1785 Letters

Richmond, VA - 1 January 1785

A Resolution has passed both Houses instructing the Commissioners, appointed in June last to settle with Maryland Commissioners the jurisdiction of the Potowniac

Richmond, VA - 8 January 1785

I fear, a revival of those intrigues and contests of ambition which have more than once distracted and dishonoured the National Councils.

Auteuil, FRA - 18 January 1785

Amongst the public edifices which are worthy of notice in this country, are several churches. I went, a few days since, to see three of the most celebrated in Paris.

New York, NY - 19 January 1785

Advices from Kentucky inform us that they are threatened with an Indian war ; and there is some room to conjecture that such an event would not be disagreeable to our western neighbours, who, if they do interfere, will certainly be more cunning than

Auteuil, FRA - 20 January 1785

description

Auteuil, FRA - 24 January 1785

And in the first place, my dear Lucy, shall I find a little fault with you ? A fault, from which neither your good sister, nor cousin Abby, is free. It is that all of you so much neglect your handwriting.

Berkley, VA - 8 February 1785

As to your fears of appearing ostentatious, by a refusal, I think they are altogether groundless. Your countrymen have too high an opinion of your discernment not to acquiesce in your determination

Paris, FRA - 15 February 1785

the King is concerned that your domestic affairs deprive him of the satisfaction to see a man, whose talents and virtues have procured the happiness of his country, and excited the admiration of all others.

Auteuil, FRA - 20 February 1785

I have seen many of the beauties, and some of the deformities, of this old world. I have been more than ever convinced, that there is no summit of virtue, and no depth of vice, which human nature is not capable of rising to, on the one hand, or sinki

Orange, VA - 10 March 1785

I learn from an intelligent person lately from Kentucky, that the Convention there produced nothing but a statement of grievances

Richmond, VA - 19 March 1785

I will freely own to you, that I am embarrassed to reconcile the law, taken in its full extent, with the declarations you mention, and a fixed purpose of refusing pecuniary rewards.

Orange, VA - 20 March 1785

Nature has given the use of the Mississippi to those who may settle on its waters, as she gave to the United States their independence.

Orange, VA - 21 March 1785

He has probably already mentioned to you the advances which Kentucky was said to be making towards an independent Government.

New York, NY - 24 March 1785

I consider knowledge to be the soul of a republic ; and as the weak and the wicked are generally in alliance, as much care should be taken to diminish the number of the former, as of the latter. Education is the way to do this

Boston, MA - 24 March 1785

My jealousy for your fame is so high that I should prefer seeing you, Cincinnatus-like, following your plough, rather than accept the least pecuniary reward whatever.

New York, NY - 31 March 1785

I have the honour of transmitting to you herewith enclosed a certified copy of an act of Congress of the 21st instant, instructing you to communicate to Mr. St. Saphorin

Albany, NY - 0 April 1785

Have you not been tormented with some embarrassments which I wickedly left you to struggle with?

New York, NY - 0 April 1785

I persuade myself this is the last day you spend in Philadelphia.

New York, NY - 0 April 1785

The family as you left it. Thy Theodosia's health and spirits increase daily. Bartow's industry and utility are striking to the family and strangers.

Orange, VA - 12 April 1785

The appointment of Mr. Adams to the Court of Great Britain is a circumstance which does not contradict my expectations.

Orange, VA - 27 April 1785

I thank you much for your attention to my literary wants.

Orange, VA - 28 April 1785

I hear frequent complaints of the disorders of our coin, and the want of uniformity in the denominations of the States.

New York, NY - 28 April 1785

I have accepted the office which Congress was pleased to offer me, and shall be much obliged to vou for such intelligence from time to time as you may think useful for me to receive, and prudent for you to communicate.

Chester, SC - 0 May 1785

Appearances are hostile; they talk of twenty or twenty-five days at least. I believe I shall not hold out so long.

Chester, SC - 0 May 1785

I strayed this morning for an hour or two in the woods, where I lay on a rock to enjoy the wild retreat.

Chester, SC - 0 May 1785

I then contemplate nothing so eagerly as my return; amuse myself with ideas of my own happiness, and dwell on the sweet domestic joys which I fancy prepared for me.

, SC - 0 May 1785

Our cavalcade is most fortunately composed. Some who abhor fatigue, others who admire good fare, by which by which combination we ride slow and live well.

New York, NY - 0 May 1785

Your dear little daughter seeks you twenty times a day; calls you to your meals, and will not suffer your chair to be filled by any of the family.

New York, NY - 0 May 1785

I have a little fever hanging about me, which tends to depress my spirits for the time.

New York, NY - 0 May 1785

The ordinance for disposing of the western territory has been under consideration ever since I wrote you last, and has undergone several alterations ; the most considerable of which is, that one half of the land is to be sold by sections or lots

New York, NY - 3 May 1785

We are amused here with an account, that does not indeed come officially to us, hut however in such a way as to merit attention.

Auteuil, FRA - 7 May 1785

Well, my dear niece, I have returned from Mr. Adams's. When I got there, I found a pretty large company. It consisted of the Marquis and Madame de la Fayette...

Auteuil, FRA - 8 May 1785

You can hardly form an idea how difficult and expensive it is to be housekeeping a few months at a time in so many different countries. It has been Mr. Adams's fortune, ever since he came abroad, not to live a year at a time in one place.

Auteuil, FRA - 8 May 1785

Can my dear sister realize that it is near eleven months since I left her ? To me it seems incredible ; more like a dream than a reality. Yet it ought to appear the longest ten months of my life

Paris, FRA - 11 May 1785

Thomas Jefferson letter to John Jay... appointing me their Minister Plenipotentiary at this court...

