351Jan Willink to John Adams, 10 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
The express set of thursday morning the 3 d of June, with the bills of exchange, your letter to M r. J: Barclay Esq r. & a letter from us to Mess: Van den Yver Freres & Comp̃: at Paris to furnish him with the necessary money, the reason, why I did not advice the same was occasioned by a Severe Sickness of mine eldest Son, who retained me at my seat, & who is thank the Almightÿ on the way of...
352To John Adams from Christian Lotter, 16 December 1785 (Adams Papers)
It is with the greatest reluctance, most honor ble: Sir! that Your continuing Silence, forces me to incumber You again, to weary Your patience, with Sollicitations of which Your Excellency knows too well, that they ought to be granted, because it is Salary, made by Your own agreement, and for which I have Served. Your Excellency will be graciously pleased, to consider that it is too hard to be...
353To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 6 July 1787 (Adams Papers)
I received, my dear Sir, your Republics, & am much honord with the office you assign me. I had before read them & nothing material occurrd to me as amendments. The title is the only thing exceptionable, because it applys to that particular part only which respects M. Turgot. But the work will undoubtedly be of very great service, in directing the consideration of our Countrymen to the defects...
354Charles Sigourney to John Adams, 21 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
I now presume on the liberty of acquainting you of my arrival in this City and sincerely Lament am disappointed of the happiness of seeing your family here, with which expectation I much flatterd myself.— It will afford me the greatest pleasure to hear that you enjoy better health than when in Holland, and that your Lady & family are also in perfect health, which blessing I sincerely wish may...
355To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 18 December 1788 (Adams Papers)
I flattered myself my friends would have supported my election for the District of Suffolk but I am dissappointed, But long dissciplined in the School of adversity, dissappointment sitts the lighter upon my mind; Espesially, as I rather viewed this an object whereby I might gain subsistence rather than gratify my vanity. I think Sir I shall hardly be dissappointed in my expectations that you...
356Thomas Jefferson to Franklin and John Adams: Résumé, 17 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Massachusetts Historical Society ⟨Cul-de-sac Tetebout, October 17, 1784: Mr. Jefferson sends to Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin drafts of the two letters to be sent to the Duke of Dorset. One is on the separate articles. The other is on the general subject, and written in the form that they had agreed upon during their last meeting. Having reconsidered the latter, he sends a second version...
357Marquis de Castries to John Adams, 26 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
Je Vous remercie, Monsieur, des éclaircissements que Vous avez bien Voulu me donner relativement aux matieres que L’On peut extraire de L’Amérique Septentrionale et Sur La Maniere &c Se les procurer. Ce Sera avec empressement que je profiterai de Vos observations Sur Cet Objet important. J’ai l’honneur d’etre tres parfaitement Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obéissant serviteur. je vous ai...
358To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 3 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
We have your respected Favor of 29 Ult o: notifying your having been appointed Minister Plenipotentiary from the United-States of America to the Court of Great-Britain; In the Execution of which important Employment, We sincerely wish every Success in advancing the Interest of your Country, And that you may enjoy perfect Health— We shall carefelly attend to your directions in packing &...
359To John Adams from David Humphreys, 5 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
Colonel Smith has been so good as to take charge of a printed copy of M r Dwight’s Poem and a letter from that gentleman to your Excellency, which I found at my return from London had been forwarded under cover to me. He is also the bearer of a manuscript copy of M r Barlow’s Vision of Columbus together with letters from the Author and our friend M r Trumbull on the subject of its publication....
360To John Adams from Patrick Miller, 19 November 1787 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive Your Excellencys letter of the 30 th. April. In the treatise on Naval Architecture which I requested you to transmit to Congress I signifyed my intention to make an Experiment with the Steam Engine as a Power to work my Water Wheel.— When preparing for this experiment, I conceived an Idea that the Capstorn might be employed as a Power better fitted to that purpose...
361Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 6 May 1784 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter relative to the House at Auteuil, since which several Messages pass’d between the Count de Rouault and Me, and all have Ended in an appointment to Meet Tomorrow on the spot, where I shall make known my demands for Repairs, and more than probably I will Inform you by next post that the House is taken for you The Furniture must absolutely be alterd,...
362To John Adams from Charles Storer, 26 September 1786 (Adams Papers)
M r: Martin , who will deliver you this, is a Kinsman of ours & therefore I take the liberty of begging your notice of him: assuring you I shall think myself equally obliged by any attentions he may receive.— Since writing the within there has been an insurrection in the State of New-Hampshire— President Sullivan & the Court were sitting at Exeter: an armed mob, ab t: 500, surrounded the House...
