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 Mightinesses, the favorable occasion that
offers itself in this moment, to revive the manufactures, the
commerce, and the trade, 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
North 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 judged proper to the advancement of the
well-being of the petitioners and of their interests, the petitioners
have further the satisfaction of feeling the most agreeable proofs of
it, when your Noble Mightinesses, in your last Assembly, resolved
unanimously to consent, not only to the admission of the said Mr
Adams, in quality of Minister of the Congress of North America, but to
authorise the gentlemen, 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 North America; or, as that resolution furnishes the proofs
the best intentioned, the most patriotic for the advancement of that,
which may serve to the well-being, 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 indispensably
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 has 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, that they address also at the same time to your Noble
Mightinesses, as the most sincere marks of veneration and respect for
the persons and the direction of public affairs of your Noble
Mightinesses; wishing that Almighty God may deign to bless the efforts
and the councils of your Noble Mightinesses, as well as those of the
other confederates; that, moreover, this Province, and our dear
country, by the propositions of an armistice and that which depends
upon it, 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 our honor 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."
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
* * * * *
TO PETER VAN BLEISWICK, GRAND PENSIONARY OF HOLLAND.
Amsterdam, March 31st, 1782.
Sir,
I have received the letter, which you did me the honor to write me on
the 30th, enclosing the resolution of the States of Holland and West
Friesland, taken on the 28th of this month, upon the subject of my
admission to the audience demanded on the 4th of May, and 9th of
January last.
I am very sensible of the honor that is done me, by this instance of
personal attention to me in their Noble and Grand Mightinesses, and I
beg of you, Sir, to accept of my acknowledgments for the obliging
manner, in which you have communicated to me their resolution.
But my sensibility is above all affected by those unequivocal
demonstrations, which appear everywhere, of national harmony and
unanimity in this important measure; which cannot fail to have the
happiest effects in America, and in all Europe; even in England
itself, as well as in this Republic, and which there is great reason
to hope, will forcibly operate towards the accomplishment of a general
peace.
In the pleasing hope, that all the other Provinces will soon follow
the examples of Holland and Friesland, I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
* * * * *
TO THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON.
Amsterdam, April 10th, 1782.
Sir,
I have this moment received the letter, which you did me the honor to
write me yesterday, with a letter enclosed from Dr Franklin.
The approbation of the Count de Vergennes is a great satisfaction to
me, and I shall be very happy to learn from you, Sir, at Amsterdam,
the details you allude to.
I have a letter from Digges, at London, 2d of April, informing me,
that he had communicated what had passed between him and me, to the
Earl of Shelburne, who did not like the circumstance, that everything
must be communicated to our allies. He says, that Lord Carmaerthen is
to be sent to the Hague, to negotiate a separate peace with Holland.
But, according to all appearances, Holland, as well as America, will
have too much discretion to enter into any separate negotiations.
I have the pleasure to inform you, that Gillon has arrived at the
Havana, with five rich Jamaica ships as prizes. M. Le Roy writes, that
the English have evacuated Charleston.
The enclosed fresh _requete_ of Amsterdam will show your Excellency,
that there is little probability of the Dutchmen being deceived into
separate conferences.
With the most profound respect and esteem, I have the honor to be,
Sir, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Amsterdam. April 19th, 1782.
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit you the following Resolutions of the
respective Provinces, relative to my admission in quality of Minister
Plenipotentiary, together with two Resolutions of their High
Mightinesses, upon the same subject, all in the order in which they
were taken.
FRIESLAND.
Extract from the Register Book of the Lords, the States of Friesland.
"The requisition of Mr Adams, for presenting his letter of credence
from the United States of North America to their High Mightinesses,
having been brought into the assembly and put into deliberation, as
also the ulterior 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 have, probably, some
propositions to make to their High Mightinesses, and to present to
them the principal 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, despatch would be
requisite,
"It has been thought fit and resolved, to authorise the gentlemen, 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 of February, 1782.
"Compared with the aforesaid book, to my knowledge.
A. J. V. SMINIA."
HOLLAND AND WEST FRIESLAND.
Extract of the Resolutions of the Lords, the States of Holland and
West Friesland, taken in the assembly of their Noble and Grand
Mightinesses. Thursday, March 28th, 1782.
