Title: William Stephens Smith’s Instructions for His Mission to Portugal, 11 April 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, William Stephens

            (Copy)
            Dear Sir.
            Grosvr. square London April 11th. 1787.

          Congress by their Resolution of February the 3d. 1787, determined, that the Letter to the Queen of Portugal herewith delivered you, should be transmitted to Her faithfull Majesty by your hands— You will therefore prepare yourself, as soon as conveniently may be, and proceed to Lisbon.— In your way, as you pass through France & Spain, you will of Course pay your respects to the Ministers of the United states residing at those Courts and to the Ministers of foreign affairs of those Sovereigns and endeavour to collect intelligence of any Kind commercial or political in which the United States may be interested— when you shall arrive at Lisbon, you will make your Court to the Minister of foreign affairs, and communicate to him the object of your mission, and take his advise concerning the delivery of the Letter to Her most faithfull Majesty, if it should not be judged advisable to desire an Audience, the Minister himself will deliver the Letter to his Mistress.
          In whatever Country, or at whatever Court you will remember to make your Court, to the Ambassadors of all those sovereigns, with whom the United States are in Alliance France, Holland, Sweden Prussia, To all Ministers, Consuls agents of these Powers you will pay a particular regard, while you show a respectful politeness to all others—
          In all Places you will endeavour to collect information concerning the Barbary Powers, and the situation of our unfortunate Countrymen in Captivity at Algiers, especially from Mr. Carmichael and Mr: Barclay in spain, if you should chance to meet the latter—
          At Lisbon, you will inform yourself particularly of the State of the War, between Portugal & those piratical states, that of Venice with the same, and Naples and whether there is a prospect of Peace— The force of the Algerines, the probability of their coming out of the Streights this summer, the force of the Portuguese that is to cruise against them—
          You will also inform yourself particularly of the state of the Commerce between the United States and Portugal and by what means it might be extended improved and increased, to the mutual advantage

of both Nations— you will make particular Inquiries concerning sugars, the Prices & Qualities of Brazil sugars raw or manufactured, to satisfy yourself whether our Countrymen might not purchase those sugars to advantage even for manufacture & Exportation, an Experiment has been made in France of a purchase of raw sugars for Boston: and it is suspected might be made to greater advantage in Lisbon, for Philadelphia & NewYork as well as Boston
          You will please to enquire, whether the Treaty which was signed last May between the American Ministers and the chevalier De. Pinto, has been agreed to by his Court and if any not, what are the objections, and whether there is any prospect of a renewal of the negotiation—
          You will enquire particularly whether rice and Indigo may be expected to obtain admission, to Portugal from Carolina & Georgia, as they did before the late War: whether flour has any chance to be admitted: and what is the state of the trade of salt fish—
          As the whole of the Negotiations with Portugal as well as with the Barbary Powers for the last two years have passed under your Eye and Observations and indeed through your hands, you are already acquainted with every particular, which renders any further instructions in detail unnecessary—
          The Languages of Europe are now become of much importance to us, & every Gentleman employed under the United States in the Diplomatick department ought to take all reasonable methods to acquaint himself with them— You will have in this journey a great oppertunity of perfecting yourself in French and of improving yourself [in the] Spanish & the Portuguese, which is but a dialect of the Spanish; and in the Italian—
          In the Article of Expences you will observe as much Œconomy as possible, consistent with the Comfort of your journey, the Decency of your Character, and the Honour of your Country. You will transmit your account to Congress or the Board of Treasury or Mr. Barclay: and you will neglect no oppertunity of writing to the secretary of foreign Affairs— I know very well that the Situation of your family, as well as your attention to the public service will be motives sufficient to ind[uce] you to loose no time unnecessarily, and to return with as much expedition, as the execution of the design of your Journey will admit— The Interest the honor & dignity of the U. States will never be out of your thoughts, nor will any oppertunity to promote either ever be neglected—

          I wish you as pleasant a Journey as the season promises, and a happy return to your friends & services at [this] Court—
          with great regard I am dear Sir / Yours

            John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Patrick Miller, 14 April 1787
From: Miller, Patrick
To: Adams, John

            Sir
            Edinburgh 14. April 1787

          I beg leave to present Your Excellency with the Account of an Invention for the Improvement of Naval Architecture, which is intended for the general Good of Mankind.
          As I trust it will be followed with happy effects to the Nations who shall adopt it, and that I believe it will prove particularly useful to the different States of North America, from the Nature of their Coasts, and Inland Navigations, I request Your Excellency to transmit this Book by the first Opportunity to Philadelphia, to be delivered to the Honourable The Congress of the United States of America.
          I have the Honour to be with very great Respect / Your Excellency’s / most obedient and / most humble Servant

            Patrick Miller


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 19 April 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Dear Sir
            London April 19. 1787

          I do myself the Honour to inclose the New Act of Parliament for regulating the Trade between the Territories of the United states of America and the Dominions of the King of Great Britain, by which Congress will see that the Same System continues, and is fortified with fresh Provisions. Provisions & Lumber, the Growth or Production of the United States are now, prohibited, from any foreign Island. The West India Planters and Merchants complain, to no purpose.
          The Canada Merchants give out, that there is some Negotiation on foot between Lord Dorchester and Vermont, the Object of which is to give Vent to the Productions of that Territory, thro Canada and the River st. Lawrence, that the West Indies may derive some Assistance, from that Source.
          inclosed is another very curious Bill, that moved in the House of

Lords by one Chancellor and Seconded by another, Thurloe & Bathurst: But the Lords had honour enough to reject it. The Project is Said to have originated in General Arnold.— The whole Transaction Shows the Spirit of the present Ministry. The Chance of passing Such a Bill would have been greater in the House of Commons, where the Ministers have a clearer Majority. Some Persons are of Opinion that the present sett cannot hold the Reigns much longer: but if they are not mistaken there is little Chance of a Change for the better. What Effect the Changes in France may have cannot be foreseen: but they cannot but be favourable to America.
          With great Regard, I have the Honour / to be, sir your most obedient and / most humble servant

            John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Rufus King, 19 April 1787
From: Adams, John
To: King, Rufus

            Dr. Sir—
            London April 19th. 1787.

          Mr. Francis Upton, a Gentleman recommended to me by Mr: Hartley, will have the Honour to deliver you this Letter, He goes to NewYork, about an Estate Claimed by him, his Brother & Sister I beg Leave to introduce him to you—
          This Country affords nothing new—an obstinate continuation of the same Ministry, the same Principles Spirit, Passions, Prejudices, and in one word system is no News,— I hope soon to receive some

however from Congress which will enable me to get out of this atmosphere early next year,— I can do nothing more in Europe, and cannot do less than nothing I hope in America—
          Yours &c

            J. A


Title: To John Adams from Walter Mowbray, [20 April 1787]
From: Mowbray, Walter
To: Adams, John

            Sir,
            [ca. 20 April 1787]

          As the intelligence I am to communicate is in my opinion of the highest consequence to the mercantile interest of America I presume any apology for the freedom I take in writing to your Excellency is unnecessary.
          The discovery I am to make an intended forgery of the paper currency of America, so ingeniously executed as to elude discovery. One of the persons concerned in this nefarious business has applied to me to print off a considerable number of notes of different Provinces. I gave him such an answer as inclined him to believe I would comply with his request, that I might have it in my power to destroy in embryo a scheme artfully calculated to invade private property, and materially injure the credit of a commercial nation. He went away satisfied, and returned in a few hours with a wood cut of one of the notes an exact copy of the original, and metal borders precisely the same as those on the reverse side. He had sundry other notes, with metal ornaments which he also wanted impressions of. He is meanly dressed as a Sailor and apparently ignorant. But his habit and conversation have the appearance of disguise. There is no doubt but that he has accomplices in London; for on discovering a deficiency of two articles in the border of a note of which he wanted a thousand copies, he informed he would send to town for them. The wood cut and metal borders are so nicely imitated as to render a discovery of the forgery extremely difficult.
          I am with the most profound / respect your Excellency’s / very humble Servant

            Walter Mowbray


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Wren, 20 April 1787
From: Wren, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Portsmouth April 19. 20. 1787. 2 oClock the afternoon.
            Sir,

          I think it requisite to inform you that we have in our town Mr. Waller Mowbray, a printer, in rather a confined way of business, but of fair & honest character, to the utmost of my knowledge. An unknown person applied to him abt. two days ago for his assistance to work off some counterfit notes of several of the American States, and put into his hands extreme well-executed box blocks, & other materials for that purpose. Mowbray apparently, but reluctantly & in part only, consented, & gave information of this to Mr. Goldstone an eminent surgeon, and to Willm. Carter Esq a justice of the Peace here, with whom I have the honour of an intimacy, and who advised the sending off an express to your Excellency on this occasion. I proposed writing by this evenings post, but as the unknown person is to come for some notes on Sunday noon, Mr. Carter earnestly recommended the express. Mr. Mowbray incloses a letter giving a better account of this matter than I could on so short notice. Mr. Carter says he shall detain the man if he comes for his notes, before your answer arrives, but wishes for it as speedily as is convenient. Mr. Carter apprehends that it will rest with your Excellency to procure for him power to act, any farther than mere detention.—
          Your Excellencys reply may be directed either to William Carter Esq or to me, in Portsmouth—

          You will, sir, be a better judge how far this matter deserves your attention than we can possibly be. If there are any particulars of information, which I can obtain for you, You may, sir, most freely command your most obliged / and humble Servant

            Thomas Wren


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Wren, 22 April 1787
From: Wren, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Sir,
            Portsmouth Apr. 22. 1787

