Title: To John Adams from Henry Laurens, 27 August 1782
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Adams, John

Nantes 27th. August 1782
Dear Sir

Soon after I had dispatched a Letter to you this Morning, under the 25th. Inst. I was honor’d by yours of the 18th. but too late for an answer by this days Mail. You inclosed Copy of an old Letter from Mr. Valltravers, which had without doubt been sent to you merely for information that I had given no answer to the original which had cost 5/. in London. The Copy bears the heaviest part of nine Livres, I recd. one from him a few days ago at 6 Livres. too much for a poor fellow who has no public fund in hand for contingent charges. He comes exactly under your description, I must write a short answer to save further trouble, for ’tis not in my power to promote his views—but don’t forward any more of his Billets, which the Gentleman thinks valuable and honorable in proportion to their bulk.

The Copy of Mr. Fitzherbert’s Commission shall be transmited to Congress by a Vessel for Boston in a day or two.
I think an answer to your question on “Quorum cunque Statuum &ca” anticipated in my last; but if you did not know it before please to remember I am a very indifferent Latinist; as well however, as without assistance, I can hammer out a construction upon the sentence taken alltogether, there’s no difficulty on your side; If the British Ministers sit down with, they acknowledge, you. acknowledge you to be a State Interested or whom it doth concern and the late Act of Parliament for enabling the King to make Peace &ca. lame as it is, affords a sanction. But remember I plead ignorance. And in that Case you may rest tranquil, regardless of Lord Shelburne’s “mind.” But I still see it possible, that a General Peace may be agreed upon, by a Treaty or Treaties, which shall terminate the War, Independence tacitly or formally assured to the United States France and America at Liberty to lay down their Arms and you Gentlemen Commissioners not call’d upon to set down about the business except by the Court of France for your formal consent. This I know was not the meaning of our Ally in 1778. and I have already said, ’tis inconsistent with the honor and the Interest of the Court of France to subject the United States to such an affront, wherefore I am not apprehensive on that score, there is nevertheless a possibility. If the formal Consent is refused, what then? I have given the answer. Congress in that Year or the next bound themselves by a declaratory and explanatory Resolve, which only proves that on their side there were doubts, our Ally was pleased by that Act but I know of no mutual obligation. Be this as it may, unless Great Britain has a deep design, first to make a general Peace, submiting to the Letter of our 8th. Article, then to pick a quarrel with us and renew hostilities, she must come to us, in the general Treaty, or seperately, but hand in hand with the other. France will look at this with a jealos Eye, and we have enough in reserve, but the United States should be on their guard and not too suddenly, “lay down their Arms.”
I have spoken of possibilities, of what may happen; founded on a certain ground of suspicion that the King of Great Britain Aims at effecting a general Peace, without a direct participation by his revolted subjects. Thence the apparent ambiguity of the words you have quoted; I have said, the Court of France will not, or will not suddenly, gratify his humor, there is another Court to whom we are not yet known as an Independent Nation; You will receive light from the first serios Convention. I repeat that I would not so freely Commit my self to every Man.
“Don’t you wish your self one of the Peace Makers”? I have long since given a possitive answer, and have only to add, the business is in very good hands, three, especialy at this time, is a more convenient and safe number than four, the fourth might prove an incumbrance but could add no weight of abilities. Proceed quietly, don’t be embarrassed by appearances, make a good Peace and you shall partake of the blessing you have pronounced.
Mynheer Brantsen gives time for the surrender of Gibraltar and the recapture of St. Christophers &ca. for the evacuation of Charles Town and N. York, events, some of which we may hear of about the day he is to commence his journey diplomatique; to be sure he will enter with a better grace and have the better ground for demanding Restitution and Indemnification, but I should have received more satisfaction had I been assured that yourself and that Gentlemen were already at Paris.

God bless you & give you success.
Henry Laurens

The next time a Packet from you comes directed to His Excellency Henry Laurens &ca Mr. Laurens will disclaim it.


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

28 August 1782

Dr Sir

I have recd your Favour with the Slip from the Gen Adr I dread the Sight of the Thing it was so slovenly dressed, but I dont much care about dress you know. I have also recd your favour with the Extract from our Friend at Nantes, and I confess it puzzles me Somewhat. I really Scarcly know what to conclude from it—whether he has an Inclination to come here or not, if you candidly, between you and me think he has I will Send a Resignation, and request that he may be appointed.
When he was last here, he Said that he had come to look after the Loan, if it was necessary, but that he had no Commission, (I understood him that he had sunk his Comn. at the time of his Captivity.) I told him that the Affair of a Loan was finished, that I had made a Contract with 3 Houses and that every Thing was done and doing in it, that I could do, and explained to him in detail what was done and doing. He was pleased to say, that it appeared to be well done and with prudent Caution. This was all that passed. Without a Commission You see he could do nothing. He never had any other Commission as I understand it, than to borrow Money. Pray give me your Advice upon this.
Our Friend has reason to observe that he had recd no Letters from me. But it was tenderness for him which prevented my Writing. While he was in England, one Line from me, falling by Accident into improper Hands would have excited Jealousies and suspicions against him there wh would have been very inconvenient to him.
I wish with all my Soul he would agree to act in the Commission for Peace. It would be an infinite satisfaction to me to correspond with him upon that subject. I have written him twice lately. When he was here he told me that upon the most mature deliberation he had resigned declined to act in the Comn for Peace, as I understood him on Account of his ill health, and I Supposed that the same Reason had determined him to return to America. I had then no suspicion that he had the least Inclination to be here.
The Courier de L’Europe Says, an Acknowledgement of American Independance is a breach of the Neutrality. This I deny. I think it clear from the Reason of Things, as well as the Practice of Sovereigns that it is not. But if an Acknowledgment is a Breach, it will follow that a Denial is a Breach too; so that by this Doctrine the two Empires, and four Kingdoms, have pledged their Faith not to deny American Independance. I should not be sorry to have this Doctrine prevail—But I wish this Point thoroughly examined. Think of it. If I was not distracted with other Things that are Trifles in Comparison, I would Seach this Matter through all the Books as you Lawyers express yourselves. Sovereigns are under a Necessity of following the Powers that be, and cannot pretend to judge of the right, which belongs exclusively to the Nation and their God—and whenever a sovereign, denys the Powers that be it Sacrifices the rights and Laws of Nations and Nature. This has been done—but it is a diplomatic Sin, and the most common Practice has been otherwise. Let Us keep up this Ball and Set all the litterary Sportsmen in Europe to play with it—it can do no harm and may do great good. K of France recd Ambassaders from Cromwell, even when the exiled Family was at his Court. L. 14. recd Ambassader from K. W. 3. When J. 2 was at st. Germains, acknowledged K of England. The Swiss were acknowledged by many Nations in Peace with Austria before, they were acknowledged by the House of Austria. Holland and Portugal were acknowledged by many Powers at Peace with Spain, before she was acknowledged by Spain. The English are setting up a Doctrine which will not bear Examination. Let us attack them.
I wish that petit Projet, which has been printed in the Courier du Bas Rhin the Leyden Gazette and Courier de L’Europe were translated into the English Papers. The Politicians in England, studiously conceal from their public every Thing which tends to familiarize the People and the World with the Idea of American Independance. I want to have certain State Papers which you hint at, inserted in the English Papers and in the Remembrancer and annual Register. This is the way for Fox and his Train to carry their Point, but they dont seem to know what they are about. They publish every Kind of Trash for Remplissage and neglect every Thing that is to the Purpose.


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 29 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Samuel

The Hague August 29. 1782
Dear Sir

The King of England has Sent Mr Fitzherbert to Paris with a Commission to treat of Peace, with his dear Brother the King of France and with the Ministers of the states General, and of all other Principum et Statuum quorum interesse poterit. The States General have appointed Mr Brantzen to make Peace too but in concert with France and the other belligerent Powers. Mr Brantzen is not yet gone but he told me two days ago that he should set off in a few days. The Object is to see if they can agree upon Preliminaries at Paris, previous to a general Congress. Dr Franklin and Mr Jay are to inform me by Expresses of what passes. But the Earl of Shelburne, is very Secret and misterious. He is afraid of opposition at home.
The Success will depend upon Events, the Fate of Gibraltar, the East Indies, New York &c. Mr Laurens declines acting in the Commission for Peace for which I am very Sorry as well as that Mr Jefferson is not arrived.
The English are humbled and depressed to a degree, but not unanimously So. There is a great Body that still blusters and vapeurs, and the Refugees are indefatigable in irritating these, to recommence offensive Hostilities in America. Any Signal Success would enable them to carry the Point, but there is no Probability of Such success. Releiving Gibraltar which would be a brilliant Event, would however not have the Effect because tho a great Thing would be saved, Yet nothing would be positively gained by it.
It is not possible to Say how long England may hold out: but her Distresses increase and new Embarrassments are rising up. Scotland is now in Motion—all Such Things however operate slowly and faintly, in reducing the Fury of the Nation, and Still more so in convincing the King, to whose will Shelburne seems as much devoted as ever North was.
Means are still found to bouy up, the Hopes of a Party, that Some Conquest or Conciliation may yet be effected with America, and it will never cease to be so, while they have so many hired Lyars in their Pay, who stick at nothing however gross and nothing is too gross to impose.

With my best Respects to your Family, I am, my dear sir Yrs


Title: From John Adams to Arthur Lee, 29 August 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Arthur

The Hague August 29. 1782
Dear sir

I have a great Mind to envy your Situation or to wish myself with you in Congress where I Should have less Anxiety and more health, if not an opportunity to do more good.

The Mynheers have overcome most of their Terrors and are now well fixed, in the good System. They will hearken to no Seperate Proposals, and therefore will make an important Diversion in our favour although they Should not Succeed in their Endeavours, to excite the Court to more Strenuous Exertions.
We have Succeeded, to obtain a Small Loan. There is near a Million and an half of Guilders obtained, to be paid upon the rect of the Ratification of the Contract.
The Deputies of the Provinces have generally received their Instructions concerning the Treaty of Commerce, and I am daily in Conference upon the subject. It is slow Work but in time it will be finished, to mutual satisfaction as I believe.
Fitzherberts Powers are to treat with France, the states Gen. and the Ministers of all other Principum et statuum quorum interesse poterit.
Mr Brantzens Powers are to treat in concert with France and all the other Powers at War with England but to agree to no Peace or Truce but in Concurrence with them.
I dont like, very well, the Idea of any Conferences before, a British Minister has Powers to treat with the Ministers of the United states in so many Words: and think that if We had refused, to treat till that time Shelburne would have been forced to come into Fox’s Plan. Possibly however they may agree upon Preliminaries. But I have not very Sanguine hopes of it.
I should be very glad to hear from you as often as your important Engagements will permit


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 29 August 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels Augst 29th 1782
Sir

I Am honoured with the Receipt of your Excellencys Letter of the last Post.