"Deliberated by resumption upon the address and the ulterior 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 of 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 ulterior address the said Mr Adams
has demanded a categorical answer, that he may acquaint his
constituents thereof; deliberated also upon the petitions of a great
number of merchants, manufacturers, and others, inhabitants of this
Province interested in commerce, to support their request presented to
the States-General the 20th current, to the end that efficacious
measures might be taken to establish a commerce between this country
and North America, copies of which petitions have been given to the
members the 21st; it has been thought fit, and resolved, that the
affairs shall be directed, on the part of their Noble and Grand
Mightinesses, at the Assembly of the States-General, and that there
shall be there made the strongest instances that Mr Adams be admitted
and acknowledged, as soon as possible, by their High Mightinesses, in
quality of Envoy of the United States of America. And the Counsellor
Pensionary has been charged to inform under his 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, April 8th, 1782.
"The Deputies of the Province of Zealand have brought to the Assembly
and 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 Envoy of the Congress of North
America in the following terms.
"Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of the Lords the States
of Zealand. April 4th, 1782.
"It has been thought fit and ordered, that the gentlemen, the ordinary
Deputies of this Province at the Generality, shall be convoked and
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
Envoy 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 the
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 gentlemen, their ordinary
Deputies, to serve them as an instruction.
J. M. CHALMERS."
"Upon which, having deliberated, it has been thought fit and resolved
to pray, by the present, the gentlemen, the Deputies of the Provinces
of Guelderland, Utrecht, and Groningen, and Ommelanden, who have not
as yet explained themselves upon this 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 of
April, 1782.
"The Grand Bailiff de Sallande, and the other commissions of their
Noble Mightinesses for the affairs of finance, having examined,
conformably to their commissorial resolution of the 3d 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 North America; as well as the resolution of the Lords, the States
of Holland and West Friesland, 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
gentlemen, 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.
DERK DUMBAR."
GRONINGEN.
Extract from the Register of the Resolutions of their Noble
Mightinesses, the States of Groningen and Ommelanden. Tuesday, 9th of
April, 1782.
"The Lords, the States of Groningen and Ommelanden, having heard the
report of the Gentlemen, 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 North 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 has 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 the most solid foundations, as may
confirm and re-assure it by the strongest bonds of reciprocal
interest, and that, in consequence, the Gentlemen, 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 North
America, and to receive the propositions, which he shall make, to make
report of them to the Lords, the States of this Province.
E. LEWE, _Secretary_."
The States-General, having deliberated the same day upon this
Resolution, have resolved, "that the Deputies of the 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. 10th of April, 1782.
"Heard the report of M. 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, the 16th of
January, and the 20th of March, of the present year, 1782, have
examined the resolution of their High Mightinesses of the 4th of May,
1781, containing an overture, that 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 North 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 ulterior overture of 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 has been thought fit, and resolved, that the
Gentlemen, the Deputies of this Province in the States-General, should
be authorised, as their Noble Highnesses 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 West Friesland, and
of Friesland, and to consent, by consequence, that Mr Adams be
acknowledged and admitted as Minister of the United States of North
America, their Noble Mightinesses being at the same 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 in 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 that, on the contrary, their
High Mightinesses wish 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 honor and their dignity. And to this end, an extract of this
shall be carried by missive to the Gentlemen, the Deputies at the
Generality."
GUELDERLAND.
Extract from the _Precis_ of the ordinary Diet, held in the city of
Nimeguen in the month of April, 1782. Wednesday, 17th of 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 North
America having been brought to the Assembly and read, as well as an
ulterior address made upon this subject, with the 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 the 9th of January, 1782, moreover, the resolutions of the
Lords, the States of the six other Provinces, carried successively to
the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, and all tending to admit Mr
Adams, in quality of Envoy of the United States of North America, to
this Republic; upon which their Noble Mightinesses, after
deliberation, have resolved to authorise the Deputies of this
Province, 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 West Friesland, and to consent, by consequence,
that Mr Adams may be acknowledged and admitted, in quality of Envoy of
the United States of North 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.
