Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 19 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Amsterdam 19. April 1782

I have the Honour to transmit, the following Resolutions of the respective Provinces, relative to my Admission in Quality of Minister Plenipotentiary, together with two Resolutions of their High Mightinesses upon the Same Subject, all in the order in which they were taken.
Friesland.
Extract from the Register Book of the Lords the States of Friesland.

“The Requisition of Mr Adams, for presenting his Letters of Credence, from the United States of North America, to their High Mightinesses, having been brought in to the Assembly and put into deliberation, as also the Ulteriour Address to the Same Purpose, with a demand of a Categorical Answer made by him, as is more amply mentioned in the Minutes of their High Mightinesses of the 4. May 1781 and 9. Janry 1782, Whereupon it having been taken into Consideration, that the Said Mr Adams would probably have Some Propositions to make to their High Mightinesses, and to present to them the principal Articles and Foundations upon which the Congress on their Part, would enter into a Treaty of Commerce and Friendship, or other affairs to propose, in regard to which Dispatch would be requisite.

It has been thought fit and resolved, to authorize the Gentlemen the Deputies of this Province, at the Generality, and to instruct them to direct Things, at the Table of their High Mightinesses in such a manner, that the Said Mr Adams, be admitted forthwith as Minister of the Congress of North America with further order to the Said Deputies, that if there Should be made any Similar Propositions by the Same, to inform immediately their noble Mightinesses of them. And an Extract of the present Resolution Shall be Sent them for their Information, that they may conduct themselves conformably. Thus resolved, at the Province House the 26. February 1782.”
Compared with the aforesaid Book to my Knowledge

 Signed A J. V. Sminia

Holland and West Friesland.
Extract of the Resolutions of the Lords the States of Holland and West Friesland taken in the assembly of their noble and grand Mightinesses Thursday 28 March 1782.

Deliberated by Resumption upon the Address, and the Ulteriour Address of Mr Adams made the 4. May 1781, and the 9. January 1782 to the President of the States General, communicated to the Assembly, 9 May 1781 and the 22d of last Month, to present his Letters of Credence, in the Name of the United States of America to their High Mightinesses, by which ulteriour Address the Said Mr Adams hath demanded a categorical answer, that he may acquaint his Constituents thereof: deliberated also upon the Petitions of a great Number of Merchants, Manufacturers and others Inhabitants of this Province, interested in Commerce, to Support their request, presented to the States General, the 20th. curant, to the End that efficacious Measures might be taken to establish a Commerce between this Country and North America, Copy of which Petitions have been given to the Members, the 21: it hath been thought fit and resolved, that affairs shall be directed on the Part of their noble and grand Mightinesses at the assembly of the States General, and there Shall be there made the Strongest Instances, that Mr Adams be admitted and acknowledged as soon as possible, by their High Mightinesses, in Quality of Ambassador of the United States of America, and the Councillor Pensionary hath been charged to inform under Hand, the Said Mr Adams of this Resolution of their noble and grand Mightinesses.

Zealand
Extract of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses the states General of the United Provinces Monday 8. April 1782.

The Deputies of the Province of Zealand, have brought to the assembly and have caused to be read there, the Resolution of the States of the Said Province, their Principals to cause to be admitted, as soon as possible Mr Adams in Quality of Envoy of the Congress of North America, according to the following Resolution.

Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of the Lords the States of Zealand 4. April 1782.

It hath been thought fit and ordered, that the Gentlemen, the ordinary Deputies of this Province, at the Generality shall be convoked and authorized, as it is done by the present to assist in the direction of Affairs at the Assembly of their High Mightinesses in Such a manner, that Mr Adams may be acknowledged as soon as possible, as Envoy of the Congress of North America that his Letters of Credence be accepted, and that he be admitted in that quality, according to the ordinary Form enjoining further upon the Said Lords the ordinary Deputies, to take such Propositions as should be made to the Republick by the Said Mr Adams for the Information and Deliberation of their High Mightinesses, to the End to transmit them here as soon as possible. And an Extract of this Resolution of their noble Mightinesses shall be sent to the Gentlemen their ordinary Deputies, to serve them as an Instruction.

 Signed. J. M. Chalmers

Upon which, having deliberated, it hath been thought fit and resolved to pray by the present the Gentlemen the Deputies of the Provinces of Guelderland, Utrecht, and Groningen and Ommelanden, who have not as yet explained themselves upon this subject, to be pleased to do it as soon as possible.

Overyssell.
Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of the Equestrian order and of the Cities, composing the States of Overyssell Zwoll 5. April 1782.

Mr the Grand Bailiff de Sallande, and the other Commissioners of their Noble Mightinesses for the Affairs of Finance having examined, conformably to their Commissorial Resolution of the third of this month, the Addresses of Mr Adams, communicated to the Assembly the 4 May 1781 and the 22 February 1782 to present his Letters of Credence to their High Mightinesses in the Name of the United States of North America; as well as the Resolution of the Lords the States of Holland and West Friesland dated the 28 of March 1782, carried the 29 of the Same month to the assembly of their High Mightinesses, for the Admission and Acknowledgment of Mr Adams, have reported to the assembly, that they Should be of opinion, that the Gentlemen the Deputies of this Province, in the States General, ought to be authorised and charged to declare in the assembly of their High Mightinesses, that the equestrian order and the Cities judge, that it is proper to acknowledge as Soon as possible, Mr Adams, in Quality of Minister of the United States of North America, to their High Mightinesses, Upon which, having deliberated, the Equestrian order, and the Cities, have conformed themselves to the Said Report.
Compared with the aforesaid Register

 Signed Derk Dumbar

Groningen
Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of their noble Mightinesses, the States of Groningen and ommelanden Tuesday 9 April 1782.

The Lords the States of Groningen and ommelanden having heard the Report of the Gentlemen the Commissioners for the Petitions of the Council of State and the Finances of the Provinces, and having carefully examined the demand of Mr Adams, to present his Letters of Credence, from the United States of North America to their High Mightinesses, have, after deliberation upon the Subject, declared themselves of opinion, that in the critical Circumstances in which the Republick finds itself at present, it is proper to take without Loss of Time, Such efficacious Measures, as may not only repair the Losses and Damages that the Kingdom of Great Britain hath caused, in a manner So unjust and against every Shadow of Right, to the Commerce of the Republick, as well before as after the War, but particularly Such as may establish the free navigation, and the Commerce of the Republick for the future, upon the most Solid Foundations as may confirm and reassure it, by the Strongest Bonds of reciprocal Interest, and that, in Consequence, the Gentlemen the Deputies at the assembly of their High Mightinesses, ought to be authorized on the Part of the Province, as they are by the present, to admit Mr Adams, to present his Letters of Credence from the United States of North America, and to receive the Propositions which he shall make, to make report of them to Lords the States of this Province.

 Signed E. Lewe Secretary

The States General having deliberated the Same day upon this Resolution have resolved that the Deputies of the Province of guelderland, which has not yet declared itself, upon the same subject should be requested to be pleased to do it, as soon as possible.

Utrecht
Extract of the Resolutions of their noble Mightinesses the States of the Province of Utrecht. April 10 1782.

Heard the Report of Mr de Westerveld, and other Deputies of their noble Mightinesses, for the Department of War who, in Virtue of the commissorial Resolutions of the 9 May 1781 16 January and 20 March of the present Year 1782, have examined the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses of the 4 May 1781 containing an overture, that Mr the President of the assembly of their High Mightinesses, had made “that a Person Stiling himself J. Adams, had been with him, and had given him to Understand, that he had received Letters of Credence, for their High Mightinesses, from the United States of North America, with a Request that he would be pleased to communicate them to their High Mightinesses,” as well as the Resolution of their High Mightinesses of the 9 of January containing an Ulteriour overture of Mr the President “that the Said Mr Adams had been with him, and had insisted upon a categorical answer, whether his Said Letters of Credence would be accepted or not,” finally the Resolution of their High Mightinesses of the 5 of March last, with the Insertion of the Resolution of Friesland, containing a Proposition “to admit Mr Adams in quality of Minister of the Congress of North America.”
Upon which, having deliberated, and remarked, that the Lords the states of Holland and West Friesland, by their Resolution carried the 29 March to the States General, had also consented to the Admission of Mr Adams in quality of Minister of the Congress of North America, it hath been thought fit and resolved, that the Gentlemen the Deputies of this Province in the States General Should be authorized, as their noble Mightinesses authorise them by the present to conform themselves, in the name of this Province, to the Resolution of the Lords the States of Holland and West Friesland, and of Friesland, and to consent by Consequence, that Mr Adams be acknowledged and admitted as Minister of the United States of America; their noble Mightinesses being at the Same time of opinion, that it would be necessary to acquaint her Majesty the Empress of Russia and the other Neutral Powers with the Resolution to be taken by their High Mightinesses, upon this Subject, in communicating to them (as much as shall be necessary) the Reasons which have induced their High Mightinesses to it, and in giving them the Strongest assurances, that the Intention of their High Mightinesses is by no means to prolong thereby the War, which they would have willingly prevented, and terminated long Since; but on the Contrary, that their High Mightinesses wish nothing with more ardour than a prompt Re Establishment of Peace, and they shall be always ready on their Part to co-operate in it, in all possible Ways, and with a Suitable Readiness, So far as that shall be any Way compatible, with their Honour and their Dignity. And for this End an Extract of this Shall be carried by Missive to the Gentlemen the Deputies at the Generality.

Guelderland
Extract from the Precès, of the ordinary Diet held in the City of Nimeguen in the month of April 1782. Wednesday 17, April 1782.

The Requisition of Mr Adams, to present his Letters of Credence to their High Mightinesses in the name of the United States of North America having been brought to the Assembly and read as well as an Ulteriour Address made upon this subject, with a Demand of a categorical answer, by the Said Mr Adams, more amply mentioned in the Registers of their High Mightinesses of the date of the 4 May 1781 and of the 9 January 1782; moreover the Resolutions of the Lords the States of the Six other Provinces, carried Successively to the assembly of their High Mightinesses, and all tending to admit Mr Adams in quality of Envoy of the United States of North America, to this Republick. Upon which their noble Mightinesses, after deliberation, have resolved to authorize the Deputies of this Province at the States General, as they authorize them by the present, to conform themselves in the name of this Province, to the Resolution of the Lords the States of Holland and West Friesland, and to consent by consequence that Mr Adams may be acknowledged and admitted in quality of Envoy of the United States of North America to this Republick. In Consequence an Extract of the present Shall be Sent to the Said Deputies, to make as Soon as possible the Requisite Overture of it, to the assembly of their High Mightinesses. In fidem Extracti

 Signed J. In de Betoun

This Resolution of Guelderland was no Sooner remitted, on the 19 of April to their High Mightinesses, than they took immediately a Resolution conformable to the Unanimous Wish of the Seven Provinces, conceived in the following Terms.

Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses the States General of the United Provinces. Fryday 19. April. 1782.

Deliberated by Resumption, upon the Address and the Ulteriour Address made by Mr Adams, the 4. May 1781, and the 9. January of the currant year, to Mr the President of the Assembly of their High Mightinesses to present to their High Mightinesses, his Letters of Credence, in the Name of the United States of North America; and by which ulteriour Address the Said Mr Adams hath demanded a categorical Answer, to the End to be able to acquaint his Constituents thereof: it hath been thought fit and resolved that Mr. Adams Shall be admitted and acknowledged in quality of Envoy of the United States of North America to their High Mightinesses, as he is admitted and acknowledged by the present.

 Signed W. Boreel
 compared with the aforesaid Register
 Signed H. Fagel

The formal Resolution of their High Mightinesses.
Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses the States General of the United Provinces. Monday 22. April 1782.

Mr Boreel, who presided in the assembly, the last Week, hath reported to their High Mightinesses and notified them, that Mr John Adams Envoy of the United States of America, had been with him last Saturday and presented to him a Letter from the assembly of Congress, written at Philadelphia the first of January 1781 containing a Credence for the Said Mr Adams, to the End to reside in quality of its Minister Plenipotentiary near their High Mightinesses: upon which, having deliberated, it hath been thought fit and resolved “to declare by the present, that the Said Mr Adams is agreable to their High Mightinesses; that he Shall be acknowledged in quality of Minister Plenipotentiary, and that there shall be granted to him an Audience, or assigned Commissioners, when he shall demand it.” Information of the above, Shall be given to the Said Mr Adams by the Agent, Van der Burch de Spieringshoek.

 Signed W. Van Citters
 compared with the aforesaid Register
 Signed H. Fagel

I have the Honour to be, with great Respect Sir your most obedient & humble sert
J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alvarez & Havart, 19 April 1781
From: Alvarez & Havart (business)
To: Adams, John

Rotterdam 19th: Aprill 1782
Sir

The known Caracter of Your Excellency dispenses us with making any apology for the liberty we take to Address your Excellency with the present, but the happy turn circumstances have lately taken in this Republicq must naturally make to great an impression upon every free born Man, especially upon such a one, who from the beginning of the American troubles with England has consider’d their Cause to be his own, that he should not seek every means to express the satisfaction of his heart; and how should it be possible for him to find any way more proper to fulfill those wishes, then that of bringing them directly to Your Excellency? Give us leave then Sir to congratulate Your Excellence, whole America and whole this Republicq, with the most favourable revolution which has newly taken place here, and has been just now Compleated by the full acknowledgment of the freedom of the United States of America by all our Provinces; an Event brought by upon such an unexpected and singular way that who ever acknowledge a divine Providence, will find her finger upon every Step! How happy shall we then not be if this beginning of confidence between both nations will be productive of the nearest intelligence and uninterrupted connections, so that they may never be separated in future, but their mutual intrest always consider’d as the same! and with how much pleasure will we not contribute all what’s in our power to form and cultivate those happy connexions! May it not be disagreeable then to Your Excellency, that we implore Her protection and Assistance in order to form such connexions! already we have had the Advantage of providing Your Country with some necessary’s by the Way of St: Eustache and through the hands of our unfortunate Friends Messrs: Curson & Gouverneur, with who we have been in a very intimate correspondance, and even when the Island has been taken by our treacherous Ennemies they had a good parcell of our goods under their care through wich means we are very well acquainted with those Merchandises which are most essentially wanted in America, and have no other desire then to find out a sure way to send them thither again the sooner the better; and if even Your Excellence would encourage or Approve of this resolution, a Brother of our last subscriber, should have no objection to go over himself to any Part of America, either to settle there entirely, or att least to make such engagements as will be necessary to drive a Solid and mutual advantageous trade upon in the future, now Your Excellency may easely conceive, from what Use any recommendations of your hand and a few intimations how to behave would be to him, if this plan Shoul’d be entirely resolved upon!
We beg to be excused for having taken so many of Your Excellency’s very precious moments in the Actuall circumstances; the only request we have yet to make, is to may be favoured with a single line in Answer, whither it will not be disagreeable to Your Excellency, that we may have the honour to wait upon her, any day which will be the most convenient to Her, for to insinuate ourselves personally in Her favour, and to Assure Her that nobody can be with more Esteem then Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and devoted Servts:

Alvarez & Havart


Title: Jacobus Nolet to John Adams: A Translation, 19 April 1782
From: Nolet, Jacobus
To: Adams, John

Sir
Schiedam, 19 April 1782

The merchants of this city, wishing to add their acclamation to those of the rest of the country regarding the public recognition of the independence of the United States of North America by our August sovereigns, have asked me to inquire of your Excellency as to the day, time and place that would be convenient for you to receive six deputies of this said group of merchants. These merchants, who wish to express in their name, the lively sentiments of joy and sincere satisfaction that they feel at this happy event, as well as having the advantage of being able to present their respects to your in your capacity as minister of the said States
You will fulfill our merchants’ wishes and hopes if you would agree to give their deputies the honor of a short meeting with your Excellency regarding the commercial interests of our city!

Would I dare promise myself, sir, that you would condescend to our desires!
A favorable reply from you will honor us immensely, and in the hope of hearing from you and by imploring the protection of the all powerful for you and your respectable position, I have the honor to be with the highest esteem and the deepest respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Jacobs: Nolet


Title: From John Adams to Jacobus Nolet, 20 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Nolet, Jacobus

The Hague 20 April 1782
Sir

I received, to day the Letter you did me the honor to write to me yesterday, and am exceedingly obliged to you for your cordial congratulations, on the great Event which was yesterday finally concluded by their High Mightinesses. The Favour of Providence, has been remarkably manifested in the progress of this Negociation, hitherto, that I very sincerely join with you in imploring its continuance, to the mutual prosperity, and the permanent establishment of the liberties of both Nations.
I have small pretensions to an accurate Knowledge of the Commerce of either Country; but such general notions of it as have fallen to my share, I shall ever esteem it a pleasure and an honor to communicate.
I should be sorry however, to give the trouble of coming to the Hague to so respectable a number of the Merchants of your City; but as I do not propose to return to Amsterdam before Thursday, I shall be happy to receive them, or any of them at the Mareschall de Turenne at the Hague, on any day before that time; and if the hour of twelve on Wednesday next should suit your convenience none will be more agreeable to me.

With great Respect, I have the honour to be Sir your most obedt and most humle.
Servt. J Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 20 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Passy, April 20th. 1782
Sir

I hope your Excellency received the Copy of our Instructions which I sent by the Courier from Versailles some Weeks since. I wrote to you on the 13th. to go by Capt. Smedly and sent a Pacquet of Correspondence with Mr. Hartley. Smedly did not leave Paris so soon as I expected; but you should have it by this time. With this I send a fresh Correspondence which I have been drawn into, viz: 1. A Letter I sent to Lord Shelburne before he was Minister. 2. His Ansr. since he was Minister by Mr Oswald. 3. A Letter from Mr Lawrens. 4. My Letter to M. de Vergennes. 5 My Ansr to Lord Shelburne. 6. My Answer to Mr Lawrens, 7th Copy of Digges’s Report. These Papers will inform you pretty well of what pass’d between me and Mr Oswald, except that in a Conversation at parting I mention’d to him, that I observed they spoke much in England of obtaining a Reconciliation with the Colonies; that this was more than a mere Peace; that the latter might possiby be obtained without the former; that the cruel Injuries wantonly done us by burning our Towns &ca. had made deep Impressions of Resentment which would long remain; that much of the Advantage to the Commerce of England from a Peace Would depend on a Reconciliation; that the Peace without a Reconciliation would probably not be durable; that after a Quarrel between Friends, nothing tended so much to conciliate, as Offers made by the Aggressor, of Reparation for Injuries done by him in his Passion. And I hinted that if England should make us a Voluntary Offer of Canada expressly for that purpose it migh have a good Effect. Mr Oswald liked much the Idea, said they were too much straiten’d for Money to make us pecuniary Reparation, but he should endeavour to persuade their doing it in this Way. He is furnish’d with a Passport to go and return by Calais, and I expect him back in ten or twelve Days. I wish you and Mr Lawrens could be here when he arrives; for I shall much want your Advice, and cannot act without your Concurrence. If the present Crisis of your Affairs prevents your coming, I hope at least Mr Lawrens will be here, and we must communicate with you by Expresses, for your Letters to me per Post are generally open’d. I shall write pr. next Post requesting Mr Jay to be here also as soon as possible.
I received your Letter advising of your Draft on me for a Quarter’s Salary, which will be duly honour’d.

With great Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Sert.
B Franklin

If Mr Laurens has left Holland, please to seal his Letter with a Wafer and let it follow him.
I shall be glad to have again all the Papers of this and the former Packet; but you can keep Copies of any you may think worth the Trouble.


Title: To John Adams from John Hodshon, 20 April 1782
From: Hodshon, John
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam the 20th april 1782
His Excellency

It is with an Infinite Satisfaction I presúme To Take The Liberty to adres yoúr Excellency These Few Lines as a duty Imposed on me, to congratulate yoúr Excellency on The most Happy resolution Taken by their H: M: to acknowledge the Independence of the united States of North America in So open and Respectable manner and to Receive yoúr Excellency as Minister Plenepotentiary from congres. Sincerely wish it may Tend to the Intrest and Prosperity of both nations and be The means of a Trúe and permanent Friendship being Establishd, and Welfare of both countrys, and your Excellencys name who laid The Foundation To this great and Important matter may be ever preserved in The annales to The Latest posterity.
Permit me Sir to assure yoú Shal ever Think my self happy to be usefull to contribute any Thing For The advantage of the common wealth and recomend my Self in yoúr Excellencys respectable benevolence and believe me to be unalterable and most devotedly His Excellency Yoúr Excellencys most obedient & much obliged Servant

John Hodshon


Title: Johannes Lousyssen & Zoon to John Adams: A Translation, 20 April 1782
From: Lousyssen, Johannes, & Zoon (business)
To: Adams, John

Middleburg in Zeeland, 20 April 1782
High Nobly-born Sir

We have the pleasure, with the entire Netherlands to share in the joy which has been caused by the acceptance by this republic of your excellency’s person as minister plenipotentiary of the thirteen United States of North America and would like to hope cordially that the honorable allies will conclude to the full consequence of this encouraging event.
In advance we take the liberty to congratulate your excellency on the eminent commission, mentioned above, granted to you thus far by all the provinces.
May an ongoing satisfaction accompany your excellency’s important service! and be made a vehicle to cement firmly and enduringly the bonds of true friendship in all the relations between both the republics if this be the result of your excellency’s first mission then—for certain! no more pleasant payment for the preliminary work can be found.
At this opportunity we take the liberty for ourselves, with appropriate respect, to offer our persons to your excellency’s high favor, and as inhabitants of this republic engaged in commerce; we request at all times your excellency’s powerful assistance whenever opportunities arise in the high meetings of Congress of the thirteen United States of North America.
In the meantime, nothing would please us more than if we might have the opportunity to be of any service to your excellency in these quarters.

