Title: I. Draft Proposed Prussian-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce, with a Contemporary Translation, 9 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To:

              [9 April 1784]
              [9 April 1784]

              Traité D’Amitie et de Commerce, conclu entre Sa Majeste le Roi de Prusse et les Etats Unis de L’Amerique Septentrionale.
              Treaty of Amity & commerce concluded between His Majesty the King of Prussia & the Ud States of North America.

              Le Roi de Prusse et les treize Etats Unis de L’Amerique Septentrionale, desirant d’etablir d’une maniere Stable et permanente les regles qui doivent être Suivies relativement à la Correspondance et au Commerce entre leurs Pays, Etats, et Sujets respectifs, Sa Majesté, et les Etats Unis, ont cru ne pouvoir mieux remplir ce but, qu’en posant pour base de leurs Arrangemens l’Utilité et l’Avantage reciproque des deux Nations, en evitant toutes les preferences onereuses, qui Sont ordinairement une Source de dissensions d’embarras et de mécontentement, et ne laissent point à chaque partie la Liberté de faire au Sujet du Commerce, et de la Navigation les reglemens interieurs, qui Sont à Sa convenance.
              The King of Prussia & the Thirteen Ud States of North America desiring to fix in a stable & permanent manner the rules to be observed in the intercourse & commerce between their respective Countries states & subjects His Majesty & the Ud States have judged that the said end cannot be better obtained than by taking the reciprocal utility & advantages of the two nations for the basis of their arrangements, by avoiding all burthensome preferences which are commonly the occasion of dissensions, embarrassments & discontents, allowing at the same time each party to make such interior regulations respecting commerce & navigation as may be suitable to themselves.

              Dans cette vue Sa Majesté le Roi de Prusse a nommé et constitué pour Son Plenipotentiaire le  et les Etats Unis ont de leur coté pourvu de leur Plein Pouvoir le  lequels Plenipotentiaires, apres avoir echangé leurs Plein Pouvoirs, et en consequence d’une mure deliberation, ont arrêté, conclu et Signé les Articles Suivans.
              With this view His majesty the King of prussia has nominated & constituted as his plenipoty. the,  and the Ud States have on their part given full power to,  which plenipotentiaries after having exchanged their full powers and on mature deliberation have concluded settled & signed the following articles.

              Art. 1.
              Art. I.

              Il y aura une paix ferme, inviolable, et universelle, et une Amitié vraie et Sincere, entre le Roi de Prusse, Ses Heretiers et Successeurs, et entre les Etats Unis de L’Amerique, ainsi qu’entre les Sujets de Sa Majeste et ceux des dits Etats, comme aussi entre les Pays, Isles, Villes et Places Sous la Domination du Roi, et des Etats Unis, Sans exception aucune de Personnes, ou de lieux, les conditions Stipulées dans le present Traité, devant etre perpetuelles et permanentes, entre le Roi, Ses Heritiers et Successeurs et les dits Etats Unis.
              There shall be a firm inviolable & universal peace & a true & sincere friendship between the King of prussia His Heirs & successors & the Ud States of America, also between His Majestys subjects & those of the said States, as well as between the countries Islands Cities & places, under the jurisdiction of the King & the Ud states without excepting any persons or places, the conditions stipulated in the present Treaty shall be perpetual & permanent between the King, his Heirs & successors & the said Ud States.

              Art. 2.
              Art. II

              Le Roi de Prusse et les Etats Unis de L’Amerique S’engagent mutuellement à n’accorder dans la Suite aucune faveur particuliere, en fait de Commerce et de Navigation à d’autres nations qui ne devienne aussitot commune a l’autre partie contractante du present Traité, et celle ci jouira de cette faveur gratuitement, Si la concession est gratuite, ou en accordant la meme compensation Si la concession est conditionelle.
              The King of prussia & the Ud States of America mutually engage not to grant hereafter any particular favour with respect to Commerce and Navigation to other nations, that shall not immediately become common to either of the contracting parties of the present Treaty, who shall partake of this favour gratuitously if the concession is gratuitous, or by giving the same compensation if the favor is conditional.

              Art. 3.
              Art. III

              L’Objet principal de ce Traité êtant d’ouvrir un Commerce réciproque entre les Sujets des deux Etats et de leur procurer, par la un debouché utile, Sur et facile, de leurs productions nationales, les deux parties contractantes Sont convenues, que les marchandises de Fabrication Prussienne, Surtout les Toiles de Silesie, et des autres Provinces du Roi, draps et étoffes de laine &ca. ne doivent payer d’autres ni de plus forts Impôts, dans les Etats Unis de L’Amerique Septentrionale, que ceux que les marchandises, de la Nation la plus favorisée payent dans les dits Etats, à leur entrée, et Sortie. De meme les marchandises de L’Amerique, comme Tabac de Virginie, Ris, Indigo, Pelleteries &ca. ne payeront a leur entree et Sortie, dans les Ports et Places maritimes, Sous la domination du Roi de Prusse, que les Impôts payés par les nations les plus favourisees. Il S’entend cependant que les Sujets des deux Etats respectifs ne peuvent faire le Commerce, dans les Ports et Places maritimes de l’autre Etat, qu’en se Soumettant aux Loix et coutumes etablies du Pays, ou ils voudront le faire.
              The principal end of this Treaty being to open a reciprocal commer[ce] between the subjects of the two states, & to procure for them by that means a sure & easy vent for their national productions, the two contracting parties agree that the merchandizes of prussian manufactory, particularly Linnens, of Silesia & other provinces belonging to the King, Cloths, & woolen stuffs &ca. shall not pay other or heavier duties in the Ud States of No. Ama. than what similar merchandizes of the most favored nations pays in the said states on entry & exportation. In like manner the merchandizes of America, such as Virginia Tobacco Rice Indigo Furs, &ca. shall only be subject on their entry & exportation in the ports & maritime places belonging to the King of prussia to the imposts paid by the most favored nations. It is understood however that the Subjects of the two respective states, shall not be allowed to trade to the ports & maritime places of either State, unless they submit to the established Laws & customs of the country where they would wish to trade.

              Art. 4.
              Art. IV.

              Le Roi de Prusse, et les Etats Unis de L’Amerique Se reserve la Liberte de prohiber dans leurs pays respectifs, l’Importation ou L’Exportation de toute marchandise quelconque, dès que la raison d’Etat l’exige. En ce cas les Sujets d’une des Parties contractantes du present Traité, ne pourront importer ni exporter les marchandises prohibees par l’autre. mais Si l’une des Parties contractantes permet a quelque autre nation d’importer, ou d’exporter ces mêmes Articles, les sujets de l’autre Partie contractante jouiront de la même Liberté. Il S’ensuit d’autant plus que toutes les marchandises qui ne Sont pas declarées de contrabande peuvent être importées et exportées librement par les Sujets des deux Etats respectifs.
              The King of prussia & the Und States of America reserve to themselves the right to prohibit in their respective countries the importation or exportation of all merchandize whatsoever, when reasons of State require it. In this case the subjects of either of the contracting parties of the present Treaty shall not import nor export the merchandizes prohibited by the other. But if one of the contracting parties permits any other nation to import or export the same articles the subjects of the other contracting party shall enjoy the same liberty. It therefore follows that all kinds of merchandize that are not declared contreband may be freely imported & exported by the subjects of the two respective states.

              Art. 5.
              Art. V.

              Dans le but d’eviter toute occasion de mecontentement, on est convenu de part et d’autre, que lorsque les marchandises auront été chargées Sur les Vaisseaux ou batimens de l’une des deux Parties contractantes, elles ne pourront plus être assujetties à aucune Visite, toute Visite et recherche devant être faite, avant le chargement, et les marchandises prohibees devant être arrêtées Sur la plage avant de pouvoir être embarquées, à moins qu’on n’ait des Indices manifestes ou des preuves de versement frauduleux, de la part du Proprietaire du Navire ou de celui qui en à le Commandement. Dans ce Seul Cas, il en Sera responsable et Soumis aux Loix du Pays, ou il Se trouve,; dans aucun autre Cas, ni les Sujets d’une des Parties contractantes, Se trouvant avec leurs Navires dans les Ports de L’Autre, ni leurs marchandises ne pourront être arretées ou molestés pour cause de contrabande qu’ils auront voulu prendre, à leur bord, ni aucune espece d’embargo mis Sur leurs navires, les Sujets, ou Citoyens de L’Etat, ou ces marchandises Sont declarées de contrabande, ou dont la Sortie est defendue, et qui neanmoins auront vendu, ou voulu vendre et aliener les dites marchandises, devant être les Seuls qui Seront punis pour une pareille Contravention.
              For the purpose of avoiding the least occasion for discontent, it is agreed on between both parties, that when the Merchandize shall be laden on board the Ships or vessels of either of the two contracting parties, they shall be no longer subject to any visit, all visits & searching shall be made before the loading, & the prohibited merchandize shall be seized on the Shore before they can be embarked, unless there be manifest signs & proofs of a fraudulent loading on the part of the proprietor of the ship, or of the Commander. In this case alone he shall be responsible & subject to the Laws of the country he shall be in, In any other case neither the subjects of one of the contracting parties who shall be with their Ships in the ports of the other, nor their merchandize shall not be seized or molested on account of the contraband articles they intended taking on board, nor any kind of embargo put on their Ships, the subjects or citizens of the States where these merchandizes are declared contraband or the exportation of them is prohibited, & who not withstanding shall have sold or would have sold & alienated the said merchandize are to be the only persons who shall be punished for such an infraction.

