801The American Peace Commissioners to David Hartley, 5 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Public Record Office, William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives; press copy of copy: National Archives; copies of draft: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society We have received the Letter which you did us the Honour to write yesterday. Your friendly Congratulations on the signature of the definitive Treaty, meet...
802[List of Visits Paid and Returned in London, June–July? 1785] (Adams Papers)
Le Comte de Lusi. Minister of Prussia. Great Pultney Street. r De Tribolet Hardy. Secretaire de Legation de S.M. Prussienne. r Mr. De Jeanneret de Dunilac late Chargé D’Affairs of his Prussian Majesty at the British Court. South Moulton Street Oxford Street. No. 49. r Lord Mahon. Downing Street. r The Earl of Abbington. r. The Earl of Effingham. r. Mr. Cottrell Assistant Master of the...
803London April 19. 1786. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
This is the Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, and of my Reception at the Hague, by their High Mightinesses. This last Event is considered by the Historians, and other Writers and Politicians of England and France as of no Consequence: and Congress and the Citizens of the United States in General concur with them in Sentiment. I walked to the Booksellers, Stockdale, Cadel, Dilly, Almon,...
The Subscriber, Minister Plenipotentiary, from the United States of America, to his Britannic Majesty, has the honour to represent to the British Ministry, that the said United States in Congress assembled, have received Information, that a number of their Citizens are Still detained, in the Service of his Majesty; and particularly, that Richard Low, who, in the Year 1776, was captured in an...
805[March 1785] (Adams Papers)
Saturday. Met Mr. F ranklin and Mr. J efferson at Passy, read the Letter from Mr. Carm ichael at Madrid, with the Letters from C. de Florida Blanca, the Letters from Morocco to Mr. Harrison at Cadiz, and the Letters from Morocco to Dr. F. concerning the Vessell of Mr. Fitzsimmons of Philadelphia, taken by a Morrocco Frigate. I asked for Books and Collections of Treaties. They were brought. I...
806Instructions to the American Peace Commissioners, 29 October 1783 (Adams Papers)
To the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, at the Court of Versailles empowered to negociate a Peace, or to any one or more of them. First. You are instructed and authorised to announce to his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Germany or to his Ministers the high Sense which the United States in Congress assembled entertain of his exalted Character and eminent virtues, and...
807Sunday. Ap. 23. (Adams Papers)
Heard Dr. Priestley at Mr. Linseys in Essex Street. Theophilus Lindsey (1723–1808) , minister of the Essex Street Chapel; the first avowedly Unitarian place of worship in London ( DNB Leslie Stephen and Sidney Lee, eds., The Dictionary of National Biography, New York and London, 1885–1900; 63 vols. plus supplements. ; Thomas Belsham, Memoirs of the Late Reverend Theophilus Lindsey ..., London,...
We have received the Extract of the letter from Monsieur de Sa of the 24 th Oct r 1784 which your Excellency was pleased to send us by the hand of the Secretary of your legation. “That in consequence of our letter your Excellency might assure us that Her Most faithful Majesty will be very glad to have the best correspondence with the United States, and that we may explain to your Excellency...
809Enclosure: Account, 10 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Dr. 1784. June. 24. To Cash pd. Nath. Austin 19/6 July. 1. To Nath. Willis 30/9 2. 10. 3 July. 21. To 1/2 m. Nails 4/ Aug. 11. To Cash pd. Jno. Gill 24/ 1/2 qe Paper 9d 1. 8. 9
810Paris Septr. 7. 1783. (Adams Papers)
This Morning, I went out to Passy, and Dr. Franklin put into my hand the following Resolution of Congress, which he received last night, vizt., By the United States in Congress assembled, May 1. 1783. on the Report of a Committee, to whom was referred a Letter of Feb. 5 from the Honble. J. Adams. Ordered that a Commission be prepared to Mess rs . John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay,...
