6451The Commissioners to James Moylan, 31 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Our last to you was of the twenty second, since which We have received yours of the 26th., and are much pleased to hear of the good success, as well as the Adventurous and patriotic Spirit of Captn. Mc.Neal. We have been negociating with the English for an Exchange of Prisoners, and have a Promise that it shall be accomplished, when an opportunity will present of exchanging those of C....
6452[Saturday March 16 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Saturday March 16 1776. Mr. W. Livingston brought in a Proclamation for a Fast on the 17th of May. Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the whole, according to the standing order of the Day. Mr. Harrison reported no Resolution.
6453Continental Congress to the American Peace Commissioners: Instructions, [15 June 1781] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Library of Congress (two), National Archives (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, Charles E. Feinberg, Detroit (1957); L (draft): National Archives; LS : Philip D. Sang, River Forest, Illinois (1959), Massachusetts Historical Society You are hereby authorised and instructed to concur in behalf of these United States with his most...
6454[Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress] Oct. 20. (Adams Papers)
Deane. Their Plunder only afforded one Meal of fresh meat for the privates. All the rest was reserved for the Officers and their Friends among the Inhabitants. I would have Traders prohibited from importing unnecessary Articles, and from exporting live Stock, except Horses. Gadsden. If we give one leave when there is 100 who have an equal Right, it will occasion Jealousy. Let each Colony...
6455The American Commissioners to Sartine: Two Letters, 18 August 1778: letter and résumé (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL (draft): American Philosophical Society; (II) AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives The Administration in England have agreed to an Exchange of Prisoners with us, and propose that it shall be made at Calais. They will accordingly furnish us with a Pasport for a Vessel to bring the Prisoners from Brest to Calais, if we procure a similar one for their...
6456Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 19 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, June 19, 1778: A brig that arrived last night sighted a fleet off Portland on the 15th: twenty-one ships of the line and five or six frigates, westward bound. The news strengthens my impression that this was Admiral Keppel’s squadron. A report is current here today that Byron sailed from Plymouth on the 10th. I wait your approval before sending...
6457The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 22 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives We have the honor of enclosing to your Excellency a Letter to us from the Honble. Ralph Izard Esqr. Commissioner of Congress to the Grand Duke. We beg the favor of yr. Excellency to give directions for the delivery of the Packages mentiond therein to Monsieur Etienne Cathalan Mercht. at Marseilles, subject to the disposal of Mr. Izard. We have the honor of being with...
6458The American Commissioners to Daniel McNeill, 27 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, October 27, 1778: We received yours of October 12 concerning your prisoners. On the basis of the King’s regulations on prizes and prisoners, published at the same time, we assumed no special ministerial order was necessary and that officers in the ports were instructed to secure prisoners as provided in...
64591780 July 27. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
Setting off on a Journey, with my two Sons to Amsterdam. —Lodged at Compiegne. Fryday night, lodged at Valenciennes. Saturday arrived at Brussells.—This Road is through the finest Country, I have any where seen. The Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, Peas, Beans and several other Grains, the Hemp, Flax, Grass, Clover, Lucerne, St. Foin, &c., the Pavements and Roads are good. The Rows of Trees, on each...
6460January 12. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Mr. B. Vaughan came in. I told him, I had some Facts to communicate to him in Confidence. They affected my personal Interest, Character, and Feelings so intimately, that it was impossible for me to speak of them without being suspected of personal Resentments and sinister Motives. But that these Facts were at the same time so connected, with public Affairs, with the Interests of the House of...
6461[Thursday March 21. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday March 21. 1776. There are three Resolutions, which I claim Resolved That it be recommended to the several Assemblies &c. that they exert their Utmost Endeavours to promote the Culture of Hemp, Flax and Cotton and the grouth of Wool. Resolved that it be recommended to the said Assemblies &c. that they take the earliest measures for erecting and establishing in each and every Colony, a...
6462J. D. Schweighauser and Others to the Commissioners, 15 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
We are favour’d with yours of the 5th. instant together with duplicates of your favours of the 11th and 27 Ultimo. The original of the first never came to hand, the last we received in due course of post. We hold ourselves greatly obliged to you for the trouble you have taken, in endeavouring to obtain a sufficient Convoy, for the Vessels bound to America, for the whole Voyage. We have been...
64631779 December 25. Saturday. Christmas. (Adams Papers)
Went to the Palace, at 11. o Clock, to take my Leave of his Excellency. Mr. O Heir the Governor of the Town went with me. The general repeated a Thousand obliging Things, which he had said to me, when I first saw him and dined with him.
