101C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 11 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
A short absence for most of the day yesterday has delayed the enclosed letters. I hope this poses no difficulties. They both arrived from Amsterdam and the seal on one of them arrived in its current condition. I have a letter from Mr. Carmichael that says among other things —“I wish Mr. Adams all the success he can desire. You will please to inform him, that I have received Letters from our...
102Translation , 3 December 1781 (Adams Papers)
I intended to write to you this evening to inform you of the unanimous resolution that took place this morning at the States General for the loan guarantee by Their High Mightinesses for 5 million florins for France to lend to the United States. But instead, the two enclosed letters were just now brought in to me, by way of Ostend, where I suppose an American ship has recently arrived. I did...
103To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 1 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
Quoique j’aie eu l’honneur de vous écrire depuis la faveur de votre Lettre du 4e., je dois néanmoins me souvenir que je n’y ai proprement pas répondu. Je n’ai pu me procurer une Copie de la Dépêche de Petersbourg, parce que les Plenipotentiaires ont exigé qu’elle ne fût point communiquée. Mais elle porte en Substance 1º. une Convention proposée par l’Impératrice de Russie, où, aux 5 articles...
104C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 16 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
You will have received a packet of American dispatches from his Excellency the ambassador of France that left here with the 1 o’clock post. I also added a catalog of a sale that will take place here on the 15th. 2If there is something in it that you would like to have, I am at your disposal. By proposing, sir, that you come here toward the end of next week, my intention was simple. I did not...
105To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Celle-ci n’est que pour vous confirmer la mienne d’hier, et que l’affaire va grand train. J’ai vu ce matin M. l’Ambr., qui m’a entretenu très-gracieusement, et avec une bonne humeur charmante. Il pense, tout comme notre ami, que votre apparition ici pour quelques jours est à propos, non pour faire aucune démarche, mais seulement pour vous montrer sans affectation. Une Dépêche secrete d’un...
106C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 28 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
Since Saturday, my domestic affairs, as well as some of my public ones, have prevented me from congratulating you on the second Burgoynization in America. Today I do it with all my heart. I rejoice at once in this glorious event for myself, for the United States, for the king of France, for you, and for all friends and good people. Also I rejoice in the despair it will bring our enemies. I am...
107To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Les Etats d’Hollde. ne pourront former une Résolution, que dans 15 jours ou 3 semaines; car ce ne sera qu’alors que sera l’Assemblée prochaine demandée à la fin de la proposition dont voici la Traduction. En attendant cette Proposition a déjà fait une grande impression, et beaucoup de peine aux Anglomanes. J’espere, Monsieur, que vous pourrez acquiescer à ma demande d’hier; et par-là vous me...
108C. 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...
109C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 14 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Although I have still not seen anyone, I am nevertheless taking up my pen to have the honor to tell you, after much deliberation since we left each other, that it seems to me that you cannot pass up, in order to avoid all blame and enmity in coming here for the démarche in question, an initial visit to the French ambassador in order to inform him verbally of your latest commission and letters...
110C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 2 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Could you kindly attach the enclosed postscript to my last letter for Congress. Two people, whom I can trust, have promised to keep me informed of the fate of your memorial to the High Mightinesses. Mr. Visscher believes that it was given by the president to the secret committee of the High Mightinesses, which is always composed of the first deputies of each province. If you are at Leyden, I...
111C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 29 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
In yesterday’s letter I made an error which must be corrected. It is not the awaited arrival of the St. Petersburg courier that has delayed the publication of the manifesto, but rather that the cities of Amsterdam and Dordrecht are not satisfied with the current one. They find it too weak and want it redone. This is the only reason for its delay, and another one will be drafted. Your...
112C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 15 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Without wanting to disagree with any of the good reasons you gave me in your letter of the 12th regarding the prompt publication of the resolution of Congress, I would, however, have wanted it to be postponed for at least another day, for all the reasons which I have had the honor to tell you. The printed copy that you have was a sufficient guarantee of the démarche that I could have made in...
113C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 14 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
This morning, the accord with France and the mediation were resolved in the states of Holland. It is a singular cuisine that can season two things so incompatible and a singular stomach that can swallow and digest them. The mediation was accepted with the exception of the republic’s rights to the armed neutrality. According to the resolution, the belligerent powers must be notified about the...
114To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Depuis ma derniere du 13e. qui en renfermoit une de France pour vous, je Serois en peine de son sort, Si je ne savois que Mrs. De Neufville ont reçu le paquet qui la contenoit. Le Mémoire est présentement Suffisamment connu par toute la République, et par toute l’Europe, tant par les Envois du Libraire, que par les Gazettiers qui l’ont répété à l’envi l’un de l’autre. Le Courier du Bas-rhin a...
