Papers of John Adams, volume 12
1782-03-21
Mr Adams will Stay, at home, for the Gentleman in No. 10, whom he will receive at ten o Clock, this Day, Sans Ceremonie, provided342the Gentleman is content the Conversation Should pass in presence of Mr Thaxter, Mr Adams’s Secretary.
But Such is the Situation of Things here and elsewhere, that it is impossible for Mr. A. to have any Conversation with any Gentleman from England, without Witness. And indeed, Mr Adams’s Advice to the Gentleman is, to proceed forthwith to Paris, and communicate, whatever he has to Say to Dr Franklin and the Comte de Vergennes in the first Place, without Seeing Mr A. who will certainly think himself bound to communicate, whatever may be made known to him, without Loss of Time to those Ministers, as he has no Authority to treat, much less to conclude, but in Concert with them and others.2
This is the last extant letter from JA to Thomas Digges.
For JA’s account of his conversation with Digges on 21 March, the first time the two men had met face to face, see JA to Benjamin Franklin, 26 March, below.
1782-03-21
Being appointed Director of the Imperial priviledged trade Compagnÿ of Trieste and Fiume and almost ready to Set out for the first place where my residence will be, I take the liberty to apply to Your Protection in order to obtain an extensive list of the best Merchands in the different towns of America, with whose the Companÿ Could guet into a reciprocal advantageous connection; I dare flatter my Self, with the Smiling hope, that Your Excelence will be So Kind to grand me that favour.1 I have the honour to present my most dutiful Services and to be with Respect of Your Excelence The most obedient and Humble Servant
Directeur de La Compaignie Impérial
et Roÿale Privilegiée de Trieste & Fiume
When it became clear that the Netherlands was likely to recognize American independence and receive JA as minister from the United States, a steady stream of merchants and others began to seek his assistance in his role as minister to the Netherlands. This note was one of the first such letters to reach JA and is an excellent example of the type of assistance desired by merchants hoping to trade with the United States.