Herewith we have the honor to call ourselves, with respect and all veneration, highly nobly-born sir! your excellency’s nobly-born, obedient, humble servant,
Johannes Lousyssen & zoon


Title: To John Adams from Jacques Felix & Fils, 21 April 1782
From: Felix, Jacques, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Leyden Le 21. Avril 1782
Monsieur

Quioque Je n’aïe Eu qu’une Seule fois L’honneur de Rencontrer votre Exelence chés Monsieur Luzac (Redacteur de La Gazette françoise de cette ville), que j’ay celui davoir pour ami depuis 38 ans.
Je prie votre Exelence d’avoir pour agreable que je prene La Liberté de Vous adresser La presente pour Temoigner a Votre Ex: La Satisfaction particuliere que Jai Ressentie come Habitant Né a Amsterdam et Libre des 7. Provinces unies de voir que LObjet et Le Desir de votre Mission dans ce païs, a Eté a La fin Rempli, Selon Les Desirs de votre Exelence, que jay Lhonneur d’en feliciter avec tous Les Bons Citoïens de ce Païs.
Et Comme demain suivant que je Lapris hier ches Messr. Luzac Votre Exelence doit Etre Reconnu par Leurs Haute Puissance Messeigneur Les Etats Genereaux Comme envoïe ou Ministre Plenipotentiere des Etats Unis de L’Amerique et quil y a S.C. une Analogie Particuliere entre Eux et notre Republique a plusieurs Egards. Jay fabriqué expres par pure Satisfaction pour moi même dans ma Fabrique (que jexerce sous Le nom de la Maison Sousignée), quelque peu de paires de Gants Fabriques de Laine de L’Amerique et de celle de Ces Provinces, Lesquelles travaillées Separement Jusqu’a certain Point de parfaite Perfection, n’ont Ete nulement mellées ensemble, jusqualors mais ont Etés unies après Intimement. Ensemble, par la suite de La Fabrique, Lune avec Lautre, de Façon quil ni a plus moïen de Les Separer, et que Chacune moins Fortes travaillées apart ou separement Se Sont Renforcées mutuelement dans Leur fabrication par une union Intime, Je prens La liberte d’Envoïer a Votre Exelence La paire ci Jointe de 4. que j’en ai fabriqués où jay fait travailles dans La fabrique ou dedans de La main Gauche Le nom de V. Exc. come cette Union aïant assés faite Sous Son Auspice.
Heureux Serions nous si V. Ex vouloit bien Les accepter et Si dans La Ceremonie de demain ils pouvoient vous Servir alors nous pourions ajouter a La devise de notre cachet Felix per Deum et Adams Felix.
Puisse L’Ambassade de votre Exelence Tourner a votre Satisfaction Particuliere alors elle Le sera pour Les Etats unis de LAmerique et pour Ceux de Ces Provinces alors Les Bons Patriotes se crieront Felix per Deum Felix Hollandia et America.
Nous Esperons que votre Exelence Voudra bien Excuser La Liberté que nous avons Prise et quelle Voudra bien avoir Seul ou plus dEgard a Lintention qu’a La Chose même que nous osions La Prier daccepter.

Permetés qu’en nous Recomandant a La Bienveillance de votre Exelence nous avons Lhonneur dEtre avec un Profond Respect Monsieur de Votre Exellence des Tres Humble & tres Obbeissants Serviteurs
Jacques Felix et fils


Title: Jacques Felix & Fils to John Adams: A Translation, 21 April 1782
From: Felix, Jacques, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Leyden, 21 April 1782
Sir

I write to you as a friend of Mr. Luzac (editor of the French gazette in this town), who I have known for the past thirty-eight years.
I hope that your Excellency is pleased with the liberty I have taken in addressing you to express my particular satisfaction, as a native and free citizen of Amsterdam and the seven united provinces, to see that the objective and intent of your mission in this country has finally been fulfilled according to your desires. I have the honor to congratulate you along with the good citizens of this country.
I also learned yesterday at Mr. Luzac’s, that tomorrow you will be recognized by their high mightinesses the States General as envoy or minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America, and that there S.C. is a specific analogy between them and our republic in many respects. Purely for my own satisfaction, I made several pairs of gloves at my factory (which I operate under the name signed below), some with American wool and some with wool from these provinces. They were manufactured separately up until a certain point of perfection, never mixing the wools, and then they were joined together. Together, one with the other, a fabric that can never more be separated, each one weaker when made separately, but reinforced by manufacturing them together in this close union. I am taking the liberty of sending your Excellency the enclosed pairs that I have made from this fabric with the name of your Excellency on the left hand, since this union was made under your auspices.
How happy we would be if your Excellency would accept them and if they could be of use to you during the ceremony tomorrow, then we could add the motto to our seal Joy unto God and Adams.
Let us hope that your Excellency’s mission is satisfactory, for then it will be for the United States of America and for the good patriots of these provinces to cry out Joy unto God and to Holland and America.
We hope that your Excellency will excuse the liberty we have taken and that you would give any consideration to what we dare propose to you to accept.

Permit that by placing ourselves in your favor we have the honor to be with deep respect, sir, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servants
Jacques Felix et fils


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 22 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

The Hague April 22. 1782
My dear Sir

Mr Peter Paulus, is seized with an enthusiasm to go to Philadelphia, with his Journeymen.
I Should be much obliged to you, for any Advice or Civility you may Show him.
The Batavian Spirit is at last arroused, and has uttered its Voice, with Majesty, for the Souvereignty of the United States of America. The 19 of April, was the memorable day, when their High Mightinesses took, the Resolution. You will see in the Gazettes, the Petitions and Maneuvres, which ushered in this Event with Such So

lemnity, as to make it the most Signal Epocha, in the History of a Century. We shall have in this Nation, if I am not infinitely mistaken a faithfull and affectionate and most usefull Ally.
In order to be Steady and persevering in my known Character for Vanity which however I have acquired Since I came to Europe, by the Help of Friends I must tell you that Don Liano, the Spanish Minister has this Moment gone out of my appartment, after having Said to me, “You have made Sir, the grandest Step that has ever yet been taken. It is you, who have filled this Nation with Enthusiasm for your Cause and turned their Heads. It is a most important, and a most decisive Measure, and it is due, to you.”
Voila! a flour of diplomatick Rhetorick, enough to turn my Head, whether I have turned those of the Dutchmen or not.

Yours Affectionately
J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Barclay, 22 April 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 22d. April 1782
Dear Sir

I most heartily and sincerely Congratulate your Excellency on the Events of Friday and saturday last, and I rejoice the more because you are destined to reap the fruits of what you have sown with so much industry and attention.
I am persuaded you are now rewarded for the Exercise of patience which you have Exhibited on this occasion, and I hope an agreeable prospect is now opened for the adjusting those very important points that are before you.
I had a letter a few days ago from Germany, requesting that I wou’d hint to you the necessity of some stipulation being made with the States General, for using the River Rhine in the Transportation of the German Manufactures for the Consumption of America, and that the Transit duties shou’d be settled on as favourable terms as possible. I am not sufficiently a Judge of the matter to say more of it, but I am sure you will excuse any thing that occurs on this subject. Mr. Bromefield told me you shew’d him a letter relative to the American Trade from the Directors of the East India Company under the Emperor. If there is nothing improper in the request, I shall be much obliged to you for a sight of it—and for permission to write to the Gentlemen. It might turn out an advantage to my House at Philadelphia, and if any good plan of business can be struck out, I will do every thing in my power to incourage it. I beg leave to assure your Excellency of my being most sincerely, Dear Sir your Affect. & obed Servant

Thos Barclay


Title: To John Adams from Hendrik Bicker, 22 April 1782
From: Bicker, Hendrik
To: Adams, John

Amsterdm. 22 Avril 1782
Monsieur & tres honore Ami

 Vous aves vú chez Moi il y a quelques sepmaines Le Courtier Saportas, a la vive sollicitation je n’ai pú lui refuser un mot de Lettre en sa faveur pour vous repetter que je Le reconnois poúr un parfait honnet Homme et qui pourra contribuer en bien, si tot ou tard vous charger quelque Maison ici de faire pour vos Souverains une devis d’argent et que vous voudres faire a cette Maison mention de Lui.

J’ai l’honneúr d’etre avec la plus haute estime Monsieur Votre tres humb & tres obeiss:
Serviteur H: Bicker


Title: Hendrik Bicker to John Adams: A Translation, 22 April 1782
From: Bicker, Hendrik
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam, 22 April 1782
Sir and very honored friend

A few weeks ago you met Mr. Saportas, the broker, at my house. I could not refuse writing to you on his behalf and telling you again that I have come to know him as an honest man who could contribute in helping you secure a loan for your country, and who would like you to keep him in mind when you decide on a brokerage house here.

