Papers of John Adams, volume 16

TRANSLATION

To Benjamin Franklin and John Jay

John Adams to the president of Congress, 10 April 1784 Adams, John President of Congress
To the President of Congress
Sir The Hague April 10. 1784.

I have the Honour to inclose to Congress a Copy of a Letter from the Baron De Thulemeier, and a Copy of a Project of a Treaty transmitted to me, by the order of the King of Prussia.1 I Should hope it might be examined in Congress or by a Committee and that Instructions may be sent, concerning any Changes to be made in the Articles, together with a Commission to treat and conclude to Such Persons, or Person as Congress Shall please to appoint.

With the greatest Respect, I have the / Honour to be Sir your most obedient / and most humble Servant

John Adams.

RC and enclosures (PCC, No. 84, V, f. 248–263, 277–279); internal address: “His Excellency / Thomas Mifflin Esq / President of Congress.”; endorsed: “Letter from 162 Mr: J. Adams / to / the Presidt: of Congress / Dated April 10th. 1784.” LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 107.

1.

Enclosed are copies in JA’s hand of the Baron von Thulemeier’s letter of 9 April, with its enclosure, above, and a copy of the draft Prussian-American treaty in JQA’s hand and endorsed by him: “Copié et examiné d’après l’original / J. Q. Adams.” With the draft treaty is the English translation done for Congress by John Pintard. For the origin of that translation, see Proposed Prussian-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce, [9 April – post 5 May], Editorial Note, and descriptive note to the English version of the draft treaty, above.