Papers of John Adams, volume 11

To the President of Congress

To Benjamin Franklin

To C. W. F. Dumas, 7 May 1781 JA Dumas, Charles William Frederic

1781-05-07

To C. W. F. Dumas, 7 May 1781 Adams, John Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To C. W. F. Dumas
Dear sir Amsterdam May 7. 1781

I have this moment received yours of 6th.

I have no Objection against your Plan. I informed the Grand Pensionary and the President that I should think it my duty to publish my Memorial. I persist in the Same opinion. The manner is indifferent to me. I shall avow the Publication. Your omission of the Commission will be agreable to me.

I communicated to the last Person I saw at the Hague all that I had done. He still persisted in the opinion that the time was a little 309too early, but this Point apart approved of every step I had taken, and promised to support it, “comme Homme.” I never had a more agreable or satisfactory Interview, with him.1

I Shall be agreably Surprized, if the Provinces determine so soon as in 3 or 4 Weeks. The Time, for them to take is their own. I shall wait it, with entire Respect, if it should be Eight or ten Weeks.

If other People will allow me to judge for myself in what I am responsible for, they will always find me willing to allow them the same Prerogative.

I have the Honour to be, with great Esteem & Respect, sir, your most obedient & most humble sert.

John Adams

RC? (Adams Papers). This letter may not have been sent.

1.

The Duc de La Vauguyon.