Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson & François Cossoul, 11 February 1783
From: Watson, Elkanah Jr.,Cossoul, François
To: Adams, John

Sir
Nantes. 11th Feby: 1783

We are induced to take the freedom to write to your Excellency from a presumption that our complicated situation will Justify the liberty— In short Sir we have several Ships on hand, but are entirely suspended in our opperations for the want of an eclaircessment respecting the extent of our commercial connection with England— We therefore hope your Excellency will favor us with your answer to the following questions, per return of Post if possible—Vizt:
Can American Vessels be Receiv’d in the Ports of England immediately after Peace is ratified? and if they will then be protected in the Ports of America with English Manufactored goods—?
We are told Congress are about contracting with the fermiers General to pay off the Continental debt in Tobacco, and shou’d this be the case we beg leave to crave your Excellency’s patronage, We have been in treaty with the fermiers nearly Eighteen Months one of them dined with us lately in Nantes. and gave us some flattering expectations— Should they make application to your honour, and your knowledge of us can Justify your recommendation in our favour, we will pledge our honour, that you will never have cause to regret your confidence. and we shall esteem ourselves equally Indebted, whether we succeed or not— We think it apropos to observe that no American house in Europe receiv’d so large Consignments of Tobacco as ourselves in the course of the last Year, and we may add without flattery. no one better situated for Strict regularity and dispatch—
We are with every sentiment of respect / your Excellency’s— / Most Obedt. and very h’me Servants
Watson & Cossoul


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 13 February 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
Lahaie 13e. fevr. 1783

J’ai reçu les 2 respectables vôtres du 5 & du 7 court., la derniere mardi au soir directement, & la Iere. ce matin par Amsterdam.
Je prends part à votre inquiétude pour Mr. votre fils. Mais par les mesures que j’ai prises, j’espere que vous en serez bientôt quitte. J’ai donné un Extrait de votre Lettre du 7 accompagné d’un note signée de ma part, à Mr. le Duc de la Vauguyon, qui va l’envoyer au Ministre de France à Hambourg, qui est requis de faire les perquisitions nécessaires à Hambourg, Lubeck & Stralsund. J’ai donné pareil Extrait & note à Mr. D’Asp, qui va écrire aussi à Stockholm, à Elseneur, & à Coppenhague au ministre de Suede pour le même sujet. Dans ma note Mr. votre fils est requis de m’écrire & partir tout de suite pour se rendre ici. Je regrette seulement, que vous ne m’ayiez pas mis plutôt en oeuvre, pour vous épargner cette inquiétude, qui me fait de la peine.
Ne craignez aucune indiscrétion de ma part, Monsieur, quant à votre Lettre du 5. La persoñe que vous exceptez nom̃ément n’en saura rien sur mon honneur. J’ai fait confidence du contenu à Mrs. Van B——, Gr. & Visscher, qui viennent de sortir de chez moi, sous le sceau du secret; & je suis sûr d’eux.— Il faudra bien que l’affaire de la Navigation libre s’arrange à la satisfaction de tous; autrement ce seroit une boete de Pandore, dont une Puissance après l’autre deviendroit dupe à coup sûr.
Je vous rendrai confidence pour confidence; mais c’est entierement pour vous tout seul: c’est que le Ministre de la rep. pour l’Amérique, sera Mr. de Dedem Cousin de Mr. De Capelle du Pol. Cela étant, j’ai bonne opinion des liaisons futures de nos deux républiques: car nos patriotes sont sûrs de lui; & vont travailler pour le faire proposer par cette province, qui s’est réservé la proposition dans sa résolution à ce sujet.
Je Suis, Monsieur, avec grand respect, de votre Excellence / le très humble & / très-obéissant servit
Dumas

Dans une autre Lettre, j’espere de pouvoir vous confier aussi, Monsieur, avec certitude, pour qui l’on travaille, pour avoir la mission de cette rep. à la Cour de Londres: car ce ne sera pas pour Mr. De W.
P. S. Mr. de Dedem n’est plus un secret. Il va être proposé. Mr. Branzen le sait aussi

Translation

Sir
The Hague, 13 February 1783

I have received your two esteemed letters of 5 and 7 February, the latter arriving on Tuesday evening directly and the former this morning via Amsterdam.
I share your anxiety regarding your son. But in view of the steps I have taken, I trust you will soon be reassured. I have given an extract from your letter of 7 February, together with a note signed by me, to the Duc de La Vauguyon. He is going to send it to the French minister at Hamburg, who is instructed to make the necessary inquiries in Hamburg, Lübeck, and Stralsund. I gave the same extract and note to Mr. Asp; he too will write to Stockholm, Elsinore, and to the Swedish minister at Copenhagen. In my note, your son is required to write back to me and leave at once for The Hague. I only regret that you did not put me to work sooner, to spare yourself this worry, which distresses me.
You need fear no indiscretion on my part, sir, with regard to your letter of 5 February. The person you expressly exclude will know nothing of the matter, I swear. I have entrusted the contents to Mr. Van Berckel, Mr. Gyselaar, and Mr. Visscher; they have just left my house, sworn to secrecy, and I am sure of them all. The business of the freedom of the seas will have to be settled to everyone’s satisfaction; otherwise, it will be a Pandora’s box, entangling one power after another without fail.
I shall repay your confidence with another, but for your eyes only: the republic’s minister to America will be Mr. Dedem, cousin of Mr. Capellen tot den Pol. This gives me high hopes for the future relations between our two republics, for our patriots are sure of him. They will work to see he is put forward by this province, which has reserved to itself the resolution on this subject.
I am, sir, with great respect, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas

In another letter I hope soon to tell you confidentially and with certainty who we are working to have nominated as the republic’s ambassador to London; for it will not be Mr. Van Welderen.
P. S. Mr. Dedem is no longer a secret. He will be put forward. Mr. Brantsen is aware of this too.


Title: To John Adams from Duncan Ingraham Jr., 13 February 1783
From: Ingraham, Duncan Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam Feby: 13th 1783.—

Your much esteem’d favór of 7th Inst with which I am Honour’d was receiv’d Yesterday & am very sorry that you have cause to be anxious about your Son John Quincy Adams.— I will write next post to Hamburg, Copenhagen & Gottenburg & endeavour to Learn something of him & which I hope to give you a pleasing Account of per return of the Northern Post.—
I am much oblidg’d by your Intention to send me some Passports for our Vessels which are now Laying here at a Great expence, of our own are the three following. Vizt

        150 Tons
Brigt. Sukey
Capt.
Moses Grinnel for Boston—

        130 ”
Brigt Constance
Capt:
Cornelius Fellows for Do.—

        150 ”
Brigt Stadt Berlin
Capt.
James Hayden for Philadelphia.

there are several Dutch Vessels beginning to fit out but I presume that every thing will be establish’d on a Peace Basis before they Sail.— Capt. Frazier in the Firebrand to Mess Deneufvilles House is also ready.—
Mr Nalboró Frazier goes to Philadelphia in the Stadt Berlin & will take charge of any Dispatches you may wish to forward.—
Mrs: Ingraham has encreas’d my Family this Morning with a Dutch Girl, she desires her respects as do the rest of my Family.—
I have the Honór to be with much esteem / & respect / Sir / Your most Obedt: Servant
Duncan Ingraham Junr.


Title: To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 13 February 1783
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John

No. 15.
Sir
Philadelphia 13th: February 1783—

On my return the night before last from a Journey to the State of Newyork, I found you favours of the 6th: 7th: 17th: 17th: 23d: September, they contain important and useful information, and that particularly of the 6th: is replete with matter, which deserves an attention, that I lament the not having it in my power to give it at this moment, as the Express by which this goes to Baltimore is upon the wing— I congratulate you most sincerely upon having surmounted all the obstacles, that opposed themselves to the completion of our important Connection with the United States— It has I think given the last blow to the pride of Britain, its power so far as it could endanger us was past recovery before, except as it derived force from its pride, which like the last strugles of a dying Man, gave an appearance of vigor to the Body which it was about to destroy—
This covers a ratification of the Treaty, the first Copy sent by Mr: Jefferson has not been signed by me, owing to my absence—that Gentleman has not yet sailed from Baltimore, having been delayed by a number of the Enemy’s Cruisers which infest the Bay—
We this day received the Speech of his Britannick Majesty, it breaths so much the language of peace, that I begin to think it will be unnecessary to give Mr. Jefferson the trouble of going over at all— The delays he had met with will leave you longer without intelligence from hence than I would ever wish you to be, tho’ no important Event has taken place, except the evacuation of Charles Town— Our distress for want of money has rather increased than diminished, this object will demand your attention, full as much if the war should be terminated, as if it should continue— The Army and other public Creditors begin to grow very uneasy, and our present exhausted situation will not admit of internal Loans or such taxes as will suffice to give them relief—
I have sent you three different setts of Cyphers not thinking it adviseable to send duplicates be pleased to let me know whether any, and which have arrived safe
I am Sir / with very great Respect and Esteem / your most obedt. humble Servant
Robt R Livingston


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 14 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Sir
Paris Feb. 14. 1783

Mr Storer, whom you know, will deliver you this, but whether he will find you at Brussells or else where, I knew not.
I begin to grow impatient to See, the definitive Treaty Signed that I may take myself away, from this dull Place.
I am just returned from Dinner, with the Sweedish Ambassador, who invited Us all, upon occasion of the Signature of the Treaty, between his Master and Congress, which was done the 5. instant— I am much pleased with this Ambassador, 1. because he has a noble Library. 2. because his Face is pale, as if he keept his Books to read, not merely for shew. 3. because he talks a good deal and 4. because he talks well, like a man of Sense and Learning.— I Should endeavour to be acquainted with this Man more intimately, if I were to Stay here.— he has been 18 years at this Court.
Will you be the Mentor of my young Friend who bears this and give him good Council, as you often do me
your most obedient
J. Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Richard Oswald, 14 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Oswald, Richard

Sir
Paris Feby. 14th. 1783.

