Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 4 July 1787
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir,
            Office for foreign Affairs 4th: July 1787.

          I have been honored with your Letters of the 10th. 19. & 30 April and 1st: May last. Since the sitting of the Convention a sufficient number of States for the Dispatch of Business have not been represented in Congress, so that it has neither been in my Power officially to communicate your Letters to them, nor to write on several Subjects on which it is proper that Congress should make known their Sentiments to You.
          Your Information of the Attempt to counterfeit the Paper of the Carolinas, and the probable Design of exporting base Pence to this Country is interesting, and shall be made proper Use of.
          The public Attention is turned to the Convention.— Their Proceedings are kept Secret, and it is uncertain how long they will continue to sit.— It is nevertheless probable that the Importance and Variety of Objects that must engage their Attention will detain them longer than many may expect. It is much to be wished that the Result of their Deliberations may place the United States in a better Situation; for if their Measures should either be inadequate or rejected, the Duration of the Union will become problematical. For my own Part I am convinced that a national Government as strong as may be compatible with Liberty is necessary to give us national Security and Respectability.
          Your Book gives us many useful Lessons, for altho’ I cannot subscribe to your Chapter on Congress, yet I consider the Work as a valuable one, and one that will tend greatly to recommend and establish those Principles of Government on which alone the United States can erect any political Structure worth the Trouble of erecting.
          The Western Indians are uneasy and seem inclined to be Hostile— It is not to be wondered at— Injustice is too often done them; and the Aggressors escape with Impunity— In short our Governments both particular and general are either so impotent or so very gently administered as neither to give much Terror to evil Doers, nor much Support, and Encouragement to those who do well.

          I have not answered Colonel Smith’s Letters, but I have not forgotten him, nor will I forget him.
          What Congress will say about your Resignation or your Successor I know not, for that and other Matters in this Department are yet to come under their Consideration. The great Delays which mark their Proceedings on almost every interesting Subject are extremely inconvenient and sometimes injurious.—
          With great and sincere Esteem and Regard, / I am, Dear Sir, / Your affectionate and / Obedient servant,

            John Jay—


Title: To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 6 July 1787
From: Lee, Arthur
To: Adams, John

            New York July 6th. 1787

          I received, my dear Sir, your Republics, & am much honord with the office you assign me. I had before read them & nothing material occurrd to me as amendments. The title is the only thing exceptionable, because it applys to that particular part only which respects M. Turgot. But the work will undoubtedly be of very great service, in directing the consideration of our Countrymen to the defects of our Constitutions in the want of a due balance of three Estates. To form one great National Parlaiment which shall be paramount to the several Legislatures, is certainly one object of conventional deliberation.
          I shall read again your Republics & communicate to you any thing that may occur, worthy your attention My Br. R. H. is expected here to-morrow to take his seat in Congress. He was again sollicited to go into the Convention, but refusd, on this ground that he shoud be better able to advocate what they might recommend, if he had no concern in the framing it. It is certain that popular Assemblies will listen with some degree of jealousy to the advocation of those who have been in Convention, & in those Assemblies the greatest

opposition to any effectual system must arise, because in fact their powers & the abuse of them, are the root of the evil that is to be remedied.
          I give you joy of your Grandson—be so good as to remember me to its Parents & to Mrs. Adams.
          Adieu

            A.L.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 10 July 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

            Dear Sir
            Grosvenor Square July 10, 1787

          I received with great Pleasure your favour of the first.— Your Excursion I dare answer for it, will be advantageous in many respects to our Country.— The Object of mine to Holland was to procure Money, and I had the good fortune to obtain as much as was necessary for the then present Purpose: but it was not in Consequence of any orders from Congress, and therefore I am under Some Apprehension for fear my Loan should not be ratified with so much Promptitude as I wish. If Congress ratify my Loan they will be able to pay the 2000 Guineas to the officers you mention, and to pay the Principal Sum too, if they please.— I have no doubt that Congress might borrow Money in Holland to pay off the Debt to France, if the States would lay on a Duty, to pay the Interest.— If you will venture to draw upon Willinks and Vanstaphorsts, I Suppose you may have the Money to pay the French officers their Interest.— But perhaps you would choose to have a previous Order of Congress or the Board of Treasury.
          I am extreamly Sorry, that you could not come for your Daughter in Person, and that We are obliged to part with her so soon. In my Life I never Saw a more charming Child.— accept of my Thanks, for the Pamphlets and arrets.— Tell Mazzei, he cannot conceive what an Italian I am become—I read nothing else, and if he writes to me it must be in that Language: but he must remember to make his Letters, So plain, that I can see them. in Writing English he is obliged to write So slow that his Characters are visible: but in Italian Such is the Rapidity of his Eloquence, that I must get a solar Microscope, if he is not upon his guard. You too, write Italian, and if you like it, you will oblige me: but I am not yet presumptuous enough to write a Line in any Thing but rugged American. I am, my dear Sir / with perfect Friendship yours

            John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Pinckney, 10 July 1787
From: Pinckney, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Sir.
            Charleston South Carolina 10th: July 1787.

          I embrace the earliest opportunity of acknowledging your Excellency’s favors of the 21st. of April by Mr Miller and the 22nd of the same month by Mr. Heyward which were yesterday handed to me.— The intelligence they contain of attempts to counterfiet our paper Currency in Great Britain will I hope by putting Us on our Guard enable us to repell the threatened mischief.
          At the same time that I express the high sense with which I am impressed of your Excellency’s attention to the welfare of this State give me leave to entreat a continuance of that Vigilance and exertion hitherto manifested in this business and as it may be essential to the success of our endeavours to oppose the evil in its first stage, that some Expence should be incurred in employing proper Persons to detect and counteract the intended fraud, in procuring intelligence and rewarding those whose Services may merit it: I will readily answer your Excellency’s drafts for disbursements on this account to the amount of Three hundred pounds Sterling; the Recess of our Legislature constrains me to be thus limited in a business wherein I think Expence should not be spared.
          We are looking forward with anxious expectation to the result of the deliberations of the Federal Convention now sitting at Philadelphia. Your Excellency’s defence of the Constitutions arrived in time to be of Utility.
          I have the honor to be with due / Consideration and Respect / Sir / Your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

            Thomas Pinckney

            P. S. If any Counterfiet Bills should come into your Excellency’s possession it will be of essential service to have them immediately transmitted.—


Title: Thomas Barclay to the American Commissioners, 13 July 1787
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: American Commissioners

              Gentlemen
              L’Orient 13th. July 1787

            I Do my self the honor to Inclose you the Books of 82 pages Containing All my Accounts respecting my Missions to Morocco, by which you will see that the amount of the Expences attending the Negociation Including the Presents and all the Travelling Charges of Mr. Franks and my self amount to Livres 95179:10.— which sum I shall place to the Debts of the United states.
            The Particulars of the Purchases made, and of the Appropriation of all the Presents, together with an Account of the articles remaining on hand make a part of these Accounts, and I do not know that any thing is left unexplained when I have told you that my reason for leaving the Lawns and Cambricks in the hands of Mr. Champion of this place for Sale, was because the Farmers General wou’d not permit me to Carry them out of the Town by land, Mr. Champion Died suddenly in April last, and at present Nothing is Done nor Can be Done in his affairs, which are all sealed up by the Judges and are likely to remain so some time. I shall Direct the Account of the Goods to be lodged in the hands of Mr. Loreilhe here in order that he may Claim them—
            I annex an Account of Bills Drawn on Mr. Adams amounting to £4645 sterling— £100 of which in Favor of Mr Grand, he writes to me, was never sent forward for Acceptance, in which Case I have promised to Account with him for it and then the Amount will be £4544 Sterling, which supposing the Exchange to be on an average 24 livres the pound Sterling Clear of Negociating fees in Paris, the sum will be 109080 livr. So that upon this Account I shall Remain indebted to the United States (untill I make a Settlement with them, and untill I know what I am to Charge for my Voyage) 13901:11— I have Also some suspicion, that I must have drawn a Bill not Included in this Account but I am Not Certain as most of my papers are at Saint Germains.— M: Adams will be so good as to procure from the Banker who paid the Draughts, an Account of the particulars, and Transmit it to me under Cover to Mr. Jay at New York, Assuring himself that a Final Settlement shall be made to the Intire Satisfaction of Congress, and to that of You Gentlemen
            The Necessity I am under of hastening out to America shoud Not have prevented my waiting on Mr. Adams in London for his

Commands, had not Mr. Jefferson given Me a full Dispensation, on that head, and therefore I know Mr. Adams will Excuse Me
            Before I take leave permit Me to thank you Both for the Many Marks of Esteem and Attention with which You have honor’d Me, and to Request earnestly a Continuance of that Regard which I sincerely Assure you is Very Precious to Gentlemen / Your Most obedient / and obliged servant

              Thos Barclay

            This Copy for Mr. Adams having sent one to Mr. Jefferson in Paris

          ENCLOSURE

              1785

              Favor

              From

              September
              27th
              No:
              1
              Mr: Grand
              120 ″ ″
              }
              Paris

              ″
              28
              ″
              2
              Mr: Darcel
              100 ″ ″

              ″
              ″
              ″
              3

              Mr: Grand
              100 ″ ″

              October
              22nd:
              ″
              4
              Ditto
              200 ″ ″

              November
              3rd:
              ″
              5
              Ditto
              100 ″ ″

              ″
              ″
              ″
              6
              Ditto
              100 ″ ″

              ″
              ″
              ″
              7
              Ditto
              100 ″ ″

              ″
              23
              ″
              6
              Ditto
              200 ″ ″

