Part 2

Desires to see Mr Adams.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 25th, 1781, 216

Ulterior declaration of Prussia concerning the navigation of Prussian subjects.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 25th, 1781, 220

Lord Stormont's answer to the Swedish Envoy, declining the mediation of Sweden, and accepting that of Russia.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, December 26th, 1781, 223

Military operations in the United States.--Encloses resolutions of Congress, relating to captures and recaptures, and prohibiting all commerce in British manufactures.--Requests information from Mr Adams.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, December 29th, 1781, 226

Containing the act of accession to the armed neutrality on the part of Austria, with the note of the Imperial Minister to their High Mightinesses.--Strength of the armed neutrality, if conducted wisely and honestly.

The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. Versailles, December 30th, 1781, 230

Count de Vergennes approves of Mr Adams's proposed visit to members of government, on the subject of his memorial, but advises that nothing be done in writing.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, January 9th, 1782, 231

Military affairs.--The Marquis de Bouillé.--Contrast of the conduct of the English and French in America.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 14th, 1782, 233

Interview with the President of their High Mightinesses, in which Mr Adams demands a categorical answer to his former request of an audience of the States.--Visit to the Secretary of the States on the same subject, who assures him that his request had been taken _ad referendum_.--Similar visits to the Deputies of all the cities.--Constitutions of the municipal governments in Holland.--The nation favors the triple alliance; the policy of the rulers is to propose the mediation of Russia and the triple alliance at the same time.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 15th, 1782, 239

Transmitting the note of the Russian Ambassador, proposing to the States that the neutral powers provide their Ministers at the belligerent Courts with full powers, in regard to affairs arising under the convention of neutrality.

To the President of Congress. Amsterdam, January 16th, 1782, 240

Memorial from the Swedish Envoy at London to Lord Stormont, offering the mediation of Sweden in negotiating a peace between Holland and England.--The English Court complains of the refusal of a Swedish captain to allow vessels under his convoy to be visited.--The Swedish Court approves the measure.--The same principle approved by Russia.--The Russian Ministers at the belligerent Courts are instructed, in similar cases, to make immediate demands of reparation from the offending party.

To Robert R. Livingston, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Amsterdam, February 14th, 1782, 244

Congratulates Mr Livingston on his appointment.--State of affairs in Holland.--Difficult for an American Minister to communicate with the Ministers of other powers.--Mr Barclay purchases goods for the United States in Holland.--British manufactures bought without the knowledge of Mr Adams.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 19th, 1782, 248

The English will not be easily discouraged by the successes of the Americans.--Complicated state of parties in Holland.--Inclinations of the Stadtholder in favor of England.--Parties on subjects of domestic policy.--Justification of the presentation of his credentials.--Motives for printing his memorial.--Conducts himself as a private individual.--The States have accepted the mediation of Russia.--Policy of France in relation to Holland and Spain.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 21st, 1782, 255

Unable to understand the cypher.--Recapitulation of events in Holland before the presentation of his memorial.--Great change produced by that paper.--It has obtained universal approbation in Europe.--Mr Adams's proposition to the Duc de la Vauguyon, produced the offer from France to Congress to assist in effecting a treaty between Holland and the United States.--Influence of the memorial on the policy and late measures of the Emperor.--Other effects of the memorial.--Conversation with the Duc de la Vauguyon on the subject, previous to its presentation.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, February 27th, 1782, 267

The Province of Friesland acknowledges the independence of the United States.--Holland will not probably enter into an alliance with the belligerents.--Buys a house at the Hague on the public account.

