Papers of John Adams Volume 8, March 1779 – February 1780 Front Matter Title Page Copyright Page Contents Descriptive List of Illustrations Documents 1 March 1779To the President of the CongressSir My last Letter to Congress, was on the Twenty seventh of last Month Since which an Account of the new Loan is received from London, and as this m... 5 March 1779To John BoylstonDear Sir I have received your Billet of the 6. Feb. and altho I am much obliged by your Care to put me on my Guard, against dangerous Men: Yet I am e... 5 March 1779From William MacCreerySir Since I wrote you in January, I have not been favour'd with a line from you. Since I heard of the change which lately took place in the Administr... 6 March 1779From John BondfieldSir Mr. Vernon Junr. having obtained a knowledge of the French Language sufficient to introduce him into a Compting House he is return'd to Bordeaux.... 6 March 1779From Robert MontgomeryDear Sir I am Honourd with your Much Esteem'd Letter of the 24th, Nov. Since Which Should have had the Pleasure of Addressing you My Respects often b... 7 March 1779To Arthur LeeSir I should be obliged to you to let Mr. Franklin take a Copy of our Letter to the Comte De Vergennes, relative to sending a Naval Force to America.... 9 March 1779From Pierre LandaisSir I have had the honour of your favour of the 1st Instant, and recollect with pleasure, the social hours we passed together at Genl. Whipple's. Ind... 10 March 1779From Edmund JeningsDear Sir I Hope this will meet you in good Health at Nantes and that you will find every thing there Agreable to your Wishes. By the Mail from Englan... 15 March 1779From Nicolas Maurice GelléeDear Sir I have the Honour to inclose to you some News Papers which contain all the material News you could hear, if yet at Passy. There have been gr... 18 March 1779From Arthur LeeDear Sir Yesterday's advices from England inform us, that Gen. Lincoln was collecting an Army in S. Carolina to meet the Invaders, and that Prévot wa... 20 March 1779From Ralph IzardSir I was favoured yesterday with your Letter of 12th and congratulate you on your safe arrival at Nantes. Accept of my thanks for the trouble you ha... 24 March 1779To Benjamin FranklinSir I had the Honour of a Letter from, your Excellency at Nantes, but as I was setting off for this Place could not then acknowledge it. I Staid, no ... 24 March 1779To William Temple FranklinDear Sir I have just received your favour of the 17. inclosing a Paper from M. Le Roy, for which I thank you and Mr. Le Roy, to whom be so good as to... 24 March 1779To Arthur LeeDear Sir I have this Moment the Honour of yours of 18. I am perfectly of your Opinion that We have yet a hard Battle to fight. The Struggle will yet ... 28 March 1779From Jonathan WilliamsDear Sir I have not written to you since your Departure because I have not before had anything to communicate, and now it is probable you will have a... 29 March 1779From Arthur LeeDear Sir I receivd your favor by Mr. Blodget and thank you. It seems uncertain where or how this will find you, therefore I shall not enclose the Cyp... 31 March 1779To Benjamin Franklin When I arrived at this place I found nothing done. Mr. Costentin, it is said waited for orders. And the officers of the Port, expected orders. But Si... 2 April 1779From J. D. SchweighauserSir I am favoured with your kind Letter of the 26 Instant and return you my sincere thanks for the good Councils and assistance you have given Cap La... 3 April 1779From Benjamin FranklinSir I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me of the 24th past. I am glad you have been at Brest, as your Presence there has contrib... Translation Group 4 April 1779From Arnauld de Laporte, with a Contemporary TranslationMonsieur Monsieur Le Cte. D'orvilliers m'a renvoyé la lettre que vous lui avez ecrite au Sujet des Matelots Américains qui peuvent Se trouver à bord ... 4 April 1779Arnauld de Laporte to John Adams: A TranslationSir The Count Dorvilliers has sent me the Letter you wrote him concerning the American sailors that are on board the fier Rodrigue. Always desirous t... 5 April 1779From Jonathan Williams IIIDear Sir Your Flattery has effectually ingaged me in your Correspondence, for when my Services in writing can at any time amuse or inform you, You ma... 8 April 1779From Benjamin FranklinSir I did myself the honor of writing to you a few Days since. Last Night I received yours of the 31st past. I am glad to hear the Ship is so far in ... 9 April 1779From the Marquis de LafayetteDear Sir I beg leave of applying to you in an instance where I am much Concern'd. The Case I shall lay before you, and Reccommend to your good Care. ... 10 April 1779From William Vernon Sr.My Dear Sir The preceeding is copy of my last, of the 17th. Decr. by the Alliance Frigate, who sail'd the 14th. Janry. I hope she is safly arrived wi... 12 April 1779To the Comte de VergennesSir I have the Honour to inform your Excellency, that I expect to imbarque and Sail for America, in fifteen days that if your Excellency or any of hi... 13 April 1779To Benjamin FranklinSir I had Yesterday the Honour of yours of the third of this Month. C. Landais had So much diffidence in some of his Crew, that he could not think of... 13 April 1779To Benjamin FranklinSir This Morning I had the Honour of yours of the 8th, and thank you for the order inclosed to Captain Landais, and for those you mention to M. Schwe... 13 April 1779To Edmund JeningsDear sir I am ashamed to acknowledge that I received your kind Letter, in due time, and have not answered it before: My apology is that I was on the ... 17 April 1779From Nicolas Maurice GelléeDear Sir I inclose you some news-Papers and a Letter which I am desired to forward, by Mess. Salucci Merchants at Leghorn, who have sent a Ship to Am... 17 April 1779From Alexander GillonSir Pardon me for not forwarding you the two inclos'd introductory Letters sooner but I was in hopes of readily accomplishing my business here thus e... 18 April 1779From Ralph IzardDear Sir I am favoured with your Letter of 12th, and am sorry to find that you have had so much trouble about the Frigate. The accounts which we had ... 19 April 1779From J. D. SchweighauserSir The Officers of the Alliance having express'd some discontent at my offering them two Months advance out of which they were to furnish themselves... 24 April 1779To Arthur MiddletonSir Your Favour, of the 4 July 1778, I had not the Honour to receive, untill yesterday, which I very much lament because I fear I have lost an opport... 