I have the satisfaction to advise your excellency that, having been informed on the 11th of the arrival of your son, Mr. Adams, from Copenhagen, I immediately went to his hotel to have the honor of greeting him, offering my services, and urging him to visit the French minister. That same day I introduced him to the first burgomaster and president of the senate of our town, who accorded him a most favorable reception. The following day I had the pleasure of escorting him to the senate, where his presence was desired and he was similarly welcomed.

I introduced him to the firm of C. Voght & Co., one of the most powerful houses in Hamburg, who will arrange all possible entertainments during his stay.1 With regret, I find myself unable to keep him company longer, as I hope to set sail forthwith to America. I intend both to settle my accounts with the states and particular individuals and to prove the innocence of my cause and the injustice I have suffered.

I am convinced that the American nation will better appreciate my conduct than did my countrymen—especially the merchants of Nantes, a city to which I introduced a flourishing New England trade, receiving in return the most appalling treatment and being unable until now to obtain any form of justice, not even a reply to the memoir I had the honor of sending you at The Hague.

If you have packets to send to America, I shall attend to them with pleasure.

I have the honor to be, with the most profound respect, your excellency's very humble and very obedient servant