Title: John Jay to John Adams, 2 Jan. 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Office for foreign Affairs

               2d: January 1786.

          I have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed a Copy of
            a Letter of the 21st. December from Mr: Temple to me, which I laid before Congress. They have been pleased to direct
            that you communicate it to His Britannic Majesty—That you inform him, that the Complaint
            stated in it, being in general Terms, and unsupported by any particular Facts, or
            Evidence, they do not think it necessary, or proper, to take any Measures in Consequence
            of it. And that you assure him, that as it is their determination the Treaty of Peace
            shall be punctually observed by their Citizens, and that His Majesty’s Subjects shall
            enjoy here all the Rights which friendly and civilized Nations claim from each other; so
            they will always be ready to hear every complaint which may appear to be well founded,
            and to Redress such of them, as on Investigation, shall prove to be so.
          This communication will give you an Opportunity of Remarking, that
            the Office of Consul General does not extend to Matters of this Kind—Neither the Rights
            of copropriety of such an Application from a Consul General, which induced Congress to
            treat it with this Mark of Attention.
          It would perhaps be well to pursue the Subject, to intimate the
            Expediency, as well as Propriety, of sending a Minister here, and if Circumstances
            should so dictate, to accompany it with assurances that Congress expect a Minister and
            are ready to receive and treat him in a Manner consistent with the Respect due to his
            Sovereign.
          The advantage alluded to in one of your Letters, if no other, would
            result from such an Appointment, viz:—That the British Court would then probably receive
            more accurate Representations of Affairs in this Country, than they are at present
            supplied with by Men, who Write and Speak more as their Wishes and Feelings, than as
            Truth and Knowledge dictate.—
          I have the Honor to be, With great Respect, / Sir, / Your most
            obedient, and / Very humble servant,

              John Jay—

            P.S. Your Letters of the following Dates are arrived 15. 17. 21.
              25. 27. Octob. la[st]


Title: Mr. Maltby to John Adams, 3 Jan. 1786
From: Maltby
To: Adams, John

              Old Imry

               Jany. 3d. 1786

          (Copy)

          Mr. Maltby’s most respectful
            compliments to Mr. Adams, inclosing herewith the copy of the
            letters patent of Jay. 1st. to
            the council of Plymouth, together with a printed book of the Charters—He has not yet
            been so fortunate as to find the Grant from the council of Plymouth to Sr. Henry Roswell & others, or any copy thereof, but
            his most diligent endeavours shall be exerted in the Search—this however is recited in
            the printed Charter of Wm. & Mary.
          Inclosed also are Mr. Cushings Letters
            & ye. [thorn] account of the expence attending the
            Copy now procured—


Title: John Adams to the John Jay, 4 Jan. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Dear Sir—

              Grosvenor Square

              Jany. 4. 1786—

          A day or two after the receipt of your Letter of Novr. 1st. & that of
            President Lee, which came with it I wrote to the archbishop of Canterbury, by Colo. Smith, for an Hour when I might have the Honor to pay my
            Respects to his Grace—and was answerd very politely that he would be glad to have the
            Honour of seeing me, next day, between Eleven & twelve, accordingly I went
            Yesterday & was very agreably recieved, by a venerable and candid Prelate, with
            whom I had before only exchanged Visits of Ceremony—
          I told his Grace that at the desire of two very respectable
            Characters in America, the late President of Congress and the present secretary of State
            for the Department of foreign affairs—I had the honor to be the Bearer to his Grace of a
            Letter from a Convention of Deligates from the Episcopal Churches in most of the
            southern States—which had been transmitted to me open, that I might be acquainted with
            its Contents—That in this Business however I acted in no official Character, having no
            Instructions from Congress nor indeed from the Convention, but I thought it most
            respectful to them, as well as to His Grace to present the Letter in Person—The
            Archbishop answered, that all that he could say at present, was that he was himself very
            well disposed to give the satisfaction desired, for he was by no means one of those, who
            wished that contentions should be Kept up between the two Countries, or between one
            Party & another in america but on the Contrary was desirous of doing every thing
            in his power to promote Harmony & good Humour— — —
          I then said that if his Grace would take the trouble of reading two
            Letters, from Mr. Lee and Mr.
            Jay he would perceive the motives of those Gentlemen in sending the Letter to my Care, I
            gave him the Letters which he read attentively & returned, and added that it was
            a great satisfaction to him to see, that Gentlemen of Character and Reputation,
            interested themselves in it, for that the Episcopalians in the United States, could not
            have the full & compleat Enjoyment of their religious Liberties, without it and
            he subjoined that it was also a great satisfaction to him, to have received this visit
            from me, upon this occasion and he would take the Liberty to ask me, if it were not an
            improper Question, whether the interposition of the English Bishops would not give
            uneasiness & dissatisfaction in America
          I replyed that my answer could be only that of a private citizen,
            and in that capacity I had no scruple to Jay that the people of the United States in
            general were for a liberal and generous toleration—I might indeed employ a stronger word
            and call it a right & the first right of Mankind to worship God, according to
            their Consciences & therefore that I could not see any reasonable Ground for
            Satisfaction and that I hoped & believed that there would be none of any
            consequence
          His Grace was then pleased to say that religion in all Countries
            especially a Young one, ought to be attended to as it was the foundation of
            Government—He hoped the Characters which should be recommended would be good ones—I
            replied that there were in the Churches in America able men of Character altogether
            irreproachable and that such & such only—I presumed would be recommended—I then
            rose to take my leave, and His Grace then asked me, if he might be at liberty to mention
            that I had made him this Visit on this occasion I answered, Certainly if his Grace
            should judge it proper.
          Thus Sir I have fulfilled my Commission and remain as usual—Your
            Sincere friend & most / obedient Servant—

              John Adams.


Title: John Adams to Rufus King, 4 Jan. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: King, Rufus

              Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               Jan. 4. 1786

          In Consequence of a Letter from Lt. Governor Cushing I have caused
            the Records to be searched and have found the inclosed Copy of one of the Instruments
            desired. the other cannot be found as yet. The Expence is fifteen Guineas, which the
            Gentlemen will be so good as to pay to the Hon. Cotton Tufts, for me, whose Rect Shall
            be a discharge. With great Respect, I / have the Honour to be, sir your most / obedient
            & humble servant

              John Adams

          Sent a copy of this letter to Mr.
            Lowell Sullivan & Parsons. Ap. 12. 86.

            RK


Title: John Paul Jones to John Adams, 7 Jan. 1786
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Paris

              Janry. 7th. 1786.

          On the 8th. of october last Mr. Jefferson wrote me a Letter approving of a proposition I
            had made to him that I should deputize Dr. Bancroft to
            sollicit the Court of Denmark, through the Danish Minister at London, for the
            Compensation due for the Prizes made by the Squadron I commanded in Europe and given up
            to the British by the Danish Government, in the year 1779 in the port of Bergen in
            Norway. Mr. Jefferson was also so obliging as to undertake
            to write to you on the subject, and to pray you to support Dr. Bancroft’s application.
          In consequence of this arrangement I wrote to Dr. Bancroft the 11th. of October,
            and inclosed the Papers that I thought necessary to give effect to the Application, all
            which he has of course communicated to you.
          I had two Reasons for proposing the application in this manner.
              1st. I intend to return myself to America in the Spring,
            to render an account of the Business I have concluded with the Court of Versailles. And
              2dly. there is no Danish Minister here nor expected here,
            ’till the Summer. I shall esteem myself personally and particularly obliged by the Kind
            support you are pleased to give Dr. Bancroft’s
            application.
          I am, with sentiments of great esteem & respect, / Sir your
            most obedient / and most humble Servant

              PAUL JONES


Title: the Marquis de Lafayette to John Adams, 9 Jan. 1786
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

              To Mr. Adams.

              Paris.