24 April 1779From Peter Frederick Dobrée I am honoured with your Excellency's Letter of the 15 Instant with a List inclosed of several Articles to be bought for your worthy famely. Msr. S—— ... 24 April 1779From Benjamin FranklinSir By the enclosed Letter from M. De Sartine expressing his Majestys Desire that the Alliance should be retained here a little longer, you will see ... 24 April 1779From Ralph IzardDr. Sr. I am informed by a Letter from Nantes that the Alliance arrived there the 18th, and that she had 250 Men on board; she will therefore probabl... 24 April 1779From Richard Henry LeePhiladelphia, 24 April 1779. (ViU: Lee Papers). printed: The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, ed. James Ballagh, 2 vols., N.Y., 1914 (repr. N.Y., 1970),... 24 April 1779From Jonathan WilliamsDear Sir I am sorry this Town has fewer Charms for you than a Ship of War,— You surely will have enough of the Sea on your Passage and methinks the S... 25 April 1779From Edmund JeningsDear Sir I am greatly obliged to You for your favor of the 13 Instant. I am flattered much to find, that my Sentiments meet with your Approbation, th... 26 April 1779From Ralph IzardDr. Sr. As I have not been able to procure from Dr. Franklin his reasons in writing for disobeying the order of Congress of 7th May 1778, I have desi... 26 April 1779From J. D. SchweighauserSir I have the honor of sending you inclose a Letter received per this Morning's post and altho I expect to have that of seeing you dayly I have thou... 28 April 1779From William MacCreeryDear Sir Your Letter of 14th Instant from Nantes reached me to Day only. It was but very lately that I heared of your having left the Metropolis, and... 29 April 1779To Benjamin FranklinSir I had, Yesterday, the Honour of yours of the 24th inclosing a Letter from his Excellency M. de Sartine, expressing his Majestys Desire that the A... 29 April 1779To Edmund JeningsDear sir There is a fatal spell set upon, all Intelligence between This Country and Ours. Two Vessells have arrived, from Virginia one at L'orient th... 3 May 1779From Ferdinand GrandSir Permitt me to express how sorry I have been at not being able to comply sooner with your desires, relative to the Account of the United States, t... 4 May 1779To Edmund JeningsDear Sir Yesterday your favour of 25 of April came to Hand, but my dear sir you flatter me too much when you tell me that the Part I have taken gives... 8 May 1779From William GordonMy dear Sir We are just returned from visiting your good Lady at Braintree, where I had a complaint exhibited against me for not writing to you, whic... 10 May 1779From Benjamin FranklinSir I received the honour of yours of the 29th. past from Nantes. I hope you are before this time safely arrived at L'Orient. M. De la Luzerne is mak... 13 May 1779From Tristram DaltonSir The enclosed Packett to the Honle. Doctor Franklin, contains Papers relating to the Loss of the Brigantine Fair Play, which Vessel was sunk, last... 13 May 1779From John Paul JonesSir You will confer on me a singular Obligation by favoring me with your Opinion and Advice respecting the unhappy misunderstanding which I am told p... 14 May 1779To Benjamin FranklinSir The Day before Yesterday, We arrived here, in two Days from Nantes, all well. There is a Frigate now turning into this Port, which is said to be ... 15 May 1779From Edmund JeningsDear Sir I have receivd your favor Acknowledging the Receipt of Mine of the 24th of April, which seems to have been long while getting to you. I was ... 17 May 1779To Benjamin Franklin Your Favour of the 10th. I received the Day before Yesterday, and am glad to hear that the Chevalier is making diligent Preparation for his Departure... 18 May 1779From J. D. SchweighauserSir I hope you are ere now safely arrived at L Orient and that you have found all the arrangements made for your passage to America to your Satisfact... 21 May 1779From Ralph IzardDear Sir I have received your favour of 13th. May, on the subject of Dr. Franklin's conduct on the 12th. of last January, for which I thank you. I sh... 22 May 1779From J. D. SchweighauserSir I am honoured with your favor of the 2 Instant in compliance to which I have wrote to Cap Landais for Mr. T. Greenleaf's passage. Inclose you wil... 22 May 1779To Edmund JeningsDr. sir Yours of the 15 reached me, Yesterday. I am waiting here in anxious Expectation of the new Minister, with whom, it is said I am to embark. It... 2 June 1779From Edmund JeningsDear Sir I am much honored by the open and Confidential Manner, in which you have written to me; in return to which, I must assure you, that I hearti... 2 June 1779From Arthur LeeDear Sir Either my Letter to you of the 29th. March miscarried or you are in my debt. The inclosed MS which belongs to you was seald to go by Mr. For... 5 June 1779From Benjamin FranklinSir The Chevalier de La Luzerne sat out Yesterday for L'Orient, and will be with you perhaps before this comes to hand. You will find him a very agre... 5 June 1779From Arthur LeeDear Sir By advices from America since my last to you, my Enemies are determind to impeach my attachment to our Country and her cause, per fas et pe... 6 June 1779From Edmund JeningsDear Sir I did Myself the pleasure of writing to You by the Secretary of the Count de la Luzerne, inclosing a Letter to Genl. Gates and sending a Rem... 7 June 1779From Jonathan Loring AustinHonble. Sir I have the Honor to acquaint you that I arrived here the 29th Ultimo via St. Eustatia, sufficiently tired with the tedious Rout I have ta... 8 June 1779To Edmund JeningsDear sir Yours of the Second of this Month, was brought to me, but this Moment, and I am happy to find that I agree in so many Points with you. The A... 9 June 1779To Arthur LeeDear Sir Your Favours of June 2d and 5th are now before me: that of 29 March, I have answered if I ever received it, for I have answered every one re... 10 June 1779To Arthur LeeDear Sir I have the Honour of your Letter from Paris of the fifth of this Month, in which you inform me that by Advices from America, your Ennemies a... 12 June 1779To Edmund JeningsDear Sir This Moment I received yours of the 16 as it is dated, but I suppose was the 10. You cannot imagine how much I am obliged to you for this Le... 13 June 1779To Arthur LeeDear Sir Since my Letter to you of the 9th. looking over the Answer to the Letter inclosed in it, I find it, of more importance than I was aware, and... Translation Group 13 June 1779From Leray de ChaumontMonsieur Vous m'avez permis de vous charger de m'acheter des terres en Amerique du produit de 32. grosses caisses de thés, que j'ai chargées dans le ... 