The Letter of which I gave your Excellency an Extract about a fortnight Ago made me very Uneasy, as it shewed me there was a misunderstanding somewhere—I could wish your Excellency would clear it up by a Letter to our Friend at Nantes. I fancy He imagines that His name is joined with yours in the Different Commissions, your Excellencys assurances that it is not, will clear up his Doubts, and account for your Conduct towards Him whilst in Holland.
I Heartily wish that my Correspondent in London had ushered into the world the Letters in a better dress. I herein inclose the first that has appeared.
I have written at several Times various matter for insertion in the public Papers, but I Know not whether it has come to hand—Mr Lee tells me that all Letters by the Way of ostend are opened and that Passengers are Examined strictly—I will endeavour however to convey the State Papers over and have some notice taken of the Suggestions which your Excellency has thrown out. I agree with your Excellency that the more such Questions are agitated, the better will it be.
For the Cause of Truth, Justice and Humanity, a Familiarity with Strange names strange Ideas and Strange Facts will soon naturalize them. I think if I was in England now I could work to a good purpose. I am told that Ld Shelburne pays great Court to the Bedford party, He has taken a good method to get into the good graces of the Dutchess. He gives Her a good Rent for Her House at Streatham. However no one thinks that He will be able to stand unless He meets with Uncommon Sussecss. I fear for the Combined fleet. The Winds have been to High. The Peace is at Gibraltar.

I have the Honour to be Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servt
Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 30 August 1782
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

St: Petersbourg Augt: 19/30 1782
Dear Sir

I received your letter of Aug: 7th. yesterday afternoon, and at the same time the packet you mention. I thank you most cordially for your sentiments upon “something of consequence”: but I am no longer at liberty to pursue a course like that you point out. My last dispatches, which I presume you did not read, tho they came open under your Cover, are clear and decided upon that affair. I am glad of it. They have relieved me from much anxiety. By the way the ordinance relative to marine affairs which I am told is enclosed, has not accompanied the letter. If it lays with you, pray forward it by the first post, and bear in remembrance my request about your treaty—oblige me if possible—I have not recd. the Genl’s: picture. I wish you had thought to mention by whom you sent it, that I might have made enquiry about it. If Mr: Thaxter shou’d not have sailed, pray beg him without fail, to buy two sets of Nugent’s New Pocket Dictionary French and English printed for J. Ash London 1778. and to present one set to my new correspondent and the other to Mrs: Dana. If he shou’d have sailed will you please in my name to present my correspondent with one set by the earliest opportunity. Mrs: D. may wait awhile, she is not so pressed to learn French, and let me know when you send it, or whether M. T. takes them.
Who is your present assistant, I think your letter is not the old hand. The enclosed you will be kind enoh to forward by the earliest opportunity. The one you will receive mark’d duplicate, is a copy of it. They must therefore go by different vessels; let this be attended to.
Your slow stepped people have shown the world they can occasionally assume the quick step, especially when they are apprehensive something is to be lost, or in danger of being lost if they dont strike into it. They marched in pretty good time with your Musicians. Now they have got to the Top of the Mountain, they must be allowed some time to take new breath, and to look about them; perhaps the heighth of it has made them a little dizzy when they cast an eye down upon their Flatts. They will soon feel the benefit, it is to be hoped, of a freer air, and acquire a degree of elasticity they have long been wholly unaccustomed to—Health to their Body Politic.
Fox’s system wou’d save the British Nation from destruction: but it hath pleased Heaven to pour down upon their heads a few more vials of wrath, for their abominable abominations.
Adieu my dear Sir. May God defend, save, and prosper our Country.
Your’s affectionatelyFRA DANA


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 1 September 1782
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

Paris 1 Septr 1782
Dr Sir

I am this moment informed of a safe opportunity of conveying you a Letter, and as such another may not soon offer, I must not omit it.
My opinion coincides with yours as to the Impropriety of treating with our Enemies on any other than an equal footing. We have told mr Oswald so, and he has sent an Express to London to communicate it, and to require further Instructions. He has not yet recd. an answer. Herewith enclosed is a Copy of his Commission. Mr Vaughan has no public Character. Mr Fitzherbert is employed to talk about Preliminaries with this Court. Nothing I think will be done until the Return of Mr Oswalds Express. We shall then be enabled to form some Judgment of the british ministry’s real Intentions.
Adieu. I have only time to add that I am with great Esteem Sir Your most obt. Servt

John Jay


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 2 September 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

September 2. 1782

Dr Sir

I wrote you on the 10th. 13th. and 17th. of August, but have no Answer as yet to either Letter. All is well here, and will not only remain so but grow better and better.
Since it is from Bows and Smiles and Invitations to Dinner and Such kind of Indications that We are to collect the deep Politicks of Courts, I Suppose I may augur well for your Negotiations with Spain, because I have lately received a polite Invitation to Dine at the Hotel D’Espagne ici. The Spanish Minister however, has been very complaisant, ever Since my Reception here. But although he Sometime Since did me the Honour to dine with me he never has asked me to dine with him till now.
I presume you have Seen A Copy at least of Fitzherberts Commission. If not I will Send you one. I have also another Paper, of consequence to communicate to you, but I must intreat you, to keep wholly to yourself the Source from whence you derive this or any other Intelligence you may get from me.
You know very well the Terms upon which you and I have ever been. We have often differed in opinion upon Politicks and Supported our opinions with Ardour: but notwithstanding this I have ever had a full Confidence in your Honour and firm Attachment to the Cause of our Country. And there has never to my Knowledge been any Misunderstanding between us. I Sincerely hope there never will, and on my Part there will never be given any occasion for it. We may differ in opinion again, without diminishing Esteem or Affection. But there are Persons in the World who will use all the Arts of the Devil to breed Misunderstandings between Us. Let Us agree to be upon our Guard against them.

With great Regard, I have the Honour to be, &c


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 4 September 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir
The Hague Septemr: 4th: 1782

