Papers of John Adams, volume 6
1778-07-01
I have wrote you several long Letters since you left us, some of which you will doubtless by the Enemy be releived from the trouble of reading. My last was by Capt. Barnes about 14 days ago,1 at A Time when we had reason to be Anxious for your safety. Two days ago for the first time we were Ascertained of the safe Arrival of the Boston and of your being in Paris. This Intelligence we have by A Packet from France in 46 days, which brought public and private Letters. I am told there are Letters from you tho' I have not the Honour and Happiness of being Numbered Among those to whom they are directed. I suppose the public Letters2 that go by this Conveyance with the Gazettes we shall Inclose will give you all the News of this Country. Great Expectations are formed here from the Circumstances and Situation of our own Army, and that of the Enemy. We have no Cruizers on our Coasts at this Time they are all Called into Hallifax where they are in the Horrors from the Apprehension of A French Fleet said to be in these Seas, tho' we have yet no perticular Account of them. By this Means our prizes and Merchantmen have A fine Chance to get in, and they succeed Accordingly. This Vessel goes of
Presumably that of 7 June (above).
This letter, as well as the “public Letters” mentioned, was sent on the Arnold Packet, Capt. John Ayres, and arrived at Bordeaux on 28 July (Ayres to the Commissioners, 29 July, below). For the possible content of the official letters contained in four packets from the Committee for Foreign Affairs and sent to the Commissioners under a covering letter from James Warren of 2 July (PPAmP: Franklin Papers), see JA's reply to Warren of 4 Aug. (below).
1778-07-02
The honour of your Letter bearing date the 23d June,1 had the pleasure of Recieving on the 30th and shall think myself happy, in a strict attention to the Agreable Contents, as these Orders afford me every Satisfaction, being such as could have wished, had the intended Cruize been left to my own Determination. It affords me the most sensible pleasure to Acquaint your Honours, that both Officer's and Men are very attentive in getting the Ship ready, and flattered with their vigilance and attention, expect to be ready for Sea, before the last of this month.
With regard to Arms, Cloathing &c. Mr. Schweighauser acquaints me that he has only fourteen Bales of Blankets at present on Continental Account. It being in my power to take a considerable larger Quantity without impeding the Ship either in sailing or fighting, and having understood that Mr. Jonathan Williams late Agent at Nantes has to
Would earnestly sollicit with due submission to your Honours judgement, a ready attention to this Article and immediate Answer, as the Ship is Actually taking in Provisions, Water &c. and suffers by Delay in Respect to Stowing the Hold, as most Advantageous. Inclosed I transmit an exact Return of Prisoners on board my Ship2 as Ordered, and hope that an exchange may be facilitated on principles of mutual good.
All Dispatches Committed to my Care, your Honours may Depend upon the most Careful attention to and with thanks for your favourable wishes in the Destined Voyage, have the honour to Remain, Gentlemen, Your most Obedt. & very hbble servt
NB Expet the main Mast will be ready to put in tomorrow, which Compleats our masts.
Not printed, but see the Commissioners' letters to John Paul Jones of 10 and 16 June (both calendared above).
Enclosures not found.