13 June 1779Leray de Chaumont to John Adams: A TranslationSir You have permitted me to entrust you with the purchase of land in America with the proceeds from the 32 large chests of tea which I loaded on the... 13 June 1779From James LovellDear Sir I shall not look through the Notes in my Almanac to see whether I have written to you 22 or 24 times; I shall go upon the easier Task of ack... 13 June 1779From James WarrenMy Dear Sir The Providence Frigate, and a Packet have been long held in readiness to proceed to France. The first is now ordered to Another Service a... 15 June 1779From Arthur LeeDear Sir Desirous as I am of returning you my thanks for the very honorable proof you have given me of your esteem; I cannot wish that this may find ... 17 June 1779From Muscoe LivingstonDear Sir Inclos'd is four letters which you was So obliging, as to tell Me you would take care of; the Letter for the Governor I will be thankfull to... 6 July 1779From Robert MontgomeryDr Sir I had the honour of adressing your Excellency the 26th Ultimo advising that by the officious impertinence of the asesor to this Governour, I h... 7 July 1779From Jonathan Loring AustinHonble. Sir When Individuals emerge from Difficulties, and by a happy turn of Fortune, suddenly find their Circumstances, not only bettered, but thei... 29 July 1779From James WarrenMy Dear Sir I am Told that in the few Letters which have been received from you here you Complain greatly that your Friends dont write to you oftner,... 29 July 1779From Mercy Otis WarrenSir This Morning your Vigalent and invariable Friend wrote you a long letter which makes it unnecessary for me to take up my pen nor should I have do... 3 August 1779To the President of the CongressSir On the Twenty Eighth of February, I had the Honour of writing to Congress, informing them of my Intention of returning home, in Consequence of th... 3 August 1779To Mercy Otis WarrenMadam A few days ago, I was favoured with your obliging Letter of 29 July, and am much obliged to the Gentleman who perswaded you to write, as well a... 4 August 1779To the President of the CongressSir At the Close of the Service, on which Congress have done me the Honour to Send me, it may not be amiss to Submit a few Reflections to their Consi... Translation Group 7 August 1779From the Chevalier de La Luzerne and François Barbé-Marbois Le Chevalier de la Luzerne et m. de marbois sont bien sensibles au souvenir de Monsieur Adams et ont appris avec bien de plaisir que son indispositio... 7 August 1779Chevalier de La Luzerne to John Adams: A Translation The Chevalier de la Luzerne and M. Marbois are very moved by the remembrance from Mr. Adams and learned with a great deal of pleasure that his indisp... 10 August 1779John Adams' Credentials to the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention The Inhabitants of the Town of Braintree, being Legally Assembled on the Ninth day of August instant, pursuant to Legall Warrants, made choice of the... 13 August 1779To James LovellMy dear Sir Since I have had Opportunity to converse, a little in this Country, and to read a few Gazettes, I find that Questions have been agitated ... 19 August 1779From Benjamin RushMy Dear sir The same Opinion of your Abilities and Zeal for our country which made me rejoice in your accepting of an embassy to France, leads me to ... 20 August 1779From Horatio GatesSir Had I not expected you here before this Time, on your Way to Philadelphia, where I conceived your safe and speedy Arrival must be anxiously wishe... 20 August 1779From James LovellDear, respected Sir I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Favors of Decr. 19, Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 the 1st. on the 16th, the two latter yesterday by... 24 August 1779From Elbridge GerryMy dear Friend I have only Time by this Days post to express the pleasure I feel on the News of your safe Arrival to your Family and Friends, and the... 24 August 1779From James LovellDear Sir I am much chagrined at not having a Line about you by last Post. I did not expect one from you. You are so sick of Party abroad that you wou... 27 August 1779To Elbridge Gerry?My dear Sir I have written, many Times to you, Since I left you, but have never received one Line, except that which accompanied my Commission, which... 31 August 1779From James LovellDear Sir I yesterday received yours of May 14 from L'Orient and Aug. 13th. from Braintree with several valuable Papers. I hope to be able to write sh... 3 September 1779From Samuel ChaseDear Sir I most cordially congratulate You on Your safe Arrival to your Country, Family and Friends. I was honoured with a letter from You last Winte... 4 September 1779From Henry KnoxDear Sir To the numerous congratulations which you have received on your safe arrival in America, permit me to add my tribute, and to felicitate you ... 7 September 1779From the President of the CongressSir On the 20th. August last I had the Pleasure of recieving and communicating to Congress your Favors of the 3d. and 4th. of that month. Be pleased ... 10 September 1779To Jonas BeltonSir I have received your Letter of the 14 of August, and have the Pleasure in Answer to it, to inform you, that I Saw your son, Several Times in Fran... 10 September 1779To Elbridge GerryMy dear Friend I received by last Post your obliging Letter of 24 of August. The sight of your Hand Writing, gave me more Pleasure than you are aware... 10 September 1779To Henry LaurensMy dear Sir I had the Pleasure of a very agreable private Letter from you, while in Paris, which I answerd, having executed your Orders, as soon as r... 10 September 1779To James LovellMy dear Sir By the last Post, I had the Pleasure of yours of August 20 and 24. It was not for Want of Affection, that I did not write particularly to... 10 September 1779To Henry MarchantMy dear Sir A few Days before I Sailed from America, I had the Pleasure of a Letter from you, on the subject of a Law for Confiscations, but my Engag... 10 September 1779To the President of the CongressSir Looking over the printed Journals of Congress of the fifteenth day of last April, I find in the Report of the Committee, appointed to take into C... 10 September 1779To Daniel RoberdeauMy dear Friend I have not the less Affection for you, not the less pleasing Remembrance of the social Hours at York Town, for not having written sinc... 10 September 1779To Benjamin RushMy dear Friend I am indebted to you, for more Letters than I can repay at present. But declaring myself a Bankrupt, You must except of a few shilling... 