Papers of John Adams, volume 14

From John Bondfield, 27 December 1782 Bondfield, John Adams, John

From John Bondfield

Sir Bordeaux 27 Decr 1782

With the Compliments of the Season permit me to add the justly acquired Congratulations on the conducting executing and concluding the Great Buissness of your Special Commission the greatest that was ever invested with Powers of equal Consiquence we may emediately expect to learn the progress of Mr Dana's Mission which the acknowledgement of Great Britain will greatly accelerate— pray give a friendly Eye to young Vernon his Father is making a handsome provission for him in my hands I am affraid his residence in 152Paris may engage his contracting habits of Disipation and divert the Views of an affectionate Parent1

With the greatest respect I have the honor to be / Sir / your most Obed H servant

John Bondfield

RC (Adams Papers).

For William Vernon Jr., who was disowned by his father William Vernon Sr., see Princetonians , 3:120–126.

From C. W. F. Dumas, 27 December 1782 Dumas, C. W. F. Adams, John

From C. W. F. Dumas

Monsieur, Lahaie 27e. Dec. 1782

Je n’ai que quelques minutes pour vous accuser l’honorée votre du 19e. reçue il y a deux heures seulement. Je n’ai fait usage de la confidence qu’avec les amis, qui m’ont promis le secret. Je verrai ce soir Mr. D’Asp. Ces Messieurs avec mes femelles vous prient d’agréer leurs respects. They will neither go too far nor stop for peace & all that. La semaine prochaine je vous marquerai, Monsieur, la besogne d’aujourd’hui & de demain, qui est bonne.

Dans ma Lettre d’hier, qui est en chemin, je crois avoir oublié la note ci-jointe, que Vous voudrez avoir la bonté de mettre dans ma Lettre à Mr. Livingston.1

Je suis avec la plus respectueuse sincerité / Monsieur / Votre trèshumble & très / obeissant servit

Dumas

Translation

sir The Hague, 27 December 1782

I have only a few moments to thank you for your honored letter of 19 December, which I received just two hours ago. I have only confided in our friends, who promised the utmost discretion. This evening I shall see Mr. Asp. These gentlemen and my ladies send you their best regards. They will neither go too far nor stop for peace and all that. Next week I will tell you about the business of today and tomorrow, which is satisfactory.

In yesterday's letter, now on its way, I think I forgot to add the enclosed note, which I wonder if you would kindly include with my letter to Mr. Livingston.1

With sincerest respect I remain, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas

RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “Paris à Son Excellence Mr. Adams M. P. d. E. U.”

153 1.

This is likely the 26 Dec. “Note” concerning the capture of the English vessel Amitié by the American privateer Fortune, Capt. Bellings, that was enclosed with Dumas’ letter to Livingston of 17–26 December. Writing as the U.S. chargé d’affaires at The Hague, Dumas authorized the freeing of three English sailors in recognition of the assistance they had provided in bringing the prize into port (PCC, No. 93, II, f. 161–173).