Papers of John Adams, volume 10
1780-11-11
Monsieur, Les Courtiers ten Kate du temps que j'etais dans les Affaires ont eu l'entree Libre chez moi, je les crois capables, Mais je 335les ai trouves si interressables pour Eúx memes que je ne pouvais jamais terminer avec Eux, quand au Sieur van Vloten je crois que sa Residance est a Utrecht et qu'il a des bonnes occasions pour placer de L'argent des Habitants de cette Province qui pourtant ne sont pas des Capitalistes pour donner dú branle a la Negotiation en question.
J'ai l'honneur d'etre avec beaucoup d'estime Monsieur Votre tres humb & Ob. Serviteur,
1780-11-11
The brokers Ten Kate, had free entry at my house when I was in business. I think them capable, but I found them so liable to influence through their own interests that I never could close with them. As to Mr. van Vlooten, I think his residence is at Utrecht, and that he has fair opportunities of placing the money of citizens of that Province, who are not, however, capitalists enough to set in motion the negotiation in question.
I have the honor to be, with much esteem, sir, your very humble and obedient servant,
Bicker is replying to JA's letter of 10 Nov. (Dft, Adams Papers) informing him of Daniël Jan Bouwens' refusal to act on JA's behalf and requesting his opinion of brokers Ten Kate and van Vlooten recommended by Bouwens or his clerk to serve in place of Hendrik van Blomberg. See also JA to Daniël Jan Bouwens, 7 Nov., descriptive note (above).