              Decemr:
              1st:
              ″
              9
              Mr: Darcel
              200 ″ ″

              ″
              2nd
              ″
              10
              Ditto
              200 ″ ″

              ″
              7th:
              ″
              11
              Mr: Grand
              100 ″ ″

              ″
              ″
              ″
              12
              Ditto
              200 ″ ″

              1786 Jany:
              15
              ″
              13
              Ditto
              200 ″ ″

              ″    ″
              16
              ″
              14
              Ditto
              200 ″ ″

              ″  February
              24

              A
              Ditto
              100 ″ ″

              Bayonne

              ″ April
              15
              ″

              Druilhet & Co
              250 ″ ″

              Madrid

              ″ May
              26
              ″

              Lynch & Bellew
              300 ″ ″

              Cadiz

              ″ June
              13
              ″

              Mrs: Barclay
              100 ″ ″

              Mogadore

              ″ August
              11
              ″

              Lynch & Bellew
              750 ″ ″

              D’aralbeyda

              ″ Decr:
              3rd:
              ″

              Druilhet
              400 ″ ″

              Madrid

              1787. Febry
              10th:
              ″

              Francis Picquerez
              150 ″ ″

              Alicante

              ″     ″
              ″
              ″

              Wm: Fredk: Ast
              50 ″ ″

              Ditto

              ″     ″
              ″
              ″

              Mrs: Barclay

   #Probably this Bill was for £50 only—
100.″ ″

              Ditto

              ″ April
              3rd:
              ″

              Lynch & Bellew
              325 ″ ″

              Barcelona

              £4645 ″ ″ Stg:


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1787
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir
            Paris July 17. 1787

          I have been duly honoured with your’s of the 10th. inst. and am happy to hear of the success of your journey to Amsterdam. there can be no doubt of it’s ratification by Congress. would to heaven they would authorize you to take measures for transferring the debt of this country to Holland before you leave Europe. most especially is it necessary to get rid of the debt to the officers. their connections at court are such as to excite very unfavorable feelings there against us, and some very hard things have been said (particularly in the Assemblée des Notables) on the prospects relative to our debts. the paiment of the interest to the officers would have kept them quiet: but there are two years now due to them. I dare not draw for it without instructions, because in the instances in which I have hitherto ventured to act uninstructed, I have never been able to know whether they have been approved in the private sentiments of the members of Congress, much less by any vote. I have pressed on them the expediency of transferring the French debts to Holland, in order to remove every thing which may excite irritations between us & this nation. I wish it may be done before this ministry may receive ill impressions of us. they are at present very well disposed. I send you by mr̃ Appleton some pamphlets and have the honour to be with

sentiments of very cordial esteem & respect Dear Sir / your affectionate humble servant

            Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Carter Braxton, 23 July 1787
From: Braxton, Carter
To: Adams, John

            Sir.
            Virginia July 23. 1787—

          The acquaintance I had the honor to make with you in 1776 & the high opinion I then entertained of your Abilities & goodness of disposition—emboldens me at this time to address you by the hands of my Son Carter who will deliver you this Letter.
          He goes to London under my power of Attorney to put a finishing hand to a Suit in Chancery of considerable consequence to me & which has been depending upwards of thirty years in their high Court of Chancery. The delays which have been unwarrantably practised convince me that Americans are not treated with that Justice they ought to be. Apprehensive that similiar deceptions may be offered to a young Man I have made free to solicit your advice to him in the Counsell he should consult & in the proper Steps he had better pursue. Your Knowledge in the Law enables you to give Advice & your elevated Station demands respect to every Opinion. As far as you can interfere in a Business of this sort you will greatly oblige me by giving Aid to my Son. I am perswaded he will not become troublesome to you or make an ill Use of any private instructions you may think proper to favour him with. At all times I shall rejoice at an Opportunity to oblige you.
          It would be presumptuous in an Individual to attempt to furnish you with any intelligence of American Affairs, as I presume you are fully instructed by Congress by every Conveyance.
          The Convention we are told is broke up—nothing has transpired from their secret Counsells—but a resolution to recommend the appointment of a federal Council under the direction of a President.

This Board is to exist independent of Congress & is to have a negative on all Laws passed by the different States.
          However private Men may concur in this Sentiment which undoubtedly will give permanency to our Laws & Stability to our Governments—yet I fear such an abridgment of Power will not be relished by the different Assemblies.
          It is pity the Confederation had not reserved this power to Congress of determining upon the propriety of Laws. The power would have been given at that Day, but I fear another Day, will not arrive untill similiar apprehensions compell a union of disinterested Conduct.
          Some directing, super intending power must be necessary, to preserve a System somewhat uniform throughout America. That Justice in one State may be so in another & due attention paid to the rights of Individuals. That our national Engagements may be fulfilled & commercial Regulations made to correspond.
          To these your comprehensive Mind will add many more Benifits resulting from such a power. You will I presume have the particulars of this grand Meeting very soon transmitted to you & my observations will be too trifling to merit yr. attention
          I beg pardon for the liberty taken in this Letter & am Sir / with great regard yr. hum Sert.

            Carter Braxton—


Title: To John Adams from the Board of Treasury, 25 July 1787
From: Board of Treasury
To: Adams, John

            Sir. —
            Board of Treasury July 25th: 1787.

          We are favor’d with your Letter of the 8th: of May last, transmitting Protests for Non Acceptance of the two Bills of Exchange for 75,000 Florins; drawn by Constable Rucker & Co. of New York on their Partner Mr. John Rucker of London— From the Solidity of the

House by whom the Bill was drawn (being in Partnership with Mr. Robert Morris of Phila.) we had not the most distant Apprehension of any Disappointment in this Remittance; you may therefore judge of our Surprise, and Mortification; when previous to the Receipt of your Letter, we heard of Mr: Ruckers Arrival in this City— It gives us Pleasure to inform you that this Gentleman is returned by Direction of Mr. Morris, to take up the Bills drawn on him; and that we have the fullest Assurance, from the House, that Effectual Measures will be adopted for Paying the Bills remitted to you when they become due— We are glad you changed your first Intentions of transmitting the Original Bills; you will be pleas’d to have them presented for Payment, when at Maturity—
          Your Communications to Congress on the Subject of the Loan you have Effected, in Consequence of this and other Circumstances for one Million of Florins, having been referred to this Board; we have agreed on a Report, approving of the same, and recommending an Immediate Ratification—As soon as the Determination of Congress is made known to us, you shall be acquainted with the Result—
          We have the Honor to be with Esteem, / Your Obedt: Humble Servts:

            Samuel OsgoodArthur Lee


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 25 July 1787
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

              private

            my dear Sir
            New York 25 July 1787

          It gives me pain to have occasion so often to repeat that the irregular Attendance of the members of Congress has, for a long Time past, prevented their paying a seasonable Attention to their foreign Affairs; for there have been very few, and those very short Intervals in which nine States were represented in Congress this Year.

          Hence, and from some other Affairs deemed more pressing, it has happened that You have been so long kept in Suspence on the Subject of your public Letter of the 24, & your private one of the 25 Jany last. I have regretted this Suspence the more as it might have created in your mind some Doubts of my Attention. I wished to write to You that the Business was done, rather than that I would endeavour to get it done— The Probability of this, which from time to time flattered and disappointed me, led me on to omit one Opportunity after another, in Expectation of being able to write satisfactorily by the next. There are now nine States in Congress, & I am assured that the necessary Acts and Instructions shall be dispatched in Season to accompany this Letter by the Packet.
          Your Experience in affairs, your knowledge of Characters, and your intimate Acquaintance with the concerns and Interests of this country, together with other circumstances & Considerations, induce me to wish that all Questions between us & the Court of London, as well as other Affairs in Europe, could be arranged and adjusted before You leave it. The Manner however in which You mention your Intention to return is decisive, and as the Prospect of your doing much good here, is fair & promising, perhaps it may upon the whole be best that you should be with us, especially considering the actual Situation of our affairs. You have my good Friend deserved well of your country, and your Services and Character will be truly estimated, at least by Posterity, for they will know more of you than the People of this Day.
          I have collected your public Letters and Dispatches, and a good Clerk has already neatly recorded a large Volume of them. It is common you know, in the Course of Time for loose & detached Papers to be lost, or mislaid, or misplaced— It is to Papers in this office that future Historians must recur for accurate accounts of many interesting affairs respecting the late Revolution. it is best therefore that they should be recorded regularly in Books; and altho it will take much Time and Labor, which some may think unnecessary, I shall nevertheless persevere in the Work.
          Your Book circulates and does good— it conveys much Information on a Subject with which we cannot be too intimately acquainted, especially at this Period, when the Defects of our national Governmt. are under Consideration, & when the strongest arguments are necessary to remove Prejudices, and to correct Errors which in many Instances Design unites with Ignorance to create diffuse and confirm. If after all that we have seen and done and experienced in

public Life, we should yet live to see our Country contently enjoying the Sweets of Peace Liberty and Safety, under the Protection of wise Laws, and a well constructed steady Governmt., we shall have Reason to rejoice that we have devoted so many Years to her Service—
          Be assured of my constant Esteem & attachmt. and believe me to be / Dear Sir / your affectt. Friend & Servt

            John Jay—


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 31 July 1787
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

