51From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 19 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 19 March 1782. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, IV, f. 25–60). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 5:246–265. LbC in both JA ’s and John Thaxter’s hands ( Adams Papers ). The Letterbook text is divided between two Letterbooks, Lb/JA/16 and Lb/JA/18...
52XI. To Robert R. Livingston, 8 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
At 12. oClock today I proceeded, according to appointment, to the State-House, where I was received, with the usual formalities, at the head of the Stairs, by Mr: Van Santheuvel, a Deputy from the Province of Holland, and Mr: Van Linden, the first Noble of Zealand and a Deputy from that Province; and by them conducted into the Chamber of Business (Chambre de besogne,) an apartment adjoining to...
53From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 9 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
Since the dangerous fever I had in Amsterdam, 2. years ago, I have never enjoyed my health: Thro’ the whole of the last Winter & Spring I have suffered under weaknesses & pains, w h: have scarcely permitted me to do business: The excessive heats of the last week or two have bro’t on me a fever again, which exhausts one in such a manner as to be very discouraging & incapacitates one for every...
54From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 16 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
On the twelfth of this month, I removed into the Hôtel des Etats Unies de l’Amerique, situated upon the Canal called the Fleweele Burgwal at the Hague, where I hope the Air will relieve my Health in some degree from that weak state to which the tainted atmosphere of Amsterdam has reduced it. The American Cause has gained a signal Triumph in this Country. It has not persuaded an ancient Rival...
55From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 14 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
There is more matter than time to write at present. The King of Sweden has done the United-States great honor, in his Commission to his Minister here to treat with them, by inserting, that he had a great desire to form a Connexion with States, which had so fully established their Independence, and, by the wise & gallant Conduct, so well deserved it; and his Minister desired it might be...
56From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 14 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
You may easily imagine our Anxiety to hear from America, when You know that We have no News to this Hour, either of your Reception of the News of Peace, nor of that of the Treaty with Holland, four Copies of which I put on board four different Vessels at Amsterdam in October. We have been in equal Uncertainty about the Turn, which Affairs might take in England. But by Letters from M r. Laurens...
57From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 13 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday Coll o: Ogden arrived with the originals, of what we had before received in Duplicates by Cap n: Barney. The Ratification of the Dutch Treaty had been before rec d. & exchanged. The Ratification of Their High-Mightinesses is in the safe Custody of M r: Dumas at present, at the Hague.— I believe we shall accept of the mediation of the two Imperial Courts at the Definitive Treaty, as...
58From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 17 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
This morning I was in Conference with Mr: Fagel in order to make the last Corrections in the Language of the Treaty which is to be executed in English and Dutch as that with the Crown of France was in English and French. We have now, I hope, agreed upon every word if not every point, and nothing remains but to make five fair Copies of it for signature, which, however, is no little labour. The...
59From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 11 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
The Promise, which was made me by Mr. Bergsma, that I should have an Answer from the Province of Friesland in three Weeks, has been literally fulfilled. This Gentleman, who as well as his Province deserves to be remembered in America, sent me a Copy of the Resolution in Dutch as soon as it passed. It is now public in all the Gazettes, and is concieved in these Terms. “The Requisition of Mr....
60From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 14 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
A Jealousy of American Ships, Seamen, Carrying Trade, and naval Power, appears every day more & more conspicuous. This Jealousy, which has been all along discovered by the French Minister, is at length communicated to the English. The following Proclamation, which will not increase British Ships and Seamen, in any proportion as it will diminish those of the United States, will contribute...
61From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 16 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday we waited on the Comte de Vergennes at Versailles, and shew him the Project of a Letter to the Ministers of the two Imperial Courts, which he read and approved. We told him, that we were at a loss what might be the effect of the Mediation—possibly we might be involved in difficulties by it—possibly the British Ministers might persuade the Mediators to offer Us their Advice upon some...
62From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 13 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday, I went to Court with D r: Franklin, and presented to the Comte de Vergennes, our Project of a definitive Treaty, who told us he would examine it, and give us his sentiments upon it. It was Ambassadors day, and I had Conversation with a Number of Ministers, of which it is proper I should give you an Account. The Dutch Ambassador Berkenrode, told me, that last Saturday the Comte de...
63From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 23 June 1783 (Adams Papers)
The British Ministry, and Nation are in a very unsettled State. They find themselves in a new Situation and have not digested any Plan. Ireland is in a new Situation. She is independent of Parliament. And the English know not how to manage her.— To what an Extent She will claim a Right of trading with the United States is unknown. Canada too and Nova Scotia are in a new Situation. the former...