115To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 6 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
J’envoie aujourd’hui le troisieme et dernier feuillet à Son Excellence Mr. Franklin, de la Gazette de Leide, où j’ai fait insérer, selon vos desirs et les siens, la Lettre de Clinton. Je l’ai fait parvenir en même temps à d’autres Nouvellistes du pays, et hors du pays, notamment à Hambourg, et un Ami d’Amsterdam m’a promis d’en faire passer une copie à Londres. Je suis toujours d’opinion qu’on...
116To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
Dans une Lettre de ce même jour, qui est déjà à la Poste, j’ai oublié de vous faire part d’un Article essentiel, qui est, que le Rapport de Mr. Van den Santheuvel le Président, fait à L. H. P. de votre derniere Requisition, a été pris ad referendum le dernier jour de l’Assemblée d’Hollde, par toutes les Villes de cette Province. Nous verrons ce qui en résultera. Les Etats se rassembleront...
117To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 26 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Je n’ai rien, pour le coup, de nouveau à vous marquer, Si ce n’est, que je viens d’apprendre qu un certain nombre de Marchands de la grande ville fera enfin la basse démarche auprès du Mre. Br. d’envoyer des Députés à L—— négocier la restitution de ce qui leur appartient des effets capturés à S. E. Quelques bons Patriotes, quoi, qu’ils y perdent aussi, ont refusé de souscrire à cette...
118To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 27 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Depuis votre Départ d’ici il ne s’est rien passé, sinon qu’hier la Province d’Hollde prit la Résolution d’une Missive à la Cour de Russie, pour décliner la Paix particuliere avec celle de Londres, laquelle Résolution a été communiquée aux Etats-Généraux hier, après quoi les Etats d’Hollde se séparerent pour jusqu’à Mercredi prochain. Voici diverses Lettres qui m’ont été apportées de l’Auberge....
119To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 5 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
Si je n’ai pas eu l’honneur de vous écrire plutôt, c’est que mon intention étoit de passer chez vous la semaine derniere pendant l’absence de nos amis ici. Mais des affaires domestiques m’on ont empêché d’un jour à l’autre: et voici les amis de retour, qui demandent ma présence. Jeudi passé huit jours, avant l’ajournement, peu s’en fallût que le concert avec la Fce. ne fût résolu. La seule...
120To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 3 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
J’ai été mortifié dernierement, de vous trouver justement parti lorsque je passai à votre Auberge, pour vous rendre mes devoirs après avoir vu quelques patriotes. J’espere être dedommagé lorsque vous ferez une autre tournée ici. En attendant, je me hâte de vous faire passer l’incluse, non seulement pour que vous ayiez la bonté de la faire partir par premiere occasion avec vos Dépeches, mais...
121To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 3 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
J’ai les honorées vôtres des 31e. Janvr. et 2e. fevr. reçues toutes les deux à la fois ce matin. Je suis bien charmé that all’s well in America . En revanche, je vous dirai, that all’s well at Pertersb . Car je sai de bonne part, qu’avanthier un Exprés est arrivé avanthier delà, au Mine. de cette Cour-là, en réponse à la notification du départ de S. J. Y., et que les dispositions de la dite...
122C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 8 December 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of 25 November to the ambassador was received. Since he was not in town when it arrived, and since there was business at hand, regarding the loan guarantee unanimously resolved last Monday, his response to you has been delayed. Moreover, this negotiation is already finished, and many dawdling rentiers are scratching their heads now because they are too late to benefit from it. This...
123To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Je fus hier au Soir chez un ami de poids, qui, Sur ce que je lui témoignai ma surprise de ce que votre Mémoire avoit été remis au Greffe, c’est-à-dire, comme jeté ou rejeté , comme on me l’avoit fait entendre me dit, que l’expression étoit outrée, et que ce qui étoit remis là étoit considéré comme déposé jusqu’à nouvel ordre. On attend tous les jours des Dépêches de Petersbourg; et l’on est...
124To John Adams from Charles William Frederic Dumas, 30 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
L’arrivée de Messieurs vos fils, & de l’honorée vôtre du 11e. 7br. qu’ils m’ont remise, a été une apparition bien agréable pour moi, qui suis presque moisi d’âge & de solitude.—Mon amitié leur est acquise & par leurs chers parens, & par leur propre mérite: je voudrois pouvoir leur en donner les preuves les plus fréquentes; mais vous savez combien je suis noir à certains yeux, auxquels je ne...
125C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 3 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed will tell you all that is new here. Our friends are hardly content with the Russian memorial. As for me, I do not think that Russia is to blame for not rushing in to save the republic until it is evident that the republic is well-armed. Otherwise the entire burden will be on the navy merely to hold its defensive position. All of this will drag things out and the only action will...
