Adams Papers
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To John Adams from Horatio Gates, 20 August 1779

From Horatio Gates

Providence,1August 20th 1779

Sir

Had I not expected you here before this Time, on your Way to Philadelphia, where I conceived your safe and speedy Arrival must be anxiously wished for by all Patriots, you would, long since, have received a congratulatory Letter from me. It would have been congratulatory indeed; for, whatever Station you maybe in, I firmly believe, Sir, you will prove eminently useful to your Country. Your Return will render abortive many Machinations against her.

I stand indebted to your Kindness for the Receipt of a very sensible Letter, signed Jean Clement, dated Paris the 2nd of June last, the Writer of which informs me that, should I not recollect his Hand-writing, you will explain the Particulars. I should be glad to know from you, whether Counsellor Edmund Jennings, of Maryland, be the Writer.2

Believe, Dear Sir, that it will be a singular Happiness to me, if ever I can give you Proofs of the affectionate Respect of Your most obedient humble Servant

Horatio Gates

RC (Adams Papers); the addressee’s name, inscribed at the bottom of the letter, is given inadvertently as “Honourable Samuel Adams.”

1On 22 Oct. 1778, the congress had appointed Gates as commander of the eastern district (JCC description begins Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. description ends , 12:1038).

2For Jenings’ use of the pseudonym Jean Clement, see his letters to JA of 10 March, and note 12, and [ca. 6?] June (both above).

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