Title: From John Adams to Jean de Neufville & Fils, 3 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)

Amsterdam Decr 3. 1781
Gentlemen

I have no authority to interfere, in the Direction of the Continental Goods, which Mr Gillon contracted to convey to America, but Such as is derived from the Desire of Dr Franklin, to take the best care of them in my Power. I therefore hold myself obliged to observe his Excellencys advice in this Business.
In a Letter from his Excellency of the 26 Novr, he observes “The owners of the Ships talk of a higher Freight, of Selling the ships, of Damages and of detaining the Goods till the Damages are paid. If I were informed what Freight what Price for the Ships, and what Damages they demand, I really could give no Advice in those Points, being totally ignorant of Such Business: but I am furnished with none of the Data on which to found an opinion; and can only Say with you that I think they have no right to stop the Goods; and I think also that the Keeping us out of Possession of 50,000 £ Sterlings worth of Goods for securing the Payment of a petty Demand for Damages, appears to me, not only ungeenteel and dishonourable Treatment, but a monstrous Injustice.” “If We could get rid of the Goods at a moderate Loss, We might at the Same time get rid of the Difficulty, our Necessity for having them Speedily forwarded not being so great as Mr De Neufville imagines. However I would propose this. Let the Goods first be delivered to you. Then let him make his demand for damages, which if you think reasonable I will pay; if not, let them be Settled by arbitration. After this you will judge what measures may be necessary for transporting them.” &c. “If the Goods are delivered to you, and you find it necessary to sell a Part of them, I wish you would make the offer of that Part to him. He bought them and knows what they are really worth.”
I cannot but Say that I think these sentiments of the Dr, just and his Proposals reasonable. Mr Gillon certainly contracted with Coll Laurens to carry these Goods in the South Carolina. He did not fullfill his Contract. He talked with the owners about these ships, and the Goods were put on board them by Mr De Neufville perhaps, but he never executed any Contract. He made signals for the Ships to come out to him at the Texell—they would not. If there were no Contract with Gillon, how can it be pretended that the Goods are answerable for the fullfillment of a Contract, if there was a Contract, it was no Part of it, that the Goods should be responsible, it was a mere personal obligation of Gillons for which the Goods are not liable in Law nor in Reason. If Mr Gillon has violated a Contract with the owners, which is far from being clear, he has certainly violated a very solemn one with Coll Laurens under his Hand and Seal, and I might as well pretend that these ships are liable for the fullfillment of that Contract.
However, I am ready to receive the Proposals of the owners, but I beg that the Damages they pretend to claim may be precisely stated. if they are moderate If they are Such as I cannot agree to, I am ready to choose with the owners three Sensible and impartial Merchants or others, and whatever Damages they shall award, shall be paid according to Dr Franklins Proposal, upon the Delivery of the Goods to me or my order.
According to another desire of his Excellency I now offer for Sale the whole of the Goods to Messrs De Neufville, and beg the favour of them to let me know upon what terms they will take them, this would settle all disputes at once.

I have the Honour to be, with great respect Gentlemen your most &c


Title: To John Adams from C.W.F. Dumas, 3 December 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
LaHaie 3e. Xbe. 1781 au matin

Je me proposois de vous écrire ce soir, pour vous apprendre la Résolution unanime que doit se prendre ce matin aux Etats-Généraux, pour la Garantie, par L. H. P. des 5 millions de florins que la France empruntera ici pour prêter aux Etats-Unis, lorsqu’on est venu m’apporter les deux Lettres ci-jointes, arrivées ici par la voie d’Ostende, où je suppose qu’un Vaisseau Américain aura abordé depuis peu. Je n’ai point hésité d’en payer le port demandé et même d’y ajouter une petite douceur au Porteur de Lettres, qui croit se souvenir qu’il y a encore une Lettre pour vous au Bureau, laquelle il m’a promis de chercher, si elle y est encore, et de me l’apporter. Quant à celles-ci, je me hâte de vous les acheminer par la Barque Marchande de ce jour. J’espere que leur contenu vous donnera sureroît de contement, et que vous voudrez bien me faire part des bonnes nouvelles qu’elles peuvent vous porter. Vous verrez, en les ouvrant que le couvert de l’une a souffert du frottement. Il me paroît cependant qu’on ne l’a pas ouvert, ni pu tirer le contenu pour le lire.
Mr. l’Ambr. de France m’a appris que vous aviez reçu de nouvelles Instructions du Congrès, pour insister sur une Réponse de cette République à votre démarche du mois d’Avril dernier, et concerter la Négociation avec le Ministre de France ici: qu’il n’attend que la Résolution dont je parle ci-dessus, pour se mettre en chemin pour Versailles, où il conferera, entre autres articles, sur celui-ci avec le Ministre des affaires étrangeres: qu’il vous écrira ensuite, et me fera passer ici sa Lettre pour vous. Je l’ai prévenu de mon côté, que lorsque l’Assemblée d’Hollde. sera séparée, ce qui aura lieu dans 19 jours ou 3 semaines, j’aurois l’honneur de passer les Fêtes avec vous; et que si, dans mon absence, on remettoit quelque chose chez moi de sa part, ma femme me le feroit parvenir exactement.
J’ai eu l’honneur dernierement, de vous écrire une court Lettre de Leide au sujet de la glorieuse Burgoynisation de Cornwallis. On ne s’occupe dans l’Assemblée ici que de l’Affaire du D—; mais de la maniere dont on s’en occupe, on sera encore longtemps avant d’en venir à quelque décision. Si je devois détailler dans une Lettre tous les incidens qui arrivent à ce sujet d’un jour à l’autre, il y auroit dequoi remplir 20 pages. Il y en a cependant de curieux, que je garde pour nos entretiens futurs à Amsterdam.

Mon Epouse et ma fille vous présentent leurs honneurs, et j’ai celui d’être avec très grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur
Dumas


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 4 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Hanson, John,President of Congress

Duplicate
Amsterdam Decr. 4th. 1781
Sir

I have recieved those Instructions, with which I was honoured by Congress on the sixteenth of August, and communicated them forthwith to the French Ambassador to their High Mightinesses, and to the American Ministers at Versailles and Madrid. The Duke de la Vauguyon was of opinion, that they were very well considered, and very well timed, to counteract another Trait of British Policy, in agreeing to the Mediation of Russia, for a seperate Peace with Holland. The British Ministry mean only to aid the Stocks and lull the Dutch.
There is no longer any talk of a Congress at Vienna. The late News of General Washington’s Triumphs in Virginia, and of the friendly and effectual Aid of the Comtes De Rochambeau and de Grasse have made a great Impression here, and all over Europe.
I shall punctually observe my Instructions, and consult in perfect Confidence with the Duke de la Vauguion, in the Execution of my late Commission. A quadruple Alliance for the duration of the War, would probably soon bring it to a Conclusion. But the Dutch are so indolent, so divided, so animated with Party Spirit, and above all so entirely in the Power of their Chief, that it is very certain, that they will take the Proposition ad referendum immediately and then deliberate upon it a long time. This Nation is not blind: it is bound and cannot get loose. There is great Reason to fear, that they will be held inactive until they are wholly ruined. Cornwallis’s fate however has somewhat emboldened them, and I have recieved unexpected Visits of Congratulation from several Persons of Note, and there are Appearances of a growing Interest in favor of an Alliance with France and America. If I were now to make the proposition, I think it would have a great effect. I must however wait for the approbation of the Duke, and he perhaps for Instructions from Versailles, and indeed a little delay will perhaps do no harm, but give Opportunity to prepare the Way. The general Cry at this time in Pamphlets and public Papers is for an immediate Connection with France and America.
The Consent of Zealand is expected immediately to the Loan of five Millions for his most Christian Majesty. My Loan rests as it was at a few thousand Guilders, which by the Advice of Mr. Franklin I reserve for the relief of our Countrymen who escape from Prison in England in distress. I have ordered an hundred pounds for President Laurens in the Tower, at the earnest solicitations of his Daughter who is in France and of some of his Friends in England: but for further supplies have referred them to Dr Franklin.
I sometime since had an Intimation that the British Ministry were endeavouring to form secret Contracts with traiterous Americans to supply Masts for the Royal Navy. According to my Information, the British Navigation in all parts of the World is at present distressed for Masts, especially those of the largest size. Congress will take such measures as to their Wisdom shall appear proper, to prevent Americans from this wicked and infamous Commerce. I wrote to Mr. Franklin upon the subject, who communicated my Letter as I requested at Court, and his Excellency supposes that the Comte de Vergennes will write to Congress or to the Chevalier de la Luzerne upon the subject.
The Continental Goods left here by Commodore Gillon are detained for freight and damages and very unjustly as I concieve. I am doing all in my power to obtain possession of them, and send them to America, or dispose of them here at as little loss as possible, according to the desire and advice of Dr. Franklin. It is not necessary to trouble Congress to read a Volume of Letters upon the subject of these Goods. All that can be done by me has been and shall be done to save the public Interest. This piece of business has been managed as ill as any that has ever been done for Congress in Europe, whether it is owing to misfortune, want of skill, or any thing more disagreable.
The Court of Russia does not at present appear to be acting that noble part, which their former Conduct gave Cause to expect. Mr. Dana is at Petersbourg: but he prudently avoids writing. If he sees no prospect of Advantage in staying there, he will be very silent I believe, and not stay very long.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest Respect Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 5 December 1781
From: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)
To: Adams, John