11 September 1779To Elbridge GerryDear Sir Early last Fall, in Conversation with Several Gentlemen, who are acquainted with Ministers of State, I laboured to convince them of the Poli... 11 September 1779To James WarrenMy dear Friend I was told in Boston that Mr. Avery and Mr. Wendell had been proposed for Judges of the Inferior Court for the County of Suffolk, in t... 11 September 1779To William WhippleMy old Friend How do ye? Here I am, after, escaping storms, thunder, lightning, the Gulph Stream British Squadrons, Cannon Balls, and what is ten Tho... 13 September 1779To the Massachusetts CouncilMay it please your Honours While I resided at Paris, I had an opportunity of procuring from London, exact Information, concerning the British Whale F... James Lovell to John Adams, with a Letter From Lovell to Adams 14 September 1779From James LovellDear Sir Your favor of Aug. 4 came yesterday to hand with the Pamphlets. If the Chevalier does not take his Bias at Bethlehem or Easton where he is t... 13 June 1779Enclosure: James Lovell to John AdamsDear Sir I shall not look through my Almanac to see whether I have written to you 22 or 24 Letters, I shall go upon the easier task of acknowledging ... 24 March 1779Enclosure: Extract from a Foreign Affairs Committee ReportCharge That Mr. John Adams threatned Mr. Izard with the Displeasure of Congress in his opposing the 11th. and 12th. Articles of the Treaty of Commerc... 12 September 1778Enclosure: Ralph Izard to President of the Congress The Melasses business would certainly have proved the source of continual disputes, if it had not been altered; but the mischief which might have bee... 19 September 1779To Henry KnoxDear Sir I have had the Honour of your Letter of the 4th of this Month, and I thank you for your obliging Congratulations on my Return, which gives m... 19 September 1779To Benjamin RushDear Sir I had the Pleasure of yours of August 19, by the last Post, and thank you for your kind Congratulations on my Return. You judge right, when ... 19 September 1779To the Board of TreasuryGentlemen By the last Post, I had the Honour of a Letter, from your secretary, inclosing, by your order Copy of the Resolutions of Congress of the Si... 19 September 1779Account of John Adams with the United States The United states of America to John Adams Cr Liv. By the Total of Monies received28,355:3:3 The United states of America to John Adams Dr Liv. To t... 20 September 1779To Elbridge GerryMy dear sir I have transmitted my Account to the Board of Treasury, according to their Directions together with my Vouchers, and have desired that th... 20 September 1779To Thomas McKeanMy dear sir It is a long Time, Since I had the Pleasure to see you, but my Esteem is not at all diminished. None of Us have any Thing to boast of in ... 21 September 1779To John HolkerSir A Day or two before my Embarkation at L'orient, Mr. Chaumont came to me and told me that he had shipped a Quantity of Tea, for Boston, and that h... 21 September 1779To James LovellMy dear Sir In one of your late Letters, you hope that a Treaty with Spain, will Soon be made. I wish I knew your Intelligence, which is undoubtedly ... 21 September 1779To John LowellMy dear sir I am uncertain whether you said you should sett off for Philadelphia on Wednesday or Thursday, which obliges me to send an Express to Tow... 21 September 1779From James LovellMy dear Sir By a Letter from one of the most lovely of Women in your Quarter of the Continent, I find you are engaged about a governmental Constituti... 23 September 1779To Samuel ChaseDear Sir I had yesterday the Pleasure of your kind Letter of the 2d of this Month. I should not have sat down in so much Haste as I am in at present,... 23 September 1779To the President of the CongressSir I had Yesterday the Honour of your Letter of the Seventh of this Month. I thank you, sir, for your obliging Congratulations on my Return to my Fa... 24 September 1779From Arthur LeeDear Sir I cannot omit this opportunity of congratulating you, on your being again in the bosom of those you love; after delays so many and so mortif... 27 September 1779From James Lovell Confidential Not knowing, my dear Sir, how certain Things now in agitation may this day be terminated here, I chuse to state, at this time, some Proceedings two d... 28 September 1779From James LovellConfidentialDear Sir Yesterday in Whispers the proposal was made to send to Spain, the Baloting for that business being first called for. But Conecttt. and Pens... 28 September 1779From James Lovell Mr. Jay having resigned the Chair on account of other public Engagements, the Honble. Mr. Huntingdon was Elected President of Congress. Tomorrow, wil... 29 September 1779From François Barbé-Marboisprinted: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:174 ('s English translation); for the French text, see JA, Works, 7:116–117. Barbé-Marbois was touched that th... 29 September 1779From Elbridge GerryMy dear Mr. Adams It is with the greatest pleasure, that I inform You of the late Arrangement of our foreign affairs, in which You are appointed to n... 29 September 1779From the Chevalier de La Luzerneprinted: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:173–174 ('s English translation); for the French text, see JA, Works, 7:115. Praising John Adams for “moderati... 29 September 1779John Adams' Commissions to Conclude Treaties of Peace and Commerce with Great Britainprinted: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:178–180; illustration of the peace commission facing 4:194. Although both documents were dated 29 September, t... 1 October 1779From James Lovell The Resolve of the 26th. of Sepr. for appointing a Minister plenipotentiary for Spain was reconsidered on the 27th. and the words in lieu of a Commis... 