Papers of John Adams, volume 10

From Benjamin Franklin, 30 November 1780 Franklin, Benjamin JA

1780-11-30

From Benjamin Franklin, 30 November 1780 Franklin, Benjamin Adams, John

From Benjamin Franklin

Sir Passy Nov. 30. 1780

I have had a severe Fit of the Gout which has confined me six Weeks; but it is now going off, and I flatter myself that it has done me a great deal of Good.

388

I have just received a Letter from Dr. Ezra Stiles, of which the inclosed is an extract. Please to communicate it to Mr. Searle, and then give it to M. Dumas if you judge it proper for Publication.1 I have also a large and particular Account of Arnolds Treachery. There is not time to transcribe it for this Post, but you shall have it per next. I have the honour to be with great Esteem Sir Your Excellency's most obedt & most humble Servant

B Franklin

Enclosed is a Letter for you which came by the same Ship.2

RC (Adams Papers).

The enclosed extract has not been found, but it was from Stiles' letter to Franklin, dated 10 Oct. at Newport. An extract from this letter, containing Stiles' commentary on Benedict Arnold and his treason, appears in The Literary Diary of Ezra Stiles, ed. Franklin Bowditch Dexter, 3 vols., N.Y., 1901, 2:473–474. A somewhat longer extract, presumably submitted by JA, appeared in the Gazette de Leyde of 15 December. There Jean Luzac took issue with Stiles' characterization of Maj. John André as “the Seducer,” attributing it to the author's attachment to the American cause. According to Luzac, impartial observers mourned André's loss as a victim “des fureurs de la Guerre.”

Probably Arthur Lee's letter of 28 Sept. (above), which JA answered on 6 Dec. (2d letter, below).

From Edmund Jenings, 30 November 1780 Jenings, Edmund JA

1780-11-30

From Edmund Jenings, 30 November 1780 Jenings, Edmund Adams, John

From Edmund Jenings

Sir Brussels Novr. 30. 1780

I did myself the Honor of writing to your Excellency the 20th of this Month and inclosing some Papers from Mr. Amory of Boston. I now take the Liberty of sending you a Letter, receivd this Day from Mr. L. for your Excellency's Perusal—give me leave to beg that your Excellency would return it and the former one from the same Gentleman, if your Excellency has no further Occasion for them.1

There have been reports at Paris that a Part of Monsr. De Ternays Squadron is burnt at Rhode Island. Perhaps there is no foundation for them; but I trust there is great reason to Imagine that General Gates Troops have had several succesful Skirmishes at Carolina against the Ennemy. The English Resident here seems to credit them.

I Hope your Excellency takes good Care of your Health. The Damp Climate of Holland requires much Additional Cloathing—it is Experience that makes Dutchmen wear six Waistcoats, and I Know not how many pair of Breeches.

I have expected particular Advices from England, but one of the Packets is taken.

I see the Translation is published in Holland.2 Has your Excellency seen the Letters of Monsr. Joly?3 I beg to know your Excellencys 389Opinion of them. They are I believe just published in Holland. Does the Subject regard Us?

I beg to be rememberd to my young Friends.

I am with the greatest Respect Sir your Excellencys Most Faithful & Obedient Humble Servant

Edm: Jenings

RC (Adams Papers).

These letters have not been found, making it impossible to positively identify “Mr. L.,” but he may have been Arthur Lee, with whom Jenings corresponded while Lee was in Europe. See JA's reply of 6 Dec. (below).

JA's Pensées.

This person cannot be positively identified, but may be Joly de Saint Valier, author of Mémoire du Sieur Joly de St. Valier, lieutenant colonel d'infantrie, ou Exposé de sa conduite avant et depuis qu'il a quitté la France pour venir offrir ses services à sa Majesté le roy d'Angleterre, London, [1780]. No reference to a Dutch edition has been found.