1411Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation, 9 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I submitted to Comte de Vergennes an excerpt from General Heath’s letter which I have the honor to return enclosed. You will have seen that I have mentioned it in No. 46 of Affaires de l’Angleterre et de l’Amerique . The publication of No. 47 is but waiting for the first news which you will receive and wish to communicate to me as usual through the mail . This periodical pertains entirely to...
1412To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 9 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Here inclos’d I have the honour to return you the letter you trusted me so obligingly. I’m in great impatience to get a printed copy of the Treaties. If you find it in the papers receiv’d by way of Brest, be So good as to Send it me, along with the other news you’ll think fit for publication. My Number 48 is ready, and I expect only the Treaties and such news as you are pleas’d to see...
1413Francis Coffyn to the Commissioners, 9 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to refer you to the letter I had the honor of writing to you yesterday. This cheafly Serves to inclose a Certificate from the officers of the Admiralty Court of this Town, which I hope will in Some measure obviate the bad impression Poreau’s false insinuations may have occasion’d; however as I am determined to fill the measure to the brim, I shall take the liberty to send you...
1414Richard Grinnell to the Commissioners, 9 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I would Inform you that on the 28th of August Last I a Rived heare from London I had att that time Just obtained my Discharge, from the Belile Belle Isle man of war of Seventy four Guns. I was Impressed on board of her at Sea and without asking my Leave they made mee a mid Shipman on board. A few days after faling in with I Reland I Tok o the oportunity by a fishing boat to write to London to...
1415To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 10 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have receiv’d the papers you Sent me, and will make a proper use of them as soon as possible. When I have done with them they shall be returned you with my gratitude. I am with the greatest respect Your most humble and obedient servant PS Keppell’s fleet was still at St. Helen’s on the 6th. The mediterranean fleet under convoy of the Worcester was come into port, and also part of the Jamaica...
1416William Hodge to the Commissioners, 10 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
By Yesterdays’ Post I had the honor of receiving your Letter of the 19th of April. What could have occasioned its not reaching my hands before now, I cannot say, unless the Person who was entrusted with sending it by the Post might have detained it to answer some particular purpose. You inform me in your letter that I am charged in your Bankers Account with upwards of one hundred thousand...
1417Benjamin Reed and Benjamin Bates to the Commissioners, 11 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Whereas Jerome Cazneau, Serjeant of Marines, on board said Ship, on her Arrival in said Port, obtain’d Liberty to go on Shore, and there maliciously, and falsely represented to the French Men in general of their Abuse on board said Ship, telling them he would not return to said Ship, and injoyning and perswading those Marines and French Men who belonged to the Ship, to quit the Ship, and in...
1418Samuel Tucker to the Commissioners, 12 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Since my Arrival at this Port, I have been much troubled with those Frenchmen I enter’d at Bourdeaux, although I Enlisted them according to your Honours Orders, which was by permission from the Admiralty; While on my short Cruze, some few words would pass as I understand between the Frenchmen and my other Sailors, but Contrary to Orders which they daily had the Perrusial off and likewise read...
1419To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 13 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I hope to make a proper use of your observations in the relation to the pretended nomination of the American Commissioners, and am very oblig’d to you for the trouble you have had to write out that account. As for the Treaty, I never would presume to publish it, were it not a translation of a publick and printed paper, and the more So as you may have Seen a copy of it verbatim in the Lond. Ev....
1420Sartine to the Commissioners, 14 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Versailles, 14 July 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:161 ( JA ’s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 94. Sartine noted that, because of the war, supplies from France to the inhabitants of the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon were in...
1421Samuel Tucker to the Commissioners, 14 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I received a Letter from Mr. Livingston of the 8th. Instant wherein he informs me that their is a possibility of an Exchange of Prisoners, a list of what I have on board I send your Honours inclosed with a List of the Men, I suppose must have been Recaptured in one of my Prizes, the other two arrived Eight or ten days past. I am only wating on your Honours how to proceed, in hopes to joyn...
1422To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 15 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am so unwell to-day that I cannot stir out. Will you have the goodness to expedite what is necessary for Mr. Livingston and he will bring the Papers for me to sign. I suppose a Commission, Instructions and our Orders for his sailing will be sufficient. Adieu RC ( PPAmP : Franklin Papers); addressed: “Mr Commissioner Adams Passi”; docketed in an unknown hand: “Hon. A. Lee Esqr to Hon J. Adams...
1423Sartine to the Commissioners, 15 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Versailles, 15 July 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:161–162 ( JA ’s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 94. Sartine’s letter concerned James Niggins and John Selby, prisoners at Nantes, who claimed to be American seamen pressed into...