811I. Draft Proposed Prussian-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce, with a Contemporary Translation, 9 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
[ 9 April 1784 ] [ 9 April 1784 ] Traité D’Amitie et de Commerce, conclu entre Sa Majeste le Roi de Prusse et les Etats Unis de L’Amerique Septentrionale. Treaty of Amity & commerce concluded between His Majesty the King of Prussia & the U d States of North America. Le Roi de Prusse et les treize Etats Unis de L’Amerique Septentrionale, desirant d’etablir d’une maniere Stable et permanente les...
812The American Commissioners to Francesco Favi, 9 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
We have received your letter of the 16 th. of Nov r. wherein you are pleased to inform us that you had communicated to His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Tuscany the overtures we had the honour of making for the establishment of a treaty of Amity & Commerce between the Subjects of His Royal Highness & the Citizens of the United States of America; that these were agreeable to him, and that...
813I. Commission, 11 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
To all to whom these Presents shall come or, may be made known. Whereas the United States of America in Congress Assembled, reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, prudence and ability of their trusty and well-beloved the Honble. John Adams late one of their Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating a peace, and heretofore a Delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts...
814The Hague June 22. 1784. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Last night at Court one of the Ladies of Honour, told me, that the Supper was given, in a great Measure, for Mrs. Bingham. Cette Super a été donne, en grande Partie, pour elle. There was great Enquiry after her, and much Admiration expressed by all who had seen her, of her Beauty. As the Princess of Orange was enquiring of me concerning her, and her Journey to Spa, Paris, Italy, the Spanish...
815Address to Charlotte, [21-28 February 1788] (Adams Papers)
As the Period of my Mission to His Majesty is expiring, I have requested the Honour of this Audience that I might have an oppertunity in taking my leave of your Majesty of presenting to your Majesty my most humble Thanks, for the Civilities I have received at your Majestys Court and my best Wishes for every Blessing and Felicity to your Majesty and every Branch of your Majestys Royal Family....
816[Memoranda on a Tour from London to Plymouth, July–August 1787.] (Adams Papers)
Michael Sawrey, at Plymouth Gillies St. Martins Lane. Garthshores Sastres Edgware Road. No. 20. Mad. La Marquise de Champsenets au Chateau de Thuilleries. To Epsom, Guilford, Farnham, Alton, Winchester, Salisbury. Blandford, Dorchester, Bridport, Axminster, Honniton (Valley), Exeter. Niccolaides. Chambourgs Rhodes. Gentlemans Pocket Farrier. Truslers practical Husbandry. Baldwins P ater N...
817[April 1786] (Adams Papers)
Mr. Jefferson and myself, went in a Post Chaise to Woburn Farm, Caversham, Wotton, Stowe, Edghill, Stratford upon Avon, Birmingham, the Leasowes, Hagley, Stourbridge, Worcester, Woodstock, Blenheim, Oxford, High Wycomb, and back to Grosvenor Square. Edgehill and Worcester were curious and interesting to us, as Scaenes where Freemen had fought for their Rights. The People in the Neighbourhood,...
To William Stephens Smith Esquire Secretary of the Legation of the United States of America to the Court of Great Britain— The Secretary of the United States of America for the department of foreign affaires, His Excellency John Jay to whom was referred a letter to him from the Honourable John Adams of the 27 th. of June last, informing that the Queen of Portugal had ordered her squadron in...
819[July 1786] (Adams Papers)
Last night, Coll. Smith and his Lady, took their Leave of Us, and went to their House in Wimpole Street. Yesterday visited Desenfans’s Collection of Pictures. A Port in Italy by Claude Lorraine, is the best Piece that remains. A Sampson sleeping in the Lap of Dalilah, while the Philistines cutt of his Locks, is said to be by Rubens, but Mr. Copely who was present doubts it. Supposes it to be...
820Contract for the Third Dutch Loan to the United States, 1 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
On the first day of June in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven, appeared before me Pietre Galenus van Hole Notary of Amsterdam, admitted by the hon b [. . .] Court of Holland— His Excellency, The hon ble: John Adams Esq e. Minister plenipotentiary on the part of the United States of America &c: &c: in quality as especially empowered and authorised by the abovementioned States...