          I had the honour of receiving your favour this morning, and have now to add, to the former intelligence, [. . . .] man who had sollicited Mowbray to assist in a forgery, is in custody [in] our town gaol. He went to Mowbray repeatedly on Saturday evening, & was so urgent to have some notes worked off, that he proposed their working all night, for he fixed on going to assist Mowbray, saying that he had some little knowlege of the business, (tho’ he appeared in the habit of a seaman,) and added that they must take off a thousand copies of such Carolinian notes before morning. And indeed he always spoke of the number of notes wanted, in this large way.— Sir John Carter, the brother of Mr. Wm. Carter, being come home from a journey, had him apprehended & examined, & this matter will now be transacted before Sir John, (so far as it can be transacted,) as he is the Mayor of the town. the man says his name is Moor, or rather I think Mure, & that during the last war he sailed out & in, as belonging to an American port. He was short & shy in his answers; but pleaded his cause before Sir John with a language & sagacity much beyond his appearance, saying “that he could not see what the magistracy of this country had to do with his proceedings, as it affected only the country beyond the Atlantic.” He offered to deliver up all his papers types & implements provided they would burn and destroy them before him, & set him at liberty. This was not granted him, and his papers that were found abt. him are all in the possession of Sir John or Mowbray, & will remain Sir for your directions. He says that he has for these few days lodged at Mrs. Darts on Portsmouth Common, which is a suburb to this garrison, so large, that Mrs. Dart is not yet discovered, tho’ it is probable she may. If any more papers are found at his lodgings they will be kept with the others. This man has not been rambling abt. the country to meet with a printer whose appearance he should like. But he came down from London, & went directly to Mowbray, a man of considerable abilities in his trade, & of narrow circumstances. And when a small piece of border block is wanting, he engages to have it down from London in two days, which is as soon as any person could have it, & proves that it was in London ready cut. It is evident to me that he has sevl. associates in London, & that he is aiming to be a large dealer, both which circumstances should I think excite the attention & enquiries of our

government. From the number & variety of the Notes of the United States which he had in his possession, & the large edition which he meant to print, I think it is probable that he has been employed in America in some branch of that department, in which he now manifests but too much skill. He is not a sailor by profession.— Care is taken that he does not want good suffiency of provisions, but he is not allowed pen ink & paper, nor any visitor whatever except the head gaoler. W. Mowbray was to have sent me up an account of the papers & things left with him, or found on the man, but if it does not come soon I must omit sending it till next post.
          I am Sir your most obedient / & most humble Servant

            Thos. Wren.

            P.S. Mr. Mowbray has sent his paper but is rather badly drawn out. Moor, Mure, or Muir, is a tall thin man, 5 feet 9 inches high, with dark brown hair tied behind, native of Scotland. He came from Charleston S. Carolina in Jany. last in the ship John, Samuel Purchase master & arrived in London in March, says he was Cook of the vessel but this is doubted.

          ENCLOSURE
          Ten different Casts Woodcuts which together [. . .] form the Borders of two Notes of North Carolina Currency one of [. . .] abt One Pound the other of Five shillgs.
          a quantity of Metal Flowers [. . .] Cast by Mr. Wm. Caslon Letter Founder Chiswell Street London which will make the Same Impression as on the Reverso Sides of the above and other Notes which he wanted to have counterfeited
          The following is a Copy of Mr. Caslon’s Bill found on this person

              Mr.    Bought of Wm. Caslon
              London Apl. 12th. 1787

                lb.
                oz

                2.
                8
                of Great [Reiner] Flowers at 1sh.
                per lb.
                2.6

                3.
                13
                Small Pica at 1/2
                do
                4:5 1/2

                2.
                15
                Long Primer @ 1/6
                do
                4.5

                9
                [Brovier] @ 2/6.
                Do
                1.5

                12.9 1/2

              Reced. for Wm. Caslon
              E White

            Part of the Long Primer Flowers having been much used Supposed to be taken from Some Printing office
            2 Card on which are fixed Specimens Cut from the Originals of the Ornaments required to go round the reverso Sides of the Notes taken
            an Origl. 5 Shilling (suppose Note) North Carolina Currency—the subcribers Named to it obliterated
            Anr. Do. No. 17.459 Signed J. Hunt B. M Cullock
            A Sixpenny Note Signed J. Hunt. No. 1356
            a 5sh. Charles Town Note— No. 3004—
            Subcribers Name Cut out
            A 2sh. Note No. 11849 Signed J. Hunt & B. M. Cullock
            A 20 shilling note
            They appear to be all printed by Thos. Davis of Hallifax—


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 30 April 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Sir
            Grosvenor Square London April 30. 1787

          Upon the Receipt of the first of the inclosed Letters from Dr Wren and Mr Mawbrey, by Express, I made Application to Government.— Lord Sidney was absent and Lord Carmarthen Sick: but Mr Fraser the Under Secretary of State, took up the subject with Integrity and Politeness. He discovered a real desire to do every Thing that the Laws would permit, to crush in the Beginning this villainous Attempt to counterfeit American Paper Currencies. He told me that a

parrallel complaint had been lately made by the Danish Ambassador, of an Attempt to counterfeit, the Bank Notes of Denmark: and that upon consulting their most experienced Magistrates and Law Officers, they were all of Opinion that untill the Counterfeit was compleated and the Names Signed, it could not be a Capital Crime tho an Attempt might be a misdemeanor. He advised me to advise with Sir Sampson Wright the most considerable Magistrate in Westminster. Sir Sampson engaged in the Business with particular Attention and agreed to write to Sir John Carver at Portsmouth. Upon the whole it Seemed to be necessary, that, Some one, Should go to Portsmouth and as Col. Smith set out on the twenty fourth of this Month for Lisbon, I took asked Mr Cutting to accompany me to Portsmouth.— We had the Man brought out of the Prison, to our Lodgings. His Name he says is Robert Muir, born in Scotland, but lately arrived from North Carolina.— He is an Artful, Shrewd Fellow but with a mean, hungry desperate Appearance, Suitable to any kind of Attrocious Villainy. We wished to discover his Accomplices, but he would not answer.— The Grand Jury found a Bill, and at my desire, the Man is continued in Prison, till next Term in July. His Types and Stamps and Implements are all Secured.— In July however he will be set at Liberty, for the Crime could not be compleat, without the signature, if it could without passing the Bill.
          It is with a very high Pleasure, that I am able to Say, that the Government, And the Magistrates both here and at Portsmouth, have upon this Occasion conducted with perfect Propriety, and Politeness.— The Crime is Said to be an offence against the Law of Nations, against Commerce, against private & public Property, against the whole World &c and all this is true. but still the Laws are so vague in this Case, and every Punishment short of Death in Such a Crime in this Country, would be treated with Ridicule, it may be most prudent to dismiss the fellow in July, destroying or at least detaining his implements
          Congress will determine, what Measures Should be taken to advertise the People of America that they may be upon their Guard.— I suppose this is the same Scot, who a few Weeks ago Applied to Mr Carpenter an Ingraver in London, to engrave a Plate for him, of which Carpenter had the Honesty to inform me, and as you have been told in a former Letter.
          With great Regard, I have the Honour to be / dear sir, your most obedient and most / humble servant

            John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Patrick Miller, 30 April 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Miller, Patrick

            Sir,
            April 30. 1787—

          I have received the elegant volume you did me the honor to address to me, and shall take the first favorable opportunity to transmit it to Congress at New York, in conformity to your desire. Improvements in Naval Architecture are interesting to all men, and to none more than to the United States of America; where your inventions Sir, in this kind, will meet with both Scientific and experienced Judges, and therefore I doubt not with approbation and gratitude. While we must wait for more authentic testimonials of the esteem of America, permit me to beg your acceptance of the thanks and respect of Sir your most obedt: and most humble / servant

            J.A.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas McKean, 30 April 1787
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Sir,
            Philadelphia April 30th. 1787

          I am much oblidged to you for the esteemed present of your Book, “in defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America.” It came to hand on the 27th. instant, and I have read it through with great pleasure. The balance of the one, the few & the many, is not well poised in this State; the legislature is too powerful for the executive and judicial branches of government; besides it can too easily make laws and too readily alter or repeal them.

We have but one branch in our legislature, and are divided into two parties, called by the names of Republicans & Constitutionalists, in reality Aristocratics and Democratics; and they are as yet nearly equal in numbers & merit. We must have another branch, and a negative in the Executive, stability in our laws and permanency in our Magestracy, before we shall be respectable, safe & happy. Your Book, I flatter myself, will contribute greatly to effect these desireable ends, in all the States.
          This letter will be handed to you by Mr: Peter Whiteside, a merchant of this city, who has requested the honor of an introduction to you; he has been concerned in trade here with Mr: Robert Morris, and has the reputation of a skilful merchant and a good citizen. He is impowered to recover a legacy for Mr: William Geddes and wife from the Exõrs of a certain Edward Price Esquire— Should he have occasion for your advice or countenance in this business, I must beg the favor of your Excellency to give it to him, as Mr: Geddes was several years a Commissioner of the Chamber of Accounts under Congress, is a worthy native of Maryland, and a friend of mine.—
          A convention of the several States will be held here next week, for the purpose of revising the confederation, and giving greater powers to Congress. I have heard of Appointments from each State, except Rhode-Island; and from the characters delegated to this service, most of them having been old members of Congress and our acquaintances in 1775, 1776 & 1777, I have some hopes that public utility may be derived from it; tho’ the present popular opinion is, that we ought to be very jealous of conferring power on any man or body of men. Indeed we seem afraid to enable any one to do good, lest he should do evil.—
          The triennial Convention of Delegates of the Society of Cincinnati is also to be held here at the same time; and also a Meeting of Commissioners from Maryland, Delaware and this State, respecting the cutting a cannal between Chesepeak and Delaware. It is expected, that Congress will return shortly to this city.
          Please to present my compliments to Mr: Cutting when you next see him. I shall write to him soon. Judge Atlee will send the powers, proofs &c. necessary to recover his estate in and near London, in a few weeks.
          Permit me to subscribe myself, what with great truth & sincerity I am, / Sir, / Your Excellency’s / most obedient humble servant

            Thos M:Kean


Title: From John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 1 May 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Mazzei, Philip

            Sir
            London May 1. 1787.

