Adams Papers

James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 20 August 1781

James Lovell to Abigail Adams

20th Aug. [17]81

I am too ill to write much. Your Ease of Mind is what I wish to promote by confirming what I have before said vizt. That Mr. A[dams] was greatly esteemed here tho’ we have an odd way of discovering it sometimes. He is sole Minister Plenipo to form a triple Alliance between Holland, France and these United States with Discretion to make it Quadruple by joining Spain—for the Purpose of our Independ[ence] and finishing the War.1

Should a french Fleet be on this Coast, I shall have Opportunity to send your Things by Water.

Adieu.

JL

A Cold Scrawl for a Man in a Fever. I have quite forgot what Word I may use. What I may not is at my Pen’s End.

RC (Adams Papers).

1. This project, which in the end had no material result, was set in motion by La Luzerne, no doubt under direction from Paris. The original of JA’s commission, endorsed by him “Commission of 16. August 1781.—to negotiate a triple or quadruple Alliance,” is in Adams Papers, together with his instructions, endorsed “Instructions of Aug. 16. Holland.” For the background and printed texts see JCC description begins Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, Washington, 1904–1937; 34 vols. description ends , 21:846–848, 859, 876–880; Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. description begins Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, Washington, 1889; 6 vols. description ends , 4:636–638. See also Elbridge Gerry’s comment in his letter to AA, 31 Aug., below.

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    Adams Papers
    Title
    James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 20 August 1781
    Author
    Lovell, James
    Recipient
    Adams, Abigail
    Date
    20 August 1781

    Reference

    Cite as
    “James Lovell to Abigail Adams, 20 August 1781,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/04-04-02-0131. [Original source: The Adams Papers, Adams Family Correspondence, vol. 4, October 1780 – September 1782, ed. L.H Butterfield and Marc Friedlaender. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1973, pp. 195–196.]

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