Your Triplicate of March 5. No: 5. Triplicate 22d. May. No. 6 Duplicate. 29th. May No: 7 and Duplicate of 30th May No: 8. together with the dispatches for Mr: Dana came to hand yesterday.
The judicious enquiries in that of March. 5th. are chiefly answd. in the enclosd: pamphlett, wh: I have caused to be printed, in order to be sent into England, Scotland and Ireland, as well as America. You will find most of your questions answered by great bodies of merchants, manufacturers and others in the first instance and by the States of the several separate Provinces in the next place, and lastly by their High Mightinesses.
I wish the Truth would warrent a more satisfactory account of the Ships prepared and preparing for Sea. Those prepared are employed, by concert with France, in the North Sea where they make a usefull diversion, having lately obliged Lord Howe to detach a considerable number of Ships, and the last accounts say to go himself, with fourteen ships of the Line, in order to protect the Trade fm the Baltic, wh: has certainly retarded, possibly wholly prevented, the relief of Gibralter. This however is not certain. I cannot assure Congress of more than twelve Dutch Ships of the Line ready for Sea: Some of that number are not in a good Condition—not more than two or three can be depended on, to be added in the course of this Season.
As to the leading members of the great Council, We must distinguish between the Assembly of the Deputies of the States-General, and the assembly of the Deputies of the States of Holland and West-Friesland: The grand Pensionary of Holland, who is always a member of the Assembly of their High-Mightinesses, is constitutionally the most leading member. Mr. Van Bleiswick is the present grand Pensionary. With him I have frequent Conferences and they have always been agreable. But the situation of this Minister is at present extremely critical and embarassing. In former times, when there was no Stadtholder; or, at least, when his Authority was less extensive, the Grand Pensionaries of Holland, have been, in effect, Stadtholders. They have been a center of Union for all the Provinces; but being more immediately connected with and dependant on, the Province of Holland, they have been suspected, by the other Provinces, to give too much weight to that wh. has caused them to attach themselves to the Stadtholders as a more impartial support to the whole States.
To speak candidly, a competition between these two great Interests and these two high Offices seems to have been the Cause of the violent storms in this Country. But as the Stadtholders have had the military power by Sea and Land at their disposal, and, by the Pomp and Splendor of a Court, have had the means of imposing more upon the nation they have, by degrees prevailed. At critical dangerous Times tragical Scenes have been exhibited—and Barnevelt’s head was struck off at one time, Grotius escaped by a sort of miracle, and the De Witts were torn in pieces, it is scarcely too bold to say by the open or secret commands or connivance of Stadtholders. The Stadtholders power since the year 1748. untill this year, has been so augmented, and the grand Pensionaries so diminished, that Mr: Bleiswick is to be pitied—more is expected of him than he can perform. He is between two fires—the Stadthouderian party on one side, and the Republican on the other. The Consequence is, that he manages both as well as he can, So extremely cautious and reserved, never explains himself but in Cases of absolute necessity, and never attempts to assume the lead. If he were to attempt to act the part of some former Grand Pensionaries, the consequence would be, either, he would not be supported, and would perish like Barnevelt or De Witt; or, being supported, the Stadtholdership must give way, and the Prince fly to his Estates in Germany. Mr. Van Bleiswick is a great Scholar, Linguist, natural Philosopher, Mathematician and even Physician—has great experience in public affairs, and is able and adroit eno: in the conduct of them. But not having a temper, bold and firm eno: or perhaps loving his ease too much, or not having Ambition or Patriotism or Zeal or Health eno: to assume a great and decided Conduct, he is fallen in his Reputation. They suspect him of Duplicity; and, in short, measures are prepared and bro’t into the States of Holland without his Consent or previous knowledge and there carried—a thing unknown untill these days.
Another great Officer of State who has constitutionally Influence in the Assembly of their High-Mightinesses, is the Secretary, Mr: Fagel. This Gentleman is of a family, wh: has ever been zealously attached to the Statholder, and consequently to England, and strongly prejudiced against France. His Ancestor was made grand Pensionary in the place of the murdered and immortal De Witt, and fm. that time to this the family have been, invariably, friends to the Princes of Orange and to England, and Ennemies to France. The present Secretary does not bely his lineage. He is supposed to be the least satisfied, with the new Conventions with us and with France of any man. I have had several Conferences with him. He is a venerable man of seventy, is polite, and has always been complaisant eno: to me. But Congress will easily see from this sketch of his Character, that he is not the man for me to be intimate with. There is a new President of their High-Mightinesses every week. I have had Conferences with several, Mr: Tjassens, Mr: Van Citters, Mr: Boreel, Mr: Van den Sandheuvel, and the Baron Linden de Hemmen. But this continual variation prevents any one, fm. acquiring esteem and weight fm. the Office, so that they are be considered only as common members of the Assembly.
There is a Nobleman, the Baron de Linden, who belongs to the Province of Zealand, and was formerly Ambassador in Sweden, and afterwards appointed to Vienna, but refused to go. I have had the pleasure of a great deal of Conversation with him and his advice has been usefull to me. He is a sensible and worthy man and his Sentiments are very just. He has been now for some months in Zealand, but the world has seen several striking effects of his presence in that Province. He is much in opposition to the Duke of Brunswick and consequently to the Court, to whose cause, this Noblemans rank, former Offices and Connections have done much damage.
There are several other Members of the Assembly of their H. M. that I have some acquaintance with, the Baron Van Schwartenbourg, Mr: Hussaler of Friesland, Mr: Brantzen of Guelderland, and others wm. it is not necessary to name at present.
But Holland being full half the nation, the Assembly of that Province, gives always, sooner or later, the Tone to the whole.
The Pensionaries of the Cities, are the principal Speakers and most active members of this Assembly, for wh: reason I have cultivated the acquaintance of these Gentlemen, and will continue to do so, more and more. There are three among them with wm: I have been most conversant, Mr: Gyzlaer of Dort, Mr: Vischer of Amsterdam and Mr: Van Zeeberg of Harlem.
Mr: Gyzlaer is a young Gentleman of abt: thirty—but of a Genius, an activity, a candor and prudence, which, if his health is not too delicate, must make him the man of the first consideration in this Republic. I am happy in a friendly and familiar acquaintance with him, and shall certainly continue it because his abilities and Integrity, his industry, his great and growing popularity, and his influence in the Assembly of the States of Holland, as well as in all the Provinces and Cities, will render him an important man, in spite of all the opposition of the Court. Nevertheless, altho’ I cultivate the friendship of the Patriots, I shall not give offence to the Court. The friendship of this Court we never had and never shall have, untill we have that of England. This Gentleman’s friendship has already been of vast service to the Cause of Congress, as well as to me, and will continue to be so. There is no Intelligence in a political line, wh. I ought to know, but what I can easily obtain in this way. To detail the Conversations wd. be to relate all the measures taken or proposed, relative to the Negotiations for a separate Peace, to the concert with France, the general Peace &c. as well as fm. step to step the advancement to the acknowledgement of our Independence. There are some of these Conversations wh: ought never to be put upon paper, untill the measures and events, wh: are the fruit of them, have taken place.
Mr. Vischer is a respectable Character, an amiable man and steady in the good system: with him also I have been invariably upon good terms. But, I cannot but lament the absence of Mr: Van Berkel—an excellent Character—of solid judgement, sound learning, great experience, delicate honor, untainted virtue and steady firmness, sacrificed to the most frivolous whimsies and miserable intrigues, of private pique, thejealousy and envy of weak—I cannot here add—wicked old Age, and individual Ambition. Van Berkel and Vischer together, wd: be noble Ministers for Amsterdam but the elder of the “Par nobile fratrum” is wanting.
Mr: Van Zeeberg is another excellent Character, of great Reputation as a Lawyer, a man of Integrity and a Patriot, with wm: I have been and am upon the best terms. It is odd eno: that most of these Pensionaries have been Deacons of the English Church in this place, Dr: Mc:Lanes—En passent, young Lawyers seek an election to be Deacons in the Churches, as a first step to advancement in their profession as well as the State. Mr: Van Burkel, Mr. Van Zeeberg and others have been Deacons of this Church, yet neither speaks English; nor is any of them less an enemy to England, for having passed thro’ this stage in their Career of life—and I shall be the more so, for hearing, once a week, an admirable moral lecture, in the English language, fm. one of the best Preachers in Europe.
I hope this will be sufficient, at present, as a sample of sketches of Characters, that you demand of me, among the leading members of the Assemblies. I might mention several Burgomasters as Mr: Hooft of Amsterdam, Van Berkell of Rotterdam and  of Haerlem &c. &c. &c. But I must not give too much at once.
You enquire, whether there is no intercourse between the French Ambassador and me. I answer there is a constant, uninterrupted harmony and familiarity, between the Duke de la Vauguyon and his family and me. I visit him and he visits me. I dine with him and he and his family dine with me—as often as you can wish; and he is ever ready to enter into conversation and consultation with me upon public affairs. He is an amiable man, whom I esteem very much. He is able, attentive, and vigilant as a Minister, but he has been under infinite obligations to the United States of America and her Minister for the Success he has had in this Country. Nothing on this earth, but the American Cause, could ever have prevented this Republic fm. joining England in the war, and nothing but that well-hove Harpoon-Iron (thrown by a Cape-Cod Whaleman) the memorial of the 19th. of April 1781—and the other innumerable measures taken in consequence of it, by the same hand, could ever have prevented this Republick fm. making a separate peace with England. The American Cause and Minister have done more to introduce a familiarity between the French Ambassador and some leading men here, than any other thing could. And if anybody denies it, it must be owing to Ignorance or Ingratitude.
It is at the same time, true, and I acknowledge it with pleasure and gratitude that our Cause could not have succeeded here without the aid of France. Her aid in the East-Indies, the West-Indies and upon the Barrier Frontiers, her general benevolence and concert of operations, as well as the favorable and friendly exertions of her Ambassador, after the decisive step taken by me, contributed essentially to the accomplishment of the work. I have an oppo: of meeting at his house too, almost as often as I desire, the other foreign Ministers—but of this more hereafter.
You desire, also to know the popular Leaders I have formed acquaintances with.
The two Noblemen, the Baron Vander Capellan de Poll of Overyssell and the Baron Vander Capellan de Marsh of Guelderland, I have formed an acquaintance with: the former very early after my first arrival. I have had frequent and intimate Conversations with him, and he has been of the utmost service to our Cause. His unhappy situation and unjust expulsion from his seat in Government—the opposition of the Court and of his Colleagues in the Regency, make it delicate to write freely concerning this Nobleman. He has an Independent fortune, tho’ not called rich, in this Country. His parts and learning are equal to any: His Zeal and activity superior. I dare not say in wt: a multitude of ways he has served us. Posterity will perhaps know them all.
Two years ago, upon my first arrival at Amsterdam, I fell acquainted at Mr: Van Staphorst’s with Mr: Calkoen, the first Gentleman of the bar at Amsterdam—a man of Letters, well read in Law and History and an elegant Writer. He desired to be informed of American Affairs. I gave him a collection of our Constitutions, and a number of Pamphlets and Papers, and desired him to commit to writing his questions. In a few days he sent me thirty Questions, in Dutch, wh: shew him to be a man of profound reflection and sagacity. I got them translated and determined to seize the oppo. to turn his attention to our affairs and gain his Confidence. I wrote him a distinct letter upon every question, and endeavored to give him as comprehensive an insight into our affairs as I could. He was much pleased with the answers, and composed out of them, a comparison between the American and Batavian Revolutions, wh. he read with applause to a Society of forty Gentlemen of Letters, who meet in a Club at Amsterdam. I lent him Burgoyne’s and Howe’s pamphlets in vindication of themselves, wh: he communicated also. By this means, this Society, whose Influence must be very extensive, were made hearty Converts to the opinion, of the Impracticability of a British Conquest and the Certainty of American Success—points very dubious in the minds of this nation in general when I first came here, as I can easily prove. With this Gentleman, I have ever preserved an agreable Acquaintance. It was he who drew up the Petitions of the merchants of Amsterdam in favor of American Independence. About the time of presenting my memorial I became acquainted with an other Lawyer, at the Hague, Mr: Van Zoon, who has been also, fm. time to time, active in our favor and drew up the Petitions of Rotterdam.
The Gazetteers, in this Country, are not mere Printers. They are men of Letters. And as these vehicles have a vast influence in forming the public opinion, they were not to be neglected by me, whose only hopes lay in the public opinion, to resist the torrent of a Court and Government. I therefore became naturally acquainted with the family of Luzac’s in Leyden, whose Gazette has been very useful to our Cause and who are excellent People. Mr: John Luzac drew up the two Petitions of Leyden to their Regency.