              January. 9. 1785

          Extract

          I present You with my New Year Good Wishes so far as to conform
            ourselves to the European Calendar; for altho’ my sentiments for You are the same Every
            Day, yet dont I think it right in us to mention any Day as the beginning of the Year but
            the blessed 4th. of July.
          Mr. Barret’s Business is coming on
            pretty well; he has made a Six Years Contract with Mr.
            Sangraine for the Sum of four hundred thousand Livres a year & would not carry
            it further in order to give to the other merchants an Opportunity to do business on
            their own account. Mr. Sangraines Consumption amounts to an
            annual Sum of one Million of Livres and I dont doubt but that Three Millions of Livres
            worth may be easily sold in France, which is as comfortable to the Nantucket people as a
            Settlement at Shelburne Town in Nova Scotia. Two Things remain to be settled. the one to
            have this Six Years Contract authorised by Government; the other to see what can be done
            for the following Years. I am sure Mr. Jefferson will find
            in the Ministry a good Disposition to encourage an Exchange Trade. The last time I saw
            the Controleur General, he had received Complaints from the Welsh French Wale
            Company, upon which he expatiated not a little; but as they cant furnish more than a
            very small part of our Consumption, France must for a pretty long time at least get
            foreign Oil; & that of New England indeed smells better than that of Great
            Britain.
          Mr. Barret has entered into a
            Partnership with Messrs. le Couteux, who have promised to
            accept Bills for any American Goods from any American State that will be sent to Mr. Barret, so that the Connection will extend to every part of
            the Continent & Remittances will be made in French Goods, under the Inspection
            of Mr Barret, who is to sail by the next packet, fix his
            Correspondences, and return with the first Cargo of Oil, in order to settle in
            Paris.
          The Article of Spermacetti Candles may go a great Length: Samples
            have been sent by some of my Friends in Boston: Mr Jefferson
              Mr Barret & myself are of Opinion the best way
            will be to bring the Materials here, make the Candles to the Taste of the people
            & see how they will take. We have been for three Days fixing Pins into them to
            measure their Duration & conclude it may become an Article for Remittances of a
            pretty great Value.
          Mr. Tracy’s naval Stores Plan is going
            on & I don’t doubt but what a Contract will take place. It is the avowed Opinion
            of the Brittish Navy that American Timber is good for Nothing, which affected me the
            more as I know it to be quite disinterested; But am happy to find those Prejudices are
            dying away in France, so far at least as respects live Oak, Red Cedar, Trees; and a few
            Experiments will also restabilitate the Masts: Officers are sent for that purpose to the
            Eastward, & I hope my Friend Mr. Brook Mr. Barret, and others will contract for an Envoice of Timber.
            In the mean while I am desired to ask General Green for Thousand cubit feet of live Oak
            as an Experiment, & an Officer is sent to Georgia to contract with him on a
            large Scale. American Pitch is acknowledged to be excellent & a certain Quantity
            is asked for as a farther Experiment, Pot Ash too has been tried & is far
            superior to any other.
          It seems to me there may be given in this Country a Vent for a
            Million Sterling worth of American Produce; that to be paid in french Goods, and I wish
            a preference may be given to natural productions, or useful manufactures, over the
            extravagant Trinkets of Fashion & Luxury. When a solid exchange Trade is well
            fixed then is time for a bounded Credit to take place. If Great Britain is complaining
            of her Losses she may blame her Ministers who while they had sent their Goods
            to America took great Care that Every Door be shut against Remittances, evincing an
            equal Wisdom with one, who after he had exchanged a Watch for a Bank bill, would
            contrive while he is locking it in his pocketbook, very cunningly to let it slip into
            the Fire.
          I find by the American Papers that Sir Robert Herries had proposed
            furnishing the Farm with Tobacco, which is very kind indeed considering the Trouble he
            would have to go & fetch it. Upon this Affair of Tobacco Mr. Jefferson has wrote a Letter which is a Master-Piece. As this Government is
            friendly disposed, I wish a Committee might be appointed to examine Article by Article
            the Means of Remittance that America has to dispute with the forme Generale upon every selfish or prejudiced Trial, to facilitate
            Exportations from America into France and level every Obstacle that attends the French
            Goods from the Manufacturing Place to the Vessel wherein they are embarked: In a Word,
            to benefit both Trades, and bend together both Nations on the Basis of mutual
            Advantages. Such a measure I think, would be of immense Profit to either of the two
            Countries, and many good Things could also be added on the East India Trade.
          Brant, the Indian is, I am told, in England. It would seem to be a
            very ingenious Plan for Great Brittain to pursue, while they are losing their mercantile
            Interest in America for the Sake of some few Furr Merchants, or rather of a few petty
            Officers in Canada, also to give themselves all the political Disadvantages of a War
            with the United States, so far at least as to alienate every Mind and cut off every Hope
            of a good Understanding; and that for the Sake of a few Scalps! What Obligations, my
            dear Sir, are we laid under to British Councils, not only in the course of, but still
            after the Revolution, which they have so well prepared, encouraged, hastened,
            consolidated and are now bringing to Perfection.
          I have two Favors to beg of You: The one is to find out what
            remains of Fothergill’s Works on the Slavery of Negroes, and to send me every Thing that
            has been written in England about the Means to discourage it: I would like to add the
            several Laws passed in America for a gradual Enfranchisement of those injured People: My
            second Request is, for you to get acquainted with a Mr.
            Howard, who has travelled all over Europe to enquire into, and has written an excellent
            Book to amend, the State of Prisons. I have a great Desire to be honored with his
            Correspondence.

              la Fayette.


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 10 Jan. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan

              Gentlemen

              Grosvenor square

               Jany. 10. 1786

          I am honoured with your Letter of the 23d of Decr. and remember very well my giving the
            Credit for a 1000£—It was to pay for swords medals &c for officers,
            which Coll. Humphries had orders from Congress & their Financier to have made—I
            informed you of it at the same time—I only gave the power to Mr. Jefferson to draw for the Money as Humphry might want it, in order to
            multiply the checks—This Credit stands very well—
          You will please to advertise for the payment of the Interest as you
            propose.
          On the 9th. of this month I accepted a
            Bill of John Ledyard on me at 60 Day’s sight for twelve Guineas in favour of Mr. Grand dated Paris Decr. 29.
            1785—indorsed by Mr. Grand to Louis Tessier. certified by
              Mr. Jefferson to be drawn by order of John Lamb expressed
            in a Letter in Mr. Jeffersons possession—on the 10th. of this month I drew a Bill on Messrs. C & R Buller in favour of Coll. Smith for 150£ sterling
            to pay for a sword for the [Baron] De Steuben according to the order of Congress
            & the Board of War—
          I think I have informed you before that I have accepted Bills of
              Mr. Barclay as far as No.
            12.—Late as it is I wish you Gentlemen the Compliments of the Season & have the
            honor to be with much esteem / Your &c

              J. A


Title: Richard Cranch to John Adams, 11 Jan. 1786
From: Cranch, Richard
To: Adams, John

              Dear Brother

              B[oston]

              Jany. 11th. 1786.

          Mr. John Jenks, the Bearer, has this
            moment inform’d me that he shall sail for London this Day in Capt. Lyde. As he has been so long connected with our most valuable Friend Doctr Tufts, and is knowing to so many of our Friends and
            Relations, I think it must be a Pleasure to you and you Family to see him in London. He
            comes, as I am inform’d, in behalf of some Merchants in Salem to transact some Business
            of importance in which they are concerned. He expects to be back in the Spring, and will
            gladly take Charge of any thing you may want to send by him. I left your dear Charles at
            our House Yesterday he is very well, and behaves exceeding well at the University. It is
            now the long Winter Vacancy. Your Sons, Mr. Thaxter, and the
            rest of our Friends, at Haverhill were well last Week. Please to give my most
            affectionate Regards to my dear Sister and to your amiable Daughter, and believe me to
            be your obliged Friend and Brother—

              Richard Cranch

            Our Friends are all well—You will have Letters from all of us by
              Lyde.
            Before I had seal’d my Letter the Post from Haverhill came in,
              and bro’t a Letter for your dear Partner, which I have given in Charge to Mr. Jenks, I suppose it contains several Letters.


Title: James Bowdoin to John Adams, 12 Jan. 1786
From: Bowdoin, James
To: Adams, John

