2301C. 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...
2302To John Adams from Henry Greig, 12 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
By a vessel to my address from Philadelphia in 40 days I received with my own Letters, the Packet I have now the pleasure herewith to transmit you. There were also under my care, four Volumes of Congress Journals for 1778, for the Honble. Dr. Franklin, Mr. Jay, Mr. Dana and yourself, together with those for November and decemr. last Year. I shall be glad to know in what manner you would chuse...
2303John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 13 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
As you may possibly not come here before the 18th I write to know, if I must leave these lodgings at that time, as the month will then be up, and if I stay any longer I must begin another month. I have finish’d Phaedrus’s fables and the lives of Miltiades, Themistocles, Aristides, Pausanias, Cimon, and Lysander; and Am going next upon Alcibiades in Cornelius Nepos, I shall begin upon...
2304To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 13 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Après la Lettre que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire hier, n’ayant plus rien à vous apprendre, pour le présent, des affaires publiques, mon intention étoit de vous écrire à loisir la semaine prochaine seulement, sur un arrangement à prendre quant à moi personnellement, en conséquence de ce que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de me dire la derniere fois qu’il en a été question entre nous,...
2305C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 13 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
After the letter that I had the honor to send to you yesterday, my intention was not to write again until next week since there is no news to relay. This exercise of personal reserve, a consequence of what you had the honor to tell me the last time this was a cause for concern, is an arrangement that I hope will please you, and will smooth out the difficulties which could oppose your good...
2306To John Adams from Henry Grand, 14 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I herewith take the Liberty to send you the State of your Account currt. by which you owe me 24742. 2.11. After you have examined it and found it right I shall be obliged to you to remitt me your draft on Dr. Franklin for the amount that we may be ballanced. I have wrote twice to Mr. Williams at Nantz but to no Effect to Know his disbursments to the 6 Cases of Wine you have in my cellar, in...
2307John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 17 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I reciev’d this morning your letter of the 14th. in which you speak of Poetry, and although I have not read much of it, yet I always admired it, very much. I take the Delft Dutch paper to learn to read the language. To day there is a report which I read in it that Admiral Kingsbergen had taken fourteen of the German Transports, but this is only a report. Inclosed is a letter which I reciev’d...
2308To 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...
2309C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 18 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Since my last letter of the 13th, with the enclosure from France directed to you, I have been somewhat troubled because I did not know that Messrs. De Neufville received the packet that contained the enclosure. The memorial is sufficiently known throughout the republic and Europe at this time. This is due to the dispatches from the publishers as much as it is to the vying newspapers that have...
2310John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 19 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I reciev’d this morning your yesterday’s favour, in which you say, you want to hear of my beginning in Sallust; I have not begun yet but shall soon; but am for the present continuing in Cornelius Nepos. I have got a fair copy of Phaedrus bound, it is My Master’s Translation which if you desire to read, and have time for it, I will send to you. The Vacancy does not begin at the same time,...
2311To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 19 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I received the Honour of yours, with an Account of the Bills you have to pay. I have accepted your Drafts for 77,000 Crowns, at 15 Days Date. The Shortness of the Term is inconvenient; and as our Money comes to hand by Degrees, and these unexpected Demands from Holland and Spain oblige me to anticipate our Funds, for which Anticipation I pay an Interest of five Per Cent, I wish you would for...
2312From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 19 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft), press copy, and incomplete copy: Library of Congress I received the Honour of yours, with an Account of the Bills you have to pay. I have accepted your Drafts for 77,000 Crowns, at 15 Days Date. The Shortness of the Term is inconvenient; and as our Money comes to hand by Degrees, and these unexpected Demands from Holland and Spain oblige me to...
2313John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 21 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are some numbers of the lettres Hollandoises. I took them out of thier covers, because I knew they were nothing else, and I could not do them up so well when they were in, however, if you please, I will not take out any more; Mr. Luzac’s this day’s paper is also inclos’d. I wrote to brother Charles by Mr. Thaxter, and to you the night before last, but have not yet reciev’d answers to...
2314Benjamin Waterhouse to John Adams, 21 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Almost every body here is preparing for the fair which opens next Thursday, and as this is Leyden- ’Lection I was saying to my companion that it was a pity Master Charles was not here that he might see that a Dutchman can be merry when he is resolved upon it. And John seems to wish it so much, that I thought I would write to you and if you had no objection we should have the little Gentlemans...