At Amsterdam, my acquaintance with Mr: Cerisier, ennabled me to render the Politique Hollandois and the French Gazette of Amsterdam, usefull on many occasions; and by means of one friend and another, particularly Mr: Dumas, I have been able to communicate, any thing that was proper, to the public, by means of the Dutch Gazette in Amsterdam, Haarlem and Delft. By means of these secret connections with Printer and Writers, I have had an oppo. to cause to be translated and printed many English pamphlets, tending to elucidate our affairs, particularly those valuable documents of Howe and Burgoyne, than wh: nothing has contributed more to fortify our Cause. They are considered as the decisive Testimonies of unwilling Witnesses and cruel Enemies. With these persons, and others whom I could not have Conversations with, I have had Correspondences, as frequent as my time would allow.
At Amsterdam I was acquainted with several merchantile Houses, Mr: de Neufville & Son, Mr: Cromelin & Sons, Messs: Vanstaphorst, De la Lande & Fynje, Madam Chabanell, & Son & Nephew, Mr: Hodgson, Mr: Van Arp, Mr: Teagler and several others, who, in their several ways, were usefull to our Affairs.
I come now to the most difficult task of all—the description of the foreign Ministers.
The minister of the Emperor is 90 years of age, and never appears at Court or any where else. I have never seen him—nor his Secretary.
The Ministers fm. Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Sardinia and Liege, I see every week at Court, where I sup regularly when the others do, tho it is very visible that I am not the Guest, the most favored by the Prince. I dine with them all sometimes at the French Ambassadors and Spanish Minister’s but have not dined at any of their Houses—nor they at mine. Not one of them would dare to give or receive an Invitation, except France, Spain & Leige.
The Minister from Sweden, the Baron D’ Ehrenswerd, is lately removed to Berlin to my great regret, as he appeared to me a very good character, and behaved very civilly to me, several times wn: I met him at Court and at the French Ambassadors. The Secretary of Legation does the business now, Mr: Van Arp, who appears to be a worthy man and is not afraid to converse with me.
The Minister from Prussia, Mr: de Thulemeier, is very civil, attacks me (as he expresses it) in English, and wishes to meet me on Horseback, being both great Riders—will converse freely with me upon Astronomy or Natural History or any more common affairs—will talk of News, Battles, Seiges &ca. But these personnages are very reserved in Politics and Negotiations. They must wait for Instructions.
Mr: de St. Saphorin, the Envoy fm. Denmark, is a personage of a very odd behavior—a Swiss by birth, but an open and not very discreet advocate for England. It shd. be observed that the Queen Dowager of Denmark is Sister to the Duke Louis de Brunswick and as the King is not a distinguished Character among crowned Heads, she is supposed to have much Influence at Court, and the Minister here may be complaisant to her. But, neither that Power nor its Minister, are able to do more than influence a Gazette or two to publish some very injudicious Speculations. I am not the only foreign Minister that converses or corresponds with Gazetteers, tho’ at least it is certain that I never give them money. I hope I am not singular in this. This Gentleman has been much with another, since his arrival, Mr: Markow, the Adjoint Minister fm. Russia, another advocate for the English without being able to do them any service. He was never more than a Secrey: of Legation before. He has been here formerly, in that Character and in the Partition of Poland. He was preceeded here by reports of his great Talents at Negotiation and Intrigue, and it was sd. that he had never failed of success. But his residence here has made no sensation nor Impression at all. He talks in some Companies, indiscreetly, in favor of England, but is not much attended to. His behavior to me is a distant Bow, an affected smile sometimes, and now and then, a “Comment vous-portez vous”?—One evening at Court when the Northern Epidemy was here, he put me this Question, after Supper, in great apparent good humour—“Terriblement affligé, de l’ Influenca,” says I. “C’est en Angleterre, says he laughing, qu’on a donné cette nom—et il ne feroit point de mal, si vous voudriez, vous laisser gagner, un peu, par l’influence d’Angleterre.” I had at my tongues end to answer, “C’est assez d’ etre tourmente d’linfluence qui vient de Russie.” But I reflected, very suddenly, if he is indiscreet I will not be, so I contented myself to answer very gravely “Jamais, Monsieur, jamais.”
The Prince de Gallitzin, his Colleague, is of a different Character—a good man and thinks justly, but his place is too important to his family to be hazarded—So he keeps a great reserve and behaves with much prudence. Knowing his situation I have avoided all advances to him, least I should embarrass him.

The Sardinian Minister is very ready to enter with Conversation at all times, but his Court and System are wholly out of the present question.
The Portuguese Envoy Extray. D. Joas. Theolonico de Almeida, is a young Nobleman glittering with stars, and, as they say, very rich. He has twice, once at Court and once at the Spanish Minister’s entered familiarly into Conversation with me upon the Climates of America and Portugal, and the Commerce that has been and will be between our Countries, and upon Indifferent Subjects. But there is no appearance that he is profoundly versed in political subjects: nor any probability that he could explain himself to me, untill all the neutral Powers do, of whom Portugal is one.
The Spanish Minister D. Llano, the Comte de Sanafee, has at last got over all his punctilios, and I had the honor to dine with him, in Company with all the Foreign Ministers, and four or five Officers of Rank in the Russian Service, on Tuesday last. He and his Secretary had dined with me sometime ago. I shall, therefore, be upon a more free, if not familiar footing with him, in future. He has indeed been always very complaisant and friendly, tho’ embarrassed with his punctilios of Etiquette. There is one anecdote that, in justice to myself and my Country I ought not to omit. The first time I ever saw him, was at his house, a day or two after my reception by the States. He sent for me. I went and had an hours Conversation with him. He said to me “Monsieur, vous avez frappé le plus grande Coup de toute l’Europe, C’est le plus grand coup qui a été jamais frappé, dans la Cause Americaine, et le plus decisif. C’est vous qui a rempli cette nation d’enthusiasme. C’est vous qui a tourné leurs Têtes.” The next morning he returned my visit at my lodgings, for it was before my removal to this house. In the course of Conversation upon the subject of my Success here, he turned to a Gentleman, in Company, and said to him “Cet événement fait un honneur infini a Mons. Adams. C’est le plus grand coup qui pourvoit été frappé en toute l’Europe. C’est lui, qui a rempli cette nation d’enthusiasme. C’est lui qui a terrasé les Anglomanes. C’est lui, qui a tourné les Têtes des Hollandais. Ce n’est pas pour faire Compliment a Mons. Adams, que Jedis cela. C’est parce que Je crois que c’est son du.”
I wish for some other Historiographer, but I will not, for fear of the charge of vanity, omit to record things, wh: were certainly said with deliberation; and wh: prove the sense wh: the Ministers of the House of Bourbon had of the stream of Prejudice here against them, and of the Influence of America and her minister in turning the tide.
I hope Sir that these Sketches will satisfy you for the present; if not another time I will give you Portraits at full length. In the mean time I have the honor to be, With great esteem and regard Sir, Your most obedt: humle: servt.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Barclay, 4 September 1782
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Paris 4th. Sepr. 1782
Dear Sir

Since my arrival here I received the packet which I inclose to you from M Livingston with particular instructions relative to it. I send it by the bearer Mr. Frazer of Boston under Cover to Mess: Ingraham & Bromfield who will take proper Care of it. Doctor Franklin has been a good deal indisposed with the Gout and gravel, he is somewhat better, and went abroad in a Carriage on sunday; I have the pleasure to inform you that he accepted My bills as they appear’d, and seems perfectly satisfied with the Holland transactions. He has Communicated to me the Draught of the Convention made by Congress relative to the Consular powers and privileges in France, with a desire to have My opinion of it before he lays it before the Minister. I find Congress has adopted the Idea that the Court of France recommended, and agree to inderdict the Consul and Vice Consuls from all Traffic or Commerce for their own or anothers benefit. This will oblige Congress to pay large Sallarys to those officers, and I think it will not be Very easy to get proper persons to fill the departments, without a Considerable additional Expence to the public—and if it is thought improper to permit Consuls engaging in Commerce, it wou’d I apprehend be better to prohibit them by Instructions, than for Congress to tye themselves down by a Convention, from which they will not be at liberty to recede without the Consent of the Court of France, even if they shou’d wish to alter this article of the Convention. This is all that has ocurrd on the subject which is quite new to me, for tho’ the Resolution pass’d in January last, I did not hear of it untill my arrival from Holland. Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Oswald are here, and are said to be negociating, but it is generaly thought no peace can take place untill the Campaign in America is Closed.
The Marquis de la Fayette cannot now say when he will return, which induces me to think there is no great probability of any very active operations taking place there. I deliver’d your letter to Mr. Jay, who said you had not mention’d the receipt of any from him, tho’ he had written several to you. The packets which you and Mr. Dumas gave me for Mr. Livingston, with one for Mrs. Adams I sent to L’orient to be forwarded by the ship Alexander to Boston.

I beg You will beleive me to be with the greatest sincerity and Esteem Dear Sir Your Most Obed. & Most Huml Serv.
Thos Barclay

My best wishes wait on all the gentlemen of your family.


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 5 September 1782
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

Brussels. September 5th. 1782
Sir

I have receivd Your Excellencys Letter of the 30th Ult., together with three Papers inclosed therewith. The last shall be sent as directed, and I trust they will give full Satisfaction. I informed your Excellency in my last, that Mr L. Proposed to return to America by the way of England, having Sollicitd a Passport for that purpose, which has been granted at the request of Lord Cornwallis. I since hear, that It is likely He will make Paris in his way—I wish He could be prevailed on to Stay in that City—the Commissions Shall meet Him there.
I daily expect to hear from my Confidential Mr. R. the news stirring in the great Capital. He will write freely and fully to me until then I Know not whether Oswald stil Continues there, Vaughan surely can be only depated to dine at Passy. He ought not to be suffered to open his Mouth but to put therein a little piece of A la Mode Beef.
It is said there has been a duel between Major Jackson and Commodore Gillon, wherein the former was wounded.
Should a Congress be held under the Powers given by Shelburne it will be the most numerous, that the World ever Saw, for what Prince or State in the four Quarters of the World is not interested in the future Peace. But all those who are not named therein, (is the King of Spain named?) must fight their way for Admission, if England should judge they are not interested Parties. I am astonished, that some who are deeply Concerned in this business, do not see how they are affronted. General Washington was not to be insulted thus by an et Cetera Address to a letter. He scorned to Open it and taught the then English Ministers better Manners; It is strange, that the Noble Conduct of our Great General does not occur to the minds of every One and that they do not Act Accordingly.
No, No Sir it is not for me to go to England in the present State of Affairs, My Duty and my Honour forbids such a Step.
The Manner which your Countrymen have of driving on through thick and through Thin and not minding little Obstructions to get to Market, is worth Attention, but what if they should stop a Moment to get rid of the Old or dead beasts and even delay their Journey a little while, to flog a vicious One who Kicks and gores, would they not thereby facilitate their Way and get sooner to their Journeys End. However your Countrymen I see will go on Stubbornly in their own, Old-Way—and may they come to a good Market at last.
Deane is at Spa, much admired by the English as a Shrewed Man.
Is there not, Sir, something Ominous in the loss of the Royal George?, they no sooner attempt to clean her foul bottom but she oversets. What a Number of whores sunk with Her!

I have the Honour of Being Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Edm: Jenings


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 5 September 1782
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam the 5 7br 1782
Sir

Honoured with your Excellency’s Confidence, we think it our duty to inform you in our privy, that a motion is made to dispose our Regency, to subscribe for account of our City, a certain Sum at the Loan whch. is proposed to be made for the States of Maryland; whch. if succeeding, Should prove a mark of confidence, proper to encourage particular Subscriptions, whch. the Continental Loan doth not enjoy.
We bring this to your Excellency’s knowledge, in order to consider, whether you Judge, any instruction necessary on this head, as our Zealous application for the Concerns of Congress, would not suffer the least neglect in its regard, nor on the otherhand be come in any way disobliging to that of the States of Maryland.