126To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu et vu avec autant de satisfaction la belle et bonne Résolution du Congrès du 5 Octob., que j’ai eu de regret de voir cette Piece publiée trop précipitamment dans la Gazette d’Amsterdam. Sans cela je vous aurois conseillé de renvoyer cette publication de quelques ordinaires; et j’aurois fait avec plus de grace une démarche, qui vous auroit pu conduire tout d’un coup à une liaison...
127To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 17 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
Je n’eus le temps hier au soir que de vous envoyer la Lettre que S. E. Mr. l’Ambr. de France m’avoit fait remettre pour vous en réponse de celle du 8e. courant que je lui avois remise de votre part. Mrs. les P—— d’A—— D—— et H—— m’ont tous chargé de vous témoigner leur reconnoissance de la bonté que vous avez eue de leur communiquer la Résolution du Congrès; et ceux d’A—— en particulier leur...
128C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 23 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
In response to your honored letter of the 19th, I will show you, when you wish, that the expression Treaties with France and Spain was included in the English manuscript copy that you left with me, and that was used by the printer. I gave Mr. Manzon your compliments and asked that he keep them to himself, because, between us, we must be certain that these gentlemen do not expose us. They are...
129C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 11 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
This evening you will have received a letter marked no. 4 that was sent with the 1 o’clock post. I must add, on behalf of our friend here, that it is necessary for you to meet for a serious and decisive talk with the pensionary Mr. van Berckel and with Mr. Bicker, the son, as soon as tomorrow, if possible, regarding what was proposed in the aforesaid letter. Our friend is writing to Mr. Bicker...
130C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 12 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
You should have received a package from Messrs. de Neufville containing 25 copies of the memorial in three languages. Today I am sending another package under the name of Mr. van Arp containing 15 copies of each. I have 60 more that I am keeping for you and will send them to you when I know you want them in Amsterdam, or if you prefer, here or in Leyden. I myself have distributed and sent out...
131C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 5 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Although I have rented rooms here, and my wife and daughter have taken steps to spend the summer in the country and the winter in Geertruidenberg, we will not be prevented from starting wholeheartedly your proposed project. We promise to execute it as agreeably and advantageously for your Excellency as if it were being done for ourselves. I will be in the clear to pay for my rooms for a year...
132C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 24 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Moliere, merchant in your city, will have presented to you this morning, my letter of advice and bill for ƒ10,000, payable upon receipt, concerning the transaction here. Many people have told me how delighted they are with this news. The Anglomanes remain silent. One of the more outraged ones asked me yesterday if it were, in fact, true. I told him yes, and that he was seeing before him...
133To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 12 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
En vous confirmant mes deux Lettres d’hier, celle-ci est pour vous faire part, d’une Résolution que la Ville de Dort vient de prendre, par laquelle elle donne à Mr. De Gyzelaer, son digne Pensionaire, une marque touchante et honorable de son estime et de son approbation, et d’ailleurs non équivoque de sa disposition par rapport aux affaires publiques: par cette résolution elle s’attend qu’il...
134C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 30 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
With all the commotion of moving tomorrow, I have only a trunk on which to write this letter to you. You will see from the enclosed letter from Mr. Nolet of Schiedam, and from the copy of my provisional reply, what will be necessary in your own response. Meantime, I would like to remind you that you have accepted a dinner invitation at Mr. and Mrs. Boreel’s home here on the 6th of May. I was...
135C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 5 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed letter to Congress is mainly a response to your letters of 31 January and 2 February. I agree with you that the grain shortage in Europe, and especially in England, will be advantageous to America in many ways. I have already made good use of the information you gave me in these letters and will continue to do so. I have not yet seen the Vie privée de Louis XV . But I do not...
136C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 6 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
The same person who notified me that you left me in charge of forwarding the démarche, told me yesterday morning that, after much thought, he finds it contains a big drawback. He advised very seriously against submitting it because it is a démarche that is incompatible with your character. In a word, he does not believe that you should lower yourself by sending the piece in question...
137C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 25 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I intended to have the honor of writing to you tomorrow, but His Excellency, the French ambassador, has just this moment asked me to write to you. He says that you had asked Mr. Bérenger, French chargé des affaires, what reasons warranted your presence and an interview with you in France, and that he knows these reasons. If you can take the trouble to come here to the Hague, he will...
138C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 22 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
As promised, I have the honor to inform you that the expected courier arrived last night from St. Petersburg, with news of the signing of the convention between the Russian ministers and those of the republic on the third of this month. Therefore everything is in order. If you have any news regarding American affairs, please let me know, since it is necessary here to supply intelligence for...
