two countries is
            one of their very first and greatest mutual interests. I do for that and other reasons
            so exceedingly dislike some of our own proceedings both in the East, the West and at
            home; that I scruple to express my thoughts concerning them; but I dont see, what can
            possibly be our future part or fate in the world, except to prove a most signal example
            for instructing and warning the rest of mankind.
          My desire of a trade totally free however goes to so great an
            extent; that whatever nations should act differently, I might probably be for leaving
            them to the sure punishment of their own misconduct in that respect and continue
            nevertheless in the mind of abiding firmly ourselves by the former principle; which, I
            should believe, would lead to wealth and plenty a people steadily adhering to it; let
            others do what they would: Warlike in particular, that is to say, defensive, as well as
            offensive alliances with other States I never think of without abhorrence.
          There is another subject of American politics, in which I must
            confess myself rather to differ from what appears to be the opinion of some wise and
            honest men; although I have not by your letters observ’d; that I do so from you. I most
            highly honor your Congress, the annual representation of so many free states; but I
            should for one as a Citizen of America nevertheless be cautious of placing too much
            permanent power even in their hands: It might be a dangerous experiment and not easily
            amended, if any thing proved amiss. I should rather look to the Swiss, than
            the Dutch confederation. The former no where bordering on the Sea nor having the least
            means of Naval Commerce are not so rich and populous, as the latter; but they seem for
            their numbers and situation to be at least as happy a people as any in Europe.
          By repeating the observation concerning the Western progress of
            Arts and Sciences, I meant no more than the present appearance; that the same
            circumstance or accident may perhaps be continued in Ireland and America. I alluded
            herein to a common and trite remark; but human improvements certainly are by degrees
            taking a wider compass (as you seem to say) and will probably continue to do so, until
            they shall spread over our whole habitable globe; although they have in general
            proceeded hitherto from East to West.
          When I put the question “are these circumstances not turn’d to
            violent enmity and aversion” I was applying to a particular description of men and
            speaking according to their real or profess’d sentiments, but the expression might have
            been as proper; if I had ask’d “Have we to thank ourselves, if these circumstances are
            not turn’d” &c.
          I heartily wish; that you may find your Public Debt so manageable,
            as you seem to expect; but no such circumstance has come within my observation or
            experience. With the example however, which I see daily and hourly before my eyes; it is
            no wonder; if I have contracted an utter aversion for all national debts.
          The superstitious belief or pretension of any divine right in
            Princes is totally eradicated out of England: Not the least circumstance of that kind
            remains among us; but bribery and corruption have succeeded in their place: These are
            become the great or almost only means of government and have proved far more
            powerful and more fatal, than the other: They have done, what those neither did not
            could do and will without doubt perfectly compleat their work; before they leave:
            Englishmen are as yet, but at the beginning of their sorrows; however important some
            events may of themselves appear; which have already happen’d.
          These matters nevertheless are perhaps too extensive for a letter
            nor do I know, how long business may require your presence in London: My Health may
            probably carry me to Aix-la-Chappelle; (when the season shall suit for such a journey)
            and sooner or later, as it may press me more or less: I have formerly found great
            benefit from those waters and baths and have now occasion for them: If you can in the
            mean time however induce yourself to visit my hermitage at Horton; I shall be very proud
            and happy. I can offer you no conveniences or advantages here; except a most perfect
            freedom in all respects; which you will certainly find. It would likewise greatly add to
            my pleasure; if Dr. Price should be perswaded to accompany
            you. I may however give a fuller commission on this subject to Mr. Partridge; whom I will take the liberty to make the bearer of this letter. I
            am with sincere esteem / Sir, / Your most Respectful / and obedient Servt.

              M. Robinson jn.


Title: Project of a Treaty, Draft Portuguese-American Treaty, 25 Apr. 1786
From: Adams, John
To:

          Draught of a treaty of Amity & Commerce between her
                most faithful Majesty the Queen of Portugal and the Algarva’s and
            the United States of America—
          The Parties being willing to fix in a permanent & equitable
            manner the rules to be observed in the Commerce they desire to establish between their
            respective Countries, have judged that the said end cannot be better obtained than by
            taking the most perfect equality & reciprocity for the Basis of their agreement.
            On these principles after mature deliberation, they have agreed to the following
            Articles—
          Art. 1st. There shall be a firm,
            inviolable & universal Peace & sincere friendship between Her most faithful Majesty the Queen of Portugal
              & the Algarves, her Hiers, successors, & subjects on the one Part
            & the United States of America & their Citizens on the other, without
            exceptions of Persons or Places
          Art. 2d. The subjects of Her most faithful Majesty the Queen of Portugal
              & the Algarves may frequent all the coasts,
                bays, harbours, ports, rivers & Countries of the United
            States of America and reside & trade there in all sorts of Produce manufactures and merchandize the importation of which
                shall not be prohibited by the laws, and shall pay within the said United
            States no other or greater Duties charges or fees whatsoever than the most favoured
            nations are or shall be obliged to pay: and they shall enjoy all the rights, privileges
            & exemptions in navigation & commerce which the most favoured Nation
            does or shall enjoy.
          Art. 3d. In Like manner the Citizens of
            the U. S. of America may frequent all the Coasts bays, harbours, ports,
              rivers & Countries of her most faithful Majesty the
              Queen of Portugal in
            of the domination of her most faithfull majesty where the commerce is not
            prohibited by the laws to all foreign nations and reside and trade there in all sorts of
            Produce manufactures & Merchandize; the importation of which shall not be
              prohibited by the laws. & shall pay in the dominions of her said Majesty
            no other or greater duties, charges or fees whatsoever than the most favoured Nation is
            or shall be obliged to pay, and they shall enjoy all the rights, privileges &
            exemptions in navigation and Commerce, which the most favoured nation does or shall
            enjoy—
          Art. 4th. More especially each Party
            shall have a right to carry any kinds of Produce Manufactures
              & Merchandize the importation of which shall be permitted to any
              foreign nation of whatever place they be the growth or Manufacture in their own
            or any other vessels to the parts of the Dominions of the other before described where
            it shall be lawful for all persons freely to purchase them and thence to take
              the produce Manufacture & merchandize of whatever place or
              the growth which all persons shall in like manner be free to sell them, paying in both cases such duties, Charges &
              fees only as are or shall be paid by the most favoured nation. whose
              priviledge is not the [. . .] effect & N. B. of a particular
              reciprocal Compensation—Nevertheless &c &c &c
            Nevertheless the United states of America
            each Party reserve to itself
            themselves the right where any Nation restrains the transportation of
              Merchandize to the Vessels of the Country of which it is the growth or manufacture to
              establish against such nation retaliating regulations: and each party
                reserves
              also the right to prohibit in their respective Countries the exportation or
              importation of any species of goods or Commodities whatsoever, when reasons of state
              shall require it. In this case the subjects or Citizens of either of the Contracting
              parties shall not import or export the Merchandize prohibited by the other but if one
              of the Contracting parties, permits any Person of their own or any other nation to
              import or export the same merchandize the Citizens or subjects of the other shall
              immediately enjoy the same Liberty
          Art. 5th. All merchants, commanders of
            Vessels & other subjects & Citizens of each party shall have free
            liberty, in all places within the dominion or jurisdiction of the other, to manage their
            own business themselves or to employ whomsoever they please to manage the whole or any
            part thereof for them, they shall also be free to unload their merchandize at such
              time & into such Vessels as they shall think most convenient—and shall not be obliged to make use of any interpreter
                broker, or other person whatsoever, nor to pay them any salary or fees, unless they
                chuse to make use of them. Moreover they shall not be obliged in loading or
                unloading their Vessels to make use of those workmen who may be appointed by public
                Authority for that purpose, but it shall be entirely free for them to load or unload
                them by themselves, or to make use of such persons in loading or unloading them as
                they shall think fit, without paying any fees or salary to any other
                whomsoever: neither shall they be forced to unload any sort of merchandize into
              any other Vessels, or to receive them into their own, or to wait for their being
              loaded longer then they please—.
          Art. 6. That the Vessels of either party loading within the ports
            or jurisdiction of the other may not be uselesly harrassed or detained, it is agreed
            that all examinations of goods requird by the Laws shall be made before they
            are laden on board the vessel & that there shall be no examination after; nor
            shall the Vessel be searched at any time unless articles shall have been
            laden therein clandestinely & illegally in which case the person by whose order
            they were carried on board, or who carried them without order, shall be liable to the
            laws of the land in which he is—but no other person shall be molested, nor shall any
            other goods nor the Vessel be seized or detained for that Cause—
          Art. 7. Each party shall endeavour by all the means in their power
            to protect & defend all the Vessels & other effects belonging to the
            subjects or the Citizens of the other, which shall be within the extent of their
            Jurisdiction by sea or by land; and shall use all their efforts to recover &
            cause to be restored to the right owners their Vessels & effects which shall be
            taken from them within the extent of their said jurisdiction—
          Art. 8 The Vessels of the subjects or Citizens of either party
            coming on any coast belonging to the other whose
                commerce is not forbidden to all foreign nations but not willing to enter into
              port, or being entered into port & not willing to unload their Cargoes or
            break bulk–shall have liberty to depart and to persue their Voyage without molestation,
            and without being obliged to pay any duties, charges, or fees
              whatsoever except such port charges as are paid by the most favoured
                nations nor to render an account of their Cargo but they shall be obliged
            to receive the usual guards as practised with the most favoured nations.
          Art. 9th. When any Vessel of either
            party shall be wrecked, foundered, or otherwise damaged on the Coasts or within the
            dominions of the other, their respective subjects or Citizens shall receive, as well for
            themselves as for their Vessels & effects the same assistance which would be due
            to the Inhabitants of the Country when the Damage happens, & shall pay the same
            Charges & dues to the only as the said Inhabitants would be subject
            to pay in a like case–and if the operations of repair shall require that the whole or
            any part of their Cargo be unladed, they shall pay no duties, Charges or fees, on the
            part which they shall relade & carry away–the ancient & barberous right
            to wrecks of the sea shall be entirely abolished, with respect to the subjects or
            Citizens of the two Contracting Parties—
          Art. 10th.. The Citizens or Subjects of
            each Party shall have power to dispose of their personal goods within the jurisdiction
            of the other by testament, donation, or otherwise: & their representatives,
            being subjects or Citizens of the other party, shall succeed to their said personal
            Goods, whether by testament, or ab intestato; and may take possession thereof either by
            themselves or by others acting for them, & dispose of the same at their will,
            paying such dues only as the Inhabitants of the Country wherein the said goods are shall
            be subject to pay in like Cases, and in case of the absence of the Representative such
            care shall be taken of the said goods & for so long a time as would be taken of
            the goods of a Nation in like case untill the lawful owner may take measures for
            receiving them & if question shall arise among several claimants to which of
            them the said goods belong the same shall be decided finally by the laws &
            judges of the land wherein the said goods are–and where on the death of any person
            holding real estate within the limits
            territories of the one party such real estate would be the laws of the Land
            descend on a Citizen or Subject of the other where he not disqualified by
            alienge such subject or Citizen shall be allowed a reasonable time to sell the same
            & to withdraw the proceeds without molestation—
          supplied by Art. XI.2 in the observations Art. 11th.. The most perfect freedom of Conscience & of the
              worship is granted to the Citizens or subjects of either party within the jurisdiction
              of the other, without being liable to molestation in that respect for any cause other
              than an insult on the religion of others: Moreover
              when the subjects or Citizens of the one party shall die within the jurisdiction of
              the other, their Bodies shall be buried in the usual burying grounds, or other decent
              & suitable places, and shall be protected from Violation or
            disturbance
          Art. 12th. If one of the contracting
            parties should be engaged in a War with any other power the free intercourse
            & commerce of the subjects or Citizens of the party remaining neuter with the
            belligerent powers shall not be interrupted–on the contrary in that Case; as in full
            peace the vessels of the neutral Party, may navigate freely to and from the ports
            & on the Coasts of the belligerent Parties, free Vessels making free goods,
            insomuch that all things shall be adjudged free which shall
              be on board any vessel belonging to the neutral party, although such things belong to
              an enemy of the other except the Merchandizes [. . .] in the
              observations, and the same freedom shall be extended to persons who shall
            be on board a free Vessel, although they should be enemies to the other party, unless
            they be soldiers in actual service of such enemy, on the other hand enemy Vessels shall
            make enemy goods, insomuch that whatever shall be found in the Vessels of an Enemy shall
            be confiscated without distinction, except such goods & merchandize as were put
            on board such Vessel before the declaration of War and within six months after it, which shall be free—