I hope You will excuse the Liberty I take of writing You a Line by Mr. Charles Storer, who has been for some time one of my Family, to enquire after your Health and Welfare, in which I interest myself very much.
We have expected You here every day for a long time, and begin to be apprehensive You dont design to return, which will be a disappointment to me, because I wish to have the pleasure of finishing the Work of Peace with a Gentleman, who has conducted it hitherto with so much Advantage. If this satisfaction is not be obtained, I wish the Service in the Hands of some one equally possessed of the only System, which can ever conduct it to a right Conclusion, for the Prosperity of your Country or mine— Of one thing I am well persuaded, that no Man will ever be found with better qualifications or dispositions.—
If You should not return here, it is not very probable we shall meet again— But whether together or assunder, I shall carry with me at all times the most entire Esteem and Respect for Mr. Oswald.
I have the honor to be, Sir, —


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Vaughan, 14 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Vaughan, Benjamin

Sir
Paris Feb. 14. 1783

Mr Charles Storer, of Boston who has for Sometime past made one of my Family, will have the Honour to deliver you this. On Account of his amiable Qualities and his Discretion, I have presumed to introduce him to you, relying at the Sametime on your Goodness to excuse me for taking Such a Freedom.
We expect every hour, and with not a little of Impatience, an Account of the Debates upon the Preliminary Treaties. Appearances intimate a formidable Opposition, and We are Sorry to See, a Richmond & a Keppell retiring.— if their Places Should be filled with Persons less benevolent to Us, or if you will, less convinced of the Importance of restoring as much as possible the old good Nature and good humour, the Change will not be for the better.
Where is Mr Oswald? and Mr Laurens? Are We not to finish with the former?— I hope So, because, I am perswaded there is no Man, better qualified, in the head or the heart to do the Business well.—
If any Pamphlets have been published upon the Peace, I should be obliged to you to name them to Mr storer that he may bring them with him.

With great Respect and Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir your most obedient and humbl. sert
J. Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Philippe Jean Joseph Lagau, 14 February 1783
From: Lagau, Philippe Jean Joseph
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Hambourg ce 14 fevr. 1783

J’ai eu l’honneur de vous addresser Le 31 du mois dernier une lettre pour M Harras dont j’ai eu l’honneur de faire la connoissance à son passage par cette ville.
Ce jeune homme arriva ici à la fin du mois de novembre accompagné de M Chapmann Capitaine en Second à bord du navire americain La Grace Capitaine George Michel qui a eu la malheur de faire nauffrage sur les côtes de Jutland. j’ai crû de mon devoir de rendre à lui et à L’autre comme alliés tous les services qui dependoient de moi; en consequence je n’ai pas balancé à fournir dabord au premier le necessaire pour faire sa route d’ici a Amsterdam en lui avancant une somme de 25 Ducats d’hollande pour la quelle il m’a donné un Billet sur son Capitaine à Tistedt en jutland qui sera probablement payé. Le Second c’est à dire le S. harras s’est arreté en cette ville à peu pres trois semaines se trouvant incommodé de ses fatigues et ne pouvant à cause de cela accompagné son compagnon de Voyage. aprés s’etre retablis il vint me trouver pour me prier de le faire partir aussi. D’aprés des preuves que j’avois eu qu’il etoit le neveu du president Mores à Philadelphie je n’ai pas balancé de payer sa depense à hambourg ainsi que son Voyage d’ici a Amsterdam montant ensemble à 50 Ducats d’hollande pour les quels il m’a donné une Lettre dechange sur vous Monsieur en m’assurant que vous la payeriéz certainement. sa conduite reglée, jointe au zêle que j’avois et que j’ai de rendre service aux alliés du Roy mon maitre me dicterent une pleine confiance en sa parôle. mais quel est mon etonnement aujourd’hui que je reçois sa lettere dechange de retour et que j’apprends que le payement en est refusé. Oserois je dans cette circonstance reclamer vos bontés et vous faire envisager combien il seroit injuste que je perde cette somme que je n’ai avancé que pour secourir en païs etranger des americains denués de tout ressource. je compte trop sur votre equité Monsieur pour m’inquieter du payement de mes avances et c’est dans cette ferme confiance que j’ai pris la Liberté de vous faire representer une seconde fois La lettre de change en question en vous suppliant de vouloir bien L’honorer ou m’indinquer Les moyens comment m’y prendre pour recouvrir mon payement.
Permettér que je profite de cette occasion pour vous renouveller L’hommage du profond respect avec le quel j’ai l’honneur detre / Monsieur / Votre trés humble et / trés obeissant Serviteur

Lagau
Chargé des affaires du Consulat
General de France a hambourg

Translation
Sir
Hamburg, 14 February 1783

On the 31st of last month I had the honor of sending you a letter for Mr. Harras, whom I had the pleasure of meeting when he passed through this town.
This young man arrived here at the end of November accompanied by Mr. Chapman, first officer of the American ship Grace, Captain George Mitchell, which had the misfortune to be shipwrecked off the coast of Jutland. I thought it my duty to help both gentlemen in any way I could, since they were allies. Accordingly I did not hesitate to provide Mr. Chapman with what he needed to travel to Amsterdam, and lent him the sum of 25 Dutch ducats; for which he gave me a note on his captain at Tisted in Jutland, which will probably be paid. Mr. Harras stayed on in this town for about three weeks, being in a state of exhaustion and thus unable to leave with his traveling companion. On his recovery he came to ask if I could arrange for his departure too. Since I had proof that he was the nephew of President Morris in Philadelphia, I did not hesitate to pay for his journey to Hamburg, as well as for his trip from here to Amsterdam; this amounted to 50 Dutch ducats, for which he gave me a letter of exchange on you, sir, assuring me that you would certainly honor it. His good manners, together with my eagerness to assist the allies of my master the king, gave me every confidence in his word. However, to my great astonishment, his letter of exchange was returned to me today, and I am told that payment is refused. May I under the circumstances appeal to your kindness, and point out how unjust it would be if I lost this sum, which I only put forward to assist two penniless Americans in a foreign country? I believe too strongly in your fairness to worry about repayment of my loan, and it is in this firm confidence that I have taken the liberty of presenting for the second time the letter of exchange in question, begging you either to honor it or to indicate how I should set about recovering this sum.
Allow me to take advantage of this opportunity to renew the tribute of deep respect with which I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
LagauChargé d’Affaires of the ConsulateGeneral of France at Hamburg


Title: From John Adams to Antoine Marie Cerisier, 15 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Cerisier, Antoine Marie

Sir
Paris Feb. 15. 1783

The Morceau inclosed, is translated from a Pamphlet lately published in London, in which this Piece is inserted.
It is curious in itself, but considering the time and Place when and where it was first published, it is a document of History, for it was a political Machine, which had great Effects.
As Such I should be obliged to you, if you would insert it at length in the Politique Hollandais, but if you cannot, or do not choose to do that, you may print it in a Pamphlet by itself, or give it to Mr Holtrop, who will be glad to print it, with a french Translation of the History of the Rise, and Progres of the Disputes with America.
I sent you, Some days ago, a few Lines with seven Papers inclosed. I should be glad to know if you have recd them as well as this. You see I confide much in your Discretion.
What do you think of our Peace? Is it well made? Will it last?
your most obedient


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 15 February 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
Lahaie 15e. fevr. 1783

Je saisis l’occasion d’un Courier de la Rep., pour vous confirmer ma Lettre d’hier par la poste, où je vous rends compte des précautions prises pour avoir au plutôt des nouvelles de Mr. votre fils, & pour le faire arriver au plutôt ici. Je m’attends à apprendre que ce n’est que la saison, dans un pays septentrional comm̃e la Suede, qui l’aura empêché de se remettre en route aussi vite que vous le desiriez.
Celleci vous parviendra dans une autre que Mr. Visscher écrit à Mr. Brantsen.
Ce que vous me dites, Monsieur, dans la vôtre du 5, ou plutôt ce que vous ne m’y dites pas, me fait desirer avec impatience votre retour ici, c’est-à-dire, la conclusion finale du Traité Définitif de Paix générale: car je ne vois pas d’apparence à avoir cette satisfaction plutôt.
Il me tarde extrêmement d’apprendre ce qu’il peut y avoir de pire que le tour joué à nos amis.— Il regne un froid à glacer, pas entre eux & moi (au contraire), mais entre eux & certain caractere dont ils plaignent pourtant la personne; & s’il en faut croire ce qu’on se dit ici à l’oreille, il est à plaindre, après toutes les peines qu’il s’est données pour bien servir, & tout le succès qu’ont eu ses peines.
Nous som̃es fort curieux ici de savoir le rôle & les allures à Paris & à Versailles de Mr. De H. le Chambn. du Pce.

Mr. de Dedem est en Overyssel. Notre ami m’a montré une Lettre qu’il lui écrit aujourd’hui, sur laquelle il doit se rendre incessamment ici, pour s’y trouver la semaine prochaine quand il sera proposé. Nos amis en ont déjà parlé au Gd. Pre., qui l’approuve, & au Pce., qui leur a répondu froidement qu’il étoit carte blanche c’est à dire qu’on pouvoit faire com̃e on vouloit.— Je serai certainement des premiers à l’aller complimenter, dès qu’il sera arrivé.
Je suis, Monsieur, avec grand respect / De Votre Excellence / le très-humble & très / obéissant serviteur,
Dumas

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 15 February 1783

I am taking advantage of a courier of the republic to confirm the letter I sent yesterday by post, wherein I inform you of steps taken to get the fastest possible news of your son and to summon him here as soon as possible. I expect to learn that it is only the winter weather, in a northern country like Sweden, that has prevented him from setting forth as promptly as you wish.
This letter will come to you enclosed in another, which Mr. Visscher is writing to Mr. Brantsen.
What you mention, sir, in your letter of 5 February—or rather, what you omit—makes me impatient for your return. I refer to the conclusion of the general peace treaty, for I see no likelihood of having this satisfaction any sooner.
I am also impatient to learn what could be worse than the trick played on our friends. A glacial coldness reigns—not between them and me (quite the contrary), but between them and a certain character whom they nonetheless pity as a man; and if rumors here are to be believed, he is indeed to be pitied, given the efforts he has made to be of service and the success these efforts have had.
We are very curious to hear how Mr. Heyden de Reynestein, the prince’s chamberlain, is conducting himself at Paris and Versailles and what role he has played.
Mr. Dedem is in Overijssel. Our friend showed me a letter he wrote today, stating Mr. Dedem must come back here immediately to be present when his name is put forward next week. Our friends have already spoken of this to the grand pensionary, who approves, and to the prince, who answered rather coldly that they had carte blanche, meaning they could do as they wished. I shall certainly be among the first to congratulate him when he arrives.
I am, sir, with great respect, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Henry Grand, 15 February 1783
From: Grand, Henry
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
a Paris ce 15 fevr. 1783

La situation des Finances ici est telle que je suis obligé de recourir à tous les moyens propres à les améliorer & comme la Voye de vôtre Emprunt en Hollande peut y contribuer M. Franklin ma autorisé en consequence à ecrire aux Messieurs d’hollande qui en sont chargés, la lettre que j’ai lhoñeur de vous remettre ici, vous priant de vouloir bien joindre vôtre Aprobation à celle de M. franklin. afin que je puisse encore la faire partir par le Courrier de ce matin.
J’ai lhonneur d’etre avec tout le Respect possible / Monsieur / Vôtre très humble & très obeissant serviteur,
Grand

Translation
Sir
Paris, 15 February 1783

The financial situation here is such that I am forced to resort to all necessary means to improve it. As the loan you are arranging in Holland may prove helpful, Mr. Franklin has authorized me to write to the Dutch bankers responsible. I have the honor to enclose my letter to them and ask you to append your approval to that of Mr. Franklin so that I can yet dispatch it with this morning’s post.
I have the honor to be with all possible respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
Grand


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 17 February 1783
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam the 17. feby. 1783.