              Sir,

              Boston

              January 12th. 1786

          I am honored by your Excellency’s Letter of 2d. of Sept. by Mr. Storer.
          The navigation Act of Massachusetts having been found to militate
            with the french treaty of commerce, & to exclude our fish from the Levant by
            excluding the subjects of the italian & other states coming with their Vessels
            for it, when our own in attempting to carry it to them would be intercepted by the
            Algerines, it was judged expedient to repeal it in part: so that it now operates in full
            force, only against the subjects of great Britain & their property. A Copy of
            the repealing Act will be sent to you, & also of an Act passed by the
            Legislature of Rhode Island at their last Session
          I have transmitted copies of our repealing Act to the Executives of
            the several States, & warmly urged a similitude of measures, without which the
            United States cannot hope to bring about an alteration in the commercial System of
            Britain—
          That System, in my idea of it, is clearly opposed to her own
            interest considered in all its parts, & in a complex view of it. It is very
            true, their encouragement of their whale fishery, by suffering the alien duty on oil to
            supress ours, will encrease their shipping in this branch, encrease their seamen,
            & in several other ways be advantaageous to them. To a person, that looks no
            further, it would appear, that this was good policy, & the goodness of it would
            be inferred from the advantages arising. But when he should extend his view, &
            see how that stoppage of the American whale fishery, by depriving the Americans of so
            capital a mean of paying for the woolen Goods they used to take of Britain, must at the
            same time occasion the American demand to cease or be proportionably diminished, not to
            mention the risk of a change or deviation of the trade from the old channel, he will
            calculate the national profit & loss, that arises from that stoppage—
          3000 tons of oil was the usual annual quantity produced by the
            Whalemen at Nantucket: all of which was shipped to England at an average price of
              35£ ⅌ ton making about . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£105.000 Stg.
          The whole of which went to pay for & purchase a like amount
            of woolens & other british goods: nine tenths of the value of which are computed
            to arise from the labor of the manufacturer, & to be so much clear gain to the
            nation: the other tenth therefore being deducted gives the national gain rising from the
            industry of the Nantucket Whalemen, & the American capital employed in that
            business. vizt. £94,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
            . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,500
          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94,500
          without the nation’s paying a shilling for the risk of insurance or any other risk
            whatever.
          On the change of trade, pursuant to the new regulations, the
            british Merchants must employ a large capital in the Whale fishery, whose
            products we will suppose, equal to that of the Nantucket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
            . . . . . . . .£105,000 Stg.
          They will have made an exceeding good voyage if the whole of that
            sum should be equal to one half of the cost of the outfits: though from many of the
            vessels not meeting with Fish, & from a variety of accidents, to which such a
            voyage is subject, it probably would not be a quarter. The whole of the product goes
            towards payment of the outfits & charges of the voyage, & a large sum
            must be advanced for the second Voyage &c.—
          Now altho’ this mode of commerce would be productive of some
            national benefits, yet considered in a comparative view with the benefits resulting from
            the former mode they would be found of little importance.
          A like comparison may be made with other branches of commerce,
            particularly the british West Indian, & the result will be found the same: For
            the sake then of gaining pence & farthings, Britain is sacrificing Pounds by her
            new regulations of Trade.—She has a right to see for herself: but unhappily, resentment
            & the consequent prejudices have so much disordered her powers of vision, that
            it requires the skilful hand of a good political optician, to remove the obstructing
            films. If she will not permit the application of your couching instruments, or if
            applied, they can work no effect, the old lady must be left to her fate, &
            abandoned as incurable.—
          But it is to be hoped, not so much on her account as our own; that
            they may be successful.—One ground of hope is the private negotiation, which Mr Nathl. Barrett is gone to France
            to perfect & execute, relative to their taking our whale oil duty free, and in
            lieu of it giving at an agreed rate, according to their quality, such french
            manufactures as are best suited to our market: excepting a certain proportion of the
            oil, which must be paid for by bills of exchange, to raise money for the men engaged in
            the voyage.— About two months ago, Mr. Barrett sailed for
            France, with letters for Mr Jefferson & the Marquis
            de la Fayette, & if he succeeds, a great revolution in trade will probably be
            the consequence: & France, on the principle of reciprocal benefit, exclude
            Britain from all trade with America. This appears to me so probable, that if you could
            impress the british Ministry with the same idea, you would find little difficulty to
            bring about a commercial treaty with them, perfectly agreeable to your own mind,
            & to the wishes of the United States. An interchange of a few letters on this
            subject with Mr. Jefferson would give you the present state
            of the negotiations.—
          With the most perfect regard, / I have the Honor to be, / Sir, /
            Your Excellency’s / Most Obedt. hble Servt.

              James Bowdoin


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 12 Jan. 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Paris

               Jan. 12. 1786.

          You were here the last year when the interest due to the French
            officers was paid to them, and were sensible of the good effect it had on the credit
            & honor of the U.S. a second year’s interest is become due. they have presented
            their demands. there is not money here to pay them, the pittance remaining in
            mr[expansion sign] Grand’s hands being only sufficient to pay current expenses three
            months longer. the dissatisfaction of these officers is extreme, and their complaints
            will produce the worst effect. the treasury board has not ordered their paiment,
            probably, because they knew there would not be money. the amount of their demands is
            about 42,000 livres. and mr[expansion sign] Grand has in his hands but twelve
              thousand. I have thought it my duty under this emergency to ask you whether you
            could order that sum for their relief from the funds in Holland? if you can, I am
            persuaded it will have the best of effects.
          The imperial Ambassador took me apart the other day at Count
            d’Aranda’s, and observed to me that Doctr. Franklin about
            eighteen or twenty months ago had written to him a letter proposing a treaty of commerce
            between the Emperor & the U.S. that he had communicated it to the Emperor
            & had answered to Doctor Franklin that they were ready to enter into
            arrangements for that purpose: but that he had since that received no reply from us. I
            told him I knew well that Doctor Franklin had written as he mentioned, but that this was
            the first mention I had ever heard made of any answer to the letter. that on the
            contrary we had always supposed it was unanswered & had therefore expected the
            next step from him. he expressed his wonder at this and said he would have the copy of
            his answer sought for & send it to me. however, he observed that this matter
            being now understood between us, the two countries might proceed to make the
            arrangements. I told him the delay had been the more unlucky as our powers were now near
            expiring. he said he supposed Congress could have no objections to renew them, or
            perhaps to send some person to Brussels to negotiate the matter there. we remitted all
            further discussion till he should send me a copy of his letter. he has not yet done it,
            and I doubt whether he has not forgotten the substance of his letter which probably was
            no more than an acknowedgement of the receipt of Dr.
            Franklin’s and a promise to transmit it to his court. if he had written one proposing
            conferences it could never have got safe to Doctor Franklin. be this as it will he now
            makes advances, and I pray you to write me your sentiments immediately as to what is
            best to be done on our part. I will endeavor to evade an answer till I can hear from
            you. I have the honor to be with the highest respect & esteem Dear Sir/ your
            most obedient & most humble servant

              Th:Jefferson


Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 12 Jan. 1786
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

               Jan. 12. 1786.

          I had just closed the preceding letter when M. de Blumendorf the
            Imperial Secretary of legation called on me with the answer to Doctr. Franklin. it was that of Sep. 28. 1784 which you
            remember as well as myself, wherein Count Merci informed us the Emperor was disposed to
            enter into commercial arrangements with us & that he would give orders to the
            Government of the Austrian Netherlands to take the necessary measures. I observed to M.
            de Blumendorff that this answer shewed the next step was to come from them. he
            acknoleged it, but said these orders having been for the Netherlands only, they had
            waited in expectation of others for comprehending Hungary, Bohemia & the
            Austrian dominions in general, and that they still expect such instructions. I told him
            that while they should be expecting them, I would write to you on the subject, as it was
            necessary for us to act jointly in this business. I think they are desirous of treating,
            & will urge it. I shall be anxious therefore to receive your sentiments on the
            subject; and renew the assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir / Your friend
            & servt.

              Th:Jefferson


Title: Edward Church to John Adams, 14 Jan. 1786
From: Church, Edward
To: Adams, John

              Much hond. & esteemed
                Sir

              Lisbon

              14 Jany 1786

          Notwithstanding the deep wound which one branch of our fishery had
            rec’d by an act of the british parliament, We were not without hope, while we had a free
            and an uninterrupted Commerce with the mediterranean, and it’s neighbouring ports, that
            we might still be able not only to employ, but increase the number of our fisherman, and
            from our local advantages, it is not an extravagant Idea to expect, that we might e’er
            long have monopolized the Cod-fishery, so far at least as to the exclusion of all
            Europeans, by being able to undersell them at all foreign markets—but this is a Subject
            which I am well aware You have long e’er now fully investigated, with all it’s vast, and
            almost endless Train of concomitant advantages to the Commerce of the United States in
            general, and that of the Massachusetts in particular—it is not therefore with a
            presumption to offer any Information, that I now take the Liberty to address you, but
            only to observe that the Consequences of an interruption to the prosecution of this
            important object, at this very critical, and alarming Conjuncture, seem to threaten
            little less than Ruin.
          You are doubtless informed that the King of France has sometime
            since established a Company under his particular patronage for the purpose of carrying
            on the Whalefishery, and has granted a large Sum of Money to be applied to the
            indemnification of said Company in case of Loss, with particular priviledges to those
            who serve in that employment—such singular Indulgencies must doubtless give vigour to
            any Enterprize, and the better to secure success to this favorite object, the Company
            offer such Encouragement to those acquainted with the business, as has already drawn a
            number of Americans, and even English, into their Service—In Autumn 1784 I was in
            Dunkirk, when three ships saiIed from thence for the Coast of Brazil, commanded,
            & in part manned by Americans—also one for Davis’s straights, & another
            for Greenland, commanded & principally manned by English—The americans seemed to
            be greatly elevated wth: their flattering prospects, and
            often regretted that there were not more of their Countrymen to partake with them, as
            they seemed to express a fear that many of them were almost starving at home for want of
            employ—this I then considered only a temporary Evil arising from a Cause that materially
            affected the Commerce of all the States, and for which therefore the Wisdom of Congress
            wou’d soon find a Remedy, more especially when they saw the danger of our
            being farther exhausted of our remaining Strength by a most potent Rival, at a time when
            we were just emerging from the havoc of a most wasteful war—when our taxes are
            enormous—yet incompetent, and the best—if not the only means, to render them more
            productive, greatly obstructed—I presume not to point out any mode—or even to say that
            the Case is remediable—but only that if the danger of remaining in Status quo is so
            greatly alarming, the necessity of a speedy—and if possible permanent peace, with all
            the Powers on the Coast of Barbary is equally obvious, and pressing, and if attainable
            cannot be purchased too soon, or perhaps too dear—We have now unfortunately some of our
            Countrymen groaning in Slavery under the iron hand of those merciless barbarians, These
            also call aloud on their Country for instant relief, & redemption—The Portuguese
            I am informed are now making use of the french Interest & mediation to bring
            about a peace with the Algerines—for notwithstanding they have 7 or 8 Ships of war
            constantly cruising to protect their trade, yet those pirates still swarm on their
            Coast—
          I came here upon a plan of Commerce peculiarly advantageous to my
            Country, but not practicable ’till the grand obstacle is removed—I have also lately
            written to some of my friends in America to ask their Interest & recommendation
            in any behalf whenever Congress shall think proper to appoint a Consul here—Shou’d no
            one appear with a pressable Claim, and you shou’d deem me eligible— May I beg Leave to
            ask the Favor of You to signify to Congress that such a choice wou’d meet Your
            approbation—and in the mean time permit me to offer myself, in any thing wherein I can
            be serviceable—my Losses have been very great by the War, particularly in the
            depreciation of our paper money, which totally annihilated a moderate Independence—It is
            not long since I concluded to try to repair my ruined fortune in this place, the
            Consulship wou’d greatly facilitate my design—I have a large family who have been long
            expecting my Return, but I have a better prospect of providing for them here, if the
            Communication was uninterrupted—I am with Tender of my best Services in all your
            Commands—of my most respectful Regards to Your Lady & family—
          With the most perfect Esteem / Sir / Your most humble &
            most obedt. Servant

