Title: To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 4 May 1783
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, John

Sir
Milton May 4th 1783

Did not the stronger motive of friendship Excite, I think the Gratitude due from Each individual of Your Country would be a stimulus sufficient to set the pen in motion. urged by such laudable principles an apology for calling asside your Attention from objects of greater Magnitude is unnecessary. And if I am the last to Congratulate you on the success of your Negotiations I will Venture to say I am not the least sensible of their importance, and among the Multitude of your friends you have few who Enjoy more pleasure in your Triumph over your Enemies, or in that firmness, Intrepidity & perseverence that at once obtained it & secured the Claims of America on a Basis that promisses Wealth and Honour, (& if not incompatible) I will add Happiness to posterity.
And do you think now sir to Retire to sit down Quietly & Enjoy the sweets of Domestic life—No.—Never.—till Weary Nature diminishes your capacity for acting in the sphere of Dignified difficulty you was not made for the purpose of Resting in the cool sequestered shade of life. it is yours to tread the bold & craggy path of Politics, to Counteract the Intrigues of statsmen & princes, to settle the Boundaries of Nations, & Mark the line of Empire, and what is yet more Difficult to Atchive, to Convince Mankind that probity is the surest Road to Honour.
A people Destitute of public or private Virtue Cannot be long Happy by the Exertions of a few of the best or Wisest of her Citizens. Yet I beleive the Example of one Good Man unawed by threats—uncorrupted by Gold, & unmoved by the Machinations Refinements & Duplicity of systematical Villany, has a Greater tendency to keep alive the Respect due to Real Merit than Either Judiciary Restraints, or the best digested Code of Moral injunction—
I feel myself disposed to loquacity (Nothing Novel in my sex) but least the subject before me should betray me into some Expressions that might bear the semblance of Flattery, instead of that just mean of applause, due to Distinguished Worth. I leave all panegirick to the Historian & the poet— And in the simple Familiar style of unadorned friendship, inquire Whether the American Minister at the Hague Received several letters under the signature of Marcia—and if the Cold phlegmatic Dutchman, more Honest than polite Delayed a return. surely the influance of a Milder Clime will soften to Condesention, and the Ettequete of Varsellies & paris forbid such an affront to a Lady.
Therefore I shall peep as Eagerly into the next paket, as an inspector to a plenipo’—for a letter Directed to one who asks not forgivness for those short interruptions— the little interludes of common life give fresh Exhiliration to the spirits, & fill up the Vacant Moment, when the mind is Worn down by the Higher Avocations to Bussiness, or fatigued by the parade of Courts & the pomp & Glare of Grandeur—
political Connextions, the state of parties, & the Internal Feuds in your Beloved Country You doubtless have Through the hands of more Interested Observers— And if Through the Inattention of public or the Negligence of private Men, You have not all the Intelligence You might Expect, You have Every thing Worthy of your Notice from a quarter that Enhaunces the Value of the Communication—
I therefore only add that your American Friends Wish most Ardently to see, that the Friends of America Wish your Residence in Europe—and that wherever you Reside, or what Ever is your Mode of life an affectionate prayer for your Happiness will be Breathed from the lips of, sir Your / assured Friend & Humbl sert
M Warren

PS Please to make perticular Complements to the American Gentlemen of my acquaintance— a letter from Mr J in the high style of Russian politeness, would be very pleasing to his young Friends on Milton Hill
May 9th
Mr Warren Expecting a more direct opportunity soon will write you largly this will be handed you by a Mr Watsen of Marblehead formerly of Plimouth who Wishes for an opportunity to wait on you


Title: From John Adams to the Société Bourgeoise of Leeuwarden, 10 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Leeuwarden, the Société Bourgeoise of

Gentlemen,
Paris May 10th. 1783.

I have recieved the Letter, which You did me the Honor to write me on the twenty ninth day of last Month, and the friendly Sentiments it contains, towards the United States of America, deserve my warmest Acknowledgments.
The Resolutions of the States of Friesland, taken in the Assemblies of February and April 1782, do Honour to that Province.— The Acknowledgment of the Sovereignty of the United States of America, and the Refusal of a seperate Peace by their High Mightinesses the States General, was one of those critical Decisions which sometimes turn the Tide of the Affairs of Men, and produce the unravelling of great Scenes among Nations. It seemed to open the Eyes of the British Nation, and to determine the fluctuating Opinions of the whole World, and consequently contributed very much to accelerate the Peace.

The Medals, You did me the honor to present me with this Letter, are struck in great Perfection, and express with a beautiful Simplicity the two great Events they were intended to commemorate. You will please to accept of my Thanks for them. The first favorable Opportunity shall be taken to present one of them to Congress, as You desire.—
Your Republick, I am persuaded, will have no Cause to repent of the Part She has taken in favor of America— And may the Friendship, Correspondence and Alliance between the two Nations be perpetual.
Permit me to add my best Wishes for the Prosperity of your Society, & the Felicity of your Persons and Families.—
With great Esteem and Respect, I have the / honor to be, / Gentlemen, / your most obliged and / obedient humble Servant.
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from William Gordon, 10 May 1783
From: Gordon, William
To: Adams, John

My Dear Sir
Jamaica Plain May 10. 1783.

From what Dr Holten writes me in his of the 16th ult I suspect You will be upon your passage home: however there is a chance of the contrary, therefore venture sending by the present conveyance from Providence to London. You are to have other letters from Braintree &c &c by the same channel; & yet this possibly may be first recd, for which reason I mention your family & friends being well; ere I tell you that your obliging favour of Decr 12th came duly to hand: & I congratulate You most heartily, not only on an extraordinary good peace, but on the part you have acted in obtaining it. I have seen yours to Tom Cod of Marblehead, & to Hutchinson’s successor at Milton. Last monday sennight I dined at the aged Colo within about 2 ½ of your seat, where I saw & heard the contents of a ms story. We drank tea at the quondam Watchmakers, & spent the night where You have spent many a happy one: & I trust will do it again. For desert was admitted to the perusal of Extracts. It was against the directions of the supreme authority to carry the ms out of the house or to copy from it: but I stored my head with as much as my brains would carry. I was fully of the opinion that your joint advice to my Countryman was the best that could be given; & of this assured a Precious Dr in a late epistle to him. I wrote largely & fully to You the last Decr & committed it to the care of young Gray. We want You here, & yet I wish to have You at Westminster. I know not where you can be of most service. We are in poor situations: & need abler heads & quicker hands. Would be plainer, & fill my paper, but am jealous that all will be consigned to the fire, agreeable to my directions to Mr De Neufville in case You should be on your way to America.
With most affectionate regards I remain your sincere Friend / & very humble servant
William Gordon

My brother Dr the great bell of Boston has a letter from the Marquis Le Fayette with & by which he amuses his company & opens in hyperbolical commendations of the French, I am better pleased with mine from the Washington in Politics.


Title: Henry Grand to the American Peace Commissioners, 10 May 1783
From: Grand, Henry
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

Gentlemen,
Paris, May 10 1783.

It is some Months ago since I had the honor to write you, & am well persuaded, altho I received no Answer thereto, that it will have engaged your attention. I earnestly wish it may have been productive of an Improvement to the Finances of Congress which I then foresaw would be short of our Wants & which is unfortunately too much the case at present.
Last Month I remitted to the Honorable Rt. Morris the State of his Account, the Ballance of which were £[₶]413,892.13. 9. due to me. This added to the subsequent Payments I had to make would have thrown me in a State of Perplexity had it not been for the Assistance given me by the Garde du Tresor Royal.
You will see, Gentlemen, by the State I have the honour to inclose for your Consideration that the Sums I am to pay exceed of one Million those that are to be paid me. And making even Abstraction of all that is not M. Morris Bill there still remains a defect of £[₶]500,000 independant of the Allowance to be made for his usual Wants from Jany. 24 (date of his last Bills) up to the 12th. of March.
I am happy to have it in my Power to say that I have exerted to this instant all that my Zeal & my Faculties could suggest me, did the last keep Pace with the former, I should never have applied but to them. However the State of Affairs is such now, that a Resolution must be taken relative thereto, & even without delay. The Bearers of M. Morris Bills growing so urgent upon me that rather than to have occasioned an Eclat before I could be informed with your Resolution, I prefferred accepting a further Sum of £[₶]54000. this Day.
I crave your Excellencies will honour me with a quick answer, meantime, I remain, / most respectfully, / Gentlemen, / Your Most obedient / & most humble Servt.
(signed) Grand

State of Congress’s Finances at Paris on the 10th. of may 1783.—

Ballance due to me on the last Account
£[₶]413.892.13. 9.

Sums paid by his Excelly. Bn. Franklin’s orders
172 001. 5. 1.

The Hble. Rt. Morris drafts to be paid
1,872,871. 1.10

His fresh drafts from Jany. 24. at 60. days sight,of which I already accepted £[₶]54000
804 371. 8.

£[₶]3 263 136. 8  8

Interest on the Dutch Loan 400,000.

Sabatier & Desprez Chaim for

Fournitures to the LaFayette 134,000.
534 000.

£[₶]3,797,136. 8. 8.


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 12 May 1783
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
St: PetersbourgMay 1st. 1783. O.S. [12 May N.S.]