              Art. 6.
              Art. VI

              Les Sujets du Roi de Prusse, ne payeront dans les Ports, Havres, Rades Isles, Villes et Places des Etats Unis de L’Amerique, et reciproquement les Sujets et Habitans des dits Etats ne payeront dans les Ports, Havres, Rades Villes et Places maritimes, Sous la domination du Roi de Prusse, d’autres ni de plus grands droits et Impôts, de quelque nature qu’ils puissent être que ceux que les nations les plus favourisées Sont ou Seront tenuës à payer, et ils jouiront de tous les droits, Libertés, Priviledges, Humanités, et Exemtions, dont jouissant ou jouiront les dites nations, Soit en passant d’un port à l’autre des Etats respectifs Soit en y allant ou en revenant de quelque partie du monde que ce Soit.
              The Subjects of the King of prussia shall not pay in the ports Harbours, Roads Islands Cities & places of the Ud states of America & reciprocally the Subjects & inhabitants of the said states Shall not pay in the ports, Harbours, Roads Cities & maritime places within the dominions of the King of prussia, other nor greater duties & imposts of any kind whatever than the most favored nations are or shall be obliged to pay & they shall enjoy all the rights liberties priviledges humanities & exemptions which the said nations do or shall enjoy, whether they go from one port to the other of the respective States, or whether they go or return from any part of the world whatever.

              Art. 7.
              Art. VII

              Il Sera accordé une parfaite Liberté de Conscience, aux habitans et Sujets de chaque partie contractante dans les Etats de L’autre, et personne ne Sera molesté, par rapport à Son culte, moyennant qu’il Se Soumette à la demonstration publique Suivant les Loix du Pays; de plus on permettra aux habitans et Sujets respectifs d’etre enterrés dans Endroits convenables, et, décens qui Seront assignés à cet Effet, et les deux Parties contractantes pourvoiront chacune dans Sa Jurisdiction à ce que les Sujets et habitans respectifs puissent obtenir les certificats de mort en cas qu’ils Soyent requis de les livrer.
              A perfect Liberty of conscience shall be granted to the inhabitants & subjects of either the contracting parties, within the jurisdiction of the other, & no one shall be molested on account of his mode of worship, provided he submits to such public demonstrations as are enjoined by the Laws of the country. Moreover the respective inhabitants & subjects shall be permitted to be buried in suitable decent places appointed for this purpose & the two contracting parties shall each of them provide within their jurisdiction that the respective subjects & inhabitants may be able to obtain certificates of the death of a person in case they shall be requested to grant them.

              Art. 8.
              Art. VIII

              Les Sujets des deux Parties contractantes pourront dans les Etats respectifs disposer librement de leurs fonds et Biens, Soit par testament, Donation ou Autrement, en favour de telle personne que bon leur Semblera, et leurs héritiers en quelque endroit qu’ils demeurent, pourront recevoir ces Successions même ab intestato, Soit en personne, Soit par un Procureur, Sans qu’ils ayent besoin d’obtenir des Letters de naturalisation. Ces Héritages aussi bien que les Capitaux et Fonds que les Sujets des deux parties contractantes, en changeant de demeure voudront faire Sortir de L’Endroit de leur domicile, Seront exemts de tout droit detraction de la part des Gouverneurs des deux Etats respectifs, mais il est convenu en même tems que le contenu de cet Article ne dérogera en aucune maniere, aux ordonnances promulguées par le Roi contre les Emigrations, ou qui pourront être promulguées encore Sur cette matiere. Les Etats Unis de leur Coté, ou chaque Etat en particulier, pourront Statuer Sur le même Object telle Loi qu’ils jugeront à propos.
              The Subjects of the two contracting parties shall have power within the respective States freely to dispose of their personal goods & effects by testament donation or otherwise, to whomsoever they please & their Heirs wherever they may reside shall succeed to their said effects ab intestato either by themselves or by others acting for them, without the necessity of obtaining letters of naturalization. These inheritances as likewise the Capitals & funds which the subjects of the two contracting parties, in moving would wish to carry with them from the place of their residence shall be exempted from all rights of detraction on the part of the government of the respective States. But it is at the same time agreed that the contents of this Article shall not derogate in any manner from the ordinances promulgated by the King against emigra[tions] or that may hereafter be published on this matter. The United Sta[tes] on their part or each State in particular may enact such laws as they shall see fit on this same head.

              Art. 9.
              Art. IX.

              Il Sera permis à tout Sujet et Habitant des Etats du Roi de Prusse, ainsi qu’aux Sujets et Habitans des Etats Unis de L’Amerique, de naviguer avec leurs Batimens, en toute Sureté, et Liberté de quelque coté que ce Soit, Sans distinction de ceux à qui les Marchandises et les Chargemens appartiennent. Il sera permis egalement aux Sujets et Habitans des deux Etats de naviguer et negocier avec leurs Vaisseaux et Marchandises en toute Sureté dans les Places, Ports, et Havres des Puissances ennemies des deux Parties contractantes, ou de l’une d’entr’elles, Sans être aucunement molestees, ni troublées, Soit qu’ils fassent ce Commerce directement, ou d’un Port ennemi à un autre Port ennemi, Sous la domination du même ou de differens Princes. En outre les parties contractantes par le present Traité adoptant le principe que les Vaisseaux libres rendent les Marchandises libres, et que l’on regardera comme libre, tout ce qui Sera à bord des navires appartenant aux Sujets d’une ou de l’autre des parties contractantes, quand même le chargement, en tout ou en partie appartiendroit aux ennemis de l’une des deux, bien entendu, cependant que les objets de Contrabande, Seront toujours exceptés, et que lorsqu’on interceptera de pareils Objets, il Sera procedé Suivant l’esprit des Articles Suivans. La même Liberté S’etendra aux personnes qui naviguent Sur un Vaisseau libre, de maniere que quoiqu’elles Soyent Sujettes des Puissances Ennemies des deux Parties contractantes ou de l’une d’entr’elles, elles ne seront point tirées du Vaisseau libre, excepté que ce fussent des Gens de Guerre, actuellement au Service des Ennemis.—
              It shall be permitted to every subject & inhabitant of the Sta[tes] of the King of Prussia as likewise to the Citizens & Inhabitants of the Ud States of America to navigate with their vessels in perfect se[cu]rity & liberty wherever they please without distinguishing whom the merchandize & cargoes belong to. It shall also be permitted for the subjects & inhabitants of the two States to navig[ate] & negociate with their Vessels & Merchandizes in full security, to the parts ports & harbours of powers at enmity with the two contracting parties or either of them without being any wise mo[les]ted or troubled whether they carry on this commerce directly or f[rom] one port to another both belonging to an enemy under the government of the same or of different princes. Moreover the contracting parties adopt by the present treaty the principle that free vessels shall make free goods & that every thing shall be regarded as free which shall be on board of Vessels belonging to the Subje[cts] of either of the contracting parties even tho the cargo shall belong entirely or in part to the enemies of one of the two, It being understood however that contraband articles shall be always excepted & that when such Articles shall be intercepted they shall be preceeded against according to the Spirit of the following articles. The same Liberty shall extend to persons sailing in a free vessel so that Altho’ they may be subjects of powers inimical to the two contracting parties or either of them, they shall not be taken out of the free vessel, excepting they shall be military characters actually in the enemies ser[vice.]

              Art. 10.
              Art. X.

              Cette Liberté de navigation et de Commerce S’etendra, a toutes Sortes de Marchandises à la reserve Seulement de celles qui Sont exprimées dans l’Article Suivant, et designées Sous le nom de marchandises de Contrabande.
              This Liberty of Navigation & Commerce shall extend to all Kinds of merchandize, excepting only such as are expressed [in] the following Article & designated under the name of contreb[and] merchandize.

              Art. 11.
              Art. XI.

              on entend Sous le nom de Marchandises defendues ou de contrabande, les Armes, Canons, boulets, Arquebuses, Mousquets, Mortiers, Bombes, Petards, Grenades, Saucisses Cercles boisés, affuts, Fourchettes, bandulieres, Poudre à Canon, Mêches, Salpêtre Souffre, bales, Piques, Sabres, Epées, morions, Casques, Halebardes, Javelines, Pistolets et leurs foureaux, baudriers, bajonettes, Chevaux, avec leurs harnois, et tout autres Genre d’Armes, et D’Instrumens de Guerre, Servant à l’Usage des Trouppes.
              By prohibited or contraband Articles are understood, Arms Cannon, Ball, Arquebusses, Musketts, Mortars, Shells, Petards Grenades, Saucisses, Hoops— Carriages, Rests for Muskets, Shoulder Belts, Gun Powder, Matches, Sulphur, Shot pikes, Sabres, Swords Morions, Helmets, Halberts, Javelins Pistols, & Holsters, Belts Bayonets, Horses & Harnesses & every other Kind of arms & instruments of war, serving for the use of troops.

