5551William Hodge to the Commissioners, 10 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
By Yesterdays’ Post I had the honor of receiving your Letter of the 19th of April. What could have occasioned its not reaching my hands before now, I cannot say, unless the Person who was entrusted with sending it by the Post might have detained it to answer some particular purpose. You inform me in your letter that I am charged in your Bankers Account with upwards of one hundred thousand...
5552[May 3. 1778] (Adams Papers)
This day May 3. 1778 We had Company to dine with Us, Mr. Izzard and his Lady, Mr. Lloyd and his Lady, Dr. Bancroft, and many others. Dr. Franklin and Mr. Izzard were upon such terms that the former would not invite the latter. I was determined that I would not enter into their Resentments, and therefore said to the Dr. that I would invite Mr. Izzard and his Family, which I did accordingly and...
5553The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 27 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We recd. yours of the 22d Inst. acquainting us that Capt. Reed in the Baltimore has bro’t from 40 to 50 hhds. of Tobacco consigned to you by the Committee of Commerce. We have advice of the same from the Committee, who let us know that the Qty. is 49 hhds. which they have order’d to be sold and the Money held at our...
5554[Tuesday July 30. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Tuesday July 30. 1776. Two reports from the Board of War, with Resolutions in consequence of them as in the Journal. Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation, Mr. Morton in the Chair. JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 5:620–621. These concerned fees to officers for obtaining recruits, Gen....
5555[May 8. Fryday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 8. Fryday. 1778. Dr. Franklin and Mr. Lee went with me to Versailles to attend my Presentation to the King. We visited the Count de Vergennes at his Office, and at the hour of eleven, the Count conducted Us, into the Kings Bed Chamber, where his Majesty was dressing. One Officer putting on his Coat, another his Sword &c. The Count went up to the King and informed him that Mr. Adams was...
5556Robert R. Livingston to the American Peace Commissioners, 25 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): New York Public Library; transcript: National Archives On the morning of March 12 Congress learned from the hand of Joshua Barney, captain of the packet General Washington , that the American peace commissioners had signed conditional preliminary articles with Great Britain on November 30, 1782. In addition to delivering the provisional...
5557[Accounts, July 1781.] (Adams Papers)
Expences of a Journey from Amsterdam to Paris. Sat off the 2d of July from Amsterdam, passed by Utrecht, Gorcum, Breda, Antwerp, Brussells, Valenciennes &c. and arrived at the Hotel de Valois Rue de Richelieu, Paris the 6th of July, 1781. £ s d July 6. 1781. Expences, on the Road, Fifty four Ducats 1781. July 9. Reed, of Mr. F. Grand at Paris four Thousand Eight hundred Livres, for which I...
5558Draft Articles on the Fisheries, 29 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
That the Subjects of his Britannic Majesty and the People of the Said United States, Shall continue to enjoy unmolested, the Right to take Fish of every kind on the gr all the Banks of Newfoundland, in the Gulph of St Lawrence, and all other Places, where the Inhabitants of both Countries used formerly at any Time heretofore, to fish; and also to dry and cure the Same, at the accustomed Places...
5559The Comte de Vergennes to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 9 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have communicated to M. Sartine, gentlemen, the letter in which you request that an escort be provided for the vessels about to sail, which are bound for ports in the United States. This minister has just replied that it is not possible to provide an escort for the entire crossing, but the vessels in question will be conducted to waters where they can be safe from the attacks of enemy...
5560Ferdinand Grand to the American Peace Commissioners, 2 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Quoique la lettre que vous m’aves fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 22e du mois passé, ne me flattat pas de recevoir les Secours dont les Finances du Congrès avoient besoin; Néantmoins, l’Espérance du Succès des Soins que j’étois bien assuré que vous donneriès, Messieurs, à un objet aussi intéressant, m’a fait parvenir à Satisfaire à tous les payemens qui se...
5561William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1777[–4 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society I have herewith the honor to convey to you Copy of my last Respects. You have doubtless heard of the glorious Success of the Army under General Gates, upon which I sincerely congratulate you and all the Friends of America. Betwixt the Date of the Gazettes which I had the honor to enclose you, and the 15 October, there were four Engagements, by the last...