I sent to your Care by the last Post thrô this same Channel a Copy of the Memorial which I presented on the 27th. ult: to the Vice Chancellor, and of my Letter to him accompanying it. I now send you fair and complete Copies of them. If you shou’d not have forwarded the first Copy of the Memorial when this second comes to your hands, you will be pleased not to send it on at all, not only because it is in too slovingly a Condition, but it is incomplete also. If you will take the Trouble to compare them together, you will find that there is a material Paragraph omitted in the first, which closes my Reply to the second part of the Answer; relative to the Date of my Letter of Credence. I send a third Copy by this post to Messrs: De la Lande & Finje, to be fowarded from Holland; which perhaps may save Mr: Thaxter the Trouble of making out a Copy, as I had desired— The Memorial is a plain unadorned thing, but if the reasoning is just, I shall be satisfied with it: and I wish it may have the effect I think it ought to have.
Your Son has never written to me since his Letter from Copenhagen, thô he remained as I find by the publick prints, several days at Hamborough. I hear nothing of him since he left that place, but have no doubt he has safely arrived with you long before this time. I want his account of the Route &c which he has made, and which he promised to send me. It wou’d have been very useful to me, as I propose to take the same Route on my Return to America. The time of my Departure will depend upon the Answer I may receive to my Memorial. I have no intention to sacrifice another Year of my life, in the manner I have already done near Two Years of it in this Country. I hope Almighty God has created me for some more useful purpose. If not, I shou’d be ashamed of my Existence. I cannot write to you in confidence by this opportunity, and will thereof add nothing more than that I am with great Respect. &c &c


Title: To John Adams from Robert Morris, 12 May 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Office of Finance 12th. May 1783—

The Bills drawn by Congress in their necessities press very heavily upon me; and one of the greatest among many Evils attending them is the Confusion in which they have involved the Affairs of my Department— I have never yet been able to learn how many of these Bills have been paid nor how many remain due neither am I without my fears that some of them have received double Payment.—
To bring at Length some little Degree of order into this Chaos, after waiting till now for fuller Light and Information I write on the Subject to Mr. Barclay who will have the Honor to deliver this Letter and I send him a Copy of the enclosed Account. I have directed him to consult with your Excellency and obtain an Account of the Bills which have been paid and to transmit me an account of those and of such as remain due and to take Measures with you for Payment of the latter so as to prevent double Payment which I seriously apprehend. The enclosed Account will inform you that the Bills which are gone forward drawn on Mr. Lawrens and yourself amount to seven hundred and fifty three thousand, three hundred, and sixty four Guilders and two thirds—
Let me intreat you Sir to forward these Views as much as possible for you will I am sure be sensible how necessary it is for me to know the exact State of our pecuniary Affairs, lest on the one Hand I should risque the public Credit by an excess of Drafts, or on the other leave their Monies unemployed while they experience severe Distress from the want—
I am Sir / with perfect Respect / Your Excellency’s / most obedient / & / humble Servant
Robt Morris


Title: The Marquis de Lafayette to the American Peace Commissioners, 12 May 1783
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

Gentlemen,
Paris, May 12th. 1783.

Having yesterday conferred with Count de Vergennes upon some Public Concerns, He requested I would tell you what, instead of troubling you with the Demand of a meeting, I think better to mention in this Note.
The several Powers said he, are going to make up their Treaties, and when ready to sign, they will of Course meet to do it alltogether. The Mediation of the Emperor and that of Russia have been required, and under that Mediation the French Treaty will be signed, it now rests with America to know if She will conclude her Treaty under the Mediation, or chooses to let it alone. There is no Necessity for it, But in Case you prefer to have it, Count de Vergennes thinks it is time to join with England in making a combined Application to the Court of Vienna and that of Petersbourg.

So far Gentlemen I have been requested to speak to you, I will add that from my last Conferences on the Subject, I hope we may get the Harbour of L’orient, as we have wished, for the American Trade.
Be pleased to accept the Assurances of my great and affectionate Respect.
(signed) La Fayette.


Title: From John Adams to Antoine Marie Cerisier, 13 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Cerisier, Antoine Marie

Dear Sir
Paris May 13. 1783

I had not Seen for many Months, any one Number of the Politique hollandois, until Yesterday, when a Friend Sent me Several Numbers of them up to the 22 of April.— Will you be So good as to desire Mr Crayenschot to Send them to me Weekly, and address them by the Post to Monsieur Mathew Ridley, Rue de Claire No. 60.— Let him Send them every Monday as soon as they come out.
I always read them with great Pleasure, and I find they have lost none of their Elegance, their Wisdom or their Spirit. You will continue them I hope at least untill the final Establishment of the Peace.—
The Confusions in England, and the Interruption of News from America, have kept me here much against my will for a long time, and I have Reason to fear that the Conferences for the definitive Treaty will be drawn out into greater Length than will be convenient to my Wishes or Feelings.
Your Countrymen the Dutch are determined to draw back their Constitution to its first Principles and to remount their Liberties, by which Means they will derive from the American War civil and political Benefits more than enough to indemnify them for all that has been plundered from them, besides Securing their full share in American Commerce.— May their Liberties be perpetual.
Pray what have you done with the Essay on the Cannon Law &c.?
You ask my opinion concerning some late English Pamphlets.— The Controversy between Clinton and Cornwallis, cannot be less interesting to you as an Historian than that between Burgoine and How and Galloway. There are also some Pamphlets upon the Peace, worth reading.
You See, by my Seal, that the benign Influences of the thirteen Stars Still Shine, on the Noble Sports of Hunting and Fishing, for the Purposes of Navigation.—
With great Esteem I have the Honour to be, Sir your obliged and obedient Servant
John Adams.


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

Monsieur,
[13] May 1783

Je reçus Samedi au Soir, par la voie d’Amsterdam, deux paquets à Votre Adresse, dont voici le plus petit. L’autre, com̃e celui-ci, acheminé par Mr. André Petit de Baltimore, est in folio entre deux planches, com̃e celles que je vous ai fait faire pour le Traité du 7 octobre, & un couvert par dessus, cacheté d’un chiffre R. M., apparem̃ent Rob. Morris. Sans oser rompre les cachets, j’ai cru devoir vous envoyer l’un de ces paquets, & garder l’autre sous la clef, jusqu’à ce que vous me donniez vos ordres.

Tout ici est bien, & notam̃ent Mr. votre fils, dont vous avez les respects, avec ceux de mes femelles. Je suis avec tout celui qui vous est voué, Monsieur / Votre très humble & três / obéissant serviteur
Dumas

Translation
Sir
[13] May 1783

On Saturday evening I received by way of Amsterdam two packets addressed to you, of which I enclose the smaller. The other, which like this one was sent on by Mr. André Petit of Baltimore, is in folio between two boards, like those I had made for you to bind the treaty of 7 October, with a wrapping around it all, sealed and stamped with the initials R. M., apparently Robert Morris. Not daring to break the seals, I thought I should send you one of these two parcels and keep the other locked away, until you give me further instructions.
All is well here, and especially your son, who sends his respects, as do my ladies. I remain with all the respect that is owed you, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 15 May 1783
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

My Dear Sir
St: PetersbourgMay 4th. 1783. O.S. [15 May N.S.]

Your favour of the 18th. of April has this day come to hand, but that mentioned in it by which you had authorised me to draw upon your Bankers as I had proposed to you, has never reached me. This is the only letter of your’s which I know has ever failed coming safe to hand. I had wondered you had delayed so long to return me an answer to a matter which you had very strong reasons to suppose required a speedy one. But by the packets which I addressed to your care by the two last posts viz: of the 28th. ulto: & 2d. inst: thrô Mr: Grand of Paris, you will learn that I shall not have occasion to make use of the Credit you have given me upon your Bankers. You will see with astonishment, I dare say, the objections that have been raised against my immediate reception at this Court. I must acquaint you that the first matter has taken place since I made my Communication; the Courier having arrived here with the proposals three days after, viz: on the 27th. of Feby: However I think it far from being a solid objection. The second is of so extraordinary a Nature that it is impossible, in my opinion, that the United States can ever comply with it. If they shou’d incline to do it, it shall never be done upon my request. I wou’d perish before I wou’d propose it to them. If they have not lost all sense of their own Dignity, and I believe they have not, they wou’d sooner resolve never to send a Minister to this Court, during the life of the present Sovereign. I have said all upon that point that I thought it prudent to say, in my Memorial, but you will at once perceive I must have suppressed some very forceable arguments meerly to avoid giving offence. It is not my business to embroil matters between the two Countries: quite otherwise. With this view I have openly disavowed all Instructions relative to the subject, and expressly desired that any Reply may be considered as containing my private sentiments only. This leaves Congress at full Liberty to avow or disavow whatever they think proper. They may sacrifice my reputation and character if they judge the interests of our Country require it; but I will never sacrifice the dignity of the United States by seeming, for a moment, to give in to a proposition which I conceive wou’d be an eternal disgrace to them. For this Reason I have resolved after waiting a reasonable time for an answer to my Memorial, if none shou’d be given, or the first be persisted in, to return with all speed to America. Which again will be the means of leaving Congress more at liberty to act, by affording them an occasion of sending another Minister here, if they shou’d incline to do it, without being under the Necessity of revoking my Letter of Credence and granting me another bearing date since the acknowledgment of our Independence by the King of Great Britain— I spare all reflexions upon this system, if it can be called one, of politicks, and shall not attempt to account for it, at this time.— As to your enquiry whether I have made a certain communication, I answer, I have not. I gave you my reasons for not doing it, in my Letter of the 16th. of March. Thô that which respects this Court must wholly cease if I have not a favourable answer to my Memorial, yet if my opinion is just touching the duration of that affair, nothing can now be consistently done upon it. It will be necessary that it shou’d be taken up anew entirely, as it seems from your quarter, if any Credit is to be given to the Gazettes, there is some intention of doing. If I pass thrô Stockholme and Copenhagen, I will reflect further upon the subject, and see if any thing can be now done upon it. I shou’d be exceedingly gratified to find that there may be, after what has taken place here. I think it wou’d be a fair occasion to put their system out of countenance. But I have not the least expectation of succeeding in an attempt of that kind while I remain here; which again induces me not to make it. Thô all the World will, I think, condemn the main principle which has been laid down at this Court, and which must form a perpetual obstacle in my way if adhered to, yet they wou’d be exceedingly cautious of doing any thing upon the spot, which shou’d counteract it.
In my letter of the 12th. of March, I have desired if you leave Europe before me, that Mr: Thaxter wou’d take my papers, books, or other things he may have under his care for me, to America with him, provided you shou’d sail for Boston, and deliver them to Mrs. Dana on his arrival there. And that if you shou’d sail for Philadelphia, that he might put them into a Trunk, first sealing up the papers, which are not to be opened till my return and leave it in the care of Messrs: Ingraham & Bromfield subject to my directions. You have taken no notice of this request in your Answer, and knowing that you are not the most careful Man in the World, I beg you wou’d permit Mr: Thaxter to take a Memorandum of it, as soon as this letter shall come to hand. Do not let my proposed return make any difference, for if I meet with an opportunity, I shall sail from Sweden or Denmark. Messrs: I & B. may forwarded it, for this reason, by the first opportunity also. Your’s
FD.


