Papers of John Adams, volume 14
m.30 Dec: 1782
We refer to what we had the honour to write you theth. of this month, by which you are pleased to advise us to remit again to Mr. Grand, for account of the United states, 400,000 french Livs. In consequence of this advise, we remit this very day part of that Sum, and we'll continue to do so, till the whole sum will be compleated.
We will also pay the Bill, which Mr. Morris has drawn, for account of said States, on Mr. fizeaux Grand & Co. and put it to their account.
Last week we've paid a bill of ƒ 1100—Bco. drawn on Mr. Laurens, and which was accepted by your Excellency the 24th. Juny at Six month sight, and likewise charged it to the account of the United States.2 We hope Sir, that you'll have taken notice of the bills of the same nature, which you accepted, and beg the favour to send us a note there about, in order that we may pay them in due time.
We observe that your Excellency makes difficulty to communicate to us any intelligence about politicks, because this communication might have serious consequences. We thank your Exce. for the Inclination, which you give us to understand, to do it in case this did not retain you. We take the liberty to assure you that whatever you'll trust us, in recommanding the secret, you may depend that it will not go farther. However we Intend not to blame your delicacy, and only recommand our selves for that purpose as far as your Excellency will think convenient.
We further take the Liberty to make your Excellency our compliments to the beginning of a new year. May your Excellencies Person, and dear relations enjoy in the Course of it every blessing and prosperity, which can be wished, May the great work of peace be brought to a happy conclusion, and the new Republick ever more flourish. We beg to continue us your most esteemd friend ship and favour and have the honour to be most respectfully / Sir / Your Excellencies Most humble & Obedt. Servts
s.& Jacob van Staphorst.
RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “To his Excellency John Adams Esqr. / Paris.”
Probably the consortium's letter of [ca. 23 Dec.], above.
For this bill, presented by “Mr. Moliere at the Hague,” see “An Account of Negotiations of Bills of Exchange in Holland in Behalf of the United States by John Adams,” M/JA/18, APM Reel 192, p. 72.
e.Dec. 1782.1
Je ne vois rien a ajouter à ce que vous apprendra l’incluse, sinon, que les Etats d’Holl. sont ajournés à Vendredi 3e. du prochain, & que je vous souhaite avec toutes les autres prospérités que votre coeur peut desirer, celle de mettre dans la nouvelle année où nous allons entrer, la derniere à la paix la plus glorieuse & la plus 155avantageuse pour les Etats-Unis.— Ma famille partage ces voeux, & présente avec moi nos complimens du jour aussi à Mr. Thaxter & à Mr. Storer.
J’ai lu à Mr. d’Asp ce dont vous m’avez chargé pour lui.2 Il m’a demandé copie de tout l’Article en question, pour l’envoyer au R. son Mre., à qui cela feroit plaisir; & je la lui ai laissé prendre sans difficulté. Il m’a paru, du reste, ne pas tout à fait ignorer l’affaire; & se glorifiant de n’y avoir pas nui, m’a lu partie d’une Dépeche de 7be. dernier, où effectivement il donnoit de bons & sages avis à cet égard. Je suis chargé de vous témoigner, Monsieur, qu’il est très sensible à l’honneur de votre souvenir, & a la maniere, précieuse pour lui, dont vous le lui témoignez.— Du reste nous som̃es convenus, qu’excepté les hotels de Dt. Amst. & France, le secret sera gardé par-tout ailleurs ici.
Je suis avec le plus respectueux devouement / Monsieur, de Vre. Exce. / le très humble & très-obéis- / sant serviteur
Translation
I see nothing to add to what you will learn from the enclosed letter, except that the States of Holland have adjourned until Friday, 3 January, and I wish you, together with all the other blessings your heart may desire, a new year that brings the most glorious and advantageous peace for the United States. My family shares these wishes, and we also offer New Year's greetings to Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Storer.
I read to Mr. Asp what you instructed me to convey.2 He asked me for a copy of the whole text to send to the king, his master, who would appreciate it, and I made no objection to his taking one. He seemed, moreover, not wholly ignorant of the affair. He boasted of not having impeded it and read me part of a September dispatch in which he offered sound and sensible opinions on the matter. I am requested to inform you, sir, that he is very sensible of the honor of your remembrance and of the manner, precious to him, by which you did so. In addition we agreed that, apart from the houses of Dordrecht, Amsterdam, and France, the affair will be kept secret.
With great respect and devotion, sir, I remain your excellency's very humble and very obedient servant
RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “Paris à Son Exce. Mr. Adams, Esqr. Min. Plenipo: des Et. Unis.” Filmed at 30 December.
This date can be read as “30,” thus explaining the original dating of the letter, but the second letter of 31 Dec., below, clearly establishes the correct date.
See JA's 19 Dec. letter to Dumas, above.