Title: To John Adams from the Comte de Vergennes, 20 July 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Adams, John

        A Versailles le 20. Juillet 1780

       J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 13. de ce mois. Je suis très sensible à la confiance avec laquelle vous m’avez communiqué vos idées sur la position actüelle des Etats-unis, et sur le besoin qu’ils ont de l’assistance immédiate de quelques Vaisseaux de ligne et frégates. M. le chev. de Ternay et M. le Cte. de Rochambau ont été expédiés précisément dans la vüe qui fait l’objet de votre lettre; ils concerteront leurs opérations avec le Congrès et M Washington; et comme le Roi ne leur a rien préscrit sur leur retour en Europe, et qu’au contraire il leur a laissé la liberté d’agir selon qu’ils le jugeront utile pour le soulagement des Etatsunis, il y a tout lieu de croire qu’ils prendront leur station, durant l’hiver prochain, dans l’Amérique septentrionale si cela convient au Congrès, et qu’ils emploïeront les Vaisseaux et les Troupes qui sont sous leur commandement, selon le plan qui aura été arrêté entr’eux et les généraux Américains.
       Vous jugerez par ces détails, Monsieur, que le Roi est bien eloigné d’abandonner la cause Américaine, et que sa Majesté sans avoir été sollicité par le Congrès, a pris au contraire des mesures efficaces pour la soutenir: je me flatte, Monsieur, que des procédés aussi généreux seront sentir en Amérique, et qu’ils y prévaudront sur les mensonges que l’Ennemi commun et ses lâches adhérents y repandent pour rendre la france suspecte, et pour conduire le peuple Américain à prendre des resolutions qui consommeroient son asservissement et son déshonneur.
       J’ai l’honneur d’être très parfaitement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur,

        De Vergennes


Title: The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams: A Translation, 20 July 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Adams, John

        Versailles, 20 July 1780

       I have received, sir, the letter that you did me the honor to write on the 13th of this month. I am very sensible of the confidence with which you have communicated your ideas on the present situation of the United States, and their need for the immediate assistance of some ships of the line and frigates. The Chevalier de Ternay and the Comte de Rochambeau have been sent precisely for the purpose that is the object of your letter. They will co-ordinate their operations with Congress and Mr. Washington. And as the King has given them no precise orders regarding their return to Europe, but has left them at liberty to act as they shall judge proper for the relief of the United States, there is every reason to believe that next winter they will take their station in North America, if that shall be agreeable to Congress, and will employ the ships and troops under their command according to the plan that shall be settled between them and the American generals.
       You will see from these details, sir, that the King is far from abandoning the American cause and that his majesty, without having been solicited by Congress, has taken effectual measures to sustain it. I flatter myself, sir, that such generous conduct will be appreciated in America and prevail over the falsehoods spread by the common enemy and its wicked adherents in order to render France suspect, and induce the American people to take resolutions which will consummate their slavery and dishonor.

        I have the honor to be most perfectly, sir your very humble and very obedient servant.
        De Vergennes


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 21 July 1780
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Brussels July. 21. 1780

     I have had the Honour of receiving your Excellencys Letter of the 14th Instant: in Answer to which, I can only return your Excellency my most humble Thanks and assure you that the Confidence, with which I am honored, shall not be Abusd by me, and Care shall be taken, that it shall not be so by any One Else. I will Keep together what I receive from Your Excellency, to be returnd to You or your Order on demand, and in the mean while your Signature shall be most carefully erased from all your Letters. I have remarked, in the History of Mankind, much Abuse and Mischief resulting from the discovery of Confidential Communications and have even felt it myself in these troublesome Times, and therefore have had it in my Mind for some time to take the Liberty of suggesting to your Excellency the Expediency of writing under feignd Names.
     Your Excellencys early concern and intimate acquaintance with the great Transactors of the Times must have given you more than Ordinary Knowledge of Men and things. I am Happy, when you Communicate any thing to me relative to them; as I find my mind enlarged and Strengthned by such means. I have heard much of the Glorious Patriots, who have signalizd themselves in the Cause of their Country; but my Information has been general and therefore by no means sufficient to Satisfy me. Your Excellency however flatters me much with your promise of making me more acquainted with them. There is a Mr. Emmery here, a refugee Merchant of Boston, with whom I sometimes talk of the beginning of these troubles—He is one of the proscribed—but at the same time a Moderate and Candid Man—when He speaks of your Excellency He does it with much Respect.
     I have receivd from your Excellency five Sheets entitled a Translation, and two Letters of Observations on Mr. Galloways Pamphlet—which I will take Care shall be sent to England; but not having yet had an Opportunity of conveying them by a safe Hand, and not having had an Account of the receipt of Mr. Dana Character and the Letters to Mr. Wyth and the Report of the Convention &c. (at which I am Surprizd) I have hitherto deferrd it.
     I agree with your Excellency, that these Things will have but little Effect in England, but to rise in Judgment against it in future, but they will operate in other places, for the Meridian of which, they are well Calculated. If I was in England, there are many things, that might be done of this Nature, which appearing at the Moment might have more Effect—for which purposes I frequently wish myself there.
     I am much pleased to find it was in the Contemplation of the Northern Powers to take our part 18 Months Ago. It shews that there Conduct now is founded on something more than the present insulting behaviour of England. But if it is So, it appears to me much too irresolute and Indecisive—if they would Act with half the Peremptoriness of England, this Business would be soon finishd; at present great Advantage is taken of their Backwardness—the American Independance ought to be immediately Acknowledged, all Trade with England for Naval Stores prohibited and the English Ships now in the Baltic stopped—I trust that the Russian Fleet has orders to Act immediately in Conjunction with France Spain and Holland, or Else the Time for Action will be over.
     I was surprizd at the News from Holland, that many of the English Rioters had been seized there. I thought at first it proceeded from Complaisance to England—but it turns out to be a Mere Dutch Trick. They are seized as Vagabonds, and will be sent to Batavia to settle that Province—No Uncommon Maneuvre in Holland.
     Hearing that the Dutch are much alarmed at the Event of Charles Town (being imposed on by the boastings of England) I shewed to Mr. L. something I had drawn up to wipe away unfavorable Impressions. He has given the Heads thereof to be inserted in their Papers, and by the next post I shall send fuller Observations to be printed and dispersed there. I shall take the Liberty of sending to your Excellency a Copy thereof, which I trust will meet with your Excellencys Approbation.
     I am fearful that Admiral Greaves will interrupt Monsr. Ternays Operation.
     I Know not whether your Excellency has sent to Madrid the Account and Description of Hussey. There is certainly a person of that Name formerly connected with the Spanish Embassadours family at London—He holds a correspondence with England. I beg He may be attended to.

     I am Sir your Excellencys Most Devoted & Obt. Humble servt.

      E. Freeman


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 98, 22 July 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

     Paris, 22 July 1780. Dupl in John Thaxter’s hand (PCC, No. 84, II, f. 211–218). printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev.Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols., 3:873–875.
     This letter, read in Congress on 26 Dec., contains a series of newspaper reports, the first of which concerned George III’s speech of 8 July proroguing Parliament, which John Adams thought did little to promote the cause of peace. For his detailed critique of the speech, see Adams’ “Letters from a Distinguished American,” ante 14–22 July, No. XII, and notes 1 and 2 (above). The remaining reports concerned Spanish and French naval activities and the efforts of the northern powers to implement the armed neutrality. John Adams observed that while all the maritime powers were determined to resist British attacks on neutral commerce and prevent Britain from resuming its monopoly of the American trade, it was up to the United States to “fight our own battles, and bear our own Expences” in pursuit of its interests. Finally, in words very close to those used in his first letter to Edmund Jenings of 18 July (above), Adams declared that the combination of the maritime powers against England showed “the Wisdom of Congress in planning the first Treaty, which was first sent to the Court of Versailles upon the principle of perfect equality and reciprocity; granting no exclusive priviledges, and binding herself to no obligations not to admit any other and all other nations to the same: principles from which it is to be presumed We shall not depart.”


Title: Committee of the Massachusetts General Court to John Adams and Francis Dana, 22 July 1780
From: Massachusetts General Court,Cushing, Thomas,Davis, Caleb,Walley, Thomas,Gorham, Nathaniel
To: Adams, John,Dana, Francis

      Boston July 22d: 1780

     This Government the last Winter appointed Jonathan Loring Austin Esq. their Agent to repair to Europe and procure the Loan of One hundred and fifty Thousand Pounds Sterling, part of which he was impowered and directed to invest in Goods for the use of the Officers and Soldiers belonging to the Army, as the Papers herewith inclosed will more fully inform you. Mr. Austin sailed the 22d day of last January in a Continental Packet called the Zephyr Commanded by Capt. Richard and as he has never been heard of since, it is strongly Suspected he is lost. The Government therefore have thought it absolutely necessary to dispatch the Armed Ship Mars commanded by Capt. Simeon Sampson to Nantz in order to bring the goods the Government had ordered to be purchased for the Army and have directed us to request that, in case Mr. Austin should not have arrived in Europe You would procure the Loan above mentioned agreeable to the Instructions given to Mr. Austin and that You would also purchase and Ship or cause to be purchased and Shipped by the Mars the Articles enumerated in the Schedule of Goods designed for the Army And please to omit shipping the Goods mentioned in the Second and third Schedules and instead thereof please to send to our Address by the first good Opportunity that offers, a Second Parcel of Goods consisting of the same Articles that you may Ship by the Mars and also a Third parcel of Goods by any other Opportunity that presents, consisting of the same Articles as one of the Former Invoices consisted of. The great Importance of securing Cloathing for our Quota of the Continental Army is the reason of our ordering these three different Parcels of Goods by three different Conveyances, that in Case one or two of the Vessels by which the Goods are Shipped should be Captured, we may perhaps be supplied by the Third. And provided they should all arrive and the Goods should not all be wanted by the Government they may easily be disposed off. The Reason we have to apprehend Mr. Austin has miscarried and the great Importance of Seasonably procuring Cloathing for our Quota of the Continental Army must be our Apology for giving You this Trouble and in Case your Attention to the interest of the United states will not admit of your undertaking this Matter we must earnestly Request you would employ some suitable Person to execute this Business and to supply Capt. Samson with such necessarys as he may stand in need of for the use of his Ship.
     We are with great Respect Gentlemen, Your most obedient & humble Servants

      Thomas Cushing
      }
      Committee

      Caleb Davis

      Thos: Walley

      Nath Gorham

      P.S. Whatever Goods are Shiped must be Insured and the Premium Covered Agreable to former directions, and in Case of Mr. Austin’s Arrival and he should not have procured and Shiped the Goods Agreable to his Instruction, he will Govern himself by the Intructions given in this Letter. The Council have Agreed that the officers and men belonging to the Mars Shall have a Certain Sum advanced to them in France, you will therefore be pleased to furnish Capt. Sampson with a Sum of Money for this Purpose and also that we have agreed to Allow to him in leiu of Prizeage and for his Expences While in France.

      yr M Supra
      T. C.