            New York Office for foreign Affairs 31st. July 1787
            Dr Sir

          Since my last to you of the 4th. Instant I have been honored with yours of the 8th. 14th. & 23d. of May last, which have been communicated to Congress.—
          I have now the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed certified Copies of sundry Acts of Congress, Vizt. of the 21st. March and 13th. April last relative to our Treaty with Britain; also an Act of the 20th. July Instant containing certain Instructions to you on the same Subject. This latter Act as it now stands differs materially from the one reported by me, especially in the Plan and Extent of the proposed Convention.
          It gives me Pleasure to inform you that several of the States have removed all Obstacles to the full and fair Operation of the Treaty— and there is great Reason to expect that certain others of them will do the like at the ensuing Sessions of their Legislatures; but whether every State without Exception will adopt the Measure in its proper Latitude and Extent is not quite certain, especially considering the Conveniences which many of their Citizens have derived from Shelter against their british Creditors.
          In the Act of Congress of the 23d. Instant also enclosed, you will find a Copy of a Letter to his Catholic Majesty—that Letter has been sent from hence to Spain in a spanish Vessel—also a Copy of a Letter to the Emperor of Morocco—that Letter was sent to Mr. Jefferson by the french Packet which sailed last Week—the Ratification of

the Morocco Treaty was also sent to him by the same Opportunity. Measures respecting the other african hostile States are under Consideration.—
          On the 24th. Instant Congress was pleased to pass an Act of which a Copy is herewith enclosed, relative to the House at the Hague.—
          Your Letters respecting the new Loan &c: were referred to the Board of Treasury. Your Attention and Efforts on that Occasion merit Commendation.—
          I have taken much Pains to obtain a Decision on the Question of your Return &ca: but as yet without Success. I am not without Hopes that it will be done to Day, and as the Mail will not be closed before Tomorrow, I shall in that Case write you another Letter.—
          It seems that the Convention at Philadelphia have agreed on the leading Principles or great Outlines of their Plan and appointed a Committee to put it into Form; but we know not what it is, and I believe it is best that we should not.—
          I have the Honor to be with great and sincere Esteem and Regard / Dr Sir / Your most obt. & hble: Servt.—

            John Jay—

            P. S. For your more particular Information I herewith enclose certain Papers containing Copies of Acts and Letters, numbered from 1 to 7 inclusive, which shew in what States, and how far the Treaty of Peace is at present operating without Constraint.
            I learn this Afternoon that Congress rose without having passed any Act or Resolution relative to your Return.— I herewith enclose an Ordinance of Congress of the 13th. Inst. for governing the western Country, and a Copy of the Ratification of the Morocco Treaty, together with a Parcel of the latest Newspapers.—


Title: To John Adams from William White, 1 August 1787
From: White, William
To: Adams, John

            Sir,
            Philada, Aug: 1. 1787.

          Relying on your Excellency’s Regard to literary Merit & Yr Readiness to encourage the Cultivation of the Sciences in this Country, I take the Liberty of recommending to your Patronage the Business which carries the Bearer Mr Joseph Workman to England.
          His Brother Mr Benjamin Workman has invented an Instrument for taking the Variation of the Needle, which the Bearer is to submit to the Examination of the Royal Society; & if it should meet the expected Approbation, they intend to apply for a Patent. The Brothers are of unquestionable Character & have served with Reputation as Tutors in the University in this City: & I thought that your Excellency’s being made acquainted with this might both dispose & enable you to support their Claim for such Rewards as the Work may be found to merit.
          It may be proper to inform you, Sir, that the Books you sent by me were delivered agreeably to your Directions. When I left England, I had no Reason to expect that the Time of our Arrival would be the very Crisis which shd call for a more than ordinary Degree of Attention to the Subjects contained in them. I allude to the Sitting of the present Convention: & I have the Pleasure of believing, that the Principles of your Work will have no small Influence on the Deliberations of that Body.
          I beg my most respectful Compts to Mrs Adams & to Col: & Mrs Smith—
          I cannot conclude without thaking you, Sir, for your polite Attentions to me when in England: and I have the Honor to subscribe myself, / Your Excellency’s obliged & very / humble Servant,

            Wm: White.


Title: To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, [ante 25 August 1787]
From: Cutting, John Brown
To: Adams, John

            2 North Street Saturday Morning [ante 25 August 1787]

          Mr Cutting presents respectful compliments to the American Minister and returning his warmest acknowledgments for the entertainment and invaluable instruction comprised in those sheets of his second Volume entitled a defence of the Constitution of Government of the United States of America (with which Mr C. was lately favour’d and which having read rapidly once he is now again perusing with care and attention)—intreats permission to retain the same a little longer.
          The entire history of the Italian Republics is so fully and exactly calculated to sustain the whole doctrine for which Mr Adams contends, that if the former volume has not converted every unbeliever in the political utility of the triple ballance the facts and demonstrative deductions contained in the latter must make him a proselyte to a truth so irresistably inculcated and indisputably established.
          Yet while Mr C. rejoices as a young Citizen of the United States, and congratulates his Country, upon the blaze of light with which an illustrious Lawgiver illuminates the great principles of a right single, seperate and solitary government; he cannot but deeply regret the palpable dimness, nay thick darkness visible that still seems to involve the subject of that Complex Constitution so indispensably requisite to unite by league and cement by confæderation any given cluster of active commercial and warlike republics—which destitute of such a solid bond of stedfast amity must either soon split into ruinous state—dissensions or moulder into a mighty mass of unqualified Monarchy.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 25 August 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

            Dear Sir
            Grosvenor Square, London Aug. 25. 1787

          On my return from an Excursion to Devonshire with my Family, where We have been to fly from the Putrefaction of a Great City in the Summer heats, I had the Pleasure to find your favours of 17. & 23. of July.
          a Million of Guilders are borrowed on a new Loan in Holland, and I went over lately to Subscribe the Obligations, a Punctillio which the Brokers were pleased to think indispensible, to gratify the Fancies

of the Money Lenders. But as I had no fresh Authority from Congress, nor any particular new Instructions, I have been and am Still under Serious Apprehensions of its meeting with Obstacles in the Way of its Ratification.— if it is ratified, Congress may if they please, pay the Interest and Principal too, out of it, to the French officers.— I presume, that if Mr Grand, Should refuse your Usual draughts for your Salary Messrs Willinks and Vanstaphorsts, will honour them to the amount of yours and Mr Shorts Salaries, without any other Interposition than your Letter. But if they Should make any difficulty, and it Should be in my Power to remove it, you may well Suppose, I shall not be wanting.— to be explicit, I will either Advise or order the Money to be paid, upon your Draught as may be necessary. so that I pray you to make your Mind perfectly easy on that Score.
          Mr Barclay, I agree with you, took the wisest Course, when he embarked for America, tho it will lay me under Difficulties in Settling my affairs finally with Congress.
          The French Debt, and all the Domestic Debt of the United States might be transferred to Holland, if it were judged necessary or profitable, and the Congress or Convention would take two or three preparatory Steps. All the Perplexities, Confusions and Distresses in America, arise not from defects in their Constitutions or Confederation, not from a Want of Honour or Virtue, so much as from downright Ignorance of the Nature of Coin, Credit and Circulation.— While an annual Interest of twenty thirty and even fifty Per Cent, can be made, and a hope of augmenting Capitals in a Proportion of five hundred Per Cent is opened by Speculations in the Stocks, Commerce will not thrive. Such a State of Things would annihilate the Commerce, and overturn the Government too in any nation in Europe.
          I will endeavour to Send you a Copy, with this Letter of the Second Volume of the Defence &c. if Frouillé the Bookseller has a Mind to translate it he may, but it may not Strike others as it does Americans. Three Editions of the first Volume have been printed in America.— The Second Volume contains three long Courses of Experiments in Political Philosophy. every Tryal, was intended and contrived to determine the Question whether Mr Turgots System would do. The Result you may read. it has cost me a good deal of Trouble and Expence to Search into Italian Rubbish and Ruins. But enough of pure Gold and Marble has been found to reward the Pains.— I shall be Suspected of Writing Romances to expose Mr Turgots Theory. But I assure you, it is all genuine History. The vast Subject of,

Confederations remains: but I have neither head heart, hands, Eyes, Books, or Time, to engage in it. besides it ought not to be Such an hasty Performance as the two Volumes already ventured before the Public.
          With perfect Esteem, your sincere Friend

            John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1787
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir
            Paris Aug. 30. 1787.

          Since your favor of July 10. mine have been of July 17. 23. & 28. the last inclosed a bill of exchange from mr̃ Grand on Tessier for £46–17–10 sterl. to answer Genl. Sullivan’s bill for that sum. I hope it got safe to hand, tho’ I have been anxious about it as it went by post and my letters thro’ that channel sometimes miscarry.
          From the separation of the Notables to the present moment has been perhaps the most interesting interval ever known in this country. the propositions of the Government, approved by the Notables, were precious to the nation and have been in an honest course of execution, some of them being carried into effect, & others preparing. above all the establishment of the Provincial assemblies, some

