52551From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 53, 26 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
At last, even the Morning Post, of the eighteenth of April, confesses, that the Memorial from the Empress of Russia to the States General, has dissipated all their golden dreams of an Alliance, with the Czarina. It was announced to us last Week, that a Russian Squadron had left Cronstad, with an Intention to sail to our Assistance, nay some of the public Papers went so far as to announce their...
52552From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 28, 21 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Sentiments and Affections of a People, may be learned from many little Circumstances, which few Persons attend to. The Poets and orators, are generally considered as the Surest Repositories of popular Ideas both in ancient and modern nations. The Clergy may be classed among the latter: and it is very certain that most publick Preachers, accommodate both their Sermons and their Prayers, in...
52553From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 92, 14 July 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 14 July 1780. Dupl , both text and signature in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 181–183). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:857. In this letter, read by Congress on 26 Dec., John Adams included reports from The Hague of 9 July indicating that the...
52554From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 18, 14 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 14 March 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, I, f. 325–327). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:544–545. This letter, which Congress received on 11 Sept., was based on intelligence provided by Edmund Jenings and Thomas Digges in their letters of...
52555From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 94, 15 July 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 15 July 1780. Dupl, both text and signature in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 193–195). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:858. In this letter, read by Congress on 26 Dec., John Adams included accounts, probably taken from French or Dutch...
52556From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 71, 23 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 23 May 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand with postscript by JA ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 71–73). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:698–699. In this letter, read in Congress on 21 Aug., John Adams sent extracts from newspaper accounts originating in Stockholm,...
52557From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 88, 29 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
The disputes about the Alliance, have been so critical and disagreable, that Congress will pardon me, for writing a few Observations upon our Arrangements here. I apprehend that many of the Disputes, Delays and other Inconveniences, that have attended our Affairs in this Kingdom, have arisen from blending the offices of Political Minister, Board of Admiralty, Chamber of Commerce, and...
52558From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 47, 18 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 18 April 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, I, f. 467–469). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:620–624. In this letter, received by Congress on 19 Feb. 1781, John Adams provided newspaper accounts regarding a petition by Swedish merchants...
52559From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 64, 11 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 11 May 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 43–45). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:670–671. In this letter, read in Congress on 20 Sept., John Adams sent the text of three motions respecting the American war proposed by David Hartley in...
52560From John Adams to the President of the Congress, 7 November 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour to enclose to Congress Copy, of the Letter Book of the Commissioners at the Court of Versailles, during the Time that I had the Honour to be one of them. As the Letter Book was kept by me, and almost wholly in my Hand Writing, the Minister plenipotentiary consented that I should bring it home with me leaving him a Copy, which was done. As there may be many Things in it, which...
52561From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 20, 16 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
On the 10th of this month, Sir Joseph York, presented to the States General, the following Memorial. The King, my Master, has discovered, during the whole Course of his Reign, the most Sincere desire, to maintain the Union, which has Subsisted for more than a Century, between his Crown and this Republick. This Union rests, upon the immoveable Basis, of reciprocal Interest, and as it has...
52562From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 17, 24 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved several Letters from London, concerning Mr. Laurens. It is certain that he has been treated with great Insolence by the Populace in his Journey from Dartmouth to London, and that he is confined to a mean Appartment in the Tower, denied the Use of Pen and Ink, and none of his Friends have been able to obtain Leave to visit him, excepting his Son and Mr. Manning, and those...
52563From John Adams to the President of the Congress, No. 4, 15 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 15 February 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, 1, f. 243; docketed: “No. 4 J. Adams Esqr. Paris Feby. 15th: 1780 Read May 15. arrival in France. interesting News.” LbC Adams Papers . LbC in Thaxter’s hand Adams Papers ; notations: “Recd in Congress Oct. 15. Triplicate.”; by Thaxter: “No. 4.” For a discussion of the presence of two Letterbook copies in the Adams Papers , see...
