this solemn testimony of our lively gratitude, as graciously as it is
given sincerely on our part. Receive it as a proof of our attachment to
your persons; an attachment which is not founded upon fear, nor an
exteriour representation of authority and grandeur, but which is founded
on more noble and immoveable principles, those of esteem and respect,
arising from a sentiment of true greatness and of generosity. Be assured
that when contemptible discord, with its odious attendants, artifice and
imposture, could effectuate nothing, absolutely nothing, at the moment
when the present war broke out, to prejudice in the least the fidelity
of the Citizens of the Amstel, or to shake them in the observance of
their duties; the inconveniencies and the evils that a war naturally and
necessarily draws after it will not produce the effect neither. Yes, we
will submit more willingly to them, according as we shall perceive that
the means that GOD and Nature have put into our hands are more and more
employed to reduce and humble an haughty enemy. Continue then, noble,
great, venerable, noble and venerable Lords, to proceed with safety in
the road that you follow, the only one, which in our opinion can, under
the divine benediction, tend to save the country from its present
situation. Let nothing divert or intimidate you from it. You have
already surmounted the greatest difficulties, and the most pointed
cares. A more pleasing perspective already opens. Great Britain, not
long since so proud of her forces, that she feared not to declare war
against an ancient and faithful Ally, already repents of that unjust and
rash proceeding; and, succumbing under the weight of a war, which
becomes more and more burthensome, she sighs after peace; whilst that
the harmony among the members of the supreme Government of this country
increases with our arms, according as your political system, whose
necessity and salutary influence were heretofore less acknowledged,
gains every day more numerous imitators. The resolution lately taken by
the States of Friesland, and so unanimously adopted by our Province,
furnishes, among many others, one incontestible proof of it; whilst the
naval combat fought the last year on Doggersbank, hath shewn to
astonished Europe, that so long a peace hath not made the Republic
forget the management of arms, but that, on the contrary, it nourishes
in its bosom warriors who tread in the footsteps of the _Tromps_ and
_Ruiters_, from whose prudence and intrepidity, after a beginning so
glorious, we may promise ourselves the most heroic actions; that their
invincible courage, little affected with an evident superiority, will
procure, one day, to our country an honourable and permanent peace,
which, in eternizing their military glory, will cause the wise policy of
your noble, great, venerable, and noble and venerable Lordships, to be
blessed by the latest posterity.
UTRECHT.
_24th April, 1782._
TO THEIR NOBLE MIGHTINESSES, THE LORDS THE STATES OF THE COUNTRY OF
UTRECHT.
The undersigned manufacturers, merchants, and other traders of this City
give, with due respect, to understand, that the petitioners, placing
their confidence in the interest that your noble Mightinesses have
always appeared to take in the advancement of manufactures and commerce,
have not been at all scrupulous to recommend to the vigilant attention
of your noble Mightinessess, the favourable occasion that offers itself
in this moment, to revive the manufactures, commerce, and trades fallen
into decay in this City and Province, in case that your noble
Mightinesses acknowledged, in the name of this City, Mr. Adams as
Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, to the end
that there might be formed with them a treaty of commerce for this
Republic. As the petitioners founded themselves thus upon the intimate
sentiment of the execution of that which your noble Mightinesses judge
proper to the advancement of the well-being of the petitioners and of
their interests, the petitioners have further the satisfaction of seeing
the most agreeable proofs of it, when your noble Mightinesses, in your
last Assembly, resolved unanimously to consent, not only to the
admission of Mr. Adams in quality of Minister of the Congress of North
America, but to authorise the Lords the Deputies of this Province at the
Generality, to conform themselves in the name of this Province, to the
resolutions of the Lords the States of Holland and West Friesland, and
of Friesland; and, doing this, to consent to the acknowledgment and
admission of Mr. Adams, as Minister of the United States of America. As
that resolution furnishes the proofs the best intentioned, the most
patriotic, for the advancement of that which may serve to the well-being
and to the encouragement of manufactures, of commerce, and of decayed
trades, as well in general, as of this City and Province in particular,
and which had been so ardently desired; the petitioners think themselves
indispensibly obliged to testify, in the most respectful manner, their
gratitude for it to your noble Mightinesses. The petitioners find
themselves absolutely unable to express, in words, the general
satisfaction that this event hath caused; not only to them; but also to
the great and small of this Province; joined to the confirmation of the
perfect conviction in which they repose themselves, also, for the
future, upon the paternal care of your noble Mightinesses, that the
consummation of the desired treaty of commerce with the Americans may be
soon effected. The petitioners attest by the present, before your noble
Mightinesses, their solemn and well-meant gratitude, which they address
at the same time to your noble Mightinesses, as the most sincere mark of
veneration and respect for the persons, and the direction of public
affairs, of your noble Mightinesses; praying that Almighty God may deign
to bless the efforts and the councils of your noble Mightinesses, as
well as those of the Confederates; that moreover this Province, and our
dear country, by the propositions of an Armistice, and that which
depends thereon, should not be involved in any negotiations for a
particular peace with our perfidious enemy, but that we obtain no other
peace than a general peace, which (as your noble Mightinesses express
yourselves in your resolution) may be compatible with their honour and
dignity; and serve not only for this generation, but also for the latest
posterity, as a monument of glory, of eternal gratitude to, and esteem
for the persons and public administration of the present time.
