2711To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 8 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Mr Oswald, whom I mention’d in a former letter which I find you have received, is returned and brought me another Letter from Lord Shelburne of which the above is a Copy. It says Mr Oswald is instructed to communicate to me his Lordships Thoughts. He is however very sparing of such Communication. All I have got from him, is that “the Ministry have in Contemplation, the allowing Independence to...
2712C. W. F. Dumas’ Address to the City of Schiedam, 8 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Message verbal, fait de la part de Mr. Adams au Secretaire de la Ville de Schiedam, le 8 May 1782, par Mr. Dumas. La diversité de sentimens qui a lieu dans cette république, par rapport aux circonstances où elle se trouve relativement aux Etats-Unis d’Amérique, ayant paru à Mr. Adams pouvoir facilement attirer quelque embarras à Mrs. les Négociants de Schiedam, s’il faisoit usage de leur...
2713C. 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...
2714From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 8 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress; transcripts: National Archives, Massachusetts Historical Society Mr Oswald, whom I mention’d in a former letter which I find you have received, is returned and brought me another Letter from Lord Shelburne of which the above is a Copy. It says Mr Oswald is instructed to communicate to me his Lordships Thoughts. He is however...
2715To John Adams from Francis Dana, 10 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
I cannot suffer this post to go off without conveying to you my most hearty congratulations for the great event, of the States General acknowledging our Independence, and upon the famous anniversary of the conception day of our Empire. Your patriotism, your zeal, and your inflexible perseverance, will now have their reward when you see the great end of your Mission so happily executed. Never...
2716To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 11 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Fynje having communicated us his conversation with your Excellency last evening, we beg leave to assure you, that we’ll gladly do all what lays in our power to give you Satisfaction; We therefore to convince you of our inclination in this respect do without any hesitation Accept of the terms you proposed of 4 1/4 pct. for the Remedium and other Charges. The other point we’ve proposed to...
2717To John Adams from Jacob Roorda, 12 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Selon votre desir je prens la Liberté de vous Envoÿer celle ci en François, mais comme cette Langue ne m’est pas Si familliere, de pouvoir vous marquer tout ce que j’ai dit dans ma precedente et comme je ne doute pas ou vous aurez bien la bonté de m’excuser, quand j’ÿ commets tant et plus des Fautes, La Semaine passée j’ai pris la Liberté de vous marquer mes Vrais Sentiments à L’Egard de...
2718Jacob Roorda to John Adams: A Translation, 12 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
According to your wish, I take the liberty of writing this in French, but as this language is not so familiar to me, I will not include everything that I wrote in my preceding letter and have no doubt that you will be so kind as to excuse my many errors. Last week, I took the liberty of writing to you with my true feelings regarding the independence of the thirteen American states and also as...
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2720To John Adams from John Bondfield, 14 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
By an Express which past this City on Sunday and by all the Letters by yesterdays post from Spain we are informd America has declared War against Portugal and Hostilities are commenct by the Capture of Six rich Brazil Ships which they name—Captain Paul Jones is said to be the Hero. The Portuguese Consul at Bayonne has sent orders to all Captains at this Port sailing under portuguese Colours to...
2721To John Adams from Antoine Marie Cerisier, 14 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Vous savez à quel point les interêts de l’Amerique me sont chers. Un enthousiasme fanatique ne m’a pas guidé; j’ai regardé sa cause comme celle de l’humanité; et j’y suis d’autant plus attaché que j’ai cru suivre les vrais principes. Ainsi vous ne serez pas étonné Si je n’ai pas été indifférent sur ce qui pouvait affecter son crédit. Vous sentez déjà que je veux parler du mauvais succés du...
2722Antoine Marie Cerisier to John Adams: A Translation, 14 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
You know how important American interests are to me. Fanatical enthusiasm has not guided me. I regard America’s cause as a cause for all humanity. And I am all the more attached since I am faithful to the true principles. So, you will not be surprised if I was not indifferent about that which would effect its credit. You already know that I want to talk about the failure of Mr. Hodshon’s loan...
2723To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 16 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have receivd a Letter from Mr B of the 3d, wherein He says; that He has every reason in the World to Think, that what He had said to me in the preceeding Letter, (Extracts from which I took the Liberty of sending to your Excellency) was Justly founded, that Mr L is doubtful, whether He shall Act in Character , and that He is well receivd. I doubt not of this Gentleman Acting rightly, but I...
2724To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 16 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
I take the Liberty of writing to your Excellency this Letter, expresly to recommend my Friend Mr Ridley to your Excellencys Notice. I Knew Him long in England and Ever found Him warm, Active and Affectionate to the Cause of America, we left the Ennemys Country together. He has since been in America where He signalized Himself, in being very instrumental in providing Vessels for transporting...