52564From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 26 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of Genl. Gates I transmit you the inclosed letters from Genl. Harrington and Colo. Marian and the deposition of a prisoner escaped from the enemy. A Gentleman will set out from this place within two days for Philadelphia to receive and bring our quota of the new money, which we hope will be in readiness for him. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s...
52565To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 27 April 1781, enclosing a Letter from Ebenezer Hazard, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency the enclosed Copy of a Letter from Ebenezer Hazard. You will observe by the Journals of Congress under the 20th of July 1778, Encouragement given to this Gentleman to collect Materials for a History, and a Recommendation to the several States to aid and assist him in such Collection. If any of the Manuscripts &c. to which his Letter...
52566From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 86, 17 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Writer on the Consequences of American Independence, Subjoins a Comparison between the United States, and the West Indies. He says the Exports from England was in 1771 £ s d To North America 4,586,882: 15: 5 £ To Dominica 170,623: 19: 3 To St Vincents 36,839: 10: 7 To Grenada 123,919:
52567From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 27, 18 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
War is to a Dutchman the greatest of Evils. Sir Joseph Yorke is so sensible of this, that he keeps alive a continual Fear of it by Memorials after Memorials, each more affronting to any Sovereignty of delicate Notions of Dignity, than the former. By this means he keeps up the Panick and while this Panick continues, I shall certainly have no Success at all. No Man dares engage for me—very few...
52568From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 10, 25 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
There are Persons, in this Republick, who have been Attentive to this War, and who know somewhat of the History of the Rise and Progress, of the united States of America: but it is Surprizing that the Number Should be So Small. Even in the City of Amsterdam, which is the most Attentive to our Affairs, and the best inclined towards Us there are few, who do not consider the American Resistance,...
52569From John Adams to the President of Congress, 5 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
On the 10 of Nov. 1780 The Memorial of Sir Joseph York to the States General, was presented for a Disavowal, Satisfaction proportioned to the Offence, and Punishment of the Guilty. The 28 Nov. a formal Disapprobation of the States General, of the Conduct of the Regency of Amsterdam. 12. December: Second Memorial of Sir J. York, for a Satisfaction proportioned to the Offence, and the Punishment...
52570From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 1, 14 August 1780 (Adams Papers)
On the twenty seventh of July. I set out from Paris on a Journey to Amsterdam. I left Mr. Dana and Mr. Thaxter at Paris, who will regularly transmit to Congress whatever shall occur of Importance to the United States to know—they will also inclose all the English, French and Dutch Gazettes. They are exerting themselves in this Republick, to mann their Ships of War, in which they have great...
52571From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 31, 25 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
Affairs are Still in Suspence. This Day being Chrismas and Yesterday a sunday, there was no publick Exchange held, on either. But Business, and especially, Stock Jobbing goes on, without ceasing, being done at the Coffee houses, on Sundays and holy days, when it cannot be held upon Change. The English Mail which had been interrupted by contrary Winds, for three Posts, arrived on Saturday. The...
52572From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 19, 14 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 14 March 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, I, f. 321–324). LbC ( Adams Papers ); notation by Thaxter: “NB. Nos. 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19 were delivered to Mr. Brown of S. Carolina. No. 15th on the tenth of March, the rest on the 15th. of March 1780.” printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United...
52573From John Adams to the President of the Congress, No. 3, 16 January 1780 (Adams Papers)
Bilbao, Spain, 16 January 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC No. 84, I, f. 234; docketed: “No. 3 Letter from John Adams Bilbao Jany 16 1780 Read April 7.” LbC Adams Papers . LbC in Thaxter’s hand Adams Papers ; notations: “Recd in Congress Oct. 15. Triplicate.”; by Thaxter: “No.3.” For a discussion of the presence of two Letterbook copies, see part 2 of the Introduction: “John Adams and his...
52574From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 11, 28 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 28 Sept. 1780. Dupl ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 273–276). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:72. Received by Congress on 29 Jan. 1781, this letter contained the statements exchanged by Baron Willem van Wassenaer-Starrenburg and Catherine II, when...