I have the honor to be with the highest esteem, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
H: Bicker


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 22 April 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Passy, April 22. 1782
Sir

Messrs. Fizeaux and Grand have lately sent me two Accounts of which they desire my Approbation. As they relate to Payments made by those Gentlemen of your acceptances of Bills of Exchange, your approbation must be of more Importance than mine, you having more certain Knowledge of the affair. I therefore send them enclos’d to you, and request you would be pleas’d to compare them with your List of Acceptations, and return them to me with your Opinion, as they will be my Justification for advancing the money.
I am very happy to hear of the rapid Progress of your Affairs. They fear in England that the States will make with us an alliance offensive and deffensive, and the public Funds which they had puff’d up 4 or 5 per Cent, by the Hope of a separate Peace with Holland, are falling again. They fill their Papers continually with Lies to raise and fall the Stocks. It is not amiss that they should thus be left to ruin one another, for they have been very mischievous to the Rest of Mankind. I send enclosed a Paper, of the Veracity of which I have some doubt, as to the Form, but none as to the Substance, for I believe the Number of People actually scalp’d in this murdering War by the Indians to exceed what is mention’d in the Invoice, and that Muley Istmael (a happy Name for a Prince as obstinate as a Mule) is full as black a Tyrant as he is represented in Paul Jones’s pretended Letter: These being substantial Truths, the Form is to be considered as Paper and Packthread.2 If it were re-publish’d in England it might make them a little asham’d of themselves. I am, very respectfully Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

B Franklin


Title: To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 22 April 1782
From: Luzac, Jean
To: Adams, John

Leyden 22. April 1782
Honorable Sir

Altho’ the early part, I have taken in the struggles of America for the rights of Liberty and Mankind, would be a silent witness of my particular happiness at the present moment, when Your Excellency’s steady and prudent conduct in our Republic is crowned with the most glorious success, I should deem myself wanting in my duty, if I did not congratulate Your Excellency most sincerely in the public character, wherein You have now been publicly acknowledged by our Government; an event, Sir, that will be, (if my most ardent wishes are fulfilled) the forerunner of many happy consequences to both Countries. May Your Excellency long enjoy that heart-felt satisfaction, which is the best reward of a life spent to public good. I am with the sincerest regard and deep respect, Honorable Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and very humble Servant

J. Luzac


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 22 April 1782
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam April 22. 1782
Sir

Although indisposition and absence may have frustrated our wishes of being first in paying Your Excellency an homage in which our Country partakes so much of, by the success of your negotiations we trust to your Excellencys indulgence for being Satisfied with this apology, and tho’ late, that you will accept of this tribute which yeilds to none in sincerity. Our wishes are in nothing more earnest than that your Excy: may long Contribute to preserve that harmony which we hope will result without interuption from that union you have had so much share informing between both Republicks, and as a reward to your Labours may you from this time see daily accrue that advantage to each, which so natural a connection gives the best reason to expect.

These are our Sentiments, to which we can only add those of respect, and perfect regard, with which we have the honor to be Your Excelly. Most Obdt & humbl Servts
John de Neufville & Son


Title: To John Adams from John Thaxter, 22 April 1782
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 22d. April 1782
Sir

I was duly honor’d with your favor of the 20th, and its Contents gave me sincere pleasure, and its Injunctions shall be observed.
Mr. J. Van Staphorst has called upon me this Afternoon, and acquainted me with his great distress respecting the House engaged for the Loan: that the Man is an Anglomane or at least very lately converted: that he has within these six Weeks indulged himself in very indecent Expressions against America: that it makes a Noise in the American Society and upon the Exchange, that a Man of his Character should be preferred to old experienced Friends—that it will do much Injury on both Sides, and be a disservice to the Cause: that if it is possible, he hopes that House may be prevented from opening it: that many well-wishers and Friends are astonished and could hardly have believed it: that he has recieved a Letter from the Baron upon the Subject, who would not write his Opinion to You unasked: that it gives great Uneasiness to several of the—&ca &ca &ca. I observed to him, I could make no Answer, having nothing to do in the Business, and prayed him to communicate his sentiments to You. He declined and requested me to mention them to You, which I have done in substance. He would esteem it an Honor most certainly to be employed, but would never open his Lips if a House was engaged which was known to have been uniformly friendly to America. He hinted as if Messr. Hope might be behind the Curtain—it was a Conjecture only. He thinks the Loan will not succeed with honor and Reputation, as it now stands, and that You will find his Sentiments as I have given them above to be well grounded upon Enquiry.
It is not my Business to make any Comment, nor express any Sentiment but Sorrow if all this is true, as I must believe.

With a Respectful & an invariable Attachment, I have the honor to be &c


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 23 April 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John

No. 9
Hague April 23d. 1782
Sir

On the 23d. of April I had the Honor of a Conference with Mr. Van Citters, President of their High Mightinesses, to whom I presented the following Memorial.

 Hauts & Puissants Seigneur
 A la Haye 23. Avril 1782

Le Soussigné, Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats Unis d’Amerique a l’honneur d’informer Vos Hautes Puissances, qu’il est chargé par les Instructions de son Souverain, de proposer aux Etats Généraux des Provinces Unies des Pays Bas, un Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce, entre les deux Républiques, fondé sur le Principe d’un Avantage égal et reciproque, et compatible avec les Engagemens déjà pris par les Etats Unis avec leurs Alliés, ainsi qu’avec tels autres Traités qu’ils ont l’intention de former avec d’autres Puissances. En Consequence, le Soussigné a l’honneur de proposer à Vos Hautes Puissances de nommer quelque Personne ou Personnes, avec pleins pouvoirs de conferer et traiter avec lui sur cet important Sujet.

Their High Mightinesses on the same day appointed a grand Committee to treat, to whom I was introduced with great Formality by two Noblemen, and before whom I laid a Project of a Treaty, which I had drawn up conformable to the Instructions of Congress. I prayed the Gentlemen to examine it, and propose to me their Objections, if they should have any, and to propose any further Articles, which they should think proper. It has been examined, translated, printed and sent to the Members of the Sovereignty.
The greatest Part of my Time for several Days has been taken up in recieving and paying of Visits, from all the Members and Officers of Government, and of the Court, to the Amount of one hundred and fifty or more.

I have the Honor to be, with great Respect, sir your most obedient & most humble servant
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 23 April 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John

No. 10
Hague 23d. April 1782
Sir

I ought not to omit to inform Congress, that on the 23d. of April the French Ambassador made an Entertainment for the whole Corps Diplomatick, in Honor of the United States, at which he introduced their Minister to all the foreign Ministers at this Court.
There is nothing I suppose in the whole voluminous Ceremonial, nor in the idle Farce of Etiquette, which should hinder a Minister from making a good Dinner in good Company; and therefore I believe they were all present, and I assure You I was myself as happy as I should have been, if I had been publickly acknowledged a Minister by every one of them: and the Duke de la Vauguyon more than compensated for all the Stiffness of some others, by paying more Attention to the new Brother, than to all the old Fraternity.
Etiquette, when it becomes too glaringly Affectation, imposes no longer neither upon the Populace nor upon the Courtiers, but becomes ridiculous to all. This will soon be the Case every where with Respect to American Ministers.
To see a Minister of such a State as blank and blank assume a distant misterious Air towards a Minister of the United States, because his Court has not yet acknowledged their Independence, when his Nation is not half equal to America in any one Attribute of Sovereignty, is a Spectacle of Ridicule to any Man who sees it.
I have had the honor of making and recieving Visits in a private Character from the Spanish Minister here, whose Behavior has been polite enough. He was pleased to make me some very high Compliments upon our Success here, which he considers as the most important and decisive Stroke which could have been struck in Europe.

I have the Honor to be, Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant
J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, 23 April 1782
From: Chalut, Abbé,Arnoux, Abbé
To: Adams, John

Paris 23 avril 1782

Vous Sçavez, notre Cher Monsieur, que l’interest de l’amerique a toujours été le notre; nous n’avons jamais perdu de vue cet heureux pais depuis la glorieuse époque de sa revolution, le premier motif de ce Sentiment est la justice que la nature reclame Contre l’oppression et la tirannèe. Nous ne voyions que des hommes malheureux. Des hommes libres qu’en vouloit soumettre à la honte de l’esclavage, leur bonheur et leur liberté etoient toute notre Satisfaction. Nous faisions des voeux pour des Secours dont ils avoient besoin, nous accusions injustamens la lenteur de notre gouvernement qui les faisoit attendre; depuis le moment que la france a deployé sa puissance pour soutenir la justice de votre cause, et qu’elle S’est liée avec votre republique par des traités qui assurent une éternelle amitié entre les deux nations; vos droits nous sont devenus plus chers, nous avons partagé avec vous toute la gloire et tous les maux d’une guerre juste que le Ciel a approuvée en humiliant nos ennemis Communs. Il nous reste maintenant à vous feliciter et à nous rejouir avec vous de votre heureux negociation auprès d’une republique qui vient de reconnoitre votre souveraineté pour se lier avec vous par des traités qui donneront plus de Consistance à sa liberté et à son Commerce. Toute l’Europe a été indignée de voir l’angleterre lui declarer la guerre Sans motif de justice. Cette puissance voudroit aujourdhui arreter vos liaisons avec Cette republique et faire une paix particuliere avec elle. La hollande a Connu Ses veritables interests. La France est son alliée naturelle, l’interest de l’angleterre, n’avoit cessé de lui Crier que nous ne pouvions étre que ses ennemis afin de lui cacher les veritables, ils sont enfin reconnus et tout va Concourir a leur oter les moyens de troubler la tranquilité de tout le globe et à Contenir cette Cupidité qui leur a fait Commettre tant d’injustices. Nous pouvons maintenant esperer que la paix generale va l’approcher de nous. L’impuissance de nos ennemis et notre moderation en hateront la marche. Nous faisons des voeux pour cet heureux evenement.
Ecrivez-nous de vos nouvelles, Conservez-nous votre amitié la notre vous est requise ainsi que notre estime nous avons l’honneur d’étre avec les Sentiments notre cher Monsieur Vos très humbles et très obeissants serviteurs

les abbés de chalut et Arnoux

Vous n’avez pas fait valoir l’amitié que nous avons pour vous, quand nous pourrons vous servir dans la personne de vos amis, disposez de notre empressement à faire tout ce qui pourra vous étre agreable, nous ferons pour les amis que vous nous adresserez ce que nous ferions pour vous meme.