Amsterdam 5th. Decr. 1781
Sir

We recieved a Letter which your Excellency did Us the honor of writing us the day before yesterday, observing therein that your Excellency has no Authority to interfere in the direction of the Continental Goods, which Mr. Gillon contracted to convoy to America, but such as You derived from the desire of Dr. Franklin, to take the best Care of them in your power, and that You therefore hold yourself obliged to observe his Excellency’s desire in the business.
We further note the Advice of Dr. Franklin, and inclose a Copy of the Letter which his Excellency wrote us upon the subject, as we wish to avoid every misinterpretation of our Conduct.
Before however we enter into the particulars of your Excellency’s Letter, we beg leave to express our surprise at a paragraph in the Doctor’s Letter to us, intending to refuse payment of the Bills. But after an Accident happens to those Goods (as it is one) since we had shipped them on board the So. Carolina Frigate, and according to our Orders, can we be made the Sufferers for it? Can we be refused the due payment of them? even if there was not so formal an Engagement as accepted Bills. Give Us leave to say the honor of Congress is concerned therein, and the public faith would be violated: that of America We hope will never be thus sported with; and therefore as we have wrote to his Excellency B. Franklin at your Excellency’s particular desire, we beg leave to claim your Excellency’s protection in this matter, we are not ashamed to say for our own sake (tho’ that may be thought of little Importance) but chiefly for the honor of Congress and of every one who has had any Concerns in the shipment of those Goods. So may we now be admitted to enter on some further observations on your Excellency’s favor assuring your Excellency, that tho’ this is quite a new affair since what has befel those Goods has been after they had been regularly shipped, we shall nevertheless be happy to serve your Excellency and his Excellency B. Franklin as much as in our power, and agreable to both your directions.
We must observe that we had only orders to send the Continental Goods on board the So. Carolina Frigate, and that whatever was done with them afterwards, was done by Come. Gillon and Major Jackson, and with which we have had nothing to do, nor even well known the Contents of the Contract which was passed between Colo. Laurens and the Commodore.
When Come. Gillon applied to us for hiring Vessels, we have assisted him to the best of our power, as we had done in every other respect, but the particulars of the Charter Parties were agreed upon between him and Messs. Van Arp, themselves without our direct knowledge; and it was only at the desire of the latter Gentlemen that our L. D. N. carried the Charter Parties with him to the Texell under a sealed Cover to the notary of that place. We can if required produce proofs of what we advance—and as to our Shares in those Ships, we can merely say that we paid 12000 Guilders on account of our half of the one, and 8000 on account of a quarter part of the other, but know no more yet than your Excellency what the final Cost thereof will be, and as we only took those shares to promote and assist the business, we should be very glad of course if they had been accepted when we offered them sundry times to your Excellency and Major Jackson at prime Cost—so we consider ourselves merely in this business as having been employed in preference to others, though as having been employed by Congress, and become the Shipper of the Goods in their behalf as we have shipped them conformably to the orders we recieved in the new Case. We had already the honor to observe to your Excellency, that in the management of the Ships we had absolutely the Majority against Us (as being considered by our Co owners as not impartial those of the Liberty might claim the same decision that might pass in favor of the concerned of the Aurora) and could therefore have no effect, as we already observed—however as we said before setting aside our shares in these Ships, which we have already had the honor to offer to your Excellency, we are ready to act by Law against the concerned in the Ships should it be required, tho’ we wish it may be settled agreable to your Excellency’s desire.
We have in Consequence desired Messs. van Arp the Ships Husbands to call a meeting of the Owners to lay the matter before them, and will inform your Excellency of the result.
For our part we find with your Excellency the proposals of his Excellency Dr. Franklin very reasonable, and wish that the other Owners of the Vessels may be of the same opinion, leaving further to them to answer why the Captains did not obey Commodore Gillon’s signals to come out (as well as any other matters concerning said Vessels) tho’ both your Excellencys had they remembered that as the Charter Parties were not signed would have known they could not have come out at any rate: but this being an Observation of ours, we do not pretend to anticipate any Arguments that may be laid before the Arbitrators on either side, for on our part we repeat, that we are decidedly resolved in this Case to sacrifice our own Interest to that of Congress.
We are very happy to find these Goods will not be wanted in America so much as we imagined, otherwise it would not have been difficult to have found Opportunities here, to send them as safe and cheap at least, and even better than they generally go from France—the knowledge of which made us always desirous to form a direct Intercourse of Commerce between the two Countries. We beg excuse for this last observation, but your Excellency’s knows our sentiments and how much they are devoted to the Scope of your Embassy.
As to the further proposal of your Excellency to purchase these Goods, we can only observe that being nothing but Commissioners, we cannot but be surprised at the proposal (altho’ we thank your Excellency for it) as we can have no Opportunities of disposing of such large Cargoes in the Course of our Correspondence—otherwise we should have no objection to take them back, without any wish that Congress in that Case should suffer any loss, being devotedly that Honorable Body’s and your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant.

 John de Neufville & Son


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 6 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, Charles William Frederic

Amsterdam Decr. 6th. 1781
Dear Sir

I recd. your kind Congratulations from Leyden on the glorious Captivity of Cornwallis, and have since recd. your favor of the third, inclosing two packets from America. You ask what News? I answer none. They were the Originals of Dispatches from General Washington, and General Knox, containing the Capitulation and other Papers which are public. A large Reinforcement is gone to my friend Green from G. Washington. The French Troops winter in Virginia. G. Washington returns to North River, to join the Body, which was left on the North River under General Heath. Our Countrymen will keep thanksgiving as devoutly as their Allies sing Te Deum, and I warrant You will pass the Winter as joyously and quietly.
I wrote on the 25th. Novr. to the French Ambassador, and inclosed what I promised. An Expression in your Letter makes me suspect whether the Letter has been recieved. Shall I beg the favor of You to ask the Question and let me know? If that Letter has miscarried, there is foul play. I will come in Person and deliver the Duplicate in that Case, and bring You with me to Amsterdam if You please. My new Instructions are very well timed, and We shall make it do to get an Answer I hope, and to cement a triple or quadruple Alliance in time, which may set all the Fools in Europe at defiance.

With great Esteem, your humble Servt


Title: To John Adams from the Duc de La Vauguyon, 7 December 1781
From: La Vauguyon, Paul François de Quélen de Stuer de Causade, Duc de
To: Adams, John

La haye le 7e. Xbre 1781

J’ay reçu Monsieur La lettre que vous m’avez fait L’honneur de m’ecrire, et la copie que vous avez bien voulu m’addresser des resolutions prises le 16 aoust dernier par le congrés des etats unis de l’amerique septentrionale. Je me flatte Monsieur que vous ne doutez pas de mon empressement a concerter avec vous Les mesures ulterieures qu’elles pourront exiger; Des que Le Roy m’y aura authorisé; mais jusques a ce que Sa Majesté m’ait fait parvenir Ses ordres a cet egard, je ne puis que vous renouveller l’assurance de mon zéle pour tout ce qui interesse la cause commune de la france et de l’amerique Septentrionale, ainsi que celle de la Satisfaction particuliere que me procureront dans toutes Les circonstances mes relations avec vous.

J’ay L’honneur d’etre Monsieur avec Les Sentiments inviolables de la Consideration la plus distinguée Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
Le Duc De La vauguyon


Title: The Duc de La Vauguyon to John Adams: A Translation, 7 December 1781
From: La Vauguyon, Paul François de Quélen de Stuer de Causade, Duc de
To: Adams, John

 The Hague, 7 December 1781

I have received, sir, the letter which you have done me the honor to write me, and the copy which you have been so good as to address to me, of the resolutions taken on the 16th of last August by the congress of the United States of North America.
I flatter myself, sir, that you have no doubt of my earnestness to concert with you such ulterior measures as those resolutions may require, as soon as the king shall have authorized me; but until his majesty shall have transmitted to me his orders in this respect, I can only reiterate to you the assurance of my zeal for everything that interests the common cause of France and the United States of North America, as well as that of the particular satisfaction, which my relations with you will in all circumstances afford me.

I have the honor to be sir, with the inviolable sentiments of the most distinguished consideration, your most humble and most obedient servant
Le Duc De La vauguyon


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 8 December 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

The Hague, 8 December 1781
Sir

Your letter of 25 November to the ambassador was received. Since he was not in town when it arrived, and since there was business at hand, regarding the loan guarantee unanimously resolved last Monday, his response to you has been delayed. Moreover, this negotiation is already finished, and many dawdling rentiers are scratching their heads now because they are too late to benefit from it. This morning I asked the ambassador for 25000 florins worth for a gentleman who asked, but Mr. Ambassador assured me he did not have a single bond at his disposal, even if it were for me.

Here is his response to your aforementioned letter. He is leaving next week and told me that the trip will last only fifteen days.
Here are two more letters that I got from the post office. One is from Spain and the other from Paris. The second one had been sent from the post office here to Amsterdam, and from there, sent back. This is surprising because your name cannot be unknown at the Amsterdam post office.
I will write to you soon about an idea that I have, but first I must weigh it more carefully before consulting you so that I do not waste your time.

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


Title: From John Adams to Jean de Neufville & Fils, 10 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)

Amsterdam Decr 10. 1781
Gentlemen

I have recd the Letter which you did me the Honour to write me on the 8th. instant, inclosing a Translation of Messrs Van Arps Proposals. Messrs Van Arps, in the Character of ships Husband, demand 60,000 ƒ. as Damages &c.
If I were convinced that the Goods of the United States of America, were responsible for any Damages at all in this Case which I am not but clearly of the contrary I should Still think the Demand of 60,000 Guilders, vastly too high, so that I cannot agree to this. But am still ready to Submit the whole Dispute to impartial Arbitrators.
Your repeated Proposals to me Gentlemen to take your shares of the ships it is impossible for me to agree to. Indeed these Ships are altogether improper to carry the Goods.

But it is Surprizing to me that the owners have not Set a certain Price upon the ships, and also ascertained the sum for which they would.