52575From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 95, 15 July 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 15 July 1780. Dupl, both text and signature in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 197–199). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:859. In this letter, read by Congress on 26 Dec., John Adams sent a comparison of the strength, in ships of the line, of...
52576From John Adams to the President of Congress, 21 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 21 May 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, III, f. 151–157. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:424–427. This letter contained an English translation of Frederick II’s ordinance of 30 April regarding navigation and commerce. The preamble to the...
52577From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 48, 18 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
It is my Duty to transmit to Congress, as soon as Prudence will admit, every Thing which deserves Consideration, as having either a direct or an indirect tendency to Peace, or even to Negotiation for that important Object. The inclosed Letter has been transmitted to Paris in such a Channel, that I have Reasons to believe it was particularly intended for my Inspection. It is from a Gentleman,...
52578From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 34, 30 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Province of Zealand having been opposed to the other Provinces in so many Instances and having lately protested against the Resolutions of the States General, which begin to be thought spirited, it may be useful to explain to Congress the Causes which influence that Province to a Conduct, which is generally thought to be opposite to the true Interest of the Republic in general. In the...
52579From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 81, 10 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 10 June 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 106–117). LbC ( Adams Papers ) notation by John Thaxter: “June 18th. 1780. This day delivered Mr. Hall of Virginia No. 81—to go by Way of Amsterdam.” This is the first letter in Lb/JA/12 ( Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 100). For this Letterbook, see part 2 of the Introduction: “John Adams and His Letterbooks” (above)....
52580From John Adams to the President of Congress, 1 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 1 February 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC, Misc. Papers , Reel No. 1, f. 244–254. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:244–248. In this letter, read in Congress on 19 Nov., John Adams provided an English translation of the Convention for an Armed...
52581From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 66, 13 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 13 May 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 47–49). LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers ); notation by Thaxter: “NB. May 16th 1780. This day delivered to the Chevr. la Colombe Nos. 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, & 66—also three packets of News papers.” printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States ,...
52582From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 8, 19 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
The day before yesterday, Mr. Dana arrived here from Paris with the dispatches which came by Mr. Searle. I am very sensible of the Honour that is done me by this Appointment and yesterday morning I set myself seriously about discharging the Duties of it; and this day I have been some Leagues into the Country upon the same Service. There are good Reasons for concealing the Names of the...
52583From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 12, 3 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 3 March 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, I, f. 299–300). LbC ( Adams Papers ); notation: “Delivered Mr Wharton 4th March 1780.” printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:528–529. In this letter, received by Congress on 19 Feb. 1781, John Adams...
52584From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 18, 27 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
It seems to be now certain, that Some of Mr. Laurens Papers were taken with him. There have been Sent to his most Serene Highness the Prince of orange, Copies of Letters from Mr. De Neufville, Mr. Gillon, Mr. Stockton and Col. Derrick, and a Copy of the Plan of a Treaty projected between the City of Amsterdam and Mr. W. Lee. The Prince was much affected, at the Sight of those Papers, and laid...
52585From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 74, 28 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 28 May 1780. LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers ). Although a letter from John Adams of 28 May was read in Congress on 11 Sept. ( JCC Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. , 18:817), no letter of that date is in the PCC . Notations on the Letterbook copies of Adams’ letters of 1 and 5 June (Nos. 75...
52586From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 19, 31 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
The British Ministry, by the terrible Examples of the Rioters, have So intimidated the Nation, and by their Success in the late Elections have So great a Majority in Parliament, that they think themselves secure for Seven Years, and Seem determined to go on, with more Vigour than ever. The Letters from their Generals Clinton, Cornwallis &c. shew that they are now adopting a new system. These...
52587From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 75, 1 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 1 June 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 86–88). LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers ); notation by Thaxter: “NB. Nos. 74 & 75 were delivered Como. J. P. Jones on the first of June 1780.” printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:750–751. In this letter,...