            of which have begun their sessions, bid fair to be the instrument for circumscribing the power of the crown & raising the people into consideration the election given to them is what will do this. tho’ the minister who proposed these improvements seems to have meant them as the price of the new supplies, the game has been so played as to secure the improvements to the nation without securing the price. the Notables spoke softly on the subject of the additional supplies. but the parliament took them up roundly, refused to register the edicts for the new taxes, till compelled in a bed of justice and preffered themselves to be transferred to Troyes rather than withdraw their opposition. it is urged principally against the king, that his revenue is 130. millions more than that of his predecessor was, & yet he demands 120. millions further. you will see this well explained in the “Conference entre un ministre d’etat et un Conseiller au parlement[”] which I send you with some other small pamphlets. in the mean time all tongues in Paris (& in France as it is said) have been let loose, & never was a greater license of speaking against the government exercised in London more freely or more universally. caracatures, placards, bons mots, have been indulged in by all ranks of people, and I know of no well attested instance of a single punishment. for some time mobs of 10; 20; 30,000 people collected daily, surrounded the parliament house, huzzaed the members, even entered the doors & examined into their conduct, took the horses out of the carriages of those who did well, & drew them home. the government thought it prudent to prevent these, drew some regiments into the neighborhood, multiplied the guards, had the streets constantly patrolled by strong parties, suspended privileged places, forbad all clubs, &c. the mobs have ceased: perhaps this may be partly owing to the absence of parliament. the Count d’Artois, sent to hold a bed of justice in the Cour des Aides, was hissed & hooted without reserve by the populace; the carriage of Madame de (I forget the name) in the queen’s livery was stopped by the populace under a belief that it was Madame de Polignac’s whom they would have insulted, the queen going to the theaters at Versailles with Madame de Polignac was received with a general hiss. the king, long in the habit of drowning his cares in wines, plunges deeper & deeper: the queen cries but sins on. the Count d’Artois is detested, & Monsieur the general favored. the Archbishop of Thoulouse is made Ministre principale, a virtuous, & patriotic & able character. the Marechal de Castries retired yesterday notwithstanding strong sollicitations to remain in office. the Marechal de Segur

retired at the same time, prompted to it by the court. their successors are not yet known. M. de St. Prist goes Ambassador to Holland in the room of Verac transferred to Switzerland, & the Count de moustier goes to America in the room of the Chevalier de la Luzerne who has a promise of the first vacancy. these nominations are not yet made formally, but they are decided on, & the parties are ordered to prepare for their destination. as it has been long since I have had a confidential conveiance to you, I have brought together the principal facts from the adjournment of the Notables to the present moment which as you will perceive from their nature, required a confidential conveyance. I have done it the rather because, tho’ you will have heard many of them & seen them in the public papers, yet floating in the mass of lies which constitute the atmospheres of London & Paris, you may not have been sure of their truth: & I have mentioned every truth of any consequence to enable you to stamp as false the facts pretermitted. I think that in the course of three months the royal authority has lost, & the rights of the nation gained, as much ground, by a revolution of public opinion only, as England gained in all her civil wars under the Stuarts. I rather believe too they will retain the ground gained, because it is defended by the young & the middle aged, in opposition to the old only. the first party increases, & the latter diminishes daily from the course of nature. you may suppose that under this situation, war would be unwelcome to France. she will surely avoid it if not forced by the courts of London & Berlin. if forced, it is probable she will change the system of Europe totally by an alliance with the two empires, to whom nothing would be more desireable. in the event of such a coalition, not only Prussia but the whole European-world must receive from them their laws. but France will probably endeavor to preserve the present system if it can be done by sacrificing to a certain degree the pretensions of the patriotic party in Holland. but of all these matters you can judge, in your position, where less secrecy is observed, better than I can. I have news from America as late as July 19. nothing had then transpired from the Federal convention. I am sorry they began their deliberations by so abominable a precedent as that of tying up the tongues of their members. nothing can justify this example but the innocence of their intentions, & ignorance of the value of public discussions. I have no doubt that all their other measures will be good & wise. it is really an assembly of demigods. Genl. Washington was of opinion they should not

separate till October. I have the honour to be with every sentiment of friendship & respect Dear Sir your most obedient & most humble servant

            Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Willard, 1 September 1787
From: Willard, Joseph
To: Adams, John

            Sir,
            Cambridge September 1. 1787.

          I feel myself under great obligations to you, for the valuable present of your Defence of the American Constitutions, which was delivered me by Doctor Tufts. I have the honor of enclosing the University’s and American Academy’s vote of thanks, for your present of the same work to them. I hope your learned and benevolent labors, in this political Treatise, will have due weight with your Countrymen. Indeed, I doubt not they will profit by it; and should this be the case, you will, I am persuaded, think yourself amply rewarded, for the pains you have taken.
          I congratulate your Excellency and Lady, upon the reputation your eldest son has acquired, for his abilities, scholarship and virtues. His attention to his studies, proficiency in literature, strict conformity to the rules of the University and purity of morals have gained him the high esteem of the Governors of this Society, and indeed, of all his acquaintance. I think he bids fair to become a distinguished character. Your other sons, who are now with us, have hitherto conducted well. I have reason to think, that their morals are good, and their attention to their studies such as to give a very hopeful prospect, that they will go into the world with reputation, and become valuable Members of the Community.
          I hope you will pardon the liberty I have taken, in directing to the care of your Excellency a box, containing a number of Copies of the Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, presented by that Body to various literary Societies in Great Britain and other places in Europe. If it would not give you too much trouble, I would request the favor of you to disperse them. I knew of no way, in which I could be so certain of conveying the volumes, particularly those which are designed for the Continent, as through your hands, or I should, by no means, have asked such a favor.— Should any expence accrue, in dispensing them, the Academy will refund it.
          In the box I have put a small packet for Mr Hollis, and another for Doctor Price. You will oblige me, Sir, by conveying them to those Gentlemen.
          As several of your connexions, who are your correspondents, have it in their power, and doubtless take every opportunity to communicate to your Excellency every thing of a public nature, which is of importance, I shall not write you any of the political news of this

Country, but shall leave it to them, who can execute it much better, and shall add no more but that, / I have the honor of being, / with sentiments of the highest esteem & respect, / your Excellency’s most humble / and obedient servant

            Joseph Willard.

            P.S. I have enclosed a Vote of thanks from the Academy to Mr Hollis, for a present which came through your Excellency’s hands, which I should be obliged to you, Sir, to transmit to him.

              J W.


Title: To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 3 September 1787
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir,
            New York September the 3d. 1787

          Since my letter to you of december 1785 from Chantilly in Virginia in answer to the letters that you were pleased to write me on the 26th. of August, 6th. & 7th. of September 1785; I have not been honored with any letter from you. On my arrival here I met with, and read with great pleasure your book on the American governments— The judicious collection that you have made, with your just reflections thereon, have reached America at a great Crisis, and will probably have their proper influence in forming the federal government now under consideration— Your labor may therefore have its reward in the thanks of this and future generations. The present federal system, however well calculated it might have been for its designed ends if the States had done their duty, under the almost total neglect of that duty, has been found quite ineffecient and ineffectual— The government must be both Legislative and Executive, with the former power paramount to the State Legislatures in certain respects essential to federal purposes. I think there is no doubt but that this Legislature will be recommended to consist of the triple

ballance, if I may use the expression, to signify a compound of the three simple forms acting independently, but forming a joint determination.
          The executive (which will be part of the legislative) to have more duration and power enlarged beyond the present— This seems to be the present plan expected, and generally spoken of— I say expected, because the Convention is yet sitting, and will continue so to do until the middle of this month. I was appointed to that Assembly, but being a Member of Congress where the plan of Convention must be approved, there appeard an inconsistency for Members of the former to have Session in the latter, and so pass judgement at New York upon their opinion at Philadelphia. I therefore declined going to Convention and came here; where we have lately contracted for the sale of six millions of Acres on the N.W. side of Ohio in the ceded territory, for lessening the domestic debt— And now, another Offer is made for two millions more. I hope we shall at least be able to extinguish the domestic debt created by the late war, which is by far the greatest part of the debt. So many of our Members have lately gone from hence to the Convention, that we have had but 5 States in Congress for a month past, which has prevented any determination on your application to return.
          It seems at present to be very doubtful whether there will be any Resident appointed to the Court where you are— Some being for a Minister, some for a Chargé, and some for neither— But a Consul only— How it will terminate can scarcely be conjectured yet. Permit me now Sir to entreat your attention and good offices in the following affair— Mr. Thomas Steptoe, concerning whom I formerly wrote to you, dyed on shipboard as he was returning home from the East Indies either in 1784 or 1785, and we are not certain whether he was in a Danish or Sweedish Ship; but it was one of these— Captain Miller who gave me this intelligence by letter, and who is now up the Baltic, was not certain to which of these nations the Ship belonged. But he said it was supposed that Mr. Steptoe had a considerable property.—
          His heirs in Virginia having heard nothing concerning this property, apprehend that it has been secured by the Officers of the Ship wherein he dyed. The want of exact information concerning Mr. Steptoes affairs will render it difficult to procure redress— Perhaps a proper enquiry among those people in London who trade with the East Indies, may furnish some light upon this business Or an

application to the Danish & Swedish Ministers at the Court of London might cause an enquiry to be made in their respective countries, so as that the holders of his property fearing detection, may come forward and honestly deliver up this gentlemans effects— And inform, if he left any Will— It is not improbable that he left a will somewhere, which if procured would regulate the descent of his Virginia estate— I shall be singularly obliged to you my dear Sir if you will interest yourself in this business and let me know the success of your enquiries— My complements, if you please to Colo. Smith; and affectionate regards to my Nephew Shippen— With every sentiment of esteem and friendship I am dear Sir sincerely yours.

            Richard Henry Lee.


Title: From John Adams to Count Semon Romanovich Vorontsov, 4 September 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Vorontsov, Count Semon Romanovich

            Grosvenor Square August September 4. 1787

          Mr Adams presents his Compliments to the Ambassador from Russia, and does himself the Honour of conveying to his Excellency, a Small Packet. There are in it, two Volumes, which may be reckoned among the First Fruits of the Arts, in the United States of America, as they were there, written, printed and bound. one of the Books is intended for his Excellency, and the other for the August Personage, to whom the inclosed Memorial, is addressed. Mr Barlow is a young Gentleman of amiable manners and most excellent Character, as well as a good Poet. His Intentions are the most pure. But Mr Adams, who has been introduced into this Business, without his Knowledge, is very apprehensive that the young Poet will be judged to have indulged his Zeal to Show his Respect to her Imperial Majesty beyond the Rules of Discretion.— in this Case, Mr A. prays his Excellency to consider both Volumes, as his own Property and Suppress the Memorial.