5562Francis Coffyn to the Commissioners, 30 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty to crave your referrence to the letter I had the honnor of writing to you the 22d. instant being Still deprived of your long wish’d for favours, the Sole motif of this, is to inform you, that one John Gibson Master of an English Smuggling vessell which arrived here this morning, tol’d me that Six Russian Ships of war vizt. three of 90, and three of 74 guns, are arrived in...
5563Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners, 10 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Monsieur Montaudouin has this Day received a Letter from Monsieur Kergariou Commander of the French Frigate L’oiseau off Bellisle, informing him that the Guernsey and Jersey Privateers which infest this Bay, obtain Provisions at Bilboa under the Flag of the United States, pretending to be Americans. I think it my Duty to give you this Information and hope some Means may be found to prevent...
5564The American Peace Commissioners to Francis Dana, 12 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS, AL (draft), and copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: Library of Congress We have the Honour to congratulate you, on the Signature of the preliminary Treaty of Peace, between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of America, to be inserted in the definitive Treaty, when France and Britain Shall have agreed upon their Terms. The Articles, of which We do ourselves the...
5565Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 12 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives I had the honor of writing to you, in the 2d. instant informg. you that the credit wch. I had receivd from the Commissioners was exhausted, & that I should be obligd to you if you woud let me know whether it was most agreeble to you to renew it, or that I shoud draw on you for what money I might have occasion for. As this matter appeard to acquire no great deliberation,...
55661780. January 1st. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Arrived at Villa Franca, Seven Leagues. The Road at first was very bad. Steep, sharp Pitches, ragged Rocks, &c. We then came into the Road of Leon, which is made seemingly out of a Rock. It was an excellent Road for a League and an half. We then came to a River, and travelled along the Banks of it for some Leagues. This Way was as bad as the other was good. Miry, rocky, up and down untill We...
556727 Sunday. (Adams Papers)
27 Sunday.
5568I. To Robert R. Livingston, 22 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
Their High Mightinesses have at length recieved their Instructions from all the Provinces, and I have this day been in Conference with the Grand Committe, who communicated to me the Remarks and Propositions on their Part. To this I shall very soon give my Replication; and I hope the Affair will be soon ended. I was recieved in state by two of the Lords at the Head of the Stairs, and by them...
5569Petition to the American Commissioners from American Merchant Captains, 9 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society To their Excellencies the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Court of France. The Memorial of the Captains of the American Merchant Vessells now at Nantes and the neighbouring Ports, Humbly Sheweth. That your Memorialist apprehend more Danger of Capture by the Enemy on this Coast, than in the whole passage beside. That as this...
55701779, Fryday July 30. (Adams Papers)
We are not yet arrived to the Bane of St. George. Calms, contrary Winds &c. detain Us. Saw a Whale spouting and blowing and leaping to day in our Wake—a Grampus they say.
5571[J. Young Jr.’s Bill for Riding Equipment.] (Adams Papers)
John Adams Esqr. B ough t of J. Young Junr. 1775 June 14. To a new Pad and Double raind Curb Bridle £ 14 6 15. Mendg. an old Bridle 1 July 3. To a Cover for sword Scabboard 3 14. To a small pad for housings 2
5572[Wednesday June 7. 1775.] (Adams Papers)
On Wednesday June 7. 1775. On motion resolved, that Thursday the 20th. of July next be observed throughout the twelve united Colonies, as a Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer; and that Mr. Hooper, Mr. J. Adams and Mr. Paine, be a Committee to bring in a resolve for that purpose. The Committee appointed to prepare Advice in Answer to the Letter from the Convention of Massachusetts Bay,...
557321 August., 21 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
21 August. The congress resolved that the cannon committee let a contract for casting in brass or iron six 6-pounders, six 12-pounders, four 8-inch howitzers, and 6 Cohorn mortars for use by General Gates, and further that this committee take possession of the copper belonging to the United States at New London; that, until further orders, Maj. Gen. Artemas Ward remain in command of the...
5574Resolution approving an order that bills of credit be delivered to the committee appointed to sign them and that it in … (Adams Papers)
24 January 1776. Resolution approving an order that bills of credit be delivered to the committee appointed to sign them and that it in turn deliver them to the treasurer. M-Ar :207, p. 465. ( M-Ar :207, p. 465).
5575[November 4th. 1775] (Adams Papers)
On November 4th. 1775 The Committee appointed to take into Consideration the State of South Carolina, brought in their report, which being read a number of Resolves were passed, the last of which will be found in page 235 of the Journals at the bottom. Resolved that if the Convention of South Carolina, shall find it necessary to establish a form of Government in that Colony, it be recommended...