            Art. 13th. And in the same case of one of the
              Contracting parties being engaged in a War with any other power, to prevent all the
              difficulties & misunderstandings that usually arise respecting the merchandize
              heretofore called contraband, such as Arms, ammunition and military stores of every
              kind, no such Articles carried in the Vessels or by the
                subjects or Citizens of one of the parties to the Enemies of the other shall be
                deemed contraband so as to induce confiscation or condemnation & a loss of
                property to individuals, nevertheless it shall be lawful to stop such Vessels,
              and to make them unlade such articles in the nearest port, putting them under safe
              keeping; or to detain them for such length of time as the Captors may think necessary
              to prevent the inconvenience or damage that might ensue from their proceeding; paying
              however a reasonable Compensation for the loss such arrest shall occasion to the
              proprietors: or it shall be allowed to use in the service of the Captors the whole or
              any part of the military stores so detained, paying the owners the full value of the
              same to be assertained by the current price at the place of its
                destination—but In the case of
              any Vessel so shall be here stopped for articles
                heretofore deemed contraband if the master will deliver over the goods
              supposed to be of contraband Nature, he shall be admitted to do it, & the
              Vessel shall not in that case be carried into any port, nor further detained, but
              shall be allowed to proceed in her voyages nor shall any such articles be subject to
              be taken or delayed in any case if they be not in greater quantity than may be
              necessary for the use of the ships, or of the persons in it.

