Papers of John Adams, volume 11

From Laurent Bérenger, 5 June 1781 Bérenger, Laurent JA

1781-06-05

From Laurent Bérenger, 5 June 1781 Bérenger, Laurent Adams, John
From Laurent Bérenger
Monsieur à la Haye le 5 juin 1781

Je viens de recevoir une Lettre de Mr. le Comte de Vergennes par laquelle il m'ordonne d'avoir l'honneur de vous dire, que les intérêts des Etats unis exigent votre presence à Paris, et qu'il desireroit que vous voulassiez bien vous y rendre, aussitôt que vos affaires en Hollande vous le permettront; Je vous Supplie, Monsieur, de me faire part de vos intentions à cet egard, afin que je puisse en informer, M.354 le Comte de Vergennes.1 J'ose me flater que vous me donnerez cette marque de bonté, et que vous Serez bien persuadé du plaisir que j'ai à Saisir cette occasion de vous offrir l'hommage du devouement et du respect avec lesquels j'ai L'honneur d'être Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur

Berenger Secretaire du L'ambassade de france
Laurent Bérenger to John Adams: A Translation, 5 June 1781 Bérenger, Laurent JA

1781-06-05

Laurent Bérenger to John Adams: A Translation, 5 June 1781 Bérenger, Laurent Adams, John
Laurent Bérenger to John Adams: A Translation
Sir The Hague, 5 June 1781

I just received a letter from the Comte de Vergennes in which he gave me the honor to tell you that the interests of the United States require your presence in Paris, and that he desires that you go there as soon as your affairs in Holland permit you to leave. I ask you, sir, to inform me of your intentions regarding this matter so that I may inform M. le Comte de Vergennes.1 I dare flatter myself to think that you will grant me this kindness, and that you will be persuaded of the pleasure that I derive on this occasion in offering to you the devotion and respect with which I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Bérenger Secretary to the French Embassy

RC (Adams Papers); endorsed: “Mr Berenger's Letter recd the Evening of the 6. June 1781.”

1.

Bérenger was acting in the absence of the Duc de La Vauguyon, who was at Paris and did not return with his family until 22 June (Gazette de Leyde, 26 June). This letter was the French government's first official communication to JA regarding the proposed Austro-Russian mediation of the Anglo-French war, despite JA's status as the sole American in Europe empowered to enter into peace negotiations. For Vergennes' reluctance to confer with him about the mediation, see JA's second letter of 16 May to the president of Congress, above.