Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 7 October 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

The Hague Oct 7. 1782
Dear Sir

Your favour of 28 Ult. was brought me last night.
On Fryday last I was notified, by the Messenger of their H.M. that the Treaties would be ready for Signature on Monday (this day). I am accordingly at Noon, to go to the Assembly and finish the Business. But when this is done, Sometime will be indispensable, to prepare my Dispatches for Congress and look out for the most favourable Conveyances, for them. I must also Sign another Thousand of Obligations at least, that the Loan may not Stand Still. All this Shall be dispatched with all the Diligence, in my Power, but it will necessarily take up sometime, and my health is so far from being robust, that it will be impossible for me to ride, with as much rapidity, as I could formerly, although never remarkable for a quick Traveller. If any Thing in the mean time Should be in agitation, concerning Peace, in which there Should be any difference of opinion between you, and your Colleague, you have a right to insist upon informing me, by Express, or waiting till I can come.

8.

The Signature was put off yesterday, till to day, by the Princes being in Conference with their H. M. and laying his orders to the Navy before them.

With entire Esteem, your most obt.
J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hope, 7 October 1782
From: Hope, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Ship Blyenburg Octr. 7th 1782
May it please your Exellency

That I dare presume to address You and at the same Time to acquaint You that I am a Native of the Province Newyork have for the last three Years sail’d amongst the West India Islands in the Capacity as Master of a Vessel (for which I have sufficient Papers to produce) untill my Health was impair’d with the Fever was then advis’d by the Doctors to seek a Northern Climate and having an advantageus offer to come Mate of a Ship from St Croix to Copenhagen. I embrac’d it where the Ship was sold. I there had Offers to go immediately Mate of another Ship to the West Indies but I must so engage as to return with the same Ship which did not suit Me. I then thought it best to come to Holland and took a Passage to Rotterdam where I have in the most uncommon Manner been [. . . .] into the Dutch Service when I had no other Intention than to return to my Native Country it has happend for me so well that I have met with a Captain of a Dutch Man of War Who has recommendd on the Admiral for the Capacity of a Masters Mate which Duty I now do but your Exellency can well think that unacquainted with the Language I can cut but a sorry Figure. The Intention of this Letter is to intreat of your Exellency if it may please you to endeavour for my Discharge. I have no other Wish than the Wellfare of my Native Country and here your Exeleny can well think let my Talents be ever so great from the Deficiency in the Language I am not likely to arrive at any Thing therefore intreat of your Exellency to interest Yourself in my behalf. I am ready and willing to engage in any Ship in my Countrys Service that your Exellency pleases and to undergo any Examination that your Exellency pleases to appoint so far as my Capacity is good and beg leave.

In the most humble Manner to subscribe myself your Exellencys most devoted humble Servant
Alexander Hope


Title: To John Adams from James Warren, 7 October 1782
From: Warren, James
To: Adams, John

Milton Octr. 7th. 1782
My dear Sir

Your Letters of the 17th. June and 2d. of July have given me great pleasure, perhaps more because they were Unexpected. A Spirit of Jealousy founded on a long Intermission had made me suppose you had totally forgot me? and never Intended again to write a Single Line. I hope the reasons you give for so long silence are by the fine Air of the Hague, and by Exercise removed and that I shall again frequently hear from you in this way. One thing you may be Assured of that you cant write to a More sincere and determined Friend. I Like my New Allies the Dutch very well, and when my Imagination roves into futurity, and Speculates and Combines, I can suppose they may do us as much real service as some Others, and from Motives quite as disinterested, and I like the Alliance perhaps the better because it has been formed by an Independent Statesman, in spite of the false politics of his own Country, and the designing politics of others, and I trust he will be regarded even by the present Generation in spite of the rascally Venality or Envy of those who from their Exalted Stations have A greater oppy. of doing him Justice. But my Friend the divine Science of Politics is Composed of the same Materials here as in Europe. There is indeed something Exceedingly singular in your Country. None ever rose with more rapid Strides, or was more distinguished by its virtue and public spirit, and no Country ever Catched the Vices of Others and degenerated so fast. I will not prevent your Singing or laughing by Attempting A description or saying more on this Subject. I wish for Peace but what kind of one must we have had, if it had been made this Year. I wish to see you return to our Hills. I shall certainly take pleasure in roveing with you among the Partridges, Squirrels &c, and will even venture upon an Emulation with you which shall make his Hill shine the brightest, tho I believe I should fail in the Attempt. I Expect Notwithstanding all your great Engagement, and the great Game you have to Play, the Splendor of Courts and the Entertainments of Princes and Princesses that you will bring with you great Improvents in the delightful Science of Husbandry, do Ascertain what Marle is that we may know whether we have it here or not. I can tell you no News but what you will have more directly from other hands. They may tell you how our Constitution operates in practice how our Executive support their dignity, and how our Legislature preserve their Independence. I am quite a private Man a distant Spectator that sees but Little enough however to feel some disgust, detestation, and Contempt. The Papers will shew you in what manner Mr Temple is persecuted here, and his defence, this matter has formed Considerable Parties and I think Temple gains Ground fast. I need not Tell you, that your Family are well. You will undoubtedly hear from them by this Oppy.

I am Yr Friend &c &c

The Muse Mrs. W. wishes you Health, and Happiness.

I Beg your Care of the Inclosed it Contains one for my Son—I wish to go safely, and am told there is no dependence on the Common Post from Amsterdam to France.


Title: To John Adams from Isaac Smith Sr., 9 October 1782
From: Smith, Isaac Sr.
To: Adams, John

Boston October the 9t. 1782
Sr

I wrote you by Via france, lately, but beleive the Ship is not saild (cald the Marquis Fayetta) on Account of Our Coast being very much infested with Cruzers, the brige. Capt Hales who came from Holland with the bearer Capt Grinnel was taken in Our bay and Carrd. to Bermudas, att which place great many Vessells are carried.
The french fleet are here fiting, and will leave considerable of money which is the Only service they do us as they never have been Out, when three or four, might, as they were not damagd but are now going to take a turn in the bay. Capt Manley command the Hague formerly the Dean, (Nicholson being suspended) who is going Out with them on a Cruize.
The British got of Capt Letouch Ship in the Delaware, they got chief of the money a shore, all to about Forty thousd Crowns, but the Capt and people were taken. By a person from Phila. there is a report and suppose itt to be true, that a party salled Out from Charlestown to supprize a party of Our but were driven back with loss on their side and some on Our’s Amongst which was Colo Laurence.
Itt is supposd. Charlestown is Avacuated by this.
A Vessell Arrd last week att Providence that came Out with the Firebrand Capt. Trowbridge which we here nothing of as yet and itts to be feard, will fall into the Enemies hands. The Pilgrim which has run clear for some Years was run ashore att C. Codd the day after she saild (a few days since).
Yesterday was a Storm of rain, and more fell than has att any One time for 3 or 4 mo. having had the longest drout ever known, some people in the Country have been Oblidgd to go 20 Miles to Mill.
I did not know of this Vessells going so soon and yesterday could not get an Opportunity to send Mrs Adams word and as the bag is to be taken down this forenoon and the Vessell going down, itts Not possible to get her word, so that I suppose she does not write you unless she has intrusted her letters with any Other person.
Mrs. Adams and family were well, they have lately been to Haverhill Mr. Gardner the Treasurer dyd, two days Ago with a Violent fever.
There has been an Assistant Treasurer Mr Thos Jones who is very capable and who has been consollidating all securites equal to Specie, so that the goverment are Endeavoring to know what they really Owe and itt will not be so much as was expected, itts said. One Million and half Dls and the goverment are laying excise’s so as to pay the Interest which iff they can do they wont want money and the Court is doing every thing they can for that Valuable End.

I Am will wishing you a confirmd. state of health Yr M H sert
Isaac Smith


Title: From John Adams to Francis Dana, 10 October 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Dana, Francis

Oct 10. 1782

Dear Sir

I have recd your Favour of Sept. 5/16. if my Son can find a good oppertunity to come, I should be glad to see him. But should not be willing to trust him with every Companion. He is too young for such a Journey, unless in Company with a prudent Man.
Mr John Adams has a Letter from Mr John Jay of 28. Ult. informing him, that Yesterday, Mr Oswald recd a Commission to treat of Peace with the Commissioners of the United States of America. This is communicated as a Secret, therefore no Notice is to be taken of John Adams or John Jay in mentioning it. John Jay presses John Adams to come to him, and he thinks of going in 10 days.
On the 8th the Treaty of Commerce and Convention, concerning Recaptures was Signed.
You want to know whether a Categoric answer was demanded against advice. No. It was advised by Several Members of the States and by the Ambassader. It was not done, untill We had written to the C. de V. and obtained his opinion that he did not see any Inconvenience in going Simply to the States, and asking them what answer I Should transmit to Congress. However when he came to read the Words Demand, Requisition, and Categoric Answer, he was Shocked, as the Ambassador himself told me. These Words were my own, but I did not venture them without the Advice of some good Friends in the States, and to all Appearance these Words contained the electric fluid, which produced the Shock. I was, however, at that Time so well known, that it was presumed, I Should make the Demand, although the Advice had been against it, as I certainly should have done, Supported as I was by the opinion of Members of the states. Take the Merit and the glory, of a Measure you cannot prevent, or at least a Share in it, although you dislike it, is a Maxim with most Politicians; and under certain Limitations is a lawfull Maxim. We must be very ignorant of our Friends not to know, that it is one of their Rules. And there are many Occasions upon which We, if at Liberty might take Advantage of it, by taking Measures upon ourselves which they cannot oppenly oppose, but must appear to favour.