              Edwd: Church

            P.S. Shou’d you favor me with a Line be pleased to direct to the
              Care of Messrs. Cruz & Silva & Compy. Merchants—Lisbon—


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 16 Jan. 1786
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Paris

               16 Jany 1786

          I have the honor to inform you that I have valued on you two Bills
            in Favor of M Grand for Two Hundred Pounds Sterling each viz of the 15th. No. 13 at Usance £200—
          of this Date 14 £——200 which please to honor and Charge to Account
            of the United States—
          I shall Probably farther value on you in a few Days from Lorient
            for £380 Stg. which will make the whole Amount of them (My Bills) £2500
            Stg.
          You will very shortly hear of me from Spain, and in the mean time I
            Remain with Great respect D Sir / Your Very obed.

              Tho Barclay


Title: John Adams to the John Jay, 21 Jan. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              Jan. 21. 1786

          On Wednesday, the Chevalier De Pinto informed me that he had
            written to Lisbon, for Explanations from his Court upon certain Points: that he expected
            an Answer, in a few days, and that as soon as he should receive it, he would call upon
            me and proceed in the Negotiation. That in the mean time he would not disguise from me,
            the Solicitude of his Court to Send a Minister, to Congress. Ettiquette forbid, that the
            Court of Portugal should Send an Ambassador, Minister Plenipotentiary or Envoy, to
            America, untill the United States would agree to Send one of equal Rank to Lisbon.—But
            if Congress had any Reasons for not sending Ministers of so high an Order, they might
            send a Resident or Chargé D’Affaires.—I answered him that I had heard it was the
            Intention of Congress to Send a Consul, but that I could Say no further.
          Lord Carmarthen on Thursday told me, he was at Work upon an Answer
            to my Memorial concerning the Posts, and should compleat it, as soon as he could collect
            some further Information concerning the Debts, of the Obstructions to the Payment of
            which the Ministry had recd Complaints from Persons in this
            Country who were interested in them.—You may conclude from this as well as I, what kind
            of answer it will be. I am very glad that I am to have an Answer. Whatever it may be, it
            will lead to further Ecclaircissement and a final Accommoodation. Yet I think the Answer
            will not come before the Spring.—It will take Eighteen Months more to settle all
            Matters, exclusive of the Treaty of Commerce.
          Mr. Eden has said within a few Days,
            that he believed there would be a Treaty of Commerce with the United States of America,
            within a Year or two. He may wish to be employed in it, for however Sanguine he may be
            of his success at Versailles I shall loose my Guess if he ever accomplishes a commercial
            Treaty with that Court.—He may however.—This Nation would now crouch to France for the
            Sake of being insolent to Us. The Disposition to crush the Weak is almost always
            attended with that of cringing to the Strong. Arrogance to Inferiours is ever servile to
            superiours. But a Treaty with France, Such as She would accept, would be hurtfull to
            such Numbers and raise such an opposition that I cannot yet believe Mr. Eden will be permitted to sign one. The Term of two years
            is expired and Del Campo, has done nothing.—Crawford is returned without doing any Thing
            as I Suppose.
          The true Secret of the Appointment of Eden, as I conceive is the
            Court of Versailles was offended, that Crawford was not allowed to do any Thing and used
            Some Sharp Expressions, which intimidated the Ministry. Eden was appointed for two Ends
            first to appease the Wrath at Versailles and Secondly to keep up a misterious delusive
            hope in the English Nation. Perhaps too the Ministry are afraid of commercial
            Speculations between France & Ireland. These Conjectures are precarious, and no
            great Stress should be laid upon them.
          With great Respect I have the Honour / to be, dear Sir, your most
            obedient / and most humble servant

              John Adams


Title: John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 21 Jan. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

              Dear Sir

              Grosv.sqr.

               21st. Jany. 86—

          I am very glad to learn by your Kind favour of the 9th. that Boylston has sold his oil to sangrains Correspondent
            because this will both shew the Bostonians that a Markett may be found in france, much
            better than in England, & the Parrisians that this oil is much better &
            Cheaper than any other
          Mr. Barretts Contract bids fair to
            compleat the business & to introduce a regular Exchange of American for french
            productions—The french Nation cannot be interested in their Whaling Company so much, as
            they are in their general productions of agriculture and Manufactures— —It is very
            pleasing to hear, that our naval stores & pot-ash have an undisputed Reputation
            and you may depend upon it that our timber, and Masts will very soon, vindicate
            themselves from all the English slanders—I wish I had a Copy of Mr. Jefferson’s Letter upon tobacco—Brant is come for half pay, as it is given
            out—I believe his hopes of scalps at present is lost in the fear of loosing his own—
          I will look up the writings you desire against the slavery of
            negroes, & send them by the first good oppertunity—The Laws passed in America
            are not to be found here—Mr. Howard is now, as I am told by
            my friend Dr. Price, at Marsailles— — —
          there is not a possibility of forming an adequate Idea, of what is
            passing in the News papers, in this town without taking 7—or 8—of them daily—You find
            yourself encumbered in the Course of a few Days with an enormous pile of waste
            paper—which contains nothing of any value, tho’ it Cost you a large sum of Money—
          The Morning Cronicle is the best for parliamentary debates, but is
            good for little else.
          The light Troops of the Ministry skirmish in the Morning post—those
            of opposition in the Morning herald—but there is little in either but the battles of the
            sons of dulness—
          tell Anastasia she must prepare herself to let Papa go—There will not be time to wait for George to grow
            up according to the latest advices—
          Mr. Hancock is president of Congress
            & in his absence Mr. Ramsay of So. Carolina fills the Chair—Mr.
            Temples Commission was before Congress, but not determined on, at the date of my Letter
            from Mr. Jay of the 26th. of
              Novr.
          The ensuing season of parliament will be stormy opposition will
            have materials enough & Ministry will be pressed from various quarters— —
          The taxes the last year have been very productive, and Mr. Pitt is purse proud, but in the opinion of the deepest Men
            he is too sanguine, in presuming that the next Year, will be equally prosperous—
          If france—the Emperor & America persevere, he will be
            terribly disappointed—The British Empire is now in the power of its Rivals, who will be
            weak indeed, if they again contribute to build it up to a dangerous height— —
          It was very pleasant the other day to see at the drawing room, how
            all Nations were of one blood, dwelling together in Love— there was Colonel Smith, and
            his Royal Majesty King Brant, who had been so lately in action against each other in the
            Wilderness— Brants Phisiognomy was much admired by the Ladies.—They saw a remarkable
            goodness in his Countenance & I suppose were amused with that harmless play
            thing—his hatchett, in another part of the Room were seen the American Ambassador
            & King Pascall Paoli, in a familiar Conversation with each other—Who can
            immagine a more striking scene of gratification for Philanthropy
          The Ladies are very sensible of your politeness and desire me to
            convey their best respects to you & Madam Lafayette & their affectionate
            remembrance of the little family—
          I am Dr. Sir

              J. A.


Title: John Adams to the Comte de Sarsfield, 21 Jan. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Sarsfield, Guy Claude, Comte de

              Dear Sir—

              Grosvenor Square

               Jany. 21st. 1786

          If I were as fortunate as you are and could pass the Water from
            Dover to Calais in 3 hours, I would go to Paris 7 dine with you in some of your American
            Parties but I can never get over from Harwich to Helveot nor from Dover to Calais in
            less than 17 hours, & sometimes not under three Day’s—
          I have all the peices relative to the United Provinces excepting Le
            Pay’s de Drenthe. I have one peice upon slavery—one upon Woemen, & two
            introductions to the subject of fiefs. Voila tout que J’en ai—
          Among all my acquaintance I Know not a greater Rider of Hobby
            Horses than Count Sarsefield—One of your Hobby Horses is to assemble uncommon
            Characters—I have dined with you 2 or 3. times at your House in Company with the oddest
            Collections of Personages that were ever put together—I am thinking if you were here, I
            would Invite you to a dinner, to your taste—I would ask King Paoli—King Brant—Le
            Chevaleir DeEon, & if you pleased you might have
              Mr. & Mrs ———with whom
            you dined in America—How much speculation would this whimsical association afford
            you?—
          How goes on your Enquiry into fiefs? if you do not make haste I may
            perhaps interfere with you I have half a Mind to devote the next ten Years to the Making
            of a Book, upon the subject of Nobility—I wish to enquire into the practice of all
            Nations ancient & modern, civilized & savage, under all Religions
            Mahometan, Christian, & Pagan—to see how far the division of Mankind into
            Patricians & Plebeins, Nobles & simples is necessary &
            inevitable & how far it is not Nature has not made this discrimination. art has
            done it—Art may then prevent it—I believe would it do
            good or evil to prevent it? I believe good think what you will of it—How can it be
            prevented? in short it is a splendid subject and if I were not too Lazy I would
            undertake it.
          I want to see Nations in Uniform—No Church Canonicals: no Lawyers
            Robes—no ———no distinctions in society, but such as sense and Honesty make— —what a
            fool? what an Enthusiast you will say—what then? why should not I have my Hobby Horse to
            ride as well as my friend—I’ll tell you what—I believe this many headed beast the
            people, will some time or other have wit enough to throw their riders—and if the should
            they will put an End to an Abundance of tricks with which they are now curbed &
            bitted, whiped & spurred