821I. The American Commissioners’ Draft of Thomas Barclay’s Letter of Credence to the Emperor of Morocco, 12 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
The United States of America, heretofore connected in Government with Great Britain, have found it necessary for their Happiness to Seperate from her, and to assume an independant Station. consisting of a number of Seperate States, they have confederated together, and placed the Sovereignty of the whole, in matters relating to foreign nations, in an body an Assembly consisting of Delegates...
The Subscriber, Minister Plenipotentiary, from the United States of America, has the Honour, to represent to the Ministry, of his Britannic Majesty, that by the seventh Article of the Preliminary Treaty, of Peace, between his Majesty, and the United States of America, Signed at Paris, on the thirtieth day of November, one Thousand Seven hundred and eighty two, confirmed by the definitive...
823July [6] Thursday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Clapham, at Mr. Smiths. Dr. Kippis, Dr. Reese, Dr. Harris, Mr. Pais, Mr. Towgood and his two Sons, Mr. Channing were the Company. Mr. Pais told a Story, admirably well of a Philosopher, and a Scotsman. The Wit attempted to divert himself, by asking the Scot if he knew the immense Distance to Heaven? It was so many Millions of Diameters of the Solar System, and a Cannon Ball would be...
824Paris Septr. 14[–6 October] 1783. (Adams Papers)
Septr. 14. Mr. Thaxter took his Leave of me to return to America, with the definitive Treaty of Peace and the original Treaty with the States General.—I had been some days unwell, but soon fell down in a Fever. Sir James Jay, who was my Physician, gave me a vomit, &c. &c. On the 22d of September, I removed from the grand Hotel du Roi, to Mr. Barclays at Auteuil, where I have continued to this...
825Auteuil Near Paris March 20. 1785. (Adams Papers)
Sunday. Went early to Versailles, and found the C. De V.—communicated to him my Errand and Papers. He read those in Italian, Spanish and French, and Mr. Charmichaels Letter in English. I asked him, whether the French Treaty with Algiers, was renewed? He said it was upon the Point of expiring, but he could not tell me whether it was renewed as it was not in his Department but in that of the M....
826The American Peace Commissioners to Elias Boudinot, 10 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and press copy of LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society On the third Instant, Definitive Treaties were concluded, between all the late belligerent Powers, except the Dutch, who the Day before settled and signed Preliminary Articles of Peace with Britain. We most sincerely & cordially congratulate Congress and our Country in general, on this...
827VII. Letter of Credit, 6 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The United States of America in Congress Assembled on the 14th. day of Febry. last resolved, that the Ministers of the United States who are directed to form Treaties with the Emperor of Morocco and the Regencies of Algiers Tunis and Tripoli be empowered to apply any Money in Europe belonging to the United States to that use: As you are appointed to proceed to Morocco as Agent for forming such...
828III. The American Commissioners’ Draft Letter to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 12 September … (Adams Papers)
We have the honor to inform you that we have rec d. fm. the U: States of America, in Congress, full power & instructions to form treaties with the Emperor of Morocco & the Regencies of Algiers, Tunis & Tripoli, and we enclose you a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14 th. February 1785. impowering us to apply so much of the money borrowed in Holland to that use as we may deem necessary, not...
829July 10. 1784 Saturday. (Adams Papers)
May not the Ascent of Vapours be explained, or rather accounted for upon the Principle of the Air Balloon? Is not every Bubble of Vapour, that rises, an Air Balloon? Bubbles are formed at the Bottoms of Canals, Rivers, Ponds, rise to the Top, and mount up. These Bubbles are particles, or small quantities of inflammable Air, surrounded with a thin film of Water. Champaign Wine, Bottled Porter...
830London July 16, 1786. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
At Hackney, heard a Nephew of Dr. Price, who is settled at Yarmouth. It may be of Use to minute miscellaneous Thoughts like Selden, Swift &c. It is an Observation of one of the profoundest Inquirers into human Affairs, that a Revolution of Government, successfully conducted and compleated, is the strongest Proof, that can be given, by a People of their Virtue and good Sense. An Interprize of...