2725To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 16 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
We did not receive the Letter, which your Excellency did us the honour to write to us, but yesterday morning about twelve ô Clock, in answer to which, we now take the liberty to propose to your Excelly the final Terms, on which we are willing to open a Loan in behalf of the united States of North America. Your Excellency shall authorise us to negotiate a Sum of five Millions of Guilders, tho’...
2726To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 17 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
We received by Mr Fynje your Excellency’s esteemed favour of 17 inst, by whch. you are pleased to agree to all the terms we proposed by our letter of 16 inst, with this exception, that the allowance, for remedium of negotiating, and paying out the money, brokeridge, Notary Stamps, and all expences whatsoever, and also for the final redeeming of the negotiated Sum, all together is to be fixed...
2727To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 17 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
After the letter we had the honour of writing to your Excellency having got a Conversation about the Prospectus of the Loan, we think it would be more easy and convenient for yr. Excellency, to pass five Bonds, each of one Million of Guilders in our favour, authorising and empowering us to divide them in Bonds of thousand Guilders each, under our hands, which Should be Saving a good deal of...
2728Enclosure: A Prospectus for the Dutch Loan, 17 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Van eene Negotiatie ten behoeve der Vereenigde Staaten van America, groot drie Millioenen Guldens, Hollands Courant geld, tegens 5 pCto. Intrest in t Jaar, roor den tyd van tien Jaaren vast, te betalen op Coupons van f 50—’s Jaarlyks. Zyn Excellentie John Adams, Schildknaap Minister Plenipotentiarie van gemelde Vereenigde Staaten van America &c. &c. speciaal door het Congres geauthoriseerd tot...
2729Enclosure: A Prospectus for the Dutch Loan: A Translation, 17 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Of a loan in behalf of the United States: three million guilders, Dutch currency, with a 5 percent interest rate per year, for the time period of ten years, to be paid off by 50 f coupons, annually. His Excellency John Adams, Minister Plenipotentiary of aforementioned United States of America &c. &c., especially authorized by the Congress, will execute this loan in three bonds, La. A, B, C, on...
2730To John Adams from Monitor, 20 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
We are told here of a chace there has been for sometime in holland and that the name wanted to be run down is our old staunch friend de Nefville; in which base pursuit in the whole groupe of motley hounds, the mongrel Adams distinguish’d himself in such a manner that all here regretted he was not near to be rewarded as joculer by spitting in his mouth and patting his breech with their foot;...
2731To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 21 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to congratulate your Excellency on your complete success, which I am confident is owing to your prudent, wise, and indefatigable endeavours, at least as much as to certain favourable circumstances. From this place I knew, perhaps better than you could, all the obstacles you had to surmount; which would not be surprising, as it is natural to suppose that you have almost constantly...
2732To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 22 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
It is so important to let you know that the late change in the British Ministry and the conciliating measures they propose have occasioned no alteration in the sentiments of people here, that tho’ I am too much hurried, (this conveyance going sooner than was intended,) to take particular notice of the letters we have received from you, and which remain unanswered, yet I cannot but avail myself...
2733To John Adams from Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 22 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Since we doubt whether they have Sent your Excellency already Some Prospectus of the Loan, we take the liberty of inclosing you Some herewith. We flatter ourselves that it will Succeed now to your wishes. Mr. Le Poole has brought us your Excellency’s answer to our last letter. Notwithstanding we flatter ourselves, that if we could have had the Satisfaction to converse with your Excellency, we...
2734To John Adams from Francis Dana, 23 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure of yours of the 28th. of April yesterday, in which you acknowledge the receipt of mine of the 28th. of March, as well as of the paper I had enclosed you in blank, and of my three letters to Mr: Livingston. I hope you will be kind enõ to transmit copies of those papers to Congress, as I do not think it prudent to hazard duplicates of them. I desired the three to Mr:...
2735To John Adams from Joseph Stephens, 23 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your excellency gave me liberty to write to you and being persuaded of your goodness and generosity gives me reason to think that I may use the freedom alredy given; when I left your excellency monday last 13 May your excellency was kind enough to wish me success in what ever business I under took and said you would recommend gentlemen to me when it lay in your power. I can but kindly thank...
2736To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 23 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
As Messrs. Staphorst had to send the Prospectus of the Loan, with assurance of our respect to your Excellency, we beg Leave to refer to it. We received this mail the following note from Cadiz—Letters from London give notice his Excellency Mr. John. Adams, authorises the privateers of his Nation, to take portugeese Ships, and shall likewise do it to take danish Ships. As we know nothing of...
2737To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 24 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
In handing your Excellcy.’s Newspapers received ⅌ the mail which arived this day from England, we add thereto an Accot. receivd. at the same time from the Dutch Consul at Plymouth with receipts for moneys paid to some prisoners in Mill prison by your directions transmitted him thro’ us. Said gentleman makes a request to us, to apply to your Excellency on behalf of a Revd. Mr. Mendes, to which...