The Duc de la Vauguyon to John Adams. The Hague, March 4th, 1782, 269

Objects to a proposition of Mr Adams as impolitic.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, March 5th, 1782, 270

Holland can gain no advantage by a peace with England.--Requests information on the naval force; the public men and their sentiments in Holland.--Recommends frequent visits to the Hague.--Military operations in America.--Prosperous state of the country.--Lord Cornwallis.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 10th, 1782, 275

Resolution of the House of Commons, that an offensive war in America against the sense of the House would be highly criminal.--Other indications of a disposition for peace.--Causes of this state of feeling.--Probable policy of the British Cabinet.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 11th, 1782, 277

Transmitting the Resolution of Friesland, instructing the Deputies in the States-General to receive Mr Adams in his official capacity.--Causes of the change of sentiments on this point in the Regency of Amsterdam.--Character and influence of Friesland.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, March 19th, 1782, 280

Proceedings of the county of Zutphen, on the subject of the official reception of Mr Adams.--Petition of the merchants and manufacturers of Leyden to the grand council of the city, representing the languishing condition of their manufactures, and urging a treaty with America as a means of reviving them.--Petition of the merchants and manufacturers of Amsterdam to the States-General, urging the speedy acknowledgment of American independence.--Petition of the same to the Regency of the city, soliciting the Regency to exert itself in obtaining an immediate decision of the States of the Province in favor of America.--Petition of the commercial interest of Rotterdam to the Regency of the city, praying them to insist on a speedy decision in favor of a treaty with the United States, by the States of the Province.--Petition of the merchants and manufacturers of Holland and West Friesland to the States of the Province, for the adoption of measures in the States-General, and for securing the commerce of America.--Resolution of the States of Holland and West Friesland, to insist on the immediate reception of Mr Adams by the States-General.--Petition of Zwoll.--Addresses of thanks from the citizens of Amsterdam; from the commercial interest of Leyden; and from that of Utrecht, to the States of the Province, for their abovementioned Resolution.

To Peter Van Bleiswick, Grand Pensionary of Holland. Amsterdam, March 31st, 1782, 328

Mr Adams acknowledges the Resolution of the States of Holland and West Friesland, recommending his official reception by the Generality.

To the Duc de la Vauguyon. Amsterdam, April 10th, 1782, 329

Lord Shelburne is not satisfied with the communication of all subjects discussed, to the allies of America.--Holland will not probably treat separately with England.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, April 19th, 1782, 330

Resolutions of the respective Provinces in favor of the reception of Mr Adams, in his official capacity.--Resolutions of the States-General, acknowledging Mr Adams as Minister of the United States.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 22d, 1782, 339

Presentation to the Prince of Orange.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 23d, 1782, 341

In a conference with the President of the States-General, he proposes a treaty of amity and commerce on the principle of reciprocity. Presents a plan of a treaty to the committee of the States, appointed to treat.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, April 23d, 1782, 342

Is introduced to the foreign Ministers at a dinner made in honor of the United States by the French Ambassador.--Receives visits in a private character from the Spanish Minister.

To B. Franklin. Amsterdam, May 2d, 1782, 344

Considers it doubtful whether he shall be present at the negotiations in Paris.--Difficulties in regard to the loan.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, May 16th, 1782, 346

Mr Adams removes to the Hague.--Great obstacles, that have been surmounted in Holland.--Difficulties in the way of a loan.--Recommends to the attention of Congress Messrs Dumas, Thaxter, Jennings, and Cerisier.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May 22d, 1782, 351

The change of Ministry and measures in England will have no effect on the determination of America.--Congress refuses General Carleton's request of a passport for his Secretary.--The salaries of the Ministers will be paid quarterly in America.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May 29th, 1782, 353

Complains of not receiving answers to his communications.--The policy of England to separate France and America.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, May 30th, 1782, 354

Acknowledges the receipt of several letters.--Transmits a new cypher.--Victory of Admiral Rodney.