              J. A—


Title: Granville Sharp to John Adams, 21 Jan. 1786
From: Sharp, Granville
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Old Jewry

               21 January 1786

          The Books which I had the honour to request your Excellency’s
            acceptance of, (vizt. My Grandfathers Works) are but this
            moment returned from my Bookbinder, or I should have fulfilled my promise sooner.
          I had an opportunity of making some Enquiries concerning the
            Reports which I mentioned to your Excellency about the supposed backwardness of Governmentto
              permit the Bishops to consecrate Bishops for America; and I am happy to find that
            these Reports had no foundation in truth.
          Nevertheless I am under great concern on accot. of some other reports that are current, vizt.
            that the Convention of the American Churches has so far altered the Liturgy as to give
            room to suspect that they do not maintain the Profession of the primitive Church: for if
            that should really be the case the English Bishops cannot, consistently with their duty
            to God, give consecration to any Man, who does not unequivocally acknowledge “the Faith that was
            once
            delivered
            to the Saints” and the Creeds by which that Faith has since been maintain[’d]
          The Promise which I wrote to Dr. Franklin on this Head, through the Assurances, I had
            received from a person of high Authority, I read over this day to the same
            worthy person, and I have had the satisfaction to receive his entire approbation of my
            manner of expressing it; and he again assured me, in the most solemn manner, this day,
            that he will abide by that promise. If your Excellency should desire to see any
            part of the Correspondence I have had with America on this point, I will wait
            upon you at any time you shall be pleased to appoint to shew you the Letters, &
            will give you copies of any that you may think worthy your notice. I am with
            great respect and esteem Sir / Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

              Granville Sharp.—


Title: Tristram Dalton to John Adams, 23 Jan. 1786
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              Newburyport

               Januy 23d. 1786

          Under the 18th of last October I did
            myself the honor and pleasure of addressing you, comitting[expansion sign] the Letter to
            the Care of Doctor Gordon, who since tells me that He put the same into a safe Channel
            of Conveyance—I hope you received it in due time—as I therein acknowledged y[thorn
              sign]e Satisfaction given to me and my family, by your
            good & worthy Son, who had passed a day with us—and was the bearer of your favor
            of the 26th April—the last letter I am honored with from
            Yourself
          The General Court of this Commonwealth did very little business in
            their late fall session—Several important bills were brought forward, and, after some
            time spent on them, referred to the next session—
          A new Valuation, reported by a Committee, not being compleated,
            served as a pretext for not issuing any tax—either for the Services of Government—or in
            compliance with y[thorn sign]e recommendations of Congress,
            passed in September
          Our Navigation bill, was struck at, by the French Interest—the
            British Interest—and by Self Interest: for we have all these Interests in our small Body
            Politic—It had nearly suffered a total repeal in the
            house—every part, however, that related to the British, was retained, but nothing
            respecting all other foreigners, excepting a little extra Light Money. Esteeming this
            bill as the Corner Stone of all our commercial importance, every aim to remove it
            affects me most sensibly—New Hampshire & Rhode Island have passed similar
            laws—and, I believe, Pennsylvania a much better digested one New York and the other
            States have it in Contemplation—and, after recommending the measure to them, as Governor
            Bowdoin has done, in consequence of a request of the Legislature, to take off the
            restraints laid on the British, would render this Government truly ridiculous—and make
            vain every future attempt to unite the States in any commercial Affairs—Some
            distinctions would have been preserved with respect to different Nations, had any of the
            Court been well informed of the Spirit of their laws so far as they may affect American
            Ships—but not only Gentlemen of the Court were uninformed of them, Even the Merchants of
            Boston could give no satisfactory Account As the British Navigation was the principal
            Object of the Laws it was thought better to relax too far as to other Nations, than
            retain, as was asserted, unjustifiable or at least impolitic impositions—
          The importance of an American Navigation Act appears to me so
              great as to be the only means whereby
            we can arrive to a degree of respectability, &, I am almost tempted to add,
            whereby the Independence of these States may be fully enjoyed— —
          A Bill, for repealing the restrictive Law against the Refugees’
            Admittance, passed in the House—141 to 10—it was nonconcurred by the Senate—In the House
            it was said that the 6th Article of the Treaty of Peace with
            G Britain, ensured to every British Subject, without exception the right of Aliens, and that not one of
            them, of any description, could, consistent with the
            said Article, be deprived thereof, on Account of the part he had taken in the war—That
            the present Law did not allow the Refugees the liberty of coming and tarrying as other
            Aliens—therefore &c
          As to the 5th of the Articles, called
            the recommendatory, nothing more could be meant than that such of the Refugees, (all of
            whom, by the construction of the 6th, had rights as Aliens)
            who had had any Estates confiscated, might enjoy the priviledge of Citizens, for twelve month, so far
            as related to the purchasing their confiscated Estates—which priviledge they could
            not enjoy as Aliens—
          The Senate construed these Articles differently—asserting that the
            recommendatory Article alone respected the Refugees—and
            that the admission of any of them, for a day, depended
            upon a Compliance with
            of the recommendation—
          This business will be taken up again the ensuing session, &
            I beleive some relaxation of our present absurd indiscrimination will be adopted—I am
            sensible of the Trouble the framing of this Article cost you and fear lest our present
            Conduct thereon may give you more in your Negotiations—Pardon my giving you this further
            interruption on so disagreeable a Subject—
          The Codfishery of this Government increases fast, and amounts
            already to one third of whatever it was previous to the late War— Their success the past
            fall has been abundant
          The Whalefishery is encouraged by the Countenance of Government,
            which has granted bounties on Oyle, caught by the Vessells belonging to their
            Citizens—and by the prospect of a lucrative Barter of that Commodity in France—
          The Climate and Air of Shelburne, in Nova Scotia, proves so
            unsuitable for the curing of fish, that the settlers are discouraged & the
            fishermen wishing to have free Liberty to return to our Ports, but—say some of our warm Patriots, and, as
              such, of the first Bank too, that the breaking up that fishery—nay the total Loss
            of our own—and the retention of our Western Posts, are not of so much Consequence, as to
            balance the danger arising from the free admission of the Refugees—Infatuated Zeal!
            Inglorious and dangerous Resentment!—
          The Earnestness of some ambitious restless Persons in the late Province of Main, to erect that district into a
            seperate independent State, which I took occasion to hint at in my last, seems to
            slacken, as it has not awakened like sentiments in any considerable Number—Enclosed you
            have a Gazetter, giving an Acct of the proceedings of their
            late Convention, held at Falmouth—wherein are mentioned the Grievances which they think
            they labor under—or would induce the people at large to think—If the General Court acts
            with prudence, sound policy, and spirited resolution, it appears to me, that this
            Bustle, which the British here boast of as tending to our ruin, will end in nothing of
            Evil Consequence—
          It is with pleasure we find that Ambassadors are gone to Morocco
            and Algiers, for the purpose of concluding treaties with those powers—We wait anxiously
            the Event, as our trade up the Levant and even to Cadiz, is totally stopped, by the
            danger apprehended from these piratical rovers
          I will detain you no longer than to add that my best respects, with
            those of my family, attend You & Yours—being, with all possible regards— / Dear
            Sir Your obliged Friend &/ most obdt hble
            Servant

              Tristram Dalton

            Miss D. asks permission to enclose a Letter for your esteemed
              Daughter


Title: Philip Mazzei to John Adams, 23 Jan. 1786
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir,

