A second letter, received this morning from Mr. Van Arp in Amsterdam obliges me to write to you at once.1 Here is what he says in Dutch:

“I am obliged to you for writing so promptly to his excellency Mr. Adams. However, I am mortified at having to trouble you again on this subject: Capt. Stephen Crack has had to resign his command of the ship Fear-not, a brig of two decks and the burden as previously described. It will now be commanded by Capt. Raphael Simpson of Boston. It is to sail as soon as possible for Boston, mounting ten cannons, with the requisite crew and ammunition, as detailed in the attached manifest. His excellency should therefore please make out the passport we requested in the name of Capt. Raphael Simpson of Boston.”

I believe that this morning the question of who the republic will send to Congress as its minister was raised. Because of the Cockade Conspiracy and several other matters already on the agenda, I discreetly refrained from bothering our friends, who are extremely busy, and I am waiting until Sunday to see what transpires. Meanwhile Madame Dumas, not content with the locks and bolts protecting the door to the house, has had it additionally fortified with a chain on the inside, which we attach every night. She and my daughter send you their respects.

A fifth town, Hindelopen in Friesland, has followed the examples of Dokkum and the three others I already mentioned.

With continuing respect and devotion I remain, sir, your excellency's very humble and very obedient servant