64641775. Octr. 29. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Paine brought in a large Sample of Salt Petre, made in this City, by Mr. Ripsama. It is very good, large and burns off, when laid upon a Coal like moist Powder. I tried it. Heard Mr. Carmichael, at Mr. Duffils, on “Trust in the Lord and do good, so shall you dwell in the Land and verily thou shallt be fed.”
6465[List of Persons Suitable for Naval Commands, November 1775] (Adams Papers)
Captn. Isaac Sears Thos. Randall John Hanson Christopher Miller John Harrison. Dudley Saltonstall Eseck Hopkins. Abraham Whipple. Souther. James Dougherty Thomas More. Reed. Charles Alexander. Michael Corbitt. Davinson. Clement Lempriere. S.C. Obrian. Carghill. John Lawrence. Alexander
6466The American Commissioners to James Moylan, [3 May 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two) We receiv’d your several Letters of the 23d. and 30th of March, and the 15th and 17th of April. We are oblig’d to you for the Care you have taken respecting the Sick Man. We shall apply as you advise for the Discharge of Miggins, and hope to obtain it. We have examined Mr. Bersolle’s Accts. and...
64671779. Decr. 30. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
At Lugo, where We arrived Yesterday. We passed Yesterday the River Minho which originates in the Mountains of Asturies, and flows thro Portugal. We went to see the Cathedral Church at Lugo, which is very rich. A Youth came to me in the street and said he was a Bostonian, a Son of Mr. Thomas Hickling. Went a Privateering in an English Vessell and was taken by the Spaniards.—Unfortunately taken...
6468Elijah Hall to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <The Ranger , June 3, 1778: I request, for the officers and crew, that you find some way to sell the prizes. We are short of necessities, and have distressed families at home. Captain Jones has deceived us: he tricked us into enlisting for longer than we thought and promised us wages that have not been paid. He put Lieutenant Simpson, whose character is of...
6469[16–30 June 1778.] (Adams Papers)
June 16. 1778. Upon the Receipt of this Letter, you will forthwith make Preparations with all possible dispatch, for a Voyage to America…. Your own Prudence will naturally induce you, to keep this your destination secret, least measures should be taken by the Ennemy to intercept you. If, in the course of your passage home, Opportunities should present of making Prizes, or of doing any material...
6470C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 9 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Je fus hier 2 fois chez le g—— F——, et 2 fois chez notre ami. Voici ce qui se passa hier matin à l’Assemblée d’Hollande. Amsterdam présenta son avis pour la non-augmentation de l’Armée, afin d’être inséré dans les Actes de la Republique, ajoutant, que puisque par-là-même il alloit être imprimé pour l’usage de chacun des Membres, qui pourroient le lire à loisir, on ne vouloit pas exiger de la...
6471Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 9 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to inform you that since my last of Sept 18th. I have emitted Loan Office Bills of Exchange as follows Viz To the State New Jersey 10 Setts for 36 Dollr. each Numbered 989 to 998 Inclusive 10 . . do. . . 60 . . . . do. . . . . 328 to 337 — 10 . . do. . .
6472[August 1776] (Adams Papers)
Hooper. N.C. is a striking Exception to the general Rule that was laid down Yesterday, that the Riches of a Country are in Proportion to the Numbers of Inhabitants. A Gentleman of 3 or 400 Negroes, dont raise more corn than feeds them. A Labourer cant be hired for less than £24 a Year in Mass. Bay. The neat profit of a Negro is not more than 5 or 6£ pr. An num . I wish to see the day that...
6473Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In expectation of hearing from you I have only at present to inform you that I am just returned from Painbeuf, and have had the pleasure of seeing as fine a Ship as any of her size in any Navy. I am in expectation of seeing Capt. Nicholson soon and if our obstacles are removed I shall soon finish the Expedition; the Ship is all rigged, Guns mounted and...
6474Sartine to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two), Library of Congress <Versailles, September 16, 1778, in French: I have received your letter concerning the French ship Isabelle recaptured by the privateer General Mifflin . The naval ordnance of 1681 assigns captains of recaptured vessels a third of their value if retaken within 24 hours. American privateers in France benefit...
6475Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 27 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The letter I had the honnor of writing to you the 20th. instant, was dictated with that Eagerness I feel myself prompted to communicate to you every occurence which comes to my knowledge, and which I imagine may be agreable to you; the report it contain’d of an action between Genl. Gates and Genl. Cornwallis was then currant here, and was confirm’d to me by...
