1John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 9 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
You will See, by our joint Dispatches, that The Pope, Sardinia and Naples, by their Answers, have politely invited our Vessells into their Ports, but have not accepted the Proposition of Treaties of Commerce. His Holiness has gone as far I believe, in his Complaisance to Us as his Maxims will allow, there being as I believe no Example of a Treaty, between his Court and any Protestant Power....
2John Adams to John Jay, 9 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to congratulate the United States, upon the Acquisition of a Minister of foreign Affairs, whose long Services have So justly acquired their Confidence and whose Experience as well as his Talents, so fully qualify him for this important Trust. The joint Dispatches of their Ministers here will inform Congress of the Slow Progress of the Negotiations entrusted to their Care. These...