FRIESLAND.
_EXTRACT from the Register-Book of the Lords the States of Friesland_.
The requisition of Mr. Adams, for presenting his letters of credence
from the United States of America to their High Mightinesses, having
been brought into the assembly, and put into deliberation, as also the
ulteriour address to the same purpose, with a demand of a categorical
answer, made by him, as is more amply mentioned in the minutes of their
High Mightinesses of the 4th of May, 1781, and the 9th of January, 1782;
whereupon it having been taken into consideration that the said Mr.
Adams would probably have some propositions to make to their High
Mightinesses, and to present to them the principle articles and
foundations upon which the Congress, on their part, would enter into a
treaty of commerce and friendship, or other affairs to propose, in
regard to which dispatch would be requisite.
It has been thought fit and resolved to authorize the Lords the Deputies
of this Province at the Generality, and to instruct them to direct
things, at the table of their High Mightinesses, in such a manner that
the said Mr. Adams be admitted forthwith as Minister of the Congress of
North America; with further order to the said Deputies that if there
should be made moreover any similar propositions by the same, to inform
immediately their noble Mightinesses of them. And an extract of the
present resolution shall be sent them for their information, that they
may conduct themselves conformably.
Thus resolved at the Province House the 26th February, 1782.
Compared with the aforesaid book to my knowledge.
_Signed_
A. J. V. SMINIA.
HOLLAND
AND
WESTFRIESLAND.
_EXTRACT of the Resolutions of the Lords the States of Holland and
Westfriesland, taken in the Assembly of their Noble and Grand
Mightinesses, Thursday 28th March, 1782_.
Deliberated by resumption upon the address and the ulteriour address of
Mr. Adams, made the 4th of May, 1781, and the 9th of January, 1782, to
the President of the States General, communicated to the Assembly the
9th May, 1781, and the 22d of last month, to present his letters of
credence, in the name of the United States of America, to their High
Mightinesses; by which ulteriour address, the said Mr. Adams hath
demanded a categorical answer, that he may acquaint his constituents
thereof: deliberated also upon the petitions of a great number of
merchants, manufacturers and other inhabitants of this Province,
interested in commerce to support their request presented to the States
General, the twentieth current, to the end, that efficacious measures
might be taken to establish a commerce between this country and North
America, copy of which petitions have been given to the members, the
twenty-first; it hath been thought fit and resolved that the affair
shall be directed on the part of their noble and grand Mightinesses, at
the assembly of the States General, and that there shall be made the
strongest instances that Mr. Adams be admitted and acknowledged, as soon
as possible, by their High Mightinesses, in quality of Ambassador of the
United States of America. And the Counsellor Pensionary hath been
charged to inform under hand the said Mr. Adams of this resolution of
their noble and grand Mightinesses.
ZEALAND.
_EXTRACT of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses the States
General of the United Provinces. Monday 8th April, 1782_.
The Deputies of the Province of Zealand have brought to the Assembly,
and have caused to be read there, the resolution of the States of the
said Province, their principals, to cause to be admitted, as soon as
possible, Mr. Adams in quality of Ambassador of the Congress of North
America, according to the following resolution.
_EXTRACT from the Register of the Resolutions of the Lords the States of
Zealand, 4th of April, 1782_.