          Art. 14th. And in the same case where
            one of the parties is engaged in war with another power that the Vessels of the neutral
            party may be readily & certainly known, it is agreed that they shall be provided
            with sea-letters or passports which shall express the name, the property and burthen of
            the vessel, as also the name & dwelling of the master; which passports shall be
            made out in good & due forms (to be settled by Convention between the parties
            whenever occasion shall require) shall be renewed as often as the Vessel shall return
            into port & shall be exhibited whensoever required as well in the open sea as in
            port—but if the said vessel be under convoy of one or more Vessels of War belonging to
            the neutral party, the simple declaration of the officer commanding the Convoy that the
            said vessel belongs to the party of which he is, shall be considered as establishing the
            fact, and shall relieve both parties from the trouble of further examination—
          Art. 15th. And to prevent entirely all
            disorder & violence in such cases, it is stipulated, that when the vessels of
            the neutral Party sailing without convoy, shall be met by any Vessel of War, public or
            private of the other party, such Vessel of War shall not approach within Cannon shot of
            the said neutral Vessel, nor send more than two or three men in their boat on board the
            same to examine her sea-letters or pass-ports & all persons belonging to any
            vessel of War public or private who shall molest or injure in any manner whatever the
            people, vessels or effects of the other party shall be responsible in their persons
            & property for damages & interest and more especially the Comd
              officer of the Vessel shall be responsible civily for the same in his person &
              property by whomsoever of his crew the injury was done, sufficient security for
            which shall be given by all Commanders of private armed Vessels before they are
            Commissioned.
          Art. 16th. It is agreed that the
            subjects or Citizens of each of the contracting parties their vessels & effects
            shall not be liable to any embargo or detention on the part of the other for
            any military expedition or other public or private purpose whatsoever and in all cases
            of seisure, detention, or arrest for debts contracted, or offences committed by any
              Subject Citizen or Subject of the one party within the
            Jurisdiction of the other, the same shall be made and prosecuted by order &
            authority of law only, and according to the regular course of proceedings usual in such
            cases—
          Art. 17. If any Vessel or effects of the neutral Power be taken by
            an Enemy of the other or by a pirate, and retaken by that other they shall be brought
            into some port of one of the parties & delivered into the Custody of the
            officers of that port in order to be restored entire to the true proprietor as soon as
            due proof shall be made concerning the property thereof—
          Art. 18th. If the Subjects
            Citizens or Subjects of either party, in danger from tempests, pirates
            enemies or other accidents, shall take refuge with their Vessels or effects within the
            harbours or jurisdiction of the other, they shall be received protected &
            treated with humanity & kindness & shall be permitted to furnish
            themselves at reasonable prices with all refreshments provisions & other things
            necessary for their sustenance, health, & accomodation and for the repair of
            their vessels—
          Art. 19th. The Vessels of War publick
            and private of both parties, shall carry freely wheresoever they please the Vessels
            & effects taken from their enemies without being obliged to pay any duties, charges or fees to officers of admiralty, of the customs,
            or any others except the port charges paid by the most favoured nation nor
            shall such prizes be arrested, searched, or put under legal process when they come to
            & enter the ports of the other party, but may freely be carried out again at any
            time by their captors to the places expressed in their Commissions, which the Commanding
            officer of such vessels shall be obliged to shew, but no
                vessel which shall have made prizes on the subjects of His most Christian
              Majesty the King of France shall have a right of assylum in the ports or havens of the
              said U. S. and if any such be forced therein by tempest or dangers of the sea, they
              shall be obliged to depart as soon as possible according to the tenor of the treaties
              existing between his said most Christian Majesty & the said
              United-States
             but nothing herein contained shall be understood to derogate from the obligations
              of the U. S. of A towards his M. C. M.–y as stipulated in the blank articles of their
              treaty of N 16 amity & Commerce
          Art. 20th. No Subject
            Citizen or Subject of either of the Contracting parties shall take from any
            power with which the other may be at War any Commission or Letter of Marque for arming
            any Vessel to act as a Privateer against the other on pain of being punished as a
            pirate, nor shall either party hire, Lend or give any part of their naval, or military
            force to the enemy of the other to aid them offensively or defensively against that
            other
          Art. 21st. If the two contracting
            parties should be engaged in a War against a Common Enemy, the following points shall be
            observed between them. 1st. If a Vessel of one of the
            parties retaken by a privateer of the other shall not have been in possession of the
            Enemy more than twenty four hours, she shall be restored to the first owner, for one
            third of the Value of the Vessel & Cargo, but if she shall have been more than
            twenty four hours in possession of the Enemy she shall belong wholly to the
              recaptor—2d. if in the same case the recapture were by a
            public Vessel of War of the one party restitution shall be made to the owner for one
            thirtieth part of the Value of the Vessel & Cargo, if she shall not have been in
            possession of the Enemy more than twenty four hours; And one tenth of the said value
            where she shall have been longer: Which sums shall be distributed in gratuities to the
            recaptors 3d. the restitution in the Cases aforesaid shall
            be after due proof of property & surety given for the party to which the
            recaptors are entitled 4th. the Vessels of War public
            & private of the two parties shall be reciprocally admitted with their prizes
            into the respective parts of each, but the said prizes shall not be discharged, nor sold
            there untill their legality shall have been decided according to the Laws and
            regulations of the state to which the Captor belongs—5th. it
            shall be free to each party to make such regulations as they shall judge necessary for
            the Conduct of their respective Vessels of War public & private, relative to the
            vessels which they shall take & carry into the ports of the two parties—
          Art. 22d. Where the parties shall have
            a common Enemy, the Vessels of war of each shall upon all occasions take under their
            protection the Vessels of the other going the same Course, and shall defend such Vessels
            as long as they hold the same Course against all force & Violence in the same
            manner as they ought to protect & defend vessels belonging to the party of Which
            they are—
          Art. 23d. If war should arise between
            the two contracting parties, the merchants of either Country then residing in the other
            shall be allowed to remain nine months
            one year to collect their debts &
            settle their affairs & may depart freely, carrying off all their effects,
            without molestation or hindrance: and all Women & Children, Scholars of every
              profession faculty, cultivators of the Earth, artizans, manufacturers
            & fishermen unarmed, & inhabiting unfortified Towns, Villages or places,
            and in general all others, whose occupations are for the common subsistance &
            benefit of mankind shall be allowed to continue their respective employments, &
            shall not be molested in their persons, nor shall their houses or goods be burnt or
            otherwise destroyed, nor their fields wasted by the armed force of the Enemy into whose
            power by the events of war, they may happen to fall: but if any thing is necessary to be
            taken from them for the use of such armed force, the same shall be paid for at a
            reasonable price And all merchant & trading Vessels employed in exchanging the
            products of different places and thereby rendering the necessaries, conveniences
            & Comforts of human Life more easy to be obtained and more general, shall be
            allowed to pass free & unmolested, and neither of the contracting Powers shall
            grant or issue any Commission to any private armed Vessels empowering them to take or
            destroy such trading Vessels or interrupt such Commerce—
          Art. 24th. And to prevent the
            destruction of prisoners of War by sending them into distant and inclement Countries, or
            by crouding them into close and noxious places, the two contracting Parties solemnly
            pledge themselves to each other & to the World that they will not adopt any such
            practice—that neither will send the prisoners whom they may take from the other into the
            East Indies, or any other parts of Asia or africa: but that they shall be placed in some
            part of their dominions in Europe or America in wholesome situations, that they shall
            not be confined in dungeons, prison-ships, nor prisons, nor be put into Irons, nor
            bound, nor otherwise restrained in the use of their limbs, that the officers shall be
            enlarged on their paroles within convenient districts & have comfortable
            Quarters and the Common Men be disposed in cantonments open & extensive enough
            for air and exercise, and lodged in barracks as roomly & good as are provided by
            the party in whose power they are for their own troops, that the officers shall also be
            daily furnished by the party in whose power they are with as many rations & of
            the same articles & Quality, as are allowed by them, either in kind or by
            commutation to officers of equal rank in their own army, & all others shall be
            daily furnished by them with such ration as they allow to a common soldier in their own
            service, the Value whereof shall be paid by the other party on a mutual adjustment of
            accounts for the subsistance of prisoners at the close of the War, and the said account
            shall not be mingled with or sett off against any others, nor the balances due on them
            be withheld as a satisfaction or reprisal for any other article or for any other cause
            real or pretended whatever, that each party shall be allowed to keep a Commissary of
            Prisoners of their own appointment with every seperate cantonment of prisoners in
            possession of the other, which Commissary shall see the Prisoners as often as he
            pleases, shall be allowed to receive & distribute whatever Comforts may be sent
            to them by their friends & shall be free to make his reports in open Letters to
            those who employ him—but if any officer shall break his parole, or any other Prisoner
            shall escape from the limits of his cantonment after they shall have been designated to
            him, such Individual Officer or other prisoner shall forfeit so much of the benifit of
            this Article as provides for his enlargement on parole or cantonment. And it is declared
            that neither the pretence that War disolves all treaties, nor any other whatever shall
            be considered as annulling or suspending this & the next preceding article, but
            on the contrary that the state of War is precisely that for which they are provided
            & during which they are to be as sacridly observed as the most acknowledged
            articles in the law of nature or Nations—
          Art. 26th.. The two contracting parties
            grant to each other the liberty of having each in the ports of the other, Consuls, Vice
            Consuls, agents & Commissaries of their own appointment whose functions shall be
            regulated by particular agreement whenever either party shall chuse to make such
            appointment but if any such Consuls shall exercise Commerce they shall be
            submitted to the same laws and usages to which the private individuals of their nation
            are submitted in the same place—
          Art. 2 67. If either party shall hereafter grant to any
            other nation any particular favor in navigation or Commerce, it shall immediately become
            common to the other party freely where it is freely granted to such other nation,
              as in yeilding the compensation
            where such nation does the same—
          Art. 2 78th. Her Majesty the
            Queen of Portugal & the United States of America agree that this treaty shall be
            in force during the term of 10 years from the exchange of ratifications and the
              ratification shall be within the space of one year after the signature or earlier if
              possible & if the expiration of that term should happen during the
            course of a War between them then the Articles before provided for the regulation of
            their Conduct during such War shall continue in force untill the conclusion of the
            treaty which shall reestablish Peace & that this treaty shall be ratified on
            both sides & the ratification exchanged within one year from the Day of its
            signature—