I have the Honour to be


Title: To John Adams from Bidé de Chavagnes, 10 December 1781
From: Chavagnes, Bidé de
To: Adams, John

a bord du royal loüis ce 10e. Xbre. 1781
Mon cher monsieur

L’interest que je prends a vous, a votre santé, a celle de votre chere famille est trop sincere et trop constant pour ne pas vous adresser de nouvelles lettres afin de vous en demander des nouvelles, et de vous reiterer les sentiments D’attachement que vous, les votres et vos compatriotes, avez si bien reussis a minspirer. Je vous ay ecrit a paris il y a quelques temps, vous navez pas vraysemblablement receu ma lettre, celle cy vous exprimera combien jay eté sensible aux evenements heureux et aux succés que vous venez Davoir sur le lord cornowallis. Recevez en mon compliment particulier. Si mr. de sartines, auquel j auray des obligations infinies toutte ma vie avoit resté au ministere, j aurois pu contribuer par moy même en commandant un vau. au moins une grosse fregatte au succés de ces belles et bonnes operations. Mais votre pauvre petit capitaine chavagnes ne peut obtenir ny commandements, ny congés pour aller a paris. Il vat dun vaisseau a un autre capne. en second. Je viens de quitter le bien aimé je suis sur le gros royal loüis pour aller je crois a cadix nous joindre aux espagnols. Une bonne paix, l’amerique bien a vous feroit bien mon bonheur et celuy de mde. de chavagnes, et encor mieux si j avois celuy de vous repasser a boston bien content, bien portant ainsi que votre chere et aimable petite famille je me fais un plaisir de me flatter que cela pourroit estre un jour. Je me porte bien par continuation et saisiray toujours les occasions, absent, comme present de vous assurer des sentiments du sincere et durable attachement avec lesquels jay lhonneur d estre Mon cher monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

Bidé de chavagnes capne. des vaux. du roy

Mon adresse sera je crois a bord du dit vau. a cadix.
Mon souvenir et mes civilités a mrs. dena et taxter.


Title: Bidé de Chavagnes to John Adams: A Translation, 10 December 1781
From: Chavagnes, Bidé de
To: Adams, John

On board the Royal Louis, 10 December 1781
My dear sir

The interest I take in you and your health, as well as that of your dear family, is too sincere and constant to keep me from writing to you and to ask you for any news. Also, I would like to reiterate my sentiments of attachment that you, yours, and your compatriots have inspired in me. I wrote you at Paris a while ago, but you apparently did not receive my letter, which expressed just how much I was aware of the happy events and success against Lord Cornwallis. Accept my personal congratulations. If Mr. Sartine, to whom I am infinitely obligated, had remained at the ministry, I would have been able to contribute myself by commanding a ship, or at least a large frigate, in the successful and good operations. But your poor little captain Chavagnes cannot obtain either a commanding post or a leave to go to Paris. He is going to a ship as second in command. I just left the Bien Aime and am now on the Royal Louis heading, I believe, for Cadiz to join the Spanish. A good peace for America will give you happiness, and will give happiness to Madame Chavagnes and me. I would be even happier if I could return you and your dear little family back to Boston, happy and healthy. If this could one day happen, it would give me great pleasure. I continue today, and will in the future, in assuring you of my sincere and lasting devotion with which I have the honor to be, my dear sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Bidé de chavagnes capne. des vaux. du roy

My address is on board the said vessel bound for Cadiz.
Remembrances and compliments to Messrs. Dana and Thaxter.


Title: To John Adams from John Paul Jones, 10 December 1781
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Adams, John

Portsmouth, N. Hampshire Decr. 10th. 1781
Dear Sir

After the command of the Alliance was usurped at L’orient, I received on board the Ariel, the two packages from Mr. Moylan, containing the articles you directed him to send to your Family. On my arrival at Philadelphia, I delivered them to Mr. Lovell, agreeable to your request. I had, last Summer, the honor to be unanimously elected by Congress to the command of the America, and am now superintending the Building. I was sorry my duty obliged me to pass through Boston without paying Mrs. Adams a visit at your country Seat. If I can this Winter I will do myself that honor. I had the honor to see Mrs. Dana here lately: She was on a visit to her friend Miss Stevens, who is on the point of Marriage with our Parson. Please to mention this with my respects to Mr. Dana.
I congratulate you on the glorious capture of Lord Cornwallis and his whole Army. That conquest sets the friendship of France in the noblest light, does the greatest honor to humanity, frees a distressed Country, and adds lusture to the combined Arms, while Victory binds the brows of our happy chiefs with her Unspotted Laurels!
Among the great events that have sprung from our glorious Revolution, The World has seen with astonishment, the Belgia roused from their lethargy of a Century, and forced to draw the long-reluctant-Sword, or renounce for ever all pretention to National Character. May it fall with double Death on the heads of their insolent Enemies, and never again be sheathed till, in mercy to Mankind, they are effectually humbled! If I am honored with any Letters from you, please to address under cover to the Minister of Finance Philadelphia. I am, Dear Sir, with great respect Your Excellencie’s most Obedient and most humble Servant,

PAUL JONES

 NB. I presume you are already acquainted with the bearer Major Sherburne, who lost his Leg on the Rhode Island expedition?


Title: To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 10 December 1781
From: Luzac, Jean
To: Adams, John

Leyden 10th December 1781
Sir

When some months past I desired a Copy of the Collection of American Constitutions, it was for the use of a Gentleman of Letters, actually employed in translating the several Acts of American Legislation, but who knew no other Collection of those Acts than a French translation printed at Paris. I wished then to keep for myself and clean the Copy, Your Excellency had made me a present of, as a testimony of your friendly attention to me. But, as the Printer was too pressing upon my Friend to allow him a delay, I determined to lend him my own Copy; and those days I have received the first part of that Dutch Translation, dedicated to Mr. Pensionary van Berkel. Perhaps You will already have seen it; and my Friend, Mr. van der Kemp, will also have presented Your Excellency with a Translation of the Constitution of Massachusetts and some other American Tracts; a Publication, in which I have some share.
It was with the utmost concern I understood your very severe illness; and your recovery has given me the greatest satisfaction. I hope, Sir, that sickness will be to You a store of health for many years, as the former conquests and bloody Victory’s of Cornwallis were a way to American Triumph. I wish ardently to Heaven, that your Country might now soon reap the fruits of her struggles, and You, Sir, be a long time a happy witness of her glory and prosperity, the more happy as You have been one of her most illustrious Founders and Asserters.
I think, Sir, the fate of Cornwallis and his Army will make a speedy end to the warfaring in South-Carolina; and the great loss, the Brittish have suffered in the Action of the 8th September, cannot but accelerate their total overthrow and retreat from that State. But, as I mention that Action, permit me, Sir, a friendly complaint, which Yourself will not deem wholly unjust. When the struggles of America were in their infancy; when Europe despised that Country or knew it little, when no other European News-Paper mentioned ever Bostonian courage, constancy, and Patriotism; when Mr. Tronchin du Breuil, the Proprietor of the Amsterdam-Gazette, was silent on it, as the rest of public Writers, the Leyden-Gazette was the first, which faithfully adhered to that Cause, and despising an overbearance and an ill-will, not unknown to Your Excellency, boldly foretold the future grandeur of your grown Republics. Yes, Sir, I dare to say, we, in those early times (already in 1774.) contributed a great deal to awake the French Court on that subject; and Mr. Dumas, whose acquaintance we made by that only means, can bear testimony to it, as also the Abbot Desnoyers, then Chargé des affaires de France at the Hague. At present, Sir, when America is an independent State, when her atchievements attract the curiosity of the World, we see Mr. Tronchin Dubreuil preferr’d, and the Leyden-Gazette forgotten; we see him boast of his establish’d and authentic intelligence, and ourselves reduced to the copying of his defective Translations, if we will make any use at all of the American Publications, that come thro’ your hands: For, with the greatest esteem and all possible respect for Mr. Cerisier’s talents, character, and sentiments, the translating of such Pieces is not his most eminent part: And, had it not been for the publication in the Paris-Gazette, I must have omitted the whole Letter of General Greene on the Action of Eutaw’s. For what, must the one of us be of necessity excluded at the prejudice of the other? But I have already said too much on that subject. I leave it to Your Excellency’s own equity and feelings, and am with due and great respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient, faithful, and humble Servant

J. Luzac


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Mandrillon, 12 December 1781
From: Mandrillon, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Raamgragt ce 12 Xb. 1781
Monsieur

En attendant que j’ai l’honneur de vous aller rendre mes devoirs ce Soir entre 5 et 6 heures, j’ai celui devour envoyer, Monsieur, La meilleure carte que l’on puisse mouver ici de l’Amérique septr. on attend d’Angleterre, celle des 13 états unis que j’ai demandé.
Je joins aussi L’Atlas de L’hist. ph. et Pol. pour vous prier de me donner votre avis sur l’exactitude des cartes de votre Republique.
Si vous ne pouvez me reçevoir ce Sera pour une autre soirée.

J’ai L’honneur d’Etre avéc tout le respect possible Monsieur Votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur
Jh. Mandrillon


Title: Joseph Mandrillon to John Adams: A Translation, 12 December 1781
From: Mandrillon, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Raamgragt 12 December 1781
Sir

I will have the honor of delivering my work to you this evening between five and six o’clock but in the meantime, I am sending you the best map of North America that could be found here. The map of the thirteen states that I asked for is expected from England.
I am also enclosing the Atlas de l’histoire philosophique et politique so that you may give me your opinion as to the accuracy of these maps of your republic.
If you cannot receive me today, this will be for another evening.

I have the honor to be with all possible respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
Jh. Mandrillon


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 13 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Hanson, John,President of Congress

Amsterdam 13 December 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand (PCC, No. 84, III, f. 426–429). printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 5:43–44. This letter, read in Congress on 15 March 1782 and acted upon on 26 March (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols., 22:150), contained the English text of Lord Stormont’s acceptance of Russia’s mediation of the Anglo-Dutch war. Formulated in early September, Stormont’s answer to I. M. Simolin, the Russian minister, reversed Britain’s refusal, in March, of Russia’s first mediation offer and proceeded from the joint representations made at the end of August by the Russian, Swedish, and Danish ministers in London (to the president of Congress, 6 Aug., 1st letter, calendared, vol. 11:440). In his acceptance, Stormont recited British grievances against the Netherlands, but pointedly rejected any Swedish or Danish role in the mediation. He did so to avoid legitimizing the League of Armed Neutrality, the Dutch accession to which was the real, if unstated, reason for Britain’s declaration of war against the Netherlands. Stormont did not inform the Russian minister of Britain’s terms for reaching a settlement. Those were sent to St. Petersburg by a separate courier and included provisions requiring the Dutch to provide financial assistance in the war against France and cease the sale of munitions and naval stores to Britain’s enemies (from Jean de Neufville, 2 March, note 2 and references there, vol. 11:172–173; De Madariaga, Armed Neutrality of 1780Isabel de Madariaga, Britain, Russia and the Armed Neutrality of 1780, New Haven, 1962., p. 337–340, 346–351).