It hath been thought fit and ordered, that the Lords, the ordinary
Deputies of this Province at the Generality, shall be authorised, as it
is done by the present, to assist, in the direction of affairs at the
Assembly of their High Mightinesses, in such a manner, that Mr. Adams
may be acknowledged, as soon as possible, as Ambassador of the Congress
of North America; that his letters of credence be accepted; and that he
be admitted in that quality, according to the ordinary form; enjoining
further upon the said Lords the ordinary Deputies, to take such
propositions, as should be made to this Republic by the said Mr. Adams,
for the information and deliberation of their High Mightinesses, to the
end to transmit them here as soon as possible. And an extract of this
resolution of their noble Mightinesses shall be sent to the Lords, their
ordinary Deputies, to serve them as an instruction.
_Signed_
J. M. CHALMERS.
Upon which having deliberated, it hath been thought fit and resolved to
pray, by the present, the Lords the Deputies of the Province of
Guelderland, Utrecht, and Groningen and Ommelanden, who have not yet
explained themselves upon the subject, to be pleased to do it as soon as
possible.
OVERYSSEL.
_EXTRACT from the Register of the Resolutions of the Equestrian Order,
and of the Cities composing the States of Overyssel. Zwoll, 5th April,
1782._
Mr. the Grand Bailiff of Saalland, and the other Commissioners of their
noble Mightinesses for the affairs of finance, having examined,
conformably to their commissorial resolution of the third of this month,
the addresses of Mr. Adams, communicated to the Assembly the 4th of May,
1781, and the 22d of February, 1782, to present his letters of credence
to their High Mightinesses, in the name of the United States of America;
as well as the resolution of the Lords the States of Holland and
Westfriesland, dated the 28th of March, 1782, carried the 29th of the
same month to the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, for the admission
and acknowledgment of Mr. Adams, have reported to the Assembly, that
they should be of opinion, that the Lords the Deputies of this Province
in the States General ought to be authorised and charged to declare in
the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, that the Equestrian order and
the Cities judge that it is proper to acknowledge, as soon as possible,
Mr. Adams in quality of Minister of the United States of North America
to their High Mightinesses. Upon which, having deliberated, the
Equestrian order and the Cities have conformed themselves to the said
report.
Compared with the aforesaid Register.
_Signed_
DERK DUNBAR.
GRONINGEN.
_EXTRACT from the Register of the Resolutions of their noble
Mightinesses, the States of Groningen and Ommelanden. Tuesday 9th April,
1782._
The Lords the States of Groningen and Ommelanden, having heard the
report of the Lords the Commissioners for the petitions of the Council
of State and the Finances of the Province, and having carefully examined
the demand of Mr. Adams, to present his letters of credence from the
United States of America to their High Mightinesses, have, after
deliberation upon the subject, declared themselves of opinion, that in
the critical circumstances in which the Republic finds itself at
present, it is proper to take, without loss of time, such efficacious
measures, as may not only repair the losses and damages that the kingdom
of Great Britain hath caused in a manner so unjust, and against every
shadow of right, to the commerce of the Republic, as well before as
after the war, but particularly such as may establish the free
navigation and the commerce of the Republic, for the future, upon on the
most solid foundations, as may confirm and re-assure it, by the
strongest bonds of reciprocal interest; and that, in consequence, the
Lords the Deputies at the Assembly of their High Mightinesses ought to
be authorised, on the part of the Province, as they are by the present,
to admit Mr. Adams to present his letters of credence from the United
States of America, and to receive the propositions which he shall make,
to make report of them to the Lords the States of this Province.
_Signed_
E. LEWE, Secretary.
The States General, having deliberated the same day upon the resolution,
have resolved, that the Deputies of this Province of Guelderland, which
has not yet declared itself upon the same subject, should be requested,
to be pleased to do it as soon as possible.
UTRECHT.
_EXTRACT of the Resolutions of their noble Mightinesses, the States of
the Province of Utrecht, 10 April 1782_.
Heard the report of Mr. De Westerveld and other deputies of their noble
Mightinesses for the department of war, who, in virtue of the
commissorial resolutions of the 9th of May 1781, 16th January and 20th
March of the present year 1782, have examined the resolutions of their
High Mightinesses of the 4th of May 1781, containing an overture, that
Mr. the President of the Assembly of their High Mightinesses had made,
"that a person styling himself J. Adams had been with him, and had given
him to understand, that he had received letters of credence for their
High Mightinesses from the United States of America, with a request,
that he would be pleased to communicate them to their High Mightinesses;
as well as the resolution of their High Mightinesses of the 9th of
January, containing an ulteriour overture of Mr. the President, that the
said Mr. Adams had been with him, and had insisted upon a categorical
answer, whether his said letters of credence would be accepted or not;
finally the resolution of their High Mightinesses of the 5th of March
last, with the insertion of the resolution of Friesland, containing a
proposition to admit Mr. Adams in quality of Minister of the Congress of
North America."