2315Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 23 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Not knowing but this may reach you as soon or sooner than a conveyance from Newbury (a ship of the Tracy’s Capt. Brown) by whom Mrs. Adams has wrote you—As such I take upon me to trouble you with a few lines, to let you know Mrs. Adams and family were well Yesterday. We have a ship from Port Loreon Lorient last week in 27 days, but as to News we have nothing Material, was in hopes the Dutch...
2316To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
En réponse à l’honorée vôtre du 19e. je pourrai vous faire voir quand il vous plaira que l’expression Treaties with France and Spain est dans la Copie Angloise manuscrite que vous m’aviez remise ici, et qui a servi à l’Imprimer. J’ai assuré de vos complimens Mr. Manson , en le priant de les garder pour lui: car, entre nous, il faut prendre garde que ces Messieurs ne nous exposent pas. Ils ne...
2317C. 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...
2318To 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...
2319C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 24 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
The States of Holland will not be able to form a resolution for another fifteen days or three weeks. This is because the next assembly finally demanded a translation of the proposal. Meantime this proposal has made a great impression and has caused the Anglomanes a lot of pain. I hope, sir, that you will be able to acquiesce to yesterday’s proposal, and by doing so you will alleviate the pain...
2320To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 24 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Dana’s journey to Russia (the first notice of which I have it in Mr. Favi’s Letter of the 6. instant) will probably have retarded my answer to your Excellency’s favour of the 18 of January. I hope Mr. Favi has forward it to you through a safe channel. I send this, through the french Minister at this Court, to a gentleman in the bureau of Mr. de Vergennes, who is desired to convey it safe...
2321Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
In this Beautifull month when Nature wears her gayest garb, and animal and vegetable life is diffused on every side, when the Chearfull hand of industery is laying a foundation for a plentifull Harvest who can forbear to rejoice in the Season, or refrain looking “through Nature up to Nature’s God?” While my Heart expands, it sighing seeks its associate and joins its first parent in that...
2322Abigail Adams to John Adams, 27 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have written so largely to you by Mr. Storer who goes in the same vessel, that I should not have taken up my pen again, but in compliance with the request of a Friend whose partner is going abroad, and desires a Letter to you as an introduction. Of Mr. Dexter the Bearer I know nothing but his Name. I have inclosed the Letter which I received from his partner who you know is a valuable...
2323Abigail Adams to John Adams, 28 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I could not have conceived that a Letter written upon merely political subjects could have communicated so much pleasure to my Bosom as yours of the 28th of December to the president, of Congress, has given to mine. This Letter was taken by the Enemy, carried into New York, and published by them, and republished by Edes. For what reason the Enemy published it I cannot tell, as it contains...
2324Richard Cranch to John Adams, 28 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Having an Oportunity by Doctor Dexter, now bound to Europe, I gladly embrace it to write you a few Lines. We have been longing to hear from you a great while—not a line received from you or Mr. Thaxter for near six months. A Dutch War—Northern Powers arming for Defence of their Trade &c. are important Events since we last heard from you, which we wish to have an account of from you with your...
2325To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 29 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer ci-joint un numbre encore du Mémoire, de peur que vous n’en manquiez: car on m’en demande encore fréquemment, et j’en distribuerai tant qu’il m’en restera. Je vous remercie de la maniere explicite et franche dont vous me répondez Sur ce qui me regarde. J’aurai l’honneur de vous écrire plus au long pour justifier mes deux dernieres sur ce sujet, tant à l’égard de...
2326C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 29 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to send you the enclosed copies of the memorial in case you do not have enough. Since I am frequently asked for them, I will distribute the remaining copies. Thank you for the explicit and frank response to my concerns. I will have the honor to write to you at length, in order to justify my last two letters regarding my situation, and what I believe you know of it. Next time I...
2327To John Adams from Fizeaux, Grand & Co., 30 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
We have been honourd with your very esteemd favour of the 26th. Instant acknowledging receipt of your sundry acceptations amounting in all to Bf 126,000. and approving our payment of them for account of the United States of America. We inclose anew your following acceptations which we have discharged for said account 4 of the 24th. Instant Amounting to Bf 2200. 11 of the 28th. do. 6050. Bf...