None of yoúr Excellency’s favours to answer Since our Last of 2 Janny. whereby we acquainted yoúr Excellency the Compleating of the £[₶]400/M Desired by Mr: Grand at Paris. the drafts we paid of Boƒ2200.— accepted by yoúr Excellency. and the distribútion of Obligations during the month of December. amounting to a Sum of ƒ24000.—.
Having Since wrote to his Excellency Robert Morris Esqr. we advised him that in the Course of the month of Jany. we distributed again Several Obligations amounting to ƒ18000.—.
We also receiv’d a Letter of his Excellency of 27th. noṽ wherein he acquaints ús of Several drafts Done on ús for the amount of Fifty Thousand Seven hundred and Six Current florins. which Shall all be duely paid. being 8. thereof presented and accepted before we received his Excellency’s advice.
Messs. John de Neufville & Son have deliverd us a note of 7 Coupons paid by them for yoúr Excellen. account as.

N
95
}
Each of ƒ25.—.— due 1st Septr.1782. amt. . . . . to
ƒ175.—

96

98

99

167

169

170

for Several postage of Letters
“ 4.10—

together ƒ179.10—

bút as we have no order of yoúr Excellency to pay this. we Shall be very glad to receive it as Likewise yoúr further approbation on any other demands these Gentlemen might do on ús
We have the Honoúr to remain with a perfect Consideration / Sir / Yoúr Excellys. most obedt. / most humb Servants.

Wilhem & Jan Willink.
Nics. & Jacob van Staphorst.
de la Lande & fynje


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 18 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Kemp, François Adriaan Van der

Dear Sir
Paris Feb. 18. 1783

The Bearer of this, Dr. John Wheelock, is President of an Institution in America, which is founded upon good Principles and deserves Encouragement. If you will give him Leave he will explain to you his Errand to Europe, and if you think there is any Prospect of his Success, I should be obliged to you for any Advice you may give him.
I am impatient to get back to Holland where I hope to have the pleasure of a little more Conversation upon the Times. remember me most respectfully and affectionately to our Friend in Overyssel, the Baron de Poll.
With much Esteem & Respect, / Your most obedient servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 February 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
Lahaie 18e. fevr. 1783

Nos amis sont très contents de la Déclaration réitérée que je leur ai faite de votre part, &c., & vont agir en conséquence auprès de la Cour de France, compris celle d’Espagne, & auprès de vos Excellences. Ils me paroissent persuadés, que la mesure peut & doit réussir. Cependant, à tout événement, ils me chargent de proposer encore la question suivante, pour obtenir là-dessus une réponse, favorable s’il se peut, qui acheveroit de les mettre à l’aise, & de les tranquilliser.
“Q. Lorsque L. H. P. auront fait la proposition à la France, de signer conjointement avec l’Espagne, l’Amérique, & les Pays-Bas unis, une Convention fondée sur les principes de la Neutralité armée pour le maintien de la liberté de la Navigation;— au cas que la France & l’Espagne parussent vouloir reculer & différer une telle convention, ou S’y refuser avant la conclusion ou signature du Traité définitif;— Mr. Dana, & pendant son absence Mr. Adams, Soit seul & com̃e Ministre des Etats-Unis auprès de cette République, ou avec Mrs. ses Collegues, seroient-ils prets à signer une telle Convention provisionnelle, lorsqu’elle leur seroit proposée de la part de L. H. P., entre les Etats-Unis & les Pays-Bas unis?”
“On est persuadé ici, que sans un Traité pareil, soit entre la France, l’Espagne, les Etats-Unis & les Pays-Bas-Unis, ou, à défaut des deux premieres, au moins entre les deux dernieres Puissances, rien ne sauroit prévenir ni excuser la honte du Traité définitif pour cette République, qui n’est entrée en guerre que pour la liberté des mers, & qui en a fait une conditio sine qua non dans ses préliminaires de paix.”
Il est fort à souhaiter que l’un de ces deux arrangemens soit faisable à défaut de l’autre, parce que cela applaniroit tout d’un coup, le chemin au Traité définitif.— Il ne resteroit du moins d’autre difficulté que celle de Négapatnam & de la navigation par les Moluques, sur lesquelles je viens de lire le rapport des 17 Directeurs de la Compagnie, qui oppose les raisons les plus fortes à la cession de l’un & de l’autre.
Mon opinion est, sauf toujours votre meilleur avis, que votre acquiescement à la demande de ces Messieurs, peut se fonder sur ces trois choses: 10. Sur la Résolution des Etats-unis du 5 Octobr 1780, com̃uniquée par vous-même à L. H. P. par Lettre du 8 Mars 1781; & sur ce que vous m’avez marqué, que vos pouvoirs à cet égard n’ont point été révoqués:— 20. sur ce que L. H. P. sont une des Parties de la Neutralité armée, à laquelle Mr. Dana attend qu’il plaise à une autre des Parties d’admettre les Etats-Unis:— sur ce qu’il ne s’agit, ce me semble, que de se garantir réciproquement, ce que vous avez déjà signé dans le Traité d’amitié & de Commerce conclu avec L. H. P.

Je suis avec tous les sentimens d’un vrai & grand respect, & en vous priant de les faire agréer aussi à LL. EE. Mrs. Franklin, Jay, Laurens, & Brantzen, Monsieur / De V. E. le très humble & très / obéissant serviteur
C. W. f. Dumas

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 18 February 1783

Our friends are very content with the renewed declaration that I have made to them on your part, etc., and will act accordingly with the courts of France and Spain, and with your excellencies. They seem to me convinced that the measure can and ought to succeed. But in any case, they instruct me again to ask the following question, in hopes of obtaining a favorable reply if possible, which would completely reassure them and put them at ease:
“Question. When their High Mightinesses have made their proposal to France that it sign jointly with Spain, America, and the United Netherlands an agreement based on the principles of the Armed Neutrality in order to maintain the freedom of navigation, should France and Spain seem inclined to defer such an agreement or to reject it before the conclusion or signature of the definitive treaty, would Mr. Dana (and in his absence, Mr. Adams, either acting alone or as minister of the United States to this republic, or in conjunction with his colleagues) be prepared to sign a provisional agreement of this nature between the United States and the United Netherlands when it is proposed by their High Mightinesses?
“We are convinced here that without such a treaty, whether between France, Spain, the United States, and the Netherlands, or, failing the two former, at least between the two latter powers, nothing could avert or excuse the shame of the definitive treaty for the Netherlands, which only went to war over the freedom of the seas and which made it a conditio sine qua non in its preliminaries to peace.”
It is most desirable that one of these two solutions be feasible if the other should fail, because it would immediately smooth the path to a definitive treaty. At least then the only remaining difficulty would be Negapatam and navigation through the Moluccas. I have just read a report on this matter by the seventeen directors of the company, which argues strongly against ceding either.
My opinion—unless, of course, as always, you have a better one—is that your acquiescence to these gentlemen’s demands could be based on the following three things: 1. On the resolution made by the United States on 5 October 1780, which you yourself communicated to their High Mightinesses in a letter of 8 March 1781, and in which you noted that your powers in this matter have not been revoked; 2. On the fact that their High Mightinesses are one of the parties involved in the Armed Neutrality, and that Mr. Dana is waiting until it pleases one of the other parties to admit the United States; On the fact that it seems to me simply a matter of guaranteeing mutually what has already been signed in the treaty of friendship and trade concluded with their High Mightinesses.
I am, with all the sentiments of true and great respect, sir, and pray that you present them also to their excellencies Franklin, Jay, Laurens, and Brantsen, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
C. W. f. Dumas


Title: To John Adams from William Lee, 18 February 1783
From: Lee, William
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Bruxelles 18 Feby. 1783.

I am advised from very good authority that the Emperor is desirous of entering into a Treaty of Commerce with the United States of Ama., on terms of equality & mutual advantage, therefore shall be much obliged to you for informing me if there is any person in Europe authoriz’d by Congress to enter into such a Treaty with his Imperial Majesty.
Altho’ I have no doubt of your being well inform’d in these Points, I hope you will excuse me for mentioning, that it is an invariable rule with the Court of Austria never to make Officially the first advances to any other Sovereign Power, therefore if Congress approve of a Commercial Treaty being enter’d into with his Majesty, it is necessary that the formal Proposition for that purpose shou’d be first made on the part of America.

I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect and / Esteem— / Dear Sir / Your most Obedt. & most / Humble Servant
W: Lee


Title: From John Adams to Duncan Ingraham Jr., 19 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Ingraham, Duncan Jr.

Sir,
Paris 19th. Feby. 1783.

Inclosed are six Passports for American Vessels, one of which You will please to deliver to Mr. de Neufville for the Firebrand Capt. Frazier— You will dispose of the rest as You judge proper.
There is also inclosed a little Packet directed to You, which You will dispose of as directed requested.—
You will accept my Congratulations upon the late addition of a Daughter to your Family— I have a Letter from my Son at Gottenburg 1st. Feby. very well.
I have the honor to be, with much Esteem &c


Title: The American Peace Commissioners to Alleyne Fitzherbert, [ca. 20 February 1783]
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John
To: Fitzherbert, Alleyne

Sir
[ca. 20 February 1783]

We have recd. the Letter wh you did us the Honor to write on the 18th. Inst, together with the Passports mentioned in it.
His britannic Majesty’s Proclamation of the 14th. Instant has our entire approbation, and we have the honor of transmitting to you, herewith enclosed, a Declaration perfectly correspondent with it.