5576Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, May 11, 1778: You will have heard the news of Capt. Jones. He needs about £2,000, he tells me, to equip the Drake before the French court intervenes; he can only draw on you.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 107–8.
5577April 16. Jeudi. (Adams Papers)
Dr. F. is reported to speak French very well, but I find upon attending to him that he does not speak it Grammatically, and indeed upon enquiring, he confesses that he is wholly inattentive to the Grammar. His Pronunciation too, upon which the French Gentlemen and Ladies compliment him, and which he seems to think is pretty well, I am sure is very far from being exact. Indeed Dr. Franklin’s...
5578Wednesday May 7. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Mr. Caluns Calonne’s .
5579James Smith to the American Commissioners, [after 17 November 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <[after November 17, 1778]: I have received your very extraordinary letter of Nov. 17 and thank you for presenting my case to the count de Vergennes. You say that if I subscribe to the declaration and take the oath of allegiance to the United States you will give me the customary passport to Calais. Unless this passport will remove...
5580Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation, 3 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
I received the letter that you did me the honor to write the 16th of last month, asking that one of His Majesty’s frigates be given to Basmarin, Raimbeaux & Cie. to protect their commerce with America and also for use in retaliatory action for the losses the British have caused them of late. I wish that it was possible for me to be agreeable to your request, but His Majesty wishes, for the...
5581Preliminary Articles of Peace, [30 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Public Record Office; copies: National Archives (six), Library of Congress (three), Massachusetts Historical Society (two), William L. Clements Library; press copies of copies: American Philosophical Society (two); transcripts: National Archives (four) Articles agreed upon, by and between Richard Oswald Esquire, the Commissioner of his Britannic Majesty, for treating of Peace with the...
5582May 6. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
A Spanish Writer of certain Vissions of Hell, relates that a certain Devil who was civil and well bred, shewed him all the Departments, in the Place—among others the Department of deceased Kings. The Spaniard was much pleased at so illustrious a Sight, and after viewing them for some time, said he should be glad to see the Rest of them.—The Rest? said the Daemon. Here are all the Kings, that...
5583Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been for several Days down to the Ship and left her at St. Nazare. I have done with both the French Ships. I beg you will please to apply for an order to wait in Quiberon ’till all the Ships join else I am afraid the Brune will be left. Poor Mr. Morris has finished his affairs in this world. I am much concerned at being absent, but every care was...
5584Ap. 20. Lundi. (Adams Papers)
My Son has been with me since Saturday.—The Concert Spirituel is in the Royal Garden, where was an infinite Number of Gentlemen and Ladies walking. Dined with the Dutchess D’Anville, at her House with her Daughter and Granddaughter, Dukes, Abbotts, &c. &c. &c. Visited Mr. Lloyd and his Lady, where We saw Mr. Digges. Including the philosopher Condorcet; see JA ’s Autobiography under this date ....
5585Monday May. 19. (Adams Papers)
The American Ministers met Mr. Hartley at my House, and he shewed Us his Commission and We shewed him ours. His Commission is very magnificent, the Great Seal in a Silver Box with the Kings Arms engraven on it, with two large gold Tassells &c. as usual. In the margin: The Commissions of the Comtes de Vergennes and D’Aranda, on the 20. of January, were plainer than ours, and upon Paper. The...
5586The General Court to the Massachusetts Delegates, 6 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
At the same time that we think Ourselves obliged to acknowledge the vigilance and care of our Delegates to the defence of our Colony, and the attention of the Congress to an impartial defence of every part of the united Colonies, in the late provision made for the Massachusetts Bay, their Resolve for adding three more Battalions to those left for the defence of it; we conceive it necessary to...
5587C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 3 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous envoyer copie de la Lettre que j’aiécrite à Mr. Van Berkel Pensionaire d’Amsterdam le 27 du mois passé. Il m’a répondu ce qui suit de l’endroit òu il est allé passer l’Eté, peu éloigné d’Amsterdam. Je vous ai bien de l’Obligation, pour la bonté que vous avez eue de m’envoyer la Copie du Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce, conclu entre la France et les Etats-Unis de...