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 99, 23 July 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

      No. 99. Duplicate
      Sir
      Paris July 23d 1780

     I have been amused sometime with dark and unintelligible hints in Letters from London of some Messenger sent from Lord North to Madrid.
     Three weeks ago, I waited on the Comte de Vergennes at Versailles to acquaint him that I had an intention of making a Journey to Amsterdam for a few weeks, as I flattered myself I might form some Acquaintances or Correspondences there and collect some Intelligence that might be useful the United States. His Excellency desired me to wait some time, for that in eight or ten days he believed he should have something to communicate to me. I assured him I would not go ’till I saw him again or heard further from him. This day sennight, his Excellency informed me that he was ready to let me know, that a Messenger from the Court of London had arrived at Madrid: that the Spanish Ministry had demanded the sentiments of the British Court concerning America. He said he was not instructed. He was told that he must previously explain himself upon that subject. He determined to send an Express to London for instructions. This the Comte de Vergennes said would take up two months, and consequently leave me time enough to go to Holland, but if any thing should happen in the mean time, he would give me the earliest Information of it.
     In the Courier de l’Europe of the 14th of July is this paragraph.
     “The report runs, that a person, who has been Secretary of M. le Marquiss D’Almodavar during his Embassy from the Court of Madrid to that of London, arrived here, London, some weeks ago, on board the Milford coming from Oporto: that after a stay of eight days, this Frigate had orders to transport this Person to Lisbon, accompanied by Mr. Cumberland, Secretary of Lord George Germaine, whose instructions imply, that if at the End of twenty days, he is not called to Madrid, he is to return here immediately. As soon as this Person arrived at Lisbon he set out for Madrid, where fifteen after Mr. Cumberland was invited to go, and where he is at present.”
     There is a body of people in England, who are zealous and clamorous for Peace, and the Ministry find their Account in amusing and silencing them, by some equivocal Appearances of Negotiation. They have ever made it a part of their political System to hold out to America some false hopes of reconciliation and peace, in order to slacken our Nerves and retard our preparations. They think also that they can amuse the Courts of France and Spain, with a talk about Conferances and Negotiations, while they are secretly concerting measures to succour Gibralter, and carry on their operations the next Campaign: but serious thoughts of Peace upon any terms that We can agree I am well persuaded they never had. But if they ever did entertain any thoughts of negotiation, it must have been at the time of their Consternation for Sir Henry Clinton and their despair of his success.
     The total and absolute suppression of the Tumults in London, and the triumphant success of Clinton beyond their most sanguine Expectations, has now given them such Exultation and Confidence, that the People of America will dethrone the Congress and like the Israelites demand a King, that they now think of nothing but unconditional submission, or at least of delusive proffers of terms which they know the majority of the People in America will not agree to, in order to divide Us, make a few Gentlemen Apostates, and some Soldiers deserters.
     I have the honor to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant

      John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 24 July 1780
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Plimouth July 24th 1780

     You Will doubtless hear from several quarters of the arrival of admiral Greavess squadron who anchored of point Judith 4 days since. You have heard from better hands of the present situation of this Country, the Military Manuvers, the political opperations, the Disinterestedness of the Inhabitants and the purity of the Manners.
     You have been told that the New Constitution has been accepted, that there is a Canvasing for Elections, and a sighing for the Post of Honour, which however Corrupt the times is not Yet Considered a private station. And perhaps you may hear one of the first acts under the New Establishment is a prohibition of the Trade Newly opened with Britain for the Benefit of a set of Inactive, unoffending, Innocent Men, who to be out of Harms way, have not till Lately shewn themselves in the Capital.
     But these are Matters which Lie so much out of the sphere of Female Life that I (of Late) seldom advert to them any further than is Necessary to Discharge the Duties of the Wife, the Mother, and the Friend, which occupy Every sentiment of my soul. Yet as the first I listen to the Transactions of state, or I should be unworthy of the union with your patriotic friend, and this Leads to Every attention the second Character Can Bestow on the Education and Conduct of his sons, a Deficiency in Either would Cut me off from the Claim which Friendship makes on a small portion of your time.
     But as I would not Encroach too far on Those Moments Every one of which I must suppose more usefully Employed, Brevity is the first injuction I lay on myself when I take up the pen to address Mr. Adams: who will always permit me to write from the Native Dictates of a feeling Friendly Heart unadorned with the Flatering Epithets of the Courtier or the Complimentary Style of the polished Lady Eqally pleased with the Embassadour and with Herself.
     But as Man Notwithstanding his acknowledged superiority of Ability, Breaks through the Barriers of the Wisest Legislation, no Wonder a feble Woman Should Counteract her own Maxims. This must be my apology if I fill up this sheet and this I shall plead as part of my Excuse for writing a second time to a Gentleman before I have been Honoured with a Return.
     Yet perhaps a Letter wrote by a son whose welfare lies too near my Heart may not have reached you. If any Misfortune to him has prevented he will not need an introduction to you. Your affection to his Father insures him your Friendship, your Benevolence the tender offices of Civility and kindness and I hope his Modesty, Rectitude and Honour will Engage your Esteem.
     But a youth of twenty-one seldom knows Either Himself, or the World sufficiently to parry the Thousand arrows which the Blushless Race, both from the toylette and the Gaming Table, Daily level at his Virtue. Yet when the Moral principles are untainted, the more he Discovers the Intriguing spirit of Man and the Duplicity of Human action, the more will he Revere that Probity which shines Conspicuous in a few and the stronger will be his Contempt for the Worthless part of his species.
     Mrs. Adams writes fully by this opportunity which precludes the Necessity of saying more of your family on this side the Atlantic. To those on the other you will make the affectionate Regards of their and their Fathers Friend & Humble Servant

      Marcia


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 25 July 1780
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Adams, John

      My dear Sir
      Boston July 25th 1780

     I have but a Moment to write by the Mars, a Vessel belonging to this State, the Voyage having been kept secret upon political Accounts.
     I congratulate you on the Arrival of the Fleet from Brest at Newport, commanded by the Chevalier de Ternay, after a Passage of about 10 Weeks: not a single Vessel of the whole Fleet missing.
     You will hear before this reaches you of the Loss of Charlestown, in which Genl. Lincoln and his whole Army were made Prisoners of War, and four Continental Frigates taken. The Place it is said was well-defended: but the Enemy having Command of the Sea Coasts, and received repeated Reinforcements from N. York, and the Difficulty we found in sending Aid, occasioned it’s Surrender on the 12th of May. I cannot, however, forbear to regret that more was not done, and earlier, for the Preservation of so important a Place.
     This Loss, the late Irruption from New York on the Jerseys, and the Arrival of the Marquis Fayette who apprized us of the Armament coming from Brest, have awakened us. We have done not a little to reinforce the Army. This State has voted 5000 men for 6 Months, and 5000 Militia for 3 Months. Great Part of this Force has already join’d or is near the Army. Tho the Term is so short in which they are to serve it is at a vast Expence the Men are raised. The People, however bear their Burdens, from an Attachment to our great Cause. I am sorry that after all our Experience we still raise Men for such short Periods—But Sic se Res habent.
     The Descent upon the Jerseys was accompanied with the usual, or even greater Examples of Barbarity and Rage. Springfield was laid in Ashes: many Women abused, and the Wife of a Clergyman who had distinguished himself in the Cause of his Country, cruelly murdered. The Enemy were well opposed, and obliged at last to retire precipitately by Genl. Green with an handful of Troops and the neighboring Militia. Their Loss in killed and wounded amounts we are told to 900.
     In the Midst of our Joy at the Arrival of the Fleet from France, and of our Exertions for the Campaign we received two days ago an Account that a British Fleet is off Newport, supposed to be Graves join’d with Arbuthnot. They are said to be 16 Sail or upwards; 8 of which are of the Line: The French have but 7 of the Line and few Frigates. We expect a second Division from Brest, and ardently wish for their safe Arrival; For if we have not a naval Superiority on these Coasts, I expect little from this Campaign, and that Britain will hold New York, Charlestown, and other important Ports in Spite of all the Efforts we can make.
     This will be delivered to you by my Nephew Mr. Richard Cooper, in the Naval Service of his Country, and a young officer in Capt. Sampson’s Ship. I long to hear from you and my dear Boys, and how they improve. Col. Johonnot was in Hopes to have embarqued for France before now, but could not arrange his Affairs for that Purpose early enough. He hopes however soon to find an opportunity of seeing you and his Son. We are both under the greatest obligations to you for your kind Care of our Boy, who I hope behaves well. His Father sent a Remittance to you, he tells me, by the last Opportunity. The Alliance is not yet arrived—nor the Letters and Accounts you mentioned to me; nor have I, or Col. Johonnot received a single Line by the Fleet. A few days ago a Pacquet from you was left at my House, directed to Mrs. Adams. I was not in Town, but Mrs. Cooper without the Loss of a Moment, went with it to Braintree, and delivered it to your Lady, who is well, and endures your Absence in the most important Service of your Country, with a noble Fortitude.
     Pray remember me to the Honb. Mr. Dana and all Friends. My most affectionate Regards attend the young Gentlemen your Sons.
     With every Sentiment of Respect and Affection, I am Your’s in every Sense

      Samuel Cooper


Title: To John Adams from the Comte de Vergennes, 25 July 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Adams, John