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 5 September 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, Charles William Frederic

            Dear Sir
            Grosvenor Square Sept. 5. 1787

          I am very much concerned that an absence in the Country should have So long delayed My Answer to your Letter of the tenth of July. There is no Act of Congress which authorizes me expressly, to order the Payment of your Salary,: But the Representation in your Letter Supported by the Extract from that of Mr Jefferson to you of the 14. of June last, Show Such an Absolute necessity of it that I have inclosed to you a Letter to Messrs Willinks and Van Staphorsts, Authorising them to pay your Salary once in Six Months, till further orders from Congress, the Board of Treasury or / Sir your most obedient, and most / humble Servant

            John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Brand Hollis, 5 September 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Hollis, Thomas Brand

            Dear Sir—
            Grosvr. sqr.
              Septr. 5. 1787—

          I have received with much Pleasure your Letter without a date— nothing can ever give me more satisfaction than the reflection that I may have been instrumental of doing Justice in any degree to injured Innocence, especially in the Case of a friend— The 2 persons you allude to were once friendly to me, as I most certainly ever was to them, & I have no reason to think that either of them was ever unfriendly, tho’ their ardour was sometimes cooled— in the case in question my friend is not only “not clearly convicted of baseness” but I am clear & confident of his innocence—nay further I have now in my possession, full proof that the incendiary anonimous Letter, was written by the Man in Amsterdam whom I alway’s suspected, a fellow below Contempt— I know too the grounds and motives of his low spite against me, and will let you into the whole History of this dirty transaction whenever you please to call upon me and think it worth while to attend to it— There is another thing more diserving your attention, it is a very long Correspondence between my friend & me, continued for many years, with the most unreserved intimacy—a Correspondence in which my friend discovered, by Marks that cannot deceive, a steady & unchangeable attachment to the American Cause as well as a purity of moral & political sentiments and a Charity to American Prisoners which will do him immortal honor, in America, & with all her friends, whenever it shall be known. The freedom of Remark upon Nations & Men makes it imprudent to publish it, otherwise it should have been in print. long ago. This whole Correspondence shall be put into your Hands whenever you please, but I should advertize you it is very Voluminous, and to form a Judgement of it the whole should be read—
          Mrs: Adams and her Humble servt. will have the pleasure to greet you at the hyde on Tuesday the 11th. of this Month, before dinner— mean while, I am with the most perfect esteem &c. / Yours—&c

            J. A.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 6 September 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

            Dear Sir.
            Grosvenor Square Sepr 6 1787

          I am Sorry to give you the trouble of this Commission: but I fear it will not be effectually done but by you—and therefore let me beg

the favour of you to send for Mr de La Blancherie and withdraw my Subscription to the Society of whose affairs he has the direction, and put a stop to his sending me the Nouvelles de la Republique des Lettres et Des Arts.— he persuaded me at the Hague to Subscribe and I paid him a years Subscription— the society continued One year and then ceased & I thought I had done with it forever: but since I have been in England now and then a Bundle of those Gazettes are pourd in upon me— I have no use for them, and sometimes I am put to an enormous expence of Postage.— I am now determined at all Events to put a Stop to it forever and pray you to take Measures for that purpose, by paying him off and taking his Receipt—and by delivering him the inclosed Letter which Contains a Renunciation of my Subscription
          With great Esteem I am &c &c

            P S. when I subscribed I understood it to be for one year only— and accordingly paid him the four Guineas.— but I suppose he will now pretend that I am bound by that Subscription to pay for the Subsequent years. I will not dispute this with him—tho I am not bound in Law or Honour.— one year the Society and Paper ceased since which it has been revived two years, or nearly so that he may pretend that I am eight Louis D’ors in Arrear. Pay him this if you please and no more, and I will repay you immediately. But at all Events I will be cleared from all Connection with this Man and His society and Nouvelles for the Future—

              J A—


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 6 September 1787
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir
            The Hide Thursday 6 Septem. 1787.

          I had the pleasure to receive your favor this morning shall be very happy to receive you & mrs Adams your own day tuesday 11th:
          pray tell Col Smith I will not say one word about the conditions of his visit but shall be glad to see him & his Lady on his own terms. these Americans will have their own way and so let them.
          if it was possible I should be glad to see Jennings with you. however we will meet in town.
          I am perfectly satisfied without reading more.
          I know not how the date escaped me but beleive it was last friday the post mark will show it if necessary.
          The preface to Bellendenus, a scarce book almost forgot, will entertain you it is the subject of conversation & cried up by opposition. The Author I know, is a clergyman very sensible & one of the first greek scholars but between ourselves an Apostate in civil & religious matters.
          The American Spirit is up in France Holland & Brabant & I hope in Peru may it live.
          Adieu, till I see you & Mrs Adams here in perfect health & good spirit. / I am Dear Sir / with great regard / your sincere Friend

            T. Brand Hollis.


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 10 September 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Dear Sir
            Grosvenor Square London Septr 10. 1787

          Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter from the Portugese Minister, to me of the 7. of September and my Answer of this day the tenth.
          This is So pointed a Proposition, that Congress will undoubtedly Send an Answer either in the affirmative or Negative. The Regard of Sovereigns to one another, renders this indispensable. and I am not able to See how a Complyance with so civil a request can well be avoided. Congress may agree to the Proposition, and her Majesty will appoint her Minister, and whether the American Minister is soon appointed or not, and whether his Appointment is for one year or not, the Forms and Decencies will be preserved. if it were only on Account of the Algerines to watch their Motions and concert Measures against them, I should think it prudent for the United States to have a Minister at Lisbon.
          Colonel Smith will write you, an Account of his Journey and Voyage, and of the termination of his Commission, According to his Wishes and to his Satisfaction. Congress I hope, too, will be Satisified. But if a Regular Minister, had been Sent, upon this Service, and ordered to return as soon as he had accomplished it her Majesty would probably have Sent a Minister to New York without further delay. I ought not to conclude, without observing that these Missions by Deputation, are unknown to Courts and Ministers, and to the Law of Nations. And if a Legal Question Should ever be made concerning them the United States will infallibly be dishonoured by a

formal Decision against them. in Mr Barclays Case, had the decision of the Parliament of Bordeaux, been appealed from to Court it must have been reversed.
          The Character of Ambassadors is Sacred and their Prerogatives very high, both by the Law of Nations and the Ceremonials of all Courts and sovereigns and there is great Reason to fear, that the Citizens of America will have Cause for Severe Repentance, if they make too light of it. Indulgences founded on the Supposition of our Inexperience, or to use a more intelligible Word our Ignorance cannot be expected to continue long. Colonel Smith met with a Condiscention that astonished all the Foreign Ministers, and Mr Barclay with a good Fortune, of which it is very dangerous to try another Experiment.
          With great Regard, I have the honour / to be, dear sir, your most obedient / and most humble servant

            John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from the Chevalier de La Luzerne, 21 September 1787
From: La Luzerne, Anne César, Chevalier de
To: Adams, John

            A paris ce 21 7bre 1787

          Monsieur trumbull ma fait remettre monsieur, la lettre dont la charge votre excellence.1 jai été bien faché de n’etre pas chez moi lors qu’il sest donné la peine d’ÿ passer, mais jvai certainement le chercher, et lui rendre tous les soins que je dois a votre recommendation monsieur, aus vertus de son respectable pere et a ses propres talens. je vous prie d’etre persuade quil ne tiendra pas a moi quil ne reanime dans les vues qui l’ont amméné en france.
          Jespere etre en angleterre Vers le douze du mois prochain, et je me fais d’avance un vrai plaisir de renouveller votre connoissance, et de vous rappeller les momens que nous avons passés ensemble sur le meme vaisseau. je seroi tres heureus si le sejour de londres, me procure de nouvelles occassions de vous confirmere du tres sincere at. tachement et de la tres hautte consideration avec la quelle jai l’honneur detre monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur,

            le chr de laluzerne

          TRANSLATION

            Paris, 21 September 1787

          Mr. Trumbull has delivered to me, sir, the letter given to him by your excellency. I was quite dismayed to not have been home when he made the effort to stop by, but I will certainly seek him out and give him all of the attentions owed to your recommendation, sir, to the virtues of his esteemed father and to his talents. I beg you be persuaded that, should he

not rekindle his views which led him to France, it shall not be for my lack of trying.
          I hope to be in England around the twelfth of next month, and I am already delighting in the prospect of renewing our acquaintance and in reminding you of the moments we spent together on the same ship. I will be very happy if my stay in London procures me new opportunities to confirm to you the very sincere attachment and the very high esteem with which I have the honor to be, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant

            le chr de laluzerne


Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 22 September 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Carmarthen, the Marquis of

            my Lord—
            Grosr. sqr.
              Septr. 22d. 1787

          I do myself the honor to inclose to your Lordship a Letter this moment received, from the Master of a Vessel belonging to the United states of america— His Name is John Douglass, commander of the ship 4 friends, american built & the property of Andrew Van Truyl Merchant of NewYork
          He informs me, that as 2 of his people were going on Shore for Provisions for the day, they wer seized by the Press-gang and forced on Board his Majesty’s Brig dispatch then laying off execution Docks— That the Gang then came on board his Vessell and attempted to open the Hatches when his chief Mate opposed them and informed the officer that they were American Citizens— That altho’ the officer of the press then went away there is reason to believe, that another disagreable Visit will be made before Morning, which will distress him exceedingly as his ship is compleated for sea & bound to NewYork—
          The Names of the two Men pressed, are Joseph Cowley a Native of the City of NewYork, the other is a negro Man called Primus, the property of Mr. Andrew Van Truyl, Merchant of NewYork, but a native of the City. It is my duty my Lord to make this representation to His Majesty’s Ministers and to request that orders be given for the restoration of these Men to the Master of their Vessell and further to propose to your Lordships Consideration, whether it be not expedient that some general order should be given, upon this occasion

to the officers of his Majesty’s navy, to give a particular attention to American Vessels & seamen least, Perplexities & inconveniencies of this Kind should be multiplied—
          with great respect / I am &c—

