Papers of John Adams, volume 16

John Adams to Marquis de Lafayette, 28 March 1784 Adams, John Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

To the Marquis de Lafayette

Sir The Hague March 28. 1784

I did not receive your Letter of the 8th, untill the day before yesterday.— That I have not Seen with Pleasure, Approbation or Indifference, the Introduction into America, of So great an Innovation, as an order of Chivalry, or any Thing like One, or that has a Tendency to one, is very true. that I have been violent against it, is not So. I am not a violent Man. I have disapproved of this measure, with as much Tranquility and Self Recollection, and Phlegm, if you will, as if I had been a native fullblooded Dutchman. it is not more than two or three times, that I have had Occasion to Say any Thing about it, and then it was not I who introduced the Subject and then I Said very little.

It is not my Intention to discuss the question. it is too ample a Field. But it is not done by the Sovereigns of our Country. What would be Said, in any Nation of Europe, if a new order, was instituted by private Gentlemen, without consulting the Sovereign? it is against our Confederation and against the Constitutions of Several States as it appears to me. it is against the Spirit of our Governments and the Genius of our People. Well may our Government be weak, if the Sovereign, the Confederation and Constitutions are thus neglected. it has and will unavoidably introduce Contests and 105 Dissentions, than which nothing is more injurious to Republican States, especially new ones. I Sincerely hope our officers, whose Merits, no Man is more willing to acknowledge and reward than I am, in any Way consistent with our Principles, will voluntarily, after a little reflection lay it aside. I have written nothing to America upon the subject.

I See no motive of Reason or Prudence, for making a Mystery of our Sentiments upon this subject in Europe or America, or for reserving them for America. it is a publick Thing about which every Man has a right to think for himself and express his Thoughts.

As to your going to America, Surely I have no Objection against it. being asked whether you was going to America I answered that you talked of it, but I questioned whether you would go, as the War was over, and I knew of no particular Motive you might have to go. if you go I wish you a pleasant Voyage, and an happy Sight of your Friends.

With much respect

LbC (Adams Papers); internal address: “Monsieur le Marquis / de la Fayette.”; APM Reel 107.

Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 31 March 1784 Franklin, Benjamin Adams, John

From Benjamin Franklin

Sir, Passy, March 31. 1784

I have the honour of acquainting your Excellency, that an Express from Congress is at last arrived, with their Ratification of the Definitive Treaty. Inclosed I send Copies of the President’s Letter, the Recommendatory Resolution, and the Proclamation, together with three Letters for yourself.1 We have written to Mr Hartley, that we are now ready to make the Exchange.2 With great Respect, I am, / Sir, / Your Excellency’s most obedient / & most humble Servant

B. Franklin

RC (Adams Papers).

All of the documents referred to in this letter were carried by Col. Josiah Harmar. Franklin sent the president of Congress’ letter to the commissioners of 14 Jan. (vol. 15:455–456) with which were enclosed Congress’ 14 Jan. proclamation of the treaty and its 14 Jan. resolution recommending that the states comply with the treaty’s provisions regarding loyalists ( JCC , 26:29–31). The president’s letter and its enclosures are at 14 Jan. in the Adams Papers. While Franklin refers to “three Letters for yourself,” there were probably four. These were from Elbridge Gerry and Arthur Lee, both 14 Jan., and Samuel Osgood, 7 Dec. 1783 and [14 Jan. 1784] (vol. 15:398–414, 447–455). The endorsements on the letters from Lee and Osgood indicate that each was received on 5 April. While Gerry’s letter is not similarly endorsed, he indicates that it was to go with 106 Harmar, which is confirmed by JA in his reply to Gerry of 27 June, below.

Franklin and John Jay wrote to David Hartley on 31 March indicating that despite delays caused by bad weather, the ratified treaty had arrived and they were ready to exchange ratifications at Hartley’s convenience (Jay, Unpublished Papers , 2:707). Hartley replied on 9 April that measures to affect the exchange “with all convenient Speed” were under way (PCC, No. 85, f. 436). Replying to Franklin’s letter on 10 April, JA expressed his hope that the exchange would occur expeditiously, but it did not take place until 12 May (LbC, APM Reel 107; Miller, Treaties , 2:151).