Mr. Artaud dined at Mr. Rimbert’s. In the afternoon he came with two of Mr. Rimbert’s nephews and we went to the shops. Took a ride. Mr. Hoogwerst came and made us a visit. He told us that the States General of the United Provinces had on the 19th. of April <declared> acknowledged America, independant.1 Fine clear weather.
1. For a discussion of JA’s long and persistent efforts to achieve Dutch recognition, see Diary and Autobiography description begins Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. description ends , 3:3–5. JA’s own account of events just before and immediately following the recognition appears in Adams Family Correspondence, description begins Adams Family Correspondence, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1963- . description ends 4:312–313.