Upon which having deliberated, and remarked that the Lords the States of
Holland and West Friesland, by their resolution carried the 29th of
March to the States General, have also consented to the admission of the
said Mr. Adams in quality of minister of the Congress of North America,
it hath been thought fit and resolved, that the Lords the Deputies of
this Province in the States General should be authorised, as their noble
Mightinesses authorise them by the present, to conform themselves, in
the name of this Province, to the resolution of the Lords the States of
Holland and Westfriesland, and of Friesland, and to consent by
consequence, that Mr. Adams be acknowledged and admitted as Minister of
the United States of America; their noble Mightinesses being, in the
mean time, of opinion, that it would be necessary to acquaint her
Majesty the Empress of Russia, and the other Neutral Powers, with the
resolution to be taken by their High Mightinesses upon this subject, in
communicating to them, as much as shall be necessary, the reasons which
have induced their High Mightinesses to it, and giving them the
strongest assurances that the intention of their High Mightinesses is by
no means to prolong thereby the war, which they would have willingly
prevented and terminated long since; but on the contrary, that their
High Mightinesses with nothing with more ardor, than a prompt
re-establishment of peace; and that they shall be always ready, on their
part, to co-operate in it, in all possible ways, and with a suitable
readiness, so far as that shall be any way compatible with their honour
and their dignity, and for this end an extract of this shall be carried
by Missive to the Lords the Deputies at the Generality.
GUELDERLAND.
_EXTRACT from the Reces of the ordinary Diet, holden in the City of
Nimeguen, in the Month of April 1782. Wednesday, 17 April 1782._
The requisition of Mr. Adams, to present his letters of credence to
their High Mightinesses in the name of the United States of America,
having been brought to the assembly and read, as well as an ulteriour
address made upon this subject, with a demand of a categorical answer by
the said Mr. Adams, more amply mentioned in the registers of their High
Mightinesses of the date of the 4th of May 1781, and of the 9th of
January 1782; moreover the resolutions of the Lords the States of the
five other provinces, carried successively to the assembly of their High
Mightinesses, and all tending to admit Mr. Adams in quality of
Ambassador of the United States of America to this Republic; upon which
their noble Mightinesses, after deliberation, have resolved to authorise
the deputies of this Province at the States General, as they authorise
them by the present, to conform themselves in the name of this Province
to the resolution of the Lords the States of Holland and Westfriesland,
and to consent, by consequence, that Mr. Adams may be acknowledged and
admitted in quality of Ambassador of the United States of America to
this Republic. In consequence, an extract of the present shall be sent
to the said Deputies, to make as soon as possible the requisite overture
of it to the assembly of their High Mightinesses.
In fidem extracti.
_Signed_
J. IN DE BETOUW.
THE STATES GENERAL.
_EXTRACT from the Register of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses
the States General of the United Provinces. Friday 19 April, 1782._
Deliberated by resumption, upon the address and the ulteriour address,
made by Mr. Adams the 4th of May 1781, and the 9th of January of the
current year to Mr. the President of the Assembly of their High
Mightinesses, to present to their High Mightinesses his letters of
credence in the name of the United States of North America; and by which
ulteriour address the said Mr. Adams hath demanded a categorical answer,
to the end to be able to acquaint his Constituents thereof; it hath been
thought fit and resolved that Mr. Adams shall be admitted and
acknowledged in quality of Ambassador of the United States of North
America to their High Mightinesses, as he is admitted and acknowledged
by the present.
_Signed_
W. BOREEL, _President_.
_Lower down_
Compared with the aforesaid Register.
_Signed_
H. FAGEL.
_EXTRACT from the Register of the Resolutions of their High Mightinesses
the States General of the United Provinces, Monday, 22d April, 1782_.
Mr. Boreel, who presided in the Assembly the last week, hath reported to
their High Mightinesses, and notified to them, that Mr. John Adams,
Ambassador of the United States of America, had been with him last
Saturday, and presented to him a letter from the Assembly of Congress,
written at Philadelphia, the first of January, 1781, containing a
credence, for the said Mr. Adams, to the end to reside in quality of its
Minister Plenipotentiary near their High Mightinesses: Upon which having
deliberated, it hath been thought fit and resolved, to declare by the
present: "That the said Mr. Adams is agreeable to their High
Mightinesses; that he shall be acknowledged in quality of Minister
Plenipotentiary; and that there shall be granted to him an audience, or
assigned Commissioners, when he shall demand it." Information of the
above shall be given to the said Mr. Adams, by the Agent van der Burch
de Spieringshoek.