1424To John Adams from Thomas Greenleaf, 16 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Pardon the presumption of addressing you in this manner at this unhappy Crisis of my life. Considering the distinguish’d nobleness of your sentiments, and your present exalted station as a support and defender of the American, glorious , Cause and persons, I at once resolve that this is an incumbent Duty on my part, and cannot entertain the least doubt but it will be attended too with that...
1425To John Adams from Edward Rutledge, 16 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
The State of South Carolina, desirous of protecting her Trade, with as little Burthen to the United States as possible, has voted a Sum of Money for the purpose of purchasing three Frigates, has appointed Mr. Gillon to the Command of them and sent him to France to procure them. Satisfied as I am that, you would chearfully shew any Civilities, and if necessary, yield your Protection, to a Man...
1426C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Quoique je sois tous les jours avec le G—— F—— et avec notre Ami, cependant, comme il ne se passe rien d’extraordinaire, j’ai cru pouvoir différer de vous écrire, jusqu’à-ce que les Etats de la Province se séparassent. Ce qu’il y a eu d’essentiel pendant cette Assemblée, a été la proposition d’augmenter les troupes, laquelle ayant été absolument rejetée par la ville d’Amsterdam, n’aura...
1427C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Although I have seen the Grand Facteur and our friend every day, since nothing extraordinary has happened, I have postponed writing to you until the States General adjourned. The major question during this assembly was the proposal to increase troops, but because it was firmly rejected by the town of Amsterdam, it will certainly not be adopted. There were great debates in the Assembly on the...
1428Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am highly sensible of the Confidence you honour me with by your Approbation of my Drafts on Mr. Grand, and am ready to account for the expenditure of them up to the 30th May. The Charges since my Departure from Nantes, to go to new Account. As your Time is too constantly and too importantly employed to attend to the Details of commercial Concerns, would it not be well to appoint some...
1429William Hill Sargeant to the Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Having lately Arrived in a Very fast Sailing Vessell from the State of Virginia whose Owners not having it in their Power to arm her in that Country gave me full power So to do here (As well to take the Advantage of any thing that might Offer as to protect our Vessell and Cargo). I therfore take the Liberty of Requesting the favour of your granting me a Commission for that purpose, and least...
1430Sartine to the Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Versailles, 18 July 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:166–167 ( JA ’s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 94. Sartine recounted reports that he had received concerning problems with the French members of the Boston’s crew. Their...
1431C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 21 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Ma derniere est du 17e. Je viens de recevoir, traduire et porter au g— F— une Lettre Allemande. En attendant qu’il me renvoie mon feuillet, après en avoir fait tirer copie, j’aurai l’honneur de vous dire, que les Etats d’hollande se sont séparés, et que le Prince part aussi pour Los en Overyssel. On n’a point donné d’Instructions nouvelles au Comte de Welderen, ie. parce qu’après avoir fait...
1432C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 21 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
My last was of the 17th. I have just received, translated, and delivered a German letter to the Grand Facteur. While waiting for him to return it after making a copy, I have the honor to inform you that the Dutch States General have adjourned and that the Prince is leaving for Los in Overyssel. No new instructions were given Count Welderen because: 1. after doing his duty in reclaiming the 2...
1433Muscoe Livingston to the Commissioners, 21 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here Last night, deliverd my letters to Capt. Whippie, and shall have his Instructions for Capt. Tucker and Sett out immediately for Lorient. I will be Exceedingly Obligd you, to do me the Favour, to give me two, or three Lines, either to the President of congress or by way of Certificate, Mentioning, what Capt. Tucker Said of My Conduct, during my being on board the Boston; as it...
1434C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 24 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Le g—— F—— ay ant oublié de me renvoyer le 21 mes Nouvelles d’Allemagne, je fus obligé de les traduire à la hâte, telles que je vous les envoyai ce jour-là. Voici quelques Extraits. Les Papiers Anglois et les Lettres d’Amsterdam sont remplis de ce que les François auroient déclaré la guerre à l’Angleterre. Les fonds Anglois ont baissé à Amsterdam de 2 p% environ: il ne se presénte pas même des...
1435C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 24 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Because the Grand Facteur forgot to return my news from Germany on the 31st, I was obliged to translate in haste that which I sent that day. Here are some excerpts. The English papers and the letters from Amsterdam are filled with the allegation that the French have declared war on England. The British stocks fell about 2 percent in Amsterdam; there are no buyers even. It is reported that the...
1436To John Adams from William MacCreery, 25 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of 10th. Instant did not reach me ’till this moment. I thank you kindly for your good wishes, and for the whole contents of it. There are three Vessels arrived here this Week from America two from Baltimore and one from Boston. Each have brought Letters &c. for each of our Honorable Plenipotentiaries all which have been deliverd to the Agent here. My latest Letters from Baltimore...