            J. A—


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 22 September 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Dear Sir
            London Septr. 22. 1787

          There was Yesterday in the River, an Impress of Seamen, and Several American Vessells had their Men taken from them. An Application was made to me this Morning by a Master of a ship from New York, and I instantly wrote the inclosed Letter to Lord Carmarthen and went in Person to White Hall to deliver it. His Lordship read the Letter, and the Representation to me from the Captain and after some Conversation on the Subject assured me that he would take Measures to have the Men restored and Precautions against Such Mistakes in future. This opportunity was a favourable one, for Some Communication of Sentiments upon the present Posture of Affairs, and his Lordship was invited to talk upon the subject by Several Questions, which were proposed to him. His Lordships Answers were civil enough, “He hoped there would not be War.” “He should be very Sorry for a War,” &c &c But Nothing was to be learn’d from

him, if he knew any Thing.— one fact indeed his Lordship assured me of, vizt. that War is in truth declared by the Port against Russia, that the Count De Montmorin had sent him an Extract of a Dispatch of Monsieur De Choiseul the French Ambassador at Constantinople containing an Account of it. and that the French Ministry had done him the Justice to believe that the English Ambassador and Ministry, had done nothing to excite this declaration. His Lordships last Dispatches from Constantinople assured him of every Appearance of Peace, so that the Declaration must have been some Sudden Emotion of the Mufti or Jannizaries. &c It is easy to believe that the English did not excite the Turks to declare, for that Step excuses France from any Obligation to aid the Port.
          The present Conjuncture appears the most critical and important in Europe, of any that has ever happened in our Times. Mankind Seems impatient under the Yoke of Servitude that has been imposed upon them, and disposed to compell their Governors to make the Burthen lighter. But the Wars that now threaten, have no Tendency that Way or but a remote one: and what dependance can be placed upon the common People, in any Part of Europe?
          Upon my Return home another American Master of a Vessell from Alexandria in Virginia came with his Complaint that the Press gang had taken all his Men.— I will demand every Man, as fast as I shall be informed of his being pressed: but I am much afraid of Pretences, Excuses &c &c— I expect to hear that one Sailor is Irish, another scots and a third English.— All in my Power however shall be done and you shall be informed of the Result. With great Respect, sir, your / most obedient and most humble sert.

            John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 22 September 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Private
            Dear Sir
            Grosvenor Square Septr. 22. 1787

          Your private Letter of the twenty fifth of July is very friendly and obliging as usual. give yourself no concern about my Apprehensions of your Want of Attention. I know too well your constant and assidous Application to the Duties of your public offices, as well as to the just concerns of your private friends, ever to suspect you of failing in either.— I Shudder when I think of your next Volume of my Dispatches. I Shall appear before Posterity, in a very negligent Dress and disordered Air. in Truth I write too much to write well, and have never time to correct any Thing.— Your Plan however of recording all the Dispatches of the foreign Ministers is indispensible. Future Negotiations will often make it necessary to look back to the past, besides the Importance of publick History.— The true Idea of the Negotiation with Holland, particularly will never be formed, without attending to three Sorts of Measures. those taken with the Stat-holder and his Party, those taken with the Aristocratical People in the Regencys, and those taken with the popular Party. if any one of these had been omitted, that Unanimity could never have been effected, without which the United States could not have been acknowledged nor their Minister admitted. By obtaining from Congress A Letter of Credence to the Prince of Orange, a Measure that the Patriots did not like, his Party was sofftened. and By the inclosed Letters to Mr Calkoen two very important Burgomasters of Amsterdam, his intimate Friends, and many others of the Aristocraticks were kept Steady. I had not time to transmit Copies of those Letters to Congress in the Season of them. But they ought to be put upon the Files, or Records of Congress. I do myself the Honour to transmit you a Copy for yourself and another for Congress.
          Whether it would be in my Power to do most service in Europe or at home, or any at all in either situation, I know not.— My determination to go home was founded in a fixed opinion that neither the Honour of Congress nor my own, nor the Interest of either could be promoted, by the Residence of a Minister here, without a British Minister at Congress. and in that opinion I am still clear.
          if my poor Book does any good, I am happy. another Volume will reach you before this Letter.— in the calm Retreat at Pens Hill, I may have Leisure to write another, but if I should venture to throw

together any Thoughts or Materials on the great Subject of our Confederation, I should not dare to do it, in such haste, as the two Volumes already printed have been done.— The Convention at Philadelphia is composed of Heroes, Sages and Demigods, to be sure who want no Assistance from me, in forming the best possible Plan, but they may have Occasion for Underlabourers to make it accepted by the People, or at least to make the People unanimous in it and contented with it. one of these Under workmen, in a cool Retreat, it shall be my Ambition to become. With invariable Esteem / and Affection, I am, dear sir, your most / obedient Servant and real friend

            John Adams.


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

            Dear Sir
            London Septr. 23. 1787

          The Accounts from Holland and France are very discouraging: So much so that it would be imprudent to enter into a detail of Evils that are inevitable. The Republick of Holland is in the Utmost danger of being extinct: and if the old Forms are hereafter preserved, the Prince will be So much Master, in Reality that the Friends of Liberty must be very unhappy, and live in continual disgrace and danger. The English are arming, with all the Affectation of Spirit and Firmness, and France neither moves nor negotiates with the least appearance of Fortitude or Understanding. To do them the former Justice, they have had the Prudence to Send both to Versailles and the Hague, Men of Sense and Buisiness. England will rise in Consideration and Power, and France will Fall, in the Eyes of all Europe. This will make the former overbearing, and her People insolent, and France will soon, in my poor opinion at least, be obliged to

            go to to War, or sink very low. The United States of America instead of being more courted by the English as they would probably be in case of a War, will rather be more neglected, perhaps treated cavalierly.— it is easy to See, however, that the Peace cannot long continue between the two European Nations. The Philosophical Vissions of Perpetual Peace, and the Religious Reveris of a near approach of the Millenium, in which all Nations are to turn the Weapons of War into Implements of Husbandry will in a few Years be dissipated. The Armaments now making in England, will dissarrange Mr Pitts boasted Plans of Æconomy: and in short, there is every Appearance that the Peace of Europe will be for years but an armed Truce. The Surplus of Revenue so ostentatiously displayed to the Public, is but an Artful Deception. Oh Fortunate Americans, if you did but know your own Felicity! instead of trampling on the Laws the Rights the generous Plans of Power delivered down from your remote Forefathers, you should cherish and fortify, those noble Institutions, with filial and religious Reverence.— instead of envying the Rights of others, every American Citizen has cause to rejoice in his own. instead of violating the security of Property, it should be considered as Sacred as the Commandment “thou shalt not Steal.” instead of trampling on private honour and public Justice, every one who attempts it should be considered as an impious Parricide, who seeks to destroy his own Liberty and that of all his Neighbours. what would have become of American Liberty if there had not been more Faith, Honour and Justice in the Minds of their common Citizens, than are found in the common People in Europe? Do We see in the Austrian Netherlands, in the United Netherlands, or even in the Parliaments in France, that Confidence in one another, and in the Common People, which enabled the People of the United States to go through a Revolution? Where is the Difference? it is a Want of Honesty. and if the Common People in America loose their Integrity, they will soon set up Tyrants of their own, or court a foreign one. Laws alone, and those political Institutions which are the Guardians of them, and a Sacred Administration of Justice, can preserve Honour Virtue, and Integrity in the Minds of the People.
          With great Respect, I have the Honour to be / sir your most obedient and most / humble servant

            John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 25 September 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Carmarthen, the Marquis of

            My Lord—
            Grosvr. sqr.
              Septr. 25th. 1787.

          I am under the necessity of again troubleing your Lordship, with the Complaint here enclosed of Robert Cushing a Citizen of the United states of America—And Master of the American ship Non-pariel, that his People were taken from him on board his ship by a Press-gang last fryday morning and are now on Board the Colossus in Long-reach: that he cannot obtain their release without an order from the admiralty: that altho some of his People have been put on shore but that the following persons remain on board His Majesty’s

ship—vizt. Thomas Douglass & Joseph Gardiner both his Apprentices & also John Whitecombe, Richard Green & John Turner, Americans that he shall be detained to the great detriment of the Voyage, if his People are not immediately restored
          I do myself the honor, again to request your Lordships kind assistance, in procuring these Men their Liberty as Citizens of the United States of America
          with great respect / &c—

            J. A—


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 28 September 1787
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir
            Paris Sep. 28. 1787.