We are told your Excellency intends to make one time or other a turn hither when we Shall be glad to be informed of it.

We have the honour to remain with respectfull regard. Sir Your Excellency’s most Obedient & Humble Servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 6 September 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

The Hague Septr. 6th. 1782
Sir

In your Letter of 5th. March, You ask “whether this Power has entered into any Treaty with France since the War, and whether any such thing is in Contemplation?” They have made no Treaty; but a Convention concerning Re-captures, which You must have seen in the Papers. The East India Company have concerted Operations with France in the East Indies; and the Prince, by the Resolution of the States, has concerted Operations in these European Seas for this Campaign, and the City of Amsterdam has lately proposed in the States of Holland, to renew the Concert for next Year, and to revive an old Treaty of Commerce with France. In my Letter of the 18th. August, I have sent You a Copy of the Instructions to their Ministers for Peace, “not to make Peace, Truce or Armistice, but with the simultaneous Concurrence of all the belligerent Powers,” among whom the United States of America are certainly one in the Sense and Meaning of their High Mightinesses.
You observe, Sir, “that France is interested with Us, in procuring a public Acknowledgment of our Independence.” You desire me to write freely and my own Disposition inclines me to do so. This is a delicate Subject, and requires to be cautiously handled. Political Jealousy is very different from a suspicious Temper. We should contemplate the Vices naturally allied to the greatest Virtues. We should consider the Fevers that lie near an high state of Health. We should consider the Maxim that is laid down by all the political Writers in the World, and the Fact that is found in all Histories, “that in Cases of Alliance between unequal Powers, almost all the Advantages ever did and ever will accrue to the greatest.” We should observe in the Abby Raynal’s History of this Revolution, that there is a Party in France that blame the Ministry for putting themselves into the Chains “Fers” of Congress, and for not keeping Us dependent enough upon them. Is it not natural for them to wish to keep Us dependent upon them, that We might be obliged to accept such Terms of Peace, as they should think would do for Us? If the House of Bourbon should be suspected by any neutral Power to grow too fast in Wealth and Force, and be disposed to form a League against it, is it not natural for it to wish, that We may be kept from any Connections with such Powers, and wholely connected with it, so as to be obliged to engage with it in all its Wars. It is impossible for me to prove, that the delay of Spain to acknowledge our Independence has been concerted between the French and Spanish Ministry: but I candidly ask any Man, who has attended to the Circumstances of this War, if he has not seen Cause to suspect it? For my own part I have no doubt of it, and I don’t know that We can justly censure it. I have ten thousand Reasons which convince me, that one Minister at least has not wished that We should form Connections with Holland, even so soon as We did, or with any Power, altho’ he had no right, and therefore would not appear openly to oppose it. When I took Leave of that Minister to return to America in the Spring of 1779, he desired me expressly to advise Congress to attend to the Affairs of the War, and leave the Politicks of Europe to them, “et laisser la politique à nous.” In 1777 or 1778, when Mr. Lee and I proposed to Dr. Franklin to go to Holland, or consent that one of Us should go, the Doctor would not, but wrote to that Minister, upon it, and recd. an Answer, which he shew me, advising against it: and when I recd. my Letter of Credence here, the Minister here, who follows the Instructions communicated by that Minister, took all possible Pains to persuade me against communicating it; and Dr. Franklin, without Reserve in Word and Writing, has constantly declared, that Congress were wrong in sending a Minister to Berlin, Vienna, Tuscany, Spain, Holland and Petersbourg, and Dr. F. is as good an Index of that Minister’s Sentiments, as I know.
Now I avow myself of a totally opposite System, and think our indispensible Duty, as it is our undoubted Right, to send Ministers to other Courts, and endeavour to extend our Acquaintance, Commerce and political Connections with all the World, and have pursued this System, which I took to be also the Wish of Congress and the Sense of America, with Patience and Perseverance, against all Dangers, Reproaches, Misrepresentations and Oppositions, until, I thank God, he has enabled me to plant the Standard of the United States at the Hague, where it will wave forever. I am now satisfied, and dread nothing. The Connection with Holland is a sure Stay. Connected with Holland and the House of Bourbon, We have nothing to fear. I have entered into this detail, in Answer to your Enquiry, and the only use of it I would wish to make is this—to insist upon seeing with our own Eyes, using our own Judgment, and acting an independent part; and it is of the last Importance We should do it now thus early, otherwise We should find it very difficult to do it hereafter. I hope I have given You my Sentiments, as You desired, with Freedom, and that Freedom I hope will give no offence either in America or France, for certainly none is intended.
In your favor of 22d of May, You direct me to draw upon Dr. Franklin for my Salary, and to send my Accounts to You. My Accounts, Sir, are very short, and shall be sent as soon as the perplexity of the Treaty is over. As to drawing on Dr. Franklin, I suppose this was upon Supposition, that We had no money here. There is now near a Million and an half of Florins, so that I beg I may be permitted to receive my Salary here.
I have transmitted to Mr. Dana your Dispatches, as desired in your’s of 29th. May, reserving an Extract for publication in the Gazettes, which the French Ambassador is of opinion, as well as others, will have a great Effect in Europe. Your Letter is extreamly well written, and Mr. Dumas has well translated it, so that it will appear to Advantage.
Your’s of the 30th. May affords me the pleasure of knowing, that You have recd. some Letters from me this Year, and am glad You inclined to lay that of 21st. February before Congress. By this time I hope that all Objections are removed to the Memorial, but in order to judge of the full effect of that Memorial, three Volumes of the Politique Hollondais, several Volumes of De Post Van Neder Rhin, all the Dutch Gazettes for a whole Year, and the Petitions of all the Cities should be read, for there is not one of them but what clearly shews the Propriety of presenting that Memorial, whose influence and effect, tho’ not sudden, has been amazingly extensive. Indeed the French Ambassador has often signified to me lately, and more than once in express words, “Monsieur, votre fermeté a fait un très bon effet ici.”
The Cypher was not put up in this Duplicate; and I suppose the original is gone on to Mr. Dana in a Letter I transmitted him from You some time ago, so that I should be obliged to You for another of the same part.
Rodney’s Victory came, as You hoped it would, too late to obstruct me. I was well settled at the Hague, and publickly recieved by the States and Prince before We recieved that melancholy News. If it had arrived sometime sooner, it might have deranged all our Systems, and this Nation possibly might have been now seperately at Peace; which shews the Importance of watching the Time and Tide, which there is in the Affairs of Men.
You require, Sir, to be furnished with the most minute detail of every step, that Britain may take towards a Negotation for a general or partial Peace. All the details towards a partial Peace are already publick in the Newspapers, and have all been ineffectual. The States General are firm against it, as appears by their Instructions to their Ministers. Since the Conversations between me and Diggs first, and Mr. Laurens afterwards, there has been never any Message, directly or indirectly, by Word or writing, from the British Ministry to me. It was my decided Advice, and earnest Request by both that all Messages might be sent to Paris to Dr. Franklin and the Comte de Vergennes, and this has been done. Dr. Franklin wrote me, that he should keep me informed of every thing that passed by Expresses, but I have had no Advice from him since the second of June. Your Dispatches have all gone the same way, and I have never had an Hint of any of them. I hope that Dr. Franklin and Mr. Jay have had positive Instructions to consent to no Truce or Armistice; and to enter into no Conferences with any British Minister, who is not authorised to treat with the United States of America.
Some Weeks ago, I agreed with the Duke de la Vauguyon to draw up a Project of a Memorial to their High Mightinesses, proposing a triple or quadruple Alliance, according to my Instruction to that purpose. The Duke, in his private Capacity, has declared to me often, that he is of opinion, that it would be adviseable to make this Proposition, as soon as the Treaty of Commerce is signed; but could not give me any ministerial Advice, without consulting the Comte de Vergennes. We agreed, that he should transmit the Project to the Comte. Two days ago the Duke called upon me, and informed me, that he had the Comte’s Answer, which was, that he did not think this the time, because it would tend to throw Obscurity upon the Instructions lately given by the States General to Mr. Brantzen, not to make any Treaty or Armistice, but simultaneously with all the belligerent Powers.
By the 10th. Article of the Treaty of Alliance, the Invitation or Admission is to be made by Concert. From my Instructions I supposed, and suppose still, that the Concert was made at Philadelphia between Congress and the Chevalier de la Luzerne, by the order of the King his Master: and my Instruction being positive and unconditional to make the Proposition, I shall be somewhat embarrased. On the one hand, I would preserve not only a real Harmony, but the Appearance of it, betwean all Steps of mine and the Councils of the French Ministers. On the other, I would obey my Instructions, especially when they are so fully agreable to me, at all Events. The Proposition would have a good Effect in England, in Holland, in France, America, and in all the Neutral Countries, as I think, and it could do no harm that I can foresee. Nay further, I am persuaded, that the French Ministry themselves, if they were to give me their private Opinions, as the Duke de la Vauguyon does, would be glad if I should make the Proposition against their Advice. It is possible however, that they may secretly chuse (notwithstanding the Offer made at Philadelphia) not to be bound in an Alliance with America and Holland. They may think they shall have more Influence with their Hands unbound, even to a System that they approve and mean to pursue. It is amidst all these doublings and windings of European Politicks, that American Ministers have to decide and act. The Result is clear in my Mind, that altho’ it is proper to be upon good Terms, and be communicative and confidential with the French Ministers, yet We ought to have Opinions, Principles and Systems of our own, and that our Ministers should not be bound to follow their Advice, but when it is consonant to our own; and that Congress should firmly support their own Ministers against all secret Insinuations. They must see that a Minister of their’s who is determined, as he is bound in honor to be free and independent, is not in a very delectable or enviable Situation in Europe, as yet.
There is but one Alternative. Either Congress should recall all their Ministers from Europe, and leave all Negotiations to the French Ministry, or they must support their ministers against all Insinuations. If Congress will see with their own Eyes, I can assure them, without fear of being contradicted, that neither the Colour, Figure or magnitude of Objects, will always appear to them exactly as they do to their Allies. To send Ministers to Europe, who are supposed by the People of America to see for themselves, while in effect they see or pretend to see nothing but what appears thro’ the Glass of a French Minister, is to betray the just Expectations of that People.