Title: From John Adams to Jean Luzac, 13 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Luzac, Jean

Amsterdam December 13. 1781
Sir

I have received your friendly Letter of the 10th of this month. The new Translation of the american Constitutions, into the Dutch Language, I have not yet Seen, but intend to embrace the first opportunity of Sending Some Copies of it, to be placed in the principal publick Libraries in America, and the more willingly for the Dedication of it to Mr Vanberckel, a Gentleman whose great merit and long Services, have been but ill requited, by as base and false Accusations, as were ever laid to the charge of injured Innocence.
Mr Van der Kemp, had the goodness to leave at my House two Copies of the new Translation, of the Constitution of the Massachusetts, and the other Pieces accompanying it, for which I am much obliged to him and to you. I regret, very much, my Inability to read, the Comparison between the Constitution of this Republick and that of Mass. and the more because the Author, who has the Reputation of one of the best Writers has given Encouragement to hope, for a Comparison, between the Belgic and American Revolutions.
I thank you Sir for your friendly Simpathy with me in my Sickness, and for your obliging Wishes for the Happiness of my Country. My Country, Sir, is happy, and it is not in the Power of all her Ennemies to make her otherwise. Whether I shall live to See her in Peace, and in the full Enjoyment of that Grandeur and Glory, which will inevitably be, the Speedy Consequence of it, is a matter that I very chearfully Submit to higher Powers. Whether a Constitution which was never firm Shall Succumb under those Exertions to which the Times have called it, a little Sooner or a little later, is not a Thing of much Consequence, Since, as long as it lasts I shall have the Consolation to reflect that no Mans Forces were ever employed in a better cause.
Inclosed is a Letter from General Knox, which contains Some Things worth publishing, but does not give Us very Sanguine hopes of possessing Charlestown, this year.
Now, Sir, to the Subject of your friendly Complaint. I very readily acknowledge, your constant Attachment to the Principles of the american Revolution, and the Respect which has been long paid, and the Services renderd to the American cause, in Europe, by the Leyden Gazette, and therefore I shall not forgette it, nor its Author. But it is not in my Power to do it much Service, nor does it Stand in need of my assistance. It has nothing to fear from any other Gazette. Its Extensive correspondence, its exact Method, and its accuracy of Style, as well as other Advantages, will effectually Secure it, against the Rivalry of any other.
It is very rarely, that I receive any Intelligence, Sooner than you do. Generally mine arrives after you have given the Same Things to the publick. The reason is, that almost all my Letters, come by the Way of Cadix Bilbao, Nantes, L’Orient or Brest, and are obliged to go to Paris in Company with Similar dispatches for the French Court and to Dr Franklin in their Way to me. By this means the Post commonly brings you, in the Spanish and french Publications, the News, Sooner, than my Letters arrive to me. In two or three Instances indeed it has been otherwise, but in the Case of General Greens Letter, it was nearly so.

When News Papers come to me, or Letters with any Intelligence of Importance, here are generally fifteen or twenty American Travellers in this Town who think, they have a right to the News from me. If I were to Send them off to Leyden, immediately, they would think it hard. Wheras I can give them to a Printer in this Town, who will return them, at any Moment when called for. Besides this, you will allow that it is of some Importance to the publick Cause, that the french Gazette of Amsterdam, Should be in the good System and that it should have Some Reputation. Mr. Tronchin is a total stranger to me. Mr Cerisier’s Talents and Sentiments I esteem very much, and am very Sure it is in his Power, and think it is in his Inclination to do Signal Service to the Cause of Truth. Yet, I agree with you that he is not so accurate, as some others. He writes too much and has too many calls upon him to be always correct. I wish in a late Instance of Greens Letter he had eat his Chicken, without crying Roastmeat. He has no right from me to boast of any established Correspondence with America, for I have promised him nothing. He has taken Pains I know, for the last twelve months to form Acquaintances among the American here, who may have agreed to correspond with him. From them he may sometimes get News here, for they generally receive News Papers with their Letters.
If I were to send every Piece of fresh News to Leyden, I suppose he would make me a friendly complaint too. How shall I settle it? shall I give it to him upon Condition that he sends it to you as soon as he has translated it? shall I send it to you, upon Condition that you send it to him, as soon as you have copied it? The publick Service and my duty requires of me, that I should communicate it to the publick, as soon as possible without giving it to any body to husband it, and deal it out by little and little for their private Interest or the Reputation of the Gazette. I assure you I never had a thought of excluding you to your Prejudice, nor shall I ever countenance any such Thing. I have Scarce Room left to subscribe, myself, sir your Friend & servant

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 14 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Hanson, John,President of Congress

Amsterdam Decr. 14th 1781
Sir

The first public Body, which has proposed a Connection with the United States, is the quarter of Oostergo, in the Province of Friesland. The Proposition is in these words:
“Every impartial Patriot has a long time percieved, that in the direction of affairs relative to this War with England, there has been manifested an inconcievable Lukewarmness and Sloth: but they discover themselves still more, at this moment, by the little Inclination which in general the Regencies of the Belgic Provinces testify to commence a Treaty of Commerce and Friendship with the new Republick of the thirteen United States of North America; and to contract Engagements, at least during the Continuance of this common War, with the Crowns of France and Spain. Nevertheless, the Necessity of those measures appears clearly, since, according to our Judgments, nothing was more natural, nor more conformable to sound Policy, founded upon the Laws of Nature the most precise, than that this Republick, immediately after the formal declaration of War by the English (not being yet able to do any thing by military Exploits, not being in a state of defence sufficiently respectable to dare, at Sea, to oppose one Fleet or Squadron to our perfidious Enemy) should have commenced by acknowledging by a public Declaration, the Independence of North America. This would have been from that time, the greatest step to the humiliation of England, and our own Re-establishment, and by this measure, the Republick would have proved her firm Resolution to act with Vigor. Every one of our Inhabitants, all Europe who have their Eyes fixed upon Us, the whole World, expected, with just Reason, this Measure from the Republick. It is true that before the formal Declaration of War by England, one might perhaps have alledged some plausible Reasons, to justify in some degree the backwardness in this great and interesting Affair. But, as at present Great Britain is no longer our secret but declared Enemy, which dissolves all the Connections between the two Nations; and as it is the duty not only of all the Regencies, but also of all the Citizens of this Republick, to reduce, by all imaginable Annoyances, this Enemy so unjust to Reason, and to force him, if possible, to conclude an honorable Peace; why should We hesitate any longer to strike, by this Measure so reasonable, the most sensible blow to the common Enemy? Will not this delay occasion a Suspicion, that We prefer the Interest of our Enemy, to that of our Country? North America, so sensibly offended by the refusal of her offer; France and Spain, in the midst of a War supported with Activity, must they not regard Us as the secret friends and favourers of their and our common Enemy? Have they not Reason to conclude from it, that our Inaction ought to be less attributed to our Weakness, than to our Affection for England? Will not this opinion destroy all Confidence in our Nation heretofor so renowned in this Respect? And our Allies, at this time natural, must they not imagine, that it is better to have in Us declared Enemies, than pretended Friends; and shall We not be involved in a ruinous War, which We might have rendered advantageous, if it had been well directed? While, on the other hand, it is evident, that by a new Connection with the States of North America, by Engagements at least during this War with France and Spain, We shall obtain not only the Confidence of these formidable Powers, instead of their Distrust, but by this means We shall moreover place our Colonies in safety against every Insult: We shall have a well grounded hope of recovering, with the aid of the allied Powers, our lost possessions, if the English should make themselves Masters of them, and our Commerce, at present neglected, and so shamefully pillaged, would reassume a new Vigor; considering that in such Case, as it is manifestly proved by solid Reasons, this Republick would derive from this Commerce the most signal Advantages. But, since our Interest excites Us forcibly to act in concert with the Enemies of our Enemy; since the thirteen United States of North America invite Us to it long ago; since France appears inclined to concert her military Operations with ours, altho’ this Power has infinitely less Interest to ally itself with Us, whose Weakness manifests itself in so palpable a manner, than We are to form an Alliance the most respectable in the Universe: it is indubitably the Duty of every Regency to promote it with all its Forces, and with all the Celerity imaginable. To this effect, We have thought it our Duty to lay it before your Noble Mightinesses, in the firm persuasion, that the Zeal of your Noble Mightinesses will be as earnest as ours, to concur to the accomplishment of this point, which is for Us of the greatest Importance; that consequently your Noble Mightinesses will not delay to co-operate with Us, that upon this important Object there be made to their High Mightinesses a Proposition so vigorous, that it may have the desired success: and that this affair, of an Importance beyond all Expression for our common Country, may be resolved and decided by unanimous suffrages, and in preference to every particular Interest.”
Mr. Vander Capellen de Marsh was the first Individual, who ventured to propose in public a Treaty with the United States, and the Quarter of Oostergo the first public Body: this indeed is but a part of one branch of the Sovereignty. But these Motions will be honored by Posterity. The whole Republic must follow. It is necessitated to it by a Mechanism, as certain as Clock Work: but its Operations are and will be studiously and zealously slow. It will be a long time before the Measure can be compleated.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Francis Dana, 14 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Dana, Francis

