Papers of John Adams, volume 10

6 From David Hartley, 17 July 1780 Hartley, David JA

1780-07-17

From David Hartley, 17 July 1780 Hartley, David Adams, John

From David Hartley

Dear Sir July 17 1780 London

Enclosed I send you a copy of a conciliatory bill which I moved in Parliament on the 27th of the last month.1 You will perceive by the tenor of it that it is drawn up in very general terms, containing a general power to treat, with something like a sketch of a line of negotiation. As the bill was not accepted by the Ministers in this Country, I have nothing further to say relating to it. As to my own private Sentiments and endeavours, they allways have been and ever will be devoted to the restoration of peace, upon honorable terms.2I shall be always ready, and most desirous to conspire in any measures which may lead to that end.

I am Dear Sir Your most obedt humble Servant

D Hartley

RC and enclosure (Adams Papers).

For the enclosed “Bill for Conciliation,” which was endorsed “Mr Hartleys Bill,” see the Descriptive List of Illustrations (above).

Although Hartley, who later served as one of the British peace negotiators, may have wanted a peace based on “honorable terms,” the bill that he offered on 27 June called for a settlement of the conflict short of independence. For JA's opinion of efforts at Anglo-American reconciliation in general and Hartley's initiatives in particular, see his second letter of 18 April to the president of Congress, No. 48, and note 1 (above).

From John Jay, 17 July 1780 Jay, John JA

1780-07-17

From John Jay, 17 July 1780 Jay, John Adams, John

From John Jay

Dear Sir Madrid 17 July 1780

On the 4 June last I had the Pleasure of writing you a Letter acknowledging the Reciept of yours of the 15 May—since which none of your Favors have reached me.

I have just been reading the Capitulation of Charles Town. I suspect they wanted Provisions. The Reputation of the Garrison will suffer till the Reasons of their Conduct are explained. I wish a good one may be in their Power. They are severely censured here. What the Consequences of this Event may be, cannot easily be conjectured. I should not be surprized if they should eventually be in our Favor. It is difficult while invaded in the Center to defend Extremities which have little natural Strength.

I wish Ternays Squadron may touch at Halifax—the Capture of that place would reduce the English Navy in the american Seas to extreme Difficulties. The Affair of Charles Town has an unfavorable Aspect on the Expedition against New York.

7 8

After the Conclusion of this Campaign, I Think you will have something to do. In my opinion all the Powers at War wish for peace. The pride of the King of England will be the greatest Obstacle, and it may happen that in attempting to save his Dignity he may lose his Crown.

No News yet of Mr. Laurens—What is to become of his Bills?1 I have accepted to the Amount of between 10 and 12,000 Dollars of those drawn upon me. The Fate of the Residue is not yet fixed, but like many other Adventurers, I imagine they will have good Luck.

On a Presumption that you are acquainted with Mrs. Izard, I take the Liberty of committing the enclosed Letter for her to your Care. It has been written some time, and waiting only for the french Courier by which you will recieve this.

My family was encreased last week by the Birth of a Daughter.2 My Compliments to Mr. Dana.

I am Dear Sir with great Regard & Esteem Your most obedt. Servant

John Jay

RC (Adams Papers); endorsed by Francis Dana: “His Exy. Mr. Jay's Letter dated 17th. July 1780 Recd. 27th.”

For the bills, see Edmund Jenings' letter of 12 April, note 2 (above).

This was Susan, but she died on 4 Aug. (Morris, Peacemakers , p. 236).