              Amsterdam,

              23. January 1786.

          I have just been honored with your Excellency’s favor of 15 ulto; & am extremely obliged to you for your discussions
            on the several topics therein mentioned. As to News-papers, I beg leave to transcribe
            for your perusal the conclusion of a paragraph, which Marquis de la Fayette, to
            contradict a false assertion in which he had been named, sent to several Gazeteers in
            various parts of Europe, & was by them faithfully inserted. “C’est une occasion
            d’avertir Messrs: les Gazetiers Europeens que toutes les
            lamentations qu’ils reçoivent sur la pretenduë Anarchie, corruption, et détrêsse des
            Américains, n’ont en général d’autre but que de combattre à couvert les États Unis, les
            idées de liberté, et surtout l’esprit d’Emigration.”
          The publishing of such a paragraph, and others which at different
            times have been sent to several printers by Mr. Jefferson or
            myself, show most clearly that the printers are not all bribed, or controuled by the
              Govts. the live under, at least on affairs relative to
            America. Some of them are; but that being Known, they are not much credited. The harm is
            done by [those] who, although they would be glad to furnish their readers with true
            American accounts, are obliged to copy them from english papers, for want of a better
            information. Even the great Republican Luzac has found it necessary to do the same, not
            to appear negligent or partial in our favor, ’though he did not credit himself such
            things as his business, or rather his duty as a gazeteer, obliged him to insert in his
            gazette. There is no comparison, in the inducements to publish falsities to our
            disadvantage, between the English printers, & those of other Countries.
            Selfishness in that Country is now, & has been for some time past, beyond
            conception. Were they not to humour their people with the constant abuse of other
            Nations, & the puffing of their own, they would not sell a third part of their
            papers. In the abuse of America they have several other motives to feed the national
            pride with. Their people must be flattered, & the rest of the World prejudiced
            with notions, that the loss of America has been a blessing for Great-britain. Mean while
            they view with envy & jealousy our future consequence & grandeur,
            & feel most bitterly the idea that every degree of honor & importance we
            shall acquire, will be a reflection on them. They are animated by the spirit of revenge,
            & cannot pardon us the most noble & confortable acquisition of the true
            character of Citizens, while they remain subjects. All these inducements center within
            the narrow limits of that Island, unless they descend down-right to Hell, or go to
            Nova-Scotia, which is nearly the same; they do not certainly cross the Channel or the
            Baltic. And even in regard to the general one, which is to prevent emigration, they are
            much more interested in it then other Nations for 3. great reasons. lo. Their natural pride is infinitely more hurt by it, on
            account of their constantly extolling to the Sky the pretended happiness of living under
            the blessings of their thick foggs. 2[o.] The danger of
            their people removing to America is much greater, because they are better acquainted
            with it than others, besides their amazing advantage in on account
              of the similarity of Language & manners. 3o.
            And the loss of Inhabitants to them is more hurtful than it is to other Nations, their
            Country being the least prolific I Know of in the production of animals of our specie.
            As to the propriety of laying out money to contradict the false assertions of our
            Enemies, I will only beg leave to observe, that, when sanctified by the silence of the
            party injured, they certainly are much more apt to fix the stigma; that the pains I took
            to contradict falsehood, & to bring truth to light, while I was in
            Europe before, were not intirely lost; that national honor is one of the most noble
            conforts to the feelings of a good Citizen; & that it contributes not a little
            to promote, through various channels, even that interest which is too often the only
            object of a wretched policy.
          National honor has been my first inducement to undertake the
            confutation of the mistakes, follies, indiscretions, & falsities of certain
            writers; adding to it some observations for the consideration of our Countrymen. I had
            already thought of Paw & Buffon, whom you are pleased to mention as proper
            objects in your Kind letter to me. As to Paw, I am very short with him; I only say that
            the World is obliged to him for a performance of a very singular nature, & (as
            far as I Know) the only one existing in the World; that is a collection of falsities
            sufficient to fill up 3. vol; for every one of which he has some authority, taken
            however from the clear fountains of News-papers & ignorant travellers. As to
            Buffon, who has been unwillingly induced into error, chiefly by the said Paw, I shall
            refer my reader to the Annotations on the State of
              Virginia, wherein Mr. Jefferson has confuted him most
            masterly & completely. I will prove that Abbé Raynal is a wilful Lyer; &
            as to Mably, I have already brought to a geometrical demonstration his ignorance of our
            Constitutions & Codes of Laws, his mad prosumption as a Legislator, his false
            reasoning, his constant contradictions, & partly his dogmatical insolent
            pedantry. I say partly, because it is not in the power of man to say enough of it. You
            are pleased to observe to me, that he was an honest & independent man. For my
            part, I have no business with the man; my object is his book, which has
            contributed much more than all other writings put together to sanctify all
            the lies which have been spread to our disadvantage, & especially in regard to
            our pretended Anarchy & confusion. His wrong observations & false
            reflections on our Constitutions, founded on his ignorance or inexcusable inattention,
            are sufficient to make the World think
            believe that we must really be in a dreadful situation; especially as he has
            been supposed (from his indiscretion) to be rather partial in our favor. His affected
            declarations of zeal for our prosperity, only intended to cast a veil on his unbounded
            vanity, are provoking to me. I Knew him well; & his obstinate refusal to
            contradict that impudent reflection on the United States, that he had been applied to by
            them to write our Constitutional Laws, would have been
            more than sufficient to make him Known to me, had I been in want of it. As to what he
            says in point of frugality, honesty, &c; I don’t conceive that it can be of any
            service in America to read, in a stupid book of a french Abby, those things which every
            good father tells his children with more grace, in a better stile, & with some
            good reasons to support his arguments, which the Abby does not, either
            because he was not able, or because he disdained to perform any office below that of a
            Dictator. As to the propriety, or rather necessity of making Laws tending to the
            encouragement of virtue & the banishment of vice, I don’t conceive that the
            opinion of a pedant can corroborate those sentiments which are so nobly &
            clearly expressed in our Declaration of Rights. Had he offered some good reasons for it,
            the case would have been different. But how could he the poor fellow! his head having
            never contained any thing more than confused & undigested ideas. He proves
            nothing, & teaches nothing; if we except a few wrong, silly, &
            overbearing principles of Govt. The stile is the only thing
            of his writings, that may be of some service in certain diseases, as it operates quicker
            than Laudanum. I defy the whole Corps of his friends to point out, in any one of his works, a single good thought of his own,
            or any matter whatever properly discussed & thoroughly digested. Let them come
            on if they dare; I shall meet them on a safe ground; I am certain of the justice of my
            cause, & am a writing in a language in which I can make
            myself understood. So much the better, you will say,
            reflecting on my insufficiency whenever I write in this.
          I sincerely thank you, Sir, for the pains you have taken
            after the paper I am in want of, to exhibit to the World, for our honor & to the
            confusion of the British Merchants, the monstruous difference in their expressions at
            that time & the present. Should you succeed to find it, I would still be much
            obliged to you for it. As to the other points, they are not of much consequence.
          Would be much obliged to you, Sir, for your opinion on
            my little essay on sumptuary laws; & desiring my most hearty &
            respectful compliments to Mrs. Adams, I wish you will be so
            good as to tell her, that whatever you do, or can write to me in regard to your
            sentiments & feelings for that Lady, cannot exceed what I ha[d]
            conceived from your countenance, more than from your expression in our conversations
            under the trees of the Tuelleries. Please to tell her
            likewise that, although I begin to be old, I hope I shall on[e] day or other have the
            honor to pay her my respects personally in Boston, & that to enjoy that
            satisfaction I would go almost any where, except Great-britain or Nova-Scotia.
          Please to direct your favors for me to Mr. Jefferson, as usual, [&] to believe me most sincerely, / Dear Sir, /
            your Excell.y’s most Obedient. Humb. Se[rt]

              Philip Mazzei.


Title: John Lamb to John Adams, 24 Jan. 1786
From: Lamb, John
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Madrid,

               January 24th. 1786—

          I have the Honor to announce to you my several Draughts for £2.000
            stg. according to the Note following from Messrs: Etiene
            Drouilhet & Co. Bankers—
          Jean Lamb
          60 Days after / Date
          Pous notre traitte de ce jour—pour sept Lettres sur Londres qu’il nous a fourni sur son
              Excy Monsieur Jean Adams Ministre plenipotr. des Etats Unis. d’Amerique de
          Jany. 2[5]th.
          £300
          250
          240
           260
          320
          350
          200
          £[es] 2000 a notre ordreau / change de 36 ½ / [14] 198039.28—
          I doubt not to merit your Approbation herein and shall write to you
            more fully on my Arrival in Barcelona—
          I am sir with respect / your most obedient servant

              John Lamb


Title: Samuel Osgood and Walter Livingston to John Adams, 24 Jan. 1786
From: Livingston, Walter,Osgood, Samuel
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Board of Treasury

               Jany. 24th.
                1786.

          We request the Favor of your Excellency to forward the Enclosed
            Letter to the Commissioners of the Dutch Loans at Amsterdam.
          We have the Honor to be with / great Respect, and Esteem, / Your
            Excellency’s Obedt. Hble. /
              Servts.