              Art. 12.
              Art. XII.

              on ne mettra point au nombre des objets de Contrabande, ceux qui Suivent: Savoir, toutes Sortes de Draps et autres manufactures de Lin, de Laine, de Soye, de coton, ou d’autres matieres, tout genre d’habilliment, et ce qui Sert ordinairement à le composer, Argent monnoyé, ou non monnoyé, etain Fer, Plomb, Cuivre, laiton, Charbons à fourneau, bled, Orge, et toute autre Sorte de grains et de Legumes, la nicotiarie vulgairement appellée Tabac, toutes Sortes D’aromates, Chairs Salées et fumées, Poissons Salées, fromages et beurre, bierre, huile, Vin, Sucre, toutes Sortes de Sel et de Provisions, Servant à la nourriture, et à la Subsistance des Hommes, coton, Chanvre, Lin, bois, Cordages, Cables, voiles, toile à voiles, Ancres et parties d’ancres, mats, Planches, merrains Poutres, et toute Sorte d’Arbres, enfin toute autre Objet necessaire, pour construire et radouber des Vaisseaux.
              The following shall not be reckoned among the contraband Articles; Vizt. All kind of cloths & other manufactures of linnen, wool, silk cotton or other materials, all kinds of cloathing & what commonly serves for that purpose, coined or uncoined silver, Tin, Iron, Lead copper, Brass, Furnace coals, Wheat, barley & all other kinds of grains & vegetables, Tobacco, all kinds of aromatics, Salted & smoaked Beefs, salted fish Cheese & butter, Beer, Oil Wine Sugar all kinds of Salt & provisions, which, serve for the nourishment & subsistence of man, Cotton, Hemp, Flax, cordages cables, sails, Sailcloth, Anchors & parts of Anchors Masts planks staves, Beams & all kinds of Joice, in short every thing that is necessary for building & repairing Vessels.

              on ne regardera pas non plus comme marchandises de contrebande celles, qui n’auront pas pris la forme de quelque instrument ou Attirail Servant a l’Usage de la guerre Sur terre et Sur mer, encore moins celles qui Sont preparées ou travaillées pour tout autre Usage. Tous ces objets Seront censes marchandises libres, de même que generalement tous ceux qui ne Sont pas compris, et Specialement designés dans l’Article precedent, de Sorte qu’ils ne pourront, Sous aucune interpretation pretendué être compris Sous les marchandises, prohibees ou de contrebande, mais peuvent, etre transportés librement par les Sujets du Roy et des Etats Unis même dans les Endroits Ennemis, excepté Seulement les Places assiegées, bloquées ou investies, et pour telles Seront tenués uniquement les places entourées de près par quelqu’une des Puissances belligerantes.
              Moreover nothing shall be considered as contreband which is not in the form of any instrument or machine for the purpose of war by land or Sea, much less any thing fabricated or intended for any other purpose. All such Articles shall be deemed free Merchandize as also in general all such as are not comprehended & particularly pointed out in the preceding Article, so that they cannot by any pretended construction be comprehended within prohibited or contreband Merchandizes, but may be freely transported by the Kings Subjects & of the Ud States even to the enemies territories excepting only places besieged blocked up or invested, & those shall be considered as such which are closely Surrounded by any of the belligerent powers.

              Art. 13.
              Art. XIII

              Afin d’ecarter et de prevenir de part et d’autre, toutes Sortes de disenssions, et de desordres on est convenû que dans le cas ou l’une des deux parties contractantes se trouveroit engagée dans une guerre, les Vaisseaux et batimens appartenants aux Sujets de l’Autre devront être munis de Lettres de mer ou passeports, exprimant le nom, la proprieté et le port du navire, ainsi que le nom et la demeure du Maitre ou Commandant, afin, qu’il apparoisse par la, que le Vaisseau appartient reellement et veritablement aux Sujets de l’une ou de l’autre partie contractante. Ces passeports qui Seront expediés, en due et bonne forme, devront egalement être renouvellées toutes les fois que les Vaisseaux reviennent ches eux, dans le course de l’an. En outre les dits Vaisseaux Seront pourvûs non seulement des Lettres de mer, mais aussi de certificats; continant le detail de la cargaison, l’endroit d’ou le Vaisseau est partie et celui de Sa destination, afin que l’on puisse connoitre S’il ne porte aucune des marchandises defenduës ou de contrabande Specifiees dans L’Article 11. du present Traité, lesquels certificats Seront egalement expediés par les officiers du lieu d’ou le Vaisseau Sortira.
              In order to remove & prevent on both sides all discussions & disorders, It is agreed that where one of the two contracting parties shall be engaged in a war, the Ships & vessels belonging to the subjects of the other shall be provided with Sea-letters or Passports expressing the name, the property & burthen of the vessel as also the name & dwelling of the Master or Commander so that it may by this means appear that the Vessel really & truly belongs to the Subjects & Citizens of one or the other contracting party. These passports which shall be made out in good & due form shall on both sides be renewed as often as the Vessels return home in the course of the year. The said Vessels shall moreover be provided not only with sea Letters but also with certificates containing the particulars of the cargo the place from which the Vessel sailed and where She is destined, in order that it may be known that She carries no prohibited or contraband goods specified in the XI Article of the present Treaty, which Certificates shall be alike made out by the Officers of the place from which the Vessel sails.

              Art. 14.
              Art. XIV.

              Quoique les Vaisseaux de l’une ou de l’autre partie contractante pourront naviguer librement, et avec toute Surete, comme il est expliqué a l’Article 11. ils seront neanmoins tenùs toutes les fois, qu’on l’exigera, d’exhiber, tant en pleine mer que dans les ports leurs Passeports et Certificats, ci dessus mentionés; et n’ayant pas charge des marchandises de Contrabande pour un port Ennemi, ils pourront librement et Sans empechement poursuivre leur Voyage, vers le lieu de leur destination.
              Altho’ the Vessels of either of the contracting parties may navigate freely & in full security as is explained in the 9th. Article they shall notwithstanding be obliged every time they are demanded to show as well at sea as in Port the beforementioned passports & certificates, & if they are not loaded with contreband Articles for an Ennemies Port they shall be allowed freely & without restriction to pursue their Voyage towards the place of their destination.

              Art. 15.
              Art. XV.

              Si en produisant les dits Certificats il seroit decouvert, que le navire porte quelques uns des Effets qui Sont declarés prohibés ou de contrebande, et qui Sont consignés dans un port Ennemi, il ne Sera cependant pas permis de rompre les ecoutilles du dit navire, ni d’ouvrir aucune Caisse, malle, Ballot, ou Tonneau ou d’en deplacer ou detourner la moindre partie, des marchandises, jusqu’a ce que la cargaison ait été mise à terre, en presence des officiers preposés a cet effet, et que l’ouverture en ait eté faite. Encore ne Sera-t-il pas permis de vendre changer ou aliener la cargaison, ou quelque partie d’icelle, avant qu’on aura procédé legalement au Sujet des marchandises prohibées, et qu’elles auront été declarées confiscables par Sentence, à la reserve neanmoins tant des navires mêmes que des Autres marchandises, qui y auront été trouvées, et qui, en vertu du present Traité doivent être censées libres, lesquelles ne pourront être retenues Sous pretexte qu’elles ont eté chargées avec des marchandises defenduës, et encore moins être confisquées comme une prise legitime. Et Supposé, que les dites marchandises de contrabande ne faisant qu’une partie de la charge, le Patron du navire, aggreat, consentit, et offrit de les livrer au Vaisseau qui les aura decouvertes, en ce cas, celui-ci, apres avoir recû les marchandises de bonne prise, Sera tenû de laisser aller aussitot le batiment, et ne l’empêchera en aucune maniere de poursuivre Sa route vers le lieu de Sa destination. Si quelque navire pris et amené dans un des Ports des Parties contractantes, Sous pretext de contrabande, Se trouve, par la visite faite, n’être chargé que de marchandises declarées libres, l’Armateur ou celui qui aura fait la Prise, Sera tenû de payer tous les fraix et dommages au Patron du navire retenû injustement.
              If on producing certificates it shall be discovered that the Vessel has on board any of the Articles which are declared prohibited or contraband & which are consigned to an Enemies port it shall not however be permitted to break open the Hatc[hes] of said Vessel, nor to open any case box Bale or cask or to displace them or to overturn the least part of the Merchandize untill the cargo has been landed in the presence of officers appointed for this purpose & the Inventory taken. Moreover it shall not be permitted to sell exchange or alienate the cargo or any part thereof before legal process is obtained against the prohibited goods & that they shall have been declared confiscated by sentence, reserving nevertheless as well the ship as the other goods which were on board & which in virtue of the present Treaty are judged free, they shall not be restrained under pretence that they were loaded with prohibited Articles & still less confiscated as lawful prize. And on Supposition that the said contraband goods making but a part of the cargo, the Master of the vessel agrees consents & offers to deliver them on board the Vessel which shall have detected them, in this case the latter after having recd. the goods as lawful prize shall be bound to let the Vessel go immediately & shall not prevent her by any means to pursue her rout towards the place of her destination. If any vessel taken & carried into one of the ports of the contracting parties under pretence of contraband if found upon visiting to be only loaded with goods declared to be free, The owner or the person who shall have made the capture shall be obliged to pay all expenses & damages to the Master of the Vessel unjustly detained.—

              Art. 16.
              Art. XVI

              on est egalement convenû que tout ce qui Se trouvera chargé, par les Sujets d’une des Parties contractantes, dans un Vaisseau appartenant aux Ennemies de l’autre Partie, Sera confisqué, en entier, quoique ces Effets ne Soyent pas au nombre de ceux declarées de contrabande, comme Si ces effets appartenaient a l’ennemi même, à l’exception cependant, des Effets, et marchandises qui auront été chargées Sur des Vaisseaux Ennemis avant la declaration de Guerre, et même 9 mois apres la declaration, apres lequel terme, on ne sera pas censé d’avoir pù l’ignorer. ces marchandises ne Seront en aucune maniere Sujettes à Confiscation, mais Seront renduës en nature fidelement aux Proprietaires qui les reclameront, ou les feront reclamer, avant leur confiscation et Vente, au lieu que si la reclamation ne pourroit Se faire que dans l’espace de huit mois apres la vente laquelles doit être publique, on en rendra le provenu au Proprietaire, bien entendu, cependant, que Si les dites marchandises Sont de contrebande, il ne sera nullement permis de les transporter ensuite à aucun Port appartenant aux Ennemis.
              It is mutually agreed that every thing that shall be found laden by the subjects of one of the contracting parties on board a Vessel belonging to the enemies of the other party shall be wholly confiscated altho’ these effects may not be among the number of those declared contraband, in the same manner as if these Articles belonged to the enemy themselves; Excepting however effects & merchandizes which shall have been laden on board of Vessels belonging to the enemy before the declaration of war & also 9 months after the declaration after which time it shall be supposed it could not be unknown; These Merchandizes shall in no wise be subject to confiscation but shall be faithfully restored to the owners who shall reclaim or cause them to be reclaimed before their confiscation & sale, where the claim cannot be made within the space of eight months after the sale, which must be public, the proceeds shall be returned to the owner, It being understood however, that if the said Merchandizes are contraband they shall by no means be permitted to transport them afterwards to any port belonging to the enemy.