          I received your favors by Mr. Cutting, and thank you sincerely for the copy of your book. the departure of a packet-boat, which always gives me full emploiment for some time before, has only permitted me to look into it a little. I judge of it from the first volume which I thought formed to do a great deal of good. the first principle of a good government is certainly a distribution of it’s powers into executive judiciary, & legislative, and a subdivision of the latter into two or three branches. it is a good step gained, when it is proved that the English constitution, acknowleged to be better than all which have proceeded it, is only better in proportion as it has approached nearer to this distribution of powers. from this the last step is easy, to shew by a comparison of our constitutions with that of England, how much more perfect they are. the article of Confederations is surely worthy of your pen. it would form a most interesting addition to shew what have been the nature of the Confederations which have existed hitherto, what were their excellencies & what their defects. a comparison of ours with them would be to the advantage of ours, and would increase the veneration of our countrymen for it. it is a misfortune that they do not sufficiently know the value of their constitutions & how much happier they are rendered by them than any other people on earth by the governments under which they live.— you know all that has happened in the United Netherlands. you know also that our friends Van Staphorsts will be among the most likely to become objects of severity, if any severities should be exercised. is the money in their hands entirely safe? if it is not, I am sure you have already thought of it. are we to suppose the game

already up, and that the Stadtholder is to be reestablished, perhaps erected into a monarch, without this country lifting a finger in opposition to it? if so, it is a lesson the more for us. in fact what a croud of lessons do the present miseries of Holland teach us? never to have an hereditary officer of any sort: never to let a citizen ally himself with kings: never to call in foreign nations to settle domestic differences: never to suppose that any nation will expose itself to war for us &c. still I am not without hopes that a good rod is in soak for Prussia, and that England will feel the end of it. it is known to some that Russia made propositions to the emperor & France for acting in concert; that the emperor consents and has disposed four camps of 180.000 men from the limits of Turkey to those of Prussia. this court hesitates, or rather it’s premier hesitates; for the queen, Monmorin & Breteuil are for the measure. should it take place, all may yet come to rights, except for the Turks, who must retire from Europe: and this they must do were France Quixotic enough to undertake to support them. we I hope shall be left free to avail ourselves of the advantages of neutrality: and yet much I fear the English, or rather their stupid King, will force us out of it. for thus I reason. by forcing us into the war against them they will be engaged in an expensive land war as well as a sea war. common sense dictates therefore that they should let us remain neuter: ergo they will not let us remain neuter. I never yet found any other general rule for foretelling what they will do, but that of examining what they ought not to do.— you will have heard doubtless that M. Lambert is Comptroller general that the office of Directeur general du tresor royal has been successively refused by Monsr. de la Borde & Monsr Cabarnes; that the Conte de Brienne, brother of the Archbishop, is minister of war, and the Count de la Luzerne minister of Marine. they have sent for him from his government in the West Indies. the Chevalier de la Luzerne has a promise of the first vacant Embassy. it will be that of London if Adhemar can be otherwise disposed of. the Chevalier might have had that of Holland if he would. the Count de Moustier will sail about the middle of next month. Count d’Aranda leaves us in a few days. his successor is hourly expected.— I have the honor to be with my best respects to mr̃s Adams, — sentiments of perfect esteem & regard to yourself dear Sir your most obedient & most humble servant

            Th: Jefferson

            P.S. since writing the above, I learn thro a {very good channel that this court is decided} & is {arranging} with the {two empires}

perhaps as a proof of this we may soon {see them recall their officers in the Dutch service}


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 1 October 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, Charles William Frederic

            Sir.
            Grosvenor Square Octr 1st 1787—

          Col. Forrest, informed me last Night that he delivered you the Letter I wrote by him. in which were orders upon the Bankers of Amsterdam to pay you your Salery, till then I was anxous about it, as you make no mention of it in yours of the 25th of Sepr

          I am extreamly Sorry to hear of your unfortunate Situation, at the date of that Letter. but hope before this time there is some change for the better
          Inclosed is a Letter to Messrs Willink and Vanstaphorsts directing the necessary Repairs of the Hotel des Etats: But While it is my Wish that the House Should be put into tenantable and decent Repair, let me recommend both to you and to them all the Œconomy consistant with that End for the Sake of that Public we have the Honour to serve
          I have done myself the Honour to write to the President of their High Mightinesses and to Mr Secretary Fagel upon the Subject and have inclosed the Letters to you for Delivering or at least for Conveyance
          be pleased, Sir to present the Compliments of my family to yours and beleive me to be with much Esteem / yours &c &c—


Title: Memorial to the States General, 1 October 1787
From: Adams, John
To: States General

          To their High Mightinesses The Lords the States General of the United Provinces of the Low Countries.—A Memorial—

            High and Mighty Lords.—
            [1 October 1787]

          The Subscriber Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America, has the Honour to acquaint your High Mightinesses that Congress on the twenty fourth Day of July last resolved that Mr: Dumas be permitted to occupy and reside in the House of the United States at the Hague, untill a Minister of the United States shall arrive there, or untill the further order of Congress; And that Mr. Adams (the subscriber) do direct such repairs to be made at the

expence of the United States, to the said House as may be really necessary to render it tenantable.— That the subscriber has accordingly directed, Messieurs, Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholas and Jacob Van Staphorst Bankers of the United States at Amsterdam to[ge]ther with Mr. Dumas to make the necessary [Repara]ions of the House, according to the intentions and order of Congress.— The Subscriber has therefore the honor to request of your High mightinesses, all that friendly countenance and assistance to Messrs: Dumas Willinks and Van Staphorsts, which they may reasonably request; and as Congress in similar cases wou[ld] be always chearfully willing to render, to any Persons in America employed in services for your High Mightinesses.
          Done this first Day of october one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty Seven.—

            John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 1 October 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)

            Gentlemen
            Grosvenor Square Octbr 1st 1787

          having understood with much anxiety and Concern the unfortunate and critical situation of Public affairs in your Republick and particularly in Amsterdam, and considering the Accidents that may Happen, it has appeared to me most safe and Prudent both for the Public and for you as well as myself that the Money you have on Hand or may receive Should be lodged in the Bank of Amsterdam at least While the present danger Subsists
          you will be pleased therefore to transfer into the Bank all the Monies you may have on Hand upon the receipt of this Letter which you are to Consider as your Sufficient order and Warrant
          Mr Rucker last night assured me that he Should write you by tomorrows Post on the Subject of the Bills on him Protested for Non acceptance, that he should certainly go in Person to Amsterdam in ten or twelve days (and that he Should certainly pay the Bills before the day. I have no doubt but he will.) but if he Should not you will

please to transmit them to me in Season that they may be presented on the day for Payment
          I am Gentlemen yours &c / &c &c—


Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 3 October 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Carmarthen, the Marquis of

            My Lord—
            Grosvr. sqr.
              octr. 3d. 1787.

          It is with concern, that I do myself the Honour to inclose to your Lordship a Letter which I received this morning from Charles Baldwin a Citizen of the United States of America, who, represents, that on the 22d. of last month he was involuntarily taken out of the Ship favourite, Henry Cooper Commander belonging to NewYork by a Press Gang, and taken without any of his Property but the Cloaths he had on, & sent on board of the Dispatch tender—where he remained till next day when he was sent on board the Vestal Frigate at long reach, which 2 day’s after sailed for sheerness when arrived there he was sent on board the Conqueror Guardship— he remained there one day, and was then sent on board the scipio of 64 Guns, which sailed the next day for Spithead— This Letter is dated on board the Tryumph of 74 Guns at Spithead under the Command of Lord Hood, where probably this Charles Baldwin, (whose father & Family are well known to the secretary of Legation of the United States) now is—
          According to his representation there are six or 7. others, American Citizens on board the same ship, in similar Circumstances
          It is my duty my Lord to remonstrate against this practice, which has been too common of impressing American Citizens, and especially with the aggravating Circumstances of going on board American Vessells, which ought to be protected by the flagg of their sovereign—
          It is my duty also, to request Your Lordships interposition, to obtain for this Person and his Companions their Liberty—
          With great respect I have the honor / —c —c

            J A—


Title: To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 7 October 1787
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Adams, John

            Stimmo: Signor mio,
            Parigi, 7 8bre 1787.1

          Il nostro degno amico Sigr: Jefferson mi comunicò tempo fa i progressi di Vostr’ Eccellenza nella lingua toscana, e il suo desiderio ch’io Le scrivessi nella detta lingua, ogni qual volta mi prendessi la libertà d’incomodarla, facendo uso d’uno stile semplice e chiaro. Eecomi dunque ad obbedire ai suoi comandi, e secondo il solito per chieder favori.
          Il Sigr: Jefferson ed io abbiamo pensato, che la relazione della sollevazion di Massachusets, messa a confronto con quel che è successo di simile negli ultimi undici anni nella Granbrettagna, in Francia, e nell’Impero Ottomanno, potrebbe far prova in favor dei nostri governi, tanto in riguardo alla rarità del fatto, che alle cause, alla condotta, e agli effetti.
          Ciò dovrebbe far parte d’un supplemento che sto scrivendo per la mia opera, e che non posso indugiar molto a mandare sotto il torchio, poichè n’è già stampato il sesto foglio della quarta e ultima parte. Se Vostr’ Eccellenza volesse dunque favorirmi, con tutta la sollecitudine possibile, un ragguaglio esatto delle sollevazioni seguite in codest’ isola nel detto spazio di tempo, Le ne professerei una grande obbligazione.2
          Sono stato informato della fiera malattia del mio caro amico e suo degno genero Col: Smith; La prego di reverirmelo cordialmente, e di ragguagliarmi del presente stato della sua salute. La supplico parimente di presentare i miei umili e sinceri ossequi alla sue Signore, Consorte e Figlia, di onorarmi presto dei suoi comandi, e di permettermi ch’io mi soscriva con egual dose d’affetto e di rispetto, / Di Vostr’ Eccellenza, / Devmo: ed Umilmo: Servitore