8311783. October 20. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Set out with my Son and one Servant, Leveque, on a Journey to London. We went from Auteuil, thro the Bois de Boulogne, and went out at the Port de Maillot to St. Dennis, where We took Post Horses. We dined at Chantilly, and lodged at Night at St. Just.
832Memorial to William V, Prince of Orange, 7 March 1788 (Adams Papers)
The Subscriber, Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America, has the Honour to communicate to your Most Serene Highness, a Resolution of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, the Original of which he has already had the Honour of laying before their High Mightinesses the States General by which he is recalled from his Mission to this Republick, and permitted to...
833The Moroccan-American Treaty of Peace and Friendship, [28 June 1786] (Adams Papers)
This is a Treaty of Peace & Friendship, established between Us and the United States of America, which is confirmed & which we have ordered to be written in this Book & sealed with our Royal Seal at our Court of Morocco, on the twenty fifth day of the blessed Month of Shaban in the Year one thousand two Hundred, trusting in God it will remain Permanent. We declare that both Parties have agreed...
834The American Commissioners to the Duke of Dorset, 28 October 1784 (Adams Papers)
The United States of america in Congress assembled judging that an intercourse between the Subjects of his Britannic Majesty & the Citizens of the Said States founded on the Principles of equality, reciprocity & friendship may be of mutual advantage to both nations, on the 12 th. day of may last, issued their Commission under the Seal of the Said States to the Subscribers as their Ministers...
8351787. August 7 [i.e. 6?] (Adams Papers)
At Kin gsbridge, the southerly Point of the County of Devonshire, the birth Place of my Brother Cranch. Wen t Y ester day to Church in the Morning, dined with Mr. Burnell, went to the Presbyterian Meeting afternoon, drank Tea with Mr. Trathan, and went to the Baptist Meeting in the Evening.—Lord Petre is the Lord of this mannor.—The Nephew of my Brother Cranch possesses the Family Estate,...
836Grosvenor Square Westminster March 27. 1786. (Adams Papers)
March 26. Sunday, dined in Bolton Street Piccadilly, at the Bishop of St. Asaphs. Mr. and Mrs. Sloper, the Son in Law and Daughter of the Bishop; Mrs. and Miss Shipley the Wife and Daughter; Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan, Mr. Alexander and Mrs. Williams, Mr. Richard Peters and myself, were the Company. In the Evening other Company came in, according to the Fashion, in this Country. Mrs. Shipley at...
837V. The American Commissioners’ Draft Letter to the Comte de Vergennes, 15 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
We do ourselves the Honour to acquaint your Excellency, that We have appointed Thomas Barclay Esq the Consul General of the United States in France, to proceed to the coast of Barbary in Africa, there to enter into Negotiation and to endeavour to form Treaties, of Amity between the United States and the King or Emperor of Morocco or Fez; the Regencies of Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, or with any...
We had the honour of receiving your Letter of Jan ry: 24. covering a translation into French of the Draught of a treaty proposed between His Majesty the King of Prussia & the United States of America, together with answers to the several articles. We have considered them with attention, & with all those dispositions to accomodate them to the wishes of His Majesty which a respect for his...
839London July 21. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Maj. Langbourne dined with Us again. He was lamenting the difference of Character between Virginia and N. England. I offered to give him a Receipt for making a New England in Virginia. He desired it and I recommended to him Town meetings, Training Days, Town Schools, and Ministers, giving him a short Explanation of each Article. The Meeting house, and Schoolhouse and Training Field are the...
8401783. Octr. 22. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Went to Calais. Dined at Boulogne sur mer. Put up at Mr. Dessins. “When we arrived at Calais, as soon as we had set down in our Chamber, up comes the master of the House, and with a low bow says, Messieurs je suis vôtre trés humble serviteur; Je suis Dessein (Yorick’s man) et je viens vous rendre mes devoirs; savoir si vous voulez de Vargent &c.” ( JQA to Peter Jay Munro, 19 Nov. 1783, NNMC )....