2738To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 25 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to intrude upon a few of your important moments, in behalfe of William Armstrong, late commander of a letter of marque Brig, belonging to me, and called, the little Porga ; which vessel was captur’d the 3d Nov. last by a Cutter Privateer, belonging to the Island of Guernsey—whither Capt Armstrong and his company were carried, after being stripped almost naked, according to the...
2739To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 29 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your Excellency will permit me to Congratulate you on you having before This embraced the noble Sufferer Mr Lawrens. I wish I had been a witness of the mutual pleasure you had in meeting one Another in a free Republick. I doubt not that your Excellency has recievd the Pamphlets, which I sent by Mr Myers, and Mr Hollis Memoirs, conveyed to you by my Friend Mr Ridley. The Copy which Mr B Hollis...
2740To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 29 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
It is with equal Surprize and concern that I find not the least attention paid to the several Letters I have written you since I have had the honor to be in Office. I attributed this to their not having reached you, till I saw an extract of a letter which I had written to Mr Dumas, and which went by the Same conveyance with one to you published in the Courier de l’Europe, from which...
2741To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 30 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
After I had wrote the letter of yesterday and sent it off, I recieved your favours of the 4th. 21. 27 of Feby, 10. &c. 11 of March; the three last I laid before Congress this morning, that of the 21st. I have kept by me for further consideration, tho’ I think upon the whole, as you have submitted them to my discretion, that I shall lay it also before Congress. I know they have been very...
2742To John Adams from Gerbrand Ravekes & J. G. Thin van Keulen, 30 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Quoique nous ayons fait tout ce que nous avons pu pour Tacher de trouver quelqu’un qui voulut Se charger de la Maison, que nous eumes L’honneur de Louër a Votre Excellce. en notre qualité, il ne S’est trouvé personne, qu’apresent; Mais Comme l’on en Veut donner que f 1200. de Soyer par an, nous n’avons pas osé y Consentir Sans L’aveux de Votre Excellce. en egart a la perte qu’elle y auroit En...
2743Gerbrand Ravekes & J. G. Thin van Keulen to John Adams: A Translation, 30 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Although we have done everything possible to try to find someone who wants to take over the house that we, in our capacity, had the honor to rent to your excellency, we had not found anyone until now. But, since they only want to pay f 1,200 in rent per year, we have not dared to agree to it without your excellency’s consent, considering the loss that will result from it. We very humbly ask...
2744To John Adams from Mme. V. Chabanel, 31 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Cet Avec Empressement, que Je Solisitte Monsieur Le Baron de, Brederode, Chanbellan Actuels de Sa Majeste Imperià le et Roÿale et Colonel au Service de LEtat, de vouloir Se Charger de La presente, pour Minformer de LEtat de Senté, de Votre Excelence, Lequel Jespere Sera parfaitte, cequi mefera plaisir dEntendre, Comme Aussi de LEstimable Monsieur Thaxter, on Ma dit quil Ettoit fort Malade ades...
2745Mme. V. Chabanel to John Adams: A Translation, 31 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have eagerly asked Mr. Baron de Brederode, the current chamberlain to his royal and imperial majesty, and colonel in the state’s service, to deliver this letter to you so that I may be informed of your health, which, I hope, is perfect, as well as the health of the inestimable Mr. Thaxter, who I have heard has been very ill with fevers. I hope I was misinformed but if not, I do wish him a...
2746To John Adams from Henry Grand, 31 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Pursuant to Doctor Franklin’s Approbation I have Settled your Account in the only way you could admit of, that is to Say I have given you credit for the sum you ordered to Mr. Dana’s Account £6857. 3 adding to that the Ballance I owed you on the 10th. of sept of 2557. 16 makes up a sum of £ 9414. 19 from which there is to be deducted 1st. the £400. making with the charges Bf 4045.2 at 53...
2747To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 31 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
We beg leave to reffer ourselves to the letter we wrotte your Excellcy. the 24th. Instt. and have now to enclose your Account Currt. Ballanced in our favour with the sum of f3937: 1: 8 Including the Accot. of Disbursements for the loan In 1781. We shall esteem your Excellcys. ordering our Reimbursement of said sum—and that you Will return us the papers desired by our former—and that you Will...
2748Enclosure: An Account, 31 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Debtor: 1780 May 30 To amount of sundries sent to the Honble: Lady Adams Pr: the Brig Hannah Captn: Haydon f 364: 18: — 1781 July 16 To do: Pr: the Ship Minerva Captn: Brown ″ 392: 19: — ″ To Cash pd: Frans P: Vergendo for silks &c as Acct. of 14 June ″ 136:
2749To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 2 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
Since mine of May 8th I have not had any thing material to communicate to your Excellency. Mr Grenville indeed arriv’d just after I had dispatch’d that Letter, and I introduc’d him to M. De Vergennes; but as his Mission seem’d only a Repetition of that by Mr Oswald, the same Declarations of the King of Englands sincere Desire of Peace, and willingness to treat of a General Pacification with...