It appears to us important to both Countries that a System be speedily adopted to regulate the Commerce between them; and it gives us pleasure to inform you that we are authorized to form one, on Principles so liberal, as that british Merchants shall enjoy in America & her Ports & Waters, the same Immunities and Priviledges with her own; provided that a similar Indulgence be allowed to those of our Country, in common with british Subjects merchts. in general—
We presume that such a System will on consideration appear most convenient to both; but if it shd. not, we shall be ready to frame one on narrower Principles of Reciprocity. if so, we shall be ready to include it in the definitive Treaty—
We flatter ourselves that this overture will be considered as a Mark of our attention to the Principles adopted in the Preamble of our Preliminaries, and of our Desire to render the commercial Intercourse between us free from Embarrassing & partial Restrictions—
We have the Honor to be with great Regard & Esteem / Sir / Your most obt & very / hble servt


Title: Proclamation of the Cessation of Hostilities by the American Peace Commissioners, 20 February 1783
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John
To:

[20 February 1783]

By the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America for making Peace with Great Britain
A Declaration
of the Cessation of Arms, as well by Sea, as Land, agreed upon between His Majesty the King of Great Britain and the United States of America
        Whereas Preliminary Articles, were Signed, at Paris, on the thirtieth Day of November last, between the Plenipotentiaries of his Said Majesty the King of Great Britain, and of the Said States, to be inserted in, and to constitute the Treaty of Peace, to be concluded, between his Said Majesty and the Said United States, when Terms of Peace Should be agreed upon between his Said Majesty, and his most Christian Majesty: And Whereas Preliminaries for restoring Peace, between his Said Majesty the King of Great Britain, and his most Christian Majesty, were Signed at Versailles, on the twentieth Day of January last, by the respective Ministers of their Said Majesties: And Whereas Preliminaries for restoring Peace, between his Said Majesty the King of Great Britain and his Majesty the King of Spain, were also Signed at Versailles on the Twentieth Day of January last, by their respective Ministers: and Whereas, for putting an End to the Calamity of War, as Soon and as far as possible, it hath been agreed, between the King of Great Britain, his most Christian Majesty, the King of Spain, the States General of the United Provinces, and the United States of America as follows, that is to Say.
That Such Vessells and Effects, as Should be taken in the Channel, and in the North Seas, after the Space of Twelve Days, to be computed, from the Ratification of the Said Preliminary Articles, Should be restored on all Sides; That the Term Should be one Month from the Channel and the North Seas as far as the Canary Islands, inclusively, whether in the Ocean or the Mediterranean; Two Months from the Said Canary Islands, as far as the Equinoctial Line or Equator, and lastly five Months, in all other Parts of the World, without any Exception, or any other more particular Description of Time or Place.
And Whereas the Ratifications of the Said Preliminary Articles, between his Said Majesty, the King of Great Britain, and his most Christian Majesty, in due Form were exchanged by their Ministers, on the third day of this instant February, from which Day the Several Terms abovementioned, of Twelve Days, of one Month of two Months and of five Months, are to be computed, relative to all British and American Vessells and Effects.
Now therefore, We, the Ministers Plenipotentiary, from the United States of America, for making Peace with Great Britain do notify to the People and Citizens of the Said United States of America, that Hostilities on their Part, against his Britannic Majesty, both by Sea and Land, are to cease, at the Expiration of the Terms herein before Specified therefor, and which Terms are to be computed, from the third day of February instant. And We do, in the name and by the Authority of the Said United States, accordingly warn and enjoin all their Officers and Citizens, to forbear all Acts of Hostility, whatever, either by Land or by Sea, against his Said Majesty, the King of Great Britain, or his Subjects, under the Penalty of incurring the highest Displeasure of the Said United States.
Given at Paris the Twentieth Day of February, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty Three
John Adams [SEAL]
B Franklin [SEAL]
John Jay [SEAL]


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 22 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

Sir
Paris Feb. 22. 1783

Your favour of 13. is received, and I thank you, for the Trouble you have taken concerning my son, and I beg you to present my most hearty Thanks to the Duke de la Vauguion for the Compassion he had for me in my affliction and for the Trouble he has taken, in writing to the Minister of France at Hambourg, and to Mr D’Asp for writing to Stockholm Elsineur and Copenhagen.— I have within a few days recd a Letter from my son dated the 1. of Feb at Gottenbourg, explaining the Reasons of his delay and expecting to be at the Hage by March. This gives me great Relief.— When he arrives, let him Stay with you or go to Leyden at his Election. at present I hope to be at the Hague, not long after him.
Mr Dedem I hope is appointed. Pray how does he go to America? I Should be glad to go with him in the Same Ship. Perhaps the Prince will send a Frigate with him. he ought.


Title: To John Adams from Herman Heyman’s Sons, 22 February 1783
From: Sons, Herman Heyman’s
To: Adams, John

Sir
Bremen the 22 February 1783

It is with the greatest Satisfaction that we Obser. by the Publik papers the Declaration of Independence from Great Brittan to the United States, a Situation which we have heartely wished to the Latter for many years past, and by which means our Country will be now abel to enter in the most Friendly & Advantageous Alliance with the same.
To Convince the United States from our Wishes to accept the first Opportunity to enter in Connection with them we purchased a Vessell and made and Expedition of the Products of our Country by the same in the Latter end of last year for Nord America, and such is now quite Compleated so that the Vessell will Sail by the first fair Wind; our Partners in this Speculation are Mr Henry Talla & Mr Arnold Delius of our Place; the Latter is going along with the Cargo in the Rank as Supper Cargo; but at his arrival he’ll make some Stay in Nord America, to establish if possibel an uninterrupted traid between the United States and our Place; which will be Caried on under the Firm of Heymans Talla Delius & Co., our First intention has been to send the Vessell to St Thomas to Sell that part of her Cargo which Consisted of Provisions, and not answered so Well in Nord America, and to take an opportunity to proceed with the Remainding to Philadelphia or Boston, but now the Declaration of Independency & the Prelimenares of Peace beeing signed from great Brittan; made a material alteration in the Destination of the Vessell, and we are Determened to send it now Direct to Nord America.
We conceive that our Reception in a Country which never had any Direct Dealing with our part of the World might at first be some what Cool, and traid not be Carried on in such a Spirit and Confidance as Merchands which have been all ready in Connection before; we should therefore be infinitly Obliged to your Exelency to favor us with some Letters of Introduction & Recommandations as well to the First houses in the most principal traiding Places of the United States, as likewise to the Congress or Regency of the same; it would be against Delicacy to say you much of the Security of our House, but we may say without Vanity that it is of the first Rank at our Place so the other two Interested Gentlemen above mentioned enjoy likewise the first Credit, may we still take the Liberty to beg of you the favor to address yourselfs by Messrs Fiezeau Grand & Co Messrs Hope & Co & Messrs Luden & Co at Amsterdam Messrs Girardot Haller & Co Messr Cottin fils & Jauge at Paris; and you’ll get Convinced that you Introduce People to your Good Country, which honesty & Good Caracter as well theyr Security intitles them to receive the best Reception in the United States; we formerly Received at our house alone every Year 5 or 6 Cargos of Rice & 3 of Tobacco as the Products of Nord America by way of England, and our Port at least Imported of the first 20 and of the Latter about 15 Cargos.
Youll excuse our Liberty to trouble you with the present, but the assurance of your Patriotism & Uninterrupted Zeal for your Country, makes us flatter ourselfs that you’ll take such in the Light, that our Sincere Wishes and our only Views are to make both our Countries become in mutual Avantageous and the most Amicabel Connections, we are Convinced that it lays in your power to promote such, and to procure us and our City all such Benefices or Emoluments, which are granted to other Powers, may we there fore Request from you these assistances, and that you will favor us with such Letters as Necessary to fullfill our most Earnest Wishes, in Particular that to Congress; that we may receive theyr Protection and enjoy all the Benefice which they grant to other Nations.
We have the Honour to remain with the most Sincerest Regard / Sir / Your most Obedt humbe Servts
Herman Heymans sons

Your Speedy answer will infinitly Oblige us


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 23 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

Sir,
Paris Feby. 23d. 1783.

In answer to the questions in your’s of 18th, I beg leave to inform you, that in my opinion Mr. Dana is the only proper person in Europe to treat with anybody in Europe about the Armed Neutrality and the Liberty of Navigation— It is true, our former Power is not expressly revoked, but I consider Mr. Dana’s Commissions in form to be an implicit and tacit Revocation of ours—so that I dare not take upon me, and from friendship and Delicacy to Mr. Dana, I ought not, to enter into any Conferences upon this Subject alone. In Company with my Colleagues in the Commission for Peace, I would not refuse to enter into Conferences, en attendant Mr. Dana— But whether my Colleagues would enter into this Negociation without France and Spain, at least France, I doubt; and have not time now to consult them, who are at a distance from me.
I think the proper Method for our Friends to take, is to open a Negotiation with Mr. Dana, and with all the Neutral Powers, and with France and Spain at the same time. We, who are now in and about Paris might negociate with the Ministers of France, Spain & Holland, or at least confer, if they will admit Us, en attendant Mr. Dana— Mr. Dana can enter into Negociation with Holland and all the other Powers, who have signed the Armed Neutrality.
I thank You & Mr. Fisher for the Note about my Son— Take good Care of him, & keep him in good order when he comes.—
I know nothing of Mr. Faulkner, having never heard of him before. It is probable I shall take leave of my Friends in Holland in the Spring— A thousand Causes public and private render it necessary—It is most probable I shall return to America, but not certain.— Congress will infallibly send me a Successor, and one I hope who will give entire Satisfaction to the Republick to which he goes, as well as to that from whence he comes— But who it will be, I know not.— I am sure I can do more good to Holland in America than at the Hague—And all the good I can I will, because I love them.
As to the Bill of Exchange, I have written to Mr. Lagau, that I know nothing and never heard of a Mr. Harras— Mr. Lagau has unfortunately been imposed upon—that I could not accept the Bill if Mr. Harras had been an American, which he probably is not, but some European Imposter— I am sorry for Mr. Lagau’s Mistake and Misfortune—but the Maxim is Caveat Emptor— You will be so good as to inform Mr. Boué— My Compliments to the Ladies and believe me / your Friend


Title: From John Adams to William Lee, 23 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, William

Dear Sir
Paris Feb 23. 1783

I have this moment the Honour of your Favour of the 18 and thank you for the Information it contains.
Mr Dana who is now at Petersbourg, has a Commission which Authorises him to treat with the Emperor, as well as with all the other Powers, who compose the Armed Neutrality.— I will write him an Extract of your Letter, and I Suppose he will enter into immediate Negotiation upon it, if he has not begun it before now which I suspect.
You have no doubt been informed that Sweeden has made a Treaty with the United States.