          Your Favour of Feb. 24. I recd. but this Moment.— The Mass. Law in question obliged Masters of Vessells, before they landed a Passenger to give Bonds, to maintain him, in Case he came to want. it was intended to indemnify Parishes, or rather Towns, against the Maintenance of Paupers.— This Law turned the Tide of Emigration from Ireland to Philadelphia.— it was early in this Century I believe, but I am not able to ascertain the Date of it. There was an early Law too which obliged Masters, who manumitted Negroes to maintain them in Case they came to want, upon the Same Principle. We have now no new Law, that I know of, but ever since I can

remember, every Negro who had the Courage to bring an Action for his Liberty recovered it. our Juries would never declare Negroes Slaves by thier Verdict. There is some new Law lately passed, which gives the Writ de Homine Replegiando, but I know not the Particulars.
          I know nothing of W. Penns dying in the Fleet, Prison. I can be of very little service to you, in the Work you are upon, for I have no American Books to resort to but Such as you possess: and Memory is a very fallacious Guide.— I am, with much / Esteem, sir your most obedient & humble / Servant

            John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 3 May 1787
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

            Sir
            Office for foreign Affairs 3d. May 1787

          In Obedience to the Orders of Congress I have the Honor of informing you, that Phineas Bond Esqr. has presented to Congress a Commission from his britannic Majesty, constituting him Commissary for all commercial Affairs within the United States, and another Commission constituting him Consul for the States of New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware and Maryland.—
          Congress being desirous on this and every other Occasion, to manifest their Disposition to cultivate a friendly Correspondence with Great Britain, have received Mr. Bond in his latter Capacity, although no Treaty or Convention subsists between the two Countries, whereby either have a Right to establish Consuls in the Dominions of the other.—
          As yet Congress have not received any Commissaries for commercial Affairs, and they think it most prudent not to receive them from any Nation, until their Powers shall have been previously ascertained by Agreement, lest as those Appointments are seldom made, and both Parties may not have precisely the same Ideas of the Extent of

the Powers and Privileges annexed to them, disagreeable Questions and Discussions might and probably would otherwise take place on those delicate Subjects.—
          You will be pleased to submit these Reasons to his Majesty, and to assure him that Congress regret the Objections which oppose their complying with his wishes in this Instance, but that they are ready to join with his Majesty in such Agreements or Conventions as may be necessary to remove them, and which may also tend to promote and establish a friendly and satisfactory commercial Intercourse between the two Countries.—
          I have the Honor to be with great Respect & Esteem / Sir / Your most obt. and very hblẽ: Servt:—

            John Jay—


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 4 May 1787
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)
To: Adams, John

            Amsterdam 4th May 1787

          We have to acquaint Your Excellency that the Time drawing now very near for the Payment of the Interest Two Hundred & Fifty Thousand Guilders due by the United-States first June, and as it would be advantageous to have it inserted in the Public-papers so early as possible; We are very uneasy at the total Silence of the Board of Treasury to us on the subject. We still flatter ourselves the British April Packet, will agreeably dispel our Fears of not receiving timely Provision, And at all Events earnestly entreat Your Excellency’s directions, what Measures we are to pursue in this Business, for if the intrest was not exactly pay’d at the day would occasion a Severe Stress to yr. Credit.
          We are very respectfully / Your Excellency’s / Most obedient hble servants

            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 7 May 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)

            Gentlemen
            Grosvenor Square May 7. 1787

          The Letter from the Board of Treasury of the 4. of April, in which this is inclosed, I received open, on Fryday, together with the Bills for 75,000 Guilders mentioned in it. I went immediately to Mr Ruckers House with them: but no one was at home, but a Servant, who told me, his Master and Mistress were in the Country, and the Clerk not at home. on Saturday, I went again. The Clerk was then at home, and told me Mr Rucker had left the Kingdom. This day, I Sent a Notary Public, and to him the Clerk Said the Bills must be protested. The Notary has accordingly protested them and I Shall Send the Bills back with the Protest, by the first Ship for New York. This Catastrophy has Shocked me, and will be a great disappointment to the Board of Treasury, who no doubt have Sold Produce, to purchase these Bills. I think it my Duty to Send them back without Loss of Time. I am now convinced that We Shall not be furnished wth Remittances, in Season to pay the whole of the Interest in June. I pray you to write me, how much will be deficient and what Methods We can take to Supply it.
          With great Regard &c


Title: From John Adams to the Board of Treasury, 8 March [i.e. May 1787]
From: Adams, John
To: Board of Treasury

            Gentlemen
            Grosvenor Square March [May] 8. 1787

          on Fryday last I had the Honour of your Letter of the fourth of April with two Bills of Exchange inclosed for Seventy five thousand Florins. rejoiced, at the Prospect of Supporting the Credit of the United States, I went immediately, to Mr Ruckers House in Hatton Gardens, in order to present them for Acceptance. But nobody was at home, but a Footman, who told me his Master and the Family were in the Country, and that the Clerk was gone out. on Saturday I went again, and to my astonishment was told by the Clerk that Mr Rucker was gone out of the Kingdom, and that twenty or thirty thousand Pounds in Bills must be noted: and he Shewed me very candidly, a Letter from Messrs Le Couteulx at Paris which explains one Part of the Mystery, and time alone can unravel the rest.— I was much hurt for Mr Rucker and his Family, for the private Credit of American Merchants, and for the public Credit of the United States: but the Evil was without a Remedy. Yesterday the Bills were presented by Mr Collins a Notary Public and regularly protested. at first I was in some doubt whether to send them on with the Protests to Messrs Willinks & Co. But as there is a great Alarm in London, and the Consequences cannot be foreseen, it has been concluded the Safest measure to Send them back to you. I shall transmit your Letter to Amsterdam by this Days Post, with an account of this Misfortune. How We shall be able to discharge the Interest in June, I know not. The Conjectures are very various in the City, whether the Deficiency is in France or America. a great Storm will arise no doubt, and every demand against Mr Morris and his Connections be sent out. So that by the time this Letter shall arive you will be able to judge better, what is to be done. Nothing in my Power to do, to preserve the public Credit, shall be omitted. but at present the Prospect is rather disagreable

            P.S. Since writing the above I have thought it better to send only the Protests to you, and to Send the originals to Messrs Willinks &c.

              J.A.


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 8 May 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Dr Sir
            Grosvenor Square London May 8. 1787

          I am honoured with your Letter of April 2d, and am happy to receive the Resolutions of Congress, inclosed in it, especially those of the twenty first of March 1787. The Convention at Phyladelphia, is to consist of Members, of Such Ability, Weight, and Experience, that their Result must be beneficial to the United States.
          The Settlement of So many great Controversies Such as those between the Massachusetts and New York Pensilvania and Connecticut, New York and Vermont &c Show that the Union has great Weight in the Minds of the People. It is indeed an Object of Such Magnitude, that great Sacrifices ought to be made to its Preservation. The Consequences of a Division of the Continent cannot be foreseen fully, perhaps by any Man: but the most Short sighted must perceive Such mannifest danger both from foreign Powers, and from one another as cannot be looked upon, without terror. The Navigation of the Missisippi, in the south and the Fisheries in the North have ever appeared to me, Objects without which the Union cannot be preserved. And therefore Whether the free Use of them be obstructed for a time or not, it has ever appeared a dangerous Policy, to cede the right even for a moment.
          inclosed is a Letter from our unfortunate Countrymen in Captivity at Algiers, which must be sent in the original as there is not time to transcribe it.
          I hope Sir, eer long to receive your Orders in Consequence of the Resolutions of Congress preparatory to my Return home in the next Spring. The Conduct of this Court in so imprudently as well as uncivilly, neglecting to Send a Minister to America, renders it impossible for Congress, consistently with their own Dignity to renew my Commission. When the American Minister Shall leave this Country they will begin to think it neccessary to send one of their own to New York. They may, for what I know wish, in this Way to get rid of one, whom they have not been able to mould to their Views, in hopes of obtaining another of a more ductile temper. Let them try the Experiment. I dare Say they will be disappointed. for if Congress appoints another, he will not be found more to their Taste. This Country is in a shocking Situation. its Royal Family its Administration and its Opposition, are all Such, as will never Seduce an American Mind from

his Duty. He will only be shocked at the Sight, and confirmed in his natural Principles and native Feelings. With great / respect &c

            John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 8 May 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)

            Gentlemen
            Grosvenor Square May 8. 1787

          I have this Moment, four O Clock, your Letter of the 4.— I have this forenoon Sent to the Post Office two Letters for you. The Board of Treasury have not been unmindful of you: But you will See, that I am miserably disappointed. The Interest must at all Events be paid at the day, if possible. You must, I think be convinced, that before another Year, there can be no difficulty. Can a new Loan be opened for Money enough to pay the Interest in June and again in Februry? if it can I will Sign the Contract by Virtue of my Full Power, and Congress will no doubt ratify it. Perhaps five hundred thousand Guilders might be obtained. or two or three hundred only. You must advertise the Interest to be paid at the day at all Events, provided the Money can be borrowed of others, or advanced by yourselves.