Amsterdam Decr. 14. 1781
My dear Sir

This day was brought me, your kind favour of August 28th. the first Line I have received from you, Since We parted. A Line from my dear Son, aug. 21. O.S. which I recd 3 days ago, was the first from him.
The publick News from America, you have before now. It is grand and I congratulate you upon it, with a gratefull Heart. Our allies have this year adopted a System, which you and I have long prayed for, and have cause to be thankfull for its tryumphant Success.
Soon after my Return from Paris, I was Seized with a malignant nervous Fever, which well nigh cost me a Life. The consequences of it are not yet gone off. Still weak and lame, I am however better, but almost incapable of that attention to Business which is necessary. Your son Charles Sailed with Gillon, put into Corunna, went from thence to Bilbao, by Water, and is about Sailing in the Cicero, with Major Jackson for home. Mr Thaxter has escaped, with a very Slight touch of a fever. So much for the Family.
I have lately received from Congress a new Commission and Instructions to this Republick, to propose a tripple or quadruple alliance, with the Consent and approbation of the French Court. This measure pleases me extreamly, and nothing could be better timed, but I must beg you to conceal it. I have received a new Commission for Peace in which John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Laurens, John Jay, and Mr Jefferson, are the Ministers. I have recd also a Revocation of my Commission to make a Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain. These last novelties, I Suppose, would nettle Some Mens Feelings, but I am glad of them. They have removed the cause of Envy, I had like to have Said but I fear I must retract that, Since John Adams Stands before Benjamin Franklin in the Commission. You can easily guess from what quarter this whole System comes. They have been obliged to adopt our Systems of War and Politicks in order to gain Influence enough, by means of them to lessen us. But I will consent upon these Terms to be diminished down to the Size of a Lillipution, or of an Animalcule in Pepper Water. There is no present Prospect of Peace, or Negotiation for it, and I confess I never expect to be called to act in Consequence of any of these Commissions about Peace, and therefore may be the more indifferent. When I was at Paris the articles of the mediating Courts were given me, and my Sentiments desired which I gave in detail, in a Correspondence which Congress has received from me, in two different Ways, So that they will have no Expectations of a Congress at Vienna unless the late Cornwallization Should excite them anew. In what Light does Nerone Neronior appear, by his last Speech, and by his answers to the addresses of both Houses in consequence of it! Clapping his Hands to his Hounds and Mastiffs, to persevere in worrying the innocent, although he must know they have nothing to hope for but death.
This Evening was brought me, your dispatches to Congress of 4/15 of sept. with all the Papers inclosed in very good order. I Shall Send them by Dr Dexter by the Way of France, as there is no prospect of a Conveyance from hence Sooner. I am exceedingly pleased with this Correspondence, and hope that you Still harmonize, with your noble Correspondent. I am afraid he is too right in his Conjectures, but am happy to find that your Sentiments upon the articles, were the Same, which I had expressed in my Letters to the C. de. V. upon the Subject. The articles however are not Sufficiently explicit. You have before now Seen the answers France and Spain to Russia and Austria. Pray Send me Copies of them, if you can obtain them. I was told the Substance, but have no Copies. I was happy to find France, Spain, and America So well agreed in Sentiments.
I am very glad to find you can make any use of your Ward. I leave to your Judgment every Thing concerning him. Make him write to me, every Week by the Post. I am pleased with his observations in his Travels and with his cautious Prudence in his Letters.
We must have Patience, and must humour our Allies as much as possible consistent with our other Duties. I See no near Prospect of your being recd, any more than myself. But if, without being recd, we can gain and communicate Information We Shall answer a good End. I am at present apparently and I believe really upon good terms with the D. de la V. and the Miffs at Versailles and Passy Seem to be wearing away.
Let me intreat you to write me as often as possible. Our Country by all accounts is in great Spirits, Paper Money wholly stopped, every thing conducted in silver. Trade flourishing, although many Privateers and Merchant Vessells taken. Crops the finest ever known. G. B. has not lost less than 20,000 Men, the last twelve months in America. They will not be able to send 10. but if they could send 20, they would only give opportunities for more Cornwallizations and Burgoinizations.

With every Sentiment of affection and Esteam, your obliged Frid & sert
no matter for the name

P.S. Decr. 15. To day Mr S. arrived with your other Letters. I shall take the best care and shall answer you soon. I am still more happy to find you Still patient and in good Spirits. We shall do very well. I think you may expect some good News from me, eer long.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 14 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Passy, Dec. 14. 1781
Sir

I duly received your Excellency’s Favour of the 1st. and 6th Instant.
I wrote to you by Mr Barclay, who went from hence some Days since, and I hope is with you by this time, and that he will with your Assistance be able to settle every thing relating to the Goods. I have receiv’d a long Letter from Messrs. Neufville, the Purport of which is, that they are willing for their Parts to deliver the Goods to you but that they cannot controul the other Owners of the Ships, who have a Right by the Laws and Customs of Holland to detain the Goods for the Damage done by Capt. Gillon’s refusing to sign the Charterparties, &c and hoping that I will not on Acct of the Conduct of the other Owners, refuse to pay the Bills, especially as such a Refusal would be derogatory to the Honour of the United States &c. I may be wrong, but my present Thoughts on the Subject are, that if by the Laws of Holland our Goods may be detained in the Hands of the Ship Owners for the Fault of Mr Gillon, by the same Laws the Property of one of those Owners may be detained in our Hands for the Fault of his Partners: And that it as much concerns the Honour of Holland that our Goods should be delivered to us, as it concerns the Honour of America that we should pay for them when delivered. And I farther think that if a Merchant in Holland happening to have of my Property in his Possession may by the Laws of his Country detain the same till I pay him whatever he shall please to demand as Indemnification for an Injury suppos’d to be done him by some other Person Holland is by no means a safe Country for Americans to trade with, nor a Dutch Merchant a safe Depository for the Property of a Stranger, or to be the Consignee of Merchandise sent into his Country.
You desire a Copy of the Terms on which he offer’d to borrow Money for us. At present I only send you an Extract, of the principal Points, much of the writing being Matter of Form. The first Proposition is, “That for the Security of this Loan of Two Million Gilders, Holland Currency, we engaged and hypothequed (his Words) to said Mr John de Neufville and Son of Amsterdam, or their Representatives, as we do engage and hypotheque to them in the Name of the whole Congress of the Thirteen United States of North America, generally all the Lands, Cities, Territories and Possessions of the said Thirteen States, so which they have and possess at present, as which they may have or possess in the future, with all their Income, Revenue and Produce, until the entire Payment of this Loan and the Interests due thereon.”
My Observation upon this was, that it demanded an extravagant Security for a trifling Sum; that it was lending little more than a Gilder on each Inhabitant’s Estate, and that it was absurd to require a Mortgage on my Estate for the Loan of a Gilder. He answer’d that this was usual in all Loans made in Holland to foreign States, and that the Money could not otherwise be obtain’d.
The Second Proposition was (verbatim, as the first) “That out of the Produces again through all those Thirteen States of America shall be send over and shipp’d to Europe, and chiefly or as much as possible to the Port of Amsterdam during the ten Years of this Loan the Double of one Tenth Part of this Loan, to the Value of Four hundred Thousand Gilders, which as far as is possible they’l come to Amsterdam, shall be sold there by Mr. John de Neufville and Son, and what goes to other Ports by their Correspondents, and the Money kept at their Disposal for the Use of Congress at least during the first five Years; and during the last five Years of this Loan One half of this Money is to serve to decharge every year one Tenth Part of the Money borrowed, engaging that before the End of the Tenth Year there will be remitted in such a Manner, and left in Hands of said Mr John de Neufville & Son of Amsterdam, a sufficious Sum of Money to decharge this whole Loan with the Interest due thereon.”
You will observe that this Article is obscurely express’d; I was oblig’d to demand Eclaircissements in Conversation. The Conversation was also difficult to understand; Mr de N’s English not being then of the clearest. But from the whole after much Discourse, I gather’d, that we were to send over every Year for the first Five Years, in Tobacco, Rice, Indigo, Codfish, Oil, &c &c. the Value of 400,000 Gilders, to be sold by Messrs J. de N. & Son, for our Use, on a Commission, of Five per Cent; and that the Money was to remain in their Hands to enable them to pay off in the last 5 Years the Principal of the Loan, tho’ one half of it, was to remain in their Hands till the End of the Term. A subsequent Article (the 6th) also provided that 100,000 Gilders more should be annually sent over in Produce to them, and sold, &c. to discharge the Interest.
My Objections were, That if we were able to purchase Produce, in valu Two Millions of Gilders to lodge in the Hands of Messrs de N. & Son, we might use that Sum in our Affairs at home, and should have no Occasion to borrow it in Holland. That if we were to buy up this Value of Produce with the Money borrowed, and to lodge it in the Hands of Those Gentlemen; it would be borrowing Money to give them the Use of it for a Number of Years without Interest, while we were paying Interest for it ourselves. One would think this Project if it could take, might be sufficiently profitable for these Gentlemen; but in another Paper part French part English, propos’d for me to sign, it was to be stipulated, that after exchanging for the new Promesses all those transacted by Messrs Fizeaux & Grand to the amount of 40 or 50,000 Guilders, which Exchange was to be made without Charge, “pour le Reste de cet Emprunt il leur (Messrs de N. & Fils) sera alloué, outre les Conditions d’Interet, &c. contenus dans les Termes y stipulées, 1 per Ct. d’Interet, savoir 10 per Ct une seule fois sur les Sommes qu’ils negocieront; et en outre 2 per Ct. encore y compris toutes les Allouances ordinaires et extraordinaires fraix a faire, et toute Commission, sans qu’ils pourront jamais rien exiger de plus a ce Sujet.”
Very gracious Terms these! by which after Stopping a Tenth Part of the Sum borrowed, they would be content with two per Ct. upon the Rest to defray Charges.
Besides this, I was led to understand, that it would be very agreable to these Gentlemen, if in acknowledgment of their Zeal for our Cause and Great Service in procuring this Loan, they could be made by some Law of Congress the general Consignee of America, to receive and sell upon Commission by themselves and Correspond- ents in the different Ports and Nations, all the Produce of America that should be sent by our Merchants to Europe. On my remarking the Extravagance and Impossibility of this Proposition, it was modestly reduc’d to the following, wherein I am suppos’d to say and sign,
“Je veux bien encore, pour les engager (Messrs de N. & Fils) à suivre avec le même Zêle qu’ils y ont employé jusqu’ici (pour) les Interets de l’Amerique, appayer de mes Recommendations leur Solicitations auprés du Congrés, pour qu’il leur soit accordé pour la Suitte, le Titre de Commissioners for Trade and Navigation, and Treasurers of General Congress, and every private State of the Thirteen United States of North America, through the Seven United Provinces; dont il leur sera alloué les Commissions regulieres et usitées de Commerce, Payement, et Emprunt, tels que d’honnetes negociants pourront les passer, sans en pretendre jamais d’autre Appointement. Donné a Passy le &c.”
By this time I fancy your Excellency is satisfy’d, that I was wrong in supposing J. de Neufville as much a Jew as any in Jerusalem, since Jacob was not content with any per Cents, but took the whole of his Brother Esau’s Birthright; and his Posterity did the same by the Cananites, and cut their Throats into the Bargain, which in my Conscience I do not think Mr. J. de Neufville has the least Inclination to do by us,—while he can get any thing by our being alive.


