Papers of John Adams, volume 10
1780-09-22
A Stranger, having particular Occasion to Speak with the Broker, who, Some time Since, negotiated in this City, a Loan of Money, for the City of Dantzick, begs the Favour of Mr. Van Vollenhoven to communicate his Name and Place of Abode, in a written Billet Sealed, by the Bearer in Writing to the Bearer.1
This is the first extant document in JA's effort to raise a loan in the Netherlands. JA sought the name of a broker through whom he would deal with the Dutch financial houses, including that of Jan and Dirk van Vollenhoven, which had been recommended by Hendrik Bicker (to the president of Congress, 19 Sept., No. 8, above). Attached to the draft is a slip of paper upon which is written in pencil the name JA requested: “Hendrik van Blomberg op de Clomgraat.” Although no letter has been found, JA apparently wrote immediately to van Blomberg, for in a brief reply dated 22 Sept. (Adams Papers), van Blomberg agreed to act on JA's behalf. For his initial efforts, see van Blomberg's letter of 25 Sept. (below).