52588From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 26, 14 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am every day accepting the Bills of Exchange, which were drawn upon Mr. Laurens: but I have no prospect of obtaining Money to discharge them, from any other Person, than Dr. Franklin. For some Years before I came to Holland, every Person I saw from this Place assured me, that in his Opinion Money might be borrowed, provided Application was made, with proper Powers directly from Congress to...
52589From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 22, 25 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
It is now certain that the States General, have by a Plurality of five Provinces determined to acceed to the armed Neutrality. Zealand and Guelderland, have agreed to it likewise, but upon Condition of a Warranty of the Possessions of the Republick. If the Intention of Sir J. Yorks Memorial, was to intimidate their high mightinesses from this measure, he has missed his aim. Nor will the...
52590From John Adams to the President of Congress, 31 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 31 May 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, III, f. 185–187>. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:463–464. John Adams provided Congress with English translations of declarations by the cities of Dordrecht and Haarlem in support of Amsterdam’s...
52591From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 25, 24 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 24 March 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, I, f. 353–356). LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers ); notation by Thaxter: “Nos. 24 & 25 deliverd Mr. Izard 25th. March 1780.” printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:570–572. In this letter, received by Congress on 31...
52592From John Adams to the President of Congress, 3 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
On the first of May I went to the Hague, and wrote to his Excellency Peter Van Bleiswick Esqr. Grand Pensionary of Holland, that having something of Importance to communicate to him, I proposed to do myself the Honour to wait on him the next Morning at half after eight, if that Time should be agreable to him: but if any other Hour was more convenient, I requested his Excellency to mention it....
52593From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 43, 11 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 11 April 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, I, f. 447–450). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:610– 611. In this letter, received by Congress on 19 Feb. 1781, Adams listed twenty-five English counties and nine cities and towns that had, between...
52594From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 16, 10 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 10 March 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, I, f. 313–315). LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers ); notation by Thaxter: “Delivered to Mr. Brown 15th March.” printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:541. In this letter, read by Congress on 11 Sept., John Adams again...
52595From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 17, 12 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
It is an Observation made some Years ago by a great Writer of this Nation de Mably, that the Project of being sole Master of the Sea, and of commanding all the Commerce, is not less chimerical, nor less ruinous, than that of universal Monarchy, on Land: And it is to be wished, for the Happiness of Europe, that the English may be convinced of this Truth, before they shall have learned it by...
52596From John Adams to the President of Congress, 5 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, 5 June 1781. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, III, f. 193–195. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 4:468–469. John Adams included an English translation of a statement made to the States of Zeeland by the deputies from the city of Middelburg on 14...
52597From John Adams to the President of Congress, 4 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Notwithstanding the Influence of the English Nation; notwithstanding the Influence of old Prejudices and Habits; notwithstanding the Apprehensions that are entertained for immense Sums in the English Funds, and for the sudden destruction of an innumerable Navigation at the Commencement of a War, and above all notwithstanding the Authority and Influence of the Stadtholder, I am confidently...
52598From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 79, 4 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 4 June 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 98–101). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:762–764. In this letter, read in Congress on 25 Sept., John Adams provided a digest of newspaper accounts from Cádiz, Toulon, Brest, Paris, Ostend, Leyden, Brussels, and...
52599From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 61, 8 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 8 May 1780. RC ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 19–22). LbC in John Thaxter’s hand ( Adams Papers ). printed: Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:652–656. The letter, read in Congress on 20 Sept., opens with the text of a resolution by the States General of Holland and West...
52600From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 32, 26 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
The public Papers of this Morning inform Us, that Sir Joseph Yorke left the Hague on the Morning of the twenty fourth, without taking Leave of any body, and bent his Course to London by the Way of Antwerp and Ostend. Sometime in the Month of April last, a certain British Ambassador, who had an Inclination to take a few of the Pleasures of Paris in his Way to Germany, said in that City, where I...