C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 28 March 1782
C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation
The Hague, Thursday 28 March 1782
Sir
The great work is done. Today, the States of Holland resolved that their deputies to the States General will be instructed to direct proceedings in the assembly of Their High Mightinesses, so that Mr. Adams will be admitted to present his credentials on behalf of the United States. The States expressly directed the grand pensionary to immediately inform you of this resolution.1 The corps of nobles has declared that it will neither concur with nor oppose this resolution. Sigillum veri simplex.2 I will therefore add nothing to the above, which was relayed to me by Mr. Zeberg with sincere regards for your Excellency. I have not been able to see the others, who are celebrating at present in good company with glass in hand, after leaving the assembly without returning home, where I looked for them in vain.
I believe it would be fitting, sir, if you could write a letter to the duc de la Vauguyon regarding the terrible accident on Tuesday night and Wednesday.3
I am with the most respectful attachment, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant
Dumas
RC (Adams Papers).
1. For an extract from the resolutions of the States of Holland and West Friesland, containing the resolution of 28 March, see the Descriptive List of Illustrations, No. 6, above. For English translations of the resolution, see Dumas to JA, 29 March, and JA to Robert R. Livingston, 19 April, both below.
2. Simplicity is the seal of truth.
3. On the night of 26–27 March fire destroyed the French embassy at The Hague. According to newspaper reports, La Vauguyon’s eldest son narrowly escaped with his life, but the ambassador managed to save his official papers and plate, as well as a portion of his jewels and wardrobe. He had since taken up residence at the Dutch East India House (Morning Herald and Daily Advertiser, 3 April). JA mentioned the fire in a letter to AA on 1 April. He hoped that it would not distract the attention of the ambassador, “my very good Friend,” at such a critical period in Dutch-American relations (, 4:303). For the French embassy as it appeared before the fire, see same, 4:xii, facing 380.