Papers of John Adams, volume 11
1781-03-22
With great pleasure have I recieved yours of the 19th, with its Inclosures. I wish I could answer more at large, but in addition to a thousand other Objects crowding upon me at present, I have had to write my obscure Name nine and twenty thousand times to Obligations and Coupons, which I expect will give me before it is ended a great Name at least, if not a great deal of Money.
I am exceedingly pleased with your thoughts, all but one. You hold up the Idea of restraining from the East: this Idea never will do. America will never consent to any Restriction whatsoever, but will finally insist on a right to trade with every Nation that will trade with her. For God's sake let us beat down every Idea of Restriction. I am demonstratively certain, it is the Interest of every Power in Europe to take off every restriction from American Trade. It will be longer in this Case before the Trade of America will interfere with that of any Nation, than if it is clogged. Nitimur in vetitum, Semper cupimusque negata.1 The Idea of the least restraint is a Poison: it will lay a foundation for embroiling Europe and America for ever: it will occasion another horrid War in seven Years—so would a Truce.
The last Letters Hollandoise are very good—go on I pray You.
In the Letterbook, only the first three words of the quotation were included. In the recipient's copy JA inserted the entire passage. The quotation reads: we always strive after what is forbidden and desire the things refused us (Ovid, Amores, Bk. III, chap. 4, line 17).
1781-03-22
May it please Yoúr Excellency. That we acknowledge the receipt of her most esteemd favoúr,1 the sentiments expressd there in are most liberall, we are in hopes they may prevaill with oúr people, bútt nationally considered, we confess, we are mostly to slow in oúr motions, the generall, feel the English injury, they are sensible of its soúrce, bútt seem to múch abashd by the loss, to move as yett; may they be awaken'd in time! to prevent destrúction and preserve liberty with smaller fortúnes.
May we also thank Yoúr Excellency for the aproving of oúr arrange-227ment aboút the Obligations, we are still in great hopes the loan will succeed bútt not so soon as we wished, the Statia affair múst decide we think great things, and may accelerate American Independence, and the rights of Neútrall Vessells.
The English seem determind that Amsterdam shall pay therefor, it wónt be oúr faúlt.
Mr. Hodshon hath send ús the inclosed Bills, which we have the honoúr to forward for Acceptance, mean while with all respectfúll regard we have the honoúr to be Honourd Sir! Yoúr Excellencys most devoted And most Obedient humble Servants
Of 21 March, above.