2 October 1779From Henry MarchantDear Sir By the last Post I was highly gratified by your kind and very polite Favour of the 10th. of Sepr. The Notice and Recollection of my former L... 4 October 1779To James LovellMy dear Sir I have heard much of your Deliberations concerning a Peace—and you drop Hints to me, of Apprehensions of Negotiations in Europe. I hate t... 4 October 1779From Henry LaurensMy Dear Sir The receipt and perusal of your favour of 10th Ultimo afforded me a very high satisfaction—the answer with which you honored my Letter of... 5 October 1779To Leray de ChaumontSir As the Sensible is expected to sail in a few days, it is proper that I should embrace the Opportunity to inform you, of your Misfortune in the Lo... 6 October 1779To Gabriel de SartineSir The Sensible intending to Sail in a few Days, it is my Duty to embrace the Opportunity of acknowledging my Obligations to his Majesty and to your... 8 October 1779From Richard Henry LeeMy dear Sir I congratulate you most sincerely on your safe return to your family and your country. I hope you found the former in good health, and th... 10 October 1779From Henry KnoxDear Sir I received your obliging favor of the 19th last month by Mr. Lowell, for which I thank you. Mr. Gerard has been to Camp, and has return'd to... 11 October 1779From Nicolas Maurice GelléeDear Sir I hope this Letter will reach you safe at Home amongst your Family and Friends. Supposing you are no less famish'd for News from this Side o... 12 October 1779From Elbridge GerryMy dear sir I have received from Mr. Lowell your Accounts and Vouchers, and shall deliver them to the Board of Treasury; how far they will be able to... 12 October 1779From John LowellDear Sir I have but a few Minutes in which I can write, and I cannot devote one of them to any other, than the main Purpose of this Letter. You must ... 12 October 1779From Benjamin RushMy Dear friend Accept of my thanks for your early and puntual Attention to my letter. I have ever thought myself honoured in your friendship, and sha... 14 October 1779From James LovellDear Sir I inclose to you the decent Fashion in which we it was yesterday opinioned to let the World know Mr. Lee has a Successor. Pray strive by Mr.... 14 October 1779From James LovellDear Sir I inclose to you a Peice of Intelligence perhaps altogether new. The uti possidetis offered by Spain will appear alarming perhaps to some bu... 15 October 1779From Johann KalbSir I heard with a great deal of pleasure your happy return to Boston and your appointment by Congress as plenipotentiary for the next Peace, they co... 16 October 1779John Adams' Instructions Respecting a Peace Treaty with Great BritainPhiladelphia, 16 October 1779. printedJA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:181–183. Although dated 16 October, the instructions had been adopted on 14 Augus... 16 October 1779John Adams' Instructions Respecting a Commercial Treaty with Great BritainPhiladelphia, 16 October 1779. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:183–184. Like those for the peace treaty (calendared above), these instructions... 17 October 1779To François Barbé-MarboisBraintree, 17 October 1779. printedJA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:176–177. John Adams, after thanking Barbé-Marbois for his letter of 29 Sept. (calend... 17 October 1779To Elbridge GerryMy dear Gerry I am infinitely obliged to you for your Favour of 29 of september and for the Journals. These are so much wanted in Europe, that if I s... 17 October 1779To Elbridge GerryDear sir As to the Boundaries of Mass. I have asked Mr. A. about them but he did not recollect them. The Council appointed a Committee, within a few ... 17 October 1779To the Chevalier de La Luzerneprinted:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:175–176. John Adams, thanking La Luzerne for his letter of 29 Sept. (calendared above) congratulating him on hi... 17 October 1779To James Lovell And What, my dear sir, shall I say to your Favours of the 27. and 28 of september, which came by the last Post? The Unanimity of my Election surprise... 18 October 1779To Elbridge GerrySecret as the Grave.Mon cher Ami Looking over your Letter again, I find several Things unanswered. I should be Sorry to think that Mr. D. was the only vote against me. I... 18 October 1779Resolution of the Massachusetts Council Ordered that the honourable John Adams Esqr. have the Loan of one Qto: vol: entitled “All the Memorials of the Courts of Great-Britain and France, si... 19 October 1779From James LovellDear Sir I begin to be very impatient at not hearing from you; and this not barely from the Number of days elapsed since my Information of Sepr. 28 &... 19 October 1779From Benjamin RushMy Dear friend I cannot help troubling you with a second Answer to your letters on purpose to congratulate you upon the Success of your Schemes for p... 20 October 1779To the President of the CongressSir Mr. Schweighauser of Nantes, who is a Native of Switzerland, observing me, as I was, one Day at his House, looking with some Attention, upon a St... 20 October 1779To UnknownSir I expect to return to Europe, very soon, and should be very happy to carry with me such Intelligence as may be of Use, to the common Cause, parti... 20 October 1779From the President of the CongressSir I have the honour to transmit you herewith enclosed Two Commissions wherein you are Authorized and appointed Minister Plenipotentiary from these ... 21 October 1779To the President of the CongressSir So many Advantages might be derived to the united States in the Conduct of the War; in furnishing the Army and Navy; in augmenting the Value, or ... 25 October 1779To Elbridge GerryDear Sir Yours of the 4. is before me. Mr. Dana, I think will accept. I have no personal Objection to either of the Gentlemen you mention. You know m... 25 October 1779To Henry LaurensMy dear Sir Your Favour of the fourth of the Month, gave me great Pleasure. But I am afraid that you and Some others of my Friends felt more for me, ... 25 October 1779To James Lovell Mr. Joshua Johnson, is a Merchant settled with his Lady and Family at Nantes. I was honoured with many of his Civilities in that City, and with a goo... 25 October 1779To Henry MarchantDear sir I have the Pleasure of yours of Octr. 2. Give me leave to assure you that, I never received a troublesome or useless Letter from America, du... The Massachusetts Constitutionca. 28–31 October 1779 Editorial Note 28 October 177931 October 1779The Report of a Constitution or Form of Government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Agreed upon by the Committee—to be laid before the Convention of delegates, assembled at cambridge, on the First Day of September, A. D. 1779; and co... Translation Group 1 November 1779From Bidé de ChavagnesMon cher monsieur Je me faisois une grande feste, samedy dernier, D'avoir Ihonneur de vous voir, de diner avec vous et de boire a votre santé chez mo... 1 November 1779Bidé de Chavagnes to John Adams: A TranslationMy dear sir I was greatly looking forward to having the honor of seeing you, dining with you, and drinking to your health at Mr. Allen's house last S... 1 November 1779From James LovellDear Sir Your Favor of Octr. 17th. came this day to hand by the Post and contains such flattering Sentiments in regard to my subserving your Mission ... 