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 16 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

Sir
Paris. May 16 1783

I thank you for yours of the 9th.
We remain here in the Same State of Indecision, which We have been in these Three Months, uninformed of every Thing in America uncertain of the System in England and unable to See one day before Us. My Situation is as pleasant as it has been for a long Course of Years Sure that whatever may be well done will be ascribed to other People, and that whatever Faults may be committed will be laid to me. But as We say in America my Back is broad enough to bear it all.
The Peace of Westphalia, is not a more curious History nor a more important one, than the Peace of Paris of 1782 or 1783 or 1784 or whenever it may be finished.— Whether the Secrets of it will ever come out or not I know not. But if they should they will appear very extraordinary.
I wish Mr Van Berckel Joy with all my Heart, and with the more lively Simpathy, as I hope to be married, once more, myself in a few Months, to a very amiable Lady whom I have inhumanly left a Widow in America for Eight Nine Years, with the Exception of a few Weeks, only.
Ask Madam Dumas, whether she thinks she has Patriotism enough, to consent that you should leave her for Nine Years Pro bono Publico? If she has she has another good Title to the Character of an Heroine.—
It gives me great Pleasure to see that our Friends Support themselves and their Cause so nobly. It is one of the Sweetest Consolations I have found in Life, to see that while We have been contending for our own Liberties, We have given an opportunity to Several other Nations for the Renovation of theirs.— We have the Satisfaction to reflect that We have Set an Example of political Liberty, religious Liberty and Commercial Liberty, before the Eyes of the present age, and that Mankind in general have shewn so good a Disposition to favour and to follow it.— May every Part of America and Europe, take care, not to loose, the Ground they have gained.
With great Esteem your most obedient
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 16 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Jenings, Edmund

Sir
Paris May 16. 1783

It is a long Time Since I have recd a Line from you, or written you. How go on Affairs on your Side the Water? Are the present Ministers like to hold their Places, or are We to expect more Changes of systems & Agents, before We finish? Mr Hartleys disposition is very fair, and if he can follow his own Ideas, We shant be long in settling Accounts I hope. But the Delays the Indecision, the Uncertainty of every Thing every where is enough to try the Patience of Job or even of me.
Will the System towards America be much altered by any Change in Administration? Would not a new Ministry formed by some additional Members to North and stormont, of the same Sentiments with them, now pursue nearly the same Measures with America as another formed by some additional Whig Members to Portland and Cavendish &c?
I am &c


Title: From John Adams to Robert Morris, 21 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Morris, Robert

Sir
Paris May 21. 1783

I am, just now, honoured with yours of the 19. of January, by the Way of London. We have not yet had the Happiness to receive, as We should be disposed to do with open Arms our Excellent old Friend Jefferson, and begin to fear that the News of Peace, has determined him, not to come.
I thank you, Sir, for your polite Congratulations. When the Tide turned it flowed with Rapidity and carried the Vessell as I hope into a Safe Harbour.
As to the Loan in Holland, I have never troubled you or any one else in America with Details of the Vexations of various Kinds which I met with in the Negotiation of it.— indeed I never thought it prudent nor Safe to do it. if I had told the whole Truth it could have done no good, and it might have done infinite Mischief.— in general, it is now Sufficient to Say, that private Interests, party Spirit, Factions Cabals, and slanders, have obstructed, perplexed, and tortured our Loan in Holland as well as all our other Affairs foreign and domestic.— But As there has been a greater Variety of clashing Interests, English French, Stathouderian, Republican, and American, mixing in the Affair of our Loan in Holland, it has been more puzzled than any Thing else.— if, in the Bitterness of my Soul, I had described, the Fermentation and mentioned Names and drawn Characters, I might have transmitted a curious Tale, but it would have only served to influence old Animosities and excite new ones.
A great many Things are Said to me, on purpose that they may be represented to you or to Congress. Some of These I believe to be false more of them I suspect, and Some that are true would do no good. I think it necessary therefore to employ a little Discretion in such Cases.—
Messrs Willinks & Co will write you from Time to Time as they tell me, they have done the State of the Loan.— Mr Grand wants all the Money: but they wait your orders.— The Loan has been and will be damped by transmiting the Money to France, but your Necessities were so urgent that you could not avoid it.—
In my opinion, if you had a Minister at st James’s and he were authorized to borrow Money Generally in England or elsewhere, it would Serve you greatly by causing an Emulation even in Holland, besides the Money you would procure in London, which would not be a trifling Sum.
I wish I were in Congress, that I might assist you in perswading our Countrymen to pay Taxes and build ships.
With great Esteem and Respect, I have the / Honour to be, Sir your most obedient / and most humble Servant


Title: Memorial from David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners
From: Hartley, David
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

        Paris, 21 May 1783. PRINTED: JA, D&A, 3:131–134. LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 109. LbC-Tr (Adams Papers); APM Reel 103. This memorial was Hartley’s response to the article that the commissioners had proposed on 29 April to open American and British ports to virtually unrestricted free trade, to which Hartley had at least tentatively agreed (calendared, above). In his memorial Hartley provided the text of the 29 April article but noted that it provided greater commercial privileges to the Americans than they had possessed while part of the British empire and was so sweeping “as to amount to an entire Abolition of the British Act of Navigation.” He proposed instead that a temporary convention be put in place while Parliament considered the broader article. The temporary convention would allow the United States to export raw materials to Britain and manufactured goods to the West Indies, while Britain could export manufactured goods to the United States. The only additional restriction on American ships might be that they would be barred from carrying foreign goods to either market. Hartley’s revised position reflected an Order in Council adopted on 14 May (JA, D&A, 3:129–134) that JA called “the first link in that great chain of Orders in Council, which has been since stretched and extended, till it has shackled the commerce of the whole globe; that of Great Britain herself, as much as any other. Poor unfortunate commerce! Universal commerce! The commerce of the world!” (Boston Patriot, 4 Jan. 1812).


Title: Proposal by the American Peace Commissioners to David Hartley
From: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John
To: Hartley, David

        Paris, 22 May 1783. PRINTED: JA, D&A, 3:125–127. LbC-Tr (Adams Papers); APM Reel 103. With this offer the commissioners sought to counter Hartley’s proposal of the previous day (above) as well as the 14 May Order in Council. They proposed an agreement whereby both parties would appoint ministers to negotiate a permanent commercial treaty. Until such time as an agreement was concluded, Anglo-American commerce would be returned to the status quo ante bellum. This would be done with the understanding that nothing in the agreement could be advanced as a precedent by either side during the negotiations.


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 25 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir,
Paris 25th. May 1783.