1437Thomas Simpson to the Commissioners, 27 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you from Nantes that I had arrived there, and was to take my passage for America in the Providence, the 25. Mr. Livingston arriving from Paris informed me that you had appointed him to the command of the Ranger, but on Captain Jones delivering up my parole, you were pleased to honour me with that appointment. Your Honours letters to Captain Whipple, and Mr. Schweighasser coming to...
1438C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 28 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Voilà, Messieurs, la quintessence de douze pages Hollandoises in folio, que je viens de par courir. Les dépêches de Cologne, Paris, Elseneur, Hambourg, Bruxelles, Londres, et Smyrne ne contiennent rien qui puisse vous interesser. On a ici la nouvelle sure d’une suspension d’armes en Allemagne jusqu’au ier. d’Août; et lon croit généralement que la paix s’ensuivra. Le Roi a fait venir ses...
1439C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 28 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Here, Gentlemen, is the substance of twelve pages in folio, in Dutch, that I have just skimmed through. The dispatches from Cologne, Paris, Elsinore, Hamburg, Brussels, London, and Smyrna contain nothing of interest to you. One has here reliable reports of a suspension of arms in Germany until 1 August; and it is generally thought that peace will follow. The King has summoned his chief...
1440John Ayres to the Commissioners, 29 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I arived Yesterday in 26 days from Boston, with a packet for Your Excellencys With Positive Orders to deliver the Same with my Own Hands, which should have done with greatest Pleasure, but my Ill State of Health Prevents me that Honour. Therefore have desir’d Mr. Texier, a friend off Mr. Bondfield, to take the Charge, Which he Readily Accepted, and make no doubt will Come Safe to hand. I trust...
1441Sartine to the Commissioners, 29 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Versailles, 29 July 1778. LbC ( Adams Papers , French text of both letter and enclosure). For other contemporary copies of the French text of the letter and regulations, the latter as transmitted and later amended as a result of the Commissioners’ letter of 13 Aug. (below), and for English translations of the two documents made at the same time, see PCC , No. 83, 11, f. 467, 46Q–476. For...
1442Titus Ogden to the Commissioners, July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Pardon the freedom I take in thus addressing your honours unknown but as an American I trust you will not take it amiss. On my arrival here the begining of april in the Ship Harmony Hall loaded with Tobacco &c. I was boarded by a Mr. Moylan who shewed my me yours letters impowering him to act as Agent here on which account I consigned my vessell and Cargo to him and must confess the dispatch...
1443To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 1 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Genet a lhonneur de remercier Monsieur Adams qui n’ignore Sûrement pas que le Russel de l’Escadre de Byron est rentré à Plymouth le 23. en tres mauvais Etat, ayant été separé de l’Escadre le 8. juillet sur le grand Bane, par un violent coup de vent qui doit avoir également maltraité toute l’Escadre dont il ne donne pas de nouvelles.
1444Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation, 1 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Genet has the honor to thank Mr. Adams, who must already know that the Russell , of Byron’s squadron, returned to Plymouth on the 23d, in very poor condition, after having been separated from the squadron on 8 July, at the Grand Banks, by a violent storm which must have damaged the entire squadron, but about which he cannot give any news. RC ( Adams Papers ); docketed: “Genet.” The report on...
1445Pezerat to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 1 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Sans Etre Connu de vous Je prens La liberté de Vous Ecrire, Parce que Je Pense que les Réprésentans d’une nation, qui doit son Existence à ses Vertus, sont assés amis des hommes, pour Vouloir Bien, Eclaircir un de leurs Semblables Sur les moyens qu’Il Se Propose de Parvenir au Bonheur. Les Travaux d’une Vie active, honorables puis qu’Ils Sont Utiles, dérogent En france, par L’Effet d’un...
1446Pezerat to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams: A Translation, 1 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Although a stranger to you, I take the liberty of writing because I think that, as the representatives of a nation owing its existence to its virtues, you are sufficiently the friends of mankind to care to clarify for one of your fellow men the means by which he proposes to achieve happiness. In France, by the effect of a national prejudice, the labors of an active life, honorable as they are...
1447James Moylan to the Commissioners, 1 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Frigate Boston saild this morning with her three prizes. Captain Tucker happend accidentally to have mention’d to me, that he had your orders to take on board some goods here, but that as the wind was fair, he determind not to wait for them. If it is a disapointment to you, which in any manner can be remedied by loading them on a french bottom, I can give you freight for them on reasonable...