My dear friend Adieu


Title: From John Adams to Arthur Lee, 10 October 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Arthur

Duplicate
The Hague October 10th. 1782
Dear Sir

I had the honor of yours of August 7th. yesterday. The letters inclosed are sent to their Destinations.
I have long since taken such measures, as depended upon me, and continue to do all that Decency will permit, to induce the States to send a Minister to Congress. I am convinced it will not be done before next Spring. To give You a compleat detail of the Reasons of this would cost a tedious Narration without use. It is sufficient to say, that every thing here is done against the Grain, and they cannot agree upon the Man to send. All the Patriots think, Van der Capellan de Poll or Van Berckel the fittest: but both are obnoxious to the Court, and the Court are disposed to exhaust all their Subtilty to postpone and delay every thing, which tends to cement the two Republicks.
It is not an easy thing to ascertain with precision in all Cases the Boundary between Independence and Uncomplaisance; but in this point I feel in myself, and I see in every body else, quite as much disposition to be complaisant, as is reconcileable with Independence: it is of more Importance however to be one than the other. It gives me infinite pleasure to learn that Mr. Jay is in this Sentiment. Mr. Dana’s Sentiments may be learned from the following Extract of a letter from him of 5/16 Septr.
“In my Letter of 19/30 of August, I told You I was no longer at Liberty to pursue a Course like that You pointed out in your’s of the seventh of the same month: that my late Instructions were clear and decided, and that I was glad of it; for had the Matter been left to my Discretion, I should have taken a Course not wholly unlike that You mention. I had prepared every thing for the decisive Step, and should have taken it against the Opinion of You know whom: because my sentiments perfectly coincide with yours, so far as they respect the dignity of the United States, which I have all along thought would suffer less from a more open and firm Policy, and that their Views and Interests would be promoted and established much earlier by means of it. I venture to say, that, had You hearkend to the Advice that was given You, when I was in Holland, not one of the United Provinces would at this time have acknowledged our Independence: nay more, the present minor Party would have been the prevailing one, in all probability, Affairs would have worn a different Countenance thro’ Europe and We should have seen, by the Aid of Mediation &ca, a seperate Peace concluded between Britain and Holland. I am sensible, as I told You before, of the Difference between our Situations; yet this Difference does not, in my Opinion, necessarily require a System absolutely the reverse. The same Engines indeed cannot be set at work here.”
The Instruction, which You say subjects Us to the French Ministers, has never been communicated to me. I cannot believe that any such one has passed. I suspect that You have put too strong a Construction upon it. Congress must have a very modest Inconsciousness of their own Abilities to subject themselves or their Ministers to any body. There is not, in my Opinion, a Sovereign in Europe more enlightend than Congress, nor a Minister in Europe superior to three of theirs, I mean Mr. Jay, Mr. Laurens and Mr. Dana, at least, if there is such a Minister, I have not yet had the honor to find him. The Qualities of Ministers, which produce Events, do not consist in dress, Horses, Balls nor Cards.
I was never in my life clearer in any opinion, than I am in this, that it would serve our Cause, for Mr Dana to communicate his Mission to the Minister of the Empress of Russia, and to the Ministers of every one of the Neutral Courts at Petersbourg. I think he would not be refused. The Matter would be taken into Consideration, and might be long delayed: but if he were refused, it would be upon the Principle of Neutrality, and even this Refusal would be infinitely less hurtful to our Reputation, than to have a Minister in Europe, with such a Commission in his Pocket, prohibited to make any Use of it. It is now known, that he has such a Commission, as much as it would be, if he communicated it, as he might, in Confidence.
Dr. Franklin, whose System has ever been to sweep Europe clear of every Minister but himself, that he might have a clear unrivalled Stage, was consistent when he wrote to Mr: Dana, that Congress were wrong in sending a Minister to Spain, Holland, Vienna, Berlin, Tuscany, and every where else:3 but it is not consistent in Congress, as I humbly apprehend, to send Ministers to Europe and then tie their Hands. Subjecting them to the French Ministry is, I say it freely, chaining them Hand and Foot. Those Chains I will never wear. They would be so galling to me that I could not bear them. I will never however be wanting in Respect or Complaisance to these Ministers knowingly.
I should ever esteem it an honor and a happiness to hear the News and the Politicks of the Times from You, and give me leave to assure You, that I have the honor of being your Friend and humble Servant

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from M. Addenet, 10 October 1782
From: Addenet, M.
To: Adams, John

Paris Ce 10 8bre 1782
Monsieur

Il y a quelques mois qu’un de nos Ambassadeurs me demande Si j’avois vu un ecrit dont il ne Connoissoit que Le titre et dont il desiroit faire lecture. C’étoit celui qui Contient Les Pensées sur la révolution de L’Amérique. Sans lui dire de qui je le tenois je le lui prêtai, et, en lui rendant Ce service, je Crus entrer dans vos vues. Il est parti sans m’avoir rendu cet ouvrage que je serois fort aise de Conserver et qui d’ailleurs me seroit utile en Ce moment. J’espere que vous voudrés bien m’en donner un exemplaire que je vous serai obligé de me faire parvenir Sous l’enveloppe de Monsieur genet Premier Commis des affaires Etrangeres.
Je saisis cette occasion de me rappeller à votre souvenir et de vous renouveller les assurances de mon dévouement. Je serois fort flatté que vous me Crussiés digne de votre Confiance et que vous Pussiés agréer l’offre que je vous fais de mes faibles services. Je puis vous certifier que mon zéle sera encor au dessus du peu de Connoissances que j’ai tant Sur la politique que Sur le Commerce et qui ont été l’objet Continuel de mes occupations depuis ma plus tendre jeunesse.
Permettés moi de vous remercier de l’accueil gracieur que vous avés fait à un ami que j’ai eû l’honneur de vous adresser l’année derniere. Il vient d’arriver et il se loue infiniment de la bonté avec la quelle vous l’avés reçu. Sa reconnoissance est égale à la mienne.

Je Suis avec un Profond respect, Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur
Addenet De Maison Rouge


Title: M. Addenet to John Adams: A Translation, 10 October 1782
From: Addenet, M.
To: Adams, John

Paris, 10 October 1782
Sir

A few months ago, one of our ambassadors asked me if I had seen a document that he knew only by title and that he wanted to read. It was the one containing Pensées sur la révolution de l’Amérique-Unie. Without telling him from whom I obtained it, I lent it to him, and in doing him this favor, I believe I did as you would have wished. He left without returning it to me. I would have liked to have kept it since it could be very useful right now. I am hoping that you could give me another copy, and would be obliged if you could send it to me under cover to Monsieur Genet, first commissioner for foreign affairs.
I take this opportunity to be remembered to you and assure you of my devotion. I would be flattered if you believed me to be worthy of your confidence, and if you would take advantage of my feeble services. I can assure you that my zeal will be even greater than my limited knowledge of politics and trade, the study of both being an ongoing occupation of mine since childhood.
Permit me to thank you for the gracious welcome you gave one of my friends about whom I wrote to you last year. He just arrived and was infinitely pleased with the kindness you showed him. His gratitude is equal to mine.

I am with deep respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
Addenet De Maison Rouge


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 10 October 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 10 8br 1782
Sir

In consequence of your Excellency’s commands of the 8th. inst:, we have sent to day one thausand obligations; and we Shall as soon as possible send the other thousand, which we get printed.
These thousand being Signed by your Excellency, we pray to have them handed together to Mr. Van der Beets on the Stamp Chamber; whch. being the disposal of Mr. Zweerts of this City, we pray your Excellency to inform him of it at the same time.
Your Excellency may depend on our Secrecy abt. your journey, we beg leave in the meanwhile to wish it an agreable one for your Excellency and a happy one for America.

We have the honour to be with respectfull Consideration Sir Your most Humble and most Obedient servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink
Nics. & Jacob van Staphorst
de la Lande & fynje


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 12 October 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

The Hague October 12. 1782
Sir

Yesterday, afternoon Mr Van der Burg, Van Spieringshaek the Agent of their High Mightinesses brought me the inclosed Resolution, relative to a Vessell of Mr Dubbledemuts. I promised to inclose it to Congress. I would have it translated here but I have not time. I presume Congress has or will have an Interpreter for the Low Dutch.
It is much to be desired that Congress would take Some Measures to inquire into this matter.
The Cause of my being so pressed, for Time is, that I am preparing to set off for Paris, and have not only all my Dispatches to make up, to send the Treaty, but have Obligations to sign respecting the Loan, that So essential a Business may not Stand still in my absence.
Mr Jay writes me that Mr oswald has recd a Commission to treat of Peace with the Commissioners of the United States of America. I Shall set off for Paris next Week.