4 November 1779To Elbridge GerryMy Friend Yours of Octr. 12 has been, seven days, by me. Am happy to learn that my Accounts and Vouchers arrived Safe, by Mr. Lowell. I know not how ... 4 November 1779To James LovellDr sir Yours of Octr. 14, and 19, are received. The Exposé des Motifs, is indeed news to me. I dislike, the Experiment, as much as you, and am equall... 4 November 1779To John LowellDear sir I thank you for your Favour of the 12 Oct. and for the Trouble you took in conveying my Accounts and Vouchers to the Treasury. I am too fond... 4 November 1779To the President of the CongressprintedJA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:177–178. Replying to the president's letter of 20 Oct. (above), John Adams acknowledged receiving his commission... 4 November 1779To Benjamin RushMy dear Sir Your favours of Octr. 12 and 19 are before me. I should not have left the first Seven days unanswered, if had not been for my new Trade o... 5 November 1779To Bidé de ChavagnesMy dear Chevalier I have received all my Dispatches from Congress, and shall be ready to embark, and sail with you in Eight days, at farthest. The Pe... 7 November 1779To the President of the CongressSir I have the Honour to enclose to Congress Copy, of the Letter Book of the Commissioners at the Court of Versailles, during the Time that I had the... 8 November 1779To Elbridge GerryMy dear sir The Letters inclosed on the Spirit and Resources of G.B. were written by Edmund Jennings Esq. Perhaps it will be well to publish them. Be... 8 November 1779From Thomas McKeanMy dear Sir On my return from the circuit a few days ago I was honoured with your letter of the 20th. Septemr. last, and proud to find that I was not... Translation Group 12 November 1779From Bidé de ChavagnesMon cher monsieur D'après lespece de certitude que m'avoit donné monsieur allaine que j aurois Ihonneur et le plaisir de vous voir jeudy et de diner ... 12 November 1779Bidé de Chavagnes to John Adams: A TranslationMy Dear Sir Mr. Allen's assurance that I would have the honor and pleasure of seeing and dining with you at his house on Thursday was my major reason... 14 November 1779From Samuel CooperMy dear Sir The very kind Readiness which you express'd to me, to allow my Grandson to be a Companion to your Sons in the Voyage to France has laid m... 14 November 1779To Samuel CooperMy dear Sir This Moment I recieved your kind favor of this day's date. Coll. Johonnot and my young Friend, Sammy Cooper, are well on Board. This youn... 14 November 1779To Oliver Wendell Mr. Adams, has this Moment Mr. Wendells Billet, and in answer Says, that Mr. Brattle came to Paris when I was there, soon after my Arrival and spent ... 16 November 1779From James LovellDear Sir Not a Line by yesterday's Post from either you or Mr. Dana; nor indeed from any Person whatever in Massachusetts. The Principles of Equality... 4 December 1779From Arthur LeeDear Sir You had an opportunity of seeing the commencement of this business of Jones and the Alliance, of which I enclose you the suite. Capt. Landai... 8 December 1779To Benjamin FranklinSir I have the Honour to inform your Excellency, that Congress having judged it proper to appoint me to a new Mission in Europe I embarked on the thi... 11 December 1779To Elbridge GerryMy dear Sir I have escaped, the Rage of the Sea and the Vigilance of British Men of War, and the Treachery of a Leaky ship: but have got the Mountain... 11 December 1779To the President of the Congress, No. 1El Ferrol, Spain, 11 December 1779. in John Thaxter's hand PCC, No. 84, 1, f. 227; docketed: “No. 1 J Adams Esqr original by Capt. Trask from Corunna... 16 December 1779To Michel LagoanereSir I am So little acquainted with the Language and Usages of this Country that I am under a Necessity of troubling some Gentleman so much as to ask ... 16 December 1779To James LovellMy dear Friend Providence has favoured me, with a very unexpected Visit to Spain. It is somewhat of a Contretems, to be sure, that the Minister for S... 16 December 1779To the President of the Congress, No. 2La Coruña, Spain, 16 December 1779. in John Thaxter's hand PCC, No. 84, I, f. 231.; docketed: “No. 2 Letter from J. Adams Corunna Decr. 16. 1779 Read... 18 December 1779To Don Pedro Martin Cermeño Mr. Adams presents his Compliments to the Governor of Corunna, and informs him according to his desire, express'd last Evening, that the Names of the... 18 December 1779To Michel LagoanereSir I thank you for your ready Answer to my Letter of the Sixteenth and for the Itinerary. After deliberating as maturely as I can, upon the Contents... 19 December 1779To M. Detournelle ... Translation Group 26 December 1779From Michel LagoanereMonsieur J'ai crû devoir differer de repondre a la depeche que Vôtre Excellence m'a fait l'honneur de m'adresser le 18 du Courant jusqu'a ce que je p... 26 December 1779Michel Lagoanere to John Adams: A TranslationSir I thought that I should postpone answering the letter of 18 December, which Your Excellency did me the honor to send, until I could give you an a... 28 December 1779From Richard B. LloydDear Sir Having just heard of your being returned to Paris, I take the earliest opportunity to offer you my sincere congratulations on your safe arri... 13 January 1780From Samuel AdamsMy dear Sir I gladly embrace the first opportunity I have had of writing to you since you left this Country. Mr. Jona. Loring Austin is the Bearer of... 13 January 1780Massachusetts Council to John Adams and Francis DanaGentlemen The General Assembly having for many Reasons, and for purposes appearing to Them advantagious, taken the Resolution to negociate a Loan of ... 16 January 1780To M. DetournelleSir The United States of America have experienced so much Friendship from the French Court and Nation, and I have myself as their Representative here... 16 January 1780To Michel LagoanereSir We arrived here last night, all alive, but not very well having all taken, in Spight of all the Precautions in our Power, very great Colds. Mr. M... 16 January 1780To the President of the Congress, No. 3Bilbao, Spain, 16 January 1780. in John Thaxter's hand PCC No. 84, I, f. 234; docketed: “No. 3 Letter from John Adams Bilbao Jany 16 1780 Read April ... 