But We have not yet made a Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain, and would it be good Policy to be in a hurry to make any further Treaties of Commerce, before We have digested one with her, with whom, in my poor opinion, We shall have, for many years more Commerce than with all the other Nations of Europe put together.
With great Regard &c


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 23 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)

Gentlemen
Paris Feb 23. 1783

I have recd your Favour of the 17th. and the former Letters mentioned in it.
I approve of your Paying to Messs John De Neufville & son the seven Coupons, which you will please to charge to the United States. I Should think it best for the Holders of those Seven Obligations, to deliver them to you and take new ones from you to Save themselves as well as Messs Deneufvilles Trouble in future. or at least apply to you directly with the Coupons as fast as they become due. You are to pay the Money charge it to the United States and receive the Coupons as your Vouchers. Three of these Obligations are in the Hands of Mr John Luzac of Leyden. I dont know who is possessed of the other four. But Mr De Neufville can tell you.
I hope to be in Amsterdam, within a few Weeks and Settle my Accounts with all of you Gentlemen, but in the meantime I beg the favour of you to pay Messieurs Wilhem and Jan Willink the Sums they have disbursed for me, either in Amsterdam, or by Means of Mr Van den Iver at Paris, and Charge them all to the United States of America.
I Shall have Occasion within two or three Months to dispose of perhaps thirty or forty or fifty Thousand Guilders, of the public Money in your Hands, you will please to reserve this and enough to pay the Interest of the Loan as it becomes due, and the rest I have no Objection to your paying to Mr Grand, if you have not contrary orders from Mr Morris.
With Great Esteem I have the Honour to be


Title: From John Adams to Jeremiah Allen, 25 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Allen, Jeremiah

Sir
Paris Feb. 25. 1783.

I thank you for your Care of my Letters mentioned in yours of the 19th. which I beg you to Send by the first Vessell. Dr Franklin has Sent Passports to Nantes to the Care of Mr Williams, for all the American Vessells.
I am very much obliged to you, for your Politeness in Sending me, the Salt Fish, but if they are not already on their Way, I beg you to keep them, for the Use of your other Friends, because my Traiteur knows not how to cook them and if he did, a genuine Fish Dinner would not relish any where but in Boston or its Neighbourhood, at least without a Company of genuine Amateurs, which I could not find here.— I have Such an Appetite for a Boston Fish Dinner, Since the Peace, that I hope to enjoy one, before August.
I have not any Information of Portugals Acknowledgment of our Independence, and I join with you in wishing our Friend Success at Petersbourg.
The Debates in Parliament upon the Peace on the 17 were very warm and the Decisions not So politick, as We could wish. both Houses, however declare the Articles binding, the Lords approve them, and the King in his Answer to the Lords Address, declares his opinion in favour of them, and his Determination to execute them with Honour and good faith.
Will you be So good as to give me Notice of the first Arrivals from Boston or Philadelphia and the News they bring and the Passengers who come.
I am &c


Title: From John Adams to the Trustees of Dartmouth College, 25 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: College, the Trustees of Dartmouth

Gentlemen
Paris Feb. 25. 1783

Your Favour of September the Twenty fourth recommending your worthy President Dr Wheelock and his Designs gave me much Pleasure and does me great Honour.
It is to American Seminaries of Learning that America is indebted for her Glory and Prosperity, and therefore no Man can be more usefully employed than in affording them every Countenance and Assistance in his Power.
Dr Wheelock after remaining a few Days in Paris Satt off with his Brother for the Hague and Amsterdam. I gave him Letters to Several Persons of Consideration in those Cities, Such as will be most likely to forward his Designs but what Success he will have I am not able to Say.
With the greatest Respect &c


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 25 February 1783
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
St: PetersbourgFeby: 14th 1783. OS. [25 February N.S.]

I received by the last post Copies of several Resolutions of Congress, from Mr: Thaxter. None of them seem to be of any present importance since the peace, except that of the 14th: of Septr. last, relative to our Loans in Europe. This must not occasion any change in the Credit you & the Dr: have engaged to me. I shall still rely upon it. There can be no doubt but that Congress will approve of our conduct whenever they shall be informed of the circumstances. I have written again by this days post to Mr: Livingston upon the subject; and I early informed him that I shou’d apply to you & the Dr: for the Money, and have since written to him that you had consented to advance it: So that they will expect it, and be prepared for it. I shall therefore rely upon it especially as the resolution came on without any intimations from you to the contrary
Will it surprise you to learn that I am advised to remain in status quo, till the British Minister here has in form communicated to this Court the signature of the Preliminaries of Peace? This is the very Truth, and is the only good reason I can give for remaining so— I hope for the pleasure of seeing you at the Hotel des Etats-Unis at the Hague, in course of the summer on my route for America; when I shall bid an eternal Adieu to Europe
I shou’d be anxious about your Son of whom I have heard nothing since the 13th: of Decr: was it not that we have had no posts from Sweden since his last letter. However he might have written to me from Hamborô or some other station on his rout, as I desired him to do. Pray give my thanks to Mr: Thaxter for the trouble he has taken to copy and forward the abovementioned Resolutions of Congress. The originals I shall not want. He will always use his discretion in matters of that sort.
I am Dear Sir, with the greatest esteem / Your most obedient humble Servant,
FRA DANA


Title: To John Adams from Antoine Marie Cerisier, 26 February 1783
From: Cerisier, Antoine Marie
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Amsterdam ce 26 Fevrier 1783

Toutes les pieces que vous m’avez fait l’amitié de m’envoyer ont paru Successivement dans le politique-Hollandais, ainsi que vous l’aurez vu Si vous perdez quelque moment à la lecture de cette feuille, à paris. J’étais trop charmé de vous montrer combien j’étais Sensible au Souvenir & à la confiance que vous daignez me continuer, pour négliger l’usage de pieces aussi intéressantes. Il m’a été jusqu’a présent impossible d’imaginer quelque expédient pour y inserer la Suite de la lettre du Dayli advertiser: mais vous ne devez en imputer le blâme & la faute qu’à vous Seul. Pourquoi avez-vous su terminer, avec une Si glorieuse rapidité, une affaire dont la difficulté du Succès étonnait d’avance les plus profonds politiques & les plus grands hommes d’Etat de ce tems? Vous aviez consacré votre gloire par l’impulsion donneé à vos concitoyens dans leur insurrection mémorable; vous l’aviez éleveé au dessus des doutes & de l’envie par la maniere dont vous l’avez Soutenue & par le plan de législation que vous leur avez donneé; mais ce dernier trait vous assure à jamais une des premieres places parmi les hommes d’Etat, bonfaiteurs du Genre-humain. Quant à moi, j’ai tombé des nuë, quand j’ai lu le Traite éntre l’Angleterre & l’Amérique: Et je vous avoue que je n’ai pu me défendre d’un mouvement d’orgueil, au Souvenir que j’avais quelque part à la confiance & à l’amitié du grand homme qui l’avait tracé & conclu. Ce Monument éternel de la gloire de votre patrie & de la vôtre a fait revenir ici bon des gens qui Se laissent aisément offusquer de préjugés. Quant à moi qui n’apprécie les choses ni par l’opinion des autres ni par les interêts particuliers, j’ai toujours eu pour vous les mêmes Sentimens qui Sont tracés ici; & le croassement des corbeaux qui obscurissent l’air ne m’empêchera jamais de voir l’aigle qui plane dans une région Supérieure. Notre politique Européenne, les pièges tendus par les petits esprits Sont quelque fois au dessous des regards droits & simples des grands génies; mais il ne faut qu’un coup-d’oiel de ceux-ci pour détruire tout l’art & tout le fruit des manoeuvres des petits négociateurs en fait de commerce & de politique. l’hommage que je vous rends est puisé dans mon coeur, & quelque Situation que le ciel réserve à la suite de mes jours Si mélangés jusqu’à présent, ces Sentimens y resteront toujours. Lorsque j’ai pris la liberté de vous consulter Sur une histoire de l’Amérique, j’avais prédité & prier toutes les objections que vous m’avez faites; mais c’est moins une histoire parfaite, un tableau de caracteres que je veux entreprendre, qu’une notice abrégée qui mette les Européens en état de moins se tromper en partant de cette partie de l’autre hémisphere & des prodiges qui viennent de S’y opérer. Je me Serai borné à l’histoire de cette guerre que j’aurai fait préceder d’un discours préliminaire contenant un tableau Sinon complet, du moins fidele de l’Etat des Colonies au moment de l’insurrection. Je me Serais Interdit tout portrait de fantaisie; je ne me Serais permis que des reflexions générales; j’aurais cherché Seulement à exposer les faits sous le point de vue le plus propre à fournir aux lecteurs actuels & aux historiens futurs les moyens de tracer les caracteres. Il vient de paraître à Londres un Histoire des dix dernieres années du regne de George III & une multitude d’autres pamphlets Sur la révolution Américaine. Connaissez-vous parmis ces ouvrages quelque chose qui puisse m’aider? Mr Guild m’a écrit que les journaux du Général Washington pourraient être publiés après la guerre; & qu’il ne Serait même pas impossible de se les procurer à présent.— Je crois vous avoir prevénu que je faisais imprimer l’ouvrage de Mr Payne. J’ai conçu d’après cela une idée Sur le Essay Sur le droit canonique & feôdal. Ne trouveriez vous pas mauvais que je le fasse paraître avec l’ouvrage de Mr Payne, attendu qu’il y a des observations qui donnent un nouveau poids aux Siennes & qui de moins montrent comment on pensait en Amérique dix ans avant l’eruption des hostilités. J’y mettrai une préface de ma façon. Mais je n’ai voulu rien faire, Sans votre aveu: les deux ouvrages Seraient comme incorporés ensemble & Se Suivraient avec un titre qui les annoncerait tous deux.— Mr de Chavannes est venu me prier de vous Informer que Son poëe est presque achevé pour l’impression; & Si vous désiriez qu’il vous le communiquat, avant de vous en faire la dédicace. Quoique la poesie Soit négligeé en bien des endroits & que le poeme n’ait pas cette unité d’action, de lieu, de tems, requise par les maîtres de l’art; il y a d’excellentes tirades; & l’Amérique & Son Ministre y jouent un rôle très glorieux.
Je ne désespere pas de vous voir encore dans ce pays, à moins que vous ne Soyez appellé Sur un théatre plus vaste: j’imagine que ce Sera, lorsque la ratification des Etats-unis, Sera arriveé. Comme vous vous interessez beaucoup à moi, vous n’apprendrez pas avec indifférence que Mr le Duc de la Vauguyon me témoigne beaucoup d’amitié & d’égard, & que dernierement il recommanda expres–sément à Son Secretaire de venir de Sa part me marquer le plaisir & la Satisfaction que je lui avais causés par quelques numeros du politique-Hollandais & m’assurer qu’il Serait charmé de trouver l’occasion de me montrer, en m’obligeant, Ses Sentimens d’estime & de reconnaissance. Mais tous ces complimens ne m’offrent pas une perspective qui me délivre de la Situation génante où je Suis par la Servitude & les tracasseries que m’occasionne la rédaction de la Gazette Sous l’influence d’un homme qui n’a pas le Sens commun & qui voudrait l’ôter aux autres. Mais je suis obligé de dévorer ma douleur; elle est bien cuissante pour un homme que vous avez daigné honorer de votre amitié & à qui cette faveur doit inspirer naturellement de l’orgueil. Je Suis avec la vénération & le devoument le plus parfait / Monsieur Votre très humble & / très obéissant Serviteur
A. M. Cerisier