2328To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 31 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have perused with the greatest satisfaction your most sensible and eloquent memorial to the Dutch united States, especially as it contains many things, which I much wanted to have published to the World in an occasion likely to obtain the general observation. I wish that your sound reasoning may awake the Dutch from their ignominious Lethargy, and that I may be mistaken in the opinion I...
2329To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 1 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Rosenblad, porteur de la présente, est le Gentilhomme Suédois, dont j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler ici, et pour lequel vous m’avez promis de vous interesser, afin de lui procurer le passage franc en Amerique sur quelqu’un des bâtimens qui partiront pour le Continent. Les témoignages irrécusables que j’ai reç sur son sujet, ceux qu’il est en état de produire lui-même, sa personne que j’ai...
2330C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 1 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
The carrier of this letter, Mr. Rosenblad, is the Swedish gentleman of whom I had the honor to speak to you here, and for whom you promised to give consideration in procuring a free passage to America on one of the ships departing for the continent. The indisputable testimonies that I have received about him, which he himself is in the process of obtaining, his character which I have come to...
2331To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 3 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
J’ai bien reçu vos ordres d’avanthier; et je ne manquerai pas de les exécuter Mardi prochain au Matin, ne le pouvant plutôt à cause des Fêtes. Un Ami très-entendu que j’ai consulté, ma conseillé de porter les Lettres moi-même; que cela est plus poli et plus décent pour les uns comme pour les autres, et qu’on ne pourra pas les refuser. J’aurai l’honneur en son temps de vous rendre compte de mes...
2332C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 3 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I received your orders of the day before yesterday, and I will not fail in executing them next Tuesday morning, not being able to do so earlier because of the holidays. I consulted a well-connected friend who advised me to carry the letters personally since this would be more polite and decent for everyone, and this way they could not be refused. I will have the honor at that time to give you...
2333To John Adams from James Warren, 4 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
It is some Time since I wrote to you, and much longer since I have been honoured with a Line from you. I have but Just got to Town. Mr. George Storer who goes by the way of Denmark is on the point of sailing and I can only Inclose two papers received from Mr. Lovel, and the Boston Papers of the day. I shall write you soon and if you have not forgot that there is such a Man in the world perhaps...
2334To John Adams from Laurent Bérenger, 5 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Je viens de recevoir une Lettre de Mr. le Comte de Vergennes par laquelle il m’ordonne d’avoir l’honneur de vous dire, que les intérêts des Etats unis exigent votre presence à Paris, et qu’il desireroit que vous voulassiez bien vous y rendre, aussitôt que vos affaires en Hollande vous le permettront; Je vous Supplie, Monsieur, de me faire part de vos intentions à cet egard, afin que je puisse...
2335Laurent Bérenger to John Adams: A Translation, 5 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I just received a letter from the Comte de Vergennes in which he gave me the honor to tell you that the interests of the United States require your presence in Paris, and that he desires that you go there as soon as your affairs in Holland permit you to leave. I ask you, sir, to inform me of your intentions regarding this matter so that I may inform M. le Comte de Vergennes. I dare flatter...
2336To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 5 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received the honour of your Letter dated the 25th. past, advising me of your Drafts for Forty Thousand Livres payable to the Order of Captain Joiner, which I shall accept when they appear. No specific Sum having been mentioned to me by Col. Laurens, as what would be wanted to fulfil his Orders in Holland, I think myself obliged to acquaint your Excellency that I fear my Funds will not...
2337To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 5 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your Excellency will find by the date hereof that it Comes from a prisoner, and which is the cause of my present address, therefore on the Confidence of your favour, beg leave to inform you, that in October last being then in, and having the command, of the Arm’d Ship of war Called the Genl. Washington, in which Vessel I had the misfortune to be captur’d by his Brittannick Majesties Ship...
2338To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 5 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Aÿant reçú plusieurs temoignages d’amitie et d’estime de votre Excellence, pendant votre Sejour a Leÿde, je me flatte a present, qu’il ne Sera point desagreable a vous, de recevoir de ma part une preuve de ma confiance en elle. C’est un sollicitation, Monseigneur! et j’espere, qu’elle ne vous paroitra pas trop temeraire, a cause qu’elle est par un ami; un homme de talens, qui à un jugement...