I have the Honour to be, &c
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, 12 October 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)

The Hague Octr. 12th. 1782
Gentlemen

The Bearer of this is Mr. Charles Storer, a young Gentleman of Boston, whom I beg leave to recommend to your Acquaintance.
I have sent to your Address to day a Trunk, which I beg the favor of You to fill up with such Things as Mr Storer shall mention to You, and send it well covered with a tarred Canvass to Mrs. Adams of Braintree to the Care of Isaac Smith Esqr. of Boston. Send it, if You please, by Captain Coffin.
I have one more favor to beg of You. It is to engage me a Coach with four Places to go to Paris, for two months. It should be strong and decent, and it should be at the Door of the Arms of Amsterdam at nine oClock on Friday morning next.
You will please to charge all these Things to my private Account.
I have asked these favors of your House alone, because I would not give unnecessary Trouble to all the Gentlemen and I hope You will excuse the freedom I take with You.
You will be so good as to inclose in the Trunk an Invoice of the Articles You send with their prices, for the Information of Mrs. Adams.

With great Esteem, I have the Honor to be, Gentlemen, &c


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, 15 October 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)

Hague 15th. Octr. 1782
Gentlemen

In Answer to the Question contained in your Favor of yesterday, I would observe, that I must depend upon Post-Horses and Postilions on the Road, and shall have Occasion for the Amsterdam Coachman and Horses only as far as Utrecht. But You will have the Goodness to desire the Coachmaster at Amsterdam to write to some Person in Utrecht to procure me a fresh supply of Horses when I shall arrive there. For the Remainder of the Journey I must take Post Horses.

It is at your Choice, Gentlemen, to pay the Hire of the Coach now, or upon my Return.
There is one favor more, Gentlemen, that I have to ask, and that is, that You will be kind enough to furnish me with a Letter of Credit to some Banker at Paris for Cash to bear my Expences while there.

With great Esteem, I have the honor to be, &c


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 15 October 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Passy, 15 Oct. 1782
Sir

A long and painful Illness has prevented my corresponding with your Excellency regularly, but I paid the Bill you drew upon me and advised me of in your last Letter.
Mr Jay has I believe acquainted you with the Obstructions our Peace Negociations have met with, and that they are at length removed. By the next Courier expected from London, we may be able perhaps to form some Judgment of the Probability of Success, so far as relates to our Part of the Peace. How likely the other Powers are to settle their Pretensions, I can not yet learn. In the mean time America is gradually growing more easy, by the Enemy’s Evacuation of their Posts; as you will see by some Intelligence I enclose.
I have had the Happiness formerly to help your Excellency in the Discharge of the Public Demands upon you. I am now obliged to recur to you for the same kind of Assistance. Notice has been given me that the Interest of the Ten Millions borrow’d in Holland under the Guarantee of this Court becomes due the 5th: of next Month. My Frinds here are all engaged by Bills accepted and expected. I must therefore request that you will undertake the Payment of that Interest, which at 4 ⅌r Cent amounts to about 400,000 Livres Tournois.

With great Respect, I have the honour to be, Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 16 October 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussells Octr. 16. 1782
Sir

I congratulate your Excellency on having Compleated the work of which you have been the Sole Author. This being finished will not your Excellency Show yourself openly in an Affair, which must Stand in need of your inate Stubborness, in order to Check anothers Pliancy. In short Shall I not have the Pleasure of seeing your Excellency Soon in your way to Paris? Are not things ripe for you?
By what I can find from England Shelburne is by no means as yet fixed in his Place. That is, He has not got a decided Majority in the House—those, who left Him at the End of this Session, declare his Ministry is worse than the late Northern One.
I am greatly surprized to find That four Mails are arrived without bringing any more Slips.

I am with the greatest Consideration Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 18 October 1782
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

St: Petersbourg Octr. 7/18 1782
My dear Friend

I have this moment received your Letters of the 17th. and 29th. of Septr: and after assuring you that they have given me much pleasure because they acquaint me your health and spirits are in a tolerable good state. I shall endeavour to make the best returns for them I am able to do, in my feeble state. My heart is obliged to ask leave of my head whenever it wishes to pay a proper attention to those who have a place in it. I have been confined for some time by an indisposition which has unfitted me for writing. I am now better, tho’ I still labour under a dull heavy head ach, which will never entirely forsake me while I remain in this climate. I have however resolved to spend another benighted winter here. Your Son, I believe will go from hence in about a fortnight, by the way of Sweden and Denmark, when I shall be in a very lonely state, but still I shall be relieved from much anxiety about his education. The measure is necessary for his good. He wishes to be at his studies as soon as possible. I will give you some further particulars abt his route, company &c. if he goes. This course will be considerably more expensive than a passage by water in the Spring, which you propose in your last letter, yet the time that will be saved by it will make the difference of expence an object of little or no consideration in your mind. The kind manner in which you have expressed your sorrow that you have been so long prevented writing me, has done my almost disconsolate heart great good. Your friendship I place among the most valuable blessings of my life. The picture you sent to the care of the Dutch Ambassador I have heard nothing about. I will wait upon him soon and enquire after it. The dispatches have come to hand, except the copy of one letter and of a Cypher which were said to be enclosed. Can you give me any account of these? Please in future to write on the inside of the cover “This packet contains 5 (or as the Case may be) Papers” when I shall know if the a whole comes to hand from you. I thank you for the communications relative to Messrs: Fitzberbert and Oswald. There can certainly be no sincerity in such vague schemes and perhaps as little wisdom as sincerity. My opinion is, Gibralter will be taken. This is the opinion of the Spanish Ministers here. If so, I flatter myself we may have a general peace in the course of the next Winter. Pray send me a copy of your Treaty if possible. It may be sent directly on, as there are no secrets in it, I presume. I shall attend in future to the Houses you mention. Are either of them Bankers to the United States? I have exactly the same idea as you have, of a certain policy. The web is too strong to be broken. You will find in my letter of the 5/16 Septr: precisely the same sentiments touching the probable effects of a similar policy with you, had you pursued it, as you have expressed upon it in your last, a little more particularly pointed out however. I shall begin to think by this conformity in our opinions that my ideas are not always erroneous upon the political plans which we ought to adopt. But I can think only and not act. Please to attend to my enquiry in the above letter about the categorical affair. Your Loan is in a much better state than I expected. You will be pleased to inform me from time to time of any alterations of consequence which may take place in it. We shall I beleive stand in need of it, as our Taxes seem to be very deficient. Not so much perhaps owing to the want of specie in the Country, as to its unequal distribution among the people. Those of the interiour parts must be nearly destitute of it, and of course really unable to pay their taxes in it. But this is an evil that will gradually be done away. The matter you speak of towards the close of your last, if I am not deceived, has been effected by the intrigues of the Ministrythe Empress and will terminate as your question supposes. Nay further, ’tis probable the Emperor is necessary to it, and will take a part in it. There is much curious History in this matter which I cannot go into for want of a Cypher between us. I believe the Corps Diplomatiq here do not differ in opinion from the Corps Diplomatique with you.
As to the Information you wish for respecting the affairs of the Crimea I am unable at present to satisfy my own mind about them. The Independency of that Country was stipulated in the Treaty of Kainard, and the People were at liberty to elect their own Khans, and of course the Grand Sultan had no longer the right to depose them. From that time the Empress has considered herself as their Protectress. Russia besides obtained as it was then thought the great object of Peter the First, which her Majesty had pursued with all the magnanimity which adorns her character, that of a free commerce upon the Turkish Seas; and several ports there, viz. Kinburn, Kerseh, and Yanikale: but it was soon perceived that Her Majesty had lost almost all advantages thro’ the want of proper information in her Negociators, which her arms had put into her hands. In short that this great project was left unprotected, and at the mercy of the Turks because her Majesty cou’d neither send or build any Ships of War there for its protection. Another war therefore is perhaps necessary to remove the Turks at a more convenient distance, and to obtain the right of establishing a Navy in those Seas. When these objects will be pursued time will show us. I will endeavour to give you some further particulars relative to this Subject at another time; at present my head is in such a state that it is with great difficulty I have proceeded thus far. Pray give my regards to Mr. Thaxter and tell him as he has concluded to remain with you awhile longer, I hope he will write me by every convenient opportunity.

I am Sir, your much obliged Friend & obedt: hble: Servant
FD

Dear Sir

Septr:October 9/20th

The above was written too late for the post of the day. Since then, I am inform’d the Commercial Treaty with Denmark is concluded; and that nearly the same advantages are granted to the Danes, as to the English by their Treaty; probably the very same which the English will enjoy after the expiration of that, in virtue of a new Treaty. I think they will not again obtain any particular advantages over other Nations, which have heretofore given them a sort of a Monopoly here. The error of such a policy is now clearly discerned. I do not yet learn that the Treaty with Portugal is concluded. Sweden wishes to have one also: And Her Majesty’s Ministers for certain substantial reasons, are inclined to make Treaties with all the World, America at present alone excepted. I venture to say that a liberal Commercial Treaty with the United States, wou’d be productive of more solid benefits to this Empire than all the Treaties Her Majesty can form with any of the European States; and that the sooner such a one takes place the better for the Interests of her Empire. These two Truths are demonstrable. But it is said Il faut menager les Anglais—This moment we have received an account of the destruction of the floating batteries before Gibralter. My hopes are at an end. There now remains but one great stroke that of attacking Ld. Howe’s Fleet which does not consist of more than 30 ships of the Line, when the combined Fleet amounts to 57. What an occasion to give a mortal blow to the British Navy! But may we expect this will be done? Adieu.