              Samuel Osgood

              Walter Livingston


Title: William Carmichael to John Adams, 25 Jan. 1786
From: Carmichael, William
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Madrid

               25th. Jany 1786

          Permit me to present to your Excellencys friendly notice Richard
            Harrison Esqre. a Gentleman from the State of Virginia who
            has resided in Cadiz more than five years, during which Period he has disinterestedly
            served the Public, first at the request of Mr Jay &
            since from the Necessity of having some one at that Place in the Character of Consul to
            aid & assist such Americans whose Interests might require his immediate
            Interference with the Spanish Government of that Port. Altho’ without a proper
            commission his personal Conduct has been such as to procure him the Esteem of all Ranks
            there whether Natives or Foreigners, & there are few or none of the Consuls from
            Other Nations who have been treated with so much distinction by the first Officers of
            the Government than he has been. The Nature of his situation exposed him to unavoidable
            Disbursements as well to releive the Distresses of Many of his Countrymen, as to support
            a character considered & respect a public one. I mention these circumstances,
            because I am persuaded they will excuse the Liberty I take in Recommending Mr Harrison to Your friendly Offices not only during his
            residence in England but also to your friends in Congress for whom he will take your
            Excellencys commands
          I have the honor to be / with great Respect / Your Exc.ys / Most Obedt Humble Sert

              Wm. Carmichael


Title: John Adams to John Hancock, 26 Jan. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Hancock, John

              Sir—

              GrosvR. Square

              Jany 26. 1786—

          I beg leave to introduce to your Excellency, Mr. Anstey a Barrister at Law, and member of Parliament, who
            seems to be an amiable man, and it is to be hoped his Tour to America may have some good
            effects.
          By the papers this morning it seems a motion was yesterday made in
            the house of Commons for an account of the Number of Vessels cleared out from any of the
            ports in Great Britain, with Licences for the importation of flour, Biscuit, and Live
            stock from any place or Country belonging to the United States of America into any of
            the islands of Newfoundland pursuant to an Act &c &c And also an
              act account of all Flour, Biscuit, and Live Stock imported into any of the
            Islands in Newfoundland between the 10 Jany. 1784 &
            the 10 of Jany. 85.
          This early attention, shews that something is to be done we shall
            at least learn something.
          Lord Stormont and Mr Fox seem
            determined to draw the attention of the nation to foreign Politicks the best ground they
            could possibly take if they were determined to promote a friendly commercial Connection
            with America—because this alone can prevent the United States from finally throwing
            their weight into the scale against Great Britain, by enabling them to Maintain a
            Neutrality—Yet I dont believe they look so far—
          Permit me to congratulate you, upon your return to the chair of the
            United States & to subscribe myself—
          Your Exc’l &c

              J. A—


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 26 Jan. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

              Jan. 26. 1786

          Give me Leave to introduce to you John Anstey Esq Barrister at Law
            and a Member of Parliament, who goes out by Authority to verify the Claims of the
            Loyalists, as they call themselves.—I believe it to be the Design of Mr Pitt to pay their Demands which shall be found to be
            Supported and withdraw their Pensions and then leave them to seek their Fortunes. in
            such a Case if our States repeal their Laws against them, they will generally return, to
            their old homes, or to some other Part of the United States, where they must become good
            Citizens or be compleatly insignificant.
          By Mr Anstey, I Send you, the Kings
            Speech and the Debates upon it.
          The most remarkable Thing in them, is, that the King and every
            Member of each House, has entirely forgotten that there is any Such Place upon Earth as
            the United States of America.—We appear to be considered as of no consequence at all, in
            the Scale of the World. The next Thing observable is, that Administration and opposition
            are agreed in turning their Thoughts to a Confederation with Russia and Denmark, in
            which they wish to get the Emperor to join, as a Ballance to the Confederation, between
            the House of Bourbon and Holland, to which they Suppose Sweeden attached.
          They are agreed also in the Fact that there is a Surplus of Revenue
            in the Treasury, and therefore that the Resources of the Country are inexhaustible. You
            may perhaps Smile at this Inference but they are very grave.
          I don’t know whether we ought not to wish that they may Succeed, in
            their Project of Connections with Russia and Denmark and the Emperor too: because, when
            one Part of Europe shall become thus formally pitted against the other, probably both
            sides may begin to recollect that there is Such a Power as the United States of America,
            and that she has some Influence. Congress may in Such a Case take more time to
            deliberate whether it is necessary for them to engage at all. and if it should appear
            inevitable, they may make better Terms.
          In the mean time it is much to be wished, that a friendly
            Settlement could be made with Spain, and that a Minister might be sent to Holland, whose
            inhabitants are the most cordial Friends We have in Europe.
          I have had an opportunity this week of Conversation with the
            Marquis of Lansdown and Lord Abbington his Friend and Admirer. They appear to me, to be
            as far from having adopted any decisive system relative to Us, as Mr Pitt or Mr Fox. This
            Conversation has removed every Expectation that there will be any Party or even any
            Individual in Parliament in favour of a liberal Commerce with Us.
          The United States therefore have no Choice left. They must Support
            their own navigation, or have none.
          With great and sincere Esteem, I / have the honour to be, Sir, your
            / most obedient and most humble / Servant

              John Adams.


Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 28 Jan. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir

              Grosvenor Square

               Jan. 28. 1786

          I have recd yours of the 12, but
            Yesterday, and wish it were in my Power to order the Interest due to the French Officers
            to be paid: but it is not.—They must remain unpaid, be the Consequence what it may
            untill Congress or the Board of Treasury order it. indeed, I dont know how your
            Subsistence & mine is to be paid after next month.—Mr Grand will be likely to advance yours, but from whence mine is to come I know
            not.
          I am clearly for treating with the Emperors Ambassador immediately,
            and even for the Netherlands only, although it would be better to extend it to all the
            rest of his Dominions.—Why will not the Prussian Treaty answer for the Model. I pray you
            to proceed in the Business, as fast as you please. Treaties commercial with
            the two Imperial Courts cannot possibly do Us any harm that I can conceive.
          This Letter goes by Mr Joy, whom I pray
            you to attend to a little. He wishes to go to the East Indies, with Views of promoting a
            Trade between the United States and that Country.
          In great Haste yours forever

              John Adams


Title: Nathaniel Barrett to John Adams, 29 Jan. 1786
From: Barrett, Nathaniel
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Paris

              Jany 29. 1786

          I have delayed for some Time writing to your Excellency, being
            desirous of compleating someg of Importance.—I have now the
            pleasure of informing you, that I have contracted in my own Name, & in behalf of
            others in America, for Oil to the Amt of 400,000 Livres p
            annum, for 6 years, at a price which I think will answer, I have the Guarrantee of Mess
            Le Couteulx, for accepting 1/3 bills on purchase in America in Cash d 60 Days & 2/3 Credit on Manufactures on delivery of
            the Oil, for Goods, wherever I shall procure them
          These Gentlemen have not only promised me their support, during my
            Connection wth them in this Business, but have
            enabled me to take one Quarter of the Contract myself—
          As this Supply is only for Paris, & its
            Invirons, there will be an opening throughout the Kingdom for the Introduction, to all
            speculators. & I shall be so connected in the sea Ports, as to afford the
            support of Mess. Le Couteulx, to any persons, who may send their Merchandize to any part
            of the Kingdom—The marquis de la fayette has been indefatigable in this Business,
            & I doubt not We shall be able to obtain a Continuance of the same privelledge,
            as are enjoyd by the Dutch, & hanse Towns—if the present Duties are raised on
            them, they will be on us—but Ministry do not incline absolutely to engage the
            Continuance for the Term of my Contract,—which will cease if the Duties are raised.
          It will afford me the highest pleasure, if through your Excellencys
            reccommendation, some public mark of Approbation of the Marquis Conduct in this Matter,
            might be had from our Court—
          I shall sail for New York ⅌ the packet, a Letter from your
            Excellency ⅌ return of post will just reach me. I wish much for your Approbation of my
            Conduct—on my return, I shall sett down near this City, to be in the best situation, for
            return Cargoes to which I shall attend—Mr Le Couteulx house
            in Rouen will receive & deliver the Oil, to the person to whom I have sold it—As
            I found it impossible to form any Contract, without asertaining my Securities on the
            other side the water, I was obligd to promise only 2 or 3 principal Merchants shd be named—who might be responsible—& thout it best to
            make Contract for the Introduction of a certain Quantity even under this
            Limitation of the utmost Importance—especially as the Amount, could not
            intile it to be called a Monopoly, & it would be the means of a general
            Introduction of an Article of so much Consequence to us—
          Let me beg a Line from your Excellency in Answer to this, that I
            may have your opinion, whether I have acted right—
          As I would not wish to have this matter made public, I have
            inform’d no one of the Contract I have made, but your Excelly, to whom I thot it my Duty
            to be explicit—
          I have the honour to be with / the most perfect Esteem, / Your
            Excellency’s / Most Obd & mo hl Servant

              Nat Barrett


Title: Granville Sharp to John Adams, 29 Jan. 1786
From: Sharp, Granville
To: Adams, John

              Sir

              Old Jewry

              29th. January 1786.

          As your Excellency mentioned to me the desire of the Marquis de
            Fayette to collect what has been written against the Slave
              Trade, I have sought out a Copy of each of my own Tracts on that subject and
            request that you will be pleased to transmit them to the Marquis as a mark of the
            Author’s sincere esteem for a Nobleman so eminently distinguished for his generous zeal
            & exertions in behalf of the natural Rights & Liberties of Mankind! I
            would have had these books properly bound for the Marquis, had I not feared the loss of
            time by the Workmen; & therefore lest any opportunity of sending should be lost,
            I thought it most prudent to send the Books in their present state without delay.
            Besides the Books on the Slave Trade, I have sent a few
            on some other subjects which perhaps may not be unacceptable to the Marquis:
            as a Tract to render the pronunciation of the English
              Tongue
            more easy
            to Foreigners; a Tract against Duelling addressed to Military Men in
            particular, a Tract on Militia & national Defence; & my Tract in defence of America. But if there should be any
            impropriety in sending Books on subjects which the Marquis did not mention or desire, I
            hope your Excellency will be pleased to retain them. I have also sent, in another
            parcel, duplicates for your Excellency of all these Tracts except three, vizt. “the Representation against
              Slavery
            in England” and the Tract against Duelling, because I have no other Copies of either, having only found
            these by chance to day—; and the Tract on Militia or National Defence I did not send because I suppose I have
            already presented it to your Excellency when I gave you the Tract on Congregational
            Courts last Summer: but if I am mistaken in this, it shall be sent hereafter.
          With great respect and esteem I remain, / Sir, Your Excellency’s /
            most obedient & most humble Servant

              Granville Sharp


Title: Walter Brown to John Adams, 31 Jan. 1786
From: Brown, Walter
To: Adams, John

              Sr.