              Art. 17.
              Art: XVII.

              Et afin de pourvoir plus efficacement à la Sûreté des deux Parties contractantes et de leurs Sujets, il Sera fait defence à tous les Capitains, et Commandans des Vaisseaux de Sa Majesté Prussienne et des Etats Unis de L’Amerique, ainsi que de tous leurs sujets de faire aucun dommage, ou insulte aux Vaisseaux de l’autre Partie et au Cas que quelqu’un contraviendroit à cette defense, et apres l’Examen fait Seroit trové coupable, par son propre Juge, il sera tenû de donner Satisfaction de tout dommages et Interets, et de les bonifier sous peine et obligation de sa personne et de ses biens.
              And in order to provide more effectually for the security of the two contracting parties & their subjects, All captains & Commanders of Vessels belonging to His prussian Majesty & the Ud States of America And also all their subjects shall be forbid to commit any damage or insult against the vessels of the other party & in case that any one shall contravene this prohibition & upon examination shall be found culpable before his own judge he shall be bound to give satisfaction for all damages & interests & to bonify them under penalty & obligation of his person & effects.

              Art. 18
              Art. XVIII

              Pour cette cause chaque particulier voulant armer en course, Sera obligé, avant de recevoir ses Patentes ou Commissions Speciales, de donner, par devant un juge competent, caution de personnes Solvables chacun solidairement, par une somme suffisante, afin de repondre de tous les Dommages et torts que l’Armateur, Les officiers ou Autres, etant a son service pourroient faire pendant leur Course contre la teneur du present Traité, et contre les Edits faits de part et d’autre, en vertu du même Traité, par le Roi de Prusse et les Etats Unis, et ce sous peine de revocation et cassation des dites Patentes et Commissions Speciales
              For this purpose every person who would fit out a privateer shall be obliged before he receives his patents or Special commissions to give security before A competent judge of good substantial persons severally & conjointly in a sum sufficient for the purpose of answering for all damages & wrongs which the owner his Officers or others in his service may do during their cruize, against the tenor of the present Treaty & against the edicts made on both sides in virtue of the same treaty by the King of Prussia & the Ud States & this under penalty of revoking & annulling said patents & special Commissions.

              Art. 19.
              Art. XIX:

              Une des Parties contractantes etant en guerre, et l’autre restant neutre, S’il arrivoit qu’un navire marchand de la Puissance neutre fût pris par l’ennemi de la Puissance qui est en guerre et repris ensuite par un Vaisseau, ou par un Armateur de la Puissance en guerre, ces navires de même que tous les navires et Marchandises de quelque nature qu’elles puissent être, qui auront été enlevées des mains de quelque Pirate ou êcumeur de mer, Seront amenées dans quelque Port de l’un des deux Etats, et Seront remises à la garde de l’officier du dit port, afin d’être renduës, en entier à leur veritable Proprietaire, aussitot qu’il aura produit des preuves Suffisantes de Sa Proprieté. Les Marchands, Patrons, et Proprietaires des navires, matelots &ca. Les Vaisseaux et Batimens mêmes, et en general aucunes marchandises, ni Effets de l’une des Parties contractantes ou de leurs Sujets, ne pourront être assujetties à aucun embargo, ni retenus dans aucun des Pays, territoires, Isles, Villes Places, Rivages, ou Domains quelconques de l’Autre partie, pour quelque Expedition militaire, Usage publique ou particulier de qui que ce soit, par Saisie, par Force ou de quelque maniere Semblable. D’Autant moins, Sera-t-il permis aux Sujets de l’une des Parties contractantes, de prendre, ou enlever quelque chose, par force aux Sujets de l’autre partie, Sans le Consentement du Proprietaire, ce qui, cependant ne doit pas S’etendre à des Saisies et Arrêts, qui se feront par order et autorité de la Justice et Suivant les Voyes ordinaires pour Dettes et Delits, au sujet desquels il devra être procedé par voye de droit, Suivant les formes de Justice.
              One of the contracting parties being at war & the other remaining neuter, should it so happen that a Merchantman of the neu[tral] power be taken by the enemy of the power at war & retaken afterwards by a Vessel or privateer of said power at war, The[se] ships as likewise all the ships & merchandizes of what kind soever which shall have been taken in the hands of any Pira[te] or Infester of the Seas, shall be brought into some port either of the two States & put under the care of the Officer of sa[id] port, in order that they may be entirely restored to their true owner as soon as he shall produce sufficient proofs of his property. The Merchants, Masters & owners of vessels, Sailors & the ships & Vessels & in general any kind of Merchandizes nor effe[cts] of one of the contracting parties or their subjects shall not be subject to any embargo, nor detained in any of the countries, territories, Islands, Cities, places, shores or Dominions whatever of the other party, for any military expedition, public or private use of any person whatever, by seizure, force or any like manner. much less shall the subjects of one of the contracting parties be allowed to take or seize on any thing by force belonging to the subjects of the other party without the consent of the owner Which however is not to extend to seizures & arrests which shall be made by order & authority of the justice & according to the Ordinary measures or account of debts or crimes, on which subjects process is to be had ag[ree]able to the forms of justice.

              Art. 20.
              Art. XX.

              S’il arrivoit que les deux parties contractantes fussent en même tems en guerre contre un Ennemi commun, on Observera de part et d’autre les points Suivans:
              Should it happen that the two contracting parties should be engaged in war at the same time against a common enemy, the following points shall be observed between them.

              1. Si les Batimens de l’une des deux nations, repris par les Armateurs de l’autre, n’ont pas été au pouvoir de l’Ennemi, audela de 24 heurs, ils seront restitués au premier Proprietaire, moyennant le Payement du tiers de la Valure du batiment et de la Cargaison. Si au contraire, le Vaisseau repris a eté plus de 24 heures au pouvoir de l’Ennemi, il appartiendra en entier à celui qui l’a repris.
              1st. If the Vessels of one of the two nations, retaken by the Privateers of the other shall not have been in possession of the enemy more than 24 hours, they shall be restored to the first owner for one third of the value of the vessel & cargo; If on the contrary the re[ta]ken Vessel shall have been more than 24 hours in possession of [the] enemy she shall belong wholly to the recaptor.

              2. Dans le Cas que dans l’intervalle de 24 heures, un navire est repris par un Vaisseau armé par le Gouvernement de l’une des deux Puissances contractantes il Sera rendû au premier Proprietaire, moyennant qu’il paye un trentieme de la valeur du navire et de la Cargaison, et le dixieme, S’il a été repris après les 24 heures, lesquelles Sommes Seront distribuées, en guise de gratifications aux equipages des Vaisseaux qui l’auront repris.
              2d. Where it shall happen that a ship is retaken by a Vessel of war belonging to the Government of one of the two contracting powers, wit[hin] the interval of 24 hours, she shall be restored to the first owner for one thirtieth of the value of the ship & cargo, & the tenth if she has [been] retaken after the 24 hours; which sums shall be distributed in gratuiti[es] to the Crews of the Vessels which shall have made the recaptu[re.]

              3. Les prises faites de la maniere Susdite, Seront restituées aux Proprietaires apres les preuves faites de la Proprieté, Sous caution de la quote part, qui en revient à celui qui a tiré le navire des mains de l’ennemi.
              3d. The prizes made in the aforesaid manner shall be restored to the proprietors after proof made of the property, with surety given for the part to which the party who has retaken the Vessel from the enemy is entitled.

              4. Les Vaisseaux armés des deux parties contractantes, et de leurs Sujets Seront reciproquement admis avec leurs prises, dans les Parts respectifs, mais ces prises ne pourront y être dechargées, ni vendues, qu’apres que la legitimité de la prise faite aura été decidée Suivant les loix et reglemens établées dans l’Etat dont l’Armateur est sujet, mais par la Justice du lieu, ou la prise aura été amenée.
              4th. The Vessels of war of the two contracting parties & of their subjects shall be reciprocally admitted with their prizes into the respective ports, but these prizes shall not be discharged nor sold untill their legallity shall have been decided according to the laws & regulations of the States to which the Privateer belongs, but by the judicature of the place into which the prize shall have been conducted.—

              5. Au Surplus, il Sera libre, aux parties contractantes, de faire tels reglemens qu’ils jugeront necessaires relativement à la conduite, que devront tenir leurs Vaisseaux et Armateurs respectifs à l’egard des batimens qu’ils auront pris et conduits dans les Ports des deux Puissances.
              5th. Moreover, It shall be free to the contracting parties to make such regulations as they shall judge necessary for the conduct of their respective Vessels & privateers relative to the vessels which they shall take & carry into the ports of the two powers.

              Art. 21.
              Art. XXI.

              Les Vaisseaux armés pourront en toute Liberté, conduire les prises, qu’ils auront faites, Sur leurs Ennemis dans les Ports ouverts en tems de guerre aux autres nations amies, Sans que ces prises, entrants dans les dits Ports puissent être arretées, ni Saisies, ni que les officiers du lieu puissent prendre connoisance de la Validité des dites prises, lesquelles pourront Sortir et etre conduites en toute liberté aux endroits portés par les Commissions, dont les Capitaines des dits Vaisseaux Seront obligés de faire montre.
              The armed Vessels may conduct with full liberty the prizes they shall have taken from their enemies in the open ports in time of war to Other friendly nations, & these prizes so entering into said ports shall not be subject to be stopped nor seized, nor shall the Officers of the place have any right to take cognizance of the validity of said prizes, which shall be allowed to go out & be carried in full liberty to the places mentioned in the Commissions, which the Captains of said vessels shall be obliged to show.

              Art. 22.
              Art: XXII.

