From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 21 January 1788
To the Marquis of Carmarthen
Grosvenor Square Jan. 21. 1788
My Lord
I do myself the Honour to inclose to your Lordship a Resolution of Congress of the fifth day of October last, by which I am permitted to return to America, at anytime after the Twenty fourth Day of February 1788. As it is my Intention to embark on board the Ship Lucretia John Calahan Commander, I must request of your Lordship to obtain the neccessary orders that the Same Priviledges be granted in Shipping my Baggage, as are usually allowed to other foreign Ministers of equal Rank.
Let me further Request of your Lordship to obtain of the King and Queen, the Appointment of a Time when I may have the Honour of an Audience to take Leave of their Majestys, on Some day previous to the twenty fourth of February next.1
With great Respect, I have the / Honour to be, my Lord, your / Lordships most obedient and / most humble Servant
John Adams.
RC and enclosure (PRO:FO 4, State Papers, vol. 6, f. 29–33); internal address: “The Right Honourable / The Marquis of Carmarthen / His Britannic Majestys Principal / Secretary of State for foreign Affairs.”; endorsed: “Jany 21st. 1788 / Mr. Adams / Recall.” LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 112.
1. For JA’s leave-taking from the Court of St. James, see his Dfts of farewell addresses to George III and Charlotte of [20 Feb.] and [ante 28 Feb.], both below.