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 12 May 1787
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

            Dr Sir
            Office for foreign Affairs 12th. May 1787

          I had the Pleasure of writing you a few Lines on the 2d. of last Month, since which I have received and communicated to Congress your Letters of 9th. 24th. and 27th. January and 3d. & 24th. February last.—
          My Health continues much deranged, and I purpose in a few Days to make an Excursion into the Country for about a fortnight.—
          A Motion has lately been made in Congress to remove to Philadelphia, and the Party who support it persevere in pushing it from Day to Day— They are not joined by a single Member from either of the eastern States, and yet there is Reason to apprehend that they will carry their Point. No other Motive for this strange Measure is publicly assigned by them except that Philadelphia is more central than New York.
          Several important Affairs which ought to have been dispatched have given place to this unfortunate Contest, so that I can by this Conveyance send you little of Importance.—
          Accept my Thanks for the Book you was so kind as to send me— I have read it with Pleasure and with Profit. I do not however altogether concur with you in Sentiment respecting the Efficiency of our great Council, for national Purposes, whatever Powers more or less maybe given them. In my Opinion a Council so constituted will forever prove inadequate to the Objects of its Institution.
          With great and sincere Esteem I have the Honor to be / Dr. Sir / Your most obt. & very hble: Servt.

            John Jay—

            P.S. A new Edition of your Book is printing in this City & will be published next Week.— You will herewith receive the late Newspapers—


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 14 May 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Dear Sir
            London May 14. 1787

          Last Thursday, according to your Advice, I communicated to Lord Carmarthen, not officially but as private, tho authentic Intelligence, the Resolutions of Congress of the twenty first of March.
          His Lordship appeared to be Sincerely and highly pleased: And Said that those Resolutions did the highest honour to Congress, and he wished I had Authority to communicate them formally. The Reason was explained to his Lordship, that there had not been time for the Secretary of State to prepare Instructions but that they might be expected, to arrive in a few Weeks. The Measure is as well founded in good Policy as it is in Justice and Honour and must produce a good Effect. With great Respect / I have the Honour to be sir, your most obedient / and most humble servant

            John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 15 May 1787
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir
            Chesterfeild Street May 15. 1787.

          It has been long matter of Surprise to me that the States of America when investigating the various forms of republicks should never have thought of the mode of government practised in the city of London.
          it is an Epitome of the constitution of England, that constitution which is so beautifull in theory & of which you are so fond tho the balance no longer exists, and perhaps in some respects superior, as it is well guarded against the Usurpation of power by frequent

rotation & preserves the balance by gradual election to offices even the highest, from the people.
          uncorrupted independent conduct only intitle to honors as the elections depend on the suffrages of their fellow citizens who have the power of rejection. The supreme magistrate, called in the time of the saxons Portgerafo, that is custos or guardian now mayor, is elected annually by 26 Aldermen. His state is magnificent & great priviledges and he bears the title of Lord.
          The 26 Aldermen who are for life preside over as many wards of the city. when any of these die the wardmate returns two and the Lord mayor & aldermen choose one out of the most substantial men of the city. if any one refuse he is fined 500£. “Here then is the different orders of men with various & opposite powers perogatives & priviledges to watch over one another & to balance each other & to compel each other at all times to be real guardians of the laws”
          all the Aldermen who have been Lord mayors & the three eldest aldermen are justices of the peace of the city. The traders of London are divided into twelve companies & are so many bodies politick and He that is choosen Lord mayor must be free of one of these companies.
          thus you observe a gradual rise to distinction and power & only obtained by the free suffrages of fellow citizens.
          The election of members of parliament is also conducted with great decency & propriety. a week being the time fixed for taking the poll & then finished, a scrutiny may be demanded & often is. The police is also admirable. an Alderman always setting to render justice & punish criminals. that most of the outrages are committed out of the city villains dreading expeditious justice. was this pursued in westminster & elsewhere there would be no occasion for military power or pensioned trading justices depending on the crown!
          That the frame of government of the city of London should have escaped your diligent & able researches astonishes me, as it certainly has many preventives of the abuse of power—office being temporary and in the hands of the members of the community to bestow or refuse for these

            “Dominion does not lurk from hand to hand
            undignified by publick choice.
            and each man guides the sword he wears”

          will you permit me to suspect that the Republick of London is too democratical? yet surely when the Balance is secured the nearer to

a well regulated democracy the father from Tyranny? I have often wished some new state in America had taken up this Idea of the commonwealth of London and put it in execution on a larger plan, that is to a larger object of which it is capable to any extent; having no doubt of it success and had my powers been equal to my inclination I had long since sent an Idea of this sort for their consideration; but from an anonymous no attention would have been paid and I could not have appeared in publick, tho with the best intentions, in so arduous a task.
          Having reminded you of the state of London possibly by means of your writing & representation some New rising Republick may act upon this plan “and form to this the system of their state” which would be another experiment for publick good & probably an addition to the happiness of mankind beyond which in this world I have not a wish.
          excuse Dear Sir the liberty I take in writing thus freely on a Subject which you have so much attended too & your labors have been crowned with that success which astonishes the old world. it is incumbent on the rising generations to answer fully to the expectations of their fathers who have showed them the way to honor truth & Liberty. Vanity does not prompts me to imagine I can suggest any thing new to you on these matters but to gain information & to correct my own Ideas where wrong I should esteem of consequence.
          I am, Dear Sir, / with the greatest regard / Your sincere & faithful friend.

            T Brand Hollis.


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 15 May 1787
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)
To: Adams, John

            Amsterdam 15th May 1787

          We have your excellency’s esteemed favors of 7th: and two of 8 Instant transmitting us Letters from the Board of Treasury. The detention whereof later than others we received per the April Packet, has retarded the Business of a new Loan during a whole Week, A delay of utmost consequence at the eve of the June Interest falling due.—
          We sincerely lament the Necessity Mr: John Rucker was in to leave England, and hope the Discredit such an Event must occasion will be but temporary. Your Excellency acted very properly in forwarding Protests only of the drafts upon him; but we recommend Duplicates should be sent.
          Notwithstanding we adopted the Payment of the Sixty Thousand Guilders Premiums in pursuance of Your Excellency’s Advice; Had this been the only Deficiency in the Remittances for the June Interest, Our Zeal for the Credit and Interest of the United-States would have induced us to advance it; but the late considerable Disposals of Your Excellency and His Excellency Thos: Jefferson Esqr: have exhausted the Funds in our Hands much below the Statement of the Treasury-Board, exclusive of the f75000.— Bills on Mr: John Rucker contrary to its expectation not proving good, so that the sum required is of such a Magnitude as to preclude all thoughts of supplying it, by any other means than a fresh Loan, for effecting which the Time is very short indeed, besides the Bonds of the former Loans being now at a very low rate and People uncommonly sollicitous to sell them. A Panic we cannot account for, any other wise than by the Payment of the June Interest not being yet advertised. We have

assembled the principal Brokers and opened the matter to them. Under all the actual disadvantageous circumstances, they have promised to second our Exertions to raise Money by a new Loan, Which we shall be obliged to pay dear for and make of no less Sum than a Million, Whereof the Undertakers will however engage to receive only a certain Sum, that we shall endeavour may be sufficient for Payment of the June and February Interests and the Sums Your Excellency may want for his Salary and ordinary disbursments, the remaining Bonds to lie by us for Account of the United-States. Thus the Board of Treasury would not have to attend to any Remittances for this Country previous to the June Interest of 1788, by which Period we trust the Measures that will be devised by the Assembly of Delegates at Philadelphia, will have had the Operation necessary to secure punctual Remittances for the future Payment of the Interest on the Dutch Loans. We cannot yet flatter Your Excellency of success, but if we should be so fortunate, We rely upon Your Excellency’s readiness to pass immediately the requisite Instruments, and to strain all your Influence, that the Ratification of Congress may take place and be transmitted to us without any Procrastination.
          We are respectfully / Your Excellency’s / Most obedient and very / humble Servants

            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 18 May 1787
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)
To: Adams, John

            Amsterdam 18th May 1787

          Agreeable to what we had the honor to acquaint Your Excellency the 15th Instant, We have exerted ourselves to procure Money for Payment of the Interest due the First Proximo by the United-States; A Matter very difficult to be accomplished, as we had against us the late News from America, no immediate flattering Prospects and an excessive Scarcity of Money here at present. We have however been successful enough to persuade the Undertakers, to subscribe to a New Loan for One Million of Florins, upon the following Conditions—
          One Thousand Bonds of One Thousand Guilders each, to be issued upon the same Conditions as the preceeding Loan of Five per Cent, the Interest commencing the First of June.—
          Of which Thousand Bonds, Two Hundred and Forty to be immediately negotiated to the Subscribers; The one Half of their Amount to be paid upon delivery of the Bonds, The Undertakers reserving to themselves the Faculty of taking One Months Credit for Payment of the remaining Half.
          The Surplus Seven Hundred and Sixty Bonds, are to remain in our Custody, subject to be delivered to the Undertakers, Each one in proportion to his Subscription, at the same rate of those actually negotiated. At the expiration of which Period, those on hand will be at the free disposal of Congress.—
          Congress shall not be at liberty to make any further Money Negotiations in this Country, until the surplus Seven Hundred and Sixty Bonds shall be placed, or before the End of the Eighteen Months they are to lie at the Choice of the Undertakers to purchase them.—
          Such are the best Conditions we have been able to obtain, and altho’ the Money will cost the United-States Eight per Cent, including Premium, Our Commission, Brokerage and Charges, We deem ourselves fortunate to have been thus able to face the June Interest; An Object Your Excellency justly views of the highest Importance to the Credit and Interest of the United-States. By this Arrangement, we shall be obliged, to advance Part of the Interest, until the Undertakers shall have compleated Payment for the engaged Bonds; Upon which Advances we do not doubt the United-States will most readily admit our Charge of Interest.—

          We endeavoured all in our Power, that the Money should be received by us in Recepisses, and thus leave you the time to visit this Country at your conveniency to pass the Bonds. But the Undertakers have insisted as an absolute condition, that they should be liable to pay only on receipt of the Bonds signed and perfected by you; So that there is an indispensable Necessity for Your Excellency’s setting out for this Country, with the full Power you have from Congress, by the Packet that will leave Harwich next Wednesday or at latest on saturday the 26th: Instant, when we will have every thing ready, that Your Excellency may be able to return by the next or following Packet: We request Your Excellency to be assured, nothing in our Power was left untried to spare you this Jaunt so suddenly; But since the Payment of the June Interest entirely depends upon this Exertion of Your Excellency, We are confident it will be undertaken with Alacrity; And upon this Conviction we have assumed to advertise the Payment of the Interest on the First of June; Which is in all our News-Papers of this day.—
          We are respectfully / Your Excellency’s / Most obedient and very / humble Servants

            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.