1448John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 2 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Captain Jones begs the Commissioners to oblige him with Copies of the following letters—or with the liberty of taking Copies of Monseigneur De Sartines letter to the Commissioners respecting Captain Jones, of their Answer to that letter, of the Commissioners letter to Lieutenant Simpson in consequence of Captain Jones’ proposition in his favor, and of the paper dated the 4th of July—which...
1449C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 3 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous envoyer copie de la Lettre que j’aiécrite à Mr. Van Berkel Pensionaire d’Amsterdam le 27 du mois passé. Il m’a répondu ce qui suit de l’endroit òu il est allé passer l’Eté, peu éloigné d’Amsterdam. Je vous ai bien de l’Obligation, pour la bonté que vous avez eue de m’envoyer la Copie du Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce, conclu entre la France et les Etats-Unis de...
1450C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 3 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor to send you a copy of the letter that I wrote to Mr. van Berckel, Pensionary of Amsterdam, on the 27th of last month. Writing from his summer place not far from Amsterdam, he replied with the following: I am greatly obliged to you for your kindness in sending me the copy of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce concluded by France and the United States of America. And, since it was...
1451John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 6 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
By a resolve of Congress the Seamen who engaged to Serve in the Ranger under my Command were furnished Individually with forty Dollars, the Landsmen with Twenty Dollars Advance in Continental Bills at the time of Entry. They have Also been supplyed with Slops from time to time to a considerable Amount. And they received a small Advance in Cash from my hands at Nantes last Winter. I conceive it...
1452To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 7 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Lee’s compliments to Mr. Adams. Mr. Lee has over and over again written to Mr. Williams that the Letters shoud be delivered to him whenever he chose to call, At Mr. Lee’s house and receive them, which he has refused in very indecent terms. It is this and this only that has prevented him from having them, for I have Mr. Lee has constantly left them out to be delivered to him when I He went...
1453To John Adams from William MacCreery, 9 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I this day received the Letter which you did me the Honor to Write me under the 31st. Ultimo. Your other Letter to me was still longer on the way —which I mention to shew you that from some cause of which you may be ignorant, they do not come in the regular course of the Post. I return you compliments of congratulation on the late Naval affair between the French and English Fleets—in my...
1454Sartine to the Commissioners, 10 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Depuis la letter, que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire, Messieurs le 29 du mois dernier, le Commissaire des classes a Nantes m’a marqué que l’agent des Etats unis lui avoit remis des Prisonniers Anglois qu’il avoit fait enfermer au Chateau ou l’agent pourvoit a leur Subsistance. M. de la Porte, intendant a Brest m’a egalement ecrit au Sujet d’une prise du corsaire americain le Ranger dont le...
1455Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation, 10 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Since the letter that I had the honor to write you on the 29th of last month, the Commissionaire des Classes at Nantes has informed me that the agent of the United States has entrusted him with some British prisoners whom he had confined in the castle, the agent providing for their subsistence there. Mr. de La Porte, Intendant at Brest, has also written me concerning a prize taken by the...
1456Peter Frederick Dobrée to the Commissioners, 11 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
My Father in law has just now comunicated me the Honble. Mr. Lee’s Letter of the 4 Instant which he received Yesterday, together with sundry extracts which would greatly alarm me, was not I consious of my Innocence. I will not take too much upon those precious moments which you so laudably dedicate to your Country, to refute the false accusations contained in the anonimous Letter, but beg you...
1457To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 14 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai traduit ce jour ci une lettre d’un armateur américain à Nantes, en datte du 8. août, qui se plaint que deux de ses vaisseaux lui ont étá enlevés en sortant de Pamboeuf, et demande certaines facilités pour la Courses. Il m’a été impossible de lire Sa Signature, et c’est la seconde fois que je me trouve dans cet embarras. Je l’ai figurée sur le papier ci joint, pour vous prier de vouloir...
1458Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation, 14 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have today translated a letter dated 8 August from an American shipowner at Nantes who complains that two of his vessels were taken coming out of Paimboeuf and requests certain facilities in regard to the privateers. Because it has been impossible to read his signature, the second time that I have met with this embarrassment, I have copied it on the enclosed piece of paper and ask you to...
1459John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 15 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have now been five days in this place since my Arrival from Passy—during which time neither seen nor heard from Lieutenant Simpson. But Mr. Hill, who was last Winter at Passy and who sailed with me from Nantes, informs me truely—that it is generally reported in the Ranger and of course throughout the French Fleet and on Shore—That I am turned out of the Service—and that you Gentlemen, have...
1460John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 16 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Captain Ayres I have found in a very ill State of Health and apprehend he will not be able to proceed in the Vessel. The Brig will be ready for Sea at the reception of your dispatches. Should the Captains Health not permit to proceed you will please to give me your instructions to whom you would transfer the Command. These vessels being built for quick swift Sailing, should the plan I had the...