64From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 5 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inclose Copies in Dutch and English of the Negotiation, which I have entered into, for a Loan of Money. My Commission for borrowing Money, promises to ratify what I should do; and the Money Lenders, require Such a Ratification, which Messrs Willinks, Van Staphorsts, and De La Lande and Fynje, have engaged Shall be transmitted. Authentic Copies of the original Contracts, in...
65From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 10 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
By the Address of the House of Commons to the King, his Majesty’s Answer, and the Resolution of the House in Consequence of it, “that he would be highly criminal and an Enemy to his Country who should attempt to carry on an offensive War in America against the Sense of the House”: by the surrender of Minorca and the disastrous face of British Affairs in Ireland, as well as in the East and West...
66From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 17 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
Last evening M r. Hartley spent two hours with me, and appeared much chagrined at the Proclamation, which had never been communicated to him by his Principals. He has too much contempt of the commercial abilities of the French—and consequently said that the French could derive but little benefit from this step of his Court, but thought the Dutch would make a great advantage by it. I...
67From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 13 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
The Question before the French Cabinet, whether they shall involve themselves in a War against two Christian Empires, in order to support a Turkish one is of a Serious Nature on many Accounts—If the Turks should be driven out of Europe, France would lose some of the Levant Trade and some of the coasting Trade of Italy: and these commercial and Naval Considerations are reinforced by others...
68From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 24 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
On the 24th. day of April I had the Honor to be introduced to the Princess, from whom I met a very gracious Reception. As it is necessary to say something upon these Occasions, I could think of nothing better than what follows: Je suis ravi d’avoir l’honneur de presenter une Republique Vierge, un Monde Enfant à la Bienveillance et à la Protection de votre Altesse Royale; d’une Princesse aussi...
69From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 18 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
There is cause to be solicitous about the State of things in England. The present Ministry swerve more & more from the true System for the prosperity of their Country & ours. M r: Hartley, whose Sentiments are at bottom just, is probably kept here, (if he was not sent at first) merely to amuse us, & to keep him out of the way of embarrassing the Coalition, in Parliament We need not fear that...
70From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 19 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
On the 14th. instant I had the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your Duplicate of the 23d. of October. To day Major Porter brought me your favor of the 20th. of November, and the original of that of the 23d. of October. I congratulate You, Sir, on the glorious News contained in these Dispatches; but I cannot be of your Opinion, that great as it is, it will defeat every Hope that Britain...
71From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 27 June 1783 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday D r: Franklin, M r: Jay, & myself met to prepare the Definitive Treaty, and made so much progress in it, that tomorrow we shall be ready to communicate to M r: Hartley the result: But I have small hopes of obtaining any thing more by the Definitive Treaty.— The Duke of Manchester & the Comte d’Aranda have arranged every thing between England & Spain, and are ready to finish for their...
72From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 6 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
Two days ago arrived, by Cap n: Barney, the letters you did me the honor to write me, the 22 d. 29 th. 30, Triplicate of May, 4 th. July, 29 th. Aug st: & 15 th. Septem r: — I was unconditionally rec d. in Holland & promised, upon record, Conferences and Audiences whenever I sh
73The American Peace Commissioners to Robert R. Livingston, 18 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; press copy of LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, Yale University Library; transcript: National Archives We have had the honour of receiving by Capt. Barney your two Letters of the 25th. of March & 21st of April, with the Papers referred to in them. We are happy to find that the Provisional Articles have...
74From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 23–24 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
On Saturday last, I left Paris, and arrived here last night. This Morning, I sent M r: Dumas to M r. Van Berckel and M r Gyselaer to inform them of my arrival and to desire a Conversation with them upon the Subject of the Commerce, between the United States and the Dutch Establishments in the West Indies. M r: Van Berckel told M r Dumas “That S t: Eustatius and Curacao were open to the Vessels...
75The American Peace Commissioners to Robert R. Livingston, 14 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society; transcript: National Archives We have the honour to congratulate Congress on the Signature of the Preliminaries of a Peace between the Crown of Great Britain & the United States of America, to be inscribed, in a definitive Treaty...