20 January 1780To Joseph Gardoqui & Sons ... 24 January 1780To Joseph Gardoqui & SonsGentlemen I have but just Time to inform you by the Return of our Guide, that We all arrived in safety and in rather better Health than When We took ... 24 January 1780To Michel Lagoaneredear sir We have arrived Safe at this Place, but very much fatigued with our Journey and We have the Pleasure to inform you that We have received the... 31 January 1780To John BondfieldSir At Bayonne, I had the Honour of yours of the 25. Decr. last, which was delivered me by Mr. Dufour, whom you desired to assist me with whatever I ... 31 January 1780To Pedro Casamayor & CompanyGentlemen On the 29th of this month, on my Arrival at this Place, I had the Honour of a polite Letter from your House, offering me your services and ... 31 January 1780To Robert MontgomeryDear sir Since my Arrival at this Place, which was the day before Yesterday, I had the Pleasure of receiving a Letter from you, dated Alicante Janua... 1 February 1780From Jonathan WilliamsDear sir I heartily congratulate you on your safe Return to Europe and thank you for your obliging Care of my Letters from my Friends, which I receiv... 2 February 1780From Thomas TolmondMy Lord Humbly Sheweth that your Petitioner is a poor american just arived from Marttanico to Rochal in a french frigat. At my arival I got my Dissch... 5 February 1780From Baron de HeimenthalSir I take the liberty, to address myself to your Excellency, about a project I have send to Mr. Franklin the 20. of Septr. last; which contains in s... 5 February 1780From Robert MontgomerySir When I was Advised of your Arrival at Corunia I had the Pleasing hopes that Your Destination Was the Court of Madrid and Accordingly porposed mys... 12 February 1780To the Comte de VergennesParis, 12 February 1780. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:243–245 With this letter John Adams formally notified Vergennes of his mission. Stati... 13 February 1780To Gabriel de SartineParis, 13 February 1780. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:248. This letter was a reply to Sartine's of 31 Dec. 1779 (same, 4:247–248), which Ad... 14 February 1780From Alexander GillonDr Sir Permit me to Congratulate you on your happy return to Europe, and to make this enquiry after your Welfare. I much flatter myself that nothing ... 15 February 1780To the President of the Congress, No. 4Paris, 15 February 1780. in John Thaxter's hand PCC, No. 84, 1, f. 243; docketed: “No. 4 J. Adams Esqr. Paris Feby. 15th: 1780 Read May 15. arrival i... 15 February 1780To Jonathan WilliamsParis, 15 February 1780. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:248–249. John Adams thanked Williams for his letter of 1 Feb. (above) and briefly com... 15 February 1780From the Comte de VergennesVersailles, 15 February 1780. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:245 Vergennes stated that he thought it best to await the arrival of Conrad Alex... Translation Group 16 February 1780From Bidé de ChavagnesMon cher monsieur Si je nay pas eu l'honneur de vous ecrire depuis mon arrivée a brest, c est que ayant scau su a la corogne que votre projet etoit d... 16 February 1780Bidé de Chavagnes to John Adams: A TranslationMy dear sir If I have not had the honor of writing to you since my arrival at Brest it is because, having understood at La Coruña that your plan was ... 17 February 1780To the President of the Congress, No. 5Sir It is necessary that I should inform Congress, in what manner I have been able to procure Money to defray my Expenses, in my long Journey through... 18 February 1780To Edmé Jacques GenetDear Sir Whether it is that the Art of political Lying is better understood in England than in any other Country, or whether it is more practised the... 19 February 1780To James LovellMy dear Friend You have been so good, in sending me the Journals and above all in sending me very particular Intelligence of what has passed upon sev... 19 February 1780To the President of the Congress, No. 6Sir Inclosed are Copies of former Letters to Congress, and I shall continue to transmit Copies until I learn that some have arrived; for which Reason... 19 February 1780To the Comte de VergennesParis, 19 February 1780. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:250–251. Responding to Vergennes' letter of the 15th (calendared above), Adams sent c... Joseph Gardoqui & Sons to John Adams, with an Invoice 19 February 1780From Joseph Gardoqui & SonsSir In consequence of the orders you was pleas'd to directt us to ynvest the value of the 200. dollars in sundry goods and to ship them for America, ... 31 January 1780Enclosure: Invoice from Joseph Gardoqui & Sons to John Adams Invoice of Sundries shipp'd per the Phinix James Babson master for Newburyport on Account of the Honble. John Adams Esq. No. 1 a 2. I.A. 1.A Case con... 19 February 1780From Edmund JeningsMy Dear Sir I cannot express the pleasure it gave me; when I heard of your Safe Arrival in Europe; permit me to congratulate you and myself thereon, ... 19 February 1780From the Marquis de LafayetteDear Sir As I came but this morning from Versailles, it was not in my power sooner to answer to the letter you have honor'd me with, and this duty I ... 19 February 1780From Robert MontgomeryDear Sir I had the Pleasure of Addressing you the 5th Currente to Which Please be Referd and Since am Honour'd With your Truly Esteem'd Letter of the... 20 February 1780To Edward and Charles DillyGentlemen You may possibly remember a Correspondent of yours, who had six or seven Years ago the Pleasure of Writing to you sometimes and of receivin... 20 February 1780To Alexander GillonSir I had last Evening the Pleasure of your Letter from Amsterdam, of the 14th. instant and I thank you for your kind Congratulations, on my Arrival ... 20 February 1780To Richard B. LloydDear Sir Since my Arrival in this City, I had the Pleasure of your Letter of the 28 of December, and I thank you, sir, for your kind Congratulations... 