              Newcastle upon Tyne Newgate

               Janry. 31st.
                1786

          I have made free to trouble Your Excellency with the following
            Letter, on which Lord Howe & the Navy Office have Corresponded with Me, but as I
            am under a disagreable Arrest in Goal for a Debt of 21.£ for which Lord Howe
            will not agree to pay one farthing, however much My plan would save Government,
            therefore think I am free to offer my Service to any whom I please and if agreable may
            shew it to the French Ambassador below is the Copy of my Letter sent to the Admiralty
            and a Letter from a private Gentleman Manufacturer to Me by which You will learn He has
            some Thoughts of encouraging Me. Sr. Your Answer
              to the above will be esteem’d a great Favour / By Your Excellency’s most
              obt. hbe Servt.

                Walter Brown

          My Lord
          After many Experiments I have found by one Way of dressing
            Sailcloth after it is wove, it will last one third longer & lose 1/5 or 1/6 of
            its Weight, & be 1/5 easier wrought, at Sea, & gain 1/5 better Colour,
            This would if adopted far exceed the Russian German Dutch & Patten Sailcloths in
            resisting Milldewn as the Cause is remov’d & a preservative infused theirin, if
            this is worth Your Notice give Me Your Answer & Oblige / You’s &c.
          P.S. The great Attachment I have had for the American Cause
            & for which I have suffer’d for in my Native & I may say Arbitrary
            Country. & to which I am again invited—Well knowing the Usefulness of my
            Knowledge & Abilitys if enabled to go to America I should chuse it &
            their resign my Breath amongst so brave a People who have withstood such a Storm of
            Tyranny & Oppression—& as I know the course Linnen Manufacture from the
            Seed to the Needle with all its various Process, & Utensils I could direct them
            all personally without any Models as I perfectly understand it

              WBr


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

              Dear Sir

              New York

              1. Feb. 1786

          Seven States only have been represented in congress since October,
            of consequence very few questions of national importance have been under the examination
            of this Assembly—the meetings of the Legislatures have probably detained many of the
            Delegates, but it is expected, that Ten States will, within a short period, be
            represented—there is some ground to expect that several of the Southern States will do
            what is right on the subject of the commercial powers of congress—I inclose a Report
            made by the Secretary, some weeks Since in pursuance of an order of congress for that
            purpose—It explains itself, and will give you true information upon several very
            important points.
          New York & Georgia are delinquent States relative to the
            Revenue system—their Legislatures are both in Session, and it is greatly to be desired
            that they should comply with the import plan, before they adjourn—Maryland will
            undoubtedly pass an act granting the import conformable to the Recommendation of
            congress of the 18th. of April 1783.
          their not having before passed such an Act, does not evidence any
            disinclination, because it is Known to have happened from a mistake—
          I shall do myself the Honor to write to you by a private hand, who
            leaves this City in a few weeks for Londo—the conveyance being secure I can then write
            with more freedom—Mr. Gerry is still here, although not in
            congress, he returns soon to Massachusetts with a most amicable Wife, whom he has
            married here—
          With perfect respect & esteem I have the honor to be my
            Dear Sir your / most obedient servant

              Rufus King


Title: Charles Storer to John Adams, 1 Feb. 1786
From: Storer, Charles
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir,

              Boston.

               1st. February. 1786.

          Enthusiasm is as necessary to the science of Politics as of
            Religion: without zeal in the Cause there can be no success—Such zeal was once
            conspicuous, and this enthusiasm has borne us hitherto through a difficult &
            dangerous war. But that it should now leave us, all at once, is disagreable—not more so,
            however, than apparently true. What can have become of this said public spirit I cannot
            say— but certain it is that People seem in a manner indifferent to what is going
            forward; or to speak more properly to what should be going forward—Several persons have
            I seen, since my return, who during the war were active & forward, that have
            asked me how public matters now stood. I answered that they were not altogether as they
            should be abroad—but that I hoped all was getting to rights at home— “Indeed, said they
              each, I know no more of our affairs than you—Since I left Congress, said
            one, I have not troubled by head with public matters—they are perplexing, difficult
            & disagreable”—Upon my word, Sir, I do not like these sentiments, particularly
            at this time, when matters are on so uncertain a footing. Every man, that can do it,
            should rise up & exert himself—every man’s help is wanted—But it is impossible
            to turn a streem untill a new Channel is actually cut, or ’till a Dam is made to block
            its course. That such an obstruction was put to our folly & to our political
            wickedness I most heartily wish—By political wickedness I mean that predilection, or
            rather that fearful respect & awe of Great-Britain, which is but too evident,
            & which is altogether incompatible with perfect independance—We are sadly
            cramped, Sir—Our foreign & domestic State debts are heavy, & we cannot
            yet agree upon a mode to discharge them, though many have been proposed—Add to this that
            our private debts are a grievous burden to us—We owe to Great- Britain, &
            therefore our hands are tied up from seeking other Commerce—Here are swarms of
            Englishmen among us whom we may look upon as so many Spies; & otherwise as
            enemies, for their politics have no similarity to ours.—These one would immediately say
            were sufficient damps to the fire of enthusiasm—You will say perhaps that untill we are
            oppressed—exertion is not required—Yet, Sir, when both mind & body are borne
            down the spirit must fail— —However we have really seen worse days & have risen
            superior to them— & I cannot but hope that such measures will be pursued as
            shall eventually produce order, harmony, prosperity & happiness among us.—Hope
            implies a degree of expectation, and I really expect some exertions will by &
            bye be made, on the principle of there being an absolute necessity for it—I am sure we
            are able to support, defend & protect ourselves; but such is our backwardness to
            perceive our true situation that it must be forced upon us—If this is the case, the
            sooner the better is my opinion.—
          Excuse this long preachment, Sir. I
            can only say I wish I had a subject to write upon that would give you more pleasure. Yet
            I am sure you are interested in the state of our Country, & on that score hope
            your forgiveness—
          I wrote you largly by Capn: Lyde,
            & forwarded sundry letters under cover with mine for you also. They were given
            in charge to a young Gent: who had lived with Dr: Tufts, so I trust you have recd. them safe e’er this—Since then I have a letter fm. Mr: Jay, who, speaking of Mr: Lambe, says, “As smoke to the eyes & as vinegar to the teeth,
            so is the Sluggard to him that sendeth him.”—His sentiments & yours used to correspond.—
          With every sentiment of esteem & respect I am, Sir, / Yr: much obliged, humle: Servt:

              Chas: Storer.

            PS. I am desired & have the honor to transmit you a vote
              of thanks from the Cooperation of Harvard College to Mr:
              Nicholls, requesting your care of it.


Title: John Adams to Mr. Maltby, 2 Feb. 1786
From: Adams, John
To: Maltby

              Sir

              Grovr. sqr.

               Feby. 2d. 1786—

          I received last night your favour of Feb. 1. Mr. Jackson in southampton Buildings, who has been long
            conversant in American affairs, writes me that he has reason to believe that the grant
            of the Plymouth Company to sir Henry Roswell, Sir John Young & others, &
            which bears date of the 9 of March 1627. was enrolled in the Court of Chancery &
            is to be found among the records of that Court, probably at the Registers office" if it
            is not to be found there, it will scarcely be heard of upon an advertisement. if however
            you are of opinion that there is a Chance for obtaining it, by that means, We will
            attempt it—with great esteem

              J. A


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 2 Feb. 1786
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              Dear Sir

              New York

              2 Feb. 1786

          private

          I lately wrote you a few hasty Lines just to as the
            vessel which carried them was departing; and inclosed and a Pamphlet
            containing my Correspondence with a Mr Littlepage, who was
            formerly in my Family. The attack which produced that Pamphlet, was not only
            countenanced but stimulated by some of the Subjects of our good allies here. It is no
            Secret either to You or me that I am no favorite with them: nor have I any Reason to
            apprehend that they are pleased to see me in the Place I now fill. A Minister whose Eye
            is single & steadily fixed on the Interest of America, must expect to be opposed
            by the unfriendly Influence of those whose wishes & measures he does not
            promote— —
          I should have treated this Attack with silent Contempt, had not
            false Facts been urged, propagated and impress with Industry & Art, and which if
            not exposed and refuted, might have appeared after my Death in the Memoirs of some of
            these People.
          This Edition of that Pamphlet is so inaccurately printed, that I
            have directed another to be published, which when compleated Shall be sent to You, and
              Mr Jefferson—
          with great & sincere Esteem & Regard / I am Dear
            Sir Your Friend & Servt

              John Jay—