139To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 20 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
L’incluse pour vous m’est parvenue je ne sai d’où ni comment avec une Gazette de Rotterdam où l’on a inséré la Requête des Negociants de la dite Ville à leurs Magistrats. Je suppose qu’il y en a une pareille sous ce couvert. Vous aurez vu par les gazettes, qu’avanthier pareille démarche s’est faite à Leide par 64 Negociants et Fabriquants. J’ai lieu de croire, que demain il en sera présenté...
140C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 8 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Dumas’ verbal message on behalf of Mr. Adams to the secretary of the town of Schiedam on 8 May 1782. The diversity of sentiments existing in this republic regarding the circumstances in which it stands relative to the United States of America, having appeared to Mr. Adams capable of causing some embarrassment to the merchants of Schiedam if he accepted their polite invitation, he has...
141To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 1 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Le Fort Philippe pris le 4e. fevr. sans capitulation Garnison (2500 h) prisonniere. Je le tiens de Mr. l’Ambassadeur même, qui l’a annoncé ce matin au Prince. Je vous en félicite. Voilà un bon toast pour votre Dimanche. J’attends réponse à la mienne derniere. Je viens de payer les 8000ƒ, et demain je commencerai par le paiement des fraix. Bonne nouvelle de Frise. Je travaille ici à quelque...
142To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 19 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Les derniers papiers Anglois ont copié de la Gazette de N. York un long article au sujet d’une prétendue sédition d’un Corps de 2000 h. de l’armée du Gl. Washington. Quelque décréditée que soit, avec raison, cette source impure, cela ne laisse pas d’inquiéter ici ceux du bon parti, et de donner quelque espoir aux Anglomanes. Ayez donc la bonté, Monsieur, de me marquer en réponse, le plutôt le...
143To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 9 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
En réponse à l’honorée vôtre du 1 er. de ce mois, J’ai reçu & fait parvenir les Lettres que V.E. a eu la bonté d’écrire au Président, à Mr. Fagel, & à MM. Willink & Staphorst à ma priere. Je n’en ai pas de réponse encore, non plus qu’à 2 notes qui ont précédé de ma part, à Mr. Fagel, & dont voici copie. Je suppose néanmoins foiblement, que le tout a fait l’effet d’avoir été épargnés jusqu’ici,...
144To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 30 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
J’ai bien reçu l’honneur de votre Lettre du 27e. et vous suis trèsredevable de l’obligeante intention qui vous a engagé à me l’écrire. Je n’ai pu voir encore personne pour savoir ce qui se passe, n’ayant pas trouvé les gens chez eux, et aussi parce que j’ai été indisposé depuis deux jours. Je sortirai ce soir pour tâcher de m’instruire. Si vous allez à Amsterdam, ayez la bonté, Monsieur, de...
145C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 12 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
This is not the expected post, but rather a letter dated the 19th of last December O.S. that has arrived from the plenipotentiaries at St. Petersburg, announcing that the Empress was satisfied with the situation; that she has seen the last two British memorials presented by Sir Joseph Yorke to Their High Mightinesses and is more indignant than surprised by them; that the convention would be...
146To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 28 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l’honorée vôtre du 25e., dont le contenu m’a fait grand plaisir, non seulement par l’approbation que vous donnez de vous adresser de temps en temps des Lettres pour le Congrès, mais aussi par l’entretien agréable que m’ont procuré les matieres interessantes dont elle est remplie. Il faudra attendre, que la prise des vaisseaux des Indes Anglois près du Cap de B. E., par l’Escadre...
147C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 30 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
Copy of my letter to our friend “According to your wishes, sir, I will give you an account of what just passed. I was received very politely and everything proceeded in the same manner. They kindly asked me to provide the service of making the notification. I expressed my great regret of not being qualified in this case to execute such a commission, a commission that would hardly be any...
148C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 10 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
After you left, I received a note from our friend asking that I send him a copy of your criticism of the proposal as quickly as possible. He assured me that he would make good use of it. I sent it to him with the following statement. “I believe that it is necessary to add that Mr. Adams would not be satisfied with this response and would not have accepted it because it is not the categorical...
149C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received and have seen with much satisfaction Congress’ great and good resolution of 5 October. Unfortunately it was published precipitously in the Gazette d’Amsterdam . Otherwise, I would have advised you to postpone its publication so that I could have written a more graceful démarche that you could have sent at once to an important liaison. I must now prepare a less graceful démarche...
150C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 22 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
From all appearances we will, with Ovid, be able to utter Dicite Io Pæan next Tuesday or Wednesday, that is to say, that our sister Holland, along with our already established sister Friesland, will soon complete the fraternity with the others. Yesterday, the matter of your confirmation was discussed with no debate. Nine cities, Dordrecht, Haarlem, Delft, Leyden, Amsterdam, Gouda, Schoonhoven,...