76From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 15 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
This Morning, I made a Visit to the Grand Pensionary Mr Van Bleiswick, and had a long Conference with him concerning the Plan of a Treaty of Commerce, which is now under Consideration, and endeavoured to remove some of his objections, and to explain to him the Grounds and Reasons of certain Articles which have been objected to by others—particularly the Article which respects France and that...
We have the honour to congratulate Congress on the Signature of the Preliminaries of a Peace between the Crown of Great Britain & the United States of America, to be inserted in a definitive Treaty so soon as the Terms between the Crowns of France & Great Britain shall be agreed on. A Copy of the Articles is here inclosed, and we cannot but flatter ourselves; that they will appear to Congress...
78The American Peace Commissioners to Robert R. Livingston, 20 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives The Proposal inclosed, has been transmitted to us by Mr Bridgen, a Gentleman in London, who has been uniformly a Friend to America, and in a Variety of Ways, and at a great Expence has Served her Cause. It is a Project for introducing Copper Coins into the United States, and Seems to Us to merit the early Attention of Congress, to whom We have the Honour to recommend...
79The American Peace Commissioners to Robert R. Livingston, 27 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society The Definitive Treaties between the late beligerent Powers are none of them yet compleated. Ours has gone on slowly, owing partly to the Necessity Mr. Hartley (Successor of Mr Oswald) thinks himself under of sending every Proposition, either his own or ours, to his Court for their Approbation; and their Delay...
We have had the honour of receiving by Capt. Barney your two Letters of the 25 th: of March and 21 st of April, with the Papers referred to in them. We are happy to find that the Provisional Articles have been approved & ratified by Congress, and we regret that the Manner in which that Business was conducted, does not coincide with your Ideas of Propriety. We are persuaded however that this is...
81American Peace Commissioners to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 18 July 1783 (Jay Papers)
We have had the honour of receiving by Capt. Barney your two Letters of the 25 th . of March & 21 st of April, with the Papers referred to in them. We are happy to find that the Provisional Articles have been approved & ratified by Congress, and we regret that the Manner in which that Business was conducted, does not coincide with your Ideas of Propriety. We are persuaded however that this is...
82American Peace Commissioners to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 27 July 1783 (Jay Papers)
The Definitive Treaties between the late belligerent Powers are none of them yet compleated. Ours has gone on slowly, owing partly to the Necessity M r . Hartley (Successor of M r . Oswald) thinks himself under of sending every Proposition either his own or ours to his Court for their Approbation; and their Delay in answering, thro’ Negligence perhaps since they have heard our Ports are open,...
83American Peace Commissioners to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (Robert R. Livingston), 14 December 1782 (Jay Papers)
We have the honour to congratulate Congress on the Signature of the Preliminaries of a Peace between the Crown of Great Britain & the United States of America, to be inserted in a definitive Treaty so soon as the Terms between the Crowns of France & Great Britain shall be agreed on. A Copy of the Articles is here inclosed, and we cannot but flatter ourselves, that they will appear to Congress...
The Undersigned, Agents of the State of New York on the one and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the other Part, having mutually agreed under the Direction of Congress that the Honorable Robert Hanson Harrison of the State of Maryland Esqr., the honorable John Rutledge of the State of South Carolina Esqr., the Honorable George Wythe, the honorable William Grayson, the honorable James...
85James Duane to Robert R. Livingston, John Jay, Gouverneur Morris, and Robert Yates, 19 April 1777 (Jay Papers)
We arrived in this City on Wednesday afternoon. If you talk seriously to its Inhabitants you’l find them full of the Expectation of ^ a Visit from ^ Gen l Howe’s but examine their Conduct and the Appearance of everything about you, & you cannot but conclude that they are in a State of the most perfect Tranquility and Security. Talk to them about the scandalous depreciation of the continental...
86From James Duane, John Jay, and Robert R. Livingston to Alexander Hamilton and Samuel Jones, 9 June 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the agents appointed by the state of New York to manage their controversy with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts —it is agreed that a general retaining fee be given to Alexander Hamilton and Samuel Jones Esqrs. as Counsellors and Solicitors on the part of this State that the brief already prepared together with the necessary papers be put in their hands—That they compleat the...
I am just arived at this place from N. York where I have conversed with Gen. l Washington on the purport of the Letter from the secret Committee— Gen s Putnam and Mifflin have made an exact survey of the River opposite Mount Washington and find that the depths in no part exceeds 7 fathoms—the width however of the Channel (which is from 3 to 7 F. s ) is not much less than 1000 Yd s . the...