Title: Benjamin Rush to John Brown Cutting, 18 May 1787
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Cutting, John Brown

            Philadelphia may 18th 1787.

          Dr Rush returns his thanks to Mr: Cutting for the elegant & agreeable manner in which he conveyed Mr Adams’s acceptable treatise on Goverment to him. The Dr begs Mr Cutting would inform

Mr: Adams that his work has been received & read with universal Satisfaction, & that a new edition of it is now in the press in Boston—new York & Philadelphia.—
          The principles & facts contained in this excellent publication have already had an influence in our Country, & from thier arriving at the time of the setting of our fæderal convention, it is expected they will be very useful in establishing such a fæderal Goverment as Mr Adams has proved to be most safe—most free, and most durable in all countries.
          Dr Rush conveyed Mr Cuttings Compliments to the family at morven, who are all in good health. Mr Richard Stockton is in extensive business, & bids fair to be at the head of his profession in new Jersey.


Title: To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 19 May 1787
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, John

            Dr. Sir—
            Bourdeaux May 19th. 1787.

          I am under the disagreable necessity of informing you that Mr: Barclay is in Prison at this place—at the suit of Messrs: V & P. French & Nephew, Merchants established here, for the sum of 75.000t Livers—which arrises from Cash advanced & Goods shiped on his account & by his order—near 4 years past— the Gentlemen seem much attached to the Idea, that Mr. Barclay being in a public capacity—his Country will interpose, pay the debt and sett Mr. B. at liberty— I have done all in my power to convince them, of the impropriety of their expectations—for tho’ I will readily grant, that the holding of a public office, ought in every case to induce a Gentleman to be doubly cautious and guarded in his private conduct—still I think the Idea perfectly novel and rediculous—that in case a public officer should involve himself in difficulties, in consequence of his private negotiations—that his Country should be supposed bound to extricate him—

I have visited him and find him miserably lodged & apprehensive that his difficulties will encrease—upon his situation being made public—for from what I can learn—this is not the only debt— I shall take leave of him this afternoon & pursue my duty in the morning and with affectionate regards for the Ladies & the little Gent. / I have the honor to be Dr. Sir—Your Excellency’s most Obt. / sv

            W: S: Smith—


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 21 May 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)

            Gentlemen

              May 21 1787.

          In answer to yours of the 15th, I have only to say I shall leave all to your Judgment

            John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 22 May 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)

            Gentlemen
            Grosvenor Square May 22. 1787

          I have this moment received your Letter of the 18th.— That Congress will most chearfully allow you Interest for the Money, you may advance, there can be no doubt.— I will come to Amsterdam as soon as possible, but as I cannot shall probably go by Way of Calais, I may be a few days later than you prescribe, but they Shall be, as few as possible.


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 23 May 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Dear Sir
            Grovesnor Square May 23. 1787

          Inclosed are Copies of two Protests of Bills of Exchange, received from the Board of Treasury. They are Duplicates. another Sett of Copies I have before transmitted to that Board, to whom these Duplicates will no doubt be referred.
          Inclosed also are Copies of Letters from the Commissioners of Loans at Amsterdam, which render it neccessary for me, to go to Amsterdam. I Shall Sett off, on Fryday the twenty fifth, and hope to return in three Weeks, or less. it is with great regret that I find myself reduced to the necessity, of opening a new Loan, without the explicit and particular orders of Congress. But there is no alternative but this or immediate and total Ruin to the Credit of the United States. Such is the nature of Money transactions in Holland, that if the punctual Payment of the Interest is not advertised, a Panick arises & spreads the Stock falls, and every one is eager to get rid of what he has in his hands.
          In Consequence of a delay, only of a few days, to advertise the Payment of our Interest in June, my Obligations fell to ninety five Per Cent, as I am informed. But immediately upon the Advertisements appearing they rose again to ninety Nine, which is as high as they have been for several Years.—
          Mr Barclay has drawn upon me for more Money than I expected to pay the Expence of Presents and other Things in the Morocco Negotiation, and has made Several draughts after I had Supposed, or at least hoped that the Payments were all made.— But I could do no other than presume, that the Demands were necessary, and accept his Bills. He will render his Account to Congress or the Board of Treasury. But if I am not mistaken he has drawn upon me for, near five thousand Pounds sterling a Sum considerably more than, one quarter Part of the Eighty thousand dollars, appropriated by Congress to Treaties with four Powers though it was always expected that Algiers would be more costly than all the other three.
          The Expences of Coll Franks’s Journeys and Voyages, and that of Coll Smiths Tour to Lisbon as well as mine to Portsmouth and Holland, will amount to Something, tho not very considerable. What Draughts upon the Bankers in Holland, Mr Jefferson has made, as mentioned in thier Letter I know not, unless it be to pay for honourary Swords and Medals, ordered by Coll Humphreys in obedience to

the orders of Congress, for which I gave a Letter of Credit before I left France. Possibly Congress may have authorized Mr Jefferson to draw upon their Commissioners in Holland. if they have I am glad of it, but had not been informed of it.
          I regret very much, that I have not yet a Letter of Recall, which I might upon this my last tour to the Hague present to their High Mightinesses and take my Leave, in order to my Return home, upon the Expiration of my Commission to st. James’s.— But Altho this is now impossible I hope, sir, soon to receive Such a Letter of Recall, that I may, have time to transmit it with a Memorial, which must answer the End of an Audience of Leave.
          With great Respect, I have the Honour to be &c

            John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Antoine Marie Cerisier, 29 May 1787
From: Cerisier, Antoine Marie
To: Adams, John

            Monsieur
            De Leyde ce 29 mai 1787

          Je ne faisois que de sortir de la Maison lorsque Votre Excellence a bien voulu se donner la peine de passer; & n’étant revenu que fort tard dans la nuit, je m’étois rendu vers les neuf heures du matin à son auberge; lors qu’à mon grand regret j’ai appris son depart pour Amsterdam: j’ai été d’autant plus mortifié de ces contre-tems, que je me faisois un plaisir de vous souhaiter la bien-venue, de vous renouveller les temoignages de mon respectueux souvenir & de vous remercier du cadeau que vous m’avez fait, en me faisant parvenir la Defense des Constitutions De l’Amerique. Je me proposois en meme tems de vous communiquer quelques observations, que m’a fait naitre cet ouvrage, que jai lu & relu, & que je regarde comme le Breviaire des veritables principes Republicains, compatibles avec la nature de la Société & avec la liberté, la Sureté, & le bon ordre. Il m’a d’autant plus satisfait, que jy’ai trouvé beaucoup de reflexions qui quadroient avec les miennes. Je n’avois à vous reprocher que le peu que vous avez dit de ce pays-ci, lorsqu’il vous offroit le champ le plus vaste, pour la confirmation, & le développement de vos principes. J’ai fait quelques notes à ce sujet que je me propose de vous communiquer.1 Jespere que vous resterez encore quelques jours dans nos Provinces

& que soit ici soit à la Haye, je pourrois vous temoigner de vive voix la profonde vénération avec laquelle je suis
          Monsieur / Votre trés humble / & trés obiessant Serviteur

            A. M. Cerisier

          TRANSLATION

            Sir
            Leyden, 29 May 1787

          I was just leaving the house when your excellency kindly came by; and not having returned until quite late at night, I arrived around nine in the morning at his inn, when to my great regret I learned of his departure for Amsterdam. I was all the more chagrined by the missed opportunity as I had been most pleased to wish you a warm welcome, to renew the expressions of respect which I have for you, and to thank you for the gift you gave me when you sent me The Defence of the Constitutions of America. Meanwhile I considered conveying to you a few observations to which the work gave rise, a work which I read and reread and which I regard as the breviary of true republican principles, compatible with the nature of society and with liberty, security, and good order. It satisfied me all the more that I found in it many ideas which coincided with my own. I could reproach you only for saying so little of this country, though it provides you with the most extensive field for the confirmation and development of your principles. I took down a few notes on the subject which I will communicate to you. I hope that you will remain another few days in our provinces and that, either here or at The Hague, I will be able to express to you in person the profound veneration with which I am, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant

            A. M. Cerisier


Title: To John Adams from the Marquis de Lafayette, 30 May 1787
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

