7051From John Jay to John Adams, 4 June 1780 (Jay Papers)
There is a Distinction between Ceremony & Attention which is not always observed tho often useful. I Of the latter ^ former ^ I hope there will be little ^ of it ^ between us; of the latter much. public as well as personal Considerations, dictate this Conduct on my Part, and I am happy to find by your favor of the 15 Inst. ^ Ult ^ , that you
7052To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 2 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have this day receivd your Excellencys Letter of the 28th. Ultimo, which shall be made the proper Use of but its Silent with regard to two others, which I had the Honor of addressing to your Excellency, one about Six days Ago, and another about ten, I am under a great Uneasiness for their fate. In particular for one which inclosd a Letter from London, which had in it Something...
7053To John Adams from Benjamin Pierce, 1 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
To take into consideration the repeated pettitions of the people on board the contintall ship Alliance, that has Been sent to Dr. Franklyn, and never been attended to, concerning the wages and prise Money being paid in Europe, I mean for the last Cruise, which was at least 6 Months, which the men Insist upon prior to their weighing anchor, the officers allso have this day petition’d him on the...
7054To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 30 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
La Lettre dont vous m’avez honoré en date du 21e. May, m’est très-précieuse, puisqu’elle me procure l’avantage d’entrer en liaison directe avec Vous, que je desirois depuis longtemps. Ce n’est que confusement, et par la voix publique, que j’ai appris votre heureux retour d’Amérique, dont je vous félicite; ce que j’aurois déjà fait, si j’avois su que vous fussiez à Paris. J’ai été bien mortifié...
7055C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 30 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
The letter with which you have honored me of 21 May is very precious, for it has given me the opportunity, which I long desired, of entering into direct correspondence with you. It was only by chance and through public channels that I learned of your fortunate return from America, for which I congratulate you and would have done so sooner had I known that you were at Paris. I was quite...
7056To John Adams from John Bondfield, 28 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am honord with your favor of the 14th. my last of the 20th. handed you the inteligence then at hand since which we are without any Arrivals. France and Spain appear to Aim at a desicive Blow in the West Indies so formidable a fleet never appeard in them Seas Monr. De Guichen strong of 24 ships Solano 12 from Ferol 8 from Cadiz 5 Bougainville 5 De Ternay to the Norwd 7 61 Line Sixty one Ships...
7057To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 27 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have enclosed by a former Post an Extraordinary Letter received from London. Your Excellency will perhaps understand it better than I do. I have written for an Explanation of it and the grounds and proofs, if possible to be had of the Suggestions therein. I have an opinion of my Correspondent, or should not have troubled your Excellency with his Letter. I cannot think that Austria is inclind...
7058To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 26 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I expected when I gave you the last West Inda. accounts the 9th. Instant that my next would be some thing about America but we have yet not a tittle from that quarter which bears the face of authenticity. The Inclosd Gazette account from Rodney is all we have new, and even Englishmen who think rightly are by no means pleasd with the account altho the writer has stiled it a defeat of the French...
7059To John Adams from the Comte de Vergennes, 24 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, les deux lettres que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire les 12. et 19. de ce mois. Je n’avois pas besoin de votre apologie pour rendre justice aux sentiments patriotiques qui vous animent: vous connoissez les interêts et les engagements de votre patrie: je suis certain que vous n’aurez jamais d’autre objet que de consolider les uns et les autres. Vous pourrez juger par...
7060The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams: A Translation, 24 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor to receive your two letters of the 12th and 19th of this month. I did not need your apologia defending your patriotic sentiments: you are highly aware of the interests and commitments of your country. I am sure that you will never have any other motive but to consolidate them. You may judge by this letter the confidence that we place in your principles and, therefore, of the...
7061To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 23 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Marquiss de la Fayette did me the Honour to deliver me the Letter you kindly wrote by Him. As his arrival diffused a general Joy, every Expression of it was given here that circumstances would allow, and particular Respects were paid by the Government as well as the People at large to this prudent and gallant young Nobleman who keeps the Cause of America so warm at his Heart. In these...
7062To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 23 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have received your much esteemed Favour of the 14 Instant, and find by it that the Error about my departure for America is sett right: My Uncle is, if not already sailed, ready to depart from L’Orient, and I hope your Letters by him will arrive safe. I thank you very much for the news you give me and I wish I could in return say something decisive about Clinton, but my last Letters from...
7063To John Adams from M. de Chapeaurouge, 21 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Je me suis presenté Chez vous pour avoir l’honneur de vous voir et j’ai eu le malheur de n’avoir pu vous rencontrer après avoir eu le regret de ne pouvoir pas profiter de vôtre obligeante invitation. Je desirois m’entretenir avec vous sur le dessein que vous avez d’envoyer Messrs vos fils faire leur education a Geneve, et vous offrir derechef tous les Services dont je suis Capable: J’en avoir...