Title: To John Adams from Jean George Holtzhey, 20 October 1782
From: Holtzhey, Jean George
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam le 20 octb. 1782
Monsieúr

L’Independance de Votre Nation, m’a fait inspirer l’idée de immortaliser ce grand et digne Evenement par úne Medaille que j’ai fait súr Leúr Liberté et dont J’ai l’honneúr de Vous envoÿer la premiere épreuve; dans L’Esperance qu’il fera tant de plaisir a Votre Excellence: que d’Honneur pour ma personne de me dire que je reste avec un profond respect Monsieur! Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

Jean George Holtzhey


Title: To John Adams from Matthew Ridley, 21 October 1782
From: Ridley, Matthew
To: Adams, John

Paris October the 21st: 1782
Sir

I was honored with your favors covering Letters for Mr Jay which I delivered. My Papers are packd up as I am moving from my present Hotel. This is the Reason I cannot mark the dates: but the last was the 8h. Currt: I have delayed writing in Answer, being continually buoyed up with Hopes of seeing you here: and this is the Reason Mr Jay has not wrote. He desires me however to remember him to you and flatters himself it will not be long before you meet as he finds the Affair of the Treaty is settled.
Your first Letter made no small impression on me. I have no doubt Reasons will be given why the Commo. was given away—When I say Reasons I mean that I think you will find Mr. J not to blame about it. In my own mind I am satisfied the persons you mention would have been preferable. I hope however this Affair will make no impression upon you. You may rely our Friend J. means well: And I am satisfied he has a very great esteem and respect for you: and which I think no difference in political Opinions or adoption of measures (which are only matters of opinion) will in the least Affect.
I find by Letters from England Mr L. will not be able to leave there before the Spring on account of his precarious state of health.
It is very strange that V. has never yet communicated what R’s business was in England. It is that kind of Reserve which begets distrust often and which at all times prevents a liberal communication: All Things do not go right here and I should not be surprized was there to be a change almost similar to the one in England. Quarrels are gotten to a pretty great height—Fleury has attacked the Minister of Marine on account of his Expences—V. rather sides with the Comptroller, The Queen with the Marine and so between them there will be a Struggle untill either one or the other goes and maybe the whole. Should such an event take place some talk of Choiseul and Neckar. The Oeconomy of the latter and the profu sion of the former may however prevent such an Union. The Effects I see in all this business is that most probably that of Peace may be retarded by it. Spain hankers as much after Gibraltar and Jamaica as ever the Levites of old did after the Flesh pots of Egypt. She has Influence here and it is well if they do not overshoot the Mark. I cannot but view with contempt these petty Struggles about a Barren Rock and an Island (neither of which will probably be given up by the present Occupiers) when I see America, an extent of Country immense, with 1500 miles sea Coast liberated, nay torn from the Body of a vast and powerfull Empire by a number of People not forming one fifteenth part scarcely of the Subjects of France and Spain. Liberty and such a Country were prizes worth contending for. See the blessed Effects of Unanimity! In seven Years has this mighty Object been accomplished! When I think on this business I am struck with astonishment and feel my Imagination Carried, I know not whither. Excuse this digression and believe me with respect Sir Your most Obedient servant

Matt: Ridley

If the war Should continue the silver Boxes may be wanting. I think the one you propose them for is the best that could be thought of. I am glad to find your Loan gathers as it Rowls. That Money will be much wanting. There is a talk of opening a Loan here for Eighty Millions. You may be assured I am right about the amount of our debt here. I do not hear if they propose letting us have any more. If the war continues we shall want some.
There are Letters as late as the 10. of Septemr from Boston. The French fleet which was arrived wanted much repairs. Pigot they say was arrived at new York and it appears by the some of the Papers that orders had actually been given for the evacuation of Charles Town. The Inhabitants had proposed to ask time from General Green (which I suppose would not be granted). Leslie had informed such as chose to quit the Town that there were Vessells prepared to carry them to Augustin, of all places in the World.
Mr J. bids me tell you the Letter Mr B. left for you is still in his possession, as he expected to see You and such particular directions are given with it he has not cared to trust it by any opportunity hitherto offered.

Thus ends my Second Letter.
MR


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 21 October 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 21 8bre 1782
Sir

We shall be glad to hear your Excellencys happy arrival in paris, at my being in the Hague Mr Dumas informed me of the receipt of the 1000 Obligations, whch. I recommended to his care till further disposal.
Said Gentleman informed me he could want some money one time or another whch. he’d be glad to dispose on us together whch. Should be approuved by your Excellency. We beg therefore to know what Sum you are pleased to order to his disposition.

In the meanwhile we have the honour to remain with the most respectfull Consideration Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Humble Servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink


Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 26 October 1782
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

Boston October 26th. 1782
Sir

I esteem myself greatly honor’d by the receipt of your Favor’s of the 18th August last—and much obliged by the attention paid to my request respecting Capt Armstrong who, soon after my writing, returned from a severe confinement, having made his escape—of which I immediately advised to prevent any further trouble in that affair.
You express yourself at a loss, Sir, to know, to what intelligence, thro’ the war, I refer, in supposing the enemy to have been better informed of than her Friends. I did not mean such as Congress might have duly received, but such as the wellwishers of the cause we are engaged in seemed frequently to be without. The Decisions of Congress, thro’ the contest, fully prove that their informations have been much better than those of the Court of Great Britain, whose insiduous designs and proposals have, thereby, in a great degree, been frustrated. But, Sir, it has been a frequent remark in this part of the Country, that any particular plans designs or movements of the enemy have been known to suspected Characters long before those of the opposite denomination have scarcely had a hint, which, I confess, might have been owing to the great vigilance and industry the former exercised, while the friends of our Country, putting the utmost confidence in the Persons to whom they had committed the management of their public concerns, neglected too much the means of informing themselves—a fault too common—and to a free Country, much more to one struggling for Freedom, often, if not always, proving in the end fatal to their Liberties.
Sensible of this in my private Sphere of Life, I felt doubly the obligation to procure all useful Intelligence when I had taken a Seat in the Legislative of this Commonwealth. This I plead in excuse for intruding on your important hours, so far as to ask the favor of any advice you had time, or thought proper, to afford me. Permit me now to return thanks for the political intelligence You have honor’d me with, and for the pamphlet accompanying—by that and other information it appears that the ancient spirit of freedom, which wrested the United Provinces from the hand of tyranny, but which has lain dormant a long time, revives, and promises to shine in its original Splendor.
The Success of these American States in the Cause of Liberty has been productive already of much good in the European World—and it is to be presumed the Effects of our Independence are scarcely visible yet. Ireland may, and ought to, thank us for the Blessings they have lately acquired, notwithstanding their Patriot, M Grattan, in his celebrated Speech, so insiduously contrasts the merit of the American Contest, with that of his Country.
The People of the United Provinces will feel the happy influences by the revival of their ancient constitution, if they are as wisely conducted in future as they have been directed lately. They need only the Influence of the American Spirit and Firmness to lead them to wise measures. Their sluggish disposition may try the patience of Job, as I doubt not You have experienced—but that there is a latent spark of Freedom sufficient to kindle the Mass is evident from the great effects which your unremitted labours have caused. However easy it may be to obtain the favor of a Court, it appears to me far otherwise to rouse a whole People, who have been long buried under the influence of selfish pursuits, and a tyrannical Exercise of Government—to inspire them with new political life so as to see their public interest, and to feel their importance. This task was reserved for yourself. Your friends rejoyce in the important success that has crowned your Pursuits. The Alliance formed under your sole Endeavours, appears to me permanent, considering it proceeds from the united voice of a people—which, in such general concerns, tho’ harder to obtain, is more to be depended upon, than the promises of Crowned Heads—as, in the one Case, a secret intrigue may escape the closest Notice, and alter the disposition of the Court, which Alteration can scarsely take place in a republick but in a slow progression, giving opportunity to counteract the designs of an Enemy.
The Assistance which the United Provinces can afford the Allied Powers is contemptuously spoken of by the British. It is true it may not appear so powerful as that of France, but when any one considers the difference their joyning G B would have made—the immense extent of their trade, together with the similarity of many things between the Inhabitants of them and these States, as fully set forth in the first memorial presented to their H Ms—it must be allowed, by all, that their friendship and Alliance were most desirable Objects—The Loss of which G B must lament.
Upon the first appearance of Affairs, after the Marquis of Rockingham’s appointment in the British Ministry, We flatter’d ourselves an honorable Peace would soon have taken place—whatever just grounds there then was for such suggestions, our present opinion coincides with those you express, that the Court of G B. will be governed by the fate of their Armaments and of the fortress of Gibraltar.
The Situation of the different Governments in the Union you must have from various hands, much more able to acquaint you than is in my power. Thus much I am sure, that the Americans show no disposition to retreat. They seem as determined to push the war as when it began. It is true of this Commonwealth, that great are the wants of Money. The General Court are devising every means to revive public Credit, and to raise Money for current Charges, as well as to answer the demands of Congress. The People say they have not got the Cash nor can they raise it. Heretofore when pressed to what they, at the time, supposed the last extremity, the difficulties were overcome, I hope the new ones will meet the like good fortune. However, my dear Sir, it is to be sincerely wished that the Loan for the Use of Congress, solicited in Holland may be effected. I hear transiently that half a million is already negotiated—it would greatly releive at this time. The Enemy form high hopes from our apparent distresses on this account, not reflecting how often they have been the dupes of their own delusive dreams—which will again, in this instance, be their lot. New England has now more able bodied Men, more Cattle and Provisions than in 1775. Can such a Country give way—retaining the spirit of that memorable year. They do retain it. They cannot “look back—stop—or deviate.”
I note your observations on the Conduct of Denmark and Russia—and since hear that Sweden, more friendly, has proposed a treaty of Amity and Commerce with these States.
I am sometimes of opinion that the Continuance of the war is beneficial to us, when I reflect on the intimacy and knowledge of their Trade Policy and Finances which every new Alliance with different Powers of Europe gives the Subjects of these States. Many years Peace might not furnish such opportunities. Would the Calm of more tranquil times have afforded you the opportunity of lighting up anew the Batavian Spirit of Liberty thro’ the U Provinces, and of causing the Body of People to unite in so serious and important an Affair?
But how am I, Sir, engrossing your time to look over what can be of no other Service than to convince you that I wish it my power to make the least Amend for the favors received. From the important business which calls your Attention I dare not promise myself frequent Intelligence. Give me leave to say, it is my sincere wish to hear from you when a leisure moment may permit.

