1From John Adams to William Vernon Jr., 2 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
This Evening, I received the inclosed in a Letter from your Father. He writes that he has never herd from you nor me—I have wrote him several Times. Soon after Mr. Revellat was here, I had accounts from America that Congress were about to take into Consideration the State of foreign Affairs, and I did not know but they might make Such Alterations in the System of Their Affairs here as might...
2To John Adams from William Vernon Jr., 26 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
I was this morning honoured by the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant. The embarrassment which your kind proposal has afforded me is inexpressible. Being left to judge for myself at a very inexperienc’d time of life, at a distance from every friend, whom, the necessity of an immediate answer renders it impossible for me to consult. From you, Sir, who I trust art my Father’s friend, and...
3From John Adams to William Vernon Jr., 15 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Correspondence of the Commissioners here is so extensive, that it is impossible for me to do without the Assistance of a Clerk, and Mr. Jonathan Loring Austin who has been so good as to assist me for some Months past is now obliged to leave me, in order to return to Boston. If you are not determined to go immediately into a Compting House, and can think of Spending a little time at Passi,...
4To John Adams from William Vernon Jr., 16 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour of writing you a letter on the tenth of April, in which I informed you of my determination to reside in this place, and prayed that you would forward me recommendations to the house of Messrs. Feyers freres, which is one of the first character in this City. Being sensible that the business in which you must be involv’d leaves you few leisure moments, I was determined to wait...
5From John Adams to William Vernon Jr., 12 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 12 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:96–97 . Replying to Vernon’s letter of 10 April (above), Adams commended Vernon for his decision to reside at Bordeaux, a rich commercial center. JA referred him to John Bondfield for advice about which commercial house he should choose...
6To John Adams from William Vernon Jr., 10 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
After having consulted Persons who are well acquainted with the Commerce of both Bourdeaux and Nants, and the principal Houses in each, I have resolved to settle in this place, and accordingly I have chosen the House of Messrs. Feyers freres, provided they will agree to receive me into their family, for I am informed it is not the custom of this House to allow their Clerks the priviledge of...