7064M. de Chapeaurouge to John Adams: A Translation, 21 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I went to your residence in the hope of having the honor of seeing you, but unfortunately did not succeed. This after having failed to take you up on your obliging invitation. I wished to speak with you about your intention of sending your sons to Geneva for their education, and once again to offer you all possible assistance. I also had a favor to ask of you, sir, for the two young men of...
7065To John Adams from John Bondfield, 20 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Arrived this morning a Brig from Philadelphia. By her are Letters for Mr. De Vergenne and Le Ray de Chaumont. No mention of the Operations in Carolina our Letters are 24 Mars she was detaind many days in the River as she left the Bay of Delawar the 23 or 24 April. Congress has assignd a short period for calling in the whole of their Emissions in lieu of which the different States are to Issue...
7066Enclosure No. 2: Account of the Dark Day in May 1780 (Adams Papers)
May 19. It thunderd early this Morning and raind about 7 or 8. About 9 a Darkness came on gradually encreasing at 11. I could neither read nor write without a Candle which soon became necessary for Family Business and continued untill past 3 P.M. A Heavy black Cloud hung at the Westward and Northward, a Thin Vapour Smoak or Fog rising up now and then and almost covering it at Times streaming...
7067To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 17 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
C’est avec le plus grand plaisir que je faciliterai votre correspondance et que j’accepte les offres que vous voulès bien me faire qui entrent completement dans les vües de notre Ministre. Je vous répons du plaisir avec lequel il donnera Son approbation, pour l’impression dans le mercure, à tout ce qui nous viendra d’une aussi bonne main. Et vous ne devès pas douter du Secret qui Sera gardé...
7068Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation, 17 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
It is with the greatest pleasure that I will forward your correspondence, and that I accept the offers you so kindly extend to me and which perfectly match our Minister’s views. I can assure you of his pleasure in giving his approval to publish in the Mercure everything that shall come from such a good pen. And you must rest assured that your name will be kept a secret from all except the...
7069To John Adams from Joseph Gardoqui & Sons, 13 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Last night arriv’d safe the Packett Active Capt. Corbin Barnes belonging to the Navy Board Eastern Department from Boston and New London, by whom have received the enclos’d letters for your good self and the rest of the Gentlemen to whom pray our complements. Capt. C. Barnes putt into Coruna about 10. days ago, and we hear he putt some letters in that post office, but as he is not come ashore...
7070To John Adams from Francis Bowens, 12 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am honourd with your allways respectable Letter of the 5 Instant. The little Box you mention and markd ’A’ wich Mr. Digges of London has send me, was handed in good Condition a few Days ago, and as pampletts, Books and all such goods are admitted in french without any Difficulty. I have forward sayd Box the Day by a Carriage for Lille and have recommand to my Correspondant of the sayd Town...
7071To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 11 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Nous serions bien fachés, Monsieur de ne pas avoir dimanche the young gentlemen . C’est un jour fait pour eux, puis qu’il y a une cérémonie qui ne se repete pas souvent, et j’ai pris les précautions nécessaires pour qu’ils la voyent à leur aise. Nous les attendons et nous vous Supplions de ne point tromper notre attente. Le Commodore Jones nous fera sûrement lhoneur d’accepter le break fast...
7072Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation, 11 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
We would be most unhappy not to see the young gentlemen Sunday. It is a day made for them since the ceremony is not repeated often, and I have taken the necessary steps so that they can see it comfortably. We are expecting them and beg you not to disappoint us. Commodore Jones will surely honor us by accepting our invitation to breakfast . I will serve good tea which has not been taxed by...
7073To John Adams from William Lee, 10 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 29th. Ultimo, since which the Enemy have furnish’d us with such intelligence relative to affairs at Chas. Town and New York as they choose to publish, but I understand in General, that they are very greatly alarm’d for the very defenceless State in which N. York has been left and the extreme doubtfulness of Clintons success in his attempt...
7074To John Adams from the Comte de Vergennes, 10 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Je vous dois des remerciemens, Monsieur, pour les differentes communications que vous avez bien voulu me faire. Si les notions que renferme la lettre qui vous a êté confiée, Sont exactes, vous ne devez pas tarder à en avoir la preuve, et dans ce cas il faudra voir quelles ouvertures on jugera à propos de vous faire. Je pense que vous ne devez point refuser de les entendre.
7075The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams: A Translation, 10 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I must thank you, sir, for the various communications you have been kind enough to send me. If the information contained in the letter sent to you proves accurate, you will, no doubt, shortly receive further proof, and if so, we would have to examine the offers they deem appropriate to make to you. I believe you should not refuse to hear them out. RC ( Adams Papers ). Vergennes is almost...