Translation
Sir
Amsterdam, 26 February 1783

All the documents you were kind enough to send me have appeared successively in Le politique hollandais, as you would have noticed had you wasted a few moments reading it, in Paris. I was too delighted and touched by your attention and continuing confidence not to use such interesting documents. Until now I have found it impossible to devise some means of publishing the rest of the letter from the Daily Advertiser, but you have only yourself to blame for this. How did you manage to successfully conclude with such glorious rapidity an affair deemed to be astoundingly difficult by the most profound politicians and the greatest statesmen of our time? You had crowned your own glory by spurring on your fellow citizens in their memorable uprising; you had raised it above the reach of doubt and envy by upholding the rebellion and by your legislative plan; but this latest deed ensures you an eternal place among the foremost statesmen who have ever served humanity. I confess I was thunderstruck when I read the treaty between England and America and could not repress a surge of pride, remembering that I had some share of the confidence and friendship of the great man who had planned and concluded it. This eternal monument to the glory of your country—and to your own renown—has brought about the return here of many people who are easily offended by prejudice. As for me, who have my own view of things unmoved by the opinions of others or by particular interests, I have always entertained the same feelings for you that I describe here; and the raucous flocks of crows that darken the sky will never prevent me from seeing the eagle soaring far above. Our European politics and the traps set by petty minds sometimes fall below the straight and simple gaze of great geniuses, but it takes only a mere glance from such a man to destroy all the artifice and intrigue of the petty negotiators found in trade and politics. The tribute I am paying you comes from my heart, and no matter what heaven may reserve for my remaining days—my fortunes having been, until now, rather mixed—these sentiments will always remain. When I took the liberty of consulting you about a history of America, I had predicted and requested all your objections; but it is not so much a perfect history and vast tableau of characters I wish to undertake as a brief account that would immediately give Europeans a better understanding of the other hemisphere and the marvels that have just occurred there. I shall limit myself to a history of this war, preceded by an introduction depicting—if not completely, then at least faithfully—the state of the colonies at the onset of the revolt. I shall forbid myself all imaginary portraits; will allow only general remarks; and will try only to set forth the facts from the point of view most likely to enable present readers and future historians to outline the characters. There has appeared in London a history of the last ten years in the reign of George III and a multitude of other pamphlets on the American Revolution. Do you know of anything among these works that might assist me? Mr. Guild told me in a letter that General Washington’s diaries might be published after the war, and that one might even be able to obtain them now. I think I told you I was having Mr. Paine’s book published. After that I had an idea about the Dissertation on the Canon and the Feudal Law. Would you find it inappropriate if I published it with Mr. Paine’s work, given that it contains observations that lend new weight to his remarks and that do at least show how people were thinking in America ten years before hostilities erupted? I would write an introduction. But I didn’t want to proceed without your consent. The two books would be bound together, preceded by a title page announcing them both. Mr. De Chavannes came and asked me to tell you that his poem is almost ready to be printed, and would you like him to send it over before dedicating it to you? Although the actual poetry is rather careless in many places and the work lacks the unities of action, time, and place required by the masters of this art, it does contain some excellent tirades, and America and its minister play a most glorious role.
I do not despair of seeing you here again, unless you are summoned to some yet greater stage. I imagine it will be after the U.S. ratification will have arrived. As you have taken a strong interest in me, you will not be indifferent to learn that the Duc de La Vauguyon has shown me great friendship and consideration. He recently asked his secretary to come expressly on his behalf and say what pleasure and satisfaction I had caused him in several issues of Le politique hollandais and to assure me he would be delighted if an opportunity arose to render me some service and thereby demonstrate his esteem and gratitude. But all these compliments fail to offer me the prospect of delivering me from the vexing situation where I am, by the obligation and annoyances of editing the gazette under the influence of a man who has no common sense and who would like to deprive others of it. I am obliged to swallow my pain, which is particularly bitter for a man whom you have honored with your friendship and in whom this favor naturally inspires pride. I am with the most perfect reverence and devotion, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
A. M. Cerisier


Title: To John Adams from John Howard, 26 February 1783
From: Howard, John
To: Adams, John

Sir,
London 26 February, 1783

The subject upon which I am about to address your excellency is so nearly connected with the interest of that country which gave us birth, and which your excellency has the honor to represent, I hope I may not be accused of having acted an unwarrantable part, even if my request should be rejected, on account of some reasons unknown to me—
During my few weeks residence in London, I have found a number of worthy citizens who are resolved to fly, with the Goddess Liberty, from this devoted island and establish themselves, under the shadow of her wings, in the favoured climes of America— Most of them are men of property, & they have ever been warm friends to the American interest cause— They are husbands—they are fathers— and the many arguments that result from this last relation compell them to go—
It is therefore, Sir, thier desire to obtain a grant of some of the unlocated lands in the interior parts of the United States—not as monopolizing Speculators, but with an absolute determination to transplant themselves and families in the identical spot which they may have the happiness to obtain— But as those gentlemen are perfectly ignorant of most parts of the continent, they have requested me—I am a native of Newengland, & was brought a prisoner from America to this Country—to join, & assist them in their laudable design— Therefore, Sir, I do myself the honor of addressing your excelleny to request, in behalf of those gentlemen, that, if it be not incompatible with the public character of an ambassador, you would honor me with your advice & assistance, assuring you, Sir, that you would thereby greatly oblige a number of worthy citizens & country farmers, as well as him, who has the honor to be / with the highest sentiments of esteem & respect, / your excellencies most obedient / and most devoted humble servant
John Howard

P.S. Should your excelleny think propper to honor me with a line, please to address to Cornhill, No. 41—London Ut supra


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 27 February 1783
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam the 27th Feby. 1783.

We refer to what we had the Honour to write yoúr Excellency the 24th. of this month. Since we received your much esteemed favoúr of the 19th. Instt: whereby yoú Excellency was pleased to sent ús half a dozen Passports to be used by ús. we are much obliged for yoúr Excellency’s attention, & Shall make the needfull use of ’em, if it happen we want any more we Shall be free with the permission your Excellency is pleased to grant us—.
Messrs. van den Ýver freres & Co. have mark’d ús to have paid by yoúr order to Mr. Taxter the Sum of £100—stg. for accoúnt of Congress, and as they have Sent us a Receipt of it, we Shall in Consequence charge the States of America for it—
The Pacquet your Excellency has Sent ús for Mr. Ingraham has been deliver’d to said gentle
We have the honoúr to Remain with due Consideration— / Sir / Yoúr Excellency’s most obed / most humb Servants.
Wilhem & Jan Willink
Nico. & Jacob van Staphorst.
de la Lande & fynje


Title: From John Adams to Félix Vicq d’Azyr, 28 February 1783
From: Adams, John
To: d’Azyr, Félix Vicq

Monsieur
Paris Fev. 28. 1783

J’ai reçu le Diplome de la Societé Royale de Medecine et le premier Cahier, du Second Volume du Journal de Medecine militaire que vous m’avez addressé. J’ai l’honneur de vous en remercier,. Je ferai parvenir l’un et l’autre, au College de Medecine de Boston. il Sera très flatté d’une association, qui lui fera partager la Gloire de cette celebre Compagnie, et les Avantages de Ses travaux. il trouvera dans Ses ouvrages des Secours dont il a besoin et des Moyens pour concourir à Ses Vues Salutaires. il Sera, tres empressé, quand il Sçaura tout ce qu’elle a fait pour lui, de lui temoigner Sa Reconnoissance et Sa Consideration respectueuse.
En attendant qu’il puisse faire part de ces Sentiments, Je vous prie, Monsieur, de lui demander la permission de l’assurer du Respect, avec lequel J’ai l’honneur d’étre, pour elle et pour vous / Monsieur / votre tres humble et tres / obeissant Serviteur
John Adams

Translation
Sir
Paris, 28 February 1783

I have received the diploma from the Royal Society of Medicine and the first number of volume two of the Journal de médecine militaire, which you sent me. I kindly thank you and will forward both to the Boston college of medicine. Its members will be most flattered to be associated with so famous an institution, to share in its renown and the advantages of its work. They will find in its works the assistance they need and the means to concur in its salutary opinions. They will be most eager, when they realize what a help the Royal Society has been, to express their gratitude and their respect.
Pending a formal expression of these sentiments, I beg you, sir, to ask if I may assure them of the respect with which I have the honor to be, sir, your and their very humble and very obedient servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Brandenburg & Company, 28 February 1783
From: Brandenburg & Company
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Stockholm Le 28 fevrier 1783

Monsieur Vôtre fils à été ici pendans cet hiver, et nous a été recommender de Petersbourg par nos amis et Mr Dahne.
Nous Lui avons fournis L’argent necessaire pendans Son Sejour qui n’a eté que d’un mois, et il nous à eté un Vrai plaisir d’avoir pû Lui rendre tous Les Services qui ont pû dependre de nous. C’est une jeune personne qui S’est acquit beaucoup d’amitié ici et qui merite bien qu’on L’aime.
Nous venons d’apprendre par un de nos Amis ici, auquel on a ecrit d’Amsterdam, que vous éties inquiet à son Egard, n’ayant point eu de Ses Nouvelles dépuis Le mois de Decembre passé.
Nous Somes Surpris Monsieur que vous n’ayés point de Ses Lettres. Nous n’avons aucune de Lui même dépuis Son depart, mais Selon Les Avis que nous avons il Se portoit trés bien à Gothembourg il y à quinze jour.
Il est partis d’ici vers La fin de Decembre, pour Gothembourg munis de trés bonnes Lettres de recommendation, il à Sejourner à Norkoping pendans 3. Semaine par raport au mauvais chemin, et il est arriver à Gothembourg vers La fin de Janvier ou il etoit encore il y à 10 jours. Nous Lui croyons pourtant partis à ce moment.
Nous Vous faisons nos Sinceres Compliment Sur la Paix Glorieuse que vous venés de Signer. Nous Serons trés flatter Monsieur Si dans notre pais nous pouvons vous être de quelque Utilité, dans quel genre que ça Soit; Soyés persuader de nôtre zele pour tous ce dont il vous plaira nous charrer.
Nous avons L’honneur d’etre avec un trés parfait Estime; / Monsieur! / vos trés humbe & trés obeist Servit
Sr Ln. Brandenburg & Company

Translation
Sir
Stockholm, 28 February 1783

Your son was here this winter and was recommended to us from St. Petersburg by our friends and Mr. Dana.
We provided him with the money he needed during his stay, which was only a month, and found it truly a pleasure to do everything in our power to be of service. He is a young man who earned himself many friends here and who deserves affection.
We have just learned from one of our friends here who had received a letter from Amsterdam that you were worried about your son, not having heard from him since last December.
We are surprised, sir, that you have received no letters from him. We have not had any either since he left, but according to our information he was very well when in Göteborg about two weeks ago.
He left here for Göteborg toward the end of December, provided with excellent letters of introduction. He stayed in Norrköping for three weeks on account of the poor roads and arrived in Göteborg in late January. He was still there ten days ago, but we think he must have left by now.
We offer our sincere compliments on the glorious peace treaty you have just signed. We shall be most flattered, sir, if we may be of use to you here in our country in any way at all. Please believe how eager we are to do anything you ask.
We have the honor to be with most perfect esteem, sir, your very humble and very obedient servants
Sr Ln. Brandenburg & Company


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 28 February 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur,
La Haie 28e fevr. 1783.