              My dear friend
              Paris May the 30th [1787]

            our Assembly is Ended; and altho’ the late depredations, and Confusion in the finances Make it Necessary to Encrease the Burthen of the People, Yet Have we Reasons to Rejoice at the More Equal Repartition of taxes, and the Barriers that Have Been placed Against future dilapidations— the Provincial Assemblies above all are a great thing—and you will see we Have obtained Many other points.
            inclosed are the Speeches that were Made at the last General Assembly— the interesting one is that of the ArchBishop of toulouse

as it Contains the king’s Answer to the demands of the Bureaux.— I am much pleased with the choice that Has Been made of the ArchBishop—to an UpRight Mind, and an Amiable temper He joins the Greatest Abilities
            at the last Meeting of the Bureau of which I was a Member I Made two Motions, the one in favour of the protestants, the other for an Examination of the Criminal laws— Both were Carried Almost Unanimously, Which pleased me the most as, Betwen us, they Had not so well Succeeded in an other Bureau— inclosed I Send You the Petition of the Bureau which was presented to the king By His borther and Graciously Received— I Beg You will keep Not the Measure that is public and ought to be so, But the Resolve itself to Yourself, as I don’t wish to Spread Copies of it Untill it is printed
            My Best Respects to Mr̃s Adams Mr̃s Smith, and While you Remember me to the family and all friends Be pleased to Receive the Affectionate Respects of / Your Sincere friend

              lafayette

            A Circumstance worth Being Remarked is that My Motion in favour of the protestants was Most liberally Supported By the Bishop of langros


Title: Contract for the Third Dutch Loan to the United States, 1 June 1787
From: Adams, John
To:

              [1 June 1787]

            On the first day of June in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven, appeared before me Pietre Galenus van Hole Notary of Amsterdam, admitted by the honb[. . .] Court of Holland—
            His Excellency, The honble: John Adams Esqe. Minister

plenipotentiary on the part of the United States of America &c: &c: in quality as especially empowered and authorised by the abovementioned States of America in Congress Assembled, for and in behalf of said States of America to raise a Loan with any person or persons, States or Companies with subjoined Assurance in good faith to ratify and fulfil all that shall be done in this respect by him honble: Appearer according to authentic Copy and Translation of the original Commission or power exhibited to me Notary and deposited in my Custody in behalf of the joint Money Lenders
            The honble: Appearer residing in London but being now in this City.—
            And the honble: Appearer acknowledged hims[elf] in his aforesaid quality and thus in the name and in behalf of the abovementioned States of America to be duly and lawfully indebted to and in behalf of sundry persons or Money Lenders, in all a sum of one Million of Guilders dutch current Money arising from and on Account of so much ready Money received by him the honble: Appearer in his aforesaid quality to his perfect satisfaction from the said Money Lenders pursuant to the Receipt hereafter mentioned to be signed by the honble: Appearer under the Authentic Copies hereof expressly and formally disavowing the excuse of untold Monies.—
            And the honble: Appearer promised in his aforesaid quality to repay and reimburse in this City the said sum of one Million of Guilders free from all Costs, Charges and damages to the abovementioned Money Lenders or their Assigns, at the expiration of Fifteen years after the first day of June 1787 and that in the following manner, to wit,
            That the abovementioned principal shall remain fixed during the space of Ten years and that with the Eleventh year and thus on the first day of June 1798, a fifth part or two hundred thousand Guilders of the said principal of one million shall be redeemed and in the same manner from year to year until the first day of June 1802 inclusive, so that the whole principal shall be redeemed and discharged within the abovementioned space of Fifteen years.—
            And that meanwhile for said principal at first for the whole and afterwards for the residue, at the expiration of every year, Interest shall be paid; at the rate of five per Cent in the year, Commencing the first day of June 1787, and to continue until the final accomplishment and that on Coupons to be signed by, or on the part of said honble Appearer in his aforesaid quality—
            That the abovementioned redeeming shall be performed by drawing in the presence of a Notary and Witnesses in this City after the

expiration of the first mentioned Ten years in such a manner that the Nos: of the Bonds or Obligations drawn shall be betimes made known in the public papers—
            That the payment of the Interests as also the Redeeming of the respective periods shall be made at the Compting houses of the hereafter mentioned Gentlemen Directors or at such other places within this City as shall likewise be advertised in the public papers.
            That the directors of this Negociation shall be Messieurs Wilhem and Jan Willink, and Nicolaas and Jacob van Staphorst of this City Merchants, who are by these presents thereto named and appointed by the honble: Appearer in his aforesaid quality.—
            The honble: Appearer promising and engaging in the Names of his Constituents that the Amount of [. . .] Interests, and of the Redeemings to be made from time to time of the said principal, shall be in due time remitted to the aforesaid Gentlemen Directors their Heirs or Successors in good Bills of Exchange, American products or in ready Money, without any abatement or deduction whatsoever.—
            That this Bond or Obligation shall never be subject to any Imposts or Taxes already laid or in time to come to be laid in the said United States of America, or any of them, even in case (which God forbid) any War, hostilities or divisions should arise between aforesaid United States or any of them on the one side and the States of these Lands on the other, and that the payment of the principal or Interests of this Bond or Obligation accordingly can in no wise nor under any pretext whatsoever be hindered or delayed.—
            The honble. Appearer in his aforesaid quality promising and engaging moreover for and in the Names of the said United States, that there shall never be made or entered into by them or on their parts or any of them, in particular, any Convention or Treaty public or private, at the making of peace or otherwise by which the Validity and accomplishment of these presents might be prejudiced or whereby any thing contrary thereto might be stipulated, but that without any Exception, the Contents hereof shall be kept and maintained in full force.—
            The honble: Appearer in his aforesaid quality likewise promises, engages and binds himself by these presents that this Engagement, shall be ratified, and approved as soon as possible by said United States in Congress Assembled and that authentic Copy Translation of said Ratification with the Original shall be deposited in Custody of me the said Notary to be there kept with said authentic Copy Translation of the Commission or power of him honble. Appearer

and the engrossed hereof for the Security of the Money Lenders until the abovementioned principal and Interests as aforesaid shall be redeemed and paid off.—
            And there shall be made of this Act (as the honble: Appearer in his aforesaid quality consents) above and besides the abovementioned engrossed, one thousand authentic Copies which shall be of the same force and value and have the same effect as the engrossed one, under every one of which, Copies shall be placed a Receipt of One thousand Guilders dutch Current Money either on name or in blank at the choice of the Money Lenders to be signed by him honble: Appearer and which Receipts shall be respectively numbered from No. 1 to 1,000 inclusive and countersigned by the abovementioned Gentlemen Directors and duly recorded by me the said Notary as a testimony that no more than one thousand Bonds or Obligations are numbered by virtue of this Act.
            All which authentic Copies with the Receipts there underplaced, shall at the Redeeming of the principal, be restored by the Bearers.—
            On failure of prompt payment as well of the principal as of the Interests at the appointed periods the principal or residue thereof may be demanded by the Gentlemen Directors in behalf of the Money Lenders who shall be then interested therein and the aforesaid Constituents and Committents of him honble: Appearer shall in that Case be held and bound to redeem and discharge immediately in one sum the remaining principal with the interests and charges for the Accomplishment and performance of all the above written the honble: Appearer binds in his aforesaid quality and thus in the names and on the part of the abovementioned United States of America, the said United States of America jointly and each of them in particular together with all their Lands, Chattles, Revenues and products and also the Imposts and Taxes already laid and raised in the same or in Time to come to be laid and raised and thus of all the United States of America jointly and each of them in particular and for the whole—
            He the honble: Appearer renouncing in the names as above for that purpose expressly, beneficium divisionis as likewise de duobus vel pluribus Reis debendi, signifying a Retribution of debts and that when two or more are indebted each of them can satisify with the payment of his portion; the honble: Appearer promising in his aforesaid quality never to have recourse to the said or to any other evasions whatsoever—
            This being pass’d (after Translation into English was made hereof

and which likewise is signed by the honble: Appearer and deposited in the Custody of me the said Notary,) within Amsterdam aforesaid in the presence of Martinus Gerardus Brondgeest and Jacob de Wolff Witnesses—

              (signed)John AdamsM: G: BrondgeestJ. de Wolff.Pr: Gs. van Holenotary—

            Faithfully translated from the dutch Amsterdam the first day June Ao. 1787.

              Joannes Vergeel Luc. SonSworn translator


Title: To John Adams from Pelatiah Webster, 7 June 1787
From: Webster, Pelatiah
To: Adams, John

            Sir.
            Philada.
              7 June, 1787

          Mr. John Churchman of This City Thinks he has Discover’d a Method by Which the Longitude at Sea or Land may be Ascertaind. by one Simple Observation in Any part of The World, & Which is certainly Very Easy if the Great fact on which the whole depends can be well Ascertain’d, & Which I think not Improbable, ’tis this, Viz that the Magnectic needle has two poles one north 13.°56′ from the N. Pole of the Earth the other South, abt. 18.o from the S. Pole of the Earth, Which Poles have a Constant Rotation from West to East, & form their Revolutions in 463 Years, & 344 days i.e. abt. 47′

Minutes of a degree in a Year, that the True place of these poles may be Ascertain’d, & Tables of the Same calculated for Every Given Minute of Time, & of Course that the line or point of no Variation for Any place & the Time, may be Easily found, & of Course the Angle of Variation & Radius will always be Attainable, & the Difference of Latitude of the place of observation & that of the Magnetic Pole will be one Side of the Triangle Necessary to be found,— he further Tells me that by a Long Attention to Halley’s Theory of the Magnet, & the various Observations of Cook & many other Navigators in their Very Long Voiages, & by comparing them all together, it Appears that the Lines of Variation When continued on the Globe from Whatever part of the Earth Never fail to Meet at the same place or Point Where the pole of the Magnet by his Tables was found to be at the times of Observation,— This is A Matter of Such Weighty consequence, & the Truth or falsehood of his plan or Method may be so Easily Examin’d that I think it will work a Very carefull Attention & Enquiry, & the Author is undoubtedly intitled to the honours & Rewards of the Discovery, if his Great fact is found True on Sufficient proof, Mr Churchman is a Young man of Good Character, of a Good Country Education but Not a Genl. Acquaintance with any course of Liberal Learning, At his Desire I hereby Recomend him & his plan (Wc. he Sends to You,) to Your favorable Notice & Patronage— I have Nothing New or Important to inform You but the Convention of the States Are now Sitting here, with a View to mend our Articles of Confederation or form a New System, Which perhaps is much Easiest of the Two, but how they will succeed God knows, our confusions Are Very Great,
          I have the honour to be / Hond. Sir. / with all Esteem & Respect / Your most Obedt. / & very huml servt.