Title: Abbé Chalut to John Adams: A Translation, 23 April 1782
From: Chalut, Abbé,Arnoux, Abbé
To: Adams, John

Paris, 23 April 1782

You know, dear sir, that the interests of America have been ours as well, ever since the start of its glorious revolutionary era. The foremost reason for this sentiment is the natural demand of wanting justice to prevail over oppression and tyranny. We see only unhappy men. Our satisfaction is the happiness and liberty of free men, men that they wanted to subject to the shame of slavery. We prayed that the necessary aid would come and we unjustly accused our government of moving too slowly in this regard. From the moment that France committed its power to support your cause, and joined with your republic through treaties assuring an eternal bond of friendship between the two nations, your rights have become dearer to us. We have shared with you in all the glory and all the evils of a just war that god has approved by humiliating our common enemies. We now wish to congratulate you and rejoice with you on your successful negotiation with a republic that has recognized your sovereignty, and who will join with you in treaties that will benefit their liberty and commerce. All of Europe was indignant to see England declare war without justification. This power would have liked to stop your liaisons with this republic now, so that they could make a specific peace with them. Holland knew its true interests. France is its natural ally. England’s interest, which had them continually declaring that we could never be anything except enemies in order to hide the real truth, was finally recognized, and everything is going to work toward preventing them from disrupting the tranquility of the entire globe and to contain their avarice which made them commit all these injustices. We can now hope that a general peace is getting closer for us all. Our enemies’ ineffectiveness and our moderation will hasten its progress. We pray for this happy occasion.
Write us with your news; keep us in your friendship, as we keep you in ours, as well as our esteem with which we have the honor to be, our dear sir, your very humble and very obedient servants

les abbés de chalut et Arnoux

You have not taken advantage of the friendship we feel for you and our capacity to act on your behalf. We are eager to assist you in any suitable way, and we will do for your friends just as we would do for you.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 23 April 1782
From: Digges, Thomas,Russell, William
To: Adams, John

London 23d Apr 1782
Dr sir

Since the sailing of Adml Barrington there has been much surprise and speculation as to His destination, and an express just arrivd from Plymouth announces that a few days ago and not many leagues off Brest one of His look out frigates the Artois Cap McBride fell in with an outward Bound India Fleet of 4 line of Battle ships (two armed en flute) and about 20 sail of Transports, four of which were taken by Capt McBride and brought into Plymo. and the fleet under Adml Barrington left in chase in such a position as to make it morally certain He would capture the whole. Report at first said it was the homeward bound Domingo fleet and that Adml Barrington had taken 23 merchantmen and two men of War; but the above seems to be the nearest accot to truth. As this accot came too late for the Gazette, without its publication is purposely kept back, I give it You in a hurry just at the period of the post setting out.
No other news. The idea of Peace with Holland or Ama seperately has pretty well blown over; and as a substitute in conversation the cry now is that Genl Carlton carrys over such profers as will assuredly be accepted of. Mr. L— too is very shortly to return from the Continent with such an assent to the proposals He carryd to His Colleagues as will insure a Peace!!!

I am with high Esteem Sir Your ob H. Sert
W R


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 24 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

No. 8.
Hague 24th. April 1782
Sir

On the 24th. day of April I had the Honor to be introduced to the Princess, from whom I met a very gracious Reception. As it is necessary to say something upon these Occasions, I could think of nothing better than what follows:

 Madame

Je suis ravi d’avoir l’honneur de presenter une Republique Vierge, un Monde Enfant à la Bienveillance et à la Protection de votre Altesse Royale; d’une Princesse aussi illustre par ses Perfections et Vertus personnelles, que par Sa Connection avec la Maison d’Orange, si révérée en Amerique, et avec l’un de ces grands Monarques dans le Siecle desquels on se fait un honneur de vivre.
Votre Altesse Royale me permettra de faire des Vaux, pour que ses serenissimes Enfans et leur Postérité, puissant jouir parmi les Generations les plus reculées de l’Amerique, de la même Vénération profonde, qui y a toujours été entretenue pour leurs Ancêtres.

Her Royal Highness thanked me for the Compliment, and promised to do what depended upon her to render my Residence at the Hague agreable to me, and then asked me several Questions similar to those of his most Serene Highness.

I have the Honor to be, Sir your most obedient servant
J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 25 April 1782
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Leyde 25. April 1782
Sir

Althoug I am not So happÿ to be the first in making mÿ Compliments to your Excellencÿ; I am however persuaded that not one of mÿ countrÿmen is more addicted to the cause of America and more attached to your Excellencÿ than I am.
I congratulate mÿself with the favour of your Excellency’s acquaintance—with a part of the friendship of your Excellencÿ, and I flatter mÿself, that the aknowledgment of your High Rank wil not chance ÿour character. The eminent qualities of your heart remove the Shadow of fear, in this respect, and the knowledge, that I am a man, a Republican, do me think, that I Shal have a rigth to your good opinion.
In one of other case, perhaps I maÿ be to your Excellencÿ of the American States of anÿ Service; this Shal me given a great Satisfaction. In this city there are Members of Regencÿ, who, in the regulation of a treatise of commerce Should be able to give anÿ elucidations. Moondaÿ I Shal part to Nÿmegen in Gelderland—to consommate my marriage, and the month of Juin I hope to be in Friesland. Recommending mÿ in Your Excellency’s good opinion, I am with the highest esteem Sir! Your Excellency’s much addicted and Obliged Servant Fr.

Ad van der Kemp


Title: To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 26 April 1782
From: Vernon, William Sr.
To: Adams, John

Boston 26th April 1782
Sir

You have long since known, that the American Navy is reduced to Two Ships only, viz The Alliance John Barry Commander, now in France and the Deane Samll Nicholson Comr. that sailed on a Cruise to the Southward, about seven weeks past, no intelligence from her since her departure.
This low state of our Navy, has caused the dissolution of the Admiralty and Navy boards, by resolve of Congress on the 7th of Sepr. last, devolving the whole business of the Marine department upon the Honorable Robt. Morris Esqr., until an Agent shall be appointed for that purpose, by Congress. All those boards, was immediatly closed, except ours, which was continued, until the above Ships (then in this Harbour) were compleated for Sea, then to terminate and finally end, with the delivery of all the remaining Stores, Papers, Books &c &c, in the possession of the Navy Board Eastn Dept. to the Order of the Superintendant of Finances.
This requisition has been made by John Brown Esqr. late Clerk to the Admiralty Board appointed by Mr M— to receive the same, leaving our numerous Debts unpaid, subjecting us to litigious Law suits and perplexities, disgraceful to the Office, and highly degradeing to the Servants of the Public, conceiveing ourselves subjected to reproach and every evil, that injured Creditors are but too apt to through out, we have refused to comply with, until Congress shall point out the mode of exonerating our Office with honor, and reputation, thereby freeing us from the perplexities that we must unavoidably be involved in. It is uncertain wheather my Son, returns to America this Year, or remains in Europe, I am perswaded Sir, in every instance he will receive such favors from you, as his conduct and behavior may merit, more I would not wish to ask. I am with perfect esteem, The honor to be Sr. Your most Obedt. Humble servt.

Wm Vernon


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 27 April 1782
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

La haie 27e Avr. 1782
Monsieur

Depuis votre Départ d’ici il ne s’est rien passé, sinon qu’hier la Province d’Hollde prit la Résolution d’une Missive à la Cour de Russie, pour décliner la Paix particuliere avec celle de Londres, laquelle Résolution a été communiquée aux Etats-Généraux hier, après quoi les Etats d’Hollde se séparerent pour jusqu’à Mercredi prochain.
Voici diverses Lettres qui m’ont été apportées de l’Auberge. J’ai offert d’en payer le Port. Mais l’Hôte m’a fait entendre que vous l’aviez chargé de le payer et de m’apporter les Lettres qui arriveroient pour vous.
Occupés, comme nous le sommes tous les deux à déménager, Je crois devoir ménager votre temps comme le mien, et par conséquent, être court.
Mr. Geyzelaer est parti pour Gorcum, voir Made. sa mere, qui est malade.
Je salue bien cordialement Mr. Thaxter; ma femme et ma fille font de-même, et vous présentent leurs respects avec celui, Monsieur, de Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur

Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 27 April 1782
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

The Hague, 27 April 1782
Sir

Since your departure from here, nothing has happened except that yesterday the province of Holland made a resolution to the Russian court refusing the peace proposal from London. The resolution was communicated to the states general yesterday, after which the states of Holland adjourned until next Wednesday.
Here are several letters that were brought to me from the inn. I offered to pay the postage for them, but the innkeeper told me that you had instructed him to pay it and to bring me the letters that arrive for you.
Since we are both busy with moving, I believe I must be as considerate of your time as I am of my own and, as a result, be short.
Mr. Gyselaar left for Gorkum to visit his ill mother.
I send my cordial regards to Mr. Thaxter; my wife and daughter do as well, and pay their respects to you with those, sir, of your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas


Title: From John Adams to Francis Dana, 28 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Dana, Francis

28 April 1782

Dear Sir

Yours of 28 March is this day recd—the other Paper you mentioned I also recd, but after my Letter was written. Your other Letters are also recd.
You will have Seen by the Papers, that the great Point is gained here with much Unanimity, and many indifferent People think it a great Point. I may think more highly of it, than it deserves, but it has ever appeared to me, the turning Point. Be this as it will, I think all will allow that it is better to have this nation for Us than against us—this has been the question—and that question is now certainly decided. If the War continues, there will be found in this nation a Strong Spirit of Liberty, and a great deal of obstinate Valour.
It is to no Purpose to entertain you with Relations of Visits and Ceremonies, which are all finished. The Prince and Princess of orange have acknowledged American Independance as well as their H.M. The P. has recd a Letter of Credence. It was pretty to present a beautifull young Virgin World, to the Acquaintance of a fine figure of a Princess, whose Countenance showed an Understanding capable of judging and an Heart capable of feeling.
We have no News from America, a long time excepting a Line notifying the arrival of your son Charles. I am rejoiced that my dear John, pursues his studies so well. Let him pursue Cicero. But I regret extreamly his absence from Leyden, where there are such noble Advantages. I am So uneasy about this that I wish he could find a good Passage in a neutral Vessell, and return to me. I feel more lonely, than I used as my Health is not so good, and my Spirits still worse. I want my Wife and my Children, about me. I must go home. I cant live so—it is too much. If I should go home it would give great Pleasure to Some who dont love me. And I really feel Benevolence enough to give them this satisfaction. I am weary my Friend, of the dastardly Meannesses of Jealousy and Envy. It is mortifying, it is humiliating to me to the last degree, to see such Proofs of it, as degrade human nature.
If I should get a Treaty made I have a great Mind to go home and carry it for Ratification.
I will write to my dear Boy soon, I have rcd his Letters, and would have him write me as often as he can. Dont mind Postage.