Le Baron Dedem a échoué. Mr. Van Berkel le Bourguemaître de Rotterdam, frere du Pensionaire d’Amst. s’est présente subitement, & l’a emporté venit & vicit. C’est donc lui qui sera Minre de la Rep. en Amérique. Je viens de l’en féliciter cordialement. Vous avez ses respects. Il sera charmé de vous avoir pour compagnon de Voyage. J’ai les respectées votres des 18, 22 & 23. Je fais de mon mieux pour Mr. Weelock. Nous aurons bien soin de Mr. Votre fils. C’est tout ce que je puis Sans manquer la poste, ajouter aujourdhui au respect avec lequel je suis Monsieur / V. t. h. & t. o. servit,
Dumas

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 28 February 1783

Baron Dedem lost. Mr. Van Berckel, Burgomaster of Rotterdam and brother of the pensionary from Amsterdam, presented his candidacy unexpectedly and was chosen: venit and vicit. It is therefore he who will be the republic’s minister to America. I have just given him my hearty congratulations. He sends you his respects. He will be delighted to have you as a traveling companion. I have your esteemed letters of the 18th, 22d, and 23d. I am doing my best for Mr. Wheelock. We shall take good care of your son. Lest I miss the post, this is all I can add for now to the respect with which I am, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Philippe Jean Joseph Lagau, 28 February 1783
From: Lagau, Philippe Jean Joseph
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
à hambourg ce 28 fev 1783.

En reponse à la lettre dont Votre Excellence a bien voulû m’honorer le 13 de ce mois je vois que le Sieur Harras a Surpris ma bonne foy, cependant je ne Scaurois me persuadé que cetoient les intentions de ce jeune homme qui independament des temoignages qu’il avoit, paroissoit un garçon bien elevé, d’une bonne conduite, et plein de zêle à se rendre util à Sa patrie. j’espére en attendant que Votre Excellence voudra bien s’employer à me faire recouvrir le rembours de mes avances que je n’ai fait que pour assister un allié en païs étranger; si cependant Elle croit ma requète injuste, Elle voudra bien n’y pas faire attention. Ce n’est pas que je sois dans le cas de perdre une somme aussi considerable, mais je serai faché de demander une chose qui ne repondit point à La plus Stricte honneteté.
Je m’etois deja donné avant la reception de la lettre de Votre Excellence toutes les peines possibles pour me procurer des nouvelles du jeune americain dont Elle me parle, je Scais Monsieur qui s’est, et combien Il vous est cher, c’est dans cette consideration que je me Suis informé à Lubeck, ainsi qu’en cette ville pour en avoir des notions, mais jusqu’ici mes peines ont été infructueuses, je poursuivrai neamoins mes perquisitions, et je vous Supplie d’être persuadé que je me ferai un plaisir autant qu’un devoir de vous en rendre compte

Agréer l’hommage de ma reconnoissance à la bonté que vous avéz bien voulû avoir de faire parvenir en Amerique La lettre dont j’avois chargé M harras. Oserois je pour la derniére fois prendre la liberté de supplier Votre Excellence de faire encore parvenir L’incluse cy joint, Elle rendra un service essentiel à un negociant de cette ville etablis a Newbern qui n’a pas reçu depuis bien du temps des nouvelles de sa fammille dont Il est cheri. pardonnéz je vous Supplie La liberte que je prends et soyéz persuadé que je saisirai avec empressement toutes les occasions ou je pourai vous convaincre de ma reconnoissance ainsi que du profond respect avec lequel j’ai l’honneur d’etre / Monsieur a Votre Excellence / le trés humble et / trés obss Serviteur
Lagau

Translation
Sir
Hamburg, 28 February 1783

In response to the letter your excellency honored me with on 13 February, I see that Mr. Harras has abused my trust. However, I cannot believe that this was what the young man intended; even without the evidence of his recommendations he seemed a well-brought-up young fellow, well-behaved and eager to serve his country. I hope your excellency will kindly see that I am reimbursed for the cash advances I made with the sole purpose of helping an ally in a foreign country, but if you find my request unjustified please ignore it. It is not that I risk losing so considerable a sum, but the thought of asking something inconsistent with strict honesty that pains me.
Even before receiving your excellency’s letter I had gone to much trouble to obtain news of the young American in question. I know, sir, who he is and how dear he is to you, and it was with that in mind that I sought after him in Lübeck as well as in this town, but so far my efforts have proved fruitless. I shall nonetheless pursue my inquiries and beg you to believe that it will be both my pleasure and my duty to keep you informed.
Please accept the tribute of my gratitude for your kindness in forwarding to America the letter I had entrusted to Mr. Harras. May I take one final liberty and ask your excellency also to send on the letter I enclose? It will greatly oblige a trader of this town, now established in New Bern, who for some considerable time has been without news of the family that loves him. Please excuse the liberty I am taking and rest assured that I shall seize every possible opportunity to prove my gratitude and the profound respect with which I have the honor to be, sir, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
Lagau


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, [2? March 1783]
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Sunday 10 OClock [2? March 1783]

on calling this Moment for my Man Manuel to comb me I am told he is gone to shew my Nephew the Fair— I fear they will have so many fine Things & Raree shows to see and admire, that my Head will remain in statu quo ’till afternoon, & consequently our intended Visit to Ct. Sarsfield be postponed. Thus does Tyrant Custom sometimes hold us by a Hair, and thus do ridiculous Fashions make us dependent on Valets, & the Lord knows who—
adieu my Dr Sir / Yours sincerely
J. Jay


Title: To John Adams from Philippe Jean Joseph Lagau, 3 March 1783
From: Lagau, Philippe Jean Joseph
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
a hambourg ce 3 mars 1783

C’est avec le plus sensible plaisir que j’ai l’honneur de vous annoncer que Monsieur Votre fils s’est embarqué à Copenhague pour Kiel d’ou Il se rendra à hambourg ou nous L’attendons incessament. Monsieur le Chevalier de Viviers Ministre du Roy en cette ville se fait un plaisir de faire sa Connoissance et je ne manquerai pas de lui temoigner tout mon empressement à lui être util, pour Convaincre Votre Excellence du zêle que j’ai à vous Convaincre du profond respect avec lequel j’ai L’honneur d’etre / Monsieur / de Votre Excellence / Le très humble et très obeissant Serviteur
Lagau

Translation
Sir
Hamburg, 3 March 1783

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that your son has embarked at Copenhagen for Kiel, whence he will travel to Hamburg, where we await him forthwith. The Chevalier de Viviers, the king’s minister to this town, will be happy to make his acquaintance, and I myself shall not fail to express my eagerness to assist him, the better to convince your excellency of the deep respect with which I have the honor to be, sir, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
Lagau


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 3 March 1783
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam the 3d March 1783

We have before us your Excellency’s esteem’d favour of 23 past, we’ll enquire after the Seven obligations, to exchange the Same if the holders consent to it, we shall pay to Mr. de Neufville the Coupons and charge the same to the acct. of the United States, with the sum Messrs. Willink have disbursed for your Excellency.
we take due notice your Excellency is to dispose in some time 40 a 50/ms. ƒ of the publicq money, and orders us to reserve of it the Intrest of the Loan to become due, as to the rest you have no objection to our paying it out to Mr. Grand, we beg Leave to observe to your Excellency, that we not being authorised by his Excellency Robt Morris Esqr. nor Mr. Grand to make any demands on us and expecting at every Moment orders of Mr. Morris, who was pleased to order to us to pay out to Messrs Le Couteulx & Co. what ever sums they might dispose, who in consequence desired 2 Millions but on our advice of not having such a sum in cash they desired provisionally one Million, so we expect his Excellency may order by his first letters the remainder to said Gentlemen, wherefore we find ourselves unqualifyed to satisfy the private demands of mr Grand unless your Excellency is pleased to authorise us specially to it, whenever we are always ready to pay due attention to his orders.
Money in Cash with each of us amounts together after the mentioned objects deduced at abt. ƒ200/m when nothing is Calculated for draft of his Excellency Mr Morris directly made or bills on Mr Laurens.
we have the honour to remain with great esteem / Sir / Your Excellency most Humb / & Most Obedient Servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink
Nics. & Jacob van Staphorst.
de la Lande & fynje


Title: To John Adams from Henry Laurens, 6 March 1783
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
London 6th. March 1783.