Mr. Jay has favoured me with a Sight of your Letter of the 4th. January, & I am happy to find you had recd from him a Copy of Mr. Marbois Letter— This Letter contained nothing unexpected to me; because I have been several years convinced in my own mind, that the Sentiments it contains were the real secret designs of the French Minister of foreign Affairs— I have lost too much Sleep in consequence of this—(I will not call it Suspicion, but—) full Assurance, for a Number of Years together, not to have reflected upon it maturely. It is very remarkable that Mr. Jay & I should meet at Paris, on the 26th. Octr. 1782, so perfectly convinced and penetrated with this Opinion, in consequence of Observations, made in different Kingdoms and Countries, altho’ no such Idea had ever been insinuated, directly nor indirectly, from him to me, or from me to him— It is remarkable too, that Mr. Dana, in the North, should have formed the same Judgment. If you say that Dr. Franklin has no Suspicions, I ask you what Inference you draw from his signing the definitive Treaty with us? He could not have signed that Treaty, without the Knowledge of the C. de Vergennes, but upon the Supposition that such Suspicions were well founded— But, Sir, I must say, that I can lay no stress upon the Opinion of this unintelligible Politician. If I was in Congress, and this Gentleman & the Marble Mercury in the Garden of Versailles were in Nomination for an Embassy, I would not hesitate to give my Vote for the Statue, upon the principle that it would do no harm.
You seem to be apprehensive of the Consequences of Reserve and want of Confidence— But, Sir, he must betray his Country who has not reserve, and who does not want Confidence. There is a degree—there are points, in which we never have Confidence. We may depend upon it, the disposition of the King and Nation are too good towards us, & their essential Interests, even their Existence, as a Maritime Power, depends too much upon a tolerably good Understanding with us, & upon our Seperation from Great Britain, for us to fear that they will betray us into the Hands of the English— Here Confidence stands upon sure Grounds: But, if we are confident that French Ministers are all zealous or sincere Friends to the Grandeur, Glory, Opulence, Power, or real Republican Freedom of the United States, we shall find ourselves fatally mistaken— Confidence begets Confidence. We might have more Confidence in them, if they had any in us. You may be told, they have Confidence in Dr. Franklin— It is not true— They never did, from first to last, consult with him, or communicate any thing to him, more than to any other Minister, excepting in little Commerce & less Intrigues, to keep one in and get another out— And this for no other Reason, but because he was always easy, quiet, never proposing any thing, never advising any thing, never asking any thing, doing always as they would have him— Their System has been to get your Confidence, & reserve their own—the constant Resource of Cunning without Wisdom.
You suppose the Policy in question can be founded only on a Distrust, that we should make a seperate Peace. Here I have the Misfortune to differ in Opinion— The desire of leaving us crippled & enfeebled at the Peace, afraid of Great Britain, & still dependent upon France: the desire of sowing Seeds of Animosity and War, between us & Great Britain—nay the Vanity of a single Minister to have the unrivalled Glory of negociating the Affairs of all the Nations, and gaining the Title of Pacificateur de l’Europe & de l’Amerique, affords a more natural & credible foundation for this Policy, than the Fear of a seperate Peace, which I believe they never apprehended.
I wish You could see the whole Correspondence of the C. de Vergennes with the Chevalier de la Luzerne, on one side, and that with Mr. Marbois, on the other. I am persuaded you would see a difference. The first is the ostensible, the last the confidential Correspondent.— Mr. Marbois was in Bavaria a confidential Correspondent of the Comte, who saved him from a very dangerous Attack of the Empress Queen, in a Letter to her Daughter. Mr. Marbois is too intimate a Friend of the Comte, and too dependent upon him, (which the Chevalier is not) to hazard a single Sentiment that he does not know to be agreable. I look upon that Letter to be a perfect Picture of the C. de Vergennes’s Mind, as is the Correspondence of Mr. de Rayneval another— You say Mr. Marbois has been uniformly against our Claim to the fisheries. This alone would be a demonstration that the C. de Vergennes had been so too— But I know better, of my own knowledge, and I depose to you, as a Witness, that I had many Conversations with Mr. Marbois upon this Subject, in the Frigate on our Passage to America; and that upon the Grand Bank itself, as well as on other Occasions, he repeatedly told me, that that Fishery was our Right, and that we ought to support it. From which I conclude, that he owes his Conversion to secret Instructions, afterwards recieved from the Comte de Vergennes.
You have recd. Mr. Jay’s Letter by Barney, & that must have enabled you to judge how sincere the Comte’s Declaration was, that he did not mean to interfere in the Spanish Claim. Mr. Rayneval, however, was employed to interfere; and, when We consider how entirely these Commis in the Office of foreign Affairs and these Secretaries of Legation are dependent upon the Breath of the Minister, we must have the Credulity of Children not to believe, that they venture upon nothing without his knowledge, and his Orders.
General Assurances given by the Minister, “that the King would do every thing for us that Circumstances will admit, & that nothing but dire Necessity shall induce him to relinquish any of the Objects we have at heart”—are very consistent with secret Instructions to the Secretary, to persuade Congress, if he could, to declare that they had not the Fisheries & Ohio Lands at heart. There is no doubt, the Intention was to get Congress to betray their Country, if they could. This would have sheltered all from every Storm, as they thought.
You think, Sir, that discouraging the Hope was wise. I think otherwise— I think the Court of France ought to have openly and avowedly espoused our Claim to the Fisheries & Western Lands— By this they would have secured the real Confidence of America; &, in my Opinion, the Confidence of the States in Congress, as well as their Ally, and the more unanimous & chearful payment of Taxes, and Support of our System of Finances, would have been the Consequence of such an Avowal. Nay, I have ever considered the Western Lands & the Fisheries as essential to the Conservation of the Confederation of the United States, and sound Policy would have dictated to France to have insisted upon these, as Conditions of Peace, equally indispensible with Independence.
Your Judgment upon the Comte’s Letter, that he was extreamly desirous of Peace, is undoubtedly just. He was probably convinced that his Continuance in Office depended upon it, as it probably does now on a Prolongation of the Negociations of the definitive Treaty. I am often told, that he does not stand firm, & that he will not stand long. I confess it would give me pleasure to see a Change, as I am fully convinced it cannot be made for the worse, for us— But whoever is Minister, we must not stand in Awe of him. We think too humbly of our Country, if we suppose her Cause, depends upon a Minister— The United States are a great Power, & will & ought to be courted by all the World— We have stood in Awe of this trembling Mortal, & submitted to things from him, that we ought not to have endured from a Sully, a Walsingham, or a Chatham.
You say you have recd. from the Comte’s Letters, Intelligence which you would have been better pleased to have had from Mr. Jay. This is unavoidable. They never give us notice of any Opportunity. They study to get their Letters to Philadelphia before ours, and Means are often contrived to retard ours. In short, Sir, we are very unfairly treated in many respects, & shall forever be so while Congress encourage them by sacrificing the faithful Servants of the States to their Intrigues, by reposing unlimited Confidence in them, by subjecting American Ministers to their Orders, and enjoining upon them to take & ask their Advice.
Any one, who knows any thing of my History, may easily suppose that I have gone thro’ many dangerous, anxious & disagreable Scenes, before I ever saw Europe: But all I ever suffered in public life has been little, in Comparison of what I have suffered in Europe, the greatest & worst part of which has been caused by the ill Dispositions of the C. de Vergennes, aided by the Jealousy, Envy & selfish Servility of Dr. Franklin.
In Expectation of a Deliverance from their Thraldom, by the Arrival of the first Ships from Philadelphia, I have the honor to be, / Sir &ca—


Title: From John Adams to John Hancock, 26 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Hancock, John

Sir
Paris May 26. 1783

Mr De Hogendorp a Lieutenant in the Dutch Guards, in the Service of the Republick of Holland, is going to America in the Suite of Mr Vanberckel the Dutch Minister and I am requested by Some respectable Gentlemen to give him Letters of Introduction to Some Persons in America. any Civilities you may please to Shew him, will be gratefully acknowledged, by / Sir your most obedient and / most humble servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Michel Guillaume St. Jean de Crèvecoeur, [ca. 26 May 1783]
From: Crèvecoeur, Michel Guillaume St. Jean de
To: Adams, John

Sir.
[ca. 26 May 1783]

Tho’ little known to you, I hope you’ll not find it amiss I should make you the following request;
The Marqs: de Castries being about sending a new Colony to resettle the Islands of St: Pieere & Miquelon wants, for that purpose, Boards & Timber, Brick & Lime. One of the Vessells of that Convoy is bound to Boston with Money. The Articles to be purchased are to be carrd. to those Islands on board American Vessells, which will be freighted for that purpose. The Minister, fearing lest the French Consul shd. not be acquainted with those persons most likely to understand & forward this Business, has wanted me to give the Officer, who is going, some letters that might answer this purpose; but, as all my acquaintances are gone from that City, I have tho’t you’d indulge me with two or three to such of your friends as you think most likely; In case you do not refuse me this request I beg you’d send them to me before 3o:Clock, to the Duke of Rochefoucault’s, because after having dined there I set out for the Country with his Brother in law.
I have the honor to be, with respect, / Ys: &c:
St. John.


Title: To John Adams from the Second Congregational Church of Newport, Rhode Island, 26 May 1783
From: Second Congregational Church of Newport, Rhode Island
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Newport Rhode-Island May 26 1783

Permit us the Comm̃ee of the Second Congregational Church in Newport to call your attention for a few moments from the weighty affairs of politics, in which you are so honorably and so usefully engaged to a matter which respects a religious society to whose constitution we consider you as a Friend.
The early and active part which our congregation took in the opposition to the arbitrary and oppressive measures of Great-Britain you may be acquainted with; but you may not be acquainted with our consequential sufferings.— Our spirited conduct made us the object of ministerial and parliamentary vengeance.— Sensible of the danger to which we were exposed, and finding that the British intended to take possession of Rhode-Island, to avoid their implacable fury, and that we might be able to continue our exertions, both the minister and a great part of this Society quitted the island.— The British took possession of it in Decr. 1776. and held it until October 1779. during which time our meeting house and ministry house were converted into barracks and hospitals; and afterwards when the French army made a garrison of the town of Newport those buildings were occupied in the same manner, and of course were left in a state of ruin; besides this many of our houses were demolished or greatly damaged by the British army.—
At our return, finding the town impoverished, nearly a third of its buildings destroyed, its commerce annihilated, and ourselves unable to sustain the expence of repairing our religious houses and resettling the congregation we cast our eyes on our Sister States; but many of their towns and places of public worship having sufferd like injuries no relief could be drawn from them.— In this deplorable situation we have been compelled to look to our foreign protestant brethren for assistance, and among them have thought it would not be improper to address the Reformed Churches in France.—
Conscious of your attachment to religious liberty, in which our Society is founded, and of your disposition and capacity to support that glorious cause, as well as the civil liberties of mankind we have ventured to inclose that address to your patronage and care; and we request that you will be pleased to place it in the hands of such of the principal pastors of the Reformed as you shall think will be best disposed to circulate subscriptions and otherwise make collections for the purpose of repairing our ministry and meeting house and towards a ministerial fund.— We would also request that you appoint a proper person to receive the donations which may be made and to transmit them to William Channing and Robert Stevens Esqrs. in Newport and assign to him thereout such commission as you shall judge reasonable.
We should have made our address to the good people in France at large; but we were not sure that such an address would be well received by them or by government.— But as our houses devoted to religion were used in the manner that hath been mentioned by the French as well as British troops; and considering the kind reception the former met with in Newport perhaps Generals Rochambeau, Chateleux, Count Noailles and other French officers might countenance our address.— The Marquis De la Fayette who well deserved and hath obtained all the honors the United States could confer upon him, who hath done service on Rhode-Island and whose generous spirit and principles forever prompt him to benevolent actions, we dont doubt would contribute to our relief.— We have ventured this hint as we have our address and leave it intirely with you to do as you judge proper.— We would only add here that the General Assembly of this State at a late Session repealed an old law which excluded Roman Catholics from the privileges of citizenship.—

Hoping to derive some assistance from our Brethren in Holland we have drawn an application to the Ministers and Churches of the Reformed in Holland, which, as we are not acquainted with the proper mode of address, we have taken the liberty to send open to you, and would be much obliged to you if you would cover it, address it, and transmit it.—
We would attempt an apology for thus intruding and interrupting a train of thinking employed upon more extensive subjects; but we are sure we shall find a powerful apologist in your generous breast.—
We most sincerely congratulate you on your successful negotiations in the United Provinces of the Netherlands, and on the share you have had in procuring preliminaries of peace so agreeable and so advantageous to the United States of America; and heartily wishing you may enjoy a long, uninterrupted series of health and prosperity, We are with the highest sentiments of respect / Yr Excellency’s most obedient and / most h̃ble Servts
William Ellery
Henry Marchant
Robt Stevens
William Channing


Title: From John Adams to Henry Grand, 27 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Grand, Henry