363From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, 17 October 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin, and incloses to them the letter to the D. of Dorset on the separate articles. He also sends one on the general subject and in the general form as had been agreed when they parted last: but thinking that it might be better, by reciting what had been done with Mr. Hartley to keep the ground we have gained, and not to admit that we...
364From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 30 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of this day I omitted to inform you that according to what we had proposed I have had a long consultation with the Count de Vergennes on the expediency of a Diplomatic mission to Constantinople. His information is that it will cost a great deal of money, as great presents are expected at that court and a great many claim them; and his opinion is that we shall not buy a peace one...
365From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 14 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
As I propose to write you on business by Mr. Cairnes who will set out in a few days for London, the object of the present letter is only to inform you that the Count de Vergennes died yesterday morning and that the Count de Montmorin is appointed his successor: and further to beg the favor of you to forward the inclosed by the first vessel from London. I set out on my journey on Sunday the...
366Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 31 March 1784 (Adams Papers)
We received your Excellency’s most esteemed Letter of the 24 th. of this Month. We rejoice with yoúr Excell y. in the Succes which has attended oúr Endeavours. So wel in promoting the Loan, as in maintaining the American Credit, assuring yoúr Excell y. of oúr further Care not only in Extending it as much as possible, bút even to Contribute towards it in Every way. The Account which we paid to...
367Baron von Thulemeier to John Adams, 12 November 1784 (Adams Papers)
J’ai eû l’honneur, Monsieur, de Vous adresser dès le 8. d’Octobre de l’année courante, conjointement avec Messieurs Francklin et Jefferson les Plein pouvoirs demandés, pour la conclusion du Traité de Commerce et d’Amitié, entre ma Cour, et les Etats Unis de l’Amérique. Depourvû de toute réponse quelconque, je ne serois pas sans inquiétude, s’il etoit possible, que ma lettre qui a été expédiée...
368From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 4 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I have received the Letter your Excelly. did me the Honour of writing to me the 29th past. The Annunciation directed by the Instruction you mention has not yet been made; some Circumstances and Considerations, not necessary to particularize at present, occasioned the Delay here; but it may now be done immediately by your Excellency, if you think proper,...
369To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 8 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
Referring Your Excellency to what we had the Honor to address you the 4 th: Ins t: We have now to acknowledge Receipt of Your Excellency’s esteemed Favor of 4 ditto, advising your further Acceptances of £200.–.– St g: drawn by M r: Barclay– } 140.–.– } ″ . . . ″ ″ John Lamb 160.–.– Which we have directed Mess. C & R: Puller of London, to discharge at Maturity— Similar Honor You may depend,...
370Robert Morris to John Adams, 16 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have not any Letters from your Excellency which are unanswered except those of the twenty first of May and fourteenth of September in the last Year both of which arrived very long after their Dates. I have learnt from the Gentlemen to whom the Management of the Loan in Holland was committed the various good and ill Success which they have met with. And now that I am about to leave this...
371To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 5 January 1787 (Adams Papers)
We had the honor to receive in due time Your Excellency’s ever respected Favor of advising us to pay in Specie the Premiums of CPl ƒ60,000:—:—, drawn last October at the Charge of the United-States. We shall immediately publish the same, together with the Payment of the Interest due 1 st proximo on the Loan of Two Millions: Which will we trust have the good effect upon the Credit of America...
372To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
En réponse aux ordres dont vous m’avez honoré, conjointément avec Son Exc e. Mr. Jepherson, en date de Londres Août 5 e. , Nous avons vaqué tout de suite à la Commission en question. Mr. Short est occupé à rendre un compte à V V. E E. de ce qui a été fait & de ce qui reste à faire, auquel je suis persuadé d’avance que je n’aurai rien à ajouter, que l’assurance de ma juste sensibilité à la...
373To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 28 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
We are in the disagreable necessity to acquaint the Hon ble. Commissioners of the Board of Treasury of the United States of America, that Mess. De La Lande & fynje who at the present moment are debtors to them for the Amount of ƒ112,000, have Stopt payment, and we take the Liberty to Send your Excellency inclosed the Letter to Said Gentlemen, which we left open in order you may peruse it for...
374David Humphreys to John Adams, 30 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
I write this to request information of you, what is necessary, right, & proper to be done by me on saturday next— You can doubtless tell, Sir, whether it is expected & wished that the whole diplomatic Corps should, be at Versailles on New-year’s day, or whether the concourse will probably be so great as that the presence of the smaller limbs of that great Body may readily be dispensed with— I...
375To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 2 July 1785 (Adams Papers)
I cannot omit the Opportunity of writing by Monsr de le Etombe who is going to France & will take the Care of this Letter. You must not expect it will be a long one. There are many Things which I wish to say to you, but the Tremor of my Hand is so increasd that I am put to Difficulty to guide my Pen. Our Merchants are complaing bitterly that Great Britain is ruining their Trade, and there is...