88From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 15 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : New-York Historical Society I have just received your No 11. dated the 22d. of May. This Line serves chiefly to recommend to your Civilities two of my English Friends, who will probably pass through Philadelphia in their Way to Virginia. As they are lately from London, they can give you a good Account of the State of Parties there, and the general Disposition of the Nation respecting...
89From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 4 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; press copy of LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives Since I wrote the two short Letters of which I herewith send you Copies, I have been honoured with yours No. 5 dated the 16th Decr. Enclosed I send Copies of two Letters from M. le Comte de Vergennes, relating to certain Complaints from Ostend and Copenhagen against our Cruisers. I...
90From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 12 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of LS , and transcript: National Archives; copy: Library of Congress Being at Court on Tuesday, I learnt from the Dutch Minister, that the new English Ministry have offer’d thro’ the Ministers of Russia, a Cessation of Arms to Holland, and a renewal of the Treaty of 1674. M. de Berkenrood seem’d to be of Opinion, that the Offer was intended to gain Time, to obstruct the Concert of...
91From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 26 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS , press copies of each LS , and transcript: National Archives I have just received your No. 15. dated the 9th of August, which mentions your not having heard from me since March. I have however written sundry Letters, viz. of Apl. 8th. & 12th. June 25th & 29th, Augt 12th and Sept. 3d, and sent Copies of the same, which I hope cannot all have miscarried. The Negotiations for Peace have...
92From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 7 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives I but this moment hear of this Opportunity, by which I can only send you a Line to acquaint you, that I have concluded the Treaty with Sweden, which was signed on Wednesday last. You will have a Copy by the first good Opportunity. It differs very little from the Plan sent me,—in nothing material.— The English Court is in Confusion by another Change of...
93From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 24[–25] December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives Sundry Circumstances occurring since mine of the 5th & 14th. have hitherto retarded the Departure of our Dispatches. They will now go under the Security of a British Passport, be accompanied by a Sum of Money, and by some farther Intelligence from England, which show the still unsettled State of Minds there, and, together with the Difficulties and small...
94From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston: Two Letters, 28 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two); press copy of LS and of copy: National Archives; (II) LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two); press copy of copy: National Archives I received at the same time your several Letters of Oct. 20, 24 & Novr 26. which I purpose to answer fully by the return of the Alliance. Having...
95From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 3 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete LS with complete press copy, LS with incomplete press copy, copy, and transcript: National Archives I have just received your No. 13 dated the 23d June. The Accounts of the general Sentiments of our People, respecting Propositions from England, and the Rejoicings on the Birth of the Dauphin, give Pleasure here; and it affords me much Satisfaction to find the Conduct of Congress,...
96From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 29 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS , copy, and transcript: National Archives In mine of the 25th. Inst. I omitted mentioning, that, at the repeated earnest Instances of Mr Lawrens, who had given such Expectations to the Ministry in England, when his Parole or Securities were discharged, as that he could not think himself at Liberty to act in Publick Affairs ’till the Parole of Lord Cornwallis was absolved by me in Exchange,...
97From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 23 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New-York Historical Society; copy: Sächsisches Hauptstaatsarchiv This will be delivered to you by M. Thieriot, who goes to Philadelphia by order of his Court as Commissioner of the Commerce of Saxony, in order to establish a Correspondence between the two Countrys, that may, it is thought, be greatly advantageous to both. We have all along had many well-wishers in that Electorate, and I...
98From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 21 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS and transcript: National Archives; press copy of ALS : Myron Kaller and Associates, Asbury Park, New Jersey (1991) I have just received your Letters of Novr. 9. & Decr. 3. This is to inform you, & to request you would inform the Congress, that the Preliminaries of Peace between France, Spain, and England were yesterday signed, and a Cessation of Arms agreed to by the Ministers of those...
99From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 9 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; press copy of LS : National Archives; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress I have just received the honour of yours dated Jan 7. Your Communication of the Sentiments of Congress with Regard to many Points that may come under Consideration in a Treaty of Peace, gives me great Pleasure, & the more as they agree so perfectly with my own Opinions and furnish me...
100From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 12 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives I write to you fully by a Vessel from Nantes, which I hope will reach you before this. If not, this may inform you, That the Ratification of the Treaty with Sweden is come, & ready to be exchang’d when I shall receive that from Congress; That the Treaty with Denmark is going on, and will probably be ready before the Commission for signing it arrives from...