27. May 1783.—

Mr. Adams’s Books & Papers being at the Hague, it is impossible for him to give Mr. Grand a List of the Bills drawn on Mr. Laurens and him, which have been accepted by him, before he shall return to the Hague.
Mr. Adams gave to Messs. Fizeau Grand & Co. at Amsterdam compleat Lists of all the Bills he accepted & transmitted to Dr. Franklin also in the time of it Copies of those Lists.
What remains to be paid Mr. Adams knows not. He never knew to what Amount Bills were drawn— He has accepted none since he left the Hague, and very few, scarcely any for many Months before.
Mr. Adams returns his respectful Complts. to Mr. Grand.
It will be sufficient for Mr Grand to transmit to Mr. Morris, Copies of the Accounts of the House of Fizeau Grand & Co.—


Title: To John Adams from Robert Montgomery, 27 May 1783
From: Montgomery, Robert
To: Adams, John

Sir
Alicante 27 May 1783

I had the Honour of Writing your Excy: under the 26 ulto. Giving a Short Explaination of the Commerce of this place and its connections with the Northeren States. I also took the Liberty of Requesting a few lines of Introduction to Some of the Merchants your friends in Boston Marble Head Salem, &c, by which Means we May facillitate and Augment Very Much The fish Tread in that Quarter
Being Since Deprived the Honour of your Esteemd favours the Merit of this is to Inclose copy of a letter I Received last Week from Eliaho Levi Secretary of the Emperor of Moroco in Answer to one I wrote him the 4 of Jany Last (of which you have Also Copy) and which was Delivered, by his majesty’s Ambassador to Algier, with whome I had A Very friendly Intimacy during Some time he Remaind here on his Return to Mequinez, I have Already handed Copy of those Letters to Mr Jay with My Motives for first Writing the Emperor, which he will Readily Shew you, which Should you find worth Attentions you will please Give Me Instructions if I Am to do Any thing farther in this Affair, which is No less Intresting than the freedom of Navigation for our flag in the Medeterranian
Mr Crocco Mentioned by the Morocan Minister Writes Me from Tanger Where he Desires I May Advise him what Measures Are to be taken on this Subject to Which I Answer that I have Communicated the Emperors Letter to thier Exc’ies the Plenipos at Paris And Can Say Nothing farther till I here from them, but think he Ought to Compley with his Masters Orders if he is Commanded to Go to Paris
I have the Honour to be With Very Sincere Respect / Dr Sir / Your Excells Most Obedt & Very H Servt
Robt Montgomery


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 29 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

Sir
Paris May 29. 1783.

Last night I received your Favour of the 23d. of May.— I regret extreamly that I must loose the opportunity of the Company of Mr Vanberckel to America: but there is no appearance, that the definitive Treaty will be Signed in Time to allow me that Satisfaction and Advantage.
The Treaty with Sweeden is now printing with a Collection of the Constitutions and Treaties, which is making under the Correction of the Duke de la Rochefaucault, but I cant Say when it will be ready. I Should be glad to Send a Copy of it to our good Friend Luzac, but I have none.

Your Amuzements with your Ward, are very rational and will turn very much to his Advantage. You make him translate Suetonius, I hope in Writing, either into French or English.
The Desire of our Friends, Shall be attended to, respecting a certain Ambassador extraordinary.
I rejoice in the Arrival of the Ratification of our Treaty and Convention. If it were possible, I would go to the Hague to make the Exchange and to Amsterdam to Sign Some more Obligations, but as Mr Hartley is here, and We know not the day and hour when We may be called to Business, I am afraid I cannot with Prudence, quit this Station. It may be expected by their High Mightinesses that I should make the Exchange in Person, and I should wish for that Honour, but considering the Circumstances, I think they will not take it amiss, if it is offered by another. I therefore request of you sir, to make an offer of the Exchange in my Behalf.— If you receive the Ratification of the States General you will please to keep it, under Lock & Key, untill my Return.
I have the Honour to be


Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to the American Peace Commissioners, 29 May 1783
From: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

Gentlemen
Amsterdam 29 May 1783.

We observe by the favour of your Excellencies most honour’d letter of 22 Inst. that Mr. Grand has laid before your Excs. a state of the Affairs of the United States under his Care; and that the Dispositions made upon him are Such, that therefore your Excs. advise us to remit to Mr. Grand on account of Said States a sum of half a Million Livres Tournois, if the Cash in our hands, compared with the Drafts made upon us will allow it.
We take the liberty in answer to this, to assure your Excs. that we would be very Sorry to observe, that the Drafts for Congres might Suffer a disappointment any where, and that we would gladly contribute to prevent such a misfortune, but we are obliged in the present Case to represent to your Excs. that it is impossible for us to make the Comparison which your Excs. mention, because we know that there are at least running 22 bills from Mr. Morris upon us, of which we don’t know the Amount, Since we got not his advise, and Since the letters are not offered for acceptance. This we know by the numbers of the bills which we already accepted, being from No. 1 till 27 together ƒ150000. and No. 50 of ƒ100,000—. We want also to know the Amount of the No. 28 till 49, which may be presented every moment, and as soon as we will be informed about it, we promise to make that comparison, and to write again to your Excellencies, if the State of the Cash in our hands will permit us to comply with your advise. For we beg your Excs. to observe, by the Amount of the bill No. 50, that there is some times opportunity for large bills, and consequently it is quite impossible to make any Supposition upon the whole Amount of 22 bills, and We should be Sorry in case by paying out a Sum of 500/m £[₶], for which we have no proper authority, we should be in want for the payment of those Drafts, as may be made upon us in consequence of the informations, which Congress might have received about the Success of the Loan. We beg to consider this and to let us know in answer to this your advise, how in such a case we should do, without displeasing our principals?
We hope that, after having considered what we have mentioned, your Excellenties will jusify us, if we Should wish to be excused from complying with their advise.
However since it comes from so respectable a society, we think we could do it either for the whole Sum of £[₶]500,000 or part of it upon the following two Conditions.
10. That your Excs. in your respective Qualitie’s should properly authorize us to furnish that Sum to Mr. Grand, out of the Stock of Money of the United States in our hands, and be guarant for the approbation of Congres. It is our humble opinion that your Excs. can better do this, then we, who are not so good informed about the particulars of the Affairs of the United States, and of their concerns as your Excellencies

20. That Mr. Grand should give his Engagement to us, that in case the Dispositions of Congress upon us should exceed the Amount of the Cash in our hands, and we also should want a restitution of the Money remitted to him, he in that case will pay our drafts upon him for that purpose, on account of the United states.
If your Excellencies think it convenient to do the matter upon this footing, we beg to let us know in answer to this your resolution, and against what time Mr. Grand should wish to receive the remittances.
With much respect, we have the honour to be / Gentlemen / of your Excellencies, / the most humble and obedt. Servts
Wilhem & Jan Willink
Nics. & Jacob van Staphorst.
de la Lande & fynje


Title: From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 30 May 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Sir
Paris May 30. 1783

On the 28th. of this Month I recd the Letter you did me the Honour to write me on the 13. of February, which arrived at the Hague inclosed with the Ratification of the Treaty with their High Mightinesses, which will be exchanged by Mr Dumas, as the Conferences here for the definitive Treaty will not admit of my taking So long a Journey, at this Time.
This Arrival in Season to exchange the Ratifications before the Departure of Mr Van berckel, which will be in three Weeks, is fortunate. I hope that the first ships from America, will bring my Letter of Recal from that Republick, and another Minister, or a Credence to some one now in Europe, to take my Place.

I am happy to find, that any Letters of mine in September last contained Information that you think of Consequence, although, not having my Letter Book here I am not able to recollect the Subject. The final Completion of the Negotiation with Holland, gives me a Pleasure which will not be equalled, but by that of the definitive Treaty of Peace, which languishes at present for Want of decisive Instructions from Mr Hartley, in Such a manner as gives Cause to suspect that the present Ministry are not firm in their Seats.
The Presence of a Minister in Holland would encourage your Loan of Money there, but it would be quickened Still more by your Sending a Minister to London with Power to borrow Money there. Emulation is the best Spring, or call it Rivalry or Jealousy if you will. it will get you Money if you put it in motion.
I have recd two Cyphers from you, Sir.— one beginning with Number one and ending with Number 1011.— The other beginning with Amsterdam and ending with Provinces.
With very great Respect and Esteem, I have the / Honour to be sir your most obedient and / most humble servant
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 30 May 1783
From: Dumas, C. W. F.
To: Adams, John

Monsieur
Lahaie 30e. May 1783

Je viens d’avoir un Entretien avec un des premiers personnages de ce pays, dont ce qui suit me paroît de nature à devoir vous être com̃uniqué sur le champ: savoir, 10. que votre Emprunt à Amsterdam, de 5 millions de florins, seroit rempli depuis longtemps, si Mrs. Wm. & Jn. Willink l’avoient eu seuls entre les mains; non que les 2 autres Maisons co-Directrices eussent manqué de bonne volonté, mais parce qu’elles ne pouvoient ni s’y prendre aussi bien, ni disposer avec le même ascendant, concert & succès, des Bourses, tant à Amsterdam que dans les autres villes:— 20. Que si le Congrès, tout en laissant les 3 Maisons continuer à compléter les cinq millions contractés, vouloit ouvrir un nouvel Emprunt de 10 millions de florins au moins, entre les mains seules de Mrs. Wm. & Jn. Willink, on assure positivement, que cet Emprunt seroit rempli trèsrapidement, & avant même que celui des 5 millions puisse être complet.— Il faudroit, ajoute-t-on, se presser pour cela, avant que d’autres négotiations, qu’on croit que ce pays va faire pour luimême, rafflent l’argent, tandis qu’il n’y auroit pas pour les prêteurs de choix à faire d’un intérêt plus haut.— On m’a protesté que Mrs. Willink n’ont aucune connoissance que cette ouverture m’ait été faite. Et outre son importance, j’ai encore une raison spéciale pour me presser de vous en faire part, après en avoir demandé la permission; c’est que, dans peu, cette notion ne pourra manquer d’être communiquée, en conversation, à tout Membre du Congrès qui s’informera des moyens & de la méthode de lever de l’argent en Hollande, avec la même promptitude & facilité qu’ont éprouvée depuis si longtemps, entre autres & sur-tout, les Anglois.l
Après vous avoir exposé fidelement, & le plus exactement qu’il m’a été possible, ce que dessus, il me reste à vous prier, Monsieur, quelque usage que vous jugiez à propos d’en faire, de vouloir bien éviter que les 2. autres maisons ne m’en puissent vouloir, com̃e si je me prêtois aux vues d’autrui pour les faire exclure, ce dont je n’ai ni la pensée ni le moindre motif. Je veux simplement faire mon devoir, ne vous laisser rien ignorer de ce qui pourroit être utile, &, au cas que vous jugeassiez nécessaire que j’allasse demander à Mrs. W. des Explications, ou le projet d’un plan, soit de votre part, soit de maniere à ne point Vous compromettre, de suivre de mon mieux vos ordres pro bono publico.
Je Suis avec un vrai & grand respect, / De Votre Excellence / Le très-humble & très-obéis- / sant serviteur
C.w.f. Dumas