              Au cas que quelque Vaisseau appartenant a l’un des deux Etats, ou à leurs Sujets, auroit echoué, fait naufrage, ou Souffert quelque autre dommage Sur les côtes ou Sous la domination de l’autre Etat, il Sera donné toute Assistence aux personnes naufragées ou qui Se trouvent en danger, et il leur Sera accordé des Passeports pour assurer leur retour dans leur Patrie. Les navires et marchandises naufragées, ou leur provenû, Si ces effets auroient été vendûs, etant reclamès dans l’an et Jour par les Proprietaires our leurs Agens, Seront restitués en payant les fraix du Sauvement conformement aux Loix et coutumes des deux nations.
              In case that any vessel belonging to one of the two States or their Subjects shall run aground be shipwrecked or suffer any other damage on the coasts or dominions of the other State, every assistance shall be given to the Shipwrecked persons or those who are in danger, & passports shall be granted to them to secure their return to their own country. The ships & shipwrecked merchandizes or their proceeds if they shall have been sold, being claimed by their owners or their Agents within a year & a day shall be restored on paying the expences of salvage conformably to the laws & customs of the two Nations.

              Art. 23.
              Art. XXIII.

              Lorsque les Sujets et habitans de l’une des deux parties contractantes avec leurs Vaisseaux publics ou particuliers, armés ou marchands Seront forcès par une tempête, par la poursuite des Corsaires, ou Vaisseaux ennemis, ou par quelques autre necessité urgente, de se retirer et d’entrer dans quelque riviere, baye, rade ou port de l’autre partie; ils seront reçus avec humanité et honnêteté, et jouiront de toute Amitie, Protection et Assistance; il leur Sera permis de se pourvoir de Refraichissemens, de vivres et de toutes choses necessaires pour la Subsistance, pour la reparation de leurs Vaisseaux, et pour continuer leur Voyage, le tout moiennant un prix raisonable et ils ne Seront retenûs en aucune maniere ni empêchés de sortir des dits ports et rades, mais pourront Se retirer quand et comment il leur plaira, Sans aucune Obstacle ni Empêchement.
              When the subjects & Inhabitants of one of the contracting Parties, with their vessels public or private, armed or merchantmen shall be compelled by storm, by the pursuit of Pirates, or enemies vessels or by any other urgent necessity to take refuge & enter into any River, Bay, Road or Port of the other party, they shall be received with humanity & Kindness & shall meet with every Friendship protection & assistance; They shall be allowed to provide themselves with refreshments provisions & every necessary for the subsistence, the reparation of their vessels & the continuation of their Voyage, at a reasonable price, & they shall not be in any wise detained nor prevented from going out of said ports or roads but may withdraw how & when they please, without any let or Molestation.

              Art. 24
              Art. XXIV.

              Les Vaisseaux des Sujets ou habitans d’une des deux parties contractantes, abordant à quelque côte de la dependence de l’Autre Partie, mais n’ayant pas dessein d’entrer au port, ou y etant entrés ne desirant pas decharger leurs Cargaisons, ou rompre leur charge, n’y seront pas obligés, mais au contraire jouiront de toutes les franchises et exemtions accordées par les reglemens qui subsistent relativement à cet Objet.
              The Vessels of Subjects or inhabitants of one of the two contracting powers, approaching the coast belonging to the other party but not intending to enter into port, or entering therein not desiring to discharge their cargoes or break bulk shall not be obliged to do it but on the contrary shall enjoy all the franchises & exemptions allowed by the regulations which subsist on this head.

              Art. 25.
              Art. XXV.

              Lorsqu’un Vaisseau appartenant aux Sujets et habitans de l’une des deux Parties contractantes, naviguant en pleine mer, Sera rencontré par un vaisseau armé de l’autre partie, le dit Vaisseau armé, pour eviter tout desordre, Se tiendra hors de la portee du Canon, mais pourra toute fois envoyer Sa Chaloupe, a bord du Navire marchand et y faire entrer deux ou trois hommes, aux quels le Maitre ou Commandant du dit navire montrant Son Passeport, qui con State la proprieté du Navire, apres que le dit batiment aura exhibé ce passeport il lui sera libre de continuer son Voyage, et il ne Sera pas permis de le molester ni de chercher en aucune maniere à lui donner la Chasse ou à le forcer de quitter la course qu’il S’etoit proposée.
              When a Vessel belonging to the Subjects & inhabitants of one of the contracting parties sailing on the high sea shall be met by a ship of war belonging to the other party, to prevent all disorder the said ship of war shall not approach within Cannon shot, but shall send if she pleases her boat aboard the Merchant man, & enter her with two or three men, the Master or Commander of said ship on showing his passport which proves the property of the ship, to said persons, after said vessel shall have exhibited this passport she shall have liberty to continue her voyage & it shall not be lawful to molest her, nor to seek in any manner to chace her or oblige her to quit her intended course.

              Art 26.
              Art. XXVI.

              Les deux Parties contractantes Se Sont accordé mutuellement la Faculte de tenir dans leurs ports respectifs, des Consuls, Vice Consuls, Agens, ou Commissaires, qui exerceront leurs Fonctions consulaires Sur le même pied que les Consuls des autres nations amicales les exercent dans les Endroits ou ils Se trouvent, mais lorsqu’ils voudront faire le Commerce, ils ne le pourront qu’en se soumettant aux loix et usages recûs dans les places de leur residences.
              The two contracting parties mutually grant each other the liberty of having in their respective Ports, Consuls, Vice Consuls Agents & Commissaries who shall exercise their Consular functions upon the same footing as the Consuls of other friendly Nations exercise them in such places as they reside. But if they shall exercise commerce, they must do it in subjection to the received laws & usages of the place of their residence.

              Art. 27.
              Art. XXVII.

              Le present Traite Sera ratifié de part et d’autre, les ratifications Seront echangées dans l’espace de huit mois ou plutôt Si faire se peut, à compter du Jour de la signature.
              The present Treaty shall be ratified on both sides, the ratifications shall be exchanged in the space of eight months or sooner if possible, reckoning from the day of its signature.

              En Foi de quoi les Plenipotentiaires respectifs ont Signé les Articles ci dessus, et y ont apposé le Cachet de leurs Arms.
              In testimony whereof the Respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the foregoing articles & have thereunto affixed their Seals—

              Fait à
              Done at.

              Article Separé.
              Separate Article

              Le Roi de Prusse et les Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale, Sont convenûs que le present Traité aura son plein Effet pendant l’espace de quinze Ans consecutifs à compter du Jour de Sa ratification, et les deux Partis se reservent la Faculté de le renouveller au but de ce tems.
              The King of Prussia & the Ud States of North America agree that the present Treaty shall be in full force During the term of Fifteen successive Years counting from the day of its ratification, & the two parties reserve to themselves the power of renewing it at the expiration of that time.

              Fait à
              Done at.


Title: John Adams to the president of Congress, 10 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress

          Sir
          The Hague April 10. 1784.

        I have the Honour to inclose to Congress a Copy of a Letter from the Baron De Thulemeier, and a Copy of a Project of a Treaty transmitted to me, by the order of the King of Prussia. I Should hope it might be examined in Congress or by a Committee and that Instructions may be sent, concerning any Changes to be made in the Articles, together with a Commission to treat and conclude to Such Persons, or Person as Congress Shall please to appoint.
        With the greatest Respect, I have the / Honour to be Sir your most obedient / and most humble Servant

          John Adams.


Title: John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 10 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

          Gentlemen
          The Hague April 10. 1784

        Inclosed is Copy of a Letter from the Baron de Thulemeier and Copy of a Project of a Treaty transmitted to me by order of the King of Prussia: I should be glad if your Excellencies would examine it, and write me your Objections, and proposals of alterations, which I shall immediately communicate to his Majesty through his Minister. I presume too that your Excellencies will transmit it to Congress that when they Send a Commission to conclude, they may Send their Instructions concerning any Changes to be made in the Project. Your Excellencies I flatter myself will think with me, that We Should execute the Treaty in our own, as well as in the French or German.
        I am Gentn, your


Title: Samuel Adams to John Adams, 16 April 1784
From: Adams, Samuel
To: Adams, John

          My dear Sir
          Boston April 16 1784

        I have not receivd a Letter from you of a later Date than the 10th of Septr. last. Extracts of yours to D G of the same Date have been handed about, with a View, as I conceivd, of giving the Sanction of your opinion to that of others respecting the Tories. It is often inconvenient, perhaps unsafe, to trust ones Confidential Letters to

          indiscrete, however honest, Friends. Detachd Parts of them being given out, they may be made to bear a different Construction from what was intended, and answer the Purpose of interrested & designing Men. When the Recommendations of Congress in Pursuance of the 5th Article of the Treaty were receivd here, they were treated with great Decency & very seriously considerd. They were construed differently by Men of Sense, who were above the Influence of old Prejudices or of Party or Family Connections. This Difference, I supposed, was owing to certain Ambiguities in the Treaty, which I afterwards found had been acknowledgd in a joynt Letter to Congress of the 18th July, in which it appeard that our Negociators had studiously avoided any Expression in the Articles of the Treaty which shd amount to absolute Stipulations in Favor of the Tories. From the first Sight I had of the Articles, I have been of opinion that no such Construction could fairly be put upon them, but that it would finally lie with the several Legislatures of the States, how far it would be proper to show Lenity to them, and I was happy in being confirmd in this opinion by an Expression in your joynt Letter to Congress Septr 10th.—“it is much to be wished that the Legislators may not involve all the Tories in Banishment and Ruin, but that such Discrimination may be made as to intitle the Decisions to the Approbation of disinterested Men and dispassionate Posterity.” In this View I early inculcated Moderation and Liberality towards them, as far as could be consistent with that leading Principle of Nature which ought to govern Nations as it does Individuals, Self Preservation. I cannot think thatt all can be admitted consistently with the Safety of the Common wealth. I gave you my Reasons in my Letter of Nov. 4th. Nor can I beleive you intended to be understood universally in your private Letter above referrd to. Some of them would be useful & good Citizens; others, I beleive highly dangerous Our Act passed in the late Session of the General Court declares them all Aliens, and excludes those of them who in a former Act were called Conspirators from residing among us. It restores the Estates of others which have not been confiscated and refers their coming to reside within the Common wealth in the first Instance to the Governor with Advice of Council. The Licenses he may give are to be valid if approvd of by the General Court at the Session next after such Licence shall be given. It is thought that this will be a difficult Task for the Governor & Council, but a constant Attention to the publick Safety without Respect to Persons will prevent