6476William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 6 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A Singular Omission on the part of the Minister has been the Cause that several Articles of the Treaty of Commerce entered into betwixt his most Christian Majesty & the United States of America, & operating to the Advantage of the American Commerce, have not been enforced here—the General not having as yet received a Copy of the Treaty with Orders for the...
6477Decr. 16 [i.e. 17]. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
The 4 Commissioners dined with Mr. Fitsherbert. Ld. Mountnorris a celebrated Speaker in the Irish house of Lords dined there, and several English Gentlemen. The Rock Salt is taken out of the Salt Pits in England, Ld. Mountnorris said. He gave me a Description of the Caverns, and the kind of Architecture with which they support them, like the Pillars of a Temple. We met at Mr. Laurens’s at Dr....
6478The American Commissioners to Sartine, 17 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: National Archives (three) <Passy, September 17, 1778: We received today your letter of the sixteenth relative to the recapture of the Isabelle . We agree with your Excellency’s sentiments on reciprocity between the two nations. Unfortunately we have no access here to United States’ law. A copy of your letter and our answer will be sent to...
6479[September 1777] (Adams Papers)
Fryday the 12, I removed from Captn. Duncans in Walnutt Street to the Revd. Mr. Sprouts in Third Street, a few doors from his Meeting House. Mr. Merchant from Rhode Island boards here, with me. Mr. Sprout is sick of a Fever. Mrs. Sprout, and the four young Ladies her Daughters, are in great Distress on Account of his Sickness, and the Approach of Mr. Howes Army. But they bear their Affliction...
6480Dumas to the American Commissioners, 24 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, July 24, 1778, in French: It is reported that France has declared war on England, causing the British stocks to decline in Amsterdam. It is also reported the British have released the Dutch ships they captured. Thank you for forwarding me the packet from the committee of secret correspondence. I will continue to...
6481[Saturday July 20. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Saturday July 20. 1776. Resolved that the Letter from General Lee with the papers inclosed, which were received and read Yesterday be referred to the Board of War. A Petition and memorial of Monsieur Pellissier was presented to Congress and read. Resolved that it be referred to the Board of War. Resolved that the Plan of Treaties be printed for the Use of the Members, under the Rest r ictions...
6482Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 1 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
Some specific reasons have convinced me, gentlemen, to ask His Majesty to grant Mr. Fagan passports for three British vessels which will carry goods from France to England under suitable guarantees. Mr. Fagan does not want American privateers to trouble this voyage protected by His Majesty and, therefore, I kindly request that you give him, in this regard, all the assurances within your power...
6483The Commissioners to Vergennes, 19 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
By sundry Letters from Merchants of Bourdeaux and Nantes, we are inform’d, that many Adventures to America are discouraged by the high Price of Insurance, and the Number of Captures made by the English, which together have an Operation almost equal to an Embargo; so that the Commerce which might be so advantageous, to both Countries, by supplying their mutual Wants, is obstructed, and the...
648422 Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Made several Visits &c.
6485II. To Antoine Marie Cerisier, 14 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
Your kind favour of the 9 th , I rec d , this day, and will give you, the best answer, which indifferent health and, various Avocations will admit of. I am pleased with your Resolution, to write the History of the whole American War, because I know you will produce Something both entertaining and instructive, whatever Subject you undertake to write upon. But I hope you will not think me guilty...
6486[May 1. Fryday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 1. Fryday. 1778. Dined with the Duke D’Ayen, the Brother of the Duke de Mouchy and the Father of the Marchioness de la Fayette. The House, the Gardens, the Walks, the Pictures and Furniture all in the highest Style of magnificence. The Portraits of the Family of Noailles, were ancient and numerous. Among them was a Picture of Noailles the Ambassador, in England at the time of the Regency...
6487Sartine to the Commissioners, 26 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu, Messieurs la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 20 de ce mois. Lorsque la Sommation a été faite à Bordeaux, par les Officiers du Siège de l’Amirauté, à la Frégate des Etats-unis, Le Boston; les ordres du Roi n’etoient point encore parvenu dans ce Port, de traiter les Vaisseaux de guerre appartenant à ces Etats, comme ceux des Etats libres—alliés de la France. Ces...
6488The Marquis de Lafayette to the American Peace Commissioners, 12 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
Having yesterday conferred with Count de Vergennes upon some Public Concerns, He requested I would tell you what, instead of troubling you with the Demand of a meeting, I think better to mention in this Note. The several Powers said he, are going to make up their Treaties, and when ready to sign, they will of Course meet to do it alltogether. The Mediation of the Emperor and that of Russia...