            Pela’ Webster


Title: From John Adams to Antoine Marie Cerisier, 12 June 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Cerisier, Antoine Marie

            Dear Sir
            Grosvenor Square London Juneth. 12 1787

          I received your frindley and obliging Letter at Amsterdam and was very Sory that I could not, by returning through Leyden, have the Pleasure of an Interiew with you. I had the Stronger Motive to desire it. as I wished to see the Remarks you have made upon the Defence &c When you, calld that Work the Breviary of geneuine Republican Principels, compatible with the nature of Society and with Liberty, Safety and good order, you made it, the greatest Compliment that ever was made it, and you fully expressed the objects, Which the Writer had in View however imperfectly or meanly he may have executed his Intentions.—
          I wish you would publish your observations upon it. for it is Truth alone, that is sought. But if you have any Reasons against publishing them I should be much obliged to you for a Copy of them, the Subject is interesting to Mankind, and there is now Such an Effort, in France, Holland, Ireland, the Austrian Netherlands, Denmark and other Places to obtain Soumthing like the advant-ages of the three Divisions of Power that the time Seems to be peculiarly favourable. for discussions of this kind
          I am, My dear Sir yours,

            John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 12 June 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Mazzei, Philip

            Dear Sir
            Grosvenor Square. June 12. 1787

          Your favour of the 24. May is before me. To presume defend the Seperation of the Legislative Executive and Judicial Powers, from each other, and the Division of the Legislature into three branches,

from the attacks of County Committees, riotous assemblies, and uninformed Philosophers and Statesmen, will be the Burthen of my Song and I am very glad to find that the Attempt, has met with your approbation. Such a distribution of Power appears to me, the Unum necessarium of Liberty Safety and good order, and therefore no Pains taken to preserve it, will be thrown away. An application has been made to me, here in behalf of a French Writer, who is very capable of translating, Such a Book, and who wishes to publish an Edition in French, in London. His Name is De la tour. I have discouraged his Project hitherto, because Mr Jefferson informed me that some one, had undertaken it in Paris. You inform me that Several have applied to Government, for Permission. But will they obtain it?— I am just returned from an Excursion to Amsterdam, where I was told by a Bookseller, that he was about getting it translated into Dutch. But I doubt whether any of these Undertakers will proceed: for American affairs, are not now so interresting in Europe as they were in the time of the War, and Such a Work will not sell now, as it would then.— I should be glad to know, with Certainty whether, your Bookseller has obtained Permission, and whether he will proceed, for the regulation of my own Conduct. Has he published his advertisement? I Should think he had better proceed with the first Volume, without waiting for the Second that he may form a better Judgment, whether it is worth his while to translate the Second at all.
          If the Seperate States preserve inviolable, the Divisions and Seperations and Independence of these Several Authorities, their Liberties, their Security, their good order, Prosperity, Grandeur and Glory, will be the certain Consequence, whatever Imperfections may remain incurable in the Confederation. But if these Precautions are not taken We shall have a capricious and a turbulent, if not a bloody Scene in America for an hundred years to come. So it appears to m[e, an]d no Endeavours of mine shall be wanting, to secure th[e good] & prevent the Evil, however unpopular, I may make myself by the Attempt.
          I am, Sir, with great regard, your / most obedient. &c

            John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Joel Barlow, 14 June 1787
From: Barlow, Joel
To: Adams, John

            Sir
            Hartford June 14 1787

          Some months have elapsed since I recieved your very obliging favour of May 1786. I have followed the advice of you & your friend Doct Price in bringing forward a publication of my Poem in America. The Edition is nearly disposed of. I take the liberty of addressing to your care a bundle of the Books, one of which be pleased to accept, & the others I wish to have conveyed to the persons to whom dircted; resting however upon your judgement, whether those directed to the Imperial Sovereigns & their Ambassadors can be presented with propriety. If they cannot, I beg you would present to any of your friends who will recieve them, One if you please to Doct Hugh Blair of Edenburgh.
          A few copies of your Treatise on the American Constitutions have been recievd in some of the Principal Towns. No Book I believe was ever recieved with more gratitude, or read with greater avidity. Two or three Editions are now in the Press at different places. It will have a very extensive run, & is calculated to do infinite service in the United States, by correcting thousands of erroneous sentiments: which have arisen from our inexperience, sentiments, which if uncorrected in this early stage of our political existence, will be the source of calamaties without measure & without end, both in this country & through the world. I wish most ardently to see the subject pursued, & a federal system delineated & defended with the same energy & perspicality as you have done that of the State Republics. Such a System adapted to our present & future circumstances you know is the great defederation in American Politics. An Enquiry of this kind pursued in the manner you have proposed to Col Smith must be a work of greater utility than can readily be imagined. And it is to be regretted that it could not have been done previous to the sitting of the present convention at Philadelphia.
          I have the honour to be / Sir with great respect your / obet. Servt.

            Joel Barlow

            P.S.
            I enclose drafts of letters to their Majesties, to be covered if sent, otherwise to be burnt. The Books for the Ambassadors are directed

in side. If they should not be used, the leaf may be cut out. May I hope for your pardon for offering you so much trouble

              J Barlow


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 16 June 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Sir
            Grosvenor Square, London June 16. 1787

          Inclosed is a Copy of the Translation from the Dutch into English, of the Contract, entered into by me in behalf of the United States by Virtue of their Full Power for a Million of Guilders. This Measure became absolutely neccessary, to prevent the total Ruin of their Credit, and the greatest Injustice, to their former Creditors, who are possessed of their Obligations: for the failure in Payment of the Interest, but for one day, would in holland cause those Obligations to depreciate in their Value like Paper Money.
          It is of great Importance that this Contract Should receive a prompt Ratification in Congress, and be retransmitted to Amsterdam as soon as possible. Whether this Loan may not enable Congress, or their Board of Treasury, to raise the Credit of their own Paper at home in some degree, is for them to consider. and whether the Board of Treasury may not purchase Produce to Advantage and contract to have it delivered free of all Risque & Charges at Amsterdam, and pay for it in Bills of Exchange I know not.— If they do this I Should Advise them to Send one Cargo to the House of Willinks, and another to the House of Vanstaphorsts, instead of consigning the whole jointly to both Houses. This would not only excite an Emulation between the two Houses, to make the most Advantage for the Interest of the United States: but would prevent delays and other Inconveniences, which must arise from two Houses meeting to consult and dispose of a Vessell and Cargo.
          As the Brokers, or Money Lenders, were pleased to insist upon

my Signature to all the Obligations, I was obliged to make a Tour to Amsterdam, for that Purpose, and happened to enter the City the Day after the First Riots, which continued two nights while I was there.— The Proceedings of the Prince of Orange, have at last brought on a Crisis, and the English are holding out an Appearance, as they thought it possible they might be obliged to take a Part in it.— if no foreign Power interferes, the Patriotic Party, is so much Stronger than the other, that I think the Prince must give Way, in the principal Points in Controversy. if any one foreign Power interferes, many others must follow the Example. This being well known and France and England, weary of War for the present, I hope the Dutch will be left alone to Settle their own Disputes.
          With great Respect I have the Honour / to be, dear Sir your most obedient and / most humble servant

            John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Wren, 22 June 1787
From: Wren, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Honble. sir,
            Portsmouth June 22. 1787.

          At the request of Sir John Carter, I take the liberty to inform your Excellency, that Robt. Muir, detained in our goal, having lived upon his own money till about a week ago, is now according to the custom of the goal allowed 3d. per day which is paid by the parish. But the parish officers object somewhat to the making this allowance, as this man’s offence, they say, does not principally relate to this country. With your Excellencys leave I will advance, on your acct., the 3d. per day till he is released, which will now shortly take place.— Our Court and Law days come on rather before the middle of the next month.— This man is very close, and hath not made one mite of discovery. He hath indeed lived as frugally as possible on his own money, that, as it should seem, he might be under the less temptation.
          Sir John Carter desires me farther to inform you, sir, that it is a matter of doubt with him, whether or no, it will be advisable to let this man come to his trial, or release him on his own recognisance, and so give him an opportunity of failing it, or running from it. In consequence of which he will ever carry with him that Idea of culpability which may deter him from his late practices.—
          If he is brought to his trial, the first part of the evidence, will, Sir, rest with you; Such as getting some Carolina merchant, or other person of note, to prove the authenticity of the bills which he was proceeding to counterfeit. As he was so early & compleatly interrupted,

after all the evidence which you & we can get, he will very probably be acquitted.
          But the whole of this is submitted to your better judgement; by sir / Your Excellencys most obliged / and obedient / humble Servant

            Thomas Wren.


Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 28 June 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Carmarthen, the Marquis of

            My Lord
            Grosvenor Square June 28. 1787.

          I have the Honour to inclose to Your Lordship, an authenticated Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the third of May, relative to Phineas Bond Esquire, His Majestys Consul in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania Delaware and Maryland. Congress being desirous, on this and every other occasion to manifest their Disposition to cultivate a friendly Correspondence with Great Britain, have received Mr Bond in his Capacity of Consul, although no Treaty or Convention subsists, between the two Countries, whereby either have a Right to establish Consuls in the other. As yet Congress have not received any Commissaries for Commercial Affairs, and they think it most prudent not to receive them from any Nation, untill their Powers Shall have been previously ascertained by Agrement, lest, as those Appointments are seldom made, and both

Parties may not have precisely the Same Ideas of the Extent of the Powers and Priviledges annexed to them, disagreable questions and discussions might and probably would otherwise take Place on those delicate Subjects.
          your Lordship will be pleased to Submit these Reasons to his Majesty, and to assure him, that Congress regret the Objections. which oppose their complying with his Wishes in this Instance: but that they are ready to join with his Majesty, in Such Agreements or Conventions, as may be neccessary to remove them, and which may also tend to promote and establish a friendly and Satisfactory commercial Intercourse, between the two Countries.
          With great Respect, I have the Honour, to be / My Lord, your Lordships most obedient / and most humble Servant

            John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 1 July 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Tufts, Cotton

            My dear Friend
            Grosvenor Square July. 1. 1787

          I have received your Favour of May the fifteenth, and am greatly obliged to you for your kind Attention to my little Affairs.
          Let me pray you to purchase Mr Borlands Place for me at the best

Price you can and draw upon me for the Cash. Your Bills Shall be honoured, at ten days Sight. if Mr Borland is about purchasing Mr Vassals Place, he may remit the Cash in this Way. but you will however sell the Bills, at as good an Advance as you can.— I wish you to purchase Veseys Place too, if you can have it for 300£ lawful Money and as much cheaper as you can and draw upon me, in the Same manner. The Cash shall be ready and your Bills punctually paid. I Suppose, I could Speculate in Paper to much greater Profit, and I wish you to go on as opportunity presents.— You need not fear any Protest of your Bills, if you cannot have Veseys Place for 300£. omit that Purchase, and draw upon me for that Sum, and vest it in Such Notes as you think most advantageous.— I Should much rather purchase Mr Allens Place than Mr Borlands, if to be Sold at a moderate Price. a House to put my head in I must have, for my little hut at the foot of the Hill, is so small in all the appartements, and the air so bad of course, that I Should not be able to preserve my health. I have found So much benefit, by a better Air and larger Rooms, that I should dread returning to that. But I must do that, if you cannot procure me a better.
          If my Volume, Serves to hold up the Mirror, and set Men a thinking, it will do good. Yet I have the Same Anxieties and Apprehensions with yours.
          All the Voyages to America made in the Month of February, have proved so long that I am afraid of the health of my Family as well as my own, which is ill calculated for the boisterous scenes it has passed through. Altho my Commission expires in February, I dont think it would be prudent to embark before the latter End of March or the Beginning of April; in all May I hope to have the Pleasure of seeing you. I regret the Loss of Brother Cranch from the senate.— I am very sorry you did not send one of my Books to Brother shaw: but I will endeavour to supply the omission.
          And now for Retirement among the Rocks and Hills of Old Braintree. The Plough, the Spade, the Ax and the Hoe. stone wall and fresh Meadow Ditches. a Præceptor to my own Boys, and a Writer Perhaps of History, Memoirs and Biography to be printed, twenty Years after my death.— What Say you to this? Shall I feel, the Stings of Ambition, and the frosts of Neglect? Shall I desire to go to Congress, or the General Court, and be a Fish out of Water? I Suppose so, because, other People have been so. but I dont believe So.— I am proud enough to think that I can be a Philosopher, if I never have

been. I cannot remain longer in Europe with honour, without a Change in Affairs, of which there is no Appearance of Probability, and my dear Boys have claims upon me, that I will fulfill as well as I can.— if I can do it, no other Way, it shall be by returning again to the Bar, at least so far as may be necessary, to introduce my Sons to Practice. To be the Slave and Drudge, that I have been for thirty Years Strength nor Spirits for it. To be the Football of Faction, I never was, and never will be. I will neither be Rebel nor Despot: Aristocrate nor Democrate: and if the Brains of my Countrymen are So far turned, as to insist upon one or the other: I will be a private Man, and a Brewer of Compost for my Farm.— if they will Shackle and trammel their Executive Government: if they will Split into Parties and wrangle and fight, let them: I will blow rocks.— Experience and Reason must be lost upon them, if they dont See the Necessity, of raising the Dignity, and maintaining the Independence of the Executive.— But Mr, Untell, is a great Patriot, and he is afraid of an unqualified Negative. Mr, such a one is a hero, and he is afraid of a privy Council, appointed by the first Magistrate— Mr Somebody is a good son of Liberty—and he is afraid of giving the Governor the Appointment of Militia Officers. Thus the Executive is fettered, and the Laws insulted, and no Mans Life, or Property or Honour safe. If Miseries in Abundance, do not convince them of their Ignerance & Error, I shall be happily disappointed.—
          I am my dear sir Yours

            John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 1 July 1787
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir
            Paris July 1. 1787.

          I returned about three weeks ago from a very useless voiage, useless, I mean, as to the object which first suggested it, that of trying the effect of the mineral waters of Aix en Provence on my hand. I tried these because recommended among six or eight others as equally beneficial, & because they would place me at the beginning of a tour to the seaports of Marseilles, Bourdeaux, Nantes & Lorient which I had long meditated, in hopes that a knowlege of the places & persons concerned in our commerce & the information to be got from them might enable me sometimes to be useful. I had expected to satisfy myself at Marseilles of the causes of the difference of quality between the rice of Carolina & that of Piedmont which is brought in quantities to Marseilles. not being able to do it I made an excursion of three weeks into the rice country beyond the Alps, going through it from Vercelli to Pavia about 60 miles. I found the difference to be, not in the management as had been supposed both here & in Carolina, but in the species of rice, & I hope to enable them in Carolina to begin the Cultivation of the Piedmont rice & carry it on hand in hand with their own that they may supply both qualities, which is absolutely necessary at this market. I had before endeavored to lead the depot of rice from Cowes to Honfleur, and hope to get it received there on such terms as may draw that branch of commerce from England to this country. it is an object of 250,000 guineas a year. while passing thro’ the towns of Turin, Milan & Genoa, I satisfied myself of the practicability of introducing our whale oil for their consumption & I suppose it would be equally so in the other great cities of that country. I was sorry that I was not authorized to set the matter on foot. the merchants with whom I chose to ask conferences, met me freely, and communicated fully, knowing I was in a public character. I could however only prepare a disposition to meet our oil merchants. on the article of tobacco I was more in possession of my ground, and put matters into a train for inducing their government to draw their tobaccos directly from the U.S. & not as heretofore from G.B. I am now occupied with the new ministry here to put the concluding hand to the new regulations for our commerce with this country, announced in the letter of M. de Calonnes which I sent you last fall. I am in hopes in addition to

those, to obtain a suppression of the duties on Tar, pitch, & turpentine, and an extension of the privileges of American whale oil, to their fish oils in general. I find that the quantity of Codfish oil brought to Lorient is considerable. this being got off hand (which will be in a few days) the chicaneries & vexations of the farmers on the article of tobacco, and their elusions of the order of Bernis, call for the next attention. I have reason to hope good dispositions in the new ministry towards our commerce with this country. besides endeavoring on all occasions to multiply the points of contact & connection with this country, which I consider as our surest main-stay under every event, I have had it much at heart to remove from between us every subject of misunderstanding or irritation. our debts to the king, to the officers, & the farmers are of this description. the having complied with no part of our engagements in these draws on us a great deal of censure, & occasioned a language in the Assemblies des notables very likely to produce dissatisfaction between us. Dumas being on the spot in Holland, I had asked of him some time ago, in confidence, his opinion on the practicability of transferring these debts from France to Holland, & communicated his answer to Congress, pressing them to get you to go over to Holland and try to effect this business. your knowlege of the ground & former successes occasioned me to take this liberty without consulting you, because I was sure you would not weigh your personal trouble against public good. I have had no answer from Congress, but hearing of your journey to Holland have hoped that some money operation had led you there. if it related to the debts of this country I would ask a communication of what you think yourself at liberty to communicate, as it might change the form of my answers to the eternal applications I receive. the debt to the officers of France carries an interest of about 2000 guineas, so we may suppose it’s principal is between 30. & 40,000. this makes more noise against than all our other debts put together.
          I send you the arrets which begin the reformation here, & some other publications respecting America: together with copies of letters received from Obryon & Lambe. it is believed that a naval armament has been ordered at Brest in correspondence with that of England. we know certainly that orders are given to form a camp in the neighborhood of Brabant, & that Count Rochambeau has the command of it. it’s amount I cannot assert. report says 15,000 men. this will derange the plans of oeconomy. I take the liberty of putting

under your cover a letter for mr̃s Kinloch of South Carolina, with a packet, and will trouble you to enquire for her & have them delivered. the packet is of great consequence, & therefore referred to her care, as she will know the safe opportunities of conveying it. should you not be able to find her, and can forward the packet to it’s address by any very safe conveiance I will beg you to do it. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect friendship & esteem Dear Sir your most obedient & most humble servant

            Th: Jefferson