Title: Chevalier de Pinto’s Observations on Treaty, 25 Apr. 1786
From: Adams, John
To:

          Observations Sur le Traité D’Amitie et de Commerce.
          N. 1ere.
          We must conform ourselves, as to the Titles to the following Rule
            “between her most faithfull Majesty the Queen of Portugal and the Algarves”.
            &c
          Art. I. N. 2
          We must observe in this Article the Same Rule, above established.
            The Rest will meet with no Difficulty.
          Art. II. N. 3.
          The same Observation, in the words underscored. it appears moreover
            convenient to add to this Article, that which follows. “may frequent all the Coasts,
            Bays, Harbours, Ports, Rivers and Countries &c.”
          to the words underscored (N. 4) it will be necessary to add the
            following Declarations—“the Entry whereof, Shall not be forbidden by the Laws.” All the
            rest is agreed to.
          Art III.
          The Same Remarks upon the precedent Article, are common to this,
            which Should be the Copy of it.— The blank line N. 5. ought to be filled up in the
            following manner “And Countries of the Domination of her most Faithfull Majesty where
            Commerce is not prohibited by the Laws to all foreign nations”. The Rest is
            approved.
          Art. IV.
          It is necessary to add to the Words underscored N. 6. the following
            Declaration “the Entry whereof Shall be permitted,” and to the Words underscored of the
            Note 7. it is necessary to add “By the Nations the most favoured, whose Priviledge shall
            not be the Effect of a particular And reciprocal Compensation according to Treaties
              now existing.” The rest of this Article, from the perpendicular Line in the
            Margin, to the End, appears inadmissible.
          Art. V.
          The Clauses underscored N. 9. are inadmissible, because they are
            contrary to the Regulations established in Portugal, which are common to all the
            commercial Nations.
          Art. V.I.
          Agreed.
          Art. VII.
          Agreed.
          Art. VIII.
          Agreed, with the following Explanation, after the Words,
            underscored N. 10. “Where Commerce is not forbidden.” But the Expression, “coming on any
            Coast belonging to the other,” appears ambiguous, and one cannot well comprehend the
            Sense of it.—To the Words underscored N. 11. it is necessary to add “except those which
            are attached to the Ports; and they Shall be obliged to receive the usual Guards
            according to the Custom practised with all other Nations.”
          Art IX.
          Agreed entirely.
          Art. X.
          Agreed without Exception.
          Art. XI.
          Agreed with the addition N. 12. “provided always, that in the
            Exercise of their Religion, they conform themselves to the Laws and Rules established in
            the Country.
          Art XII.
          N. 13. it should be declared at the End of the Words underscored
            except Merchandizes prohibited and deemed Contraband; namely Cannons, Morters, Fire
            Arms, Pistols, Bombs, Grenades, Bullets, Balls, Fusils, Flints, Matches, Powder, Salt
            Peter, Sulphur, Cuirasses, Pikes, Swords, Belts, Cartouch Boxes, Saddles, Bridles,:
            excepting nevertheless the Quantity which may be requisite, for the defence of the
            Vessel, and of those who compose the Crew.
          Art. 13.
          This Article cannot be admitted, unless Contraband Goods are
            Subject to Confiscation, according to the Public Law, universally acknowledged and
            practised. N. 14.
          Art. 14.
          Agreed entirely.
          Art. 15.
          Agreed, with a declaration that the Commander of the Vessel, who
            shall order the Visit, Shall be personally responsable, for all the Losses occasioned,
            and which Shall be legally proved.
          Art. XVI. Agreed without Exception. Art. 17. Agreed. Art. 18.
            Agreed.
          Art. 19.
          N. 15. Except such Charges as are incurred at the Entry of the
            Ports. Although Portugal cannot pretend, to any Derogation, in her favour from existing
            Treaties, nevertheless, Decency appears to require that We Should not Specify the
            Clauses contained in the N. 16, since the Reciprocity is not preserved in this point,
            and because that Such a declaration would appear odious.
          Art. 20. agreed. Art. 21. Agreed
          Art 22.
          The Expressions underscored N. 17. ought to be entirely
            obliterated, as contrary to every Principle of Neutrality. besides the Admission of this
            Article does not depend upon my Will.
          Art. 23.
          Agreed N. 18. But the Term of Nine months appears to me short, and
            that of one year, would Seem more convenient.
          Art. 24 Agreed. Art. 25. Agreed. Art. 26. Agreed.
          Art 27.
          N. 19. Shall be in Force, during the Space of 10 years. and the
            Ratifications shall be exchanged in the space of one year after the Signature, or
            earlier if possible.
          N. B. There is an Article necessary to be added to this Project, to
            the End to give to Navigation more Security.