Difficulties. “Much, says your joynt Letter, will depend upon our Negociations with England” The sooner a Commercial Treaty is settled with that Nation the better, as it appears to me. Our General Court, in the late Session, thought of making Retaliation on England for her prohibiting Importations from America into her West India Islands but in British Bottoms. They were sensible of the Difficulty in the Way of the United States coming into general Regulations of this Kind, & have written to their Delegates on the Subject. Should the States agree to give Congress a more extensive Power, it may yet be a great while before it is compleated; and Britain in the mean time seeing our Trade daily reverting to its old Channel, may think it needless and impolitick to enter into express Stipulations in favor of any Part of it while she promises herself the whole without them.
        I am fully in the Sentiment expressd in your joynt Letter Sept 10th, that now we have regular & constitutional Governments, popular Committees and County Conventions are not only useless but dangerous. They served an excellent Purpose & were highly necessary when they were set up. I shall not repent the small Share I then took in them. But what think you of the District & State Conventions of the Cincinnati, & of the Cincinnati in Congress assembled? Do not these Assemblies convene expressly to deliberate & adopt Measures on great and National Concerns proper only for the Cognizance of the United States in Congress assembled, and the different Legislators & officers of Government? And will they not, being an Order of Military Men, too soon proceed to enforce their Resolutions, not only to the lessening the Dignity of the States in the Eye of Europe, but the putting an End to their free Existence! The order is very unpopular here. By the inclosd you will see the Sentiments of our Genl Court. The Governor of So Carolina in a late Speech to his Assembly inveighs against them with the Vehemence of Luther.— Adieu

          SA


Title: Jean George Holtzhey to John Adams, 16 April 1784
From: Holtzhey, Jean George
To: Adams, John

          Honor’d Sir
          Amsterdam April the 16. 1784

        on the 26 last, I have sent your Excell̃: pr the Marketboat, the Two Medals you desired, according to a letter rec̃: from the Gentleman your Son of the 23d: past and at the same time I sent a Box with five small Medals (to be used for counters at the game of Whist) Invented bÿ me and made at the desire of a Companÿ of good Friends. desire you to accept the same not so much for the Value as for the speculation and to se if the Defenition of the game is to be found therein.
        This letter ought to have gone with the Said Packet if I had not flatter’d mÿself to rec̃: an answer from Mr. John Stockdale of London, at least to mÿ letter of the 5th: March. I have received no letters at all from that Man not even to Inform me that he rec̃: mÿ Packet which I sent him the 5th: December of last year nor answer to anÿ other letters sent him bÿ the post, which makes me a little uneasÿ, although your Excellency advised me to it bÿ your Letter from London dated  and under his cover besides the medals which I sent him in commission to sell 4 Medals to your Excellency which I inclosed according to your order, and also one on the Baron van de Capellen tot de Pol, besides the 2 medals per Post also under his Cover sent to your Excellencÿ, and which you have received. Be pleased to have the goodness Sir, bÿ some means or other to let that man know that he must write to me and answer mÿ letters, for your Excellencÿ knows that it was on your recommendation I sent him the medals if he can’t or won’t sell them in Commission, let him return them to me, I did not mean to offend him
        I Flatter mÿself that your Excellencÿ is convinced of mÿ good Intention, and will be so kind as to take the trouble in this affair to get it settled for it is to trifling to let it linger a long while

        I have the Honor’d to subscribe mÿself with Veneration and Respect / Your Exllency’s / Most Ob Humb servant

          Jean George Holtzhey.


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 18 April 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Auteuil 18th. April 1784—

        As we hear that you are soon Expected at Paris, I Beg leave to mention to you that the Bills which were paid by your orders in Holland are All in the hands of Fizeau & Grand of Amsterdam, and that when your Accounts are arranging it will be necessary to have them here, to Compare them with the sums Charged— you will therefore please to take up those Bills and bring them with you— I have had a late encrease of Family, and Mrs. Barclay and the little Girls are pritty well, Indeed we are All so Except myself, who Can only be Cured by the arrival of the Heer Adams who was loading Tobacco at Philadelphia, and who I hope will Enable me to pay some of my Just debts— I have taken a House on the Boulvarde, and I beleive if you wanted this one it might be got pretty reasonably, It is a good Summer House, but a Bad winter one— Let me know your Mind on this subject— Be so good to present My respects to Mr. and Madam Dumass, as well as to Madamoisselle, I shall be much obliged to Mr. Dumass for his account with the united States— He stands Charged with various sums of Money, which I suppose were paid on account of his Salary— My Best Compliments Attend your son, and I am Very much / Dear Sir, / Your Affect Humb Sert.

          Thos Barclay


Title: John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 20 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Jay, John

          Gentlemen
          The Hague April 20. 1784

        I have just now received the Letter which Dr Franklin did me the Honour to write me on the 16th. with the Copy of the Treaty with Sweeden. I have before inclosed the King of Prussias Project of a Treaty, prepared as I am assured by his Minister with his own Hand in his private Cabinet.
        I believe it has been reserved to the present Age when the subtilties of Aristotle and the schools are transferred from Theology to Politicks, to discover Room for a Doubt in the Construction of the Armistice. and therefore We shall Search in vain in any Admiralty, for a Precedent. The Words are “Le terme Sera d’un mois depuis la manche et les mers du Nord, jusqu’aux Isles Canaries inclusivement, Soit dans l’Ocean, Soit dans la Mediterranée.”
        This Limit is to extend to the Southermost Point of the Southernmost Canary Island, from the Channell. This is the Extent from North to South.— What is to be the Extent from East to West? is it to have none. is it to be confined to a mathematical Line, running from the Middle of the Channel to the remotest Part of the remotest Canary? or is it to be a Space as Wide as the Channel, running from it to that Canary? or is it to be as wide as that Island. if none of these Constructions have common Sense in them, what can We suppose to have been the Meaning of the Contracting Parties? They have ascertained the Space very exactly from North to South, and as they have left the Extent from East to West without limits, it is very clear they intended it should be unlimited and reach all round the Globe, at least where there is any Ocean or Mediterranean.
        I have the Honour to be Gentlemen / your most obedient and most / humble servant

          John Adams


Title: John Adams to John Hurd, 20 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Hurd, John

          Sir
          The Hague April 20. 1784

        I have received the Letter you did me, the Honour to write me, the 20. Nov. last, and immediately wrote to my Colleagues upon the Subject and inclosed to them the Copy of the Petition.
        There is not room for a question, and the Decrees at New York, are against common Sense, and must undoubtedly be reversed upon Appeal. There is not even the Colour of an Ambiguity, in the Armistice, that I can perceive. But there is no Redress but by appeal. My Colleagues will write I Suppose, to Congress, but their opinion, perhaps, nor mine can have any Weight. The Armistice must Speak for itself. But the Question is, how broad is a Parrellell of Latitude! And the Definition, a Circle that Surrounds the Globe, will be a decisive answer; and therefore the American Coast, is undoubtedly comprehended.
        The Article, respecting this matter is the Same, with one, in the Peace of 1762, 3, and in other Treaties for a Century or more. No Doubt ever arose before, that it meant from the Latitude of the Channell, and North Seas, to the Latitude of the remotest Canary Island.


Title: John Adams to John Jay, 20 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

          Dear Sir
          Hague April 20. 1784

        I am extreamly Sorry, to read in your Letter of the 8th. that you think of embarking for America. Let me beg of you to reconsider that Project. if you persist in it, I shall repent of having written for my Family and wish I had it in my Power to go there too.
        The Committee to whom, the Dispatches by Thaxter were referred have reported that a Commission be sent to the 3 named in the Resolution of the 1. of May last, to treat with all the maritime Powers, who may wish to treat, and I Suppose Such a Commission will Soon arrive. As soon as I know of its Arrival, I will Sett off, for Paris.
        I have recd a Letter, under a Cover, which you knew of, the Writer desires to be remembered to you, your Lady, & to Mr Charmichael.
        Dana is, as I Suppose a Member of Congress, and now at Anapolis.
        If you Should be decided to return home, which I hope you are not, I beg to know about what Time you expect to leave Paris, for I should regret as much as you, the Loss of an Opportunity to converse with you before you go.
        With great and Sincere Esteem / yours

          John Adams


Title: John Adams to James Sullivan, 20 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Sullivan, James

          Sir
          The Hague April 20. 1784

        I am very much obliged by your Favour of the 21. of December. it is a great Pleasure to learn that the Treaty of Peace gives Satisfaction. The Preservation of the Fishery, is the more prescious, as it appeared for Several Years together to be in great danger. In danger I mean of being given up, by the United States themselves, for the

Sake of Peace.— it is not in our Power to do any Thing towards Securing a Market for the Fish, unless We have Authority, and Congress have not yet thought proper to Send any Commission to any Body for that Purpose. I confess myself, totally astonished at the Delay. But I ought to Suppose that Congress have Reasons which I am not aware of.—
        If the 36 millions you mention, have not been accounted for why is not an Account insisted on.— You know who borrowed the Money, and who Spent it, and it is for him to shew that he Spent it for the Publick.
        Every Suggestion or Suspicion, of Bribery, from French or English or Dutch or any foreign nation excites Horror.— There must not be a Suspicion of this. But there may be an Interest and an Influence, which may mix itself with local Prejudices and Party Disputes which may be as dangerous, and which ought to teach Us to make all foreign Powers and Ministers keep their Distances and know their Places.— This is so well known in Europe, that it is the Maxim of every Court, never to have Confidence in a foreign Minister. The whole Corps diplomatique is ever viewed with a Jealous Eye, and nothing in general would destroy the Confidence of an Ambassadors own Court, So soon as a Parade of Confidence in him made by the Court to which he is Sent.