         A Versailles le 25 Juillet 1780

        J’ai recu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 17 de ce mois. Je l’ai luë avec la plus sérieuse attention, et pour rendre ma réponse d’autant plus éxacte, je l’ai placée en marge de chacun des articles qui m’a parû mériter des observations de ma part. Vous y verrez, Monsieur, que je persiste à penser que le moment de communiquer au Lord Germaine vos pleinpouvoirs, n’est pas encore venu, et vous y trouverez les motifs sur lesquels je fonde mon opinion. Je ne doute pas que vous n’en sentiez la force, et quelles ne vous déterminent à penser comme moi. Mais dans le cas contraire, je vous invite et même vous requiers au nom du Roi, de communiquer votre lettre et ma réponse aux Etats-Unis et de suspendre, jusqu’à ce que vous ayez reçu des ordres de leur part, toute démarche vis-à-vis du Ministère anglois. Je ferai passer de mon côté mes observations en Amérique, afin que M. de la Luzerne puisse en entretenir les membres du Congrès: J’ose croire que ce Senat jugera le sentiment du Ministère de france digne de quelque attention, et qu’il ne craindra pas de s’égarer et de trahir les intérêts des Etats-Unis en l’adoptant pour régle de sa conduite.
        J’ai l’honneur d’être très sincérement, Monsieur, votre tres humble et très obéissant serviteur,

         De Vergennes


Title: Enclosure: The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams, 25 July 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Adams, John

        Lettre écrite à M. le Cte. de Vergennes par M. Adams, le 17 Juillet 1780Observations sur la dernière Lettre de M. Adams du 17 Juillet 1780.
       1º. I should have been very happy . . . to communicate them. Iº. Les motifs qui ont déterminé le Cte. de Vergennes à donner ce Conseil à M. Adams, sont aussi simples qu’ils paroissent péremptoires: 1º. S’occuper d’un Traité de Commerce avant d’avoir fait la paix, c’est s’occuper de l’ornement d’un édifice avant d’en avoir posé les Fondements; 2º. Dans l’état où se trouve encore l’Amérique à l’égard de l’Angleterre, annoncer à cette Puissance que l’on a oublié son Systême d’asservissement, ses cruautés, ses perfidies, c’est lui montrer beaucoup de foiblesse, ou aumoins beaucoup de bonhommie, c’est l’inviter à croire que les Américains ont une prédilection irrésistible pour elle, c’est la fortifier dans l’opinion, où elle est, que les Américains patriotes se soumettront par lassitude ou par la crainte de l’influence prépondérante des Torys; 3º. Proposer un Traité de Commerce qui doit avoir pour baze la confiance et une liaison équivalente à une alliance, tandis que la guerre est dans toute sa fureur, tandis que la cour de Londres veut, ou détruire, ou asservir l’Amérique, n’est ce pas accréditer l’opinion où toute l’Europe a toujours été, daprés les assertions de Ministres anglois, que les Etats Unis inclinent vers une défection, et qu’ils ne seront fidèles à leurs engagemens envers la france, qu’aussi long tems que la Grande Bretagne ne leur fournira pas un prétexte pour les rompre.
        2º. Your Excellency will recolect that . . . the Court of London. IIº. On peut être muni éventuellent de pleinpouvoirs sans être obligé de les exhiber avant que les circonstances permettent d’en faire usage: ce cas arrive journellement. M. Adams est chargé de trois commissions très distinctes: 1º. De prendre part aux négociations futures de la paix: 2º. de conclure un Traité de commerce avec la Grande Bretagne; et, 3º. De représenter les Etats-Unis à la cour de Londres. Il ne faut pas grand effort de génie pour démontrer que ces trois objets ne sauroient être cumulés; Il n’en faut pas davantage pour démontrer que les deux derniers ne sauroient servir d’acheminement au premier. Il faudra, avant toutes choses, obtenir de l’Angleterre qu’elle reconnoisse l’Indépendance de l’Amérique, et que cette reconnoissance serve de baze au Traité de paix: ce ne sera qu’après l’avoir obtenue que M. Adams pourra parler d’un Traité de Commerce: En proposer un, tandis que la Cour de Londres se flate encore de soumettre l’Amérique, et qu’elle fait dans cette vuë les efforts les plus extraordinaires, ce seroit, à ses yeux, lui proposer une chymère, ce seroit faire une demarche qu’elle regarderoit comme une dérision. Il en seroit de même si on lui parloit dans le moment présent d’un Ministre Plénipotentiaire des Etats-Unis destiné à résider près sa Majesté Britannique.

        Ainsi le seul pouvoir dont les circonstances ont pu permettre à M. Adams de faire l’annonce, c’est celui qui l’autorise à prendre part à la négociation de la paix. Ses deux autres n’auront de valeur que lorsque cette paix sera conclue; ainsi il seroit au moins inutile de les produire actuellement, ainsi M. Adams ne s’écarte pas du but et de la nature de ses pouvoirs en les cachant à la cour de Londres. Quoique le Cte. de Vergennes ignore le contenu des instructions de M. Adams, il est persuadé qu’elles sont analogues aux réfléxions qui viennent d’être faites et qu’elles ne prescrivent pas plus la communication immédiate des pouvoirs relatifs au Traité de Commerce qu’elles ne lui ordonnent de faire une paix séparée avec la Grande Bretagne: cette opinion est fondée sur celle que le Ministére du Roi a de la Sagacité, de la prudence et de la fidelité du Congrès.
        I think also that . . . to resist them, if hostile. IIIº. On vient de l’observer, le Ministére anglois regarderoit cette communication comme une dérision; ainsi c’est vouloir s’aveugler volontairement que de suposer qu’elle l’engagera à entrer dans des pourparlers, qu’elle lui fera dire autre chose que ce que portent les résolutions du Parlement, savoir: qu’Elle écoutera et recevra les américains en grace lorsqu’ils auront reconnu leur ancienne allegeance; or il seroit au moins superflu de s’attirer une pareille réponse, et les Etats-Unis n’en ont pas besoin pour connoitre les sentiments actuels de la Cour de Londres, et encore moins pour se préparer par des conseils et des armées à y resister: Il est étonnant de parler de préparation de conseils et d’armées tandis que la guerre est dans toute sa force, qu’elle dure depuis près de six ans, et que l’Angleterre n’a pas encore fait aux américains la moindre ouverture qui puisse les autoriser à croire qu’elle veut souscrire à leur indépendance.
        The english nation . . . sigh for Peace. IVº. Le Ministére anglois ne feroit aucune réponse, ou bien il en feroit une insolente: Dans cette dernier supposition, pourquoi s’exposer gratuitement à une avanie, et se rendre par là la risée de toutes les nations qui n’ont pas encore reconnu l’indépendance des Etats-Unis. Mais il y a lieu de croire que M. Adams demeureroit sans réponse parce que le Ministére Britannique croira n’en pas devoir à un homme qui prendra une qualité que la Cour de Londres doit regarder comme un insulte. Il ne faut point perdre de vuë que cette Cour regarde toujours les Américains comme de Sujets rebelles: Comment avec cette opinion le lord Germaine pourroit-il recevoir une lettre de M. Adams, se qualifiant Ministre Plénipotentiaire des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique Septentrionale, comment ce Ministre anglois pourroit-il entendre parler d’un Traité de Commerce, lequel ne peut se faire qu’entre Nations indépendantes?
        Ces observations convaincront M. Adams que la france n’a pas besoin de la tentative qu’il propose pour connoitre et apprécier les sentimens et les dispositions de la Cour de Londres, et que nous savons dès-à-présent parfaitement bien à quoi nous devons et pouvour nous attendre de sa part dans la position actuelle des choses.
        Idem. Vº. Le silence ou la réponse du Ministére anglois, quelle quelle soit, n’allarmera ni ne soulevera le peuple d’Angleterre. Ce Peuple désire sans doute la paix et un accommodement avec l’Amérique: Mais l’on a entendu encore que quelques particuliers, plustôt par esprit de contradiction que par conviction, parler de l’indépendance: Il ne s’est pas fait au Parlement une seule motion tendante à accorder cette indépendance: Le peuple a cependant des amis et des protecteurs dans le Parlement. M. Adams peut juger par là des embarras que la notification de ses pouvoirs donneroit au Ministére.
        Another consideration . . . of my powers. VIº. L’Angleterre, comme le reste de l’Europe, est parfaitement éclairée sur la nature des engagements qui subsistent entre la france et les Etats-Unis: Le Roi lui a fait déclarer Ministériellement le 13 Mars 1778, qu’il ne s’étoit fait assurer aucun privilége exclusif par le Traité de Commerce du 6 février de la même année, et Sa Majesté a confirmé cette déclaration dans un écrit publié par ses ordres ainsi le pleinpouvoir de M. Adams n’apprendra rien de nouveau à cet égard, ni à l’Angleterre, ni aux autres Puissances de l’Europe: ainsi la fausse opinion où il croit que la Cour de Londres est à cet égard ne sauroit étre un obstacle à la paix: si cet obstacle pouvoit éxister, le Ministére anglois chercheroit lui même à le lever, s’il étoit déterminé à faire dependre de là la paix.