7076To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 9 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l honneur de vous envoyer ci joint un Lond. Ev. post du 6. que je vous prie de me renvoyer sur le champ. Je vous comuniquerai un London Courant où il y a un long détail de la reception qui vous a été faite en Espagne. J’apprens par les gazettes que mr. le Cap. Paul Jones loge avec vous. Vous nous ferés grand plaisir de nous l’amener dimanche. Ce sera un jour très heureux pour moi et nous...
7077Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation, 9 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to send you enclosed a London Evening Post of 6 May, but I must ask you to return it immediately. I will send you a London Courant , containing a detailed account of your reception in Spain. I learn from the gazettes that Captain Paul Jones lodges with you. It would give us great pleasure if you would bring him with you Sunday. That will be a most happy day for me and we will...
7078To John Adams from De Kemtenstrauss and Others, 9 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Une Societé de Gens aises a formé le Déssein d’établir une Colonie Dans les Etats Unis de l’amerique Septentrionale, Offre qui ne tendrait qu’a donner de Nombreux, de fideles d’utiles et Vertueux Sujets a cette puissante République; Guides par le Désir de réaliser un Project si Sage et avantageux, et encoûrages par la Solidité Du present offert, Les Membres de cette Societé osent s’addresser à...
7079De Kemtenstrauss to John Adams: A Translation, 9 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
A society of well-to-do men has formed a plan to establish a colony in the United States of North America, an offer which cannot fail to provide this powerful republic with a number of loyal, useful, and virtuous subjects. Prompted by the desire to accomplish such a wise and advantageous project, and encouraged by the soundness of the present effort, the members of this society dare to address...
7080To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 8 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I now put a letter of introduction into the hand of a son, who agreeable to your polite and friendly invitation waits on you on his first arrival at Paris. I believe I may venture to say he is a youth, who, will by no part of his conduct, disgrace the recommendations of the friend, or disappoint the expectations of the parent. Yet whoever enters at an early period amidst a world of strangers,...
7081To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 7 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday received your Excellencys Letter of the 30th of last Month, inclosing Advice, relative to the fortunate Arrival of the Transports at their destined Ports, which shall be made the proper Use of to Confound and Laugh at our Ennemies: it Contains too the purport of his Excellencys at Passy Conversation with you, He told your Excellency, “that the Marylands Act directd Him first to...
7082To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 7 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I should have paid my respects to you before now had I known where to have directed my letters, for at this time I have no other method than to inclose the present to our friend Mr. Lovell at Philadelphia, who I trust will know the best manner of conveying it. The enemy appear to have abated very little of their pride, however much their power may be lessened. It may be expected nevertheless...
7083To John Adams from the Comte de Sarsfield, 6 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Not for your Sake but for mine I make use of the english language when I do my Self the honour of writing to you. When man ceases to Acquire in matter of learning, he begins to lose. Let my Stock of english be what it may, it is very dear to me; And so I have laid a tax upon the Kindness of my friends which is to allow me the liberty of writing to them in english. I am Sometimes gone so far as...
7084To John Adams from John Bondfield, 6 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Spirritted resolves of the Dutch alters the Face of the War. Russia and Holland with the other Northern Powers that will naturaly Acceed to the Confederacy will either bring on the said Confederate Nations to declare open War or by their protection defend their Trade from interuption and thereby procure the means to prolong the War. England appears to have divided her Naval Force into...
7085From John Adams to Francis Bowens, 5 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
A Gentleman in London, who corresponds with you sometimes, writes me, 28 April that he had, a few days before Sent to your Care, a Box marked A , containing a few Pamphlets and Newspapers, for me, with a desire that you would forward it on to me in the manner you should think Safest, and that you would hereafter attend to any other Parcell that he may send in the Same Way. I am not well...
7086To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 5 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
It gave me great Pleasure to learn by Your Letter of the 11th. Decr. that You had safely arrived, and had met with so agreable a Reception in Spain: and I hope soon to have the Satisfaction of hearing from You at Paris. Mr. Lovell informs me that he shall transmit You the Journals of Congress and News Papers by the latter of which You will perceive that the Enemy have invested Charlestown, and...
7087To John Adams from Elkanah Watson Jr., 5 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I was honour’d with an answer to my Epistle; for which permit me Sir with gratitude to acknowledge your goodness, I flatter my self it will be attended with perticular advantages in my present, and perhaps future persuits in Europe: I cannot However, but regret the leaving my letters for you behind; as that loss renders the propriety of your assertaining my character Impracticable....
7088To John Adams from Bidé de Chavagnes, 4 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Quoyque depuis bien du temps je n aye pas eu l’honneur ny le plaisir de vous demander des nouvelles de votre santé et de celle de votre chere famille, je nay pas moins eté occupé de vous et d’eux, et je ne vous oublieray jamais ainsi que vos compatriottes leurs bontés et amitiés et les votres particulierement pour moy. Et si vous ne jouissez pas dans notre patrie de toutte la santé et le...
