To John Jay from John Adams, 20 April 1784
From John Adams
Hague April 20. 1784
Dear Sir
I am extreamly Sorry, to read in your Letter of the 8th. that you think of embarking for America. Let me beg of you to reconsider that Project, if you persist in it, I shall repent of having written for my Family and wish I had it in my Power to go there too.
The Committee to whom, the Dispatches by Thaxter were referred have reported that a Commission be sent to the 3 named in the Resolution of the 1 of May last, to treat with all the maritime Powers, who may wish to treat, and I Suppose Such a Commission will Soon arrive.1 As soon as I know of its Arrival, I will Sett off, for Paris.
I have recd a Letter, under a Cover, which you knew of, the Writer desires to be remembered to you, your Lady, & to Mr Carmichael. Dana is, as I Suppose a Member of Congress, and now at Anapolis.2
If you should be decided to return home, which I hope you are not, I beg to know about what Time you expect to leave Paris, for I should regret as much as you, the Loss of an Opportunity to converse with you before you go. With great and Sincere Esteem yours
John Adams
His Exy John Jay Es:
ALS, NNC (EJ: 5423). Addressed: “France / À Son Excellence / Monsieur John Jay / Ministre Plénipotentiaire des États / Unis de lAmerique / à Chaillot / près Paris”. Endorsed: “ . . . Recd. 26 / and. 27—} Ap. 1784”.
1. The report of a committee composed of Elbridge Gerry, Thomas Jefferson, and Hugh Williamson, named on 15 Dec. 1783 to report on letters from the various ministers abroad, was delivered on 20 Dec. and read in Congress on 22 Dec. 1783. It recommended that Congress issue a commission that would enable the American ministers to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce with European nations. However, its recommendations were not adopted until May 1784. , 25: 813, 821–28; 27: 368–74.
2. JA’s reference is to a letter from Gerry, in which he wrote: “ . . . Mr. Dana is arrived and requested to attend Congress. I have suggested to some of my Friends the good policy of appointing him to a Seat in Congress, & to him the advantages to be at this Time expected from the Measure; & I flatter myself, it will be adopted.” Gerry closed by presenting “my best Respects to Mr Jay, his Lady & Mr Carmichael, if in Paris.” Dana was elected to Congress in February 1784, replacing James Sullivan. Gerry to JA, 14 Jan. 1784, MHi: Adams, reel 362; , 21: 269–70.