Papers of John Adams, volume 14
e.Avr. 1783.
Après avoir expédié ma Lettre d'hier, j'ai eu la visite de Mr. Van Berckel de Rotterdam, & vu Mr. son frere & M. De Gyzelaer chez eux. Ces Messieurs sont partis ce matin pour Amsterdam
Dans la Minute projetée des Instructions à dresser pour Mr. V. B——, il y est autorisé de faire mention au Congrès, “qu'on est informé ici, que l’Accession des Etats-Unis à la Neutralité armée a eu lieu.”—1 On a demandé Explication de cela a G. P.; & la réponse a été vague. En attendant qu'on en reçoive une plus précise, Sur laquelle on insiste, on m'a prié de vous demander, ce que vous croiriez pouvoir en dire. L’information en question, selon moi, ne peut être fondée que sur quelque avis secret du Ministre de cette Rep. à Petersbourg: ou bien, sur quelque confidence faite ici au Gd. Pre. & au Grr. par Mr. M——f, parti pour Paris, ou par le Seigneur qui l'a suivi de près.
Le prompt acheminement de la Note ci-jointe, est recom̃andé à votre bonté.2 Mr. votre fils, avec ma famille, vous présentent leurs respects
Je Suis avec tout celui qui vous est voué / De Votre Excellence Le très humble & / très obéissant serviteur
Translation
After mailing yesterday's letter, I had a visit from Mr. Van Berckel of Rotterdam and then called on his brother and Mr. Gyselaar. These gentlemen left this morning for Amsterdam.
In the draft of the instructions for Mr. Van Berckel he is authorized to tell Congress “that we are informed here that the accession of the United States to the Armed Neutrality has taken place.”1 The grand pensionary was asked for an explanation of this, and his reply was rather vague. Pending a more precise answer, which is insisted upon, I am to ask what you make of this. In my opinion, the information in question can only be based on some secret communication from the Dutch minister at St. Petersburg, 443or else on some confidential remark made to the grand pensionary and the secretary by Mr. Markov, who left for Paris, or by the gentleman who succeeded him here.
The prompt dispatch of the enclosed note is commended to your kindness.2 Your son and my family present their respects.
I remain with all those devoted to you, your excellency's very humble and very obedient servant
RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “Paris à Son Excellence Mr. Adams M. P. des E. U.”
Contrary to the Dutch assertion, corrected by JA in his reply of 1 May, below, the United States had never formally acceded to the Armed Neutrality. This was not due to any American obstacle; rather, such action required the assent of Russia, which did not recognize the new nation. The Dutch misapprehension may stem from unfounded reports that Russia was ready to recognize the United States and negotiate with Francis Dana (London Chronicle, 8–10 April) or from JA's vigorous efforts in early March 1781 to induce Russia, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands to admit the United States to the Armed Neutrality in consequence of Congress’ resolution of 5 Oct. 1780 (vol. 10:448; 11:182–186). The issue became moot when Congress resolved on 12 June to abandon efforts to accede to the Armed Neutrality because of the desire of the United States to “be as little as possible entangled in the politics and controversies of European nations” (
JCC
, 24:392–394).
Presumably Dumas’ 25 April note regarding a carriage for the Dutch minister, Pieter Johan van Berckel (PCC, No. 93, II, f. 323).