I have the honor to be, Sir, with great Consideration and Esteem your most obedient & most humble Servant.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 6 September 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, James

The Hague Septr. 6th.1782
Dear Sir

I thank You for the Papers and your Card of 22d July. The Letters inclosed I shall send along. My Friends have all become as tender of me as You are; and to save me trouble send me no Letters: so I know nothing about You. I hope You have not been all sick as I have. I hope You have not all quite so much Business as I have to do; at least I hope it is to better effect, and to more profit, both public and private.
To negotiate a Loan of Money, to sign the obligations for it, to make a thousand Visits, some idle, some not idle, all necessary—to write Treaties in English, and be obliged to have them translated into French and Dutch, and to reason and discuss every Article to— to— to— to— to— &ca &ca. &ca. is too much for my Patience and Strength.
My Correspondence with Congress and their Ministers in Europe is a great deal of work. In short I am weary, and nobody pities me. Nobody seems to know any thing about me. Nobody knows that I do any thing or have any thing to do.
One thing, thank God, is certain. I have planted the American Standard at the Hague. There let it wave and fly! in Triumph over Sir Joseph York and British Pride. I shall look down upon the Flagg Staff with pleasure from the other World.
Not the Declaration of American Independence—not the Massachusetts Constitution—not the Alliance with France, ever gave me more Satisfaction or more pleasing Prospects for our Country than this Event. It is a Pledge against Friends and Enemies. It is an eternal Barrier against all Dangers from the House of Bourbon, as well as a present Security against England. Perhaps every Imagination dont rove into futurity, as much as mine, nor care so much about it.

My best Respects to Mrs. Warren and the Family, and believe me your Friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 6 September 1782
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

St: Petersbourg Augt: 26th. 1782 OS 6 September N.S.
My dear Sir

I do not ask you to consider this as a letter to you. I have writen so much for several days that I am absolutely beat out; and my health besides begins to fail me. A most constant head ach hangs upon me, and almost stupifies me: Consider this therefore only as a cover of the enclosed letters. I shall probably trouble you more frequently in this way than I have ever done; but it must be upon the express condition that you will assure me in your next without fail, that you will minute the postage to my account: otherwise I must send my letters into other hands which I wou’d not wish to do. The one mark’d Triplicate is a Copy of that of which you have already by the post of last Friday received the original and duplicate. You will pay an attention to this and let all three be sent by different vessels. Another parcel you will receive thro’ other hands by this post are originals. Adieu my dear Sir, I hope you are happier at the Hotel des Etats Unis than I am here, about to be left by your Son the only Countryman I have here, and to add to this, by a faithful domestic who will not weather out with me another of these frightful midnight Winters. Do say I had better quit the stage and return to America, since I am no longer at liberty to pursue the plan you and I think the best, as well as most consonant to the honour and dignity of the United States even tho’ it shou’d not succede. Depend upon it nothing can or will be done here till our Independance is acknowledge by England, under such a line as is chalked out to me. My Friend, may piddling politicks never disgrace our Councils. But this system is the offspring of you know what. Adieu once more I am sick at heart.

FRA DANA


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 7 September 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Septr. 7. 1782

Sir

I have recd, your Letter with other Slips for which I thank you and another Since.
I take constantly the Morning Post, Morning Chronicle London Courant and have taken the Evening Post, but Shall change it Soon for the General Advertiser. The Couriers de L’Europe and du Bas Rhin, the French Gazettes of Hague Leyden and Amsterdam and all the Dutch Gazettes. Is this to be a News Monger? I take em to send to a far Country.
If the Loss of the Royal George is ominous, the Thing typyfied will Sink with it a great many more Prostitutes. It twinges however upon ones Nerves to joke upon so dismal a Catastrophe.
You are welcome to explain to our Friend any Thing you please. I hope to see him here again, at least I shall hear from him on his Way to Calais. I have lately two Letters from him in answer to two of mine.
It is Said in one of the Papers that Mr Franklin is sick have you heard any Thing of it?
It is not wonderful that the English find the Gentn at Spa Shrewd—dont they find him patriotic and honest too? dont they find him Sagacious in foreseeing so clearly, that Holland would never acknowledge American Independance—dont they find him exact in affirming that the Dutch had told Mr Adams, that they were interested against it? They find him profound no doubt in discovering that the northern Powers, would be rivalled in their Trade by America independant more than by America subject to G. Britain. They find him refined no doubt in representing our Country is ruined—and Sublime as well as pathetic, in his dolourous Lamentations over fallen England. They find an unusual Dignity in the Conduct of a Man, who signs a Treaty with France whose direct End is American Independence, and then advices to give it up. To be sure all these Things are shrewd—and many more. A flippant Tongue and a fluent Pen, are enough to obtain the Character of Shrewd, without any Judgment in the Head or Solidity in the Heart. To be Sure a greater Chaos of Cruelities Absurdities and Inconsistences, were never put together in tollerably smooth Language than appears in his Letters.


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 7 September 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

The Hague. Sepr. 7th 1782
Sir

In answer to your letters demanding my Accots. I have the honor to enclose the three Numbers: 1. 2. 3.
No. 1 is an Account of my Salary for two years and an half, and the payment of it by Dr: Franklin, in obedience to the orders of Congress, the whole amounting to £6250. sterling.
No. 2 is the account for the purchase of the Hotel des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique, wh. amounts to 15207. florins, seven stivers, and eight Duits: Over against it, I have given Credit for the Cash I recd. fm. Messrs: de Neufvilles’ loan: six thousand, six hundred and fifty florins. I have also given Credit for 12,428. french livres and five Sols, wh. I recd. of Mr. Lagoanere in Spain. I have been informed it was the intention of Congress that the Expences of their Ministers, to the places of their Destination, shd. be borne in addition to their Salaries. The Expences, made by the Continental Navy-Board, for the accommodations of the voyage, were no doubt intended to be so, for wh: reason I have taken no notice of them in my Accots: either of the first or second voyage. But whether the expences of our horrid journey thro’ Spain, comes within the intention of Congress or not I cant tell. It was our misfortune to be cast in a leaky Ship, upon the Spanish Coast and to make a very distressing and very expensive journey by land to Paris, but whether it is the design of Congress to allow us this expence or not, I know not, and very chearfully submit to their decision. If they shd. allow it, they will erase it fm. this account No: 2. But in that Case they shd. erase another Article fm. No. 3.

No: 3. That article is the first—400 Dollars stolen out of my Chest at Dr: Franklin’s.
After I recd. my Commission fm. Congress to borrow money in Holland, Mr: Thaxter was obliged to come to assist me; but, as it was not certain that I shd. stay in Holland, it was not proper to remove my baggage fm. Paris: Accordingly I wrote to Dr: Franklin, requesting him to give house-room to my Chests, wh: he was kind eno: to agree to. They were all accordingly carried there: but while there, some thief broke out the bottom of one of my Chests and carried off four hundred Dollars, wh: I cod. never hear of. Mr: Dana and Mr: Thaxter knew the Dollars were there and Dr. Franklin knows they were stolen; and as this misfortune happened fm. my having two Commissions that called my attention different ways, and fm. no fault of mine, I think it is but reasonable I shd. be allowed it, provided Congress should charge me with the whole sum of money recd. of Mr: Lagoanere. If they shd. allow me that Sum, I dont desire to be allowed this 400. Dollars.
The 2d. Article in No. 3 is my journey to Paris. As this was an additional and double expence, arising necessarily fm. my having two Departments—one for Peace and the other for Holland, and, as it was an heavy expence, I submit to Congress the propriety of allowing it.
The other Articles in No. 3 are deductions fm. my salary: wh: Dr. Franklin wrote me, ought to be allowed me, by Congress; but he did not think himself authorised to pay me any more than my net Salary—so that all charges must fall upon me: Whereas I apprehend the intention of Congress was, that the net Salary shd. be paid me, and all necessary charges attending the payment of it, to be borne by the Public—I submit it however to their decision.
The other Articles of House-Rent, Stationary, Salaries of Clerks, Postage of letters, and Extra: Entertainments are articles, wh. Dr: Franklin wrote me he had charged to Congress, and since told me, that Mr. Jay was of the same opinion with him and me, that they ought to be. I have not sent any particular acco’t: of these things, and shall not untill I know the determination of Congress, because it is extremely difficult for me, to make up an acco’t: of them. My life has been such a wandering Pilgrimage, that I have not been able to keep any distinct acco’t: of them. They are scattered abt: in a thousand of receipts with other things, wh: will require more time to bring together, than I will spend upon it, untill I know the pleasure of Congress. My House-rent has, upon an average, cost me more than £150. a year sterlg—altho’ mostly I have lived in furnished lodgings. I have had but one Clerk, Mr: Thaxter, to whom I hope Congress will make some Compensation for his faithfull and industrious services in addition to what I have paid him, wh. has been only £100 sterling a year. If Congress allows this to me, it may be easily added to the Acco’t: by them.
The purchase of the House is a very good Bargain. If Congress choose to pay the House-Rent of their Ministers, it will be cheaper here than any where, by reason of this purchase: If not their Minister here may pay the Interest of the Purchase-money, for rent, to Congress, as well as to another. And, in that Case, he will live at a cheaper rate than any other Minister. I have been at a small additional expence for Repairs wh: have put the house in order, but as the Acco’ts: are not yet bro’t in, I cannot exactly say the sum. When they come in I shall draw upon the Messrs: Willinks; Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, for the money, unless I shd. have contrary orders fm. Congress.
I have ever made a large Expence for Newspapers, for the Sake of Public Intelligence, and have sent them as often as I could and in great numbers, to America. As I ever have, I ever shall send them all there, and, if Congress thinks this a proper charge to the Public, it may be added hereafter.

I have the honor to be, Sir, with very great Respect and Esteem Your humb: Servt.
John Adams

Extraordinary Entertainments I suppose mean Such as are ordered. I have none to charge.


Title: Enclosure: Account of John Adams’ Salary, 1779–1782
From: Adams, John
To: Continental Congress

No: 1.

Account stated to be transmitted to Congress, in answer to Secretary Livingston’s Letter of 22d. May 1782.
The United States to John Adams.

