Numerous people have helped to bring this volume to completion. On the staff of the Adams Papers, we especially want to acknowledge the contributions of Karen N. Barzilay, former assistant editor; James T. Connolly and Amanda A. Mathews, our current transcribers; Judith S. Graham and Beth Luey, editors of the Louisa Catherine Adams diaries; Mary T. Claffey, digital production editor; Robert F. Karachuk, associate editor; and Neal Millikan, National Historical Publications and Records Commission fellow. They all gave invaluable assistance with the book, helping with the preparation of materials for this and future volumes of the Adams Family Correspondence. They took on a range of tasks both large and small with considerable skill, grace, and good humor. Rachel Love, our 2009 summer intern, helped to compile the chronology.

Ann-Marie Imbornoni copyedited the whole manuscript with her usual care and thorough attention to detail.

Many people assisted in the research behind this book. We particularly wish to thank Edward B. Doctoroff, former Head of the Library Privileges and Billing Division at Harvard’s Widener Library, and the reference staffs at Harvard University’s Houghton, Lamont, and Widener libraries; the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department at the Boston Public Library; and the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Prof. John J. McCusker of Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, once again guided us through the arcana of eighteenth-century finance.

Kevin and Kenneth Krugh of Technologies ’N Typography in Merrimac, Massachusetts, shepherded the volume through typesetting with efficiency and skill. At Harvard University Press, we are particularly grateful to John F. Walsh, Associate Director for Design and Production, for his ongoing support of all things Adams. Abigail Mumford, Production Supervisor, and Kathleen McDermott, Senior xxxviii Editor in History and the Social Sciences, once again ably assisted with the publication, marketing, and sales of this and other Adams Papers titles.

The Massachusetts Historical Society continues to provide this project with the use of its unrivaled collections and the support of its knowledgeable staff. In particular, we thank Dennis A. Fiori, President; Peter Drummey, Stephen T. Riley Librarian; Conrad E. Wright, Worthington C. Ford Editor; Brenda M. Lawson, Director of Collections Services; Mary E. Fabiszewski, Senior Cataloger; Nancy Heywood, Digital Projects Coordinator; and all of the members of the Library—Reader Services department. Finally, we also greatly appreciate the ongoing contributions made by the Adams Papers Administrative Committee to the success of this project.