5588Dubourg to the Commissioners, 18 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Persone ne reconnoit plus volontiers et ne rend plus de justice que moi a la profondeur de votre sagesse et a la superiorité de vos lumieres. Sans cela je vous avoue que je serois etonné que vous ayez refusé et refusiez de faire courir sur les Anglois avec votre pavilion tous ceux qui en ont le courage et la bonne volonté, qui en prennent tous les fraix et tous les risques sur eux, et qui se...
55891778. May. 10. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Messieurs Brattle, Waldo, Joy, Johonnot, Green and Austin dined with Us, at Passi. After dinner We walked in the Bois du Boulogne, as far as the new Seat of the Count D’Artois, where We saw Mr. Turgot, Mr. and Mm. La Fréte, and much other Company. Sunday in this Country is devoted to Amusements and Diversions. There are more Games, Plays, and Sports of every Kind on this day, than on any...
5590Barriers, between Great Britain and the United States of America to Reconcilliation, Alliance, or even Peace, 1 June … (Adams Papers)
1. The Obstinacy , Malice, Revenge, Pride Obstinacy, and Absurdity of the King, and Royal Family. 2. The Guilt, and Danger of the Ministry. Danger to their Lives and personal safety, as well as of Ruin to their Fortunes, Characters and Reputations. 3. The Ambition and Avarice of the Minority, whose Chiefs have the same hunger for the Loaves and Fishes as the Ministers, as little Attention to...
5591Oct. 8. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Mr. D. is indefatigable in his Way. He visits, every Day, the French Am bassador , Mr. G., Mr. V.—and occasionally Mr. K. and sometimes the Prince de Gallitzin, Mr. D’Asp, &c. No American Minister could do this. It would ruin his Character. I dont know whether it would do for a Secretary of Legation to do this. I can, however, make an excellent Use of him in this Way. I can get or communicate...
5592Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé le supplément de la Gazette fançoise de Leide No. 100, où est inséré l’extrait de la Gazette de Boston, savoir la lettre du Général Gates, Capitulation de Burgoyne, et Lettre du Général Washington. Détaillé mes opérations à cet égard, par rapport à l’avertissement du Gazettier de Rotterdam du 13e. où il promettoit ces pieces pour...
5593Feb. 17. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Yesterday, heard Dr. Witherspoon upon redeeming Time. An excellent Sermon. I find that I understand the Dr. better, since I have heard him so much in Conversation, and in the Senate. But I perceive that his Attention to civil Affairs, has slackened his Memory. It cost him more Pains than heretofore to recollect his Discourse. Mr. H ancock told C.W. Colonel Whipple Yesterday, that he had...
5594Oct. 12. (Adams Papers)
Spent the day in signing Obligations and packing the Treaties and dispatches.
5595[Wednesday September 18. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday September 18. 1776. The Board of War, brought in a report, which was taken into Consideration and six resolutions adopted, from it, which appear on the Journal. The Remainder of the Report postponed. Resolved that the Board of War be directed to prepare a resolution for enforceing and perfecting Discipline in the Army. Congress took into Consideration the Instructions to the...
5596Dumas to the American Commissioners, 11 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <[The Hague], September 11, 1778, in French: Tomorrow the Amsterdam merchants as a body will present to the Assembly of Holland an address requesting protection from the British. All trade at Amsterdam is at a standstill because no one wants to give insurance. I still await what I requested on the 4th.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII .
Resolved , That a letter be sent by Express to Genl Washington, to inform him, that they Congress having received certain intelligence of the sailing of two north country built Brigs, of no force, from England, on the 11 of August last, loaded with arms, powder, and other stores, for Quebec, without a convoy, which it being of importance to intercept, that he apply to the council of...
5598Feb. 29. (Adams Papers)
Feb. 29.
5599The American Commissioners to James Moylan, 22 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress We desire you will not pay Mr. Bersolle’s Bill. His demand for payment before he had sent the Accounts to us and we had examind them, is unjust. You will also avoid for the future accepting Bills which we are to pay; or giving yourself the trouble of doing in our name what you have not our authority to do. We are, Sir, Your most Obedient Servants By Lee; see the...
5600Dumas to the American Commissioners, 17 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, July 17, 1778, in French: I have seen the Grand Facteur and our friend every day, but have waited to write until the States General adjourned. Increasing the army was the principal subject of debate; Amsterdam rejected the proposal, and it will not be adopted. Our friend differed on it with the Grand...