1From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 1 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Rodney himself, it seems did all. He fought and beat six Ships. Pray, why did not the Rest of his Fleet beat the rest of the French Fleet over whom they had the Superiority. This Way of giving Extracts of Letters only, leaves room to suspect. But I think, by his own Account, he has nothing to brag of. Three drawn Battles wont maintain the Lordship of the Water. Drawn Battles wont do. I hope,...
2From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 28 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
When a great Minister, of an ancient and powerful nation, which has been renowned for its Wisdom and Virtue, as well as Power, arises, in a popu lar assembly, which is the most conspicuous Theater in the World, and declares, a s it were in the face of the Universe, and with an Air of Reflection, of delibera tion, and of so lemnity, that, Such and Such, are his own opinions of the Trut h of...
3From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 20 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Tha nks for this Paper. Ld George Gordon I think will be the Oliver Cromwell, after all. He seems the only Man of Common sense, and he begins with Religion. Burke, Barry, Fox, Conway, &c and all the rest appear but small Boys to Lord George. RC (Private owner, 1972). Fire damage has resulted in the loss of the first word and possibly the greeting, although the absence of a closing and...
4From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 17 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Genl. Con way in his Speech in the House of Commons, on the 6th. of May, affirms that the Alliance between France and the United States is not natural. Whether it is or not, is no doubt a great question. In order to determine, whether it is or no, one should consider, what is meant by a natural Alliance. And I know of no better general Rule than this, when two Nations, have the same Interests...
5From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 15 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have engaged a Person in London to s end me all the political Pamphlets, as they come out and some necessary Books as I shall order them. He has sent me already one Box and one Packet, at least to a Mr. Francis Bowens Merchant in Ostend. I should be once more obliged to You, if You could inform me, in what Way I can soonest get them from thence, and whether there are any Regulations which...
6From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 11 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have just recieved your Card of the 10th. I agree with You that the Dean’s propositions are too absurd to be noticed. As to the History of my peregrinations in Spain, and I find it is true as far as it goes; altho’ the half is not told, excepting in the following particulars. They have called the American Agent at Corunna, Mr. Laurens, whereas his Name is Mr. Lagoanere. They have called, the...
7From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 10 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have communicated your Invitation to Commodore Jones. He will go to Versailles a Sunday, but I believe is engaged to dine. I will have the Honor of waiting on You with Mr. Dana and Mr. Thaxter, on Sunday: but I believe, it will be best to leave my little Sons, and give them another Opportunity of availing themselves of your Goodness. Sir John Dalrymple is at Madrid, and coming this Way, from...
8From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 9 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your Note of yesterday and the Papers inclosed. The Proposals for a general Pacification, by the Dean of Gloucester, whether they were written by him, or another, were probably intended to feel the pulse, of France, or Spain, or America, nay it is not impossible that they might be intended to Sound, So inconsiderable a Portion of Existence as Mr. John Adams: but it must be...
9From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 7 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for the Loan of the inclosed Paper. I think there is room to hope that Clinton will meet with a Reception that will not be agreable to him, even to hope that he will not succeed. But there is great danger. The Loss of the Frigates will give an Additional Sting to that of the Town. It is truely deplorable that these Devils should be allowed to commit such Ravages and do Such...
10From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 3 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I had, two days ago the Honour to inclose to the Minister a Boston Gazette of 21 February, in which is a Relation of a glorious Combat and Cruise of my Countryman Captain Waters of the Thorn. Let me beg of you sir, to insert this Account in the Gazette and the Mercure. There has not been a more memorable Action this War, and the Feats of our American Frigates and Privateers have not been...