Title: Correction to Draft of Portuguese-American Treaty, 25 Apr. 1786
From: Adams, John
To:

          And it is further specially agreed that
            except the liberty of introducing woollens into the kingdom of Portugal
              which has been ceded to certain nations in compensation for their
              privileges yeilded on their grant to the commerce of Portugal, shall not be understood
              to be communicated to the citizens of the U. S. by this or any other article of the
              present treaty.
            which is the effect of a particular & reciprocal compensn [expansion
            sign]
          strike out the words ‘whose privilege is not the effect of a
            particular and reciprocal compensation’ and add at the end of the clause the above
            paragraph.
          Saving however the Liberty of introducing Woolens


Title: Articles Proposed by Pinto at Final Conference, 25 Apr. 1786
From: Adams, John
To:

          Art. XI. 2
          + There shall be, a full and entire Liberty of Conscience allowed,
            to the Inhabitants and Subjects of each Party and no one Shall be molested, in regard to
            his Worship, provided he Submits, as to the public Demonstration of it, to the Laws of
            the Country. There Shall be given moreover Liberty when any Subjects or Inhabitants of
            either Party, Shall die in the Territory of the other, to bury them in the usual
              burying Places in decent & convenient Places, which Shall be appointed
            for that Purpose. and the two contracting Parties agree Shall provide, each
            in its own Jurisdiction, that the Citizens & Subjects of the other, may obtain,
            Certificates in Cases of Deaths, in Case
            whenever they Shall be required, to be delivered.+
          Declaration to the Article XII.
          Except the Merchandizes deemed contraband * namely + Cannons,
            Morters, Fire Arms Pistols, Bombs, Grenades, bullets Balls, Fusils, Flints, Matches,
            Powder Salt peter, Sulphur, Cuirasses, Pikes, Swords, Cartouch Boxes, Belts, Saddles and
            Bridles, which shall be adjudged Contrabande, and Subject to Confiscation, excepting
            nevertheless the Quantity, which may be requisite for the Defence of the Vessell, and of
            those who compose the Crew.+
          Art. XIII.
          This Article cannot Subsist, after the foregoing Declaration,
            respecting Contraband Merchandizes Subject to Confiscation.
          Article to be added 25
          The Squadrons or Vessells of War of the two Contracting Parties,
            may enter freely into the Ports, Roads or Bays of the other one or the other
            Dominion, where Commerce is permitted provided, nevertheless that they never exceed the
            Number of Six Vessells of War, in the great Ports, and of four in the Small Ports
            without the express Permission of the Governor or Commandant of the District; and that
            they do not make there a Station, With View to hurt the Commerce of other
            Nations in Amity and Alliance with either of the two contracting Parties.


Title: John Jeffries to John Adams, 27 Apr. 1786
From: Jeffries, John
To: Adams, John

              Margt: St. Cavendish
                Square

              27. April 86—

          Dr Jeffries respectful compliments to
            his Excellency Mr Adams, & does himself the honour
            to present him with a Narrative of his Aerial Voyages, which if they in any degree
            should meet his approbation or for a few minutes divert him, will make him very
            happy.


Title: James Sutton & Co. to John Adams, 27 Apr. 1786
From: James Sutton & Co.
To: Adams, John

              Dyers Court, Aldermanbury

              Thursday 27 April 1786

          Messr: James Sutton & Co: present their respectfull compliments to his Excellency
              Mr: Adams.— would be oblig’d to him to inform them if the
            two Drafts herewith drawn by John Lamb dated Barcelona 7 March at double Usance for £300
            & £300—are not meant to be drawn at 60 days date as Mr. Lambs former Bills were, instead of four Months which the present ones are
            made out for—


Title: John van Heukelom & Son to John Adams, 27 Apr. 1786
From: Van Heukelom, John
To: Adams, John

              Honorable Sir

              Leyden

               27 April 1786

          Our distressed Situation on the one Side, and the Many Civilities
            & friendly regard Which your Excellency bestowed on us on the other,
            make us So free to implore your Kind assistance: We daily lament of having Sent any
            goods to America, We cannot get any accounts or remittances ever Since Several Years:
            and as Mr: Cranch wrote us, he would be glad to get rid of
            the whole business, we invested Mr. duncan Ingraham Junior
            With our power of attorney, to take all our business into his hands. but as Mr Cranch entrusted the whole business to a third Person, who
            Left Boston, every thing Concerning our Property is So Confused, that we have reason to
            fear immense Losses. We are however unwilling to trouble your Excellency, With
            particularities, and We’ll Spare all complaints on this point, as these
            Undertakings where all done for our own risk:—it is more particularly to Mr. Barclay’s unaccountable behaviour, that We must impute our
            distressed Situation, which has plunged My Father in a most fatal Melancholy disorder,
            whose Consequences may be dreadfull.
          on the Subject of Mr. Barclay, We wrote
            the inclosed letter to his Excellency Ths: Jefferson Esqr. at Paris; but not having received any answer,
            and being informed, that he is in London: We take the liberty to Send a Copy of it
            inclosed joining to it Mr. Barclay’s account Current With
            us: Where is Mr. Barclay! he left Paris clandestinely,
            without informing any Person whom We Know of the place of his abode. if he be alive we
            Surely ought to Know where to address him.
          We introduced Mr. Barclay to a Merchant
            at Haarlem from whom he bought for about 10,000 florins on the Same Credit of a twelve
            Month: this Gentleman, enraged by Mr. Barclay’s Conduct, and
            Considering him as a Man who by clandestinely getting away from the place of his
            residence, Shews an intention not to trouble himself Much about his Creditors; wants to
            Expose Mr. Barclay’s Conduct to the world in all public
            papers, as a fellow for Whom every man ought to be warned. We have done all, which was
            in our power to prevent it, tho’ certainly Mr. Barclays
            Conduct is unexcusable; and we have prevailed on them to Subside with it for Some time,
            Engaging ourselves to use every possible means to procure them Some information and
            Certainty: Indeed Mr. Barclay, who always professed to be a
            Man of Property, who wrote us in 1783 that he had Send Mr
            Loreihle to Philadelphia to Collect his property to the amount of more then 800,000
            Livres & transmit it; he could easily transfer a
            part of that property, as a Surity on the names of his Creditors if he intended to pay
            them.
          it is in this miserable State of uncertainty that we address your
            Excellency imploring your Kind assistance and advice how to disengage us from this fatal
            affair.
          We hope your Excellency Will not deny us the favour of an Answer
            which we Expect the Sooner the better remaining With great respect / Honorable Sir /
            Your Most obedient Servts

