Papers of John Adams, volume 16
as Minister to Great Britain
24 February 1785]1
The United States of America in Congress assembled.
To our trusty and well beloved John Adams Esquire Send Greeting
We reposing special trust and confidence in your Integrity Prudence and Ability have nominated constituted and appointed and by these Presents do nominate constitute and appoint you the said John Adams our Minister Plenipotentiary to reside at the Court of His britannic Majesty and do give you full Power and Authority there to Represent us, and to do and perform all such Matters and Things as to the said Place or Office doth appertain, or as may by our Instructions be given unto you in charge. This Commission to continue in Force for the space of three Years from this Day unless sooner Revoked.
In Testimony whereof We have caused the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed Witness His Excellency Richard Henry Lee our President at the City of New York this Twenty fourth Day of February in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty five, and of our Sovereignty and Independence the Ninth.
Cha Thomson Sec
y
John Jay—
Secretary for the Departm
t.of foreign Affairs—
MS (Adams Papers).
JA’s commission, instructions, and letter of credence were enclosed with John Jay’s letter of 18 March, below, which JA received on 2 May. For the details of JA’s appointment, see 530 Elbridge Gerry’s 24 Feb. letter, above, and that from Jay of 15 March, below. See also the Descriptive List of Illustrations, No. 11, above.