        There are at present . . . its accomplishment. VIIº. Il est certain que toute la nation angloise, et les Ministres eux-mêmes désirent la paix; mais ou l’a déjà dit, il n’a pas encore été fait une seule motion en faveur de l’Indépendance de l’Amérique; le plenipouvoir de M. Adams ne changera certainement par les dispositions subsistantes à cet égard; par conséquent, la communication, qui en seroit faite, ne faciliteroit, ni n’acceleroit la conclusion de la paix.
        At this moment, . . . digest their plans accordingly. VIIIº. Cette réfléxion est très sage: Elle prouve que M. Adams sent lui même quil est des circonstances qui le mettent dans le cas de céler ses plenipouvoirs: Le Ministére du Roi pense que l’on sera dans des circonstances de cette espèce jusqu’au moment où la nation anglaise se montrera disposée à reconnoître l’indépendance des Etats-Unis: Cette reconnoissance ne sera pas facilitée par l’annonce d’un Traité de Commerce, car les anglais sont tres persuadés dés-à-présent qu’ils auront un Traité pareil avec l’Amérique, quand il le jugeront à propos; ils ont d’ailleurs, ainsi que M. Adams le dit lui méme dans sa lettre du 19. février dernier, une entiére connoissance de sa Commission, ainsi la communication de son pleinpouvoir ne leur apprendroit rien de nouveau à cet égard.
        Notwithstanding the suppression of . . . to Great-Britain. IXº. On vient de repondre au contenu de cet Article: Il n’est pas un anglois qui ne soit persuadé que les Etats-Unis ne soient disposés à accorder les avantages du Commerce à leur ancienne Métropole: Mais persuader, non seulement à un Anglois, mais aussi à un être pensant, qu’en accordant l’indépendance en échange de ces mêmes avantages, la Cour de Londres feroit une paix honorable et avantageuse, seroit une tâche difficile à remplir: Si tel étoit le véritable sentiment du Peuple anglais, pourquoi donc fourniroit-il depuis six ans, sans murmurer, des subsides ruineux pour soumettre l’amérique?
        I am the more confirmed . . . if that was settled. Xº. Ou le Ministére anglois recherche sincérement la paix, ou il ne veut qu’amuser et pénétrer l’Espagne. Dans le 1er. cas, il exprimera les conditions auxquelles il désire la traiter; il sera donc obligé de mettre au jour ses vuës et ses demandes concernant l’Amérique: Il n’oubliera certainement rien de ce qu’il croira pouvoir acheminer la paix, et, de’accord sur l’indépendance, son premier soin sera sans doute de demander d’être mis au niveau de la france relativement au commerce.
        Si au contraire le Ministére anglais ne veut qu’amuser l’Espagne, pénetrer ses desseins, rallentir ses préparatifs de guerre, M. Adams voudra bien rendre au Ministére de Madrid la justice de croire qu’il a la sagacité nécessaire pour demêler toutes ces vuës, et assés de lumiéres et de prudence pour déterminer la conduite qu’il lui conviendra de tenir.
        Idem. XIº. Si M. Adams est aussi sûr que de son éxistence que les Ministres anglois n’ont pas envie de faire la paix à des conditions également convenables à la france et à l’Amérique, à quoi bon leur communiquer à présent un pouvoir dont l’on ne pourra faire usage qu’après la paix? Comment M. Adams peut-il se persuader que la Cour de Londres sera séduite par l’appât d’un Traité de Commerce, tandis qu’Elle manifeste encore une répugnance invincible à reconnoître l’indépendance? Quand Elle voudra la reconnoître cette indépendance, Elle proposera d’Elle même les conditions qu’elle croira devoir y mettre, et M. Adams peut être assuré qu’Elle n’oubliera point le Commerce: Ce sera là le véritable moment de produire ses pleinpouvoirs; Mais en attendant il faut travailler à établir la baze de la négociation, Savoir: L’indépendance de l’amérique; Et l’on ne pourra y réussir qu’en faisant la guerre avec vigueur et avec succés.


Title: The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams: A Translation, 25 July 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Adams, John

         Versailles, 25 July 1780

        I have received, sir, the letter that you did me the honor to write on the 17th of this month. I have read it with the utmost attention and in order to make my reply all the more exact, I have placed in the margin each of the points which appear to merit observations on my part. You will see there, sir, that I still think that the moment to communicate your plenipotentiary powers to Lord Germaine has not yet arrived and the grounds upon which I base my opinion. I doubt not that you will feel the force of them and that they will determine you to think as I do. But if that should not be the case, I request and require you in the name of the King to communicate your letter and my reply to the United States and suspend, until you shall receive orders from them, vis-à-vis the English ministry. I shall, on my part, send my observations to America so that M. de La Luzerne may communicate them to the members of Congress, and I am persuaded that that assembly will judge the opinion of the Minister of France worthy of some attention and will not fear that, by adopting it as the rule of its conduct, it is neglecting or betraying the interests of the United States.

         I have the honor to be very sincerely, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant.
         De Vergennes


Title: From John Adams to the Comte de Vergennes, 26 July 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de

       Sir
       Paris July 26th 1780

      I have recieved the letter which your Excellency did me the honor to write me the twenty fifth of this month.
      The sincere respect I entertain for your Excellency’s Sentiments would have determined me, upon the least intimation, to have communicated my letter and your Excellency’s answer to Congress, and to suspend, until I should recieve orders on their part, all measures towards the British Ministry: without your Excellency’s requisition in the Name of the King.
      I shall transmit these papers to Congress, and I doubt not, the Reasons your Excellency has adduced, will be sufficient to induce them to suspend any communication to the British Ministry, as it is undoubtedly their Wisdom, to conduct all such measures in concert with their Allies.
      There is a great body of People in America, as determined as any to support their Independence, and their Alliances, who notwithstanding wish that no measure may be left unattempted by Congress or their Servants to manifest their readiness for Peace, upon such terms as they think honourable and advantageous to all parties. Your Excellency’s Arguments, or indeed your Authority, will probably be sufficient to satisfy these People and to justify me, whereas without them I might have been liable to the censure of numbers. For it is most certain that all due deference will be shewn by the People of the United States and their Servants both in and out of Congress, to the sentiments of the Ministry of France.
      This deference however by no means extends so far as to agree in all Cases to those sentiments without examination. I cannot therefore agree in the Sentiment, that proposing a Treaty of Peace and Commerce is discovering a great deal of weakness, or that the Americans have forgotten the British System of Tyranny, Cruelty or Perfidy, or to invite her to believe the Americans have an irresistible predilection for England, or to fortify her in the opinion that the American Patriots will submit through weariness, or through fear of the preponderant Influence of the Tories.
      And so far from thinking it would give credit to the opinion, if there be such an one in all Europe, that the United States incline towards a defection, and that they will not be faithful to their Engagements, it seems to me, on the contrary, that it would discredit the opinion which prevails too much in Europe that there is some secret Treaty between France and the United States, by which the former is entituled to exclusive priviledges in the American Trade.
      It is very true, that the Independence of America must be acknowledged before a Treaty of Peace can be made: But the prospect of a free trade with America upon principles of perfect equality and reciprocity, like that between France and the United States, might be a powerful Inducement with the people of England to acknowledge American Independence. Indeed I do not see any other considerable motive that England can ever have to make that Acknowledgment.

      The Congress have given no positive Instructions respecting the time or manner of making these powers known to one Court or another. All this is left at discretion, and to a construction of the Commissions themselves.
      It is very certain that all the belligerent Powers are busily occupied every winter in their Councils and preparations for the ensuing Campaign. And it is also certain that the Artifice of the British Ministry in holding up to view every winter some semblance of a design of reconciliation formerly and of Peace latterly, has been a real Engine of hostility against America, equal to a considerable part of the British Army.
      Neither the people of America nor Mr. Adams have any the least dread upon their minds of an insolent answer, from one of the British Ministers, nor of the ridicule of those Nations who have not yet acknowledged the Independence of America. No man of any knowledge, justice or humanity in any of those nations, would laugh upon such an occasion: on the contrary he would feel a just indignation against a Minister who should insult a Message so obviously calculated for the good of England and of all Europe, in the present Circumstances of affairs.
      I am very much mistaken, for I speak upon Memory, if the Duke of Richmond did not make a motion two years ago, in the House of Lords, and if Mr. Hartley did not make another about a Year ago, which was seconded by Lord North himself in the House of Commons tending to grant Independence to America. And it is very certain that a great part of the People of England think that Peace can be had upon no other terms.
      It is most clear that the present Ministry will not grant Independence: the only chance of obtaining it is by change of that Ministry. The King is so attached to that Ministry, that he will not change them, until it appears that they have so far lost the Confidence of the People, that their Representatives in Parliament dare no longer to support them: and in the Course of the last winter, the Weight and Sentiments of the People were so considerable as to bring many great Questions nearly to a ballance, and particularly to carry two votes, one against the Increase of the influence of the Crown, and another against the Board of Trade and Plantations, a vote that seemed almost to decide the American Question, and they came within a very few votes of deciding against the American Secretary. Now where Parties are approaching so near to a ballance, even a small weight thrown into either Scale, may turn it.