              John van Heukelom & Son


Title: James Warren to John Adams, 30 Apr. 1786
From: Warren, James
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir,

              Milton

               April 30th: 1786

          I was a few days ago honoured with your favour of the 12th: of Decr. I am much obliged to
            you for your Attention to my Son & your favourable, if not partial opinion of
            the Merits of his Family. Winslow left Lisbon & returned Home last fall: after a
            disagreable residence there for more than Twelve months, at a great Expence, fully
            convinced of the futility of Court promises, which his former Experience could no longer
            Justify any future dependence upon. it has been my opinion that Consuls
            should be Appointed in several of the European Ports, & perticularly at Lisbon
            where we have had a great Trade till Interrupted by the Algerine Corsairs. no [usance]
            is so natural & beneficial for the supply of that great Branch of Business the
            Fishery as the Trade with Lisbon, & Cadiz, & I can scarcely Conceive how
            it can be supported without it, unless by a dependence on foreigners for the
            Importation, which must defeat all the policy of our Navigation Acts, however founded in
            Policy or Oeconomy. How we are to be releived from the Injury of these Pirates I am at a
            loss to determine. their Generosity will not do it, & our Poverty cant,
            & if it is not done the Fishery & Trade must be depressed and
            discouraged. You who are acquainted with the Means the Agents to Algiers are possessd. of, can Judge of their prospects of Success. I can only
            wish them Success. I can form some Idea of the difficulty & delays of your
            Treaties, which render their Completion uncertain even to the best Informed. The Trade
            with Britain if it has been Attended with some loss & disappointment to them,
            has almost ruined us: & with their own conduct may Justify a severe
            Navigation Act, with regard to them but I am not so well satisfied of the propriety of
            it with regard to any other Nation, tho’ I think the policy of the French in their duty
            on our Fish, & the Bountys on their own very Absurd. I wish I could see, for the
            Benefit of Mankind a fair Experiment made, of a Goverment supported without Duties or
            Bounties, at least that they should operate, only as prohibitions or severe
            restrictions, without any regard to a revenue. in that case even those in question might
            not have Existed.
          if our oil can find a Market in France it will I think disconcert
            the views of the British Ministery, & be very Advantageous to us as well as to
            the Commerce of France I took great pains to Impress the Marquis de Fayate with proper
            Sentiments on that subject when here last, & have reason from his Letters to
            suppose it has had a good Effect
          I know you wish to be Informed of the situation of your beloved
            Country. it would give me pleasure to gratify you. in former Times when you was Absent I
            used to Attempt it, but it is now so Novel & so Extraordinary that I dare not
            Undertake the Task. The constant drain of Specie to make remittances for Baubles
            Imported from England is so great as to Occasion an Extreem Scarcity. Commerce is
            ruined: & what is worse the husbandry & Manufactures of the Country
            cannot be supported. the only Branch of Business that promises any success is the
            Fishery, & that is greatly Injured from the same Cause. No Debts can be paid, or
            Taxes collected. the first are severely demanded by multiplyed Law suits. the last are
            become more necessary than ever by the wants of the public. Our General Court sets often
            & long, do little & give no satisfaction to their Constituents. Paper
            Money, Tenders of Land, &c. suspension of Law processes, & a variety of
            Expedients are proposed, & Nothing Adopted. a Total change in principles
            & Manners. Interest is the great object, the only pursuit, and Riches only
            respected. every thing seems verging to Confusion, & anarchy, &
            certainly great Wisdom & Address are necessary to prevent it. Our Elections have
            been much the same this as the last Year. indeed when a Man is once in it is for Life. A
            repetition Annually is nugatory. few Attend the Meetings & hardly one
            inquired further than who was in last, & Vote for him again without the trouble
            of recuring to Priciples, or traceing Consequences.
          Be assured No Body can Wish you & Family more happiness, or
            desire more to see you in the Vicinity than your Friends on Milton Hill. make our
            Compliments to Mrs. Adams & Love to Nabby—I am /
            Your Friend & Servt

              Jas. Warren

            will you give me your Opinion of the Encyclopedia, &
              whether it be worth purchaseing—
            if it would not be an Impertinent request to a Minister of State,
              I would request
              ask the favour to send me the Gentn. pocket
              Farrier & Trusler, practical Husbandry. I will pay, the cost to your order
              here. R Baldwin Pater Noster Row. A charming Enthusiasm is prevailing for
              Agriculture


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

              Gentlemen

              Grosvenor Square

              May 9th. 1786.

          On the 27 of April, I accepted a Bill of John Lamb dated Barcelona,
            March 7. 1786. for 300£ Sterg. at double Usance,
            in favour of Etienne Drouilhet & Co. Bankers or
            order—first of the sett—indorsed to the order of James Sutton & Co—Accepted No. 5. dated March 8.
            1786—in all other particulars like the preceeding.
          May 7. accepted a Bill of Mr. Barclay
            dated Madrid April 15. 1786 for 250£ stg. in
            favour of the order of Etienne Drouilhet & Co. at
            usance 1. of the sett, indorsed to the order of James Sutton & Co. to be paid at the House of Messrs: C. & R. Puller on your Account and to be by you charged to the
            United States of America.
          I am Gentlemen your humble / Servant

              John Adams.