6489[Thursday July 25. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday July 25. 1776. A memorial from sundry Officers, who served in Canada, referred to the Board of War. Committee of the whole on the Articles of Confederation. Letter from General Washington inclosing Letters from Governor Trumbull, and the Committee of Safety of New Hampshire, referred to the board of War.
6490Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 19 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu, Messieurs, les deux Lettres que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire au Sujet de la reclamation que fait M. Izard des Effets pris Sur le batiment le Nil. Je vous ai observé par ma Lettre du 7 de ce mois, que l’Autorite devoit Seulement Suppléer aux Loix lorsqu’elles etoient insuffisantes; et qu’elle devenoit inutile et déplacée lorsque la Legislation etoit claire et précise. Vous...
6491Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 28 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society These may Serve to Inform your Honours that I am Now Lying Wind bound ready for Sea and Shall Imbrace the first Opportunity after a Long Detention for the want of Seaman. The Last three weeks I was in Bordeaux my Crew was very Sickly. I had the misfortune to Loose Several from the Hospital Who died with a Pluricy fever. Then troubled with a Pack of...
6492Intelligence from Brest and Paris, 6–13 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
D : National Archives We summarize here, according to our practice, the other intelligence reports that fall within the period of this volume. There are only two, both in French and in the hand of the chevalier de Kéralio. The first is from Brest on April 10 with an added letter of the 16th. The report lists 25 French ships of the line that are expected to be ready within ten days; 17 more are...
6493Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 18 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress (two) <Versailles, December 18, 1778, in French: Dr. Smith’s effects have finally been found in the customs at Calais. They are a packet containing twelve tablecloths, twelve knives, and twelve iron forks with silver ferrules. He must pay the usual charges...
6494The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 15 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives; transcript: National Archives; two incomplete copies: Harvard University Library Your pressing request for 5000 Hhds. of Tobacco, is a matter as embarrassing to Congress as to yourselves. Their anxiety to get it to you is as great as yours to receive it. We have already lost considerable Quantities in the...
6495Draft Peace Treaty Presented by Richard Oswald to the American Peace Commissioners, 25 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
The Three Commissioners Adams, Franklin and Jay, met at M r Oswalds Lodgings at the Hotel de Muscovie, and after Some Conferences, M r Oswald delivered them the following Articles, as fresh Proposals of the British Ministry, Sent by M r Stratchey. vizt. Articles agreed upon, by and between Richard Oswald Esquire, the Commissioner of his Britannic Majesty, for treating of Peace, with the...
6496The Commissioners to Francis Coffyn, 26 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 26 June 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:142–143 . The Commissioners left to Coffyn’s judgment the amount to be paid on a surgeon’s bill, approved his proposal to transmit to America intelligence that he had obtained, and advised him either to send the unemployed sailors to...
6497VI. “Letters from a Distinguished American,” No. 8, 4 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
The Cool Thoughts go on. “Timber of every kind, iron, salt-petre, tar, pitch, turpentine, and hemp, are raised, and manufactured in America. Fields of an hundred thousand acres of hemp are to be seen spontaneously growing between the Ohio and Mississippi, and of a quality little inferior to the European.” And is not this enough to cool the English courage, in the pursuit of a chimera? Is it...
649820. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Two Privateers have been in sight all this day. One advanced, and fired several Guns in order to make Us hoist our Colours. But Captain Chavan would not do them that Honour. They are afraid to come near. But this it is. Every day We have a No. in Sight, so that there is no Chance for a Vessell to pass without Convoy. Our Captain Mr. Chavan has a Cross of St. Louis, and one of his Midshipmen...
6499C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 27 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
Enfin j’ai la satisfaction de pouvoir vous apprendre, que les choses ont tourné au gré d’Amsterdam. Hier les Etats d’Hollande prirent la Résolution d’annuller celle du 18e. Nov. passé, qui exceptoit des Convois les Bois de construction, et de protéger leur Commerce dans toute l’extension que lui assurent les Traités; suspendant, du reste, toute délibération ultérieure sur cette matiere,...
6500X. “Letters from a Distinguished American,” No. 4, 30 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
The writer on the consequences of American independency proceeds, “It has been asserted, that America will be led, from motives of interest, to give the preference in trade to this country, because we can supply her with manufactures cheaper than she can raise them, or purchase them from others.” —He has not favoured us with his opinion, whether we can supply them cheaper than others. If we...