376To John Adams from Theophilus Lindsey, 23 February 1787 (Adams Papers)
M r Lindsey presents his due and most sincere respects to M r Adams, was much mortified that he shou’d do him the honour to leave his name at Essex house before M r L. had an opportunity of returning thanks for his kind and most valuable present of A Defence &c; a work which is the result of deep thought and of the largest experience and observation of what is now passing or has ever passed on...
377To John Adams from Patience Lovell Wright, 5 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Wrights Most Respectfull Complint s to her Friend—Adams Esq r. &c. —and has the pleasur to deliver to him those papers—from Major Labilleere presented by him to Mr̃ Adams Esq r. as a Worthy Charatck r on whos Condoct and sentements much Depends toward bringing Justic and good goverment to a Ingured people— the Eyes of the World is on the present Moments— The house of Ahab Must not be...
378Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 9 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you last post since which I was Informed your things were stop’d at Brussells, This must have been Intirely through the Ignorence of the person who had them under his Care He had nothing to do but to Open the Trunks, shew there was nothing Contraband in them and so pass on— and this Idea I impressd as much on him by means of a person who spoke Dutch, as was in my power— But He to avoid...
379To John Adams from Rufus King, 3 October 1786 (Adams Papers)
You will undoubtedly hear much of the tumultuous and irregular conduct of a considerably numerous class of people in the western counties of massachusetts— the same temper which appears to have collected these illegal Assemblies in Massachusetts, has shewn itself in New Hampshire; but General Sullivan, who is now President of that State, by very proper and decisive Measures has put an End to...
380To John Adams from Robert Duncan, 23 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to join the Citizens of America in heart felt Congratulations on your Excellencys appointment to the Vice Presidency of the United States May every blessing await you Sir in that, and all other important stations, you may be engaged in for the salvation of your Country.— It is now about 11 years since I had the honor of seeing you in Philadelphia, and then as an inmate in my family—...
381From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, with Enclosure, 11 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honour of inclosing to you letters which came to hand last night from Mr. Lamb, Mr. Carmichael and Mr. Barclay. By these you will perceive that our peace is not to be purchased at Algiers but at a price far beyond our powers. What that would be indeed Mr. Lamb does not say, nor probably knows. But as he knew our ultimatum, we are to suppose from his letter that it would be a...
382To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 24 October 1783 (Adams Papers)
We have the honour to acknowledge the Receipt of yoúr Esteemed favoúr of 14 th. Instant. by which we observe with much Sorrow the Attack of a fever yoúr Excell y. has been troubled with, We hope it will not have been of any Continuance, but that we Shall Soon have the pleasúre to be informed of yoúr Excell y. being Restored to perfect health. Our Last to yoúr Excell y. was of the 16 th. Inst...
383To John Adams from Rufus King, 4 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
By the January Packet I was honored with your letter of the 23. of December, and by M r. Anstey who arrived in the February Packet, I received your’s of the 22. of January: I pray you to accept my acknowledgments for these Kind attentions, and to be assured that if any communications in my power concerning our common country, will afford you any information, the pleasure of transmitting them,...
384John Adams’ Instructions as Minister to Great Britain, 7 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
Instructions for the Minister Plenipotentiary appointed to represent the United States of America at the Court of Great Britain Sir You will in a respectful but firm Manner insist that the United States be put without further Delay into Possession of all the Posts and Territories within their Limits which are now held by british Garrisons; and you will take the earliest Opportunity of...
385To John Adams from Samuel Austin, 11 [July] 1786 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 25 May last per Cap t Biggilo, now lies before me.— In answer to which, shall only Observe. The difficulties and Obstacles you mention, which are in the way, and which at Present Prevents my Recovering my money, however Plausible, are altogether falacious, and without foundation with Respect to this State, yet it seems they are made an objection of such Magnitude that neither...
386From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 26 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you was dated the 27th. of August since which I have recieved yours of Sep. 11th. The letter to Mr. Lamb therein inclosed I immediately signed and forwarded. In mine wherein I had the honor of proposing to you the mission of Mr. Barclay to Algiers, I mentioned that my expectations from it were of a subordinate nature only. I very readily therefore recede from it in compliance...
387Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 6 January 1785 (Adams Papers)
In conformity to our Promise of last Thursday, we have now the Honour to advise your Excellency, that the Ballance of the Account of the United States now in our Hands amounts to. . ƒ 1301760. 4 – from this must be deducted the following Sums for Payments, which are at hand Intrest of the last Loan due 1 th feb̃: ƒ 65986. 4 — Premiums of the Same . . . . . . . . . . . . . ″ 50000 —...