      In my letter of the nineteenth of February I said, that my appointment was notorious in America, and that therefore it was probably known to the Court of London, although they had not regular evidence of it. The Question then was more particularly concerning a commission to assist in the pacification. This was published in the American Newspapers in a general way: but I have no reason to think they are particularly informed of these matters, if they were, no evil that I am aware of could result from giving them the information officially. Certainly they have no official information, and it is reported that they deny that they know the nature of Mr. Adams’s Commission.
      Without any great effort of Genius, I think it is easy to demonstrate to any thinking Being, that, by granting American Independence, and making a Treaty of Peace, upon principles of perfect Reciprocity, England would in the present circumstances of affairs make an honourable and an advantageous Peace. It would have been more for their honor and advantage never to have made this war against America, it is true: but having made it, all the dishonour and disadvantage there is in it, is indelible: and after thirteen Colonies have been driven to throw off their Government, and annihilate it in every root and branch, becoming independent in fact, maintaining this Independence against a force of sixty thousand men and fifty Ships of War, that would have shaken most of the States of Europe to the very foundation, after maintaining this Independence four Years, and having made an honourable Treaty with the first Power in Europe; after another power had fallen into the war in consequence of the same System; after the voice of mankind had so far declared against the Justice of their Cause, that they could get no Ally; but on the contrary all the maritime Powers are entering into a Confederacy against them upon a point which has been a principal Source of their naval Superiority in Europe: in these Circumstances, the only honourable part they can act is to conform to the opinion of mankind; and the dishonourable and ruinous part for them to act is to continue the War. For the principle, that the People have a right to a form of Government according to their own judgments and inclinations, is in this enlightened Age so well agreed in the World, that it would be thought dishonourable by mankind in general for the English to govern three millions of People against their wills by military force, and this is all they can ever hope for, even supposing, they could bribe and tempt deserters enough from our Army and Apostates from our Cause, to make it impossible for us to carry on the war. This however I know to be impossible and that they never will get quiet possession again of the Government of any one whole State in the thirteen, no not for an hour. If England considers further, that America is now known all over Europe to be such a Magazine of raw materials for manufactures, such a Nursery of seamen and such a source of Commerce and naval Power, that it would be dangerous to all the maritime Powers, to suffer any one of them to establish a domination and a Monopoly again in America.
      I know there exists in some European minds a prejudice against America, and a jealousy that she will be hurtfull to Europe, and England may place some dependence upon this prejudice and jealousy; but the motions of the maritime Powers begin to convince her, that this jealousy and prejudice do not run so deep as they thought and surely there never was a more groundless prejudice entertained among men, and it must dissipate, as soon as the Subject is considered.
      America is a Nation of Husbandmen, planted on a vast Continent of wild uncultivated land. And there is and will be for Centuries no way in which these people can get a living and advance their interests so much as by Agriculture. They can apply themselves to manufactures, only to fill up Interstices of time, in which they cannot labour on their lands, and to Commerce only to carry the produce of their lands the raw materials of manufactures to the European Market.
      Europe is a Country whose land is all cultivated nearly to perfection, where the People have no way to advance themselves, but by manufactures and Commerce. Here are two worlds then fitted by God and Nature to benefit each other, one by furnishing raw materials, the other manufactures, and they never can interfere. The number of the States in America; their position and extension over such a great Continent, and their fundamental Constitution that nine States must concur to war, shew that nine of these States never can agree in any foreign war, or any other but for self defence, if they should ever become powerful. But in this case, however disagreable a prospect it may open to Americans, Europe has an everlasting Warranty against their becoming dangerous to her, in the nature of Men, the Nature of her Governments and their position towards one another.
      All those Circumstances serve to shew, and the people of England begin to be sensible of it, that Europe will never suffer them to regain their domination and Monopoly, even if the English were able to extort a forced Submission. In this situation then the only honourable and advantageous Course for England is to make peace, and open Commerce with America, in perfect consistency with her Independence and her Alliances. The people of England cannot be said to furnish subsidies without murmuring; for it is certain there never was so much murmuring and such radical discontent in that nation or any other, but at the Eve of a Revolution.
      I very chearfully agree with your Excellency in opinion, that the Court of Spain has Sagacity enough to penetrate and to defeat the deceitful designs of the English, and am not under other apprehensions from thence, than that the report of a negotiation with Spain, will leave some Impressions in America, where I believe the English Ministry chiefly intend it.
      I have already said that from the present British Ministry I expect no Peace. It is for the Nation, and for the change of the Ministry as a step towards Peace that I thought it might have some effect to make the communication, and to satisfy these people in America, who without the most distant thought of departing from their Independence or their Alliances wish still to take every reasonable measure towards peace. Your Excellency’s Letter will convince them that my apprehensions were wrong, and your Advice will undoubtedly be followed, as it ought to be, for they cannot promise themselves any Advantage from the communication equivalent to the Inconveniency, of taking a measure of the kind, which ought not to be done but in Concert, against the opinion of the Ministry of France.
      I have the Honor to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

       John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Bidé de Chavagnes, 28 July 1780
From: Chavagnes, Bidé de
To: Adams, John

       Mon cher monsieur
       a bord du bien aimé dans la rade du ferol ce 28 juillet 1780

      Occupé de vous, de mrs. Dena, taxter, de vos chers enfants et de tout cequi vous interesse par continuation, je suis bien aise D’avoir lhonneur de vous demander des nouvelles de vos santés qui m’interessent bien fort, et de vous donner des miennes auxquelles vous avez la bonté de vous interesser. Je me suis toujours assez bien porté depuis notre depart de brest du 13 de ce mois. Après une belle navigation de 8 jours nous sommes arrives comme par un miracle au ferol, car l’armée angloise qui sest divisée dans notre golphe profite des bons vents de la saison pour se porter partout. Elle a fait relacher un de nos vaisseaux a 3 ponts a st andero, et depuis 8 jours que nous sommes icy les vigies ont eus connoissance de 22 vaisseaux sur finistere dabord et depuis 2 jours sur ortegal. Le vaisseau ou je suis etant le plus mauvais marcheur de tous nos vaisseaux il est bien heureux de leurs avoir echappées. Nous avons eu de la brume et cotoyés plus de 20 lieues de la coste despagne. Nous sommes icy nombreuse compagnie reunis, 3 vaisseaux francois, 2 espagnols un 3e. qui se prepare 4 fregattes, et un convoy de 60 batiments marchands dont la sortie et l’arrivée surtout seroint bien interessantes pour nos colonies, mais risquer cela dans ce moment seroit je crois bien perilleux. Nous avons envoyés une fregatte a la decouverte de ces mrs. mais quoyquelle marche bien, je crains bien fort pour elle. Nous aurions grand besoin dun bon coup de vent du Sud ouest, ou bien de la visite de notre armée de cadix sur cette coste. Car je ne scay pas trop d icy a la fin D’aout comment nous ferons pour nous tirer du ferol et passer le cap de finistere une flotte comme cellecy occupe 4 ou 5 lieües de terrain. Il est difficile de n estre pas vu quand on est attendu et veillés par de petits batiments qui viennent icy jusqu’a lentrée. Comme ils marchent bien ils se moquent de nous. Jay deja bien renouvellés mes connoissances au ferol. Jay peur dy rester assez de temps pour my bien ennuyer cequi m arrive deja, mais je mange et couche toujours a bord. Le pays, et vous le scavez bien et moy aussi est trop cher. Mrs. le commandant du ferol, les consuls de la corogne et d’icy se portent bien et mont bien demandés de vos nouvelles. Nous etions destinés pour aller a cadix. Si vous vouliez my avanturer une lettre et my donner vos commissions cela me flatteroit beaucoup. Nous n’avons icy pour le present aucunes nouvelles interessantes. Il y fait de si grandes chaleurs que je suis tout en eau en vous ecrivant. Je vous souhaite bien de la santé ainsi qu’a tous nos chers alliés de votre famille et autres. Continuez moy vos souvenirs et amitiés, ne doutez point des sentiments sinceres du respectueux attachement avec lequel jay l honneur d estre pour la vie Mon cher monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

       Bidé de chavagnes capne. des vaux. du roy de france

       Si vous voyez monsieur de sartines je vous prierois de luy offrir mon profond respect.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 28 July 1780
From: Digges, Thomas,Williams, Alexander
To: Adams, John

      Dr. Sir
      Camberwell 28th July 1780

     A Vessel from N York to Liverpoole which saild the 24th. June, brings advice that Clinton had got back to that quarter and gone up the No. River with 10,000 Men and several small boats. About a month ago an intimate friend shewd letters from that General mentioning that his intention was to try if Washingtons lines were forcible; I make no doubt this is the scheme he is upon—He will most likely look, and come back, which was the case with Him before.
     The same Vessel brings an account of a smart action between the Trumbull frigate Cap. Nicholson and a Liverpoole Letter of Marque which got off.
     A Passenger in a Ship from St. Eusa. to Holland who landed at the Downes and whom I saw this day at Loyds, told me He saild the 8th of June; on the 24th He was brought too by Adm. Graves’s fleet of 7 sail of the Line in Latitude 34= Longitude 52= about 70 Leagues NE of Bermudas. This fleet saild the 18th June in search of Terneys Squadron after which Graves enquird very eagerly.
     It appears there were no accounts of that squadron on the American Coasts at least near N York, on the 24th of June.
     I am your Most Ob Ser

      Alexr. Williamson


Title: To John Adams from the Comte de Vergennes, 29 July 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Adams, John

        A Versailles le 29. Juillet 1780

       J’ai reçû, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 27. de ce mois. Lorsque j’ai pris sur moi de vous donner une marque de confiance en vous instruisant de la destination de Mrs. de Ternay et de Rochambeau, je ne m’attendois pas à la discussion à la quelle vous avez crû devoir vous livrer sur un passage de ma lettre du 25. de ce mois: Pour en éviter de nouvelles de ce genre, je crois devoir vous prévenir que M. Francklin étant seul accrédité auprès du Roi de la part des Etats-unis, c’est avec lui privativement que je dois et puis traiter des matières qui les concernent, et particulièrement celle qui fait l’objet de vos observations.
       Au surplus, Monsieur, je crois devoir vous faire remarquer que le passage de ma lettre sur lequel vous avez crû devoir étendre vos réfléxions, n’est relatif qu’à l’envoi de l’Escadre commandée par M. le Chev. de Ternay, et qu’il n’a eû d’autre objet que de vous convaincre que le Roi n’a pas eu besoin de vos sollicitations pour s’occuper des intérêts des Etats-unis.

        De Vergennes

        J’ai l’honneur d’être très parfaitement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur


Title: The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams: A Translation, 29 July 1780
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de
To: Adams, John

        Versailles 29 July 1780

       I have received, sir, the letter which you did me the honor to write on the 27th of this month. When I took upon myself to give you a mark of my confidence by informing you of the destination of Messrs. de Ternay and Rochambeau, I did not expect the remarks that you have thought it necessary to make regarding a passage in my letter of the 25th of this month. To avoid any further discussions of this sort I think it my duty to inform you that since Mr. Franklin is the only person accredited to the King by the United States, it is with him only that I ought and can treat of matters which concern them and particularly those which have been object of your observations.
       Moreover, sir, I ought to observe to you, that the passage in my letter on which you have thought it necessary to extend your remarks, concerns only the sending of the squadron commanded by the Chevalier de Ternay and had no other object than to convince you that the King had no need for your solicitation to induce him to concern himself with the interests of the United States.
       I have the honor to be very perfectly, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

        De Vergennes


Title: To John Adams from M. Addenet, 30 July 1780
From: Addenet, M.
To: Adams, John