2339François Adriaan Van der Kemp to John Adams: A Translation, 5 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Having received several expressions of your Excellency’s friendship and esteem during your stay in Leyden, I flatter myself now that it will not be disagreeable for you to receive proof of my confidence in our friendship. It is a solicitation sir! I hope that it will not appear to you to be rash, because it is made by a friend; a man of talent, with profound and erudite judgment, and with the...
2340From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 5 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I have received the honour of your Letter dated the 25th. past, advising me of your Drafts for Forty Thousand Livres payable to the Order of Captain Joiner, which I shall accept when they appear. No specific Sum having been mentioned to me by Col. Laurens, as what would be wanted to fulfil his Orders in Holland, I think...
2341To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 6 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Selon vos ordres du 1er. du Courant, j’ai cacheté de mon cachet la Lettre que Vous m’avez envoyée pour M. le Président de L. H. P. et mis de ma main l’adresse en Hollandois, avec le nom de celui qui préside, et qui est le Baron Pallant de Glinthuisen; et je la lui portai hier matin, en lui disant que je l’avois reçue de Mr. Adams, avec ordre de la lui remettre. Il la reçut sans la décachetter,...
2342C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 6 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
According to the orders in your letter of the first of this month, I sealed the letter you sent me for the president of Their High Mightinesses with my own seal and addressed it in Dutch with the name of the man who presides currently, the Baron Pallant de Glinthuisen. I brought it to him yesterday morning and told him that I received it from Mr. Adams with orders to deliver it to him. He took...
2343To John Adams from John Manley, 6 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I presume the Liberty of presenting to your Honor my Destressing Situation, that long Captivity has much impaired my health, and what adds still to my Misfortune, that I am deprived of every Friendly Communication, as I have not received a Letter from America since I have been a prisoner which is almost two Years. My good Friend Mr. Diggs has been my only support And he having left this...
2344From John Adams to Laurent Berénger, 8 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter which you did me, the Honour, to write me, on the fifth of this month, informing me, that you have received a Letter from the Compte de Vergennes, by which his Excellency directs you to tell me, that the Interests of the United States require my Presence at Paris, and that he should desire that I would go there, as soon as my Affairs in Holland, will permit me. I...
2345To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 11 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Grand has communicated to me a Letter from your Excellency to him, relating to certain Charges in your Account, on which you seem to desire to have my Opinion. As we are all new in these Matters, I consulted when I was making up my Accounts, one of the oldest Foreign Ministers here, as to the Custom in such Cases. He informed me, that it was not perfectly uniform with the Ministers of all...
2346From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 11 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft) and two press copies: Library of Congress; two copies, press copy and transcript: National Archives; copy: Columbia University Library Mr. Grand has communicated to me a Letter from your Excellency to him, relating to certain Charges in your Account, on which you seem to desire to have my Opinion. As we are all new in these Matters, I consulted...
2347To John Adams from Henry Grand, 12 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
At the receit of the two Letters you honoured us with, I went and laid before Dr. Franklin your observations, the first of which Letters he desired me to leave with him for his Consideration. Expecting to get it back every minute I put off answering you frum day to day, for which I beg your pardon, Dr. Franklin’s enclosed answer stops my mouth respecting both the petit charges, and the method...
The united States of America, To all to whom these Presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas his most Christian Majesty our great and beloved Friend and Ally hath informed us by his Minister Plenipotentiary whom he hath appointed to reside near us, that their Imperial Majesties the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany actuated by Sentiments of Humanity and a desire to put a Stop to...
2349II. Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
The United States of America in Congress Assembled. To all to whom these presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas these United States from a sincere desire of putting an end to the hostilities between his most Christian Majesty and these United States on the one part, and his Britannic Majesty on the other, and of terminating the same by a peace founded on such solid and equitable principles...
2350III. Instructions to the Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Instructions to the Honble. John Adams Benjamin Franklin John Jay Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson ministers plenipotentiary in behalf of the United States to negotiate a Treaty of Peace Gentlemen You are hereby authorized and instructed to concur in behalf of these United States with his most Christian Majesty in accepting the Mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of...