7089Bidé de Chavagnes to John Adams: A Translation, 4 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Although for some time I have had neither the honor nor the pleasure of inquiring after your health and that of your dear family, I, nevertheless, have been thinking about you and them, and, at the same time, shall never forget the kindnesses and friendship shown me by you and your countrymen, particularly by you. And if you do not enjoy, in our country, all the health and happiness that you...
7090To John Adams from James Lovell, 4 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Mease is Brother to the late Cloathier General and is intimately connected with an Irish Gentleman here for whom I have great Regard as a zealous Republican and Friend to America. It is more on Account of that Connection with my Friend than of any personal Acquaintance that I have been led to introduce Mr. Mease to your Civilities. His Care of sundry Pacquets for you would...
7091To John Adams from John Bondfield, 2 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am this day honord with your favor of the 25th. The post of this day from Rochfort brings advice of the arrival at Isl deé of a Small Vessel from Baltimore that left the Bay the 28 March. The Commandant at Bell Isl writes the advices brought by the Sloop are that Clinton had receved in Georgia a Compleat defeat and Genl. Washington with 14000 Man had open’d the Seige of New York. I give you...
7092To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 2 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
You will have read, before this can reach you, the Gazette account of the Chas. Town Expedition; which is universally esteemed here rather a disagreeable account for Government, and plainly indicative of very great doubts if Clinton will succeed or not. I am perswaded by all I can hear He will be a second time disgraced and baffled in his attempts on that place. A parcell containing Pamphlets...
7093To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 2 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have receivd your Excellencys Letters of the 22d and 26th of last Month, I find myself much honord by both. I took the Liberty of writing to you on the 24th inclosing therein News Paper from England. The Paper receivd was sent immediately to be made as public as possible. The Benevolence of Spain and the Gratitude of America cannot be made too public; they will shew the ground of Union is...
7094To John Adams from Joshua Johnson, 2 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am duly honord with your very polite and Freindly favour of the 25th. Ultimo for which I pray your acceptance of my best thanks. I hasten to inform you the Dove will be ready to depart the latter end of next Week and any Commands that you have to convey by her shall be taken particular care of and delivered safe in America if she is fortunate enough to arrive safe, if not I can rely on the...
7095Abigail Adams to John Adams, 1 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Last week arrived at Boston the Marquis de la Fayette to the universal joy of all who know the Merit and Worth of that Nobleman. He was received with the ringing of Bells, fireing of cannon, bon fires &. He was so kind as to forward my Letters immediately, but his haste to set of for Philadelphia deprived me of the Honour of a visit from him at Braintree which I had hoped for, and but just...
7096To John Adams from François Louis Teissèdre de Fleury, 1 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I expected for writting to you, that I could tell, the wind serves, we sail to Morrow for your dear Country, and in six weeks hence, I shall see Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Dana, but since twenty days that we are on board, the wind has been Constantly to the south-west; it is only since this morning that we expect it will Come to the north, or est. To Morrow, I hope, we shall sail, for ——xxx you know...
7097To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 29 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur Adams une Notice Sûre des Flottes parties de Brest dans le tems où Walsingham a eu avis que l’Escadre francoise paroissoit a l’ouvert de la manche, et qu’une terreur panique l’a fait retourner à Plimouth, quoi qu’il eût le vent bon pour continuer Sa route. Il Seroit amusant de voir ces détails dans les papiers anglois, et qu’ils y fussent présentés comme...
7098Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation, 29 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to send Mr. Adams a reliable account of the fleet which left Brest at the same time that Walsingham was informed that the French squadron would appear at the entrance of the Channel and, in total panic, returned to Plymouth, despite having a favorable wind to continue his voyage. It should be amusing to see these details in the British newspapers, particularly if presented as...
7099To John Adams from the Comte de Sarsfield, 29 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
Count Sarsfield thinks, that, though in fact it is an injury done to his friendship for Mr. Adams, Mr. Adams doth not Know him so thoroughly as not to suspect him of having neglected the commission he gave him about Mr. de Malesherbes’s remonstrances. He will most likely wonder at their being prohibited, nothing however is more true there is a Very great difficulty to get them. Count Sarsfield...
7100To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 28 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
I attend to what you mention by Capt. C. the 15th. Instant, and have in consequence, some days ago shippd for Ostend, in a box marked A, with a card direction to Monsr. Frs. Bowens Merchant there , sundry pamphlets and papers as you require; and have written to Mr. B to forward it on in the manner He may think safest, and to hereafter attend to any other parcels I may send in the same way. It...