To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 26 June 1786
From John Adams
Grosvenor Square June 26. 1786
Dear Sir
Sometime Since I received from Gov. Bowdoin some Papers relating to Alexander Gross, with an earnest desire that I would communicate them to the French Ambassador here. I did so and his Excellency was so good as to transmit them to the Comte De Vergennes. Mr. Bartholomy however advised me to write to you upon the Subject, that you might prevent it from being forgotten.
Inclosed is a Letter, which I received yesterday from Griffin Green at Rotterdam, with a Paper inclosed dated Dunkirk 15. June. 1786. relating to this unhappy Man. What can be done for his Relief I know not. Neither the Ransom Money nor the other Charges I Suppose can ever be paid, for Government never is expected to redeem such Hostages and his Relations are not able. If this is the Truth as I suppose it is, it would be better for the French Government and for the Persons interested, to set him at Liberty, than to keep him a Prisoner at Expence.
Let me pray you to minute this affair among your Memorandums to talk of, with the Comte De Vergennes and Mr. Rayneval, when you are at Versailles. They will shew you the Papers, which have been transmitted them through the Comte D’Adhemar.
I wrote you on the 23d. of May ulto. and on the 6th. inst. which Letters I hope you have received. Yours,
John Adams
RC (DLC). FC (MHi: AMT); in Smith’s hand. Noted in SJL as received 1 July 1786. Enclosures (DLC): Griffin Greene to John Adams, 18 June 1786, recommending to his attention the case of Alexander Gross, together with Gross’ affidavit dated Dunkirk, 15 June 1786. Gross’ statement of the case is essentially the same as that outlined in Robert Murdoch to TJ, 29 June 1786. See TJ to Montmorin, 6 Dec. 1787.