       Monsieur
       A Paris Le 30 juillet 1780

      Malgré toute ma diligence je ne fais que d’achever la traduction que j’ai L’honneur de vous envoyer. Il n’étoit pas très facile d’en Concilier Les diverses parties: Cependant je Crois y être parvenu. Je desire que vous en portiez le même jugement. Il me semble que Le génie de notre langue Se refuse au titre que vous destiniez à cet ouvrage. Ne suffiroit il pas de mettre tout Simplement, abrégé d’un ecrit Anglois intitulé, Mémoire adressé &c.? Il seroit à propos d’imprimer en Caractères différents L’espèce d’introduction qui Se trouve en tête. Il seroit encore nécessaire de recommander au prote d’avoir La plus grande attention à tous Les renvois et Surcharges qui Sont en grand nombre. J’aurois bien desiré faire une Copie au net; mais j’ai Craint de vous faire attendre trop long tems.
      Je Suis avec un profond respect, Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant serviteur

       Addenet


Title: Addenet to John Adams: A Translation, 30 July 1780
From: Addenet, M.
To: Adams, John

       Sir
       Paris, 30 July 1780

      Despite all my diligence, I am only now finishing the translation that I have the honor to send you. It was not easy to reconcile the various parts, but I think that I have succeeded. I hope that you will agree. It seems to me that the genius of our language does not lend itself to the title that you have given this work. Would it not suffice simply to say abrégé d’un ecrit Anglois intitulé, Mémoire adressé &c.? A different typeface should be used for the introduction that precedes the text and it is also necessary to remind the printer to pay the closest attention to the numerous footnotes and emendations. I would have liked very much to send you a clean copy, but I was afraid of making you wait too long.
      I am with a profound respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant,

       Addenet


Title: To John Adams from the President of Congress, 30 July 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

      Duplicate
      Sir
      Philadelphia July 30 1780

     Since your Arrival in Europe I have been favoured with your several Despatches of the 11. and 16. of December last, the 16. of January, the 15. 17. 19. 20. 25. 27. and 29. of February, the 8. 18. 19. and 23. of March.
     It is probable the Committee of foreign Affairs may have acknowledged the Receipt of these Despatches, and several Duplicates which have been also received.
     I presume they have given you particular Intelligence of all material Occurancies in America since your Departure, it being properly in their Department, and a Business which my present Engagements will by no Means permit me to undertake in so ample a Manner as is necessary, or would be agreeable to your Wishes.
     Before this comes to hand you will have received the disagreeable Intelligence of the Capitulation and Surrender of Charles Town, in which the Brave General Lincoln with about two thousand Continental Troops (Officers included) were made Prisoners.
     On the Evening of the 10th Instant the French Squadron under the Command of the Chevalier de Ternay arrived off New Port. The Compte de Rochambault has since landed his Troops on Connanicut.
     Three Days after their Arrival Admiral Graves with a British Squadron arrived at New-York, and being joined by the Ships there soon put to Sea; and we have just received Advice that Graves with his whole Squadron since their Junction is cruizing of New Port. The exact Number and Strength of his Squadron I cannot learn, but it is thought equal if not superior to Ternays.
     Without a decisive Superiority of naval Strength in these Seas we cannot expect to expell the Enemy from New York this Campaign where we have been plagued with them long enough.
     We have been waiting some Time in anxious Expectation of Intelligence from the West Indies, but by the latest Intelligence from there, nothing Capital had been done as late as the 15th Instant.
     I have the Pleasure to inform you that the State of Massachusetts have established their Constitution, a desirable and important Event.
     I have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of Respect sir your most obedient servant

      Saml. Huntington


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 31 July 1780
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Paris July 31st. 1780

     Mr. Appleton sets off to morrow for Holland, and I shall deliver this enclosing a copy of a letter to you, from the Comte De Vergennes of the 29th. instant, to his care. It was received yesterday. I thought it most adviseable to keep the original. I wrote to Mr. Genet acquainting him of the receipt of the letter, of your departure for Holland, and that I shou’d forward that, or any others which might be sent here, to you.
     I hope you, master John, and mon Fils have had a pleasant tour to Brussels, where I expect you will choose to reside some time. I shall hope for the pleasure of hearing from you, as often as will suit the convenience of one, who ought to consider himself travelling, in part at least, for relaxation from business, and in quest of better health.
     Not one word of news of any sort to communicate. No arrivals from America—I have received one vol: of your Treaties, together with a few pamphlets, and a Letter supposed to be written by W.S.C., accompanied with a short one conjectured to be from a friend now near at hand. These I shall not forward to you, as it does not appear necessary to be done.
     This moment has come to hand the translation of Governour Pownal’s pamphlets, and a letter to you from the Translator. As I know not your particular intention concerning this Translation, whether you wou’d wish to print it in Holland or not, and having an opportunity to send it to you without expence, I commit them likewise to the care of Mr. Appleton, and shall desire him, if you shou’d have left Brussels at his Arrival, to place them in the hands of Mr. Jennings, there to wait your further direction, unless Mr. Jennings shou’d think it adviseable for Mr. Appleton to carry them on to Amsterdam, where he may probably meet you, or if not, lodge them in the hands of Messrs. de Neufville and Son of that place, for you. For this purpose they will be put up separately. A billet to Mr. Thaxter from the Translator is also sent with his letter; the purpose of which you will readily perceive.
     Capt: Manly writes you from Mill Prison; his principal object seems to be to procure some money to enable him to bribe his keepers, but poor Man, he has applied to the wrong house for that precious mettal—He mentions the arrival of Capt: Cuningham in that prison, sick, but on the Recovery.
     Mr. Williams writes “I have ordered your Bordeaux, so you will soon have some excellent wine to give your friends. I have been so particular in this, that if you only say, it is as good as any body has, I shall be disappointed, I mean it to be better. The white wine I am fining, and in a few days it shall be ready” &c. This sounds well, I wish the wine may taste accordingly.
     Again, this moment, another Letter has arrived, dated Hammersmith 25th. July, 80. and sign’d T. Williamson. Among other things, the writer, says, “The report now is, that only 7. of the Spanish Ships remained with Guichen, the other 5 having gone to Leeward with the Trade. This however gives such a decided superiority over Rodney, that we are all much in the dumps and shou’d be exceedingly so, were it not for several peices of good news of yesterday and to day. A large baltic fleet which had been thought in great danger, from several captures being made in the No. Seas, have got safe into the River, and sundry other ports—The Jamaica Fleet, upwards of 150 sail, are all arrived without the Loss of a Ship.” “This day an Express arrived from India with the account of the taking of Puna the Capital of the Marrattas, in which there were considerable riches.” The reflexion of the writer is “Thus England is loosing in the West Indies, what she seems getting but a small compensation for in the East Indies.” He adds, “Not a word from America, and the furor about other Colonies coming in, seems much abated.” This is undoubtedly W.S.C. For my own part, if it is true; that Solano has detached 5 Ships to the Leeward, I expect Walsingham will join Rodney time enough to prevent any thing of consequence being done in that quarter—Graves follows so close in another Course, that the same imbecility of operations will take place there—Geary with a fleet vastly inferiour to his Enemies, by seizing upon the occasion, has had the honor of parading before Brest, and besides, has not only captured the greater part of the St. Domingo Fleet (14 out of 25) but has completely covered the great and invaluable Jamaica Fleet. He may now, as he doubtless will, retire before the mightier combined Fleets, without loss of honor: And all Europe will perhaps in the End, see them after having paraded up and down the Channel, during the continuance of the gentle Zephyrs, returning into port as triumphantly as they did the last year—When the English will again put to Sea; and strike some brilliant stroke or other. I look for Success only from the Spaniards in the Floridas, notwithstanding the mighty preparations of this Year—It may be said of Fortune as of the Law, Vigilantibus non dormientibus. I am, dear Sir, with the greatest Respect and Esteem, your much obliged friend and very humble Servant

      FRA Dana


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 1 August 1780
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      Paris Augt. 1st. 1780

     I have just received four letters from Nantes, one from Mr. Johnson, two from Mr. Williams, and one from Mr. Watson. They are short, and I will give you the substance of them in a few words. Mr. de Francey (Agent for Beaumarch) arrived at Nantes on the evening of the 28th. ultimo from, one letter says, Maryland, and another, Virginia, which he left on the 14th. of June, in the Fier Roderigue which is arrived at the Isle of Rhé, after seeing her Convoy of 18 Sail safe in the River of Bordeaux, except the Jane who foundered at Sea, a Ship with 370 320 Hdds. of Tobacco. The Fier Roderigue took two rich prizes, “one a ship with 370 Hdds. Tobacco from the West Indies for London, the other a West India Man”—Mr. Dean came passenger in the Roderigue, and is gone to Bordeaux. One letter says “Our people are not in that state of despondency on account of the loss of Charlestown, as has been represented, they are no doubt sorry for it, but they are as firm as ever, and will always support the Cause.” Another says, “The People were much deprest at the capture of Charlestown, but they have recovered, and are determined to perish or succeed in the support of their Liberty.” They had heard nothing of De Ternay—A vessel is said to be chased on shore near Rochelle, and to have left New London the 28th. of June, they had not then heard any thing of De Ternay there. No letters having come to Town can give no particulars. Thus much from these Letters. I shall go to Passy in the morning to see if there are letters for us, or any further intelligence. I am Dear Sir with much esteem and respect your friend and humble Servant

      FRA Dana

      P.S. Mr. Austin has receivd an answer to his memorial from Monsr. De Sartine who tells him, among other things, that His Majesty’s Ships are well supplied with Masts, but that this matter is in Comte Vergennes Department.


Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 3 August 1780
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

       Monsieur
       Lahaie 3e. Août 1780

      J’ai la Satisfaction de pouvoir vous informer, qu’il est arrivé un Courier des Plenipotentiaires de la Republique à Petersbourg, avec des Dépeches qui ôtent tout prétexte plausible aux temporiseurs, pour reculer l’accession de cette republique à la neutralité armée; et qu’il y a grande apparence que le Portugal, le Roi de P., et l’Empereur s’y joindront aussi. Il est apparent que tout cela a pour but, non seulement de procurer aux nations un Code maritime respecté et salutaire à tous pour l’avenir, mais aussi la paix entre les puissances belligérantes, peut-être avant le printemps prochain. Je Suis avec un grand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur,

       Dumas


Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 3 August 1780
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

       Sir
       The Hague, 3 August 1780

      I have the pleasure to inform you that a courier from the republic’s plenipotentiaries at St. Petersburg has arrived with dispatches that remove any plausible pretext for the temporizers to delay the accession of the republic to the armed neutrality and indicate the likelihood that Portugal, the King of Prussia, and the Emperor will also join. It is apparent that the purpose of all this is not only to procure for all the nations a respected and salutary maritime code for the future, but also to bring peace between the belligerents, perhaps before next spring. I am, with great respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant,

       Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 5 August 1780
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Antwerp August 5. 1780

     I have followed your Excellence to this Town in hopes of seeing you before your departure. I should follow you stil, if I could flatter myself with having the pleasure of overtaking you. However having met with a Gentleman on my route, who has promised to find you out if Possible at Rotterdam I shall return tomorrow to Brussels.
     The End of my Journey was to inform your Excellency, that I received yesterday a Letter from Mr. Johnson, which informd me that the Fier Roderigue is arrivd at Bourdeaux from Virginia and has convoyed 17 Ships safely in. She took two Ships on her passage, one of 370 HHds. of Tobacco and the other a West Indiaman. She left Virginia the 14th of June, and says that the people were much struck with the Capture of Charles Town at first but they have recovered themselves and are perfectly United. A Monsr. Francis is arrivd and as Mr. Deane. A Ship from New London is run ashore at New Rochefort. She left the Country the 28th of June—and her Letters were not come up when Mr. Johnson wrote. Nothing had been heard of D Estaing i.e. Ternay the 14 of June. It was imagind that He was gone to Quebec. Johnson has promised to write again if there is any thing perticular which I shall Communicate Immediately to your Excellence. It is said the French have lost an East Indiaman—it is said that D Estaing has been overturnd in his chaise on his Route the other side of Bourdeuax.
     I Hope your Excellency will excuse the Paper and writing. I write without Eyes and on such paper, as I can get. I beg my little Friends woud accept my best wishes for their Health and Happiness.
     I am Sir your Excellencys Most faithful & Obedient Humble Servt.

      Edm: Jenings

      P.S. The Gentleman, who Charges Himself with this is of Holland and now resides at Brussells is of Scoth Extraction. His Name is Douglas—He is Sensible and Agreable—has been in the East Indias, and having got wherewithal is contentd to live retird, without mixing further in the wold.


Title: To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 7 August 1780
From: Jenings, Edmund
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Brussels August. 7th 1780

     Having receivd a Letter from Nantes, datd the 29th Ultimo, I followed your Excellency to Antwerp to impart the Contents thereof, but on my Arrival there on Friday, I found you had quitted the Town early in the morning. I was much baulked that I was deprived of a few hours conversation; but shoud have followed your Excellency to Rotterdam, had I not been Apprehensive that the same dispatch with which you left One City, might have carried you from the other, and had I not met, at the same time, with a Scotch Dutch Gentleman of the Name of Douglas, who promised to Use his best Endeavours to deliver into your Excellencys Hand any Letter, I might think proper to entrust Him with or return it to me here.
     I accordingly wrote One, which informed your Excellency that the Fier Rodorigue saild from Virginia the 14th. of June and had convoyed 17 Ships to Bordeaux, that She had taken two Ships, one loaded with 370 HHds. of Tobacco and the other a West Indiaman. That Mr. Deane and Mr. Francis arrivd in her, that No News was then had of Monsr. de Ternay, who it was imagind was gone to Quebec, that the people of the States had recovered of their Uneasiness at the loss of Charles Town and were firmly united and that a Ship, which left New London the 28th of June was driven Ashore at Rochelle. Her Letters were Supposed to be Safe, but were not come up. I Know not, Sir, whether this letter has come to hand, and therefore I make this recapitulation.
     I have now to inform your Excellency that a Mr. Appleton of Boston called on me yesterday Morning with Letters, delivered to Him by Mr. Dana for your Excellency. He was instructed to leave one of them with me and convey the others to your Excellency. On the Whole, I thought it more Adviseable as the Gentleman canot fail meeting with your Excellency, That He shoud take the Charge of all, and deliver them into your own hands, especially as I propose going next Wednesday to Boulogne for my Cloaths left there last Summer. I Shall be back again in a fortnight. I have begged Mr. Appleton to make particular Enquiries for your Excellency at Rotterdam, the Hague, and Leyden and of Monsr. de Neufville at >Rotterdam Amsterdam. He Himself proposes to go to One Car or Kaars in the last Mentioned Town, where it is probably He may be heard of. He leaves this place this Morning.
     I wish your Excellency a pleasant Tour to yourself and an Advantageous One to our Country. You will find Commodore Gillon in Holland. He has made use of and altho not printd the Paper sent Him, of which your Excellency has a Copy.
     I have a Letter from London of an Old date, which Informs me, that Mr. Hollis proposes to send me One of the Copies of the Book, He has published relative to his late Friend, so that your Excellency will have an Opportunity of seeing it. I am told it is a fine publication in itself. It will certainly be most Valuable to me on many Accounts.
     Seeing your Excellencys Coach at Antwerp I opened the door, and found a Sword a travelling Book and Some other Things, which I had put in the Box, under the seal, and conveyd into the Hostesses Apartment for Safety. Mr. Appleton will give you a pair of Scisors, which I took with me for fear, they might be purloind.
     I am Sorry your Excellency did not take with you No Maps, I thank your Excellency for the Books, in which I find you have inserted my Name. I have read the first Volume and find in it a short but Excellent description of the Germanic Government and character of Charles the 5th. and the whole made Useful to such as have a general Idea of the Times treated of.
     The Letter to Mr. Wythe and the Report of the Convention are receivd in England.
     I beg to be rememberd to the Young Gentlemen in the most friendly Manner.
     I am with the greatest Respect Sir your Excellencys Most faithful & Obedient Humble servt.

      Edm: Jenings


Title: From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 1, 14 August 1780
From: Adams, John
To: President of Congress,Huntington, Samuel

      Duplicate
      Sir
      Amsterdam August 14th. 1780

     On the twenty seventh of July. I set out from Paris on a Journey to Amsterdam. I left Mr. Dana and Mr. Thaxter at Paris, who will regularly transmit to Congress whatever shall occur of Importance to the United States to know—they will also inclose all the English, French and Dutch Gazettes.
     They are exerting themselves in this Republick, to mann their Ships of War, in which they have great Success, as they give very great premiums for Seamen, as far as sixty Ducats a Man.
     The Russian Men of War are arrived and anchored in sight of the Texell, and several of their Officers have been ashore in this City. The Plenipotentiaries are gone to Petersbourg. Sweeden and Denmark have adopted the Declaration of Russia. It is whispered that the Dutch Ministers to the Congress at Petersbourg are shackled with instructions, to insist on a Warranty of their Possessions in the East and West Indies, previous to their acceding to the Confederation of the Maritime Powers, but this Instruction produced a protest of the City of Amsterdam, with such reasons against it, that it is thought the opposite Party will not venture to take upon themselves the Consequences of a refusal to join in the Confederation so that it is expected the Treaty will take place.
     It is universally considered, as a great misfortune to Us, by all whom I converse with here, that Mr. Laurens is not arrived. Some prudent Person, authorised by Congress, is earnestly desired here. He would not be publickly recieved, at least until the States shall take a decided part with the other Maritime Powers against England: This Case however may soon happen: But, there is not in Europe a better Station to collect Intelligence from France, Spain, England, Germany, and all the Northern Parts; nor a better Situation from whence to circulate Intelligence, through all parts of Europe, than this. And it may be depended on, that our Cause has never suffered from any thing more, than from the failure of giving and recieving Intelligence. A Minister here from Congress would be considered as the Centre of Communication between America and this and many other Parts of Europe: and I have since my Arrival here been more convinced than ever, that Congress might open a considerable Loan here, and be supplied from hence with Stores, and with Cloathing, and at the same time be gradually extending the Commerce between this Country and America to the great Advantage of both.
     I have had a great deal of Conversation upon the Subject of a Loan and shall have more. I am sure, that a Loan might be obtained, by any one, with Powers from Congress. But there are no Powers as yet arrived in Europe, that will ever succeed here.
     We are still in daily hope and expectation that Mr. Laurens will arrive, but should he decline to come, or in Case any Accident has befallen him, I most earnestly recommend to Congress, the appointment of some other Gentleman, with a proper Commission, with full powers, and especially to borrow Money, and to sign proper promissory Notes for the payment of it.
     The King of Sweeden is at Spa, from whence in the Letter of the thirtieth of July the public are informed,