Dr:

To two Years & an half’s Salary, commencing, the 13th. November. 1779. & ending the 13th. May. 1782—p 2500 £. pr: Ann:
£6250—

Cr:

By Cash &c: recd. of the United-States, from the House of Mr: Ferdinando Grand, at Paris, and the House of Fizeau, Grand & Co: at Amsterdam
£6250—


Title: Enclosure: Account for Purchase of House in Amsterdam, 7 September 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Continental Congress

No: 2.

Further Acco’t: stated to be transmitted to Congress, in answer to Secretary Livingston’s Letter of 22d May. 1782.
The United States to John Adams

Dr:

To an House on the Flewelle Burgwal, at the Hague: The Deed taken in the name of the United-States of America, according to Mr: Dumas’s Acco’t: settled . . . fifteen thousand, two hundred & seven Florins, and seven stivers & eight Duits . . . .
f. 15207.
 7.
8.

Cr.

By Cash recd. of Mr: Michael Lagoanere, at Ferrol; twelve thousand, four hundred, & twenty eight french Livres & five Sols . . .

By ditto, recd. of the Loan, open’d with Messrs: John de Neufville & Son; three thousand florins that I recd: myself, for three obligations; & four thousand that Messrs: de Neufvilles recd. wh: they paid me, after having deducted the Interest they had paid upon seven Obligations for one year: fm. f7000. dedt: Interest f 350
is f6650
 —


Title: Enclosure: Account for John Adams’ Sundry Expenses, 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Continental Congress

No: 3.

The United States to John Adams

Dr:

 To four hundred Dollars, stolen out of my Chest at Dr: Franklin’s at Passy. The bottom of the Box was broke out & the money taken away. . . .

1781.July
 To Expences of a Journey fm. Amsterdam to Paris began the 2d. July & returned to Amsterdam the 27th. Went thro’ Utrecht, Gorcum, Breda, Antwerp, Brussells, Valenciennes &c. The whole expense of Coach & Horse-hire, Expenses on the Road, and at Paris—amo:
livrs. 3345.
 —

As I was obliged to take this journey, by my Commissn: for Peace, & the Expences of my family at Amsterdam could not be prevented fm. running on at the same time, the matter is submitted for an allowance.

Augst:15th.
To Articles in Mr: Grand’s a/c—30th. April. 1781. Commissr: at Amsterdam on Livrs: 37348 p ½. pr.Ct.
186.
14.
9

 Courtage
46.
 13.
 9

 Postage of Letters
127.
 10
 —

To Articles in Acct: of Augst: 6th: 1781., Augst: 6th. Commissr: at Amsterdam
46.
 10
 —

  Brokerage: 11.12.4. Postage 3
14.
 12.
 4

House-Rent, Stationary, Salaries of Clerks, Postages of Letters & Extraordinary Entertainments—&ca.


Title: Enclosure: Account for C. W. F. Dumas’ Expenses, 1782
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Continental Congress

 Cr:
Les Etats-Unis de l’Amerique à C. W. F. Dumas

Doivent

1782.

Fevr.
 Payè ou Procureur Huygens, selon les conventions, de l’Achat de l’Hôtel, son compte de
f
 185.
 11.
 —

Au Domestique de Mad. de Wickrad, come temoin
"
 1.
 —

Mars. 1.
 Payè à Mad. de Wickrad, selon le Contrat de Vente
"
 8000.
 —

" 2.
 à un Chrocheteur, pour porter de l’argent, m’attendu & messages divers
"
 1.
 16.
 —

"
 Pour un Fourneau de fer. & appartanances
"
 30.
 —

May. 1.
 Payè à Mad. de Wickrad, le restant des derniers de l’Achat
"
 6052.
 10.
 —

"
 Pour Lots & Ventes, payè à la Secretairie de la Ville, selon le compte quittancè du Notaire Favor
"
 782.
 15.
 8.

"
 Pour le droit de Vouinage, payè par le dit
"
 17.
 —
 —

"
 Pour Salaire et autres debours des dit
"
 31.
 10.
 —

"
 Au Valet de Ville, qui doit apporter le transport en forme
"
 5.
 5.
 —

"
 A Titre de Comission, on Douceur, pour dédodomagement allouè par S. E. Mons. Adams, au Sr: Dumas, du loyer de Chambres, qu’il doit payer pour un an sans plus
"
 100.
 —

flor:
 15207.
 7.
 8.

Juin
 Remis pour solde à Son Excele: Mons. Adams, par le Sr: Dumas
"
 845.
 2.
 8

flor:
 16052.
 10
 —

Avoir

1782.

Fevr.
 Ma Traite sur Son Ex. Mons. Adams, Min: Plenipo: des Etats-Unis, payèe, de
flo:
 10000.
 —

Avril
 De même de
"
 6052.
 10
 —

flor:
 16052.
 10
 —

Ainsi reglè & soldè signè à double, le. 17t. Juin. 1782.


Title: To John Adams from William Gordon, 7 September 1782
From: Gordon, William
To: Adams, John

Jamaica Plain Septr 7. 1782

Last evening I heard that a vessel was arrived from Amsterdam. Was up early and went to Boston in the morning after letters, could meet with none, and returned home to dinner. Between four and five Deacon Mason called and brought me one from . My good old Friend, who I began to fear from his long silence, had nearly forgotten me, through the multitude of more capital European figures occasioning a diversion. I was in a tolerable flow of spirits, being mercifully favored by Heaven with a comfortable share of health, but the receipt of it made a considerable addition; and being informed that Jerry Allen was going to France and so to Holland, as soon as the wind admitted, I concluded upon seizing the opportunity for making a quick return, and upon being as communicative to You as You have been to me.
I was rejoiced to have it confirmed that you was recovered; but after hearing how ill you was and wanting that confirmation for a long time, I quieted my own misgivings and endeavoured doing the like as to others by arguing, from the silence of the New York papers that you was not dead, and that it would have been known and published had it been so.
I can easily conceive that You was loaded as an Atlas with a mountain of cares, and I am glad they have not reduced you to atoms.
“Don’t you think that the Dutchmen have behaved bravely at last?” Yes I do, and it was what I foretold to Genl Gates, when he asked me in a letter for an opinion concerning the future conduct of them after the taking of ’Statia. In a letter from him of the 13 ulto he credits me for it in the following words—“You are a true prophet in regard to our friends the Dutch, it is their weight in the scale has brought G Britain to reason.” The Genl adds “pray do you think Old England in this period of luxury corruption and extravagance, capable of the reformation the new ministers dream of establishing, for my part I think it is as vain, as any battered Rake’s endeavouring to renew his constitution by marrying a blooming young Virgin of half his age.” It is not far from seven, the sun has been below the horizon a good while, I must get a candle therefore and then proceed to relate what he saith further.
Writing by candle light does not suit me. However I will do my best. To go on. “This is the moment for France to treat, if she delays until this ministry have fixed their interest in England, and gain’d Ireland to their support all may be lost. It is our revolt, that Ireland is indebted to for her emancipation, but there is no gratitude in nations and You, and I, well know, how little there is even between man and man.” The Genl was at Philada, and had addressed their High Mightinesses upon his situation, who appointed a committee consisting of A Lee, Govr Rutledge and Genl Cornell to examine and report. Genl Lincoln by the last post informed me that Congress had recalled their resolve for a court of enquiry &c and that he expected Genl Gates would be soon in command again. We’ll leave Gates and return. The naval battle might well raise the courage of the Dutch, for it was fought as in days of yore. I waited with eager expectation for their acknowledgement, as I concluded that they would not make it, till they knew they should not offend by it either Austria Prussia or Russia. No wonder it was with the utmost good will, as it served both to gratify revenge and promote their interest. They will now recover the trade, amazingly improved, from which they were cut off by the navigation act.
I know neither the writer nor the character of the History, not having read a single number, but happening to look into one, it appeared to me to be a lame alias a defective performance. Take it to be intended mainly for the good of the bookseller.
Sharpers and Dupes we have had more than a quantum sufficit. That physical phrase reminds me, that I had the pleasure of Dr Waterhouse’s company a few weeks back, when your Excellency was in part the subject of conversation. The Dr is at Newport. Believes he designs to get a birth in Boston: Was to see your Lady, who was so enamoured with him, I suppose because he could tell a great deal about you which was pleasing, that he could not get away so soon as he intended.
I have always thought and said, that You knew the cast of the British better than almost any American besides; and when I have read extracts concerning them I have pronounced them to be out of your letters, before the opportunity offered for having it ascertained. It was ever a great relief to my mind that You was in Holland and with powers; but could not have conceived without the hints, that such folly weakness or wickedness had existed as to think of any thing short of an explicit treaty with us as sovereign States. I congratulate my country, America is meant, upon a persons being employed who would not be tramalled but was determined to follow his own judgment in the most independent manner. I abhor the idea of being in leading strings, or pin-ing our faith upon other sleaves. I have long suspected that the French wished to exclude us from the fishery. I mentioned my suspicion to Mr Dana before he left America. I was confirmed in it upon observing in their Memorial the mention of an equal division of the fishery between G B and France, without a tittle in behalf of poor America. I have repeatedly observed to friends in G B, that it would be the interest of Britain to let the Americans have as much of the fishery as they can grasp, for without it the New Englanders will not have wherewith to purchase from them, and that twenty thousand American sailors will not endanger them, but twenty thousand added to the French will be a formidable force. Our common friend who has been in England and at Paris and is now at Philadelphia has thought with me that it was meant to exclude us from the fishery, and then adds without it Independence will be only a name.
I apprehend that bloody scenes in America are at an end; and can’t but promise myself that we shall have a good and honorable peace by spring. But take care of the fishery, that the limits of Canada are reduced to what they were by the claims of G B before it was conquered and that Nova Scotia reaches no further than the river St Croix. Can’t France be brought to insist upon the last, that they may have an opportunity of getting masts the same as the British; and can’t the British be easily persuaded by having it made plain to them that they will buy the masts cheaper than if they had to pay surveyors &c, and that the masts being private property would not be destroyed as under former ir-regulations.
I would have America enter into no particular distinguishing monopolizing treaties, but be an open market for all the powers of the world, that so she may have the best of every thing upon the easiest terms.
I would have her remain a collection of Republics, and not become an Empire, for then freedom will languish and die. When an individual or a Congress can command at pleasure her whole force, and make her an offensive power, she may be more formidable but she will be less free. When necessity prescribes, a union will take place between the distinct republics in order to security, and she will be sufficiently defensive. Peace being once settled upon equitable principles, America has nothing to do with wars. Let Europeans who have not an extensive country fight and destroy. America should be separated from their quarrels; and by multiplying people fill the back country for ages to come.
If America becomes an Empire, the seat of government will be to the southward, and the Northern States be insignificant provinces. Empire will suit the southern gentry! They are habituated to despotism by being the sovereigns of slaves: and it is only accident and interest that has made the body of them the temporary sons of liberty.