            Filippo Mazzei

          TRANSLATION

            Most esteemed sir
            Paris, October 7 1787

          Our worthy friend Mr. Jefferson communicated to me some time ago your excellency’s progress with the Tuscan language, and your desire that I should write to you in the said language, whenever I had the freedom to accommodate your wishes, using a simple and clear style. Here I am, then, obeying your commands and, as usual, asking for favors.
          Mr. Jefferson and I thought that the account of the Massachusetts uprising, compared with the similar events of the past eleven years in Great

Britain, France and the Ottoman Empire, could serve as proof in favor of our governments, as much with regard to the rarity of the event as to the causes, the conduct and the effects.
          This account will be part of a supplement that I am writing for my work, which I cannot much delay in sending to press, since the sixth sheet of the fourth and last part is already printed. If your excellency would therefore provide me with, as promptly as possible, the exact details of the uprisings that occurred on that island, then I should be greatly obliged to you.
          I have been informed of the grave illness of my dear friend and your worthy son-in-law Colonel Smith. Please give him my regards, and let me know of the present state of his health. I also entreat you to present my humble and sincere respects to your ladies, wife and daughter, to honor me soon with your commands and to permit me to sign with an equal dose of affection and respect, your excellency’s most devoted and most humble servant

            Filippo Mazzei


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 9 October 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

            Dear Sir
            Grosvenor Square October 9, 1787

          France appears at this Moment, in the Light of a Simple People Sincerely disposed to Peace, benevolence and Humanity, and judging of the dispositions of others by her own. She seems by her late Glory and Prosperity to have been Soothed into a Security and Tranquility, out of which it is Scarce possible to awaken her. England on the other hand appears, like a Nation Smarting under her Wounds, but covering her designs with a Veil of deep Dissimulation, while she was exerting her utmost Craft to obtain an opportunity of Gratifying her Resentment. We need not look farther for the Cause of the present Strange Appearances than the Diplomatic Arrangements of the two Nations.— Never was there a Time, when able and Attentive Men were so neccessary for France at the Courts of

            London, and the Hague as at the late Peace. The Comte de Vergennes should have Sent to both Places, Men of the most inlarged Capacities, and dilligent Attention to the whole System of Europe. The Marquis de Verac, is as honest a Man, and as well intentioned, as he could have found. But I believe every Man who knows him will agree with me that a Gentleman more unqualified for his Mission could not have been found. The Comte D’Adhemar, has an elegant Figure an handsome Face, and is a Favourite of the Ladies but whether from his unfortunate paralitick stroke, or from his having no Turn for the Business of State, he appears to have been inattentive, not only to the affairs of Europe in General but to those of England and Holland. The Spanish Minister has been extreamly Attentive to make his Court to the Royal Family and the Ministry here, and has been so successful as to obtain the Kings request, that he might be promoted to the Rank of a Marquis at home, and to that of Ambassador here: but to Speak freely to you as I ought, he does not appear to me to know or care any Thing much about the System of Europe.— The French Chargé too, who is an ingenious Man and well behaved, has had the good fortune to recommend himself to this Court So as to be, promoted to the Rank of Min. Plen. at their Instance.— I have ever been upon good terms with all these Gentlemen, and have no personal dislike to any of them: but I cannot but See and lament the Causes, which appear to have contributed to a Catastrophy, So outragious to the Rights of Mankind, and So humiliating, to the best Friends We have or ever had in France Holland and Spain.— I must confess that Favouritism, at the Court where he resides, in an Ambassador, of any denomination, is in my Opinion a fatal Objection against him: because I know it to be impossible to be obtained without the most criminal Simulation on one hand, or Negligence or something worse of the Interests of his Constituents on the other. There is a great difference between being esteemed and beloved: between being upon decent, civil and respectable Terms, and being taken into the Arms and embraced. Whenever and Wherever this is seen in Negotiations, Something may justly be suspected to be amiss.— unfortunately too Monsr. de st. Priest, who has been long in Constantinople, and had a great Reputation for Ability and Success, in former Negotiations, was recalled at a most critical Time.— England on the Contrary, Appears to have been meditating a Blow, even when the Nation were generally expecting the Commencement of the Millenium from the

Operation of the Commercial Treaty.— She has Sent her Shrewdest Men to Versailles and the Hague. She appears to have been intriguing at Constantinople as well as in South America. She has been forming a League in Germany: and maintaining her Navy on a formidable Footing.— France may be as indifferent as she will about Holland, but that will not Secure her Peace. The English cannot See, without inward Rage and Fury, I might say without Terror and dismay, the Works at Cherbourg. and Let Hollands fate be what it will. Let The Turks be disposed of as you please. in my Opinion France must demolish Cherbourg and Spain Set South America at Liberty, or there will be War. The Passions of this Nation are at present in a Flame; I hear Such a Language even in the Streets, and in Booksellers shops, the only Scænes of popular Politicks into which I think it prudent to venture, that I am confident a War is not far off.— The Rage of this nation amazes me.— With a Gulph and a Precipice of public Ruin before their Eyes they are ready to take the Leap with Joy. The most interesting Question for Us is whether We shall be neutral.? This is undoubtedly our Wisdom. and Congress and the states will take the most decided Measures to prevent our People from giving any Provocation. They will no doubt forbid in the most effectual Manner any of their Citizens from Serving on board the Ships of either Nation, much less from taking Commissions and committing depredations. But will all this preserve our Neutrality.? It is my Duty to be explicit upon this occasion, and to say, that Although the British Government may pretend and even Sincerely endeavour, to avoid a quarrel with the United States at the Commencement of the War, yet if they Should Obtain any signal Successes at first, which it is not improbable they may, there will arise Such a Spirit of Domination and Insolence in the Nation, as will stimulate Hostilities, against Us. It is my duty therefore, to advise, that the best Preparations, for our own defence and Security be made, that is in our Power.
          The Detail of Affairs in Holland is too dismal, to be repeated. The News Papers contain Accounts melancholly enough. The Plebeians and the Monarch are too closely connected, in Holland, to be overcome by the Patrician Aristocracy, and no rational Plan of a Reformation of their Government has been concerted by the People or their Leaders. It is a repetition of the Catastrophy of all ill constituted Republicks, and is a living Warning to our United States.
          With great Regard I have the Honour / to be, dear sir your most obedient / and most humble servant

            John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 9 October 1787
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

              Dear Sir
              Grosvenor Square Oct. 9. 1787

            I Sent you a Copy of my Second Volume by Mr Barthelemy the French Chargé here now Minister, with a Letter about Money matters. in your favour of Sept. 28. you dont mention the receipt of them.— I have indeed long thought with Anxiety of our Money in the hands of our Friends, whom you mention, and have taken the best Precaution in my Power, against Accidents.— I do not consider the Game as up.— But a disgrace has happened, which is not easy to get rid of.— Disgrace is not easily wiped washed out, even with blood. Lessons my dear Sir, are never wanting; Life and History are full. The Loss of Paradise, by eating a forbidden Apple, has been many Thousand years a Lesson to Mankind: but not much regarded. Moral Reflections, wise Maxims, religious Terrors, have little Effect upon Nations when they contradict a present Passion, Prejudice, Imagination, Enthusiasm or Caprice.— Resolutions never to have an hereditary officer, will be kept in America, as religiously, as that of the Cincinnati was in the Case of General Greens Son.— Resolutions never to let a Citizen ally himself with Kings, will be kept untill an Opportunity presents to keep violate it. if the Duke of Angoleme, or Burgundy, or especially the Dauphin Should demand one of your beautiful and most amiable Daughters in Marriage, all America from Georgia to New Hampshire would find their Vanity and Pride, So agreably flattered by it, that all their Sage Maxims would give Way: and even our Sober New England Republicans would keep a day of Thanksgiving for it, in their hearts. if General Washington had a Daughter, I firmly believe, she would be demanded in Marriage by one of the Royal Families of France or England, perhaps by both. or if he had a son, he would be invited to come a courting to Europe.— The Resolutions not to call in foreign Nations to settle domestic differences will be kept untill a domestic difference of a Serious nature shall break out.— I have long been Settled in my own

opinion, that neither Philosophy, nor Religion, nor Morality, nor Wisdom, nor Interest, will ever govern nations or Parties, against their Vanity, their Pride, their Resentment or Revenge, or their Avarice or Ambition. Nothing but Force and Power and strength can restrain them. If Robert Morris should maintain his Fortune to the End, I am convinced that Some foreign Families of very high rank will think of Alliances with his Children. If the Pen Family should go to America, and engage in public affairs and obtain the Confidence of the People, you will see Connections courted there.— a Troop of Light Horse from Philadelphia meeting Dick Pen in New Jersey, will Strike the Imaginations of Princes and Princesses.— how few Princes in Europe, could obtain a Troop of Light Horse to make them a Compliment of Parade. in short my dear Friend you and I have been indefatigable Labourers, through our whole Lives for a Cause which will be thrown away in the next Generation, upon the Vanity and Foppery of Persons of whom We do not now know the Names perhaps.— The War that is now breaking out will render our Country, whether she is forced into it, or not, rich, great and powerful in comparison of what she now is, and Riches Grandeur and Power will have the same Effects upon American as it has upon European minds. We have Seen enough already to be sure of this.— a Covent Garden Rake, will never be wise enough to take Warning, from the Claps caught by his Companions. When he comes to be poxed himself he may possibly repent and reform. Yet three out of four of them, become even by their own sufferings, more shameless instead of being penitent.
            Pardon this freedom; it is not Melancholly: but Experience / and believe me without reserve your Friend

              John Adams.

            o tempora—oh mores