Title: To John Adams from Joshua Brackett, 15 December 1781
From: Brackett, Joshua
To: Adams, John

Boston Decr: 15. 1781
Dear Sir

A Nephew of mine, a lad of fifteen years Old, by Name Benjamin Brackett, went out a Cruize in the Ship of War of 20 Guns, Call’d the Scourge, from Salem, Commanded by Timothy Parker, was returning in a Prize to said Ship, fell in with the British Frigate Call’d the Chatham in this Bay, at the time she took the Megetion, took him and Carried him to Hallifax put him on Board the Prison ship, not many days after he was on board Came An Officer from the Attalanta Sloop of War, took him by Force, and Compell’d him to go On Board, the Attalanta Sloop of War, Notwithstanding the repeated intreaties of a Gentleman who was on Board the Prison ship, and the said sloop saild imediately for London, about three months since. If it should be in your Exelencys Power to get him Exchanged You will lay me under the Greatest Obligations, every Expence shall be most Chearfully paid your Order.
I most Heartily Congratulate your Exelency On the Glorious Capture of Lord Cornwallis, and his Army, and the Happy Prospect there is of your Exelencys soon reaping the rewards of your great Exertions in securing the Independance of your Country.

I am with the Utmost Respect your Exelencys most Obedient Huml. Servt.
Joshua Brackett

NB I had my information from a man in this Town that was at that time on Board the prison with my Nephew.


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 15 December 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

Lahaie 15e. Dec. 1781
Monsieur

Comme l’Assemblée d’Hollde. se séparera aujourd’hui en huit, je prends mes précautions domestiques, pour pouvoir aller passer le reste du mois, et une partie du suivant, à Amsterdam avec vous Monsieur, Si je ne vous incommode pas; et pour partir d’ici, pour cet effet, Samedi ou Dimanche 22 ou 23 du Courant. En attendant, je crois qu’il ne seroit pas mauvais Monsieur, que vous vinssiez passer la Semaine prochaine ici; outre que ce petit changement d’air, pourra, selon moi, être favorable à votre santé, je voudrois vous faire faire connoissance personnelle avec deux personnages du pays, afin que vous pussiez juger vous-même par leurs discours, de la marche qu’il Sera à propos de tenir, pour avoir enfin une réponse cathégorique. Nous irions alors ensemble à Amsterdam, Si vous pouviez rester jusqu’à Samedi ou Dimanche ici. Mais il faudroit venir ici Lundi ou Mardi prochain, afin que je pusse ménager l’entrevue chez moi avec ces Messieurs, qui ne sont pas sûrs d’avance du jour precis dont ils pourroient disposer.
Peut-être ne serez-vous pas faché, Monsieur, de faire aussi une visite à L’Ambr. de Frce., et d’avoir un entretien avec lui dans cet intervalle. Je ne l’ai point vu depuis huit jours au moins; et l’on ne sait Si son voyage pour Paris aura lieu ou non.
Voici une Drôlerie, dont la communication fera certainement plaisir à Mr. Cerisier. Je vous prie seulement, Monsieur, de ne point lâcher mon Ecriture mais de lui permettre seulement d’en prendre Copie, s’il veut.

Je suis toujours avec le plus sincere respect Monsieur Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 15 December 1781
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

The Hague, 15 December 1781
Sir

Since the assembly of Holland will adjourn in a week, I am taking my domestic precautions in order to spend the rest of this month, and part of the next, with you in Amsterdam. If it is agreeable to you, perhaps we could leave from here on Saturday the 22nd or Sunday the 23rd. Meantime, I believe that it would be good for you, sir, to spend next week here. In addition to it being a chance to take some fresh air that might be beneficial to your health, it would also give me the opportunity to introduce you personally to two countrymen. Then you can judge for yourself, through their discourse, just what steps they propose to make to obtain, at last, a categorical response. If you can stay here until Saturday or Sunday, we will be together in Amsterdam. But you must come here next Monday or Tuesday, so that I can arrange the meeting with these gentlemen at my house. They are not sure ahead of time which day will be suitable for them.
Perhaps you would be so kind, sir, also at this time, to pay a visit to the French ambassador for a meeting. I have not seen him for a week and I do not know if he is going to Paris or not.
I have enclosed something amusing which I am sure will please Mr. Cerisier. I only ask that you do not give it to him, but rather allow him make a copy of it, if he so chooses.

I am with the most sincere respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 17 December 1781
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

St: Petersbourg Decr: 6/17 1781
Dear Sir

I have been long waiting with great impatience to hear directly from you, my disappointment has been owing in part without doubt, to your late illness, from which I hope you have entirely recovered. This climate agrees very ill with my health; for more than a month past, I have been almost constantly visited with a very severe headach, perhaps it is to be attributed in some measure to the stove fires, of which I have given a particular account in my letter to Mr: Thaxter. Mr: Stephen Sayer who has probably arrived in your City before this time, has the care of a packet for you. I sent another under cover to Mr: De Neufville, by water, the vessel sailed from hence about the middle of Septr.—passed the Sound sometime in Octr: and yet Mr: D. in his letters to me of the 20th. and 27th. of Novr: makes no mention of it. This makes me very anxious about my letters. The vessel was a Russian bottom, and the Capt: was charged to deliver them with his own hand, by his owners. Every precaution in my power was taken, and they must take their fate. Shou’d they come to hand I hope you will give me the earliest information of it.
I want to write to you upon a special matter which it wou’d not be prudent to do, till we have settled our Cyphers. Don’t neglect the scheme I sent you. I am convinced it wou’d with a little use, be attended with very little trouble to you. I am fully convinced also that even upon a supposition that my principal business shou’d not succeed, it will be no disadvantage to us that I have come on. I flatter myself I have already acquired some useful informations. My ideas of things here have been much corrected. I have seen something of the policy of Friends and Foes, at this Court. And shall at least know what we have to expect from the one and the other.
I live here on very good terms with Minister of Holland and find considerable advantage in this connection. I now see that Comte de Panin has no weight, and Comte D’Osterman is of less consequence still if possible. The Marq: De Verac told me the day before yesterday that Congress had appointed four Commissioners to negotiate a peace when the time shall come. He did not tell who they were, and for particular reasons I did not choose to ask him. I hope they are good Men and true. If he is not mistaken I shall doubtless soon hear of it from you. You must give yourself some trouble to keep me well informed of what is going on. I hear you have presented a second memorial. I wish it may have the desired effect. We received the great news of the surrender of Ld. Cornwallis and his Army on the 2d. inst:. Thus the very first rational plan which has been formed, has happily been crowned with the most ample success. The world in general must now see that nothing has been wanting to distroy the whole British Force in America but the proper direction of that of their Enemies. There is no saying yet what impression this great event may make here. The consequence in America, I think, will be the evacuation of Charlestown and all the British posts in Carolina, which will not only set that State free, but Georgia also. The British will not surely hazard such distant posts another Campaign; besides, they will want to strengthen their principal post New-York. That they will hold to the last moment, at every hazard. But what think you of Peace, has this event brought it nearer? Will the British now think that France means seriously to co-operate with the United States? And will this conviction seriously incline the British Cabinet to Peace?
To give you my own sentiments, I think they will still affect to brave it out. I hope indeed they will. Our time has not yet come. The coming over to the Continent of Ld: Mansfield with his whole family, as is said, is matter of speculation. Has his Lordship who has been the Chief adviser of this wicked war, out of which indeed great good has come, now stepped forth as the Harbinger of a Peace? Or has his sagacity, foreseeing this capital event of the total loss of a second British Army, taught him to dread consequences fatal to his person and connections and to fly from them?
I am sorry to learn that mon Fils is again in Spain. How comes this about. Colo. Searle and Majr: Jackson I am told are there too. Your Son is very well and wou’d have wrote to you if this had been a private opportunity. I have not got an Instructor for him, nor are there any good ones to be had here. He pursues his Latin as well as he can. I shall change my lodgings in a few days. Mr: De Neufville will give you the address: though it is more expensive it may yet be adviseable, to write under cover.