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 28 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Amsterdam April 28. 1782
Sir

Your favour of the 24, is just come to Hand. Your Congratulations on the publick acknowledgment of the United States do me great Honour.
I received in its Time, your favour of 18. The Compliments you make me upon this occasion, are greater than I deserve, though they are not greater than were made me last Week, by one of the most respectable foreign Ministers at the Hague.
“Vous avez, frappé, Mosieur, (Said he to me) le plus grand Coup de tout L’Europe. C’est le plus grand Coup, qui a jamais été frappé dans la Cause Americain. C’est Vous qui a effrayé et terrassée Les Anglomanes. C’est Vous qui a rempli cette nation d’Enthousiasme. C’est Vous, qui a tournée leurs Tetes.” Then turning to another Gentleman present (Says he) “Ce n’est pas pour faire Compliment a Monsieur Adams que Je dis cela—C’est parce que, en Verité, Je crois que c’est Sa duë.” Such was the Diplomatique Compliment of the grave Spaniard.
Think of me, however as they will, I am not easily touched with Such Compliments. They will never turn my Head I assure you.
The Revolution which has taken Place in this nation, is the Result of a vast number and Variety of great Events, composing a great Scheme of Providence, which comprized a great part of the Earth and the nations on it, which I could no more influence, than the fly upon the Chariot Wheel could raise the Cloud of Dust.
When I recollect the Circumstances, I am amazed, and I feel, that it is no Work of mine. Mr Laurens was to be taken—Congres were to foresee it, so far as to send me a Commission to borrow Money. I was to come to Holland to see the Country and my friend Laurens. Congress were to send me full Powers. These were to be lost on the Way from Paris, and to run the Gantlet through Dilligences, Post offices and Treck schuits, and at last reach me Safe by an unknown Hand. I was to be Seized with a Fit of obstinacy and go to the Hague, with a Memorial, in opposition to Advices, Remonstrances, and almost Menaces. Mr Van Berckel was to come forward next—then the Burgomaster of Amsterdam, the Battle of Doggersbank. France was to retake statia &c. The Barrier Towns were to be evacuated—The Emperors Toleration was to allarm the Dutch further about their Commerce. Cornwallis, Minorca st Kits were to be taken. Congress was to prohibit the Importation of British Manufactures. The Revolution was to take Place in England. What a Chain! and what Link in it, did I forge? none at all but the stubborn Memorial. All that I have done was just to throw out a few Hints for the Contemplation of the People. I need not be envyed for this—My Fevers and Swollen Legs and feeble Knees, are not envyed I dare say.
However, I had Seen and felt before So much of the Smart arising from a sordid Jealeusy and Envy, that I never can see or feel more of it—I despise it all and am determined to brave it. All their dastardly assassinations, their secret Whispers, their vile slanders, I hold in as much Contempt as I do their Persons and Characters. I disdain to Say or write a Word in my own Vindication. Let them go to the End of their Rope. I confess, I have tolerated several Things which gave me Pain and which I never suffered in any former Part of my Life on Purpose to show them how much I hold them in Contempt, and at Defyance. I am much afraid, that the dirty disagreable office of Stripping the Gilding off of one more Knave, is destined for me. I hope not—and will avoid it if I can.
But, dont believe me dazzled with my Glory—I should Embark tomorrow for the blue Hills there to live and die with more Pleasure, than I had in making fine Speeches to the Prince or Princess of orange, or the Grand Committee of their High Mightinesses. There is one Thing, I should be glad to do, if it were in my Power, which however it never will be.

Adieu.


Title: From John Adams to Jn. Pas. Lacoste & Courtiau, 29 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Lacoste, Jn. Pas., & Courtiau (business)

Amsterdam April 29th. 1782
Gentlemen

I have recd. the polite Letter, which You did me the honor to write me on the 26th with the Letter from St. Petersbourg. Let me beg of You to give me a minute of the Postage of this and any other Letter You may recieve for me, that I may repay You.
You do me too much honor in ascribing the late glorious Event to me. It is the Result of a vast Combination of Causes which have been operating in several Nations and various Quarters of the Globe, in which I had very little more Influence than the Fly upon the Chariot Wheel in raising the Dust.
I do not however rejoice in it the less. It appears to me a foundation for Prosperity and Security to both Nations, whom may God bless.

I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, your obliged and obedient humble Servant


Title: From John Adams to John Bondfield, 30 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Bondfield, John

Amsterdam April 30. 1782
Sir

Yours of 13 is duely recd: I congratulate you, on Gillons Success and hope that his Prizes, and those he may make hereafter will defray the enormous Expence of that outfit. All his Patience Activity and Perseverance, were necessary, to carry that affair through: and the Cost was immense.
I am not able to answer your Question, concerning the fate of a Vessell of yours, which should be carried into England by a Privateer: because I am not able to comprehend nor to penetrate the System of the New Ministry. Perhaps it may, devellope itself, soon.
It is with Pleasure I am able to inform you, that, the Sovereignty of the United States of America has been Acknowledged, in the most Solemn, unanimous and glorious manner, by the Bodies of Artisans, Merchants, Professions Citizens, and Colledges by the Cities Provinces, States General, Prince and Princess of orange. A more manly and decided Honour has never yet been done to our Country. I need not entertain you with a detail, of the Difficulties, Discouragements, and Mortifications, through which We have had the good Fortune to arrive at this honourable Result. I should be Sorry to tell them to the present Age, and think it almost a Pity they should be known to Posterity.
Whatever the World may Say, this nation has great Qualities. They lie deep it is true: but when an occasion presents which calls them forth, they show themselves with great Eclat.

With much Esteem, I have the Honour to be Sir your most obedient humble sert
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Fizeaux, Grand & Co. and Others, 30 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Fizeaux, Grand & Co. (business),Hodshon, John, & Son (business),Crommelin, Daniel, & Son (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)

April 30. 1782

1. If the Houses of Fizeaux Grand & Co. John Hodshon & Son Mess. Crommelin, Mess. Van Staphorst, Mess. De la Lande & Fynje and Mr. John de Neufville & Son, will all join together in an American Loan, Mr. Adams will open it without demanding any Stipulations for any certain Sum.
2d. If the first Proposition is not agreed to, Mr. Adams will open a Loan with as many of these Houses as will agree together, and enter into a Stipulation with him to furnish the sum of Five Millions by the Month of August.
3d. If no Number of Houses will join, Mr. Adams will open the Loan with any One that will first undertake and contract to furnish that Sum.
4d. Mr. Adams proposes that all those Gentlemen should meet and consult upon the Matter and propose their Thoughts.


Title: From John Adams to Jean Luzac, 30 April 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Luzac, Jean

Amsterdam April 30. 1782
Sir

I ought to make an apology, for delaying So long to answer your Favour of the Sixteenth accompanied with Some printed Copies, of the Address of Thanks from the Body of Merchants and Manufacturers of the City of Leyden, to the great Council.
The great Qualities, which this Nation has always displayed upon occasions proper to call them Forth, appear with too much Splendour upon this occasion to be mistaken.


Title: To John Adams from Herman van Bracht, 30 April 1782
From: Bracht, Herman van
To: Adams, John

Dort 30 April 1782
Sir

I have the honour to return you, with many thanks the collection of the constitutions of America, which you was So obliging as lend me, the translation of the pieces I wanted to compleat the whole, is finishd, and the printer Mr. F wanner of this city, is making all possible diligence with the Impression, So that I hope it will be publish’d in a month or two.
The readiness and politeness with which you acquiesed to my former request encourages me to ask Some more favours from you. It appears to me that the Treaty of commerce now on the carpet between the States of America (and which I presume will be Soon concluded) and this Republic, would form a very proper appendix to the present publication, if it Strikes you in the Same light, and you Should think it Sufficiently advanced to insert it, I would request a copy of it as Soon as possible. But This I must leave intirely to your discretion—but another request I have to make, in the printers name as well as my own, as it depends intirely upon your Self, I hope you will not refuse: as the first part of the work was dedicated (I think with great propriety) to the pensionary Van Berkel and with his permission, it Will afford the printer and me great Satisfaction, if he may be allowd to dedicate this part to you.
I observe by the 11 Article of the Treaty of commerce with France that the plenipitentiaries have taken care that the Americans Should not become liable to the Droit daubaine and Droit le Detraction. This induces me to take the liberty of informing you that a Similar unjust Law prevails in the cities of Holland, by which they have a right to demand (and this not less than 10 perCt) upon all heritages, as well abintestato as extestamento which, fall within and are carried out of their Jurisdictions, an act of Injustice founded upon a remnant of that enormous power possess’d by the old Courts of Holland, and however adapted it may have been to those feudal times, I am persuaded it is at present impolitic; Indeed most of the cities are So Sensible of this, that they have mutually desisted from this right upon each other, but Foreigners are Still liable to it, It is calld het regt van Exu or Exu geld.
Congratulating you Sir on your admission as Envoy plenipitentiary by the States, assuring you of my constant esteem en Sincere offers of my Service I remain Sir Your Most obed: Servt.

Herman van Bracht


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 30 April 1782
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

La haie 30e. Avr. 1782
Monsieur

Dans l’embarras de notre déménagement, qui aura lieu demain, je n’ai plus qu’un coffre sur lequel je puisse vous écrire la présente. Vous verrez par l’incluse de Mr. Nolet de Schiedam, et par la copie de ma réponse provisionnelle, ce que vous jugerez à propos de leur répondre Vous-même. En vous souvenant cependant, que vous avez accepté un Déjeuner chez Mr. et Made. Boreel ici, le 6e de May. On m’a dit, que ces Messieurs de Schiedam donneront un repas de 100 couverts, et qu’il y aura beaucoup de personnes de Rotterdam. Je dois vous faire souvenir aussi, que ces Messieurs voudroient savoir le jour une semaine d’avance, à cause des préparatifs. Si vous pouviez donc, dès à présent, leur fixer un jour de la 2e semaine du mois de may, vous leur feriez grand plaisir. Je pense que le meilleur seroit, Monsieur, que vous leur indiquassiez l’heure où vous serez à Delft dans votre voiture, afin que vous puissiez entrer là dans leur Yacht, si vous ne voulez pas qu’il vienne vous prendre ici; ce qui, selon moi vaudroit encore mieux. Vous prendrez après cela le parti qui Sera le plus de votre goût. Quant à moi, je n’ai pas la moindre objection ni repugnance à rester ici ce jour-là, et tenir compagnie à ma femme et à ma fille, pendant la fête, à laquelle nous serons charmés d’apprendre la satisfaction que vous y aurez eue, ainsi que Mr. Thaxter que nous saluons cordialement.