P.S. La personne en question (que je vous nom̃erai dans une autre Lettre, si vous ne la devinez, par celle ci) m’a assuré sérieusement & positivement, qu’il sera aussi aisé de lever successivement 50 millions, que les 10 millions dont il est question par la présente. Mais cette personne ne sera plus ici pour être consultée quand vous me répondrez, Monsieur; & voilà pourquoi il n’y a plus d’éclaircissemens à avoir là-dessus, qu’en s’adressant directement & secretement à Mrs. W, au cas que vous en desiriez.
2e. P.S. Mr. Texeira un Juif Portugais ici, m’a prié de consulter V. E. Si & com̃ent on pourroit acheter des terres en Sud-Caroline, sans que le Proprietaire fût obligé d’y aller résider lui même autremt. que par Procureur ou Mandataire. Cest leur Synagogue ici qui spécule pour une telle acquisition, afin d’y envoyer & employer utilement une troupe de leurs pauvres dont ils se trouvent surcharges. Mr. Texeira m’a dit qu’ils avoient dejà été en Marché pour des terres que Mrs. Salvador de leur religion à Londres possedent en ninty-Six, mais que les possesseurs ne vouloient s’en défaire. Et le Neveu de Mr. Salvador m’a dit que le márché n’avoit pu se conclure, parce qu’on n’avoit offert que [6?]000 £. St. pour des terres qui valoient beaucoup plus. Ceci pourroit être com̃uniqué, avec mes meilleurs respects à S. E. Mr. Laurens[. . .].

Translation
Sir
The Hague, 30 May 1783

I have just had a conversation with one of the most important men in the country, and the matters we discussed appear so urgent as to be communicated to you at once. Be informed that, first, your loan from Amsterdam of five million florins would have long since been filled had it been handled by Wilhem & Jan Willink alone, not because the two other participating banks lacked the will, but because, having less standing, they could not command the same influence, cooperation, and success in the exchanges of either Amsterdam or the other cities; and, second, that if Congress, while still allowing the three houses to complete the first contract for five million, wished also to open a new loan for at least ten million florins to be handled solely by Wilhem & Jan Willink, we are assured that this loan would be filled very quickly, even before the one for five million could be completed. I am told that speed is of the essence, before the other transactions, increasingly being made for this country itself, sweep up the money, and before the lenders have the option of raising interest rates. He declared to me that the Willinks have no knowledge that this overture has been made to me. In addition to its importance, I have another special reason for urgently sharing this information with you after receiving permission to do so: it is that in no time this notion is sure to be passed in conversation to any member of Congress seeking to find out how to raise money in Holland with the same ease and speed enjoyed so particularly and for so long by the English.
Having set forth the above as faithfully and exactly as I could, it remains, sir, for me to ask that, however you may decide to use this information, you will take care to avoid giving the two other houses reason to resent me, as if I had adopted other people’s opinions in order to exclude them, when in fact nothing was further from my thoughts. I wish simply to do my duty and to inform you of everything that might prove useful; and, should you deem it necessary for me to ask the Willinks for an explanation or the outline of a plan, either on your behalf or in a manner that does not compromise you, I wish to follow as best I can your orders pro bono publico.
I am with true and deep respect your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant
C.w.f. Dumas

P.S. The person in question (whom I shall name in another letter, if you do not guess his identity from this) gave me serious, positive assurances that it would be as easy to raise fifty million successively as the ten million mentioned here. But this gentleman will no longer be available for consultation when you reply, sir, and that is why it is only possible to obtain further clarification by writing directly and in secret to the Willinks, if you so desire.
2d. P.S. Mr. Texeira, a Portuguese Jew here, beseeched me to consult your excellency about whether and how one might purchase lands in South Carolina without the owner being obliged to go live there himself otherwise than by a proxy or by an authorized agent. It is their synagogue here that is considering making such a purchase, in order to send and provide useful employment for a troupe of their poor, with whom they are overburdened. Mr. Texeira told me that they were already in the market for lands that the Salvadors, their co-religionists in London, possessed in Ninety-Six, but that the owners did not want to get rid of them. And Mr. Salvador’s nephew told me that the sale was not able to be concluded because they only offered [6?]000 £ sterling for lands that were worth much more. This could be communicated, with my respects to his excellency Mr. Laurens[. . .].


Title: Robert R. Livingston to the American Peace Commissioners, 31 May 1783
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

(Copy)
No: 4.
Gentlemen,
Philadelphia. 31st: May. 83.

Congress were yesterday pleased to pass the enclosed Resolutions on the subject of the payment of British Debts— The language they speak requires no Comment— I complained in my last of your long Silence, or rather laid before you the Complaint of Congress. These I think receive additional force from Intelligence I have since had, that the Negotiations are still going on, and that important Propositions have been made you from Holland. As Congress have adjourned for two Days, & the Packet sails tomorrow, I cannot procure their Instructions on this Subject, tho’ I think I may venture to say, that they will not, without reluctance, go one step further than their honor requires of them, in making new engagements which may involve them in the disputes of Europe, from which they wish to be totally disengaged.—
I make no observations on these Propositions, or your power to accede to them, being well persuaded that you will take no Steps in this business without a full persuasion that important Advantages will result therefrom to these States.— The second Proposition, in case France & Spain should decline acceding to the first, is more peculiarly delicate from the inability of the contracting Powers to enforce them, if, which is hardly to be supposed, they should unite in wishing it. I cannot help lamenting, since so much time has elapsed before any Conclusion is formed, that you had not thought it adviseable to write to me on this subject, explaining the advantages & disadvantages of the measure and ennabling me to take the Sense of Congress thereon: for tho’ they have the highest Confidence in your judgement, & knowledge of the true Interests of this Country, yet, I am persuaded, that they think it a duty to see with their own eyes & to form their own Conclusions on great national Objects, where there is a possibility of so doing. The experience of the last war has shewn that the Propositions of the Empress of Russia were little more than a dead letter— those whom England dared to offend derived no advantage from them. Our Engagements therefore on this head will, in my opinion, add little weight to them, unless the great Maritime Powers of Europe agree to support them, and they may involve us in disagreable discussions. These howr: are only my Sentiments: those of Congress I am ignorant of—
The 5th: & 6th. Articles of the Provisional Treaty excite much ferment here, for, tho’ the most dissatisfied Spirits acknowledge the whole Treaty taken together to answer their highest expectations, yet they wish to take only what they like, & leave out what they disapprove, and such is the relaxation of Governmt: so great the disorders & licentiousness introduced by the war, that it will be found very difficult to bridle the just resentments of some, and the unfounded apprehensions that others entertain of re-imbursements, that may affect their particular Interests.—
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, / with the greatest esteem & respect, / Yr: Most Obedt: humle: servt:
(signed) Robt: R. Livingston—