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 1 May 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dr, Sir

              Office for foreign Affairs

               1st: May 1786—

          147.217.82.449.353.508.118.407.338.420.170.547.
          267.72.290.243.327.43.512.630.339.371.592.82.72.407.419.
          508.290.583.147.15.642.186.48.449.297.290.309.82.343.
          479.652.241.242.482.139.332.180.186.108.639.118.642.424.
          482.409.271.350.82.138.543.38.255.648.72.581.407.82.
          30.540.570.189.339.180.402.420.343.62.409.92.213.189.
          350.6.528.540.482.186.49.482.309.189.489.290.43.
          401.591.649.204.446.409.642.186.48.449.297.290.309.82.
          469.196.82.418.642.82.409.561.409.407.338.380—
          I have the Honor to be with great Respect / Dr, Sir / Your most obt. & very hble: Servt.

              John Jay—

            It is the pleasure of Congress that you protract your
              Negotiations with the Court of great Britain respecting the posts which should have
              been before this surrendered to the United States, and other infractions of the said
              Treaty by that power—so as to avoid demanding a categorical answer respecting the same
              untill the further orders of Congress—


Title: Rufus King to John Adams, 2 May 1786
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              New york

               2d. May 1786

          Mr. Alsop of this city, whom you must
            recollect as a delegate from this State to congress in 1775 & 1776, and whose
            daughter I have lately married, requests me to ask your Opinion, whether a Refugee,
            whose Estate has been confiscated here, and to an amount exceeding that of his Debts,
            can by the British laws, or the Treaty of peace between G. Britain & the united
            States of america, be compelled by Process in the British courts to pay a Debt due to an
            american Citizen, anticedent to the late war? the Determination of this question is of
            some importance to Mr. Alsop, and indeed to many others of
            our Countrymen—
          It has been objected against such recovery that the confiscated
            Estates of the Refugees being by the act of confiscation liable to, or by subsequent
            laws charged with, the payment of their Debts, in all cases where the confiscated Estate
            equalled the amount of the Debts of any Refugee, that there the State to whose use the
            Estates confiscated inured, took upon itself to pay the Debts, and the Refugee was
            discharged—and being discharged by an american law, the treaty could not affect them, for no Debt was due from them—How far these
            objections are founded, is submitted to your good Judgment—If the Estate of a Refugee
            escaped confiscation, his american Debts must be paid under the Treaty—So if the
            confiscated Estate is insufficient to pay the whole of his Debts, the Deficiency is in
            like manner recoverable—How then is it in the principal case?
          Will you have the Goodness to examine this question, and oblige
              Mr. Alsop, & myself with your Opinion—
          With the highest Respect, I have the Honor to be D. Sir your obt & very Hble[expansion sign] Servt.

              Rufus King


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 4 May 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dr Sir

              Office for foreign Affairs

               4th: May 1786

          Since the 22d. February which was the
            Date of my last Letter to You, I have been honoured with yours of the 4. 5. and 11
              Novemr. and 2. 6. 9. 12. and 15 and one of Decemr. last, and also of 4th. 21. and
            26. January 1786. All of them have been laid before Congress, from whom I have no
            Instructions to say any thing more on the Subjects of them than what you will find in my
            Letter to you of the 1st. Inst.—This is to be imputed to there not being so many States convened in Congress as
            are necessary to decide on Matters of that kind, for since last Autumn when the new
            Election took place they have not had nine States on the floor for more than three or
            four Days, until this Week—There are nine at present and more are expected, so that I
            hope more Attention will now be paid to our foreign Affairs than has been the Case for
            many Months past.—
          Your and Mr. Jeffersons joint Letter
              dated 2d. & 11th. October last with the Prussian Treaty has been received and I have reported
            a Ratification of it, which when agreed to shall without Delay be transmitted. The
            printed Papers herewith transmitted will give you some Ideas of our Affairs. The
            proposed Impost gains Friends and the Legislature of this State has passed an Act in its
            Favor rather in Compliance with the popular Opinion, than that of a Majority in the
            House—it departs however from some material Parts in the Recommendation of Congress, and
            it is not certain that in it’s present State it will be accepted. As this Letter will go
            by the Packet, I avoid minute Details—I hope by the next private Ship to write more
            circumstantially especially as it is probable that Congress will by that Time have
            concluded on several Matters respecting foreign Affairs, which have long been and now
            are under their Consideration.—
          Mr. Anstey is here, and I think has
            Reason to be satisfied with the Attention shewn him. The English Papers do us Injustice,
            and are calculated to create a much greater Degree of Asperity in this Country than
            really exists in it.—
          Mr. Hancock is still at Boston, and it
            is not certain when he may be expected—this is not a pleasant Circumstance, for though
            the Chair is well filled by a Chairman, yet the President of Congress should be absent
            as little and seldom as possible.
          With great & sincere Regard I am / Dr Sir / Your most obt. & hble: Servt.—

              John Jay—


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 4 May 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              New York

              4 May 1786

          I have been favored with your Letter in which you mention Mr Warren. Your opinion of that Gentleman, added to the Merits
            of his Family, cannot fail to operate powerfully in his Favor. I have communicated that
            Letter to Mr King, an able & valuable Delegate from
            Massachusets; who I have Reason to think wishes well to you, and to all who like You,
            deserve well of their Country.
          Our Friend Gerry has retired from Congress with a charming amiable
            Lady, whom he married here. I regret his absence, for he discharged the Trust reposed in
            him with great Fidelity, & with more Industry and persevering Attention than
            many are distinguished by. Mr King has also married a Lady
            of Merit, and the only child of Mr Alsop, who was in
            Congress with us in 1776. I am pleased with these Intermarriages—they tend to assimilate
            the States, and to promote one of the first Wishes of my Heart vizt. to see the People of america become one Nation in every Respect—for as to the
            separate Legislatures, I would have them considered with Relation to the
              States Confederacy, in the same Light, in which Counties stand to the State
            of which they are parts—vizt merely as Districts to
            facilitate the purposes of domestic order, & good Governmt. With great & sincere Regard I am / Dr
              Sr. your most obt. &
            hble Servt,

              John Jay—