Je suis avec un grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble et très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 30 April 1782
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

The Hague, 30 April 1782
Sir

With all the commotion of moving tomorrow, I have only a trunk on which to write this letter to you. You will see from the enclosed letter from Mr. Nolet of Schiedam, and from the copy of my provisional reply, what will be necessary in your own response. Meantime, I would like to remind you that you have accepted a dinner invitation at Mr. and Mrs. Boreel’s home here on the 6th of May. I was told that the people from Schiedam are preparing a meal composed of 100 dishes, and that there will be many people from Rotterdam there. I must also remind you that you need to choose a date one week in advance, because of all the necessary preparations. Now, if you could choose a date during the second week of May, they would be greatly pleased. I think it would be best, sir, if you indicate the time that you will be in Delft in your carriage, so you can continue on in their yacht if you do not want them to come here to get you. I think this would be better. You can decide, after that, to do whatever pleases you. As for me, I do not have the least objection or reluctance to stay here on that day, in the company of my wife and daughter, during the celebration. We will be delighted to learn of the pleasant time you will have had there, as well as Mr. Thaxter, to whom we send our cordial regards.

I am with great respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 2 May 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, Charles William Frederic

Amsterdam May 2d. 1782
Sir

Your favor of the 30th., I had the honor to recieve yesterday, with Mr. Nolet’s Letter and your Answer.
What shall I say to this affectionate as well as polite Invitation to dine at Schiedam? I am now and shall be a long time exceedingly engaged fatigued with the Affair of a Loan, which takes up my Attention and Time, in the greater part. The Treaty of Commerce is also You know under Consideration, and the Merchants of the American Coffee House have proposed a public Dinner here, but I have begged to be excused. You see the difficulties, for which Reasons I earnestly wish that our kind Friends of Scheidam would be so good as to excuse Us: but I will leave the whole to You, and if We cannot be excused, I will conform to the day You agree upon. But there is another Affair, which not only perplexes me in this Business of the Dinner, but in many other matters of Importance. There is a serious Negtiation going on for Peace between the Courts of London and Versailles and Dr. Franklin, who has sent me the whole and invited Mr. Laurens, Mr. Jay and me to Paris to consult and treat. This may make it necessary to go at a short Warning, and has altered my Plan of removing to the Hague, as my House here, is not let, for the present.
I hope You are in possession of the House at the Hague, and advise You to live in it. Your Answer to Mr. Nolet is very just. Mr. Thaxter is my Secretary and all the Secretary that I have, and all the little Consolations that belong to that very small Character are certainly his Due, as they have been dearly very dearly earned.
Notwithstanding this, it is my Opinion, with submission to Congress, that it is the Interest and Duty of the United States to send You a Commission to be Secretary of this Legation and Chargé des Affaires with a Salary of five hundred pounds sterling a Year, during the Time that there is a minister here, and at the Rate of a thousand a Year when there is not, and You have my Consent to transmit this Opinion to Congress by sending an Extract of this Letter or otherwise by as many Ways as You please. I shall write the same myself. I wrote as much more than a Year ago, but know not whether the Letter has been recieved as a vast Number of my Letters have been thrown overboard and many taken.
If the Dinner at Schiedam should be agreed on, there will be no difficulty in finding a Way for Mr. Dumas Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Adams to go altogether. All that is before said about the Negotiation for Peace You know must be kept secret: but if I go to Paris I shall break up my House here entirely, dismiss all my Servants and take Mr. Thaxter with me.

I have the honor to be, with Compliments to the Ladies, Sir, &c.


Title: To John Adams from Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 2 May 1782
From: Capellen tot den Pol, Joan Derk, Baron van der
To: Adams, John

Zwol 2 Maÿ 1782
Monsieur

J’ai recu votre honorée du 6 Avril. Les raisons alleguées par votre Excell: me convainquent de l’impossibilité d’emploier mon Ami Valk, dans ce Païs, au Service du Congress. Il a resolu en consequence de transmigrer, et je puis assurer Votre Excell: que nous perdons en Lui un tres digne et tres éclairé Citoien. Je le regrette beaucoup.
Monsr. Jan Hendr: Ch: Heineken, fils d’un brave Ecclesiastique de mes connoissances, a dessein de partir dans peu de jours pour Philadelphie avec le Vaisseau the General Green Capt: Edward Bacon. Ce jeune homme, elevé dans le commerce par son Oncle Mr. Heineken, ci devant Professeur en Philosophie a Deventer, et depuis Negociant a Amsterdam, a eu le malheur de se trouver a St. Eustache et d’ÿ etre depouillé de tout ce quil possedoit. Une Societé de Negocians Lui confie a present la direction d’une entreprise de commerce Et quoique je me Sois fait une loi de n’importuner personne par des Sollicitations, je n’ai pu me refuser aux pressantes instances, qui me Sont faites par Son Pere et d’autres afin de vouloir prier votre Excell: de l’honnorer par quelque lettre de recommandation, afin que l’on Sache en Amerique qu’il n’est point avanturier et que l’on S’interesse pour Lui. Il prendra la liberté, avant Son depart, de venir demander des ordres de Votre Excell.
J’ai reçu de la part de Mr. Hodshon des plans d’une nouvelle negociation. Je prie Votre Excell: de vouloir faire arreter 16 Numeros pour autant de mille florins que je fournirai avant le premier de Juin. J’etois sur le point de faire parvenir cet argent a Messrs. de Neufville, ne Sachant pas que Votre Excell: Sétoit determiné de favoriser Mr. Hodshon de cette Commission. Le Credit de l’Amerique monte visiblement. Plusieurs personnes meme de me Province vont prendre part dans les fonds de la nouvelle Republique, que je rens graces a Dieu de voir enfin reconnue et bientot liée a la notre!
Mon Cousin de Marsch, a ce que l’on assure, est destiné pour etre envoié en Amerique. C’est un trait de politique. L’on veut Se defaire de Lui, tandis que l’on tachera d’empecher la rehabilitation de Monsr. van Berckel et la mienne. Ce n’est que l’indignation publique qui peut nous Sauver. Outre Le Seigneur de Marsch, quatre autres Nobles de Gueldres Se Sont expliqués tres fortement Sur mon expulsion comme d’une chose qui regarde tous les Nobles. Messrs. de Marsch et de Zuilen l’ont fait par ecrit dans les quartiers de Zutphen et de la Velue. Messrs. Nÿvenheim, le Pere et deux Fils en ont fait de meme de bouche dans le quartier de Nymegue. Malgré tout cela je crois qu’il n’en resultera rien.
Votre Excellence pourroit Elle croire que mes Antagonistes en cas qu’a la diete passée ils Se Seroient vu pressés trop vivement par les Communes de Zwol Se Seroient prevalu de ma correspondance criminélle avec l’Amerique afin d’avoir un nouveau pretexte pour me chicaner! C’est pourtant un fait, a ce que l’on m’a assuré. C’est pour la Brigade Ecossoise que je Souffre encore!
Dans peu de jours les Etats d’Overÿssel vont S’assembler, apparamment pour prendre une Resolution Conforme a celle de Hollande touchant la mediation. Quelques Nobles de Gueldres ont rossé d’importance un Anglomane, qui refusoit de boire a l’Independance de l’Amerique. C’est le Bourguemaitre de Nimegue Tingendonck, neveu de Monsr. Fagel! Capellen de Marsch a joué le premier role dans cette farce, que les Bourgeois pourroient representer pour la Seconde fois, Si tot que Mr. Tingendonck trouve bon de Sortir.
Je Compte detre a Amsterdam avant la fin de ce mois pour remettre en personne a Votre Excellence l’argent Susmentionné et l’assurer que je Suis avec le plus profond respect. De Votre Excellence Le tres humble et tres obeïssant Serviteur

Le Baron de Capellen de Pol


Title: Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol to John Adams: A Translation, 2 May 1782
From: Capellen tot den Pol, Joan Derk, Baron van der
To: Adams, John

Zwolle, 2 May 1782
Sir

I received your letter of the 6th of April. The reasons cited by your excellency have convinced me that it would be impossible toemploy, in this country, my friend Valck in the service of Congress. Because of this, he decided to emigrate, and I can assure your excellency that we are losing an enlightened and worthy citizen. I will greatly miss him.

Mr. Jan Hendrick Christiaan Heineken, son of a fine minister I know, is planning on leaving for Philadelphia in a few days on the General Greene, Captain Edward Bacon. This young man, raised in the world of commerce by his uncle, Heineken, was a philosophy professor in Deventer and then an Amsterdam merchant who had the unfortunate bad luck of finding himself in St. Eustatius and being stripped of all of his possessions. A group of merchants has put him in charge of a commercial endeavor and, even though I have made it a rule never to inconvenience anyone with a solicitation, I cannot refuse to do so because of the urgent entreaties made to me by his father and others, and therefore ask your excellency to honor him with a letter of recommendation, so that they will know in America that he is not an adventurer, and that they can take an interest in him. Before his departure, he will take the liberty of getting instructions from your excellency.
Mr. Hodshon gave me the plans for the new negotiation. I ask that your excellency withhold sixteen numbers for as much as 1,000 florins that I will supply before June 1st. I was just about to give this money to Mr. de Neufville, not knowing that your excellency has favored Mr. Hodshon with this commission. America’s credit is rising. There are several people from my province who are going to invest in the new republic, and I thank God to see it finally recognized and tied to our country!
My cousin de Marsch is, from all accounts, being sent to America. It is a political move. They want to get rid of him, while they try to prevent Mr. van Berckel’s rehabilitation as well as my own. Only public indignation can save us. Besides the Lord de Marsch, four other noblemen from Gelderland discussed my expulsion quite vigorously as a concern for all noblemen. Mr. Marsch and Mr. Zuilen have done so in writing in Zutphen and Velue. Messrs. Nyvenheim, the father and two sons, have done the same by word of mouth in Nijmegen. In spite of all this, I think it will not result in anything.
Would your excellency believe that my antagonists at the last assembly could have been driven too eagerly by the Zwolle districts and have taken advantage of my criminal correspondence with America in order to have a new pretext for quarreling about me! I have been assured that it is still a fact. I again suffer for the Scottish brigade!
In a few days, the Overijssel states are assembling, apparently to make a resolution conforming to Holland’s resolution regarding mediation. Some noblemen from Gelderland gave an English sympathizer, who refused to drink to American independence, a thorough dressing down. It was the burgomaster from Nijmegen, Tingendonck, Mr. Fagel’s nephew! Capellen de Marsch played the leading role in this farce, and no sooner did the bourgeoisie follow his lead than Mr. Tingendonck saw fit to exit.
I count on being in Amsterdam before the end of the month to remit to your excellency the aforementioned money in person and to assure you that I am, with the most profound respect, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant

The Baron de Capellen de Pol


Title: To John Adams from C. Mends, 2 May 1782
From: Mends, C.
To: Adams, John

Plymo May the 2d 1782
Most honorable Sir

In Feby last, my Son B. Mends took the liberty of sending yr Excellency a few Lines, with a Petition from the poor American prisoners, in which yr Excellency was inform’d of the good intentions of Coll. Richardson to apply to Docr Franklin in Paris, which he did, as I was inform’d by a Letter from him just as he was going to America: in which he inform’d me his Excellency seem’d rather Cool, and behaved not according to his expcetation, and that when he cd. get to America he shd lay the distressed state of the Americans in England before Congress, and do all in his power to procure some relief for them: But as a favourable opportunity now offers by favor of Mr. Fjasink Pjasink, Agent to the States of Holland, a Worthy Gentleman who has on all Occations lay’d out him self to assist the miserable, I wd embrace the opportunity to address yr Excellency on the subject, and of entreating you to take into consideration.
I have greatly injured my self and Family by relieving of them about five Years, and my circumstance being rather low, have to my sorrow been Obliged to with hold that benevolence I wd otherways have chearfully administred. Many of those unhappy sufferers were forced into the Kings Service; and some of them when unfit for duty, were inhumanely discharged as Invaleeds, without mony, Clothes, and Friends in a Strange Country; and many others, who made their Escape from Prison in the most deplorable state. I have represented their state to many American Gentlemen Who were in the very same predicament, they promisd to do all in their power to procure some relief but to no avail. I am at a loss to conceive the reasons why some provision is not made for those useful men who have nobly venter’d their Lives in behalf of their Countrie’s Just Cause, and the more so, as the small sum of one, or two Hudred pounds wd. have enabled their Friends here to relieve them who were poor and have sent them safe to Holland, Ostend, and other Ports, who thro’ necessity were left exposed to those miseries which God and themselves only know. Some of them have been forced back to Prison again, and others ready to perish wth. Hunger in the Streets—I doubt not but yr Excellency will consider those Worthy sufferers as an object worthy of attention—We hope the Prisoners will soon be exchanged, Yet as there are so many Americans dischrgd from the Hospital as Invaleeds, and others who escape from the Service into which they were forced, whose necessity calls for assistance, that yr. Excellency will make some provision for them. Whatever sum may be judged nessary to this purpose may be sent to Mr. Pjasink. But I can’t conclude with out congratulating yr Excellency upon the pleasing prospect of Peace which our new Ministry labor to accomplish. May the God of Empires put his omnipotent Arm to the work, and hush the tumult of the People into a perpetual calm. I had the pleasure of a visit from his Excellency Mr. Lowrance when  and expect to have a Letter from him in a Post  he was in high spirits, and in a fair way of recovery.
I have the honor to be yr. Excellencies most Obedient & humble sert

C Mends


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 2 May 1782
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

post 2 May 1782

Sir

I am working on excusing you from the dinner engagement, according to your wishes, at least for a little while and without fixing any future date. But you cannot avoid attending the dinner on the 6th at Mr. and Mrs. Boreel’s. I was told that the entire court and all the foreign ministers will be there. This is not just my sentiment. I have only a moment before missing the post-wagon. I will answer your last letter more fully later.
In haste, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant,

Dumas

I am in full possession of the house.


Title: From John Adams to Herman van Bracht, 3 May 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Bracht, Herman van

Amsterdam May 3d. 1782
Sir

I have recd. the Letter which You did me the honor to write me the 30th. of April, with the Volume of American Constitutions.
I agree with You, that a Treaty of Commerce between the two Republicks would be a very proper Addition to your Volume, but when such a Treaty shall be made it will not be published perhaps until it is ratified. In all Events it will be but decent for me to wait the Pleasure of their High Mightinesses for a Publication of it.
As to the Compliment You propose to me, I am obliged to You for it, and shall consent to it, upon the same Conditions that Mr. Van Berckel did, viz, that nothing be said offensive to any one.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient humble Servt.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Saportas, 5 May 1782
From: Saportas, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam the 5: of May 1782
Sir

The departure of your Excellencÿ was unknown to me having heard it from Mr. Texter I take the Liberty to put your Excellency in mind of the inclosed note regarding the Sale here to morrow of 4 Obligation at the charge of the Province of South Carolina and the Purchase of which Shall be Expecting your Excellency’s order under Cover of Mr. Texter with the night post of with the Postwaggon which leave your Place early to morrow morning.
I cannot let Slip this opportunity of recommending my Self anew in Your Excellency’s favour and in case of agreement or opening of the Loan in question, that Mr. van Vloten jointly with me may be named on the part of your Excellency, in order to asuch in procúring of the Contracts and other necessarys which may be required.
The Liberty which I take to remind your Excellency is founded that I have allready been honoured with this Commission from your Excellency and in Consequence of your orders having had a Conference, with Sundry Gentlemen, respecting this Loan to engage them there in notwithstanding our best endeavour has not been attended with the desired Succes.
I have the Honour to Subscribe my Self Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

Samüel Saportas


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 6 May 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels May 6th. 1782
Sir

I have receivd your Excellencys Letter of the 28th of April, informing me of the Receipt of mine of the 18th and 24th of the same Month. Your Excellency will give me leave to thank you for Accepting my Congratulations on your being acknowledged minister of the United States which I Know you would not have done, if you had not Thought, they were sincere.
I am pleased with the Compliment paid by a certain foreign minister, altho, I think, the Latter part thereof rather too outrée, but at the same time I wish that a Coadjutor of your Excellencys could do the same thing with respect to the nation of that minister, and then there being a mixture of Madness with a Grave Dulness a kind of Common Sense would result to the Benefit of the Common Cause.
He, who would direct the world and make Events, is but a foolish Politician, for six to one his machinations fall on his own Pate, the fate of the Politicians of England is proof of this. A wise Man, either in publick or private life takes things as they are, and makes the best use of them, your Excellency has done so. You have seized the moment of Stepping forward and have suceeded to your own Honor and the public Benefit to the Confusion of public and personal Ennemies.
Altho, I had much pleasure in reading your Excellencys Letter, yet I must Confess, I had much Uneasyness too. I had that Uneasyness, which resentment gives to a Mind, which wishes, that Mankind was less Envious and Jealous that it is. I admire your Excellencys Moderation, perhaps I might have shewed the same in your Situation, and yet when our Country may suffer by not blasting an imposing vilain before He has run his Career, surely Something ought to be done.
Your Excellency concludes your Letter with saying, There “is One thing, you should be glad to do, if it were in your power, which however it never will be.” I am Sorry for it, for I am sure than our Country will lose by any Inability of your Power, the Use of which being allways directed to her Interest and Honour.
I receivd by the last Post a Letter from which are the following Extracts.

“That wretched D has told so many bold lies about his Embassy, that you would be astonished; as foolish as some men have been his mission was not theirs.” Qu. what Has He said.
“I can now with the utmost pleasure and Satisfaction assure you that owing to the noble Spirit and Dignity of my worthy Friend, the great men of this Country have receivd more than a glemmering of true political Light. He would suffer no nibbling. He told them, in few Words and plain Terms, if we meant to do the business, we must do it fully and Gracefully that if we did not proceed in some other way it was wasting Time to continue nibbling. He is not to be duped—upon the whole you my dear Friend will have, I Hope, soon to honor Him and rejoice, He is here. He was released from his Bond last Saturday, and is now at full Liberty, and has made Himself attended to and respect’d by those, who have Power”—ought not one to ask why He stays in an Enemys Country, if He is free to quit it and whether by so doing He will not give suspicions to Friends, and give a handle to the malevolent to injure His Character?
My Friend says “that if there is not a general Peace soon, it will be owing to the Northern Powers demanding a free Navigation.” He seems to say this from some Authority. If He does, it is evident, that a pretended reason is given for what will not take place. For surely these Powers will insist on the Principles of the armed Neutrallity, and of which England is most interested in the Establishment if she ceases to be a dominant and dominearing Power at Sea.
I am with the greatest Consideration Sir your Excellencys most Faithful & Obedient Humble Servant

Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 8 May 1782
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Passy, May 8. 1782
Sir

Mr Oswald, whom I mention’d in a former letter which I find you have received, is returned and brought me another Letter from Lord Shelburne of which the above is a Copy. It says Mr Oswald is instructed to communicate to me his Lordships Thoughts. He is however very sparing of such Communication. All I have got from him, is that “the Ministry have in Contemplation, the allowing Independence to America on Condition of Britains being put again into the State she was left in by the Peace of 1763” which I suppose means being put again in Possession of the Islands France has taken from her. This seems to me a Proposition of selling to us a Thing that is already our own, and making France pay the Price they are pleased to ask for it. Mr. Grenville who is sent by Mr. Fox is expected here Daily; Mr Oswald tells me that Mr Lawrens will soon be here also. Yours of the 2d Inst is just come to hand. I shall write you on this Affair hereafter by the Court Couriers, for I am certain your Letters to me are open’d at the Post-Office either here or in Holland, and I suppose mine to you are treated in the same manner. I inclose the Cover of your last that you may see the Seal.
With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant.

B Franklin

When you write ⅌ Post please to put your Letter under Cover to Mr Grand.


Title: C. W. F. Dumas’ Address to the City of Schiedam, 8 May 1782
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

8 Mai 1782

Message verbal, fait de la part de Mr. Adams au Secretaire de la Ville de Schiedam, le 8 May 1782, par Mr. Dumas.
La diversité de sentimens qui a lieu dans cette république, par rapport aux circonstances où elle se trouve relativement aux Etats-Unis d’Amérique, ayant paru à Mr. Adams pouvoir facilement attirer quelque embarras à Mrs. les Négociants de Schiedam, s’il faisoit usage de leur obligeante Invitation; Il a cru ne pouvoir mieux prouver l’égard et l’affection toute particuliere qu’il a pour ces Messieurs, qu’en s’excusant de profiter de cet effet de leur politesse. Il m’a donc chargé, Monsieur, de vous assurer de son extrême sensibilité, pour l’honneur et l’amitié qu’ils ont témoignée en sa personne à son Souverain, et de son attention, non seulement à en faire mention dans ses premieres Dépeches au Congrès, mais aussi à montrer dans toutes les occasions, combien il est disposé à réciproquer cette cordiale civilité, par tout l’appui en son pouvoir.