Papers of John Adams, volume 11

From C. W. F. Dumas, 1 June 1781 Dumas, Charles William Frederic JA

1781-06-01

From C. W. F. Dumas, 1 June 1781 Dumas, Charles William Frederic Adams, John
From C. W. F. Dumas
Monsieur ca. 1 juin 1781

Mr. Rosenblad, porteur de la présente, est le Gentilhomme Suédois, dont j'ai eu l'honneur de vous parler ici, et pour lequel vous m'avez promis de vous interesser, afin de lui procurer le passage franc en Amerique sur quelqu'un des bâtimens qui partiront pour le Continent. Les témoignages irrécusables que j'ai reç sur son sujet, ceux qu'il est en état de produire lui-même, sa personne que j'ai eu l'avantage de cultiver, et le mérite que je lui ai reconnu, me font espérer qu'il ne sera pas difficile de lui procurer la satisfaction qu'il demande, de pouvoir aller se signaler contre les Anglois, dans l'Armée Américaine, comme simple Soldat volontaire, et de payer de sa personne en la même qualité pendant le trajet. Sans parler de sa naissance, qui est distinguée, sa qualité d'Officer Ingénieur en sa patrie, rempli de connoissances, de talens, d'expérience et de sentimens, la pureté de ses moeurs et la sagesse de sa conduite, me persuadent que dans l'humble position dans laquelle il ambitionne noblement de se distinguer l'Armée Américaine fera en lui une acquisition très 351estimable. Je crains, Monsieur, qu'il ne vous trouve pas de retour à Amsterdam; mais j'espere que Mr. Thaxter voudra bien suppléer autant qu'il pourra à votre absence, et lui dire aussi le jour où il pourra vous voir à votre retour.1 J'ai l'honneur d'être avec un trèsgrand respect, Monsieur Votre très-humble & très obeissant serviteur

Dumas
C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 1 June 1781 Dumas, Charles William Frederic JA

1781-06-01

C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 1 June 1781 Dumas, Charles William Frederic Adams, John
C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation
Sir ca. 1 June 1781

The carrier of this letter, Mr. Rosenblad, is the Swedish gentleman of whom I had the honor to speak to you here, and for whom you promised to give consideration in procuring a free passage to America on one of the ships departing for the continent. The indisputable testimonies that I have received about him, which he himself is in the process of obtaining, his character which I have come to know, and the merit that I have recognized in him, all make me hope that it will not be difficult to grant him the satisfaction that he demands, that is, to be able to distinguish himself as a simple volunteer soldier in the American army, and to sacrifice himself in the same capacity during his journey. Without speaking of his birth, which is distinguished, his rank of officer of Engineers in his own country; his full range of knowledge, talent, experience, and sentiment; the purity of his morals and the wisdom of his conduct all persuade me that the humble position he nobly strives for will be an estimable acquisition for the American army. I fear, sir, that he will not find you at Amsterdam, but I hope that Mr. Thaxter will fill in during your absence and also tell him what day he can see you when you return.1 I have the honor to be with very great respect, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas

RC (Adams Papers).

1.

Nicolas Rosenblad wrote to JA on 1 June (Adams Papers) requesting passage to America in order to serve in the Continental Army. On 18 July, John Thaxter wrote to Dumas, “I am afraid your friend Mr. Rosenblad will not be able to go to America in the way he wished. I have enquired for him, but know of no present opportunity” (PCC, No. 101, II, f. 202). There is no further mention of Rosenblad in the Adams Papers and no evidence that he served in the Continental Army.