_Signed_
W. VAN CITTERS, _President_.
_Lower down_
Compared with the aforesaid Register.
_Signed_
H. FAGEL.
MEDAL.
TO THE NOBLE AND MIGHTY LORDS, THE STATES OF FRIESLAND,
The Society of Citizens, established at Leeuwarden, under the motto, "By
Liberty and Zeal," most humbly represents, that it desires to have an
opportunity of testifying publicly, by facts, to your noble
Mightinesses, the most lively, but, at the same time, the most
respectful sentiments of gratitude, which not only animate them, but
also, as they assure themselves, all the well intentioned Citizens,
especially, with relation to the resolutions equally important, and full
of wisdom; which your noble Mightinesses have taken upon all the points,
in regard to which the critical circumstances, in which our dear country
finds itself plunged, have furnished to your noble Mightinesses, objects
equally numerous and disagreeable, particularly, at the ordinary Diet of
the year 1782, and at the extraordinary Diet holden in the month of
April last; resolutions which bear not only the characters of wisdom,
but also those of the best intentioned solicitude, and the purest love
of our country; and which prove, in the most convincing manner, that
your noble Mightinesses have no greater ambition than its universal
prosperity; assiduously proposing to yourselves, as the most important
object of your attention, of your enterprises, and of your attachment,
the rule, _Salus Populi suprema Lex esto_; resolutions, in fine, which
ought perfectly to re-assure the good Citizens of this Province, and
encourage them to persevere in that full and tranquil confidence which
has hindered them from representing to your noble Mightinesses the true
interests of the country, and to exhort them, at the same time, by their
supplications, to act with courage, and to fulfil their duties;
considering that the said resolutions have fully assured them, that
their possessions, with that which is above all things dear to them,
their Liberty (that right which is more precious to them than their
lives; to which the smallest injury cannot be done, without doing wrong
and dishonour to humanity; a right, nevertheless, which, if we consider
the world in general, has been, alas! almost every where equally
violated) are deposited in safety, under the vigilant eye of your noble
Mightinesses.
The Society has thought that it might accomplish its wishes, in the most
convenient and decent manner, in causing to be stricken, at its expence,
a Medal of silver, which may remain to posterity a durable monument of
the perfect harmony which at the present dangerous epoch has reigned
between the government and the people. It has conceived, for this
purpose, a sketch or project, as yet incomplete, according to which one
of the sides of the Medal should bear the Arms of Friesland, held by an
hand, which descends from the clouds, with an inscription in the
following terms: _To the States of Friesland, in grateful Memory of the
Diets of February and of April, 1782, dedicated by the Society_ LIBERTY
AND ZEAL. An inscription, which would thus contain a general applause of
all the resolutions taken in these two Diets; whilst upon the reverse,
one should distinguish, more particularly, the two events which interest
the most our common country, in regard of which your noble Mightinesses
have given the example to the States of the other Provinces, and which
merit, for this reason, as placed in the foremost situation, to shew
itself the most clearly to the fight: to wit, "The admission of Mr.
Adams in quality of Minister of the United States of America to this
Republic; and the refusal of a separate peace with Great Britain."
Events which should be represented symbolically by a Frisian, dressed
according to the ancient characteristic custom of the Frisians, holding
out his right-hand to an inhabitant of North America, in token of
friendship and brotherly love; whilst with the left-hand he rejects the
peace which England offers him. The whole with such convenient
additions, and symbolical ornaments, which the Society, perhaps, would
do well to leave to the invention of the medalist, &c.
[_The remainder of this request relates to other subjects._]
Done at Leeuwarden the 8th May, 1782.
The Society "BY LIBERTY AND ZEAL."
_Signed at its request_
W. WOPKENS,
_in the absence of the Secretary_.
AN
ESSAY
ON
CANON AND FEUDAL LAW.
BY JOHN ADAMS,
AMBASSADOR PLENIPOTENTIARY
FROM THE
UNITED AND INDEPENDENT STATES OF NORTH AMERICA,
TO THEIR
HIGH MIGHTINESS THE STATES GENERAL OF THE UNITED PROVINCES OF HOLLAND.
AN
ESSAY
ON
CANON AND FEUDAL LAW.