Title: John Adams to William Carmichael, 22 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Carmichael, William

          Sir
          The Hague 22 April 1784

        I have received the Letters you did me the Honour to write me from Madrid the 15. Jan. and the  Feb.— I am very glad that Mr Barry and Mr Fitch are pleased with your Civilities to them: But I never knew any Thing of Mr Fitch’s Note, nor of the Watch, nor did I ever introduce either of them to you, with a Thought of their making you presents. and I agree with you that presents upon Such occasions, destroy all the Pleasure, We have in Shewing a Respect, to the Recommendations of our Friends.

        But I am in a Case, Somewhat like yours. I had shewn Mr Fitch Some Civilities in Holland and in Paris, which he not only returned with much Politeness in London but when he Sailed for Jamaica, left orders, with his Agent to send me a Present of choice old Madeira Wine and Jamaica Spirit.— I was sorry at the sight of it, but instead of sending it after him or refusing to receive it I comforted my Heart with a few Bottles of it, while I Staid and gave the rest to a Friend or two, when I came away. and I advise you to follow the Same Example, and keep the Watch untill you see Mr Fitch or give it away to a Friend. never trouble your head to send him any equivalent. rather send him back the Watch itself. But I dont think that is worth while.
        Fitch is a West Indian, generous and rich and has but one Child. I dont imagine he meant any Thing improper, or thought that what he did was amiss. if he did, you will see to it, that it does no harm.
        The Idea of following the Swiss Example, in having no Ministers at foreign Courts, Seems to prevail in America, but I dont believe there is any Foundation for the Insinuation, that the Americans have any Aversion for the Spanish Nation. On the Contrary, there is a kind of Grandeur and Honour in the Spanish Character, which should be a foundation of Esteem and Admiration.
        I am Still as uninformed as you, respecting the Intentions of Congress, in many material Points: But it will be a sufficient Excuse, for Us to make, when We do no service, to have it to say that We have no Power. for my own part, Since the Peace, I have dismissed my Anxiety, and am determined to be happy. our Country will be so if she deserves it: if not, our solicitude cannot make her so.


Title: John Adams to the president of Congress, 22 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress

          Sir
          The Hague April 22. 1784

        I received Sometime Since a Letter from an American Gentleman now in London, a Candidate for Orders, desiring to know, if American Candidates might have Orders from Prostestant Bishops on the

Continent, and complaining that he had been refused by the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of Canturbury, unless he would take the Oaths of Allegiance &c.
        Meeting Soon afterwards, the Danish Minister I had the Curiosity to enquire of him, whether Ordination might be had in Denmark. He answered me, that he knew not, but would Soon inform himself.— I heard no more of it, untill to day, when the Secretary of his Embassy Mr De Rosenkrantz, made me a Visit, and delivered me, the Papers Copies of which are inclosed.
        Thus it Seems that what I meant as current Conversation, only, has been made the Subject of Deliberation of the Government of Denmark, and their Faculty of Theology; which makes it necessary for me to transmit it to Congress.— I am happy to find the Decision so liberal.
        I have the Honour to be, with very great / Respect, Sir, your Excellencys most / obedient and most humble / Servant

          John Adams


Title: John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 23 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Barclay, Thomas

          Dear Sir
          The Hague 23. April 1784.

        I have this Moment the Pleasure of your Letter of the 18. The Bills you mention, which were only accepted by me, and were paid

by Fizeau & Co in Behalf of Dr Franklin, or Mr Ferdinand Grand, are the proper Vouchers of those Gentlemen, and will Speak for themselves. They are the Vouchers which Mr Grand must produce to you, in Support of his Account. I have no right to demand them, and Suppose I should be refused them, if I asked for them.— I ought to be.— I have already given you my Account of the Bills I accepted, their Dates Sums &c, which will be your Check, wherewith to compare Mr Grands Account, and the Accepted and paid Bills his Vouchers.
        I rejoice with you in the Increase of your Family and in their Health. You will Soon have the Satisfaction I hope to hear of the Arrival of your Tobacco ship.
        I cannot know my own mind, respecting the House, for I know not what Congress intend to do with me. I shall leave this quiet retreat with regret, but as upon the whole it appears the Congress intend I shall be at or near Paris for sometime, I pray you to engage your House at Auteuil for me, upon the best Terms you can. I have a well grounded Aversion for putrid Streets and Gragts, and Affection for the pure Air of Auteuil and the Bois de Boulogne. But if Congress Should change their Minds and order me back to the Hague, I shall charge the duplication of Rent, to the United States and hope that you would think it, but reasonable.
        With Affection &c

          pray let me know when I may take Possession of the House, for this will be Some rule for my coming to Paris.


Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 26 April 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje

          Gentlemen.
          The Hague April 26: 1784.

        I have two favours to ask of you. 1. That you would give orders to Mr: Puller, in Broad street Buildings London to Supply a certain Lady with as much Cash, as she may have occasion for on my

Account upon her Receipts. This Lady is not any one, that I have seen this four or five years: but it is my Wife, of whose Arrival, in the Texel or in London, I have Reason to expect within a month or two,— 2. That you would send me, a Letter of Credit upon some Banker in Paris, where the Service of the United States, and the Orders of Congress will oblige me to go and reside Sometime.
        With Regard to the Banker, I have only to ask, that he would supply me with Gold, which the former one sometimes refused to do. and I find it very inconvenient to be embarassed with silver.
        I hope, by this time the Loan is full, and am with great Esteem, / Gentlemen, / your / most obedient &c.,


Title: John Jay to John Adams, 27 April 1784
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Chaillot near Paris 27 Ap. 1784—

        Your Favr. of the 20th. Inst. arrived last Evening— It is not in pursuance of a recent or hasty Resolution, that I am preparing to return: It has been long taken & maturely considered. the public Accounts still detain me, for ’tho’ always kept by Mr Carmichael, I do not chuse to leave them unsettled behind me— when that Obstacle ceases, which I expect will be very soon, I shall leave Paris. I daily expect Answers to Letters by which I desired a Friend in London to enquire & inform me about a New York vessel there. it is probable I may go in her, if not, I must look out for some other opportunity.
        There are Accounts of Barney’s Arrival— perhaps he may be sent back with the Papers you mention— if so, we may soon see him, and in that Case I would return with him.
        The coming of your family will be a great Consolation to you & them— may you have a speedy & happy meeting. I wish they had made you a visit immediately on the Return of Peace; & in this wish Mrs. Jay sincerely joins. would it be very inconvenient to you to come to Paris? I cannot propose that you should leave any thing undone, which ought to be done—but if there be no Objection of

that Sort, a Trip to Paris would not be an unpleasant Excursion. who knows but that you might meet the Commission here—if not, you will certainly meet a cordial welcome from / Dear Sir / Your Friend & Servt

          John Jay

          Mr Hartley is daily expected— my Compts. to your Son
          Just as I began to fold up this Letter a Gent. told me that He saw Mr Hartley this morng. at Dr. Franklin’s—


Title: John Adams to Samuel Adams, 4 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Samuel

          Dear Sir
          The Hague May 4. 1784.

        Your advice “to reconcile myself to the Thought that Justice may not be done me, till I am dead” is friendly. I am not however apprehensive of Injustice living or dead. I am not ambitious of a Reputation for great Talents or Splendid Actions, with the present Age or with Posterity. The great Anxiety of my Life, has been to do my Duty and avoid just Reproach. and I know very well, that my Life has been passed at such a remote Distance, from every bad Principle and foul Course that no Authority will be credited, which may be so abandond as to ascribe to me, any Thing very vicious or very vile. When you Say that “while I live, I Shall probably be the Object of Envy,” you flatter me, because that Envy is the best Testimony that the Envious can give of their Sense of a Mans Merit.— I do not think that Envy Strictly Speaking abounds in the World. Many are falsely accused of Envy. Indignation against successfull Villany, and Contempt of low Cunning or impudent Empiricism, are not Envy, though they are often called so.— In former Parts of my Life, I have made Ennemies, or rather have excited little Resentments by too much Ardour, or by little Incautions or Indiscretions, upon great Occasions but I was never very Sensible that I was envied, but once. My Commission for Peace was envied by one Man and by one only that I knew of, and this dirty Passion, put him upon a series of falseshood, of insidious underhand Maneuvre, and other base Practices, which would tarnish any Reputation whenever or wherever it should be exposed.— These Proceedings distressed me, not for myself for I never cared a farthing for any Consequence they could have upon me, but for the Publick, because I saw, that they put to the utmost hazard some of the most important Interests of our Country. and it is a kind of Miracle that they did not finally forfeit Us all our Fish and Fur, and Venison at least.— These are secured, and I am no longer troubled about any Mans Envy or Jealousy.
        The Envy and Jealousy alluded to was aided by two Auxiliaries which made it dangerous— one was the Jealousy of the South which cannot bear to see any Character of Consequence, arising in the North, and the other was an Influence, which has betrayed two much Inclination to domineer in our Councils and Negotiations, and therefore has never treated with common Decency any

American Character, which would not be a Prostitute.— I Saw, with a Grief and Indignation which no Historian will record, because no Words can express it, the great Council giving way to these 3 Jealousies, and Sacrificing a Man whose Conduct they were necessitated to applaud. But all this is past.
        You assign me a Station, which would probably be envied. But I shall probably never be in it, and I assure you, Since I Saw it, I have much less Inclination for it, than I ever had.
        There is one certain Way, of getting rid of Envy and that is getting out of envyed Places. This is now, I thank God and ever shall be in my Power. But I will never make Use of this Power from the fear of Envy.— As soon as I shall see, that there is no further Service to be done by me, I can retire with greater Joy than I ever felt upon any Honour that was done me. for my own Gratification I declare to you I had rather be a Select Man of Braintree, than Ambassador to any Court in the World.