     That his Majesty, who the first, during the present Maritime War, has given Validity to the Rights of Neuters, by means of the Declaration, which he caused to be made the last year, to the belligerent Powers, and by means of the protection, which he granted from that time to the Commerce and the Navigation of his Subjects, in sending out from his Ports a numerous Squadron, has manifested the Consistency of his Sentiments and Disposition in this respect, by a new Declaration, lately made to the Courts of Madrid, Versailles and London, an authentic Copy of which here follows, viz.
     From the Commencement of the present War, the King has taken Care to make known his fashion of thinking, to all Europe: he has prescribed to himself a perfect Neutrality, he has discharged the Duties of it, with a scrupulous exactness: he has thought himself intituled to enjoy in Consequence of it, the Rights attached to the quality of a Sovereign absolutely neuter. Notwithstanding, his trading Subjects have been obliged to demand his protection; and his Majesty has found himself under a necessity of granting it to them.
     To fulfil this Object, the King caused to be armed the last year, a certain number of Vessels: one part of them, he employed upon the Coasts of his Kingdom; and the other has served to convoy the Sweedish Merchant Vessels, in the different Seas, where the Commerce of his Subjects called them to navigate: he communicated these Measures to the belligerent Powers; and he prepared himself to continue them, in the Course of the present Year, when other Courts, which had equally adopted a Neutrality, communicated to him the dispositions which they had made, conformable to those of the King, and tending to the same End. The Empress of Russia caused to be presented a declaration to the Courts of London, Versailles and Madrid, by which She informed them of the Resolution She had taken, to defend the Commerce of her Subjects, and the universal Rights of Neutral Nations. This Declaration was founded upon principles so just, that it did not appear possible to call them in question. The King has found them entirely conformable to his own Cause, to the Treaty concluded in 1666, between Sweeden and England, and to that between Sweeden and France; and his Majesty has not been able to excuse himself from acknowledging and adopting these same principles, not only with regard to the Powers, with whom the said Treaties are in force, but also with relation to those who are already involved in the present War, or who may become so in the sequel, and with whom the King has no Treaty to appeal to. It is the universal Law; and in default of particular Engagements, this becomes obligatory upon all Nations. In Consequence of which the King declares, once more, that he will observe in future, the same Neutrality, and with the same Exactness, which he has observed heretofore. He will forbid his Subjects, under severe Penalties, to deviate in any manner whatsoever, from the Duties, which a similar Neutrality imposes; but he will protect their lawful Commerce by all means possible, when they shall conduct it conformably to the principles abovementioned.
     From Hamborough the first of August, We have the following Article viz.
     All Nations, and all Commercial Cities being interested, in the Liberty of the Seas, and the Safety of Navigation attacked and violated in our days, in a manner whereof History furnishes few Examples, We have not learnt here, with less joy than in the rest of Europe, (if We except perhaps Great Britain) the generous Resolution, which the three Powers of the North have taken, to protect by an armed Neutrality, the Commerce of their Subjects, and at the same time the Rights of all Nations, Rights immemorial, which Honour and Justice alone ought to cause to be respected, without having occassion to recur to the Sanction of Treaties. The Court of Denmark has adopted these principles into the declaration which after the example of Russia, She has made to the belligerent Powers, and which is concieved in these Terms, viz
     “If a Neutrality the most exact and the most perfect, with a Navigation the most regular and an inviolable respect for Treaties, had been sufficient to place the freedom of Commerce of the Subjects of the King of Denmark and Norway in a state of Safety from those misfortunes, which ought to be unknown to Nations, who are at Peace, and who are free and independent, it would not be necessary to take new Measures, to insure them this liberty, to which they have a Right the most incontestible.
     The King of Denmark has always founded his Glory and his Grandeur, upon the Esteem and the Confidence of other People: he has made it a Law to himself, from the Commencement of his Reign, to manifest to all the Powers his friends, a Conduct the most capable of convincing them of his pacific Sentiments and of his sincere desire to contribute to the general prosperity of Europe. His proceedings the most uniform, and which nothing can conceal, are a proof of this. He has not hitherto addressed himself, but to the belligerent Powers themselves to obtain the Redress of his Grievances; and he has never failed of mediation in his demands, nor of gratitude, when they have had the success which they ought to have. But the neutral Navigation has been too often molested, and the most innocent Commerce of his Subjects too frequently disturbed, for the King not to think himself obliged to take at present, measures proper to assure to himself, and to his Allies, the safety of Commerce and Navigation, and the maintenance of the indispensable Rights of Liberty and Independence. If the duties of Neutrality are sacred; if the Law of Nations has also its Decrees adopted by all impartial Nations, established by Custom, and founded in Equity and Reason, an independent and neutral Nation does not lose by the War of another, the Rights which it had before that War, because that Peace continues for her; with all the belligerent People, without recieving, and without having to follow, the Laws of any of them. She is authorized to make, in all places (the Contraband excepted) the Traffic which She would have a Right to make, if Peace existed in all Europe, as it exists for her. The King pretends to nothing beyond that which Neutrality intitles him to. Such is his Rule, and that of his People, and his Majesty not being able to avow the principle, that a belligerent Nation, has a right to interrupt the Commerce of his States, has thought it a duty which he owed to himself and to his People, faithful observers of his Regulations, and to the Powers at War themselves, to lay open to them the following principles which he has always had, and which he will always avow and maintain in Concert with her Majesty the Empress of all the Russias, whose Sentiments he acknowledges to be entirely conformable to his own.
     1. That neutral Vessels may navigate freely, from Port to Port and upon the Coasts of Nations at War.
     2. That the effects belonging to the Subjects of the Powers at War, may be free upon neutral Vessels, excepting merchandizes of Contraband.
     3. That nothing be understood by this Denomination of Contraband, but that which is expressly defined as such in the third Article of the Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain in the Year 1770, and in the twenty sixth and twenty seventh Articles of his Treaty of Commerce with France in the Year 1742 and the King will equally avow, that which is fixed in these Articles, towards the Powers with which he has no Treaty.
     4. That We should consider as a Port blocked, that into which no Vessel can enter without an evident danger, by reason of Ships of War Stationed to form very near an effectual blockade.
     5. That these principles serve as a Rule, in all proceedings: and that Justice be rendered with dispatch, and according to the documents of the Sea, conformably to Treaties and to received Usages.
     His Majesty does not hesitate to declare, that he will maintain these principles as well as the Honour of his flag, and the Liberty and Independence of Commerce and of the Navigation of his Subjects; and it is to this End, that he has caused to be armed a part of his fleet, although he desires to preserve with all the Powers at War, not only the good Intelligence, but even all the Intimacy which a Neutrality can admit. The King will not deviate from this, without being forced: he knows the duties and the Obligations of it. He respects them as much as his Treaties, and desires nothing but to maintain them. His Majesty is also persuaded that the belligerent Powers will do justice to these motives: that they will be as far as he is himself, from every thing, which oppresses the natural Liberty of Men, and that they will give to their Admiralties and to their Officers, orders conformable to the principles here announced, which evidently tend to the prosperity and the Interest of all Europe.

      Copenhagen the 8th of July 1780.
      I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.


Title: To John Adams from David Hartley, 14 August 1780
From: Hartley, David
To: Adams, John

      Dear Sir
      London Aug. 14 1780

     I take the liberty to introduce to your acquaintance my friend and relation Mr. Saml. Hartley. Some business carries him to Paris and he is desirous of that opportunity of being made known to you. Give me leave at the same time to tell you on my own account that I wish not to lose any occasion of expressing my personal respects to you. I heartily wish likewise that any fortunate events might bring us together in the negotiation of public and universal peace. All my political thoughts and views are comprised in that one word Peace. I understand that that is the object of your Appointment and a most honorable one it is. I heartily wish success to it and in my limited situation I should be happy to assist and to Concur in that end. War cannot last for ever I will not therefore despair. Let peace and friendship return hand in hand together.
     I am Dear Sir with the greatest respect Your most obedt. Servt.

      D Hartley


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Digges, 17 August 1780
From: Adams, John
To: Digges, Thomas,Church, William Singleton

      Sir
      Amsterdam August 17. 1780

     I am lodged at Mr. Henry Schorns in this City, to which place you may direct your Letters, for Some Weeks to come. You may continue to Send the Pamphlets to Paris, or Send them here, which you please.
     The Bearer will tell you all the News I know. Pray what do the Politicians on your Side the Water think of the Plan of Russia, Sweeden and Denmark? Do they think the dutch will acceed to it? These last have contended an 100 years, for the Principle of free ships free goods; is it thought they will refuse it now? Do they find much comfort in the news from America? Are the People ripe to declare for England? is the Capture of Charlestown the Conquest of the States? Is the American mind wholly Subdued? have they lost Sight of the Pleasures of Self-government? do they begin to despize a free Trade? do they begin to think the ministry, just, honest, wise and good? The Parliament uncorrupt? the nation virtuous? the national Debt no Burthen? the French Alliance a Calamity? how is all this? Is my Lord North prepared with his Ways and means, for next Winter? how many millions are proposed to be borrowed next? What Interest is to be given? Are the Israelites all ready? how is Gibraltar to be Supplied next? how are the Granadas and Floridas to be got back again? do the Politicians See their Way, clear out of the Labyrinth? Is the American Trade quite annihilated with France, Spain, Holland, Denmark, Sweeden, the West Indies? how fare the Fisheries this year? which gets most the English or Americans? Does the nation Still adore the Administration for their Wisdom, their Sublime plans and their wonderful Success?


Title: To John Adams from John Thaxter, 18 August 1780
From: Thaxter, John
To: Adams, John

      Sir
      Paris 18th. August 1780

     Since I had the honor of writing You last, nothing material has occurred excepting the Declarations of the Danish and Sweedish Courts; which are entered in the Book, and will be forwarded by the first Opportunity to America. We sent off a few days agone a large Packet of Newspapers and all the letters by a Gentleman who came to Passy from L’Orient, and who returned thither immediately. I have wrote Mrs. A. of your health and safe arrival at Brussells, which I hope will render the rest of a prolix Letter less tedious to her in reading.
     Yesterday morning for the second time since your absence we recieved the English Papers. The Occasion of the delay I know not. You have undoubtedly seen them.
     In the Gazette of France of this day there is an Extract of a letter from Colonel Laurens late President of Congress, respecting the Surrender of Charlestown—it is as follows.
     “La défense qu’a faite le major Général Lincoln, a la tête d’une garnison composée de 1800 hommes de Troupes reglées, et de 1400. tant Miliciens que Mariniers, contre le Chevalier Clinton, commandant 12000 Anglois, et contre l’ Amiral Arbuthnot, qui avoit sous ses ordres 10 vaisseaux de guerre, a été terminée par une capituation honorable, après 30 jours d’une canonnade et d’un bombardement continus, tandis que les habitans de la ville éprouvoient le besoin de vivres et de beaucoup de munitions nécessaires: cette défense ne peut que faire le plus grand honneur aux armes Américaines. Jusqu’alors nous avions différé de faire partir des renforts pour la Caroline méridionale; mais il vient de se réunir une Armée nombreuse, qui pourra bientôt aller inquiéter les Anglois dans leur nouvelle prise de possession.” This Letter is without date, and to whom it was directed the Gazette does not mention—it was brought to Cadiz by the Peggy Capt. Bryan from Wilmington N. Carolina. I have copied this Extract, lest you should not meet with the Paper. The Printers of the foreign Gazettes begin to publish more reputable, and therefore more true Accounts of the firmness of our Country, than they have done of late. Even Monsr. Linguet has found room for one line in honour of American fortitude.
     I should be happy to hear of the receipt of the Packet I sent to You by Dr. Plunket, and of your Health as well as of that of your two dear Sons to whom I send much Love.
     Mr. Dana is well and desires his Respects to You—his Love to Master John, and also to son fils Charles.
     I have the honor to be, with the most perfect Respect, Sir, your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

      John Thaxter