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, [1 June 1783]
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
            St: PetersbourgMay 21st. 1783. O.S. [1 June N.S.]
          Your letter of the 24th. of March which was mentioned as missing in my last, has this day come to hand together with that of the 1st. inst: Since mine of the 16th. of March, the receipt of which you acknowledge in your last, I have written three times to you viz: on the 28th. of April, the 1st. and 4th. of May. enclosing Copies of my Memorial in the two first. By the last post I sent an open letter for Mr: Livingston under cover to you to give you what further information I had received relative to the Memorial. The week is past and nothing more has yet taken place. This considering how affairs are conducted here is not really unexpected. Patience, much patience indeed, is necessary. If I was sure Congress wou’d support me in it I wou’d take another step, of the propriety of which I have personally no doubt. But to support it, Congress must resolve not to send another Minister here when I quit the ground. If a half a score of such geniuses as you, were there, I wou’d infallibly take it at every hazard, if I have not a satisfactory answer to my Memorial— Touching the Gentleman’s doubt whether the Credit was necessary, he may be assured I shou’d not have written for it if I had not been certain of the custom. It is a matter of too much consequence to be taken up upon slight information. The sum to be paid is 6,000 Roubles for each signature, and there are generally Four appointed on their part. Which sum falls short of the Credit I asked for, more or less as the Exchange varies. It will not go beyond it. I thought it adviseable to have enô, as whatever remain’d might be carried by me to the Credit of the United States. This is so settled a Custom that every Power which has acceeded to the Neutral Confederation has paid it. Thus much to clear up scruples— For my own safety, if I shou’d ever have occasion for it, I will attend to your hint about the Certificate. We shou’d not have heard so much about the armed Neutrality in this quarter if the Case had been otherwise. I have a curious tale to tell of this matter. It wou’d be a very proper place to tell that & some other things in, where you wish now and then to throw out some Stories about our Peregrinations, Robbers &c, Neither you or they know the real state of matters here, nor will they till my return, if then, which will depend upon contingencies. I fear only the effects of delusion.
          It is a great satisfaction to me to find the reasons I have assigned for not making the Communication you spoke of, are thought by you to be conclusive. Yet for the weighty reason abovementioned, there is a design to keep the bubble up. It appears to be absolutely unnecessary for us to concern ourselves about it. This is my clear opinion; and if I was in that same place I wou’d give my reasons at large for it— Fear not, I will never engage you in any affair, on account of your advice giving as a Friend to me. Where I ask it officially, and expressly so, the case is different. Your hints are always serviceable; if I do not follow them, they put me upon reflecting upon the subject of them, with more deliberation—
          Mr. Hartley you say is to finish with you. Do you mean by this, as I suppose, to conclude the Definitive Treaty? The World tells us, and Mr: Fox seems to support it, that his business is a Commercial Treaty. I am ignorant if you have such Powers. I doubt it, from what you last wrote me upon that Subject. The West India Trade as tendered by Mr. Pitt’s bill, at least, must be secured. In this quarter of the World I see the whole importance of it, I wrote to Mr: Livingston upon that subject early last Winter; and proposed the same plan to him, with this difference, that we shou’d have full liberty, to export the West India Commodities to all parts of the World; by which means we shou’d gain a most important commerce with Europe. The same Duties only must be paid, as their own subjects pay upon exportation to Great-Britain— This is absolutely necessary to secure the advantage of a direct Commerce with Europe. Without it, they might enhance the price of the Commodities upon us, ad libitum.
          As to the Congress and Mediation which you say are talked of, I agree fully with you that there is no need of either on our Affairs. But how are you to be invited to join it if there was; when objections are raised here by one of the Mediators, against the reception of a Minister from the United-States. It wou’d be a curiosity indeed if it shou’d happen, and yet it wou’d not surprise me if it shou’d. When we once depart from fixed principles there are no inconsistences and absurdities we may not fall into. Besides, I shou’d not be surprised if the other part of the business than what you mention of your Friend shou’d be thrown into the hands of {Franklin} For I know there is an extreme jealousy entertained by the {minister of France} about the Treaty I have in contemplation. I have been told more than once we can have nothing in particular here that wou’d render a Treaty worth the expence of it. Indeed there might be some advantage in a political connection. But this will be general to all Nations. The only difference by having a Treaty wou’d be the paying of Duties in the Money of Russia instead of Rix Dolls: and the expence wou’d far exceed this advantage. I have constantly favoured these Ideas, and answer’d, Congress are desirous of having a Commercial Treaty with this Empire, they must be gratified, and it is my business to make it. If it costs them more than ’tis worth ’tis none of my Fault. Judge you my Friend from this, and the confidential Intelligence which I communicated to you in my letter by your Son, upon some circumstances which may have fallen under your knowledge.
          Your’s &c &c
          (Cypher by your Son)


Title: Ferdinand Grand to the American Peace Commissioners, 2 June 1783
From: Grand, Ferdinand
To: American Peace Commissioners

          Messieurs
            Paris le 2 Juin 1783
          Quoique la lettre que vous m’aues fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 22e du mois passé, ne me flattat pas de recevoir les Secours dont les Finances du Congrès avoient besoin; Néantmoins, l’Espérance du Succès des Soins que j’étois bien assuré que vous donneriés, Messieurs, à un objet aussi intéressant, m’a fait parvenir à Satisfaire à tous les payemens qui Se Sont présentés, jusqu’à ce moment; qui me fait voir avec douleur le terme fatal de cesser d’honorer les Traittes du Mr Morris, Si vous ne pouvés, Messieurs, me procurer les moiens de l’éviter:
          Je regrette infiniment que les miens Soient insuffisans pour Sauver un Éclat, Sur les Suites duquel je n’ose pas Seulement réfléchir, mais ma fortune ne me le permet pas, comme vous en jugerés, Messieurs, par la Somme des besoins, ainsi que de la nécessité de prendre un parti Sur cet objet—
          L’on m’a présenté depuis quelques jours pour Quatre cens vingt trois mille Livres de Traittes que je dois rendre acceptées, ou non acceptées; Depuis la publication des Lettres de Monsieur Morris au Congrès Sur Sa retraitte future, les porteurs de Ses Traittes Sont extrémement pressés de les faire accepter: Cette Somme n’est malheureusement qu’une foible partie de celles qui existent, puisqu’il y en a encore pour Neuf cens vingt un mille Livres dont j’ai depuis assés longtems l’avis, & qui vont paroitre Sucessivement, ce qui fait près de Quatorze cens mille Livres auxquelles il faut pourvoir, Sans compter la Loan Offices, & les autres Dépenses courrantes ou Imprévues.—
          L’Idée de laisser retourner à protet les Traittes de Monsieur Morris me paroit Si révoltante, que je ne puis m’y déterminer à moins que je ne voie par la réponse que vous voudrés bien, Messieurs, me faire, qu’il ne me reste plus d’autre parti à prendre.
          Je Suis avec un Respect Sincère / Messieurs / votre très humble & / très obéissant Serviteur
          Grand

          Translation
          Sirs
            Paris, 2 June 1783
          Although the letter you did me the honor of writing on 22 May did not delude me into thinking that I would receive the relief that Congress’ finances require, nevertheless, hopeful of the interest that I was well assured that you would take in such a worthy cause, I have undertaken to honor all the payments that have been presented up until now. It saddens me to anticipate the fatal moment, gentlemen, when I will have to cease honoring Mr. Morris’ bills, if you cannot obtain for me the means to avoid it.1
          I regret infinitely that my resources are not sufficient to prevent a scandal, the consequences of which I do not even dare to reflect on, but my fortune does not permit me, as you may judge for yourselves, sirs, both by the sum involved and by the necessity of resolving the issue.
          Several days ago I was presented with bills for 423,000 livres, which I must either accept or not. Since the publication of Mr. Morris’ letters to the Congress on his future retirement, the holders of these bills are in a great hurry to have them accepted.2 Unfortunately this sum represents only a fraction of the bills issued, as there is another of 921,000 livres that I learned of some time ago and that will be presented soon, which makes almost 1,400,000 livres that must be paid, and that does not count the loan offices and other ongoing or unforeseen expenses.
          The idea of letting Mr. Morris’ bills be protested is so revolting to me that I cannot reconcile myself to it unless I see from your response, sirs, that there is no other course I can take.
          I am with sincere respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant
          Grand


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, [3 June 1783]
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
            St: PetersbourgMay 23d. 1783. O.S. [3 June N.S.]
          No answer as yet. There is another point touching the Treaty mentioned in my last, of much importance. That is to secure the same advantages for our proper productions when imported into the British Dominions in Europe, as is given upon the importation there of similar articles from their own Colonies on the Continent. At least secure the same advantages upon our proper productions, when imported there in our own bottoms, as if imported in their bottoms, to prevent Alien Duties &c. This was also in the same Bill of Mr: Pitt’s. If we can extend it to all Naval Stores Hemp in particular, this Country may be made to repent of the present plan of Conduct towards the United States. I throw out these as hints to you upon the supposition you are authorised to make a Treaty of Commerce with Great-Britain. But enô of this matter.
          I had a letter from Mr: Allen at Riga by the last post, where he arrived on the 27th. of May N.S. I find by it he is charged with a Packet for me deliver’d to him by Mr: Dumas, which he will bring on, I hope, as he intends coming here.
          I am relieved from much anxiety to learn by your Letter, as well as by Mr. Allen’s that your Son has at last arrived safely in Holland. The time he has spent on his route is unaccountable to me. I have been greatly concerned least this as well as the expence consequent upon it, might be disagreable to you. But on the other hand, it is some consolation, that your Son has a Mind capable of making much improvement upon such a route as he has made; and has now seen the greatest part of Europe. He has every where given a most favourable impression, as being possessed of very promising abilities; and I venture to say this opinion of him is well founded. But, my Friend, he is young, full of life, and spirit, and seems to feel a certain superiority about himself. Your vigilance is necessary to controle and govern this disposition. You will remember I am writing to you as one Father wou’d write to another his particular Friend, touching a favourite and deserving Son. I have no where heard of any misconduct on his part; but an education in Europe rarely contributes to the establishment of a good moral principle in the heart: and this I know in your opinion, is of more worth than the most shining abilities, accompanied with all the graces about which a Chesterfield makes so much parade. He is arrived nearly to that critical period which often fixes the complexion of a Man’s whole Life. I used to tell him if he did not cultivate carefully this moral principle, whatever his abilities might be, he shou’d never have my vote in Congress for a Minister of the United-States— He will be able to give you an account of some things here worth notice, and about which I have never written to you. You will caution him to speak of them to no one else— As to his Expences of which you desire an Acct: I am not able to give them to you with certainty, because the value of the Bills sold to discharge his second & last receipt at Hamborough is not yet known to my Bankers. I have paid to Mr: Payron of this City. 671. Ro: at 42 3/4d sterlg:, for the money he took up at Stockholm of Messrs: Brandenburg & Co: And to my Bankers 352–56. Ro: at the same rate; for his first receipt at Hamborough. The second is yet unpaid, for the above reason. The Note he carried with him from hence of Expences which were almost entirely for Cloaths (an extravagant article in this Country, but most of them I believe are still in being and will answer for his younger Brother) as will appear from his Account may be averaged at 45d. sterlg: a Rouble, as I received them from 47 1/2 to 44. I have ordered the Cloaths and Books which he left here, to be put up. They will be sent for Holland soon, to the care of Messrs: Ingraham and Bromfield, unless I shou’d learn from Mr: Allen that we shall have some American Vessels here from Massachusetts; in which case I shall send them directly for America.
          I can conjecture, I think, the particular reasons which induce you so earnestly to enquire into the moral Character, and literary abilities of a certain young Gentleman— You have a Daughter, Sir, Am I right? The cause is immaterial. He fell under my immediate observation but a short time, two or three months, if I remember right, as I went on to Congress: And before my return he left Cambridge without saying one word before or since upon the subject to me. Did he not go to Braintree from thence? I have some loose recollection that he did. I left him finally however with Mr: Hitchbourn. As to his literary abilities, they may be considerable, as far as I know. He had the Name of possessing such at College. But he wanted stability or application to his studies most certainly: and where this is the case, ’tis difficult to say what ones real abilities are, or whether he will make any thing at the Bar. That science is not obtained by inspiration. To answer your question therefore, I must ask another. Has he changed in this respect, and became assiduous to his Studies? If he has, I believe, he will succeed tolerably well— Idleness in youth commonly leads to some sort of immoralities. But dissipation seemed to be his capital foible. He is, I think, good tempered, of a frank, and open disposition: and one of those Characters of whom tis commonly said, They are their own greatest Enemies, but the Enemies of no one else. Take this sketch—I have not spared him— I hope I have not injured him. I give it to you in Confidence, and must therefore pray you to destroy this Letter after you have read it. It may otherwise thrô your inattention to such things (if I conjecture Right) fall into his hands: which wou’d be a disagreable circumstance.
          Yours &c &c,
          D.