2750From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 2 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress; transcripts: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives Since mine of May 8th I have not had any thing material to communicate to your Excellency. Mr Grenville indeed arriv’d just after I had dispatch’d that Letter, and I introduc’d him to M. De Vergennes; but as his Mission seem’d only a Repetition of that by Mr...
2751To John Adams from Jean de Neufville, 5 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
It was with concern we foúnd by the letter Yoúr Excellency honord ús with in date of the 1st. instant yoúr and Mr. Thaxters indisposition, we sincerely wish a speedy restablishment of yoúr healths, that yoú may vizit as soon as yoú wish this Capital, which however we do not súppose will be hastend on Accoúnt of the small Ballance to be payd us, as we wish yoú to make it perfectly Convenient to...
2752To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 6 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
I recievd yesterday your Excellencys Letter of the 1st Instant. I am sorry to hear that your Excellency is sick in Body your Heart is am sure not so, I see that is sound by all your Actions. I sent your Excellency a Receipt from one of our unfortunate Countryman in prison; If I remember right Mr Sawrey wrote on it, recommending to your Charity 7 of those, who were releivd in March last: Their...
2753To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 6 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of Mr. van Staphorst’s information, that your Excellency did intend to come in town Monday or Theusday, we got the translation of the bond performed in better English; whch. we now inclose to submit to your Excellency’s approbation. We shall be glad to Learn the Same, and to have this translation returned to us, with your Excellency’s advice of the day, you are pleased to fix...
2754To John Adams from Jan Heefke, 7 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
Zeer lang, heb ik vierrig en hartelijk gewenscht, in Noord America te zijn; maar noojt is mijn wensch vervult: voor grote 3 maanden geliet het zig als ofick er kommen zou; ik verzochte den Heer Willem Hooft (die mij kent) zijn welE: mogte mij daar toe verhelpen die Heer sturde mij naar den Heer Jan de Nuviele, die mij ooik niet alleen mijn verzoek gratie selijk toe stond; maar mij daar en...
2755Jan Heefke to John Adams: A Translation, 7 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
For a long time I have had an ardent and avid desire to be in North America, but never did my wish come true: for three long months it seemed as if I would be able to get there; I asked Mr. Willem Hooft (who knows me) whether this honorable gentleman might help me. This particular gentleman sent me to Mr. Jean de Neufville, who did not only allow me this favor graciously but also promised to...
2756To John Adams from Jean de Neufville, 7 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
We are honored by your Excelly. Letter of yesterday with the letters we wanted inclosed, the reason we have mentioned in our last our accounts to you, is—that the Honle. Thos. Barclay Esqr. has lately mentioned again, the reffering them to you and Dr. Franklin, or At least that he should write both your Excellys. on the subject, and it could not but appear more reasonable to us, that the...
2757To John Adams from Jacob Roorda, 8 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
Je Súis Tres mortifie de ne pouvoir pas avoir L’honneúr de voús voir ici par mi noús; comme voús m’avez Ecrit par votre tres gracieúse Lettre dú 16 dú mois de mai, il n’importe je fairai place a la Raison vú qúe votre presence Sera plús requise et Edificate ailleúrs, Cependant Je croirai manqúer a mon devoir, si je ne voús marquoit qúe le feú d’artifice en question aúra lieú, le 13. dú...
2758Jacob Roorda to John Adams: A Translation, 8 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
I am very disappointed that we will not be able to have the honor of seeing you here with us, as stated in your very gracious letter of 16 May. And even though it stands to reason that your edifying presence will be required elsewhere, I would be remiss, however, if I did not fulfill my duty to tell you that the fireworks will take place on the 13th of the month, and at that same time, I will...
2759To John Adams from Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 13 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
Hereby we’ve the honour to hand your Excellency the English Copy of the Bond, which you was pleased to desire for your perusal. We hope to send you soon the printed bonds for signing, and also the authentic copys, which are to be send to Congres for ratification. Since Messs. Willink and De La Lande & Fynje were occupied with other Business, they had no opportunity to sign this letter, which...
2760To John Adams from John Hodshon, 14 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
As Mess: de Neufville & Son have at Last applied to the Shippers of Capt: Cazneaús Vessel There was a meeting at my Lawyers hoúse on That búsines, when on my retúrn home were sorry to find yoúr Excellency had Calld, and not expecting yoúr Excellencys departure would have been so sudden, was The occasion my not paying yoúr Excellency a vizit That evening, and on sending the next morning were...