Adams Papers

To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 12 November 1778

From Jonathan Williams

Nantes 12 Nov 1778

Sir

My last1 informed you of my Intention to send you by the Messagerie2 a Case of old W. India Spirit, and at the same time I requested you to send a dozen to Mr. Alexander and a dozen to Dr. Bancroft. I have now to inform you that it left Nantes last Saturday accompanied with an acquit a Caution which I request you to return to me properly indorsed at the Bureau at Paris. I must beg your particular attention to this formality, as otherwise I shall be subject to pay a heavy Duty and perhaps a Fine, Rum being contraband.

I have the honour to be with great Respect Sir Your most obed Ser.

Jona Williams

P.S. There is a Packet in the Case, addressed to Mr. Alexander, which please to send to him.3

RC (Adams Papers).

1Of 27 Oct. (not found), but see JA to Williams, 8 Nov. (above).

2The state-controlled overland shipping company (Larousse, Grand dictionnaire universel description begins Pierre Larousse, Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle ... , Paris, [1865]; 15 vols. and supplements. description ends ).

3The postscript was written in the left margin.

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