To Robert R. Livingston. Amsterdam, June 9th, 1782, 356

Report of the Admiralty on the plan of a treaty of commerce, taken _ad referendum_ by the Provinces.--Has opened a loan, but with little prospect of success.--Holland will not treat separately with England.--Mr Laurens declines serving in the commission for peace.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, June 14th, 1782, 358

Answer of France to the request of Russia, not to oppose a separate peace between Holland and England.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, June 15th, 1782, 360

Conference with the Grand Pensionary on the plan of a treaty of commerce.--Mr Adams proposes the sending to the United States an Ambassador and Consuls on the part of Holland.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, July 4th, 1782, 361

Recommends great precision in the terms of the treaty with Holland.--Importance of securing the West India trade.--Securities of a loan to the United States.--Value of American commerce.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 5th, 1782, 363

Desires the ratification by Congress of his contract for a loan.--Terms of the loan.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, July 5th, 1782, 365

Address of the merchants of Schiedam to Congress.

To John Jay. The Hague, August 10th, 1782, 369

Impolitic for the three American Ministers to appear together at Paris, unless to meet an English Minister with full powers to treat with the United States as an independent nation.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August 18th, 1782, 371

M. Brantzen appointed Minister of Holland to negotiate a treaty of peace.--The States of Holland and West Friesland approve the project of a treaty of commerce.--Instructions of the States-General to their Ministers for negotiating a peace at Paris.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, August 22d, 1782, 376

The States-General have received their instructions relative to the treaty of commerce from all the Provinces.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, August 29th, 1782, 376

Complains of the infrequency and delay of despatches from Mr Adams.--Importance of the trade to the West Indies.--Evacuation of Charleston.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 4th, 1782, 380

Sketches of the prominent characters in Holland.--The Duc de la Vauguyon.--Sketches of the foreign Ministers at the Hague.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 6th, 1782, 394

State of the connexion between France and Holland.--Policy of France toward the United States. Influence of the memorial of Mr Adams to the States-General.--The Count de Vergennes opposes the proposition of the triple alliance.--The American Ministers in Europe ought not to be subject to the control of the French Court.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 7th, 1782, 401

Enclosing his accounts.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, September 15th, 1782, 404

Enclosing certain financial resolutions of Congress.--Recommends the use of English language by the American Ministers.--M. Dumas.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 17th, 1782, 407

Conference with the Secretary of the States-General for correcting the treaty of commerce.--Conversation with the French Ambassador on the Dutch naval forces.

Extracts from the Records of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses the States-General of the United Netherlands, 410

Authorising the Deputies for Foreign Affairs to conclude and sign the treaty of commerce, and the convention on the subject of recaptures, with Mr Adams.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 17th, 1782, 412

Probability of the continuance of the armed neutrality.--The acknowledgment of American Independence is not a violation of its principles.--Jealousies of some powers against the House of Bourbon.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, September 23d, 1782, 416

Conversation with the Spanish Minister.--English, Dutch, Spanish, and American Ministers at Paris, without any appearance of a sincere desire to treat on the part of England.--Visit to the Duc de la Vauguyon.--The Duke instructed to propose the concert of the Dutch naval forces with the French, in intercepting the English West India fleet.

A Memorial concerning the Bank of Amsterdam, 419

Giving an account of its funds, mode of transacting business, &c. Note on the above, correcting a statement.

To M. de Lafayette. The Hague, Sept. 29th, 1782, 429

State of American affairs in Holland.--Conduct of the different foreign Ministers towards Mr Adams.

To John Jay. The Hague, October 7th, 1782, 431

Causes which delay his going to Paris.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, October 8th, 1782, 432

The treaty of commerce, and the convention concerning recaptures executed.--Remarks on some of the clauses, and some rejected articles.

