Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 17

To John Jebb

To the Marquis of Carmarthen
To Thomas Jefferson, 25 September 1785 Adams, John Jefferson, Thomas
To Thomas Jefferson
Dear Sir Grosvenor Square Sept. 25. 1785.

The Bearer of this Letter Mr Thomas Boylston, is one of the clearest and most Solid Capitalists, that ever raised himself by private Commerce in North America. He Seems to be desirous of assisting Us, in introducing the Knowledge and Use of our white Sperma Cæti Oil, into France. His Judgment and Abilities to carry through whatever he undertakes may be depended on. Let me beg your Attention to him.1

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

John Adams.2

RC (DLC:Jefferson Papers); internal address: “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esq.” LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 111.

 1.

For Thomas Boylston’s mission and its progress, see the letters of 9 and 19 Nov. from Boylston and Jefferson, respectively, both below.

 2.

On this date JA also wrote a letter of introduction for Boylston to the Marquis de Lafayette, and on the 28th he wrote similar letters to the American agent at Dunkerque, Francis Coffyn; the wine merchant Anthony Garvey; and the Paris bankers Ferdinand Grand and Le Couteulx & Co. (all LbC’s, APM Reel 111).