I am, with the most respectful Regard And Affection, Sir Your obliged Friend & most humble Servant
Tristram Dalton


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 26 October 1782
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

(Secret and confidential)

Octobr: 15th. 1782 26 October N.S.

My Dear Sir

Soon after my arrival here I intimated to you that I had discovered something which I thought a clew to account for the advice given me by a certain person, and which you and I then were of opinion, was calculated to throw an obstruction in my way, and of course that I ought not to follow it. I told you I wou’d communicate it to you by the first good opportunity. None has offered till now. Here then you have it. In the project of a Treaty of Commerce which France had proposed to the Empress there is an article to this effect. When the Subjects of France shall carry in their own vessels, goods, wares, or merchandises, of the growth, produce, or manufacture of France, into the dominions of the Empress and shall receive in exchange for them, goods, wares, and merchandises, of the growth, production, or manufacture of the Empress that in such cases, there shall be a drawback of the Duties both of Importation and of Exportation paid by the Subjects of France upon all such articles imported, or received in exchange by them as aforesaid.
Now in order to induce the Empress to grant this most advantageous privilege to FranceFrance alleges that it will be for the interest of the Empress to do it; because France will have a demand for great quantities of the Commodities of the Empress which she will nevertheless not be under a necessity of purchasing of the Empressafter the war; for these reasons, that she can then obtain the same from America and altho’ perhaps not at so cheap a rate, yet it will be for her interest, if
the Empress
shall refuse to grant this priviledge, to pay America from 15 to 20. pr: Cent: more for the same articles, as by taking those articles from AmericaFrance wou’d enable her to take off a greater quantity of the commodities of France and the more easily to discharge the debts she may contract for them in France.
The foregoing project, and the reasons urged in support of it were somewhat more detailed than I have given them to you above. As I cou’d not obtain a copy of them, I read them over with care, and in the time of it, reduced them to writing from my memory. The above is a copy of that memorandum and I believe I have not made any material mistake in it. Hemp, the article of which the Empress is most jealous of a Rivalry, is particularly mention’d by France. Thus I found both Friends and Foes working against us here for their own private purposes; if to support and maintain a Rivalry between the two Countries can be said to be working against our Interests. However different their views may be, the effect is the same and equally prejudicial to us let it proceed from whom it may; and this junction in their systems rendered my task of clearing away such errors, much more difficult. The immense profit which France wou’d derive from such a priviledge must have made her consider it as an object of great consequence to herself. She cou’d not therefore wish to open any communication, which might possibly bring on an eclaireissement that wou’d render her project abortive. Is it unnatural to suppose that the pendency of such a negotiation might have been a sufficient ground for the advice above alluded to, or for others to prevent my forming any connections with persons in Government here? I view it indeed in this light, but perhaps I may view it with too suspicious an eye. It has had no tendency to convince me that it is an erroneous principle in our policy. That we ought to take care of our own Interests in Foreign Courts. This is in some places an unfashionable if not an unpardonable sentiment. Shou’d you think proper to write me upon this subject, I must beg you to do it in so disguised a manner as cannot be penetrated. For I have good reasons to apprehend that it is next to impossible to avoid a detection of my correspondence thro’ the posts. I this day received a second letter which had been opened at the office, from Paris. They will open every letter bro’t by their post, to discover any correspondence they wish to discover, without the least hesitation. For this reason I desire you wou’d never send me a copy of any dispatches you may know I have received, but instead of it, to give me notice when you receive any such, and I will write you what to do with them. By this same opportunity you will receive a letter for Mr: L——. Please to open it, read it, and beg Mr: T. whom we may safely confide in, to be so kind as to make out two or three copies of it, and to forward them by careful hands. I am unable to do this myself at present, and I dare not send a letter of that sort by the Post. Desire Mr: T. not to put up either of them, with any of your or my other letters, but to send them unconnected with any thing which, in Case of Capture, might discover from whence they came. You will pardon the trouble I give you in these matters, and be assured I shall never be unmindful of the obligations I am under to you. Since the above one of my Bankers has called upon me, and tells me all my letters which came under cover to them directly will certainly be opened at the office—that it will be necessary therefore to send them all by the way of Riga. I am my dear Sir your much obliged Friend & obedient humble Servant


Title: To John Adams from Sir James Jay, 27 October 1782
From: Jay, Sir James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Hague Octobr. 27. 1782.

It was with not a little chagrin that I found on my arrival here, you had set out to Paris but a few days before. The restriction I was laid under by Parole—not to go to France, determined me not even to write to any one in that kingdom until my exchange should be effected. For this reason, and thinking that You, as well as Doctr. Franklin, had authority to exchange prisoners; and that, in my own case, the business might be more satisfactorily & expeditiously transacted by verbal than, epistolary intercourse, I resolved to pay my respects to you at the Hague. Whether I am right in my opinion of your power, is at present immaterial; for as you are now with the Doctor in Paris, I am certain that your inclination and good offices will not be wanting to set me at liberty.
On conversing on the subject of my exchange with Mr. Townshend, Secretary of State, he consented to exchange me for a British Lieut: Colonel. Cols: Tarlton & Dundas, who were both taken at York Town, have been proposed for the purpose. If you agree to the main proposition, I beg you will signify to me your acceptance of it, and name which of those gentlemen you may think proper to give up, that I may proceed in the business. As this is a matter that can require but little time to come to a determination upon, I hope you will favour me with a Line by the return of the post, which you will please to direct for me to the care of Monsr: Dumas. I remain, Sir, with great regard and esteem, / Your Most Obt: & humble Servt:
James Jay


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 31 October 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

No. 1
Sir
Paris October 31 1782.