The New Englanders should be resolute in retaining the Sovereignty of the several States, and should look out in time against all distant encroachments.
The Bank is at Philadelphia, the Congress is at Philadelphia, the latter may be removed after a while to New York as more healthy and convenient, in the summer season especially. Dock Yards, Arsenals &c should be at Boston. I design to hint it to our leading men; and wish you to mention it. Instead of spending money in building a fleet with green timber to perish in a few years after having been a burdensome charge to the Continent; let wet and dry docks be made, timber be cut down hewed to proper sizes, but not finished, be laid in wet docks of salt water to be qualified for long service, masts and every other material be provided. Boston and its neighboring islands will furnish proper situations. It would I apprehend be wisdom in the State to procure docks of their own accord and without applying to Congress. When the docks are got, there will be a powerful plea for using them instead of providing others.
Now for home affairs. This part of the country is greatly afflicted with a drought. At Providence the appearance like January, not a spire of green grass to be seen. The drought is not universal. The western parts have fine crops. The like in Connecticut. The people healthy, but growing older every day.

Monday Sepr 9

I am suspicious that Mr Allen sailed yesterday, the wind being at north west: if not, he can’t be gone today as it hath been east. I have a chance of being in time.
Silver-tongue Sam is the pink of complaisance to the French Admirals, Generals and Officers. You would never have believed him to have been the author of a Sermon upon the Conquest of Canada, and the preacher of such contents: but tempora mutantur. The French are the most disinterested people in the world. They are every thing, but Protestants: and their being otherwise is a matter of no great importance.
The Govr has purchased upon the Plain two doors beyond me. For my life I can’t help recollecting frequently, High life below stairs—and Low life above stairs. Do make haste and procure us a good peace. Return with the olive branch and take the chair, that we may appear to some advantage in the eyes of men of sense and of sensible foreigners.
Judge Sullivan has quitted the bench, and is one of the Govrs supporters: but some believe that he means when he can to be himself at the head of the executive. He is baiting poor Temple, as tho’ he was a British Spy. Congress began the cry in a letter to the Govr which does them no credit. If you believe Temple to be no enemy but the friend of America, I wish you would by a line or two upon the subject to some trusty friend who would not be afraid to shew it, put an end to this un-civil persecution. The people of this country who have not travelled, and are unacquainted with European characters and manners, think that they can carry any points there the same as here, and therefore censure their Agents unless all is obtained that they want. Upon this principle You must look well to your doings, or you will come in for a share of abuse.
Your namesake and his Excy speak oftener to one another than formerly, and are outwardly more friendly, but—.
I have not seen Braintree a long while; but went the last October across the country to Travellers rest in Virginia, the seat of our common friend Genl Gates, with whom I spent a fortnight in searching after historical knowledge and truth. Returned by the way of Philadelphia: was a few days at Col Bayards. Saw Rush Mifflin and others, and got home on the second of Jany.
May a speedy peace give me the opportunity of searching into more originals!

You may compliment and say, but I must sincerely declare I have the honour to be Yours

P.S. I think after that is rather a supernumerary, and yet in vogue.

Septr 19

Guard what you write to Dr —— for he is Franklified and Frenchified—too many in the Congress are the latter, and if my information is true the French Chevalier has more of a casting vote in the determination of affairs than the representatives of a sovereign independent State should compliment a king with.


Title: To John Adams from Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 7 September 1782
From: Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 7 Septr. 1782
Sir

We take the liberty to inform your Excellency that about a Month ago, when Mr. Ridly, agent of the State of Maryland was here, we agreed with Said Gentleman, in virtue of his Powers and Commissions, which were certified by your Excellency, to open a Loan of Six hundred thousand Guilders, in behalf of the Said State for ten Years and at 5 pco. Interest, which shall be paid out of the Amount of 1000 hogsheads Tobacco, which we contracted with him in his aforesaid Quality. We looked upon this business as being very beneficial to the trade of this City, and the Inhabitants, and made there fore an application to the Magistrates, that they might take a share in the Loan for account of the City. We have also the Satisfaction, that our demand in all probability will be consented to. But some of the Magistrates tho’ inclined to favour us, wish to know, before they give their Consent to it, whether this Act would be agreeable to your Excellency in your Quality as Minister Plenipotentiary. Since this favour is not granted to the general Loan, as it could not be requested nor granted, Since the Magistrate have no liberty to lay out Money of the public merely upon Credit, and without a strong motive of Interest for the benefit of the Citizens. And it would have been imprudent to make such an application, without hopes of succeeding.
We don’t doubt Sir, but you’ll see with pleasure the promotion of the connexions with America, and of this Loan, since it is the Intention to lay out that Money in such commodities as are wanting for the Troops of said state, and by those means to the benefit of the public and general Cause. It is also our opinion that this Loan, being of no great importance, will rather do good to the general Loan, which goes on tolerably well, and for which we hope to engage in a month time the third million.
We there fore beg your Excellency, that you’ll be so kind, as to give us an Answer upon this as soon as possible, in order to show it to the Commissioners of the Magistrate, who are appointed for this business, by which you’ll greatly oblige us.
We duly received both your favours of 28 past, and paid the different Accounts amounting together to f61.11— for which your particular Acct. is debted. We have also ordered to pay £15.13— Sterl. being the Amount of the two bills of Mr. Silas Talbot, to Lieutenant Josiah Haynes in Mill Prison Plymouth. And we’ll send in time the receipt to your Exce. We inclose another account of J. Kortman amounting to f96.3.4 which he delivered to us yesterday. We beg to order us whether we shall pay the same.

We have the honour to be most respectfully, Sir Of your Excellency, the most humble & obedt. Servants
Nics. & Jacob van Staphorst


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 8 September 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)

The Hague september 8. 1782
Gentlemen

I have been informed, that a Motion has been made in the Regency of Amsterdam, that a Sum should be subscribed in Behalf of the City to a Loan which is to be opened for the State of Mary land.
I wish well to the state of Maryland and wish for the Persperity of her Loan: but I am apprehensive that you and I shall be all censured by Congress, if this Motion takes Place and We neglect to apply for the Same Countenance from the City.
I therefore request you to apply privately first and more publickly afterwards, if you judge it proper, to the Regency or some of its Members at least, that if the City thinks proper to encourage this affair, it may begin with the United states.
I really think it would be excellent Policy for the City, to Subscribe a large Sum to the Loan of the United States. They can hire Money, in any Quantity for half the Interest, and there is no Way in which the City of Amsterdam could render So essential a service to their new Allies.
Five Millions of Florins subscribed by Amsterdam to the Loan, would make every American Heart leap for Joy. It would remove all the Difficulties, which now embarrass our Finances. It can scarcely be imagined how much it would aid Us. And it would lay a sure Foundation Of Commerce, between America and your City.
I therefore think, but Submit it at present to your Prudence, that it would be adviseable for you, to petition the Regency to this Effect.
I dont mean to oppose the Views of Mary land nor any other of the Separate States, but I think it will be taken amiss, if any one of the States Should receive a publick Encouragement when all do not.

I have the Honour to be &c with much Esteem and regard &c


Title: From John Adams to Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 10 September 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)

The Hague Septr. 10. 1782
Gentn

I have recd. your Letter of the Seventh of this Month, and after reflecting upon it, I cannot See that the Subject of it will injure, or interfere with the Loan of the United States, and as it will be So beneficial, both to Mary land and Amsterdam, I will make no opposition or Objection to your Request to the Magistrates of that City to take a Share in the Loan of Mary land on Account of the City.

I have the Honour to be, with much Respect and Esteem, Gentn, your most obedient and humble servant.


Title: From John Adams to Adriaan Pieterszoon Loosjes, 11 September 1782
From: Adams, John
To: Loosjes, Adriaan Pieterszoon

The Hage Sept 11. 1782
Sir

The Evening of the Second, I had the Pleasure of receiving from you, a most elegant Present in a Volume intitled “Gedenkzuil ter Gelegenheid der Vry—Verklaaring Van Noord America.” It is indeed “Monumentum aere perennius.” The Connection formed between your Country, Sir and mine is an Event of So much Importance to both Nations, and will have Consequences So extensive in the political System of the World, that it was with peculiar Pleasure, I Saw this Collection of Documents, which relate to it. Such a Collection had before been attempted in English but it was incompleat, as you See by the inclosed.
I lament exceedingly that I am not posessed of enough of the Dutch Language, to judge for myself of your History of this Event, much less of the Merits of the Ode in Celebration of it, but from the imperfect Interpretation of them, which I have been able to obtain, I was much pleased with both.
As you love Poetry and I presume read English, I beg your Acceptance of the Works of Thompson which will gratify your Love of Liberty as well as of Poetry.
I Shall desire the Bookseller to prepare me a few Setts of your Volume to be sent to America and placed in the Libraries of Philadelphia and Boston, as well as those of the Universities of Cambridge New Haven, Prince Town Philadelphia and Williamsburg.

I Should be happy in an opportunity to form a further Acquaintance with you, and to assure you in Person of the Respect and Esteem, of, sir, your most obedient &c


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

The Hague September 12. 1782
Sir

Your Letters express a Desire that I Should endeavour to form an Acquaintance with the Representatives of Crowned Heads, and you Seem to be of opinion that much may be learned from their Conversation. It is very true that Hints may be dropped, Sometimes which deserve to be attended to, and I Shall not fail to avail myself of every oppertunity of learning any Thing from them, that may occur.
But one might recollect, upon this occasion with great Propriety, a Saying of the Chanceller D’oxensteirn. He told his Son, that he intended to Send him as Ambassador, to a Congress for a Pacification. Sir, Says his Son I have never made the Studies necessary to qualify me—never fear Says the Father I will give you all the Instructions which will be necessary.