Title: John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 4 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Barclay, Thomas

          Dear Sir
          The Hague May 4. 1784

        I wrote you the 23 Ult. and expect your Answer by the next Post. To Day I have yours of 26 Ult and have executed your orders, by writing to Amsterdam &c
        You require me to produce to you the Bills of Exchange accepted by me, and paid by Fizeau & Co But in this with humble Submission you are wrong.
        Dr Franklin obtained Money of the Court of Versailles Mr Grand of Paris, received it, and paid it out by means of his Friend at Amsterdam Mr Fizeau &c in discharge of these Bills. Mr Grand, in Accounting with you for that Money, will produce those Bills, as his Vouchers. I never recd any Money or paid any Bill. I only examined the Bills by their Marks Numbers, Dates &c to see, if they were genuine, and all this I have given you an Account of. Fizeau who paid the Bills kept them as he ought for his own Vouchers.
        There is no Suggestion or Suspicion of any Mistake in these Bills.

No Duplicates were ever accepted by me, as you may See by looking over the List I gave you.
        The Coach I beg you to take Care of, till my Arrival.
        Yours


Title: John Adams to Fizeaux, Grand & Co., 4 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Fizeaux, Grand & Co.

          Gentlemen
          The Hague May 4, 1784

        I have received repeated Letters from Mr. Barclay, who is settling American Accounts, requiring me to produce the Bills of Exchange which were accepted by me, and paid by you in Amsterdam in behalf of Mr Grand at Paris, or of Dr. Franklin
        If you are willing to deliver them to me, I will come to Amsterdam to receive them, and will take them with me to Paris. But I will not dissemble to you, that I think them your Vouchers, and that you should have them to produce to Mr. Barclay, or at least that Mr. Grand of Paris or Dr. Franklin should have them to shew, in support of the Account of the Money expended in the Payment of them. I should be obliged to you for an Answer, as speedily as may be convenient
        with much respect I have the honour to be / Gentlemen, your most obedient & most humble / servant &c.


Title: John Adams to Baron von Thulemeier, 4 May 1784
From: Adams, John
To: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von

          May 4. 1784

        Mr Adams presents his Compliments to the Baron De Thulemeier: He has received from Paris, the Project of a Treaty, returned with the Remarks of his Colleagues Messrs Franklin and Jay. He desires to know the Hour tomorrow, when it will be most agreable to the Baron, that he Should wait upon him, to make the Communication.


Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 6 May 1784
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          Paris 6th. May 1784—

        I had the pleasure of receiving your letter relative to the House at Auteuil, since which several Messages pass’d between the Count de Rouault and Me, and all have Ended in an appointment to Meet Tomorrow on the spot, where I shall make known my demands for Repairs, and more than probably I will Inform you by next post that the House is taken for you
        The Furniture must absolutely be alterd, and some few arrangements made Concerning the Garden and water pipes, without which I shall not Meddle with the place
        I observe your opinion about the vouchers which are in the hands of Fezeaux Grand & Co. and though I differ with you in My sentiments about the Matter, I shall write to those Gentlemen to send them to Me, for if I Can procure them it is Not Material either to you or Me whether at your desire or Not— However the holders Certainly Cou’d have No pretense to Refuse giving You up your

acceptances which have been discharged, though perhaps they might scruple to give them to Me, I shall procure a letter from Mr. Grand on the subject, for the account is much wanted in America, and Cannot be furnish’d by Me without the vouchers
        Mr. Carmichael Came here on purpose from Madrid to bring the Bills which were drawn on Mr. Jay and the other vouchers for the settlement of his account, which is happily got through, My Best wishes attend you and your son I remain always / Dear sir / your Afft. Obed Sert

          Thos: Barclay


Title: Edmund Jenings to John Adams, 7 May 1784
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

          Sir
          London May 7th. 1784.

        I have the Honour of having received your Excellencys Letter, wherein I find a most Obliging Introduction to Mrs Adams, which I shall certainly make Use of, should I Ever have an Opportunity.
        I return your Excellency many Thanks for the Abbé de Mablys Book— it is put in to the Hands of a Gentleman to be translated & published, under the Stipulations, you have prescribed. Will your Excellency give me leave to beg of you to direct the Publisher in Holland to inform Mr Debret in Piccadilly, when the Original comes out, for perhaps I may not be Able to do it, in Consequence of a Letter, which I wrote last Night to Mr Bridgen: a Copy of which I here inclose
        I have tried every possible Means to avoid coming to Extremities: but the violence of my Ennemies & the Coolness of my Friends are too great to bear
        Should the worst happen to me, I trust your Excellency will not Suffer my Memory to be Insulted
        May God bless you & yours in this sad World is the Prayer of / your Excellencys / Most Faithful Friend

          Edm: Jenings

        ENCLOSURE

          Copy
          Sir
          May 6th 1784.

        The Sheets, which Accompany this, will Serve, I trust, as a full Answer to Mr Lawrens’s Pamphlet which, replete with the most

viralent Imputation & Charges, against me, was originated by you, who afforded Him the Pretences, on which He has Attacked my Character & has since Countenanced Him in the Exertions of his Malice
        Your whole Conduct in this Affair has astonished me & many others. I will not enter into it now but leave it to your private Reflections, being well Assured that altho, you have hitherto been deaf to what I have said & what others have offered to lay before you the Time will Come, when your Conscience will make itself be heard & you will be Sorry for the part you have taken.
        I treated you in my Letter of the 30th of June with regard; on a Supposition, that you was not Entirely lost to the feelings of Friendship; & you will find, that I have done it with Tenderness in my Answer to Mr Lawrens out of Respect to my Benevolent Friend near you; but I am sensible I have done Enough, in vindicating my Character, which you wish to blast, to provoke your Utmost Rage.
        You recollect, you advised me as Friend, not to Answer Mr Lawrens’s Pamphlet & thereby to acquiesce in & Acknowledge in Silence the truth of his groundless Charges. Was this, Mr Bridgen, the Advice of an undesigning Friend, or was it the threat of an Ennemy having the same Object Mr. Lawrens had in View, when He said He thought I acted prudently in not making the Affair public? Your Cruelty & Injustice have forced me to do it, & to reject the Advice you gave me in a most unfriendly Manner. and at the same time, makes me regret, that I have paid no Attention to the Council, which I find you offered me in three Letters, when we were on an amicable footing. one of these Letters is now before me. I will copy a part of it for your serious Meditation.
        “Why you, dear Simpleton every person of real worth or who has any Grace or Knows You, must value you.

          Tho Friends grow not thick on every Bough,
          nor every Friend Unrotten at the Core,

        however it is best to think well provided it does not lead Us into too great Confidence.”
        Had I minded this your Advice & Information, I had escaped the present Evil, and you had not Exemplified your Poetry.
        I will however trouble you no more on this Head, but come to the Object I had in writing to you.
        As I cannot think, after what has passed that my Vindication of

          myself in writing will give you or Mr Lawrens the Satisfaction which you have both been aiming at by the Hands of others I must now inform you & Mr Lawrens, by your means that I am ready to give you & Him a Chance of doing gaining it by yours & his when & where you please. a Line directed to me at Mr Canters in Vine Street Piccadilly will be receivd by me on Monday as I shall then come to Town for that purpose.
        I am / Sir / your Humble Servant

          E J.


Title: Joseph Reed to John Adams, 7 May 1784
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Adams, John

          Dear Sir
          London May 7. 1784

        I should not have put you to the Expence of a Letter by the Post. But Mr. Vanbibber a Gentleman of respectable Family & Fortune

going over to Holland I could not resist the Temptation of renewing our friendly Intercourse which was suspended during the Winter. Mr. De Berdt was so obliging as to communicate a Paragraph of his Letter respecting the Bills drawn by Mr. Morris in the Fate of which I was in a small Degree interested. If any Thing new has occurr’d I shall be obliged to you for the Communication as far as you may think it consistent with Propriety—
        The Temper of America is rising very high against this Country in Consequence of the Restrictions laid on our West India Intercourse. Congress have been backward in taking up the Business but in several of the States they have laid Imposts & Duties in many Instances amounting to a Prohibition. These Measures seem to be slightly regarded here & probably will be so untill felt.
        it is truly wonderful that with so many powerful Motives to regain the Friendship & Cordiality of America so little Disposition of this Kind is manifested. I do not know how you found them but the Gentlemen of America now here generally complain of great Sullenness & visible Ill will The British Interests which began to preponderate then must decline & the French rise in Proportion. Mr. Gorham & Dr. Witherspoon who wished to draw some Relief for particular Calamities occasioned by the British Troops have met a most discouraging Reception. In short my good Sir, it is too evident that Injuries are much more implacable than the injured And the Wound to national Pride more than national Interest is unpardonable.—
        Many of us flatter ourselves that the Designs which the Emperor seems to meditate in favour of the Navigation of the Scheld will operate so as to promote an Emigration to America. Some Hollanders had established Houses in Philada & were very favourably received, but it is to be feared the Disputes about their Government which are carried on with great Animosity will discourage Men who seek at least commercial Repose.—
        You see this is the Work of a perfect leisure Moment if it should happen to find you at a similar Period I shall be happy in a Return but I beg you would not rob Business of its necessary & just Claims,
        I would wish it particularly to convey to you some Portion of that Esteem as an Individual which is universally entertained in America for your Person & Character & to believe me with very great Respect & Regard / Dear Sir, / Your very Obedt. / & Hbble servt.

          Jos. Reed