To Robert R. Livingston. The Hague, October 12th, 1782, 435

Preparing to set out for Paris.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Oct. 31st, 1782, 436

Arrival in Paris.--Conference with Mr Jay.--Difference of opinion as to the true sense of the instructions to the Ministers, requiring them to act only with the consent of the French Ministry.--Contested points.--Visits the Dutch Minister, who informs him that little progress has been made in the negotiations between Holland and England.--M. Rayneval's visit to England.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 6th, 1782, 439

Mr Jay and Mr Adams have declined treating without a previous acknowledgment of independence.--Information from Holland reaches America by the way of France, before it can be transmitted directly.--The affairs of the Foreign Department ought to be kept secret from France.--Character of the English agents for negotiating the peace.--Real disposition of Lord Shelburne.--Have agreed on boundaries, and the payment of British debts due before the war.--Indemnification of tories and Eastern boundary, points of dispute.--Secret influence of France.--Negotiations at Versailles secret.--The Dutch Ambassador suspects the sincerity of the English.--Mr Oswald proposes that the British army should be allowed to evacuate New York unmolested.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, November 6th, 1782, 445

Military operations have ceased.--Mr Fitzherbert's commission.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 8th, 1782, 447

Importance of insisting upon points of etiquette.--Thinks the instructions to communicate everything to the French Minister is not to be understood literally.--Good effects which have been produced by disobeying them.--Submission of Dr Franklin.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 11th, 1782, 451

Conversation with Count de Vergennes on the controverted points, Eastern boundary, compensation to tories.--Suspicions of the motives of France.--All points should be definitively settled, so as to leave America totally unconnected with any European power.

Robert R. Livingston to John Adams. Philadelphia, November 18th, 1782, 457

Mr Jefferson added to the commission.--The resignation of Mr Laurens not accepted by Congress.--Affair of Captain Asgill.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 18th, 1782, 459

Embarrassments occasioned by the instruction to communicate on all matters with the French Ministers.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Nov. 24th, 1782, 462

Speculations on the probable disposition of the British Cabinet, in case of change.--The acknowledgment of independence still leaves room for disputes on other points.

To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Dec. 4th, 1782, 464

Transmits the preliminary treaty.--Desires to resign his commission in Holland.--Recommends Mr Laurens as his successor.

Extracts from a Journal, 465

Propositions in regard to the Northern and Eastern boundaries.--Mr Adams observes, that the questions of compensation to the tories, and of allowing the claims of British creditors are different in principle.--Mr Jay refuses to treat with the Spanish Minister without exchanging powers.--Mr Jay's refusal to treat with the British, without a previous acknowledgment of independence.--Mr Jay thinks the French Court oppose the claims of the American Ministers.--Visit to Count de Vergennes.--Conversation with Mr Whiteford on the policy of France.--Mr Adams called the Washington of the negotiation.--Conversation with Mr Oswald relative to the compensation of the tories.--Conversation with Mr Vaughan on the same subject.--Conversation with M. de Lafayette on the subject of a loan.--Danger to America from European politics.--Mr Strachey returns from London with the adhesion of the Cabinet to the compensation of the tories.--The fisheries.--Consultation of the American Ministers.--Mr Fitzherbert's negotiations concerning the fisheries.--Mr Adams proposes an article relative to the right of fishing and curing fish.--Discussion of the article.--The American Ministers propose restoration of all goods carried off or destroyed in America, if the compensation is insisted on.--The English Ministers assent to the American ultimatum respecting the fishery and the tories.--Final meeting.--Mr Laurens proposes an article, that the English should carry off no American property.--Reflections on the negotiation.--State of the Dutch negotiations.--"Letters of a distinguished American," by Mr Adams.--Conversation with Mr Oswald on the true policy of England toward America.--Dr Franklin desires to enter upon the negotiation of the definitive treaty.--Mr Adams and Mr Jay prepare the joint letter to Congress.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

JOHN ADAMS,

ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO FRANCE, MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO HOLLAND, AND ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS FOR NEGOTIATING THE TREATY OF PEACE.

VOL. VI. 1

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

OF

JOHN ADAMS.

CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Amsterdam, May 16th, 1781.

Sir,

There has been much said in the public papers concerning conferences for peace, concerning the mediation of the Emperor of Germany and the Empress of Russia, &c. &c. &c.