Papers of John Adams, volume 14

Translation

Sir The Hague, 28 March 1783

Although we still have not the pleasure of having your son here, we are no longer worried about him. Meanwhile, I enclose some further news of him, admittedly a bit out of date, but that is because the letter went all the way from Copenhagen to Paris and from Paris to here.

“Copenhagen, 25 February 1783

“The letter, Ambassador,1 that your excellency kindly wrote me on the 14th of this month caused me to begin an urgent search for Mr. Adams’ son, who called on me as soon as he heard of it. He told me that he had arrived a few days earlier from Göteborg; that he had written to his father 379from there about three weeks before; and before embarking for Kiel en route to The Hague he gave me a letter for his father, which I have just entrusted to the Comte de Vergennes.2 At the same time, your Grace, he asked me to convey to you his deep gratitude and respect. I thank your excellency most warmly for introducing me to this pleasing young American. To judge by his way of thinking and speaking, he has almost convinced me that men are born at the age of thirty in his country, although he can barely be sixteen. I am sorry that his premature departure deprives me of the pleasure of rendering his stay agreeable. I can add nothing to the respectful esteem with which I have the honor to be your excellency's very humble and very obedient servant

La Houze”

Baron de la Houze is the French minister to Copenhagen.

I shall arrange for the bills to be paid with the Amsterdam merchants, as per your orders of 19 March.

We do not yet know who will go to London as minister from this republic. The question has not yet arisen. What is certain is that there is not the slightest likelihood of its being Count Welderen.

The enclosed letter for Congress will acquaint you with the present state of affairs here.3

The indisposition that was causing me such pain and worry is diminishing, thank God.

A few days ago I came across Miss Nancy's writing tablets and found the enclosed songs, which her enthusiasm for verse had inspired.4 The rhymes are not all splendid, but since they are not devoid of thought I praised them and asked her for a copy so that Mr. Thaxter might sing them to you in those moments when you grow weary of serious matters.

I feel, sir, how natural it is for you to wish to return home to America. However, I have an idea that you will go to London before you have that pleasure, and my main reason for so thinking is that the commercial treaty with Great Britain will need a firm and steady hand like yours, more than any other. You know I am no flatterer by profession; this is no compliment, but what I think.

I am with great respect, sir, your excellency's very humble and very obedient servant

Dumas

Enclosure

Song, to the tune of “Vous l’ordonnez”5

Friend of the law, Of citizens, of men, I wish to sing your glory aloud As they sang in Greece and Rome Your equals, rather than great kings. 380

Draw nigh, My amiable friends Who have tasted freedom, and let us laud The constant guardian Singing the honor that others envy.

If you do deign For your recompense, O Gyselaar, who defends us, Receive well our gratitude, Knowing that we are esteemed by you.

We know All those whose hearts do ache With yours in perfect unison The fatal chain shall break, Imposed on us by enemies of the just.

You live therefore For many a year Enjoying pleasures most sweet As writers who have charmed us do— Such are our wishes formed for you.

Song, to the tune of “God Save the King”

The first of the Adams Enslaved his children By eating too much, But a wiser Adams Preserved their destiny, Giving them liberty In our own time.

Nymphs of the ocean And of the continent That it doth bathe, Like me, by your songs Celebrating and dancing The illustrious agent Of this event.