I am, dear Sir, with the greatest esteem & respect, your much obliged Friend & obedient humble Servant
FRA DANA

P.S. My best regards to Mr: Thaxter and all friends near you. If Capt: Bell who went over to England while I was in Holland, has not bought the Abbe Raynal’s History of the Indies (in English), and Smith Wealth of Nations, for me, pray give the necessary directions to Messrs: Sigourney & Co: to send for the last Editions of both works, on my account, and to forward them in my name by the first good opportunity to Mr: Jona: Jackson. Mr: Thaxter will make the necessary enquiry about this Business. I have forgot whether I desired Bell to leave that with you, or with Messrs: Sigourney & Co:.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 17 December 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Passy, Dec. 17. 1781
Sir

I have received the Packet, containing the Correspondence relating to the Goods. I suppose that Mr Barclay is there before this time, and the Affair in a way of Accomodation. Young Mr Neufville is here, but I have thought it best not to give him as yet any Hopes of my Paying the Bills unless the Goods are delivered. I shall write fully by next Post. This serves chiefly to acquaint you that I will endeavour to pay the Bills that have been presented to you, drawn on Mr Laurens. But you terrify me, by acquainting me that there are yet a great Number behind. It is hard that I never had any Information sent me of the Sums drawn, a Line of Order to pay, nor a Syllable of Approbation for having paid any of the Bills drawn on Mr Laurens Mr Jay or yourself. As yet I do not see that I can go any farther, and therefore can engage for no more than you have mention’d. With great Esteem, I have the honour to be Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

B Franklin


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 18 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Hanson, John,President of Congress

Amsterdam Decr. 18th. 1781
Sir

Having recieved an Invitation to the Hague, in order to have some Conversation with some Gentlemen in the Government concerning the further Steps proper for me to take in the present Conjuncture, I had determined to have undertaken the Journey to day: but the Arrival in Town of the Duke de la Vauguyon, determined me to postpone it until tomorrow. At noon to day, his Excellency did me the honor of a Visit, and a long Conversation upon the State of affairs, at my House. He informed me, that upon the Communication I had made to him, when he was here last in Person, and afterwards by Letter, of my new Commission and Instructions, he had written to the Comte de Vergennes; had explained to that Minister his own sentiments; and expected an Answer. His own Idea is, that I should go to the Hague in some Week, when there is a President whose Sentiments and Disposition are favourable, and demand an Answer to my former Proposition, and afterwards that I should go round to the Cities of Holland, and apply to the several Regencies. He thinks that I may now assume an higher Tone, which the late Cornwallization will well warrant. I shall however take Care not to advance too fast, so as to be unable to retreat. His advice is, to go to the Hague tomorrow and meet the Gentlemen, who wish to see me there, and this I shall do.
I have been very happy hitherto, in preserving an entire good Understanding with this Minister, and nothing shall ever be wanting on my part, to deserve his Confidence and Esteem.
I have transmitted by two opportunities, one Capt. Trowbridge from hence, another by Dr. Dexter by the way of France, Dispatches from Mr. Dana at Petersbourg, by which Congress will percieve, that material Advantages will arise from that Gentleman’s Residence in that place, whether he soon communicates his Mission to that Court or not.
The English Papers, which I forward by this opportunity, will inform Congress of the state of things and Parties in England. The ministry talk of a new System. Perhaps they may attempt Rhode Island once more in Exchange for Charlestown, and try their Skill at intercepting our Trade.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 18 December 1781
From: Adams, Samuel
To: Adams, John

18 December 1781

My dear Sir

The Marquis de la Fayette is so obliging as to take the Care of this Letter, which, for the Sake of him, the Count de Noailles and others our french Friends, who take Passage with him in the Alliance, I hope will arrive safely. In the same Conveyance, there is a Packett intended for you from Congress, by which you will doubtless be informd of what has been doing there. It is six Months since I left Philadelphia. You cannot therefore expect that I should give you any of the Intelligence of that City. I presume Mr L makes known to you every thing that is interesting. I wrote to you frequently while I was there, and suppose all my Letters have miscarried, as well as yours, if you have written to me, for I have not receivd one for many Months, except a Line by the Seiur de la Etombe, to whom I pay great Attention, both on Account of your Recommendation and his Merit. I give you Credit for a Packett of Gazzettes lately receivd, because I knew the Direction on the Cover was your hand writing.
Matters go on here just as you would expect from your knowledge of the People. Zealous in the Great Cause, they hesitate at no
Labor or Expence for its Support. Anxious to have a Code of Laws for the internal Government, adapted to the Spirit of their new Constitution, the General Court have appointed the Supreme Judges, with Mr Bowdoin who is at present perfectly at Leisure, to revise the Laws, and report necessary or proper Amendments. The two great Vacancies in the offices of President, and Professor of Mathematicks in our University are filled with Gentlemen of Learning and excellent Characters, the Revd Mr Willard of Beverly and the Rev Mr Williams of . The Accademy of Arts and Sciences is in a flourishing Way. A new Society is incorporated by the Name of the Medical Society. And this Metropolis has lately appointed a Committee to consider the present Arrangement of the Schools and report what further Improvements may be made; in which the better Education of female Children is designd to be comprehended. All these things, I know are pleasing to you. Our People treat Foreigners of Merit who come among them with Good Humour and Civility; being desirous of adopting the virtuous Manners of others and ingrafting them into our Stock. Laudable Examples on their Side and ours will be productive of mutual Benefit. Indeed the Men of Influence must form the Manners of the People. They can operate more towards cultivating the Principles and fixing the Habits of Virtue, than all the Force of Laws. This I think is verified by the Experience of the World; and should induce those People who exercise the Right of electing their own Rulers, to be circumspect in making their Choice. You are well enough acquainted with the Character of our first Magistrate, to judge what Effects his Influence may have upon Manners.
Inclosd are some of the Proceedings of a late Town Meeting, which I send to you as a private Citizen, for your mere Information. The Meeting was called in Consequence of a Letter receivd by our Selectman from Marblehead, in which it was proposd that the Subject should be considerd in a Convention of the Maritime Towns. But this Town judgd it more proper to lay the Matter before the General Court, and have accordingly instructed their Representatives, and recommended it to the others to take the same Method. They could not think it becoming in them to write to you, though a fellow Citizen, on a Subject which concerns the American Republick, altho they have an intire Confidence, in your Attachment to the Interest of the United States, and to this Commonwealth which is an essential Part of them.
Please to pay my due Regards Mr Dana, Mr Thaxter &c. I rejoyce to hear of the Welfare of one of your Sons, whom we had almost given up as lost. The Count de Noailles tells me, he has a Letter for you from your Lady.
Mrs Adams sends Compls. Miss has changed her Name and left her Fathers House.

Your affectionate
Saml Adams


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 18 December 1781
From: Adams, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Boston 18 Decr 1781
My dear Sir

I have already written to you this Day by the Marquis de Lafayatte. This passes thro the Hands of Count de Noailles whom you did me the Honor to introduce to me. I duly acknowledgd the Receipt of your Favor which he brought me; but the Loss of my Letter was attended with an infinitely greater, that of Collo Palfrey. I wrote to you largely by him.
The Son in Law of one of our good Friends has lately arrivd here from England, which gives great Disgust to more Persons than his near Relations conceive of. On his Arrival, the Governor and Council directed him to state his Reasons for going to England and returning hither without the Leave of Government. He stated his Reasons; which in general were to render Service to the United States, particularly by removing the Ideas which the British Ministry had conceivd, of the Attachment of nine tenths of the Americans to that Government, and their Wishes to return to it. However frivolous this may appear to others, his nearest friends speak of it, can you beleive me, in a high Tone, and Mr — told me that Mr — was happy in being conscious not only of Innocence, but of great Merit. Those who hope for a Change of Person in our first Magistrate next Spring will be much embarrassd by this Circumstance.

Adieu my Friend
S A.


Title: From John Adams to the Duc de La Vauguyon, 20 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: La Vauguyon, Paul François de Quélen de Stuer de Causade, Duc de

The Hague 20 Decr 1781
Sir

It has been insinuated to me, that the Spanish Ambassador, here, has Instructions from his Court, to enter into Negotiation with their high mightinesses, concerning an alliance between Spain and the Republick. If this fact has come to your Excellencies Knowledge, and there is no Inconvenience nor Impropriety in communicating it to me, I Should be very much obliged to you, for the Information, not from Curiosity merely but for my Government in the Steps I may have to take.
By my late Instructions, of which your Excellency has a Copy, I am to inform myself, concerning the Progress of American Negotiations, at the Court of Spain, and if an alliance Shall have been entered into, between his Catholic Majesty and the United States to invite his Catholic Majesty into the alliance proposed between France their High mightinesses and the Congress: if no Such alliance Shall have been formed; to receive his Catholic Majesty, Should he manifest a disposition to become a Party, &c.
Congress have wisely enjoined it upon me, to confer in the most confidential manner, with your Excellency, and I have made it a Law to myself, to take no material Step in this Negotiation, without your approbation: but my Instructions Seem to make it necessary to take Some measures, at least to Sound the disposition of the Spanish Ambassador. I would therefore beg Leave to propose to your Consideration and to request your opinion whether you think it adviseable for me to do myself the Honour of making a Visit to the Spanih Ambassador, and communicating to him the Substance of my Instruction as far as it relates to the Court of Madrid; or whether it would be better to communicate it by Letter, or whether Your Excellency will be so good as to take upon yourself, to make this Communication, and inform me of the Result of it.
I am advised here to wait on the President of their high Mightinesses, as soon as possible, and demand a categorical answer, to my former Proposition, and then to wait on the Grand Pensionary, and Mr Secretary Fagel, and in turn upon the Pensionaries of all the Cities of Holland, to inform them of the demand made to the President. But I Submit it to Consideration whether it will not be expedient, to communicate the Project of a triple or Quadruple alliance to some confidential Members of the States, in order to give more Weight to my Demand, to the Pensionaries of Dort Harlem and amsterdam for Example with Permission to them to communicate it, where they shall think it necessary.
The Court of Great Britain, are manifestly, availing themselves of the Mediation of Russia in order, to amuse this Republick and restrain it from exerting itself in the War and forming Connections, with the other belligerent Powers, without intending to make Peace with her upon any Conditions which would not be ruinous to her. It is therefore of the last Importance, to Holland, as well as of much Consequence to the other belligerent Powers to draw her out of the Snare, which one should think might be now easily done, by a Proposition of a tripple or quadruple alliance.
Tomorrow Morning at ten, I propose to do myself the Honour of waiting on your Excellency, if that hour is agreable, in order to avail myself, more particularly of your sentiments upon these Points. In the mean time, I have the honour to be, with the most perfect Respect and Consideration, sir, your most obt


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Vinton, 20 December 1781
From: Vinton, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Mill Prison Plymouth December 20th 1781
Dear Sir

I am Sorry to Acquant you that I am Now Confined in this Prison I was taken the 10th of June Last by the Queen Charlotte Priveteer Belonging to London and was Striped of all my Cloaths And Left Nothing only what I had on. Excuse my Freedom in Writeing to you for alitle Cash to Supply my Pesent Wants as I Reayly Stand in Great Need for it and if it should be my Lot to Come to france I make no Dout but I Shall be able to make you amends for it and if I Should not I am well Assured that my Fathe will Make you ample Satisfaction for it When I Left home your Family was all well Like wise your Father in Law and his Family.