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 3 June 1783
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

            Sir
              London June 3d. 1783.
            I have had the very great Satisfaction of embracing Mr Joshua Johnson after a long Separation, during trying & painful Times, the Sight of Him afforded me much Joy, which was not a little increased by his presenting to me your Excellencys Letters of the 18 & 21 April, having been for some time under much Uneasyness at not having had a Line from You, when I Know a fresh attack had been made on my reputation in order to lessen me in your opinion. your very friendly Letter has releivd my mind from all my fears, & inspired, me at the same Time, with the Spirit of forgiveness, Since I find I am not injured; but on the Contrary, as I flatter myself more esteemd by you than I was. I have been frequently very near driven from my natural Temper, but I trust, I shall now preserve it; your Approbation and the applause I have met with in England, from those, who have been informed of what has passed, will Keep me cool even to the last Extremity, to which Things may come, for I do not yet think, I shall be forgiven the Injustice done me, but that the more fair my Character may appear, the Provocation to wrong me will be aggravated. Surely there has been Time enough for a benevolent Mind to recover from its Error, my Ennemys seems to Catch at every Thing to make himself & me miserable; for Instance Altho He must see now by the Declarations of his friend in London that all his first Suspicions Beliefs & Charges Are ill-founded, yet He now eagerly seises another ground of Accusations, & on that Endeavours to make the former good, altho they were totally different
            I having said without much Consideration that the Anonymous Letter was sent to You at the desire of Mr B. He has got that Gentleman to declare, that He did not make that request & instigated Him to write me a Letter thereon, which I beleive He is now sorry that He did.
            I do not think myself bound to Answer My Adversary on this Charge, until He makes very Ample Apologies for his own Mistakes, which were I beleive infinitely more deliberately & malevolently made than mine, however I think it is not merely Necessary, that my Adversary shoud appear wrong; I ought for your Satisfaction to appear as right as possible none of his other reasons & circumstances as He called them, tended I thought to prove me guilty of the baseness, wherewith I was charged, & particularly his demand, whether I Sent the Letter at the desire of Mr B. would, in fact, if I had Answered it in the manner, for which I am now vilified for not having done, have served to my Justification— for if I had sent the Letter of my own head, & not, as I imagined at the demand of one of the Parties—I should have appeared as one of the most ignorant Plotters in the Universe, and to have forgot the Object of the Letter, I was supposed to have written, which was to have Kept it from your Knowledge, that you might have been injurd in Secret. but I made the Answer as I then thought was the Case, when the Question was put to me, I recollected Mr B had desired me to send to your Excellency an Anonymous Letter, a friendly one relative I beleive to some transactions in England, this request occurred to me when I made the Answer, that I did. I have since examined the paper which has no date, but which, I think is not relative to the question in dispute. However it is sufficient perhaps for me, to have thought at the time, that it was, to save me from the Imputation of a Wilful falsehood— in talking to Mr B since on this Subject, I have Stated this matter to Him as my Justification to Mr L. but held a very different Language to Him. I told Him that I did not recollet to have said that I thought I might take the Liberty with Him when I made the Answer, I did, to Mr L. as I was told He had written to Mr L. Him; for Having very different Ideas of the Matter. I expressed myself in a different manner— I told Him plainly, that If I had not thought myself warranted to make the Answer I did from the request I supposed He had made, I should have almost thought myself bound to do it for his Honour, which required as it seemed to me, that He should transmit a Copy of the Anonymous Letter to the person intended to be injured by an Assassin, after He had sent one to Him, whose Mind was to be tainted with Suspicion, that otherwise He made Himself inconsiderately instrumental to the designs of a Calumniator.—that His sending it to me could be for no other purpose but to convey it to You.—That He was attentive to his Friends Security & that Mr L had been wonderfully attentive to the Honour of His at Brussells, & why should He Think I should be Negligent of the Security & Honour of Mine any where.—that He Knew me better, and that I thought I Knew Him so well, as to say He would not have complaind of what I had done, if He had not been instigated Thereto. & that in fact, altho He Knew immediately of the Letter being sent in to Holland, He had never disapproved of the Step—that it was triffing to dispute about the word desire, that there were tacit requests, as strong as express ones; & that if He sent it to be communicated to you, it was enough to wipe Away his Complaints of me— He told me He did not see, why there had been so much Earnestness shown in the Matter by Mr L.
            I am drawing up a simple Narrative of this whole Transaction with Necessary Quotations & mean to send it to a Friend in America to be communicated to others, to whose Knowledge it may come in an imperfect manner for I Am fearful that Endeavours may be used there, as I have reason to think have been here, to lessen me in the opinion of my Friends. I flatter myself they have failed in Europe & may have had a different operation, but I cannot say, what may done in America with    Do you Know Him— I once had a Correspondence with Him. for this is now the mode of Attack.
            I shall be much Surprized if my Ennemy gives up this Matter & yet whenever He does I shall be Easy; I shall therefore Act with the Caution & reserve that your Excellencys recommend but if He makes no Advances, before He quits Europe I must take Care of myself, for I have now a Clue to his Conduct—having said with some Agony that the treatment I had met with has disposd me to think no [worse?] of Americas Affairs; His friend said that He thought I was right, & sometime after told me that Mr L had said I had better not interfere in them. This had struck me much. that I think it more & more my Duty stil to Act for the Service of my Country. I have hitherto done it to the best of my abilities & with the Utmost faithfulness & Affection and I may add without disparagement to my Ennemy with as much Success as He had done— No Management therefore shall drive me from what I think just, & no one ought to attempt it, as I have as much right to do it in a private way, as any Man, but this will not be Acknowledged by those, who are Ignorant, that all Citizens in Republicks are Equal, altho one may have more Negroes than Another, and that the poor Man, who Acts with the Utmost Affection & warmth for the general good, has at least Equal Merit with the richest, however patriotic He may be.
            He, who endeavours to drive an honest Citizen from serving his Country will hurt Himself in the opinion of all. He will give suspicions of Himself to every one & in partricular to Him, whom He unjustly suspects of baseness & endeavours to force from discharging the first Duty of Society.
            all the bad passions which give rise to such a Conduct, ought to be checked— I trust Dr Price will attempt to eradicate them. He will certainly do something for us. I saw Him Yesterday, when He expressed Himself in the Language of a true Cosmopolite— I had sent Him some Papers, relative to our Debt & containing some Comfortable Anecdotes, relative to America. I did it to animate Him in his work.
            I have informed your Excellency that I had sent Him for his perusal one of your Letters to which He returnd me the following Answer.

            Dear Sir
              Kensington Green April 14. 1783.
            I am much obliged to you for your kind note, & the Letter from Mr Adams which I have inclosed. I feel a particular respect for Mr Adams; & his good opinion makes me happy. I wish I was more Capable of giving Advice to the United States, they are indeed the Hope of Mankind, but they have stil many dangers to guard against, & much to do. God grant they may preserve their purity & Liberty & never be contaminated by European manners & Vices! The Establishment of their Independance is, I think, one of the most important Events, that has ever happened among Mankind.

            I have intended to Convey to them a few Sentiments, but I am so much engaged about two publications, which I have in Hand, that I cannot at present apply myself to any other business—(these are now out of Hand)
            In some future time of leisure & spirits I may, I Hope, be Able to execute my design— I wish you, Sir, all possible Happiness. when you write to Mr Adams deliver to Him my best Respects.
            with great Regard / I am,
            R. P.

            I could wish their was a Correspondence between your Excellency & this good Man.
            The Gentleman, who translated the Aurea Libertas is named Kent. a friend of mine & to America He gave me most interesting Information three years ago, which was Neglectd by others, to our loss.
            perhaps your Excellency Observed in the Parliamentary debates that a Lord Sheffield talked most Idly about America: Deane & Arnold are of his Acquaintence
            Let me beg of your Excellency to make my respects to Mr Jay & endeavour to satisfy Him as to my Answer to Mr L. on which He lays now such Stress.
            I am with the greatest Respect / Sir / Your Excellencys / Most Obedient / Humble Servant
            Edm: Jenings


Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 5 June 1783
From: Adams, John
To: Dumas, C. W. F.

          Sir,
            Paris June 5th. 1783.
          I have recd. your favor of 30. ulto.— I am very apprehensive that the Gentleman you conversed with concerning the Loan is decieved, as his worthy Brother was on a former occasion, by whose Advice chiefly I was led to open the Loan with those three Houses. He was then of opinion, that even ten Millions might be obtained; whereas the three Houses have not been able to obtain in a year, so much Money as Mr. Hodshon would have obtained in a Month, if not in the first day.
          I hope that the first Ships will bring my Letter of Recall from that Republick, & another Minister to take my place with power to borrow Money. In that Case, the new Minister will be at liberty to open a new Loan if he thinks it prudent. I have a great Esteem for the Messieurs Willinks, & have no Objection to your conversing with them upon the Subject. I wish you would with all Secrecy.—
          I waited last Evening on Mr. Laurens with your Postscript, respecting the Purchase of Lands in South Carolina— Mr. Laurens will give me his Sentiments of it.
          My Regards to your Family & to your Ward. / your’s respectfully.—