Nothing but a persuasion of duty to my Country & my friendship to you could have prevailed on me to transmit the Letter which will accompany this; it was originally intended an Address to Mr. Jenings, but after it was finish’d, doubts arose in my mind, whether it would work any good effect upon him, as well as whether I ought in honor to myself to hold a further correspondence with that Gentleman. Circumstances which have since occured, convince me I determined well in witholding it. The paper contains a brief history of Mr. Jenings’s misconduct respecting the Anonymos Letter, which, if he did not write, he industriosly procured & put into your hands, & upon that foundation he employ’d his “dangeros disposition” to “heal animosities” which had never existed & to “bring friends to a right understanding.” who had never been at variance. What he may have told you of the conversation at Bruxelles, I know not, but you will now perceive that when he was chased by no less than three demands for explication he sneak’d off with, “I imagined I saw.” As I am not accustomed to smile upon a Man when I am angry with him, ’tis probable I did not look very pleasant under the impertinence of his interrogatories, ’tis evident my answers were dealt with Caution, “I imagined I saw.” his imaginations had strangely deceived him, it was with his rudeness, I was “not quite satisfied.” I complained of it the moment he went from me.
Mr. Bridgen upon being informed of Mr. Jenings’s declaration, vizt. “that it was at his particular desire the anonymos Letter had been sent to you.” denied it in the most possitive terms & confirmed the denial from under his hand. he also writ to Mr. Jenings charging him with having sent or delivered that Letter to you without his “concurence or desire.” Mr. Bridgen has further informed me, that in a late conversation with Mr. Jenings he repeated the charge, Mr. Jenings acknowledged he had said “the Letter had been sent by his desire” & that “he thought he might take such a liberty with him.” Mr. Bridgen’s declarations & behavior discover that he himself entertains different Ideas of truth & honor. The subject requires no further pursuit, ’tis not my aim, to blast Mr. Jenings’s Character but to undeceive you & to prevent, if possible, the progress of future evils, from his influence over or interference in our Councils & deliberations. The knowledge of this business is confined to those, whom it doth concern, except that I have never yet given the smallest intimation to Mr. Jay, you will of course make such communication to our Colleague as you shall think necessary.
Doctor Franklin is possessed of another anonymõs, much in terms of the one before us, dated Amsterdam, but it not only bears the mark of Bruxelles, but contains certain strokes within, which confirm my “Belief” of the Author of both. These papers were contrived not merely for the purpose of slandering of Mr. Adams, the grand view was to excite jealousy & by degrees to produce animosity among us all, Mr. Adams in the mean time to be played upon & hoodwinked by an excess of flattery. how far in my apprehension, the scheme succeeded I shall candidly intimate, if you desire it, the next time I have the honor of conversing with you— You may recollect, a plain spoken Man said to you at Hotel Yorke, “this is all very pretty Drama.” but you told all he said within half an hour.
Regarding Mr. Storer as your Secretary & confidential friend & as a Servant of the United States, I have given him such information as I judged necessary for putting him upon his guard. Mr. Storer will communicate as much of the State of public affairs in this Country, as probably I know—my knowledge extends not much beyond appearances. these do not please me. but I am told that I shall be better pleased in a few days; mean time, a certain Noble Lord now a little be-clouded has not failed to take the necessary advantage of his success, in artfully obtaining the “Provisional Treaty” without “the knowledge or participation of the great & good Ally of America”—for argument sake, I admit the fact—what then?—John Adams & Co. may be hanged but no damage will arise to the United States. I shall endeavor honestly to defeat His Lordship’s pious designs— I suspected His Lordships goodness when he offered to make me a present of my self. Be assured of my sincerity in subscribing with great affection & regard / Dear sir Your obedient humble servt.
Henry Laurens.


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 7 March 1783
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
St: PetersbourgFeby. 24th: 1783. O.S. [7 March N.S.]

The post of yesterday brôt me your obliging favour of the 5th. of this month N.S. in which you say nothing of the Treaty with Sweden which the Leyden Gazette tells us was signed that day. I do not doubt the fact, from the intelligence you gave me some time past of the prepared state of it. My former letter will have advised you of the deficiency of Mr: Grand’s Credit and of my proposal to draw in case of necessity, upon your bank. I will pledge my private estate for your security if you will answer the draft when I shall make it. The resolution of Congress which you lately transmitted to me I apprehend can alone make any difficulty. It must be surmounted.
I shall follow your advice about administering the Oath of Allegiance— When I asked your opinion about a certain step wh: I proposed to take, it was not with a view of making you responsible in the least degree for it. I asked it as of my private friend. I perceive your objections to it in their full force, thô you have not particularly assigned them. But a short answer is alone sufficient. Necessity knows no Law. And this Necessity I begin to feel will soon become irresistable. I must and I will take it. They must charge themselves with the disagreable consequences of it, if any shou’d follow from it, of which I am not aware, who have imposed this necessity upon me— I am not sorry that a certain Gentleman has resigned, but this resignation can have no influence upon my determination— You will have heard from your Son shortly after the date of your Letter, from Gottenbourg, from whence he wrote me. He has been neglectful of my Instructions to keep you constantly informed about himself, while on his route
I have this day communicated my Mission to the Vice Chancellor Count Ostermann, without having been advised to do so by my correspondent; but I had immediate assurances that the way was clear. It is strange that any one shou’d have thought otherwise.
Adieu my dear Sir. I am yours affectionately
FD


Title: To John Adams from Parish & Thomson, 7 March 1783
From: Parish & Thomson
To: Adams, John

Sir
Hamburg 7 March 1783

After having been under the Necessity of writing in answer to Mr. Thaxter a few post days ago, that we were not able to procure any information about your Son, it is now with particular Pleasure that we have the honour to inform your Excellency that the young Gentleman was at Copenhagen on the 1st. Instant. Our friend there writes us that a Mr. Adams lately arrived from Stockholm was about setting off for Kiel in the Packet, that he called at his lodgings but he was gone out; our friend proposed to wait on him again next morning & would I render him every agreeable Service. We flatter ourselves that this can be no other than your Son & it makes us very happy to have the Pleasure of relieving your anxiety on his account; we may now expect to see him soon in this City, & beg leave to assure your Excellency, of our paying every attention to him, during his Stay here.—

Our Magistrates propose writing to your Excellency or to Dr Franklin, relative to a commercial Treaty with America;—if they do, we wish You wou’d desire them to settle first a Demand we have against them for the illegal Detention of two Ships, which they stopt here in 1776, on a supposition of their being American Property, by which our friend Mr. John Ross of Philadelphia suffered a Loss of £1100.—Str.— We request the Favour to give information hereof to Dr Franklin.—
We have the honour to be, / Your Excellency’s / most obedient & very / humble Servants
Parish & Thomson


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, 9 March 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business)

Gentlemen,
Paris March 9th. 1783.

I have recd. the favor of your’s of the 3d.—
There is nobody in Europe authorized to give American Papers to any Vessels.— We have given Passports to British Vessels in pursuance of the Articles of the Peace, but British Vessels alone wanted such Protection. Dutch Vessels have no need of them.
Please to pay off the Accounts which you transmit me, in this Letter of the 3d, take Receipts and charge the whole to my private Account.
As to the Coach, it is repaired as I suppose— I have been long expecting to sign the definitive Treaty, and to return in the Coach immediately. I still hope this will soon be the Case, but cannot be certain. We wait for the Chaos in England to reel into Order.
With great Esteem your Friend.


Title: To John Adams from William Lee, 9 March 1783
From: Lee, William
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Bruxelles March 9. 1783

Having been lately on a Journey I cou’d not sooner thank you for your obliging favor of the 23d. Ulto, which I found here on my return home.
In consequence of What you tell me, I shall refer the Emperors Agents to Mr. Dana, at the same time I perfectly coincide with your opinion that we ought not to be in a hurry, now we have Peace, to enter into Coml. Treaties.
I see no reason for changing the Opinion I long since entertain’d, that while the War continued, Ama. shd. have had Ministers or Agents in all the principal Courts in Europe to endeavor to obtain an acknowlegemt. of our Independence, which might have greatly operated in prevailing on G. B. to make Peace with us; but if that point cou’d not be obtain’d, she might be prevented from geting any assistance either in Men or Money to carry on the War; When we have Peace we ought to be on the reserve & let the Powers of Europe court us, for they will certainly receive more benefit from a Com̃erce with us than we shall.
Congress however, has hitherto pursued a line of conduct directly opposite to my Ideas, possibly induced to do so from Versailles or Passy where it was wish’d to confine every thing that related to Ama. which in my opinion was one great leading cause of the War continueing so long as it has done; & I shall not be surprized if a reverse of conduct takes place now, when we may see American Ministers & Treaties as plenty as Blackberries.
A wise Administration will however first consider how the Expence is to be furnish’d & whether the Benefits likely to accrue to Ama. from such Treaties will be equivalent to the expence of making them & of keepg. a Watch to see that they are maintain’d.
At all events, I hope & Trust, that no engagemts. whatever will be enter’d into on the part of Ama. that can in any manner involve us in the disputes that may arise in Europe.
If Mr. Dana enters into Negotiation with the Emperor I suppose he will be well inform’d of the nature of Comerce in this Country, for in many respects a Treaty with the Emperor, to be beneficial to Ama., must differ from that with France.

We are told here, that Congress sent to Dr. Franklin a particular Commission to make a Treaty with Sweeden at the express desire of his Sweedish Majesty. Is this true.
I have the Honor to be with very great / Regard & Respect / Dear Sir / Your most Obedt. & most. / Humble Servt.
W. Lee


Title: From John Adams to Antoine Marie Cerisier, 10 March 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Cerisier, Antoine Marie

Sir
Paris March 10. 1783

Pray be so good as to insert an exact Translation of the inclosed Letter in the Politique Hollandais, without my Name or that of the Abby.
or if you chose it you may add it to the Essay &c
It is high Time for Writers to reflect a little upon the Subject before they pretend to write an History of Such an Affair. This will put them on thinking.
Mr Marmontel as Historiographer du Roi is to write it. The Abby de Mably was to write it. as it was given out. The Abby Raynal has written it. But this Letter which has been shewn to both the former, has convinced them that thirteen compleat Revolutions in America, one in France, one in Spain, one in Holland and one in England, not to mention the armed Neutrality, are not so easily described
yours


Title: From John Adams to Pieter Johan van Berckel, 11 March 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Berckel, Pieter Johan van

Sir,
Paris March 11th. 1783.

I have recd. the Letter, which you did me the honor to write me on the 5th. of this Month, & am happy to recieve this Confirmation of the News of your Appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States of America.— Your Name, Connections & Character are Sufficient Pledges of your Attachment to your own Country as well as ours, and cannot fail to be as pleasing in America as they seem to be in Europe.
A Friendship between our Countries is so natural, that I think you will have little difficulty in succeeding to your Wishes.—
Mr. Dumas desires me to inform you, what Furniture it will be proper to carry with You— In my Opinion you will be able to purchase at Philadelphia whatever you may have occasion for as cheap and as good as you can have them in Europe— Linnens and other light Articles you may carry with you, but it is unnecessary to encumber yourself with heavy ones.
It will by no means be necessary to make a public Entry— There has as yet been no Example of it, and as Such splendid Ceremonies are much out of Fashion in Europe, it will never be necessary to introduce them into America. You will have no Occasion therefore for any Carriage but one of a common kind, which may be made in Philadelphia or Boston with as much Elegance & Convenience, as in Paris, Amsterdam or London.—
My Advice would be to land at Boston, & take the Journey to Philadelphia, while you send your Frigate round by Sea to that City— This will give you an Opportunity of seeing a great part of the United States, and of becoming acquainted with many principal Charactors. I will be answerable for your cordial Reception every where.
His Excellency the Governor of Massachusetts, Mr. Hancock, and his Honor the President of the Senate, Mr. Samuel Adams, will recieve You at Boston—Governor Trumbull at Connecticut—General Washington and Governor Clinton at New York—Governor Livingston at New Jersey. I would by all means advise You to pass through New York and New Jersey, where You will find Multitudes charmed at the Sight of a Dutch Minister more than any other in the World.
I wish You a pleasant Voyage and Journey— If you take your departure at any time before the middle of June, your Voyage can scarcely fail to be agreable—After that it may be long and tedious.—
I have the honor to be with great Esteem and / Respect, / Sir, &c