I have had Lately the Small Post and a heavy fit of Sickness after it but thank god I have got the Great Deal the Better of and hope to be Restored to my former Strength again.
I am Mr Thomas Vinton’s Son Liveing about a Mile and a half of you house my Sitwation wont pemit me to Write at Large So I Must Conclude With Whiching this few Lines may find You in a Perfect State of health So I Remain Your Humble Servant

Thomas Vinton

This leater that you find in hear is to my father and I Shall Bee very much oBlige to you if you would Send it the first Chance that you have. thomas Vinton


Title: From John Adams to Jean de Neufville & Fils, 24 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Neufville, Jean de, & Fils (business)

Amsterdam December 24. 1781
Gentlemen

I have received your favours of the 21. and 23d, and have now to inform you that Mr Barclay Consul General of the United States is arrived in Town, and his commercial Knowledge as well as the nature of his office, make it proper, that I should relinquish to him, as I do, all the Care, that I might before have had of the continental Goods, as Dr Franklin has done. He will endeavour to finish this Business with the utmost dispatch.
I think however that the United States have great Reason to complain of the Rejection of a Proposal So reasonable as that, of an arbitration. Mr Barclays first object will be I presume to get the Possession of the Goods. Before the Goods are delivered to him, it will be impossible for me to make any Representations to Passy.
You have never yet Stated what was the first Cost of the Vessells. I beg that the accounts may be made up immediately that We may know how many Guilders are demanded of us.

I have the Honour to be


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 25 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Hanson, John,President of Congress

Amsterdam, 25 December 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand (PCC, No. 84, III, f. 438–441). printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 5:70–71). In this letter, which Congress received on 18 Sept. 1782, JA provided the text of Lord Stormont’s announcement of 8 Sept. to the Swedish minister at London that Britain had accepted Russia as the sole mediator between itself and the Netherlands. It constituted Britain’s formal rejection of the joint mediation offered by Russia, Sweden, and Denmark in August and thereby precluded even an implied role for the armed neutrality in resolving the Anglo-Dutch war (to the president of Congress, 6 Aug., 1st letter, calendared, vol. 11:440). Stormont briefly summarized British grievances against the Netherlands that led to hostilities between Britain and its former ally. He noted that Britain refused Russia’s first offer of mediation because at the time there seemed little likelihood of success. Circumstances had changed, however, and the Dutch now seemed amenable to a separate peace. Britain would now accept Russia as the sole mediator because that nation had been the first to offer its assistance in resolving the Anglo-Dutch conflict. For Stormont’s formal acceptance of Russia’s mediation, see JA to the president of Congress, 13 Dec., calendared above.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, 25 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Hanson, John,President of Congress

Amsterdam, 25 December 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand (PCC, No. 84, III, f. 442–444). printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 5:71–72. This letter consists of an English translation of Prussia’s declaration of 8 Dec., intended to remove any questions about the identity of Prussian ships trading in accordance with its previous ordinances of 30 April and 3 November. For the ordinance of 30 April, which stated that Prussia would maintain a strict neutrality according to the principles set down in the declaration of the armed neutrality, see JA to the president of Congress, 21 May, calendared (vol. 11:327). For the 3 Nov. ordinance establishing rules for identifying Prussian ships, see Scott, ed., Armed Neutralities of 1780 and 1800The Armed Neutralities of 1780 and 1800: A Collection of Official Documents Preceded by the Views of Representative Publicists, ed. James Brown Scott, New York, 1918., p. 414–417.


Title: From John Adams to James Searle, 26 December 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Searle, James

Amsterdam Decr 26. 1781
Dr Sir

Your two favours of Decr 3 and that of December 14, are before me. Mr Barclay is arrived, to my great Relief: His office and Character as well as your Recommendations entitle him to every Respect and Civility from me.
You favour from L’orient I answered, and transmitted under Cover to Mr Cummings, Some Dispatches from Gover Read. I condole with you, under the Loss of Mrs Searle: But Such is the Constitution of the World, and Under the Loss of Friends Fortunes, &c all We have to do is to Submit. Your Resolution to Spend the Remainder of your Days in Europe, may not prove to be a Law of the Medes, whether, however in Europe or America, I wish you success and Prosperity.

Mr Bondfield has acted hitherto, for the Public at Bourdeaux, and has ever behaved well, as far as I have known. I Suppose that he will expect to be continued in the Service and to be Vice Consul or Consul, if Congress should appoint Such an officer for that Place. But perhaps Congress will, not appoint any but the Consul General and leave him to employ Such Persons as his Agents in other Cities as he pleases.
The Secretaryship for the Mission to Versailles, I am convinced will never be filled up, while the present Minister lives, unless it should be with the young Gentleman. The Commission for Peace is new modelled. The Ministers to Versailles and Madrid, Mr Laurens in the Tower and Mr Jefferson in America, are added in the new Commission: and there is no Secretary appointed. Mr Dana, is Still at Liberty to Act in it, in certain Circumstances, which however will not happen, because the Commission itself will not be called to Act a long time.
Portugal is but an English Colony, and never in my opinion will have any Thing to do with america while the War lasts. Thus you See, that I have no great Expectations, of your Succeeding in any Thing of a public Nature in Europe at present. Your Wish to be Vice Consul or Consul in Case another Should be appointed, is modest enough to be sure but you know that Congress have always many applications, and they weigh the Pretensions of all, very carefully. Your appointment would be very agreable to me, but all I can do in it, is to mention it to some of my friends. But you know that my particular Friends in Congress are influenced by nobody, and no Consideration but the public good.
As to your Sic Vos non Vobis Vellera fertis oves. It is true that I am a sheep and that I have been fleeced, but it gives me some Pleasure to reflect that my wool makes others warm. No I had rather Say I am a Bird, that my feathers have been plucked and worn as ornaments by others. Let them have the Plumage if they will it is but a Geugaw. However away with all this. It would be more just to say that We are all too much Addicted to disputing for the Feathers before We are quite in Possession of the Bird.
What do you mean by Ebenezer Kennersley? I dont Understand you. Your Sprightly Wit is a Proof to me that your Health is better, and it has a friendly effect upon mine.

I am with much Esteem, your Frd & hul sert


Title: To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 26 December 1781
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John

No 31st. Copy
Philadelphia, 26th. Decr. 1781
Dear sir

It is very long since we have had the pleasure of hearing from you. Before this you will probably have received two Letters of mine and a duplicate of the last goes with this.
Nothing material has happened since the date of that, except the Evacuation of Wilmington, which was, as you know, a very important port, as it checked the trade of North Carolina, and kept up a dangerous connection with almost the only Tories on the continent who have shewn spirit enough to support their principles openly. This new sacrifice by Britain, of their partizans conspiring with that made by the capitulation of York must open their eyes, and teach them what the experience of ages should have taught, that those friendships are weak which arise from a fellowship in guilt. Our army and the French troops are in quarters, the first in the Jersies, and upon Hudson’s river, the last in Virginia. General Greene will be reinforced by about eighteen hundred men under st. Clair. The Enemy are shut up in New York, savannah and Charlestown. Tho’ I believe they may yet have one or two posts near the latter, which they will keep ’till st Clair joins Greene. Count de Grasse is in the West Indies with so formidable an armament as promises the most important success, as during the winter when joined by the force that has sailed from Brest, and So many of the Spanish fleet as are prepared to co-operate with him, he will have about fifty Sail of the line under his command.
I enclose several resolutions of congress, which will convince you that their late successes have not rendered them supine or negligent—the spirit which animates them will pervade most of the States. I need not suggest to you the use that should be made of this information, You will see at once that it should not be buried or paraded, that it should be discovered, but not displayed. I am persuaded that your own knowledge of the World and the particular situation of the Government you are in, will direct you to the best means of rendering it useful to this Country. I also enclose an ordinance relative to captures and recaptures, lately passed by Congress, you will observe that it is formed upon the plan recommended by the armed neutrality, it does credit in that view to our moderation, perhaps the conduct of Britain, and the neglect of the neutral powers to enforce their own regulations, may render the policy of the measure doubtful, this however gives new force to the deductions drawn from it in favor of our moderation and justice. You will also observe that it uses means to put an entire stop to all kind of commerce with Britain or in British manufactures. In consequence of this, new habits and new fashions must be introduced, wise nations will not neglect this favorable moment to render them subservient to the interest of their own commerce and manufactures. This affords you a topic which you need not be urged to enlarge upon. I am very fearful that you will not fully understand the cyphers in which my last Letters are written. I had them from the late committee of foreign affairs, tho’ they say they never received any letters from you in them. Mr Lovell has enclosed what he thinks may serve as an explanation. I would recommend it to you to write to me in Mr Dumas his cypher, till I can send you, or you send me one by a safe hand. Should you be at Paris, Doctor Franklin has Dumas’s cyphers. And now, sir, for all this american intelligence, let me receive from you a full return in European commodities of the same kind; I do not hesitate to impose this task upon you, because I know it is one that you have never neglected, and that you fully impressed with the idea of its importance to us. Among other things, I am persuaded Congress would wish to know the success of your loan, and your prospects. The disposition of the government and the strength of the marine of the united Provinces, its objects and preparations for the ensuing campaign—the negociations which may be carrying on at present either for peace or War. The designs, finances and marine of Russia—I shall also apply to Mr Dana for information on this subject, but it will be much more practicable to correspond with him thro’ you, than to get Letters to him at this season of the Year from here. I shall however attempt both. I am too well acquainted with your industry and patriotism to think that you will repine at any trouble that this may give you. You know that Congress have a right to the fullest information from their ministers, and that their ministers have similar demands on them. I shall endeavour as far as lies in my power, to satisfy the last in future, since that charge has now devolved to me. I enclose a number of newspapers, they may afford you some information and amusement.

I have the honor to be sir, with great respect & esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servant
Robt R Livingston