Papers of John Adams, volume 7
1779-01-22
Dr. Franklin presents Compliments to Mr. Adams, and requests that all the Public Papers may be sent him by the Bearer.2 Dr. Franklin will undertake to keep them in order; and will at any time chearfully look for and furnish Mr. Adams with any Paper he may have occasion for.
Mr. Adams on receit of this put all the Public Papers, then in his Possession, into the hands of W T Franklin.
This date was written in the space between the draft to JA and Benjamin Franklin's memorandum, in a different hand.
For the consequences of JA's transfer of the Commission's papers to Franklin, see Jonathan Williams' letter of 31 Jan. to Benjamin Franklin and JA (below).
1779-01-22
On my arival here Mr. Dobree told me he was informed By a line from you1 that I had Said that I was taken By a Privateer that belonged partly to his father2—and Desired me to give him in Wrighting What the Captain Said. But as it is a matter that Concerns my Country and You being part of the legislative body of my Country To Whom I am accountable for my Conduct—I told Him I Rather Chose to leave it With you and if you thought Proper to give a Coppy or the original I Should be Content. I Shall now Relate Matters in such a Manner as if Called upon I Shall be Ready and Willing To make oath to the truth of them. Viz. Capt. de lagarde Of the mars Cutter Privateer belonging to Jersey Accidentally Said Mr. Dobree of Guernsey was one of His owners. On his mentioning the name of Dobree I Asked if he had a Son in Nants—He answered yes. I then Told him I knew the young gentleman and that he had married A Daughter of Mr. Scheiwghauser3 in Nants. He answered Yes he is married Some where there. I then told him I Should Acquaint the Commissioners of it as Soon as I arived in France. These Gentlemen are undenyable facts. I have the honour To be your most Obedient humbl Servt
I have heard Capt. de le gard of the Mars Cutter say when interogated by Capt. Niles that Mr. Dobree was part owner of his Pr
Not found.
For Peter Frederick Dobree and his father, Thomas, see vol. 6:366–367, and Richard Grinnell to the Commissioners, 15 Sept. 1778 (above).
Thus in MS.
Brehon remains unidentified.