841The Hide July 28 [i.e. 27.] 1786. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
Went with Mrs. Adams to Braintree about Eighteen miles from the Hide. As our Objects were fresh Air, Exercise and the Gratification of Curiosity, I thought We ought to make a little Excursion to the Town after which the Town in New England where I was born and shall die was originally named. The Country between Chelmsford and Braintree, is pleasant and fertile, tho less magnificent in...
842London Thursday March 30. (Adams Papers)
Presented Mr. Hamilton to the Queen at the Drawing Room. Dined at Mr. Paradices. Count Warranzow Woronzow and his Gentleman and Chaplain, M. Sodorini the Venetian Minister, Mr. Jefferson, Dr. Bancroft, Coll. Smith and my Family. Went at Nine O Clock to the French Ambassadors Ball, where were two or three hundred People, chiefly Ladies. Here I met the Marquis of Landsdown and the Earl of...
In our letter of Nov r 11 th. we had the honour of laying before Congress a state of our proceedings till that date. As from that it would appear that the last communications had in every instance passed from us to the other parties we can now only add the answers of such of them as have yet answered, & our replies; these are the courts of Portugal, Tuscany & Great Britain. N o. 1. is a copy...
844VII. The American Commissioners’ Instructions to Thomas Barclay for Negotiations with Morocco, 1–11 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
Congress having been pleased to invest us with full powers for entering into treaty of Amity and Alliance with the Emperor of Morocco, and it being impracticable for us to attend his court in person & equally impracticable on account of our seperate stations to receive a Minister from him, we have concluded to effect our object by the intervention of a confidential person. We concur in wishing...
On the other Leaf of this Sheet you have Copy of a Resolution of Congress of fourtenth of Feb y. last. You will please to hold this Money in readiness to be transmitted to London as I shall have occasion for it, to pay Bills of Exchange which are to be drawn upon me & which I shall accept payable at the House of Mess rs. C & R: Puller in London or at your Firm in Amsterdam as occasion may be....
Embarked on Board the ship Active Capt. Lyde commander, with my daughter and 2 servants for London. To go back to the painfull Scenes I endured in taking leave of my Friends and Neighbours will but excite them over again. Suffice it to say that I left my own House the 18 of June. Truly a house of mourning; full of my Neighbours. Not of unmeaning complimenters, but the Honest yeomanary, their...
847The Hide July 25 1786 Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Brand Hollis and Mr. Brand, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Mr. and Mrs. Adams, took a ride to Chelmsford, stopped at a Booksellers, the Printer of a Newspaper in which Mr. B. Hollis had printed the late Act of Virginia in favour of equal religious Liberty. We then went to Moulsham Hall, built originally by Lord Fitzwalter, but lately owned by Sir William Mildmay, one of the Commissaries with...
848Oct. 24. Friday. (Adams Papers)
We are lodged at Dover, at the Royal Hotel Inn, kept by Charles Mariee. On the Backside of his house is one of the Dover Cliffs; it is an high Mountain, and at this Place is perpendicular, and there is an Appearance of Danger that the Rocks at Top, might split off by their own Weight, and dash to Pieces some of the small brick Houses at its Foot.—White Stone. I walked round with my Son to the...
849Auteuil May [9 or 16] 1785. (Adams Papers)
Monday. The Posts within the Limits of the United States, not yet surrendered by the English, are Oswegatchy in the River St. Lawrence Oswego Lake Ontario Niagara and its dependencies Presqu’Isle East Side of Lake Erie. Sandusky Ditto. Detroit. Michilimakinac. St. Mary’s. South Side of the Streight between Lakes Superiour and Huron. Bottom of the Bay des Puantz St. Joseph. bottom of Lake...
The friendly dispositions which his Majesty has been pleased to shew to the United States of America on every occasion, as well as the assurances given them in the 8 th. Art. of the treaty of Amity & Commerce that he would employ his good offices & interposition with the powers on the coast of Barbary to provide for the safety of the Citizens of the United States their vessels and effects...