Having executed the Treaty of Commerce, at the Hague and dispatched four Copies of it, by four different Vessells bound to America from the Texel, and having Signed a Sufficient Number of Obligations to leave in the Hands of Messrs Willinks, Vanstaphorst and De La Lande and Fynje, and having received Information from Mr Jay, that Mr Oswald had recd a Commission from the King his Master under the Great Seal of Great Britain, to treat with the Commissioners of the United States of America I Set off, for Paris, where I arrived, on Saturday the Twenty Sixth of this Month, after a tedious Journey, the Roads being on account of long continued Rains, in the worst Condition, I ever knew them.
I waited, forthwith, on Mr Jay, and from him learned the present State of the Conferences.— It is not possible at present to enter into Details; All I can Say is in General that I had the Utmost Satisfaction in finding that he had been all along acting here upon the Same Principles upon which I had ventured to Act in Holland, and that We were perfectly agreed in our Sentiments and Systems.— I cannot express it better than in his own Words “To be honest and gratefull to our Allies, but to think for our selves.”— I find a Construction put upon one Article of our Instructions by Some Persons, which I confess I never put upon it my self. it is represent by Some, as Subjecting Us to the french Ministry, as taking away from us, all right of Judging for ourselves, and obliging us to agree to whatever the french Ministers Shall advise us too, and to nothing without their Consent.— I never Supposed this to be the Intention of Congress. if I had, I never would have accepted the Commission, and if I now thought it their Intention, I could not continue in it. I cannot think it possible to be the Design of Congress. if it is, I hereby resign my Place in the Commission and request that another Person may be immediately appointed in my Stead.
Yesterday, We met Mr Oswald, at his Lodgings, Mr Jay Mr Franklin and my self on one Side and Mr Oswald assisted by Mr Stretchy, a Gentleman whom I had the Honour to meet in Company with Lord How upon Staten Island, in the year 1766 and assisted also by a Mr Roberts, a Clerk in Some of the public offices, with Books, Maps and Papers, relative to the Boundaries. We have to Search, the Boundaries of Grenada the two Floridas, ancient Canada according to the Claims of the French, Proclamation Canada, Act of Parliament Canada &c and the Bounds of Nova Scotia and of most if not all the thirteen States.—
I arrived in a lucky moment, for the Boundary of the Massachusetts because I brought with me, all the essential Documents relative to that object, which are this day to be laid before the Gentle men my Colleagues in Conference at my House, and after wards, before the Brit Mr Oswald.—
It is now apparent at least to Mr Jay and my self, that in order to obtain the Western Lands, the Navigation of the Missisipi, and the Fishery or any of them We must act with Firmness and Independence as well as Prudence and Delicacy. With these there is little doubt We may obtain them all.—
Yesterday I visited Mr Brantzen the Dutch Minister, and was by him very frankly and candidly informed of the whole Progress of the Negotiation on their Part.— it is very Shortly told.— They have exchanged full Powers with Mr Fitzherbert, and communicated to him, their Preliminaries, according to their Instructions, which I have heretofore transmitted to Congress.— Mr Fitzherbert has Sent them to London and recd an Answer. but has communicated to them no more of this Answer, than this, that those Preliminaries are not relished at St James’s.— He excused his not having Seen them for 6 or 7 days, by pretence of Indisposition, but they are informed he has made frequent Visits to Versailles during those days, and Sent off and received Several Couriers.—
How the Negotiation advances, between Mr Fitzherbert and the C. de Vergennes and the C. D’Aranda, We know not.—
The Object of Mr De Raynevals Journey to London, is not yet discovered by any of Us.— It is given out, that he was Sent to See, whether, the British Ministry were in Earnest. But this is too general. it is Suspected that he went to insinuate Some thing relative to the Fishery and the Boundaries, but it is probable he did not Succeed respecting the former, and perhaps not entirely with respect to the latter.—
With Great Respect &c


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 31 October – 1 November 1782
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

      My dear Sir
         St: Petersbourg,Octr: 20th. 1782. O.S. [31 October N.S.]

         I wrote you yesterday by a different course: You will receive that letter a few days after this comes to your hands. You will be pleased to see that immediate attention is paid to a particular part of it, as requested. I then advised you that your Son wou’d set off the same day (which he did about noon) for Stockholm, where he proposed to remain 8. or 10. days, and then to pursue his journey by the way of Copenhagen, Lubec, and Hambourg. and that you might expect him in all December. I charged him to write you from Stockholm, and also to write me from several intermediate stations in Finland. We must allow 20 Days for Stockholm at this season, when the roads are in their worst state; and when they will not pass the Sinus Bothnicum unless the winds are fair, as the days are short, and the Boatmen will not remain out in the night. He travels from hence in a Post-Chaise with a Gentleman who will hold his course as far as Hambourg. From thence he will take a place in a Stage if convenient. He has letters for Stockholm from the Spanish Minister here, the Marquis de la Torre, and from the Swedish Chargé d’Affairs, as well as others, and indeed from others for all the principal places thro’ which he will pass. He will have an opportunity in this route to see Countries which perhaps he might otherwise not have seen. There is a Swedish Gentleman of Stockholm in company with them, with whom we are well acquainted. He will pay a particular attention to him at Stockholm, and if possible procure him a fellow Traveller on to Holland. I have charged him to consult this Gentleman & to follow his advice about the residue of his journey— I have waited upon the Dutch Ambassador about the Generals picture. He tells me he has not received it, or heard any thing about it and desires me to enquire of you by whom you sent it, and in what manner; whether it was addressed to him, or verbal directions only given to deliver it to him for me—whether it was closed up or sent open by itself, or put into a packet for him. When he shall know the proper facts, he was pleased to say he wou’d enquire after it. He desired his compliments to you— If you sent it by the person who brought you the Court Almanacks last Summer, as he has not yet arrived, having stopt among his friends in Germany, there is no doubt but he will deliver it in time— I have received the copy of your Treaty, & of the Resolutions of Congress respecting Captures, & Felonies committed on the High-Seas, but no letters or other papers accompanying them. I most cordially thank you and Mr: Thaxter for these— Have you received any intelligence of the issue of Genl: Clarke’s expedition against the important Fortress of Detroit. It seems he has had two detachments already surprised & cut off. I fear these checks may render the expedition abortive. It is of much consequence to us to break up, & gain possession of that chain of British Posts, along our Frontiers. Have you any particular intelligence in what part of the United States Mr. Vadreuille has arrived with his Fleet. If he does not proceed for New-York without loss of time, I think nothing may be expected from him this campaign, as every thing depends upon his fleet arriving there before the British. Adieu, my dear Sir, I am with the greatest respect / Yours &c
         FD

         Dear Sir
         Octr: 21st: 1782. [O.S., 1 November N.S.]
         I have kept this letter open till the arrival of the Post, which this day brings me your letter of the 10th. of Octr: which acknowledges the receipt of mine of the 5/16 of Septr:. I thank you for the important intelligence you communicate to me. I am glad to hear {John Adams} intends to change his quarters for sometime. Tho’ your letter to me had not been opened at the Office here. yet Mr: Thaxter’s enclosing two, upon one sheet, from Mr: Morris had, & was sent to me in that State. They are of no consequence however, and their curiosity will meet with no great gratification in this instance. Mr: T. shou’d not have sent his on in that course. All my letters in future must go thro’ the particular channel I have marked out, otherwise they will fall into the hands of the Ministry. Pray give this direction to Mr: S. if you leave him at a certain station, & request him to give it to Messrs: De Neufville & Ingraham & Bromfield immediately. I will write your Son this day—I heard from him yesterday on his route, all well.
         Your’s &c


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 1 November 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris November 1. 1782

In answer to the Letter, your Excellency did me, the Honour to write me on the 15 of October, a Copy of which you delivered me Yesterday at Mr Oswalds the original not being received, I have only to Say that there is Money enough in the Hands of Messieurs Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholas and Jacob Van Staphorst and De la Lande and Fynje, of Amsterdam, to discharge the Interest of the Ten Million of Guilders borrowed in Holland by the King of France under the Warranty of the States General, if it is expected and insisted that Congress Should pay it.
But the Question is, who shall order it to be paid.— I dont think my self authorized, by any Powers I have to dispose of that Money. Congress have only impowerd me to borrow the Money, and deposit it in the Hands of Bankers, to be drawn out by Congress. and I have advised and requested, that Assembly, to draw the whole, without leaving me the Power to dispose of any Part of it, beyond my own Salary, a little Assistance to our distressed Countrymen, escaped from British Prisons, and a few trifling Charges that necessarily arise.
There is also another Difficulty in the Way at present.— By the Contract, the Money is not to be paid, untill a Ratification arrives from Congress. a Quintuplicate of the Contract went by Captain Grinnell who is arrived at Boston so that We may expect a Ratification and too probably Draughts for the whole Money by the first ship.
It is therefore impossible for me to engage, absolutly to pay it, untill We hear farther from Congress. But upon the Arrival of the Ratification, if no Contrary orders arrive with it, and your Excellency and Mr Jay advise me to do it, I will direct, if I can, or at least I will desire the Houses who now have the Money to pay it, if insisted on by this Court, which I hope, however will be thought better of.
I have the Honour to be


Title: To John Adams from James Warren, 1 November 1782
From: Warren, James
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir.
Milton Novr 1. 1782