J. INDE BETOUW."
This resolution of Guelderland was no sooner remitted, on the 19th, to
their High Mightinesses, than they took immediately a resolution
conformable to the unanimous wish of the Seven Provinces, conceived in
the following terms;
"Extract from the register of the resolutions of their High
Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces. Friday,
April 19th, 1782.
"Deliberated by resumption upon the address and the ulterior address,
made by Mr Adams, the 4th of May, 1781, and the 9th of January of the
current year, to 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 ulterior address the said Mr Adams has demanded a categorical
answer, to the end to be able to acquaint his constituents thereof; it
has been thought fit and resolved, that Mr Adams shall be admitted and
acknowledged in quality of Envoy of the United States of North America
to their High Mightinesses, as he is admitted and acknowledged by the
present."
W. BOREEL.
"Compared with the aforesaid register.
H. FAGEL."
THE FORMAL RESOLUTION OF THEIR HIGH MIGHTINESSES.
Extract from the register of the resolutions of their High
Mightinesses, the States-General of the United Provinces. Monday,
April 22d, 1782.
"M. Boreel, who presided in the Assembly the last week, has reported
to their High Mightinesses and notified them, that Mr John Adams,
Envoy of the United States of America, had been with him last
Saturday, and had presented to him a letter from the Assembly of
Congress, written at Philadelphia, the 1st 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 has 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.
W. VAN CITTERS.
"Compared with the aforesaid register.
H. FAGEL."
* * * * *
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
The Hague, April 22d, 1782.
Sir,
On the 22d day of April I was introduced, by the Chamberlain, to His
Most Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange.
Knowing that his Highness spoke English, I asked his permission to
speak to him in that language, to which he answered, smiling, "if you
please, Sir." Although French is the language of the Court, he seemed
to be pleased, and to receive as a compliment my request to speak to
him in English.
I told him I was happy to have the honor of presenting the respects of
the United States of America, and a letter of credence from them to
his Most Serene Highness, and to assure him of the profound veneration
in which the House of Orange had been held in America, even from its
first settlement, and that I should be happier still to be the
instrument of further cementing the new connexions between two
nations, professing the same religion, animated by the same spirit of
liberty, and having reciprocal interests both political and
commercial, so extensive and important; and that in the faithful and
diligent discharge of the duties of my mission, I flattered myself
with hopes of the approbation of His Most Serene Highness.
His Highness received the letter of credence, which he opened and
read. The answer that he made to me was in a voice so low and so
indistinctly pronounced, that I comprehended only the conclusion of
it, which was, that "he had made no difficulty against my reception."
He then fell into familiar conversation with me, and asked me many
questions about indifferent things, as is the custom of Princes and
Princesses upon such occasions. How long I had been in Europe? How
long I had been in this country? Whether I had purchased a house at
the Hague? Whether I had not lived some time at Leyden? How long I had
lived at Amsterdam? How I liked this country? &c.
This conference passed in the Prince's chamber of audience with his
Highness alone. I had waited some time in the antichamber, as the Duc
de la Vauguyon was in conference with the Prince. The Duke, on his
return through the antichamber, meeting me unexpectedly, presented me
his hand with an air of cordiality, which was remarked by every
courtier, and had a very good effect.
The Prince has since said to the Duc de la Vauguyon, that he was
obliged to me for not having pressed him upon the affair of my
reception in the beginning. He had reason; for if I had, and he had
said or done anything offensive to the United States or disagreeable
to me, it would now be remembered much to the disadvantage of the
Court.
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
* * * * *
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
The Hague, April 23d, 1782.
Sir,
On the 23d of April I had the honor of a conference with M. Van
Citters, President of their High Mightinesses, to whom I presented the
following Memorial.
"High and Mighty Lords;--The underwritten, Minister Plenipotentiary of
the United States of America, has the honor to inform your High
Mightinesses, that he is charged by the instructions of his sovereign
to propose to the States-General of the United Provinces of the
Netherlands, a treaty of amity and commerce between the two Republics,
founded upon the principle of equal and reciprocal advantage, and
compatible with the engagements already entered into by the United
States with their allies, as also with such other treaties, which they
design to form with other powers. The undersigned has therefore the
honor to propose, that your High Mightinesses would nominate some
person or persons with full power, to confer and treat with him on
this important subject.
JOHN ADAMS."