20 February 1780To the President of the Congress, No. 7Sir Since my Arrival in Europe I have had the Mortification to see in the public Papers a Series of little Successes which our Enemies have had in th... Translation Group 20 February 1780From Edmé Jacques GenetMonsieur Vous avés craint d'importuner M. le Comte de Vergennes et vous m'avés fait l'honeur de vous addresser à moi pour savoir ce que vous devès pe... 20 February 1780Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A TranslationSir Hesitating to bother the Count de Vergennes, you have done me the honor of addressing me in order to determine what to think of the various rumo... 22 February 1780To John JayDear Sir I most sincerely congratulate You, on your happy Arrival in Europe, which must be the more agreeable to You, for the terrible Voyages You ha... 22 February 1780To John Paul Jonesdear sir I have the Pleasure to congratulate you, on your glorious success Since I left you at L'orient, and upon your Return to that Place, from whe... 22 February 1780To James MoylanDear sir As the Alliance is bound to America, and probably will go to Boston, I wish to avail myself of the Opportunity to send a few Necessaries to ... 22 February 1780From Edmund JeningsDear Sir I did myself the Honor of writing to You, two days Ago by Mr. Brusch, to congratulate you on your Safe Arrival in Europe, and to Assure you ... 23 February 1780To Samuel AdamsDear Sir You will see by the public Papers, that your Committee of Correspondence is making greater progress in the World, and doing greater things i... 23 February 1780To Samuel CooperDear sir I knew not when I undertook so readily to take the Care of your Grandson what I was about, little foreseeing a Journey of near four hundred ... 23 February 1780To Tristram DaltonDear Sir Since my Arrival in this City, which was on the 9th. of this Month I had the Pleasure of your Letter concerning your Vessel which was sunk i... 23 February 1780To Elbridge GerryMy dear Friend The Boston Committee of Correspondence, and the Military Associations which grew out of it, are likely to prove the greatest Engines f... 23 February 1780To the President of the Congress, No. 8Paris, 23 February 1780. in John Thaxter's hand PCC, No. 84, I, f. 279; docketed: “No. 8 Feby. 23. 1780 Letter from J. Adams recd. Oct. 16. sends New... 23 February 1780To James WarrenDear Sir The French Court seem to be now every day more and more convinced of the good Policy, and indeed the Necessity of prosecuting the War with V... 24 February 1780To Bidé de ChavagnesDear Sir I had last Evening the Honour, of your Letter from Brest, of the 16th. of this Month, and I thank you, sir for your kind Enquiries after our... 24 February 1780To Edmé Jacques GenetDear Sir I have received the Letter, that you did me the Honour to write me the 20th. of this Month. I was cautious of troubling the Minister, with a... 24 February 1780From the Comte de Vergennesprinted: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:251–252 Replying to John Adams' letter of 19 Feb. (calendared above), Vergennes noted that Adams' account of h... 25 February 1780To Joseph Gardoqui & SonsGentlemen I have not had opportunity, Since my Arrival at Paris, to pay my Respects to you, and to inform you, that We all happily arrived, on the 9t... 25 February 1780To Edmund JeningsDear Sir I have this Moment your Letter from Brussells of the 19th of this Month, and I thank You for your kind Congratulations on my safe Arrival. W... 25 February 1780To the President of the Congress, No. 9Sir Since my Letter of the twentieth, I have recieved another Letter from his Excellency the Comte de Vergennes dated the 24th. of February, to which... 25 February 1780To the Comte de Vergennesprinted: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:253–254. Replying to Vergennes' letter of the 24th (calendared above), John Adams expressed his appreciation f... Translation Group 25 February 1780From Edmé Jacques GenetMonsieur Je ne manquerai point de rendre compte a monseigneur le Comte de Vergennes de la lettre dont vous venés de m'honorer. Je vais écrire aussi à... 25 February 1780Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A TranslationSir I will not fail to inform the Count Vergennes of the letter with which you have honored me. I will also write to Ostend to ask them to send, unde... 26 February 1780To Edmé Jacques GenetSir I have just now recieved the Letter, which You did me the Honor to write me yesterday, and I thank You, Sir, for the Loan of the English Papers, ... 27 February 1780To Edmund JeningsDear Sir I received to day, yours of the 22d. That by Mr. Brush I answered as soon as received. You cannot oblige me more sir, than by communicating ... 27 February 1780To the President of the Congress, No. 10Sir No. 10. There are so many Gentleman of Rank going out to America, that there can be no doubt Congress will be fully informed of the State of publ... 28 February 1780To Samuel AdamsDear Sir The Marquiss, who loves Us, will deliver You this. He will tell You every thing. Arbuthnot, Rodney and Walsingham are to be pitted against d... 28 February 1780To Samuel Cooperdear sir This will be delived you by the Marquis your Friend. Your Grandson is well and very contented. He has seen the World, to be sure,—such a Par... 28 February 1780To Henry KnoxDear sir Your Friend the Marquis, with whom I have sometimes had the Honour to drink your Health after that of General Washington, will deliver you t... 28 February 1780To James WarrenDear Sir I have written so fully to Congress and to particular Friends before, and have so little Time now, that I have little more to do than make u... Translation Group 28 February 1780From Edmé Jacques GenetMonsieur J'ai écrit à Ostende pour les deux gazettes en question. En attendant je continuerai à vous en prêter des miennes, toujours le plutôt qu'il ... 28 February 1780Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A TranslationSir I have written to Ostend for the two gazettes in question. In the meantime, I will continue, always as soon as possible, to lend you mine. I am v... 28 February 1780From James MoylanDear sir I received your much esteem'd letter of the 22d. with the memorandums it inclosed of the articles you wish to send to Boston by the Alliance... 29 February 1780To Edmé Jacques GenetDear sir I have this Moment yours of the 28. I thank You, Sir, for your kind Invitation to my three Sons, to come some time in the Spring, and spend ... 29 February 1780To James LovellMy dear Friend I cannot let the Marquis go off, without a Line to you. He took leave of the King a few days ago, in the Uniform of an American Major ... 29 February 1780To the President of the Congress, No. 11 in John Thaxter's hand PCC, No. 84, I, f. 295; docketed: “No. 11 J. Adams Esqr Feby. 29th. 1780 the Gazette mentioned, not inclosd. Read May 15th. re... Back Matter Appendix: List of Omitted Documents