I made my Acknowlegdments of the rect. of your favours of June 17. & July the 2d. by Capt. Grinnall who sailed for Amsterdam about a fortnight ago, since which I have the pleasure of yours of Augt. 19th. with the Inclosed Pamphlet. Conveying a State of the origin & progress of the Treaty with Holland, an Event which will make a figure in History in Proportion to its Importance, when Justice must be done to the Integrity, & ability, the Zeal & Perseverance of him who Negotiaciated it, All the Honest part of America do that now equal to his Wishes. but there are others, & some of them in high Stations, & great Confidence who have been Stunnd. & mortified at this Success some of them perhaps Influenced by Envy & some by Interest. but you know all about it: I need not tell you that. Foreigners of high rank & Character would not beleive it possible. That The Mighty of this part of the Globe, Condemned the Measures taken to Effect it. & at last beleived the Accounts of the success of them with reluctance. I wish I could know your Ideas of our present domestic Situation, of Men vested with Imperial powers, & what is as Bad furnished with Sources of Corruption equal to a King of Britain, of the Sagacity of that Congress which has found Abilities & Integrity where the Congress in 1775 & 76, &c would never have suspected they were to be found. but I quit a Subject I hate to reflect upon. I have Conceived a great Opinion of Mr Jay. he has Conducted if I am well Informed with great dignity. I dont beleive it will be your fault or his if matters do not Conclude well. if I was to give you two Instructions they should be very discretionary. I have some Conception what you & he & Mr Dana have Endured. I dont wonder if you are all weary. The Good Dr. is now Appointed to Negotiate with Sweden. no doubt he will Succeed, & Add a new Plume to his Cap
I wish Mr. Jay may make an Advantageous Treaty with Spain. it will be no unfavourable Circumstance to have it done at Paris instead of Madrid, or any other place or places where he has danced Attendance on that Court.
Great Expectations & fears are formed here upon the fate of Gibralter if it falls we Expect a Peace. if it does not we Expect at least Another Campaign but I hope we shall be prepared for either
You have indeed a large Feild before you. The Questions to be decided are Numerous & Important. quite enough so without descending to the Trifling Consideration of the Tories. & can it be possible at this Time of day that the British Cabinet should Interest themselves in their favour what would they do for them, surely they would not wish them to have Neponset Hill. they deserve Nothing. but if they must have any thing they can Expect no more than the Money their Estates sold for. out of the respective Treasurys where it is lodged. & that I hope is more than they will ever get. at least till Britain pays for all the devastations made on the Estates of honest Men. Mrs. W. writes you by this Oppy. Great Events must find a place in her History especially when Impartiality & Friendship Combine to Insert them. That you may Enjoy Health & Happiness is the Prayer of your Friend.
J W
Not a Word about the dear Commonwealth of M. Yes The first Magistrate is—the Executive Council is—The Legislature is in the Usual Stile sometimes makeing wise Laws, & sometimes not, however Constantly makeing New, or repealing old ones. The present Members of Congress Elected are Gerry Osgood, S. Higgison, Gorham Holton, & J W. I beleive the last must stay at Home, & Cultivate his Farm
Novr 24th.
The preceeding Letter was designed to go by the Firebrand, who slipd away unexpectedly & left that & many others for you behind. other owners might have been Complaisant enough at least to have taken Mrs. Adams. but even Fortune Cannot Change the spots of the Beast or alter the Skin of the Ethiopian. since She sailed Nothing worthy your Notice has taken place. The French Fleet are still here & not quite ready for Sea. The French Army is Expected soon in order to Embark on Board the Fleet Mr Gorham & Doctr. Holton set out for Congress in a few days. I suppose Higgison will refuse. & I am Uncertain whether Gerry will go


Title: From John Adams to Jean George Holtzhey, 2 November 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Holtzhey, Jean George

Sir,
Paris Novr. 2d. 1782—

I have this Morning recd. the Letter, You did me the honor to write me on the 20th. of Octr. together with the Present of a Medal, in Commemoration of the great Event of the 19th. of April 1782. The Medal is ingeniously devised and is very beautiful. Permit me to beg your Acceptance of my Thanks for it.
I think You would find a Sale for many of them at Boston and Philadelphia. When I return to Holland, I shall be glad to purchase a few of them to give to my Friends.
The Influence of this Event upon many Nations, upon France, Spain Great Britain, America and all the Neutral Powers, has already been so great, and in the future Vicissitudes of things will be so much greater, that I confess every Essay of the fine Arts to commemorate and celebrate it, gives me pleasure.
I have the honor to be, Sir, / your obliged & obed. hble Servt.


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, 2 November 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)

Gentlemen
Paris November 2. 1782

I have recd your letters of 21. and 28 of October, last night. As to your furnishing Money to Mr Dumas.— Some Repairs have been done to the House of the United States at the Hague; Mr Dumas will transmit you all the Accounts of the House wrights, Masons, Glaziers, Painters &c with Receipts upon them. These you will be pleased to pay, and charge them in the Books of the Society, to the United States. I am indebted also for Some Books and the Binding of others. Mr Dumas will transmit you, the Accounts and Receipts for these, which you will be so good as to pay and charge to my private Account.— You will please to write me an Account of the Amount of all these Sums.— As to what I owe you, or Shall owe you upon my private Account I will give you an Order on the United States for it, whenever you desire it.

If Mr Dumas desires more Money and for other Purposes, you will please to inform me of the Sums and the Purposes and I will give you my Sentiments upon them without delay.
With great Esteem I have the Honour to be, Gentlemen your Fried & humble sert


Title: To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 2 November 1782
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Hague, 2. Novr. 1782.

I recd. the honour of your Excellency’s last Letter of 12. August in Florence while I was preparing for my journey. Various impediments have retarded me so long, that I have been unfortunate enough as not to find you here. Two have been the principal objects of my coming to pay a visit to your Excelly. Remembering that you often complained in Paris about the difficulty of sending a Letter cross the Atlantic, I have imagined that you would consider the opportunity of my going to America a good one to send over any papers of importance. The other object has been, & is, my hope of being assisted by your Excellency, so far as to recommend me to some person, who on my own personal credit, or on the property I have in Virginia, or on the credit of the state, would Lend me some money, to enable me to return to our dear Country. In order to give your Excellency an autentick notion of my present situation, I include a copy of a Letter I have lately recd. from the Govt. of my State with my answer to it. My apology for troubling your Excellency, as I do, exist, Sir, in your mind & heart— Permit me, Sir, freely to say that I have had a perfect knowledge of you since the beginning of our glorious Revolution, ’though I had not then the honour of knowing you personally, & that I can’t help flattering myself, that your Excellency will not be totally indifferent for me, even as a private & true citizen of America. Was I not to receive some immediate assistance, the honour of my State would be compromised as well as my own. I have thought proper to write the inclosed to the 3. Gentlemen, including your Excellency, the sealing & delivering of which, or the keeping of it, I leave to your wisdom & judgment. In regard to the security I could give for the required money, I have with me the Indentures of my lands in Virginia, & the Certificates of 36,000. dollards, put by me in the Virginia Loan-Office when the exchange was 4, & 5. for one. What I could show in regard to a security on the State, is my Commission empowering me to borrow 900,000. pounds sterling at 5 %, & a letter of Governor Jefferson of the 31st. of May 1780, ordering me to draw, on account of the State, 300. Louis on Penet, d’Acosta, Freres, & Co:, & their protest in which they declare that they cannot discharge it ’though they have orders to pay by the Govr. & Council of Virginia. I shall not trouble your Excellency any longer for the present. I must defer to the time I shall have the honour to see you to inform you of several things, especially of a second & long conversation I had with the Grand-Duke on the subject of this Republick, in which he expressed himself more particularly than he had done before. If nothing more could be done for me than to recommend me to some Friend to the American Cause in Amsterdam, I hope that your Excellency will be so good as to do it soon, as my situation is very pressing. In expectation of a favorable answer, directed as mentioned in the inclosed, I have the honour to be with the greatest, & most sincere respect & esteem, / Sir, / your Excellency’s most Humble / and most Obedient Servant
Philip Mazzei


Title: Richard Oswald to the American Peace Commissioners, 4 November 1782
From: Oswald, Richard
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

Gentlemen,
Paris 4th. November 1782.

You may remember, that from the very beginning of our Negociation for settling a Peace between Great Britain and America, I insisted that you should positively stipulate for a Restoration of the property of all those Persons, under the Denomination of Loyalists or Refugees, who have taken part with Great Britain in the present War. Or if the said property had been resold, and passed into such Variety of hands, as to render the Restoration impracticable, (which you asserted to be the case in many Instances,) you should stipulate for a compensation, or Indemnification to those Persons, adequate to their Losses.
To these propositions, you said you could not accede. Mr. Strachey since his arrival at Paris has most strenuously joined me in insisting upon the said Restitution, Compensation, or Indemnification, and in laying before you every Argument in favour of those demands, founded upon national Honour, and upon the true principles of Justice.
These demands you must have understood to extend not only to all persons of the above mentiond Description who have fled to Europe, but likewise to all those who may be now in any parts of North America, dwelling under the protection of his Majesty’s Arms or otherwise.
We have also insisted upon a mutual Stipulation for a general Amnesty on both sides, comprehending thereby an Enlargement of all Persons, who on Account of Offences committed, or supposed to be committed, since the Commencement of Hostilities, may be now in Confinement; and for an immediate repossession of their Properties, and peaceable Enjoyment thereof, under the Government of the united States. To this you have not hitherto given a particular or direct Answer.
It is however incumbent upon me as Commissioner of the King of Great Britain, to repeat those several Demands; and without going over those Arguments upon paper, (which We have so often urged in Conversation,) to press your immediate Attention to these Subjects; and to urge you to enter into proper Stipulations, for the Restitution, Compensation and Amnesty above mention’d, before We proceed further in this Negociation. I have the Honour to be / Gentlemen / Your most obedient / humble Servant
Richard Oswald.


