PARIS, March 2, 1788.--Sunday.
DEAR SIR,--I received this day, a letter from Mrs. Adams, of the 26th
ultimo, informing me you would set out on the 29th, for the Hague. Our
affairs at Amsterdam press on my mind like a mountain. I have no
information to go on, but that of Willincks and Van Staphorsts, and
according to that, something seems necessary to be done. I am so
anxious to confer with you on this subject, and to see you and them
together, and get some effectual arrangement made in time, that I
determine to meet you at the Hague. I will set out the moment some
repairs are made to my carriage; it is promised me at three o'clock
to-morrow; but probably they will make it night, and that I may not set
out till Tuesday morning. In that case, I shall be at the Hague on
Friday night; in the meantime, you will perhaps have made all your bows
there. I am sensible how irksome this must be to you, in the moment of
your departure. But it is a great interest of the United States which
is at stake, and I am sure you will sacrifice to that, your feelings
and your interest. I hope to shake you by the hand, within twenty-four
hours after you receive this; and in the meantime, I am, with much
esteem and respect, dear Sir, your affectionate friend and humble
servant.