388To John Adams from Joseph and Isaac Saportas, 5 July 1785 (Adams Papers)
We are Sorry we happend to be from home when your Excellency entended us the honour of a visit, and hope we may flatter ourselves with that Satisfaction, on future Opportunities Which may Call your Excellency in our part of the Town, finding that your Excellency had Received previous information Concerning the detention of An American vessel at Mogadore, we think it needless to trouble your...
389To John Adams from Paul R. Randall, 18 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have not had the Honor of writing to you, since I have embarked in this Business, as you must have received Intelligence more satisfactory from other Quarters. Our detention in Paris was unhappy considering the Season, however we wished to make up for it by a speedy Journey—being but eight days on the Road. Our Progress is now retarded for Want of Mules, as there are many Travellers across...
390To John Adams from William White, 1 August 1787 (Adams Papers)
Relying on your Excellency’s Regard to literary Merit & Y r Readiness to encourage the Cultivation of the Sciences in this Country, I take the Liberty of recommending to your Patronage the Business which carries the Bearer M r Joseph Workman to England. His Brother M r Benjamin Workman has invented an Instrument for taking the Variation of the Needle, which the Bearer is to submit to the...
391To John Adams from Jean George Holtzhey, 5 December 1783 (Adams Papers)
About three month ago I receved a fine silver medal out of Your name from a gentleman Who came from Paris, on the independency of your Illustrious Republiq, at same time was informed that your Hon. was soon Expected here which was true, but i disovered it too late i there fore take this opportunity to return you may hearthy thanks for satisfaction you have done me, is also for the attention...
392Thomas Mifflin to Franklin and John Adams, 20 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives I have the Honor to transmit to you an Act of Congress of the 16th. Inst: together with Copies of the several Papers to which that Act refers. I am with the Greatest Respect, Gentlemen, Your obedient & humble Servant In L’Air de Lamotte’s hand. The enclosed resolutions of March 16 (Hist. Soc. of Pa.; see JCC, XXVI ,...
393To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 14 April 1785 (Adams Papers)
The desire of paying my respects to an old and excellent friend compels me under all the pressures of ill health and much business, to avail myself of Col o. Smiths secure conveyance to take up my pen. It is long since I have written to you, but much longer since I have had the honor of hearing from you, and I am perfectly satisfied that both these effects have been produced by causes not...
394Edmund Jenings to John Adams, 11 May 1784 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the Honour of writing to your Excellency by the last Post, & inclosing a Letter, which might have been productive by this Time of an Event, which I assure myself would have been painful to you. I Know not as yet, what is the result of my Ennemies Council thereon. I called three times at Vine Street Yesterday but found no Letter from either. Let them take their Time, I have done,...
395From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 17 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your’s of the 10th. inst. and am happy to hear of the success of your journey to Amsterdam. There can be no doubt of it’s ratification by Congress. Would to heaven they would authorize you to take measures for transferring the debt of this country to Holland before you leave Europe. Most especially is it necessary to get rid of the debt to the officers. Their...
396David Humphreys to John Adams, 20 November 1784 (Adams Papers)
By the papers which I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency herewith you will be informed that I have received official Instructions to procure the several honorary presents which have been voted by Congress to different officers in their service during the late war, together with a Draft on M. Grand Banker at Paris for the amount of the expence —but I must beg leave further to inform...
397To John Adams from Daniel Roberdeau, 4 July 1788 (Adams Papers)
The public papers anounce your return with your family to your native land, and I cannot refrain my congratulations particularly as to the season in which so favorable a revolution has mervelously taken place without the direful concomitants universally attendant on such Events in profund peace. The experience I have had since I had the honor of seeing you in Europe furnishes the most...
398Marquis de Lafayette to John Adams, 9 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
A friendly letter I wrote You, and the One I Receive is not so affectionate as usual. The Value I set By Your Esteem, the Consequent fear least my Conduct Be Misrepresented to You, Such were the Motives that Actuated me— As to the institutions Alluded to, I only Need Saying that My principles are known— if You Have writen Nothing, I did more, for whatever I thought Ought to Be Amended, I...
399To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 18 May 1787 (Adams Papers)
I received by D r White the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 27th of January, together with two Copies of your Defence of the American Constitutions, one for myself for which I beg you would accept my Thanks, the other for the Philosophical Society, whose Secretary will of course officially acknowledge the Obligation. That Work is in such Request here, that it is already put...
400To John Adams from William Vaughan, 12 July 1788 (Adams Papers)
Our worthy friend D r. Price has requested me to forward to you the last Volume of Gibbons’s History, and the appendix, to compleat your Sett. M r Moore a gentleman returning back to Boston in the Nathaniel Capt Downe has been kind enough to take charge of a parcel for you I have to request your delivering a Pamphlet for the Boston Philosophical Society, and one for Cutler which comes through...