Title: Draft Peace Treaty Agreed to by the American Peace Commissioners and Richard Oswald, 4 November 1782
From: Oswald, Richard,Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John
To:

[4 November 1782]

Articles agreed upon by and between Richard Oswald Esquire the Commissioner of His Britannic Majesty, for treating of Peace with the Commissioners of the United States of America, on behalf of His said Majesty, on the one part. And Benjamin Franklin, John Jay and John Adams, three of the Commissioners of the said States for treating of Peace with the Commissioner of His said Majesty, on their behalf, on the other part. To be inserted in, and to constitute the Treaty of Peace, proposed to be concluded between the Crown of Great Britain and the said United States. But which Treaty is not to be concluded untill His Britannic-Majesty shall have agreed to the terms of a Peace between France and Britain, proposed or accepted of, by His most Christian Majesty, and shall be ready to conclude with him, such Treaty accordingly; it being the duty and Intention of the United States not to desert their Ally, but faithfully, and in all things, to abide by and fulfill their Engagements with His most Christian Majesty.

Whereas reciprocal advantages and mutual Convenience are found by experience to form the only permanent foundation of Peace and Friendship, between States, It is agreed to form the Articles of the proposed Treaty on such principles of liberal equality and reciprocity as that partial advantages, (those seeds of discord) being excluded, such a beneficial and satisfactory Intercourse between the two Countries may be established as to promise and Secure to both, perpetual Peace and Harmony.
His Britannic Majesty acknowledges the said United States Viz New Hampshire, Masachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia—to be free, Sovereign and Independent States. That He treats with them as such; and for himself, his Heirs and Successors relinquishes all Claims to the Government Propriety and Territorial Rights of the Same, and every part thereof— And that all disputes which might arise in future on the subject of the Boundaries of the said United States may be prevented, It is hereby agreed and declared that the following are and shall remain to be their Boundaries. Viz—
From the Northwest Angle of Nova Scotia being that Angle which is formed by a Line drawn due North from the Source of St Croix River to the High Lands which divide the Rivers which empty themselves into the River St Laurence from those which fall into the Atlantic Ocean, and along the said High Lands, to the Northwestern head of Connecticut River, thence down along the midle of that River to the Forty fifth Degree of North Latitude, following the said Latitude untill it strikes the River Missisippi: Thence by a Line to be drawn along the midle of said River Missisippi—untill it shall intersect the Northernmost part of the Thirty first Degree of Latitude North of the Equator. South, by a Line to be drawn due East from the Termination of the Line last mentioned in the Latitude of Thirty one Degrees, to the midle of the River Apalachicola or Catahouchi, thence along the midle thereof to its junction with the Flint River, thence Strait to the head of St Marys River, and thence down along the midle of St Marys River to the Atlantic Ocean. East by a Line from the Mouth of said St Marys River to the mouth of the River St Croix in the Bay of Fundy, and by a Line drawn through the midle of said River to its source, and from its source directly North to the aforesaid High Lands which divide the Rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean from those which empty themselves into the River St Laurence, Comprehending all Islands within twenty Leagues of any part of the shores of the United States, and lying between Lines to be drawn due East from the points where the aforesaid Boundaries of St Croix River and St Marys River shall respectively touch the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean, Excepting always Such Islands as now are or heretofore have belonged to the Colony of Nova Scotia or have been within the Limits thereof.
Upon a farther Consideration of the just Limits and Boundaries of the Province of West Florida, it is agreed that its Northern Boundary shall extend from the Said Thirty first Degree of Latitude to a Line to be drawn due East from the place where the River Yasous falls into the River Missisippi, and along the Said Line due East to the River Apalachicola
It is agreed that all such Loyalists or Refugees as well as all such British Merchants or other Subjects as may be resident in any of the United States at the time of the Evacuation thereof by the Arms and Garrisons of His Britannic Majesty shall be allowed Six Months thereafter to remove to any part of the World And also at their election to dispose of within the said Term, or to carry with them, their Goods and Effects. And it is understood that the said States shall extend such farther favour to the said Merchants and such Amnesty and Clemency to the said Refugees as their respective Circumstances and the Dictates of Justice and humanity may render fit just and reasonable; and particularly that Amnesty & Indemnity be granted to all such of the said Refugees, as may be unaffected by Acts Judgements or Prosecutions actually pass’d or commenced a month previous to such Evacuation.
That the Subjects of his Britannic Majesty and the People of the said United States shall continue to enjoy unmolested, the Right to take Fish of every kind on all the Banks of Newfoundland; also in the Gulph of St. Laurence, and all other places where the Inhabitants of both Countries used at any time heretofore to fish; and also to dry & cure their Fish on the Shores of the Isle of Sables, Cape Sables, and the Shores of any of the unsettled Bays, Harbours or Creeks of Nova Scotia, and of the Magdalene Islands. And his Britannic Majesty, and the said United States will extend equal Priviledges & Hospitality to each others Fishermen as to their own.
Whereas certain of the United States excited thereto by the unnecessary Destruction of private Property have confiscated all Debts due from their Citizens to British Subjects; and also in certain Instances Lands belonging to the latter.

And whereas it is just that private Contracts made between Individuals of the two Countries before the War, should be faithfully executed; and as the Confiscation of the said Lands may have a Latitude not justifiable by the Law of Nations—It is agreed that British Creditors shall notwithstanding meet with no lawfull Impediment to recovering the full Value, or Sterling amount of such bona fide Debts as were contracted before the year 1775. And also that Congress will recommend to the said States so to correct (if necessary,) their said Acts respecting the Confiscation of Lands in America belonging to real British Subjects, as to render the said Acts consistent with perfect Justice & Equity. As to the Cession made of certain Lands in Georgia, by a number of Indians there, on the first June 1773, for the purpose of paying the Debts due from them to a number of Traders—The American Commissioners say, that the State of Georgia is alone competent to consider & decide on the same: for that it being a matter of internal Police, with which neither Congress nor their Commissioners are authorised to interfere, it must of necessity be referred to the Discretion, & Justice of that State, who without doubt will be disposed to do, what may be just & reasonable on the Subject.
Similar Reasons & Considerations constrain the Commissioners to give the like answer to the Case of Mr. Penn’s Family.
From, & immediately after the Conclusion of the proposed Treaty, there shall be a firm & perpetual Peace between his Majesty & the said States; & between the Subjects of the one, & the Citizens of the other. Wherefore, all Hostilities, both by Sea & Land shall then immediately cease: All Prisoners on both sides shall be set at Liberty: And his Britannic Majesty shall forthwith, and without causing any Destruction, withdraw all his Armies, Garrisons & Fleets from the said United States, and from every Port, Place, and Harbour within the same; leaving in all Fortifications the American Artillery that may be therein: And shall also order and cause all Archives, Records, Deeds and Papers, belonging to any of the said States, or their Citizens, which in the Course of the War may have fallen into the hands of his Officers, to be forthwith restored and deliver’d to the proper States & persons to whom they belong.
That the Navigation of the River Missisippi from its Source to the Ocean, shall for ever remain free and open.
Separate Article.
It is hereby understood & agreed that in case Great Britain at the Conclusion of the present War shall be or be put in possession of West Florida, the Line of north Boundary, between the said province & the United States, shall be a Line drawn from the mouth of the River Yassous, where it unites with the Mississippi, due East to the River Appalachicola and hence along the middle of that River to its Junction with the Flint River &c.


Title: Henry Strachey to the American Peace Commissioners, 5 November 1782
From: Strachey, Henry
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

Gentlemen.
Paris Novr. 5th. 1782.

Knowing the expectations of the Kings ministers that a full Indemnity shall be provided for the whole Body of Refugees, either by a restitution of their property, or by some stipulated compensation for their lossess, & being confident, as I have repeatedly assured you, that your refusal upon this point will be the great obstacle to a Conclusion and Ratification of that Peace which is meant as a solid, perfect, permanent Reconcilliation & Reunion between Great Britain and America I am unwilling to leave Paris without once more submitting the matter to your Consideration— It affects equally, in my opinion, the Honor and the humanity of your Country and of ours. How far you will be justified in risking every favorite object of America by contending against those Principles, is for you to determine— Independence and more than a reasonable Possession of Territory, seem to be within your reach— Will you suffer them to be outweighed by the Gratification of Resentment against Individuals I venture to assert that such a Conduct hath no parallel in the History of civilized Nations.
I am Under the Necessity of setting out by two oClock to day; if the time is too short for your Reconsideration and final determination of this important point, I shall hope that you will enable Mr. Oswald to dispatch a Messenger after me—who may be with me before Morning at Chantilley, where I propose Sleeping to night, or who may overtake me before I arrive in London—with a satisfactory answer to this Letter I have the honour to be— / Gentlemen / Your most Obedt. & / most humble servt.
signed H. Strachey


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 November 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

Sir
Paris November 6. 1782

I had Yesterday the Honour of your Letter of 25. September, and I beg leave to thank you, for your kind Congratulations on our little Success at the Hague.— I wish to have it in my Power to congratulate you Soon, upon a good Peace.— But, every Thing within my Observation, is disposing itself, both on the side of France and England for another Campaign So that I cannot give much Encouragement to hope for a good settlement of affairs before the Winter of 1784.
Your account of the excellent Condition of our Army does our Country great Honour.— We have so many Occupations, at present, that it will be difficult to Send you Soon, A State of the Pay, Rations and Subsistance of the officers and Men in the Service of the States General, of Prussia, Russia and the other Northern Powers.— At the Hague I could Soon inform my Self, of the greatest Part.— But I will do the whole as soon as I can.
With great Regard I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most &c