Chester, SC - 12 May 1785

I bear the fatigues of our business to admiration. Have great appetite, and sleep sound about ten hours a night. I am already as black as a Shawanese.

Chester, SC - 19 May 1785

We have this day begun the examination of witnesses, which, together with the arguments, will keep us the greater part, and probably the whole, of next week.

Chester, SC - 20 May 1785

Our witnesses are so aged, and many so remote, that they will not be in till Monday, so that, at this rate, we shall eke out the whole of next week.

New York, NY - 22 May 1785

Your dear little Theo. grows the most engaging child you ever saw. She frequently talks of, and calls on, her dear papa.

Orange, VA - 29 May 1785

It is fortunate that the variant ideas have been so easily accommodated touching the mode of surveying and selling the territorial fund.

New York, NY - 31 May 1785

Our frontier posts still have British garrisons, and we are impatient to hear why they are not. evacuated. Mr. Adams, I suppose, is by this time in London ; his letters will remove our suspense on that head.

Paris, FRA - 7 June 1785

Thomas Jefferson letter to GENERAL CHASTELLUX... It is possible, that in my own country, these strictures might produce an irritation...

Passy, FRA - 15 June 1785

Thomas Jefferson letter to John Adams... Among the instructions given to the ministers of the United States for treating with foreign powers, was one of the 11th of May, 1784...

Paris, FRA - 16 June 1785

In a letter of January the 12th, to Governor Harrison, I informed him of the necessity that the statuary should see General Washington; that we should accordingly send him over unless the Executive disapproved of it

Paris, FRA - 17 June 1785

I am much pleased with Otto's appointment; he is good-humored, affectionate to America, will see things in a friendly light when they admit of it, in a rational one always, and will not pique himself on writing every trifling circumstance of irritati

Orange, VA - 21 June 1785

Finding from a letter of Mr. Mazzei that you have never been furnished with a copy of the Bill for establishing the Christian Religion in this State, I now inclose one, regretting that I had taken it for granted that you must have been supplied throu

Paris, FRA - 21 June 1785

The political world is almost lulled to sleep by the lethargic state of the Dutch negotiation, which will probably end in peace.

Paris, FRA - 22 June 1785

Our latest letters from America are of the middle of April, and are extremely barren of news. Congress had not yet proposed a time for their recess, though it was thought a recess would take place.

Paris, FRA - 23 June 1785

What is become of this Mr. Lambe? I am uneasy at the delay of that business, since we know the ultimate decision of Congress.

London, ENG - 24 June 1785

The sitting of Parliament, the birth-day of the King, and the famous celebration of the music of Handel at Westminster Abbey had drawn together such a concourse of people, that we were glad to get into lodgings at the moderate price of a guinea per d

Paris, FRA - 4 July 1785

My dear General, This letter will be delivered by the celebrated M. Houdon, who is going, for your statue, to America.

Paris, FRA - 5 July 1785

Little has occurred since my last. Peace seems to show herself under a more decided form. The Emperor is now on a journey to Italy, and the two Dutch Plenipotentiaries have set out for Vienna

Paris, FRA - 5 July 1785

I wish you may be rightly informed that the property of Mr. Sprowle is yet unsold. It was advertised so long ago, as to found a presumption that the sale has taken place. In any event, you may safely go to Virginia.

Paris, FRA - 7 July 1785

We daily expect from the Baron Thulemeyer the French column for our treaty with his sovereign.

Paris, FRA - 10 July 1785

Mr. Houdon would much sooner have had the honor of attending you, but for a spell of sickness, which long induced us to despair of his recovery, and from which he is but recently recovered.

Orange, VA - 11 July 1785

I agree perfectly with you in thinking it the interest of this country to embrace the first decent opportunity of parting with Kentucky, and to refuse with firmness to part with any more of our settlements beyond the Alleghany.

Paris, FRA - 11 July 1785

Mr. Houdon's long and desperate illness has retarded, till now, his departure for Virginia. We had hoped, from our first conversations with him, that it would be easy to make our terms, and that the cost of the statue and expense of sending him, woul

Paris, FRA - 12 July 1785

You are right in supposing all letters opened which come either through the French or English channel, unless trusted to a passenger. Yours had evidently been opened, and I think I never received one through the post office which had not been.

Paris, FRA - 12 July 1785

In consequence of the orders of the legislative and executive bodies of Virginia, I have engaged Monsieur Houdon to make the statue of General General Washington. For this purpose it is necessary for him to see the General.

Paris, FRA - 12 July 1785

While Captain Jones was hovering on the coast of England, in the year 1779, a British pilot, John Jackson by name, came on board him, supposing him to be British. Captain Jones found it convenient to detain him as a pilot

Paris, FRA - 13 July 1785

I am glad to hear that the Council have ordered restitution of the merchandise seized at L'Orient, contrary to the freedom of the place.

Paris, FRA - 13 July 1785

I am very sensible that no trade can be on a more desperate footing than that of tobacco, in this country; and that our merchants must abandon the French markets, if they are not permitted to sell the productions they bring

Sarreguemines, FRA - 14 July 1785

I have been lately visiting some French towns, where I spoke a great deal about American trade, and fully answered the views I had the honor to communicate in a former letter.

New York, NY - 15 July 1785

Let me request the continuance of your correspondence, and be assured that it will always give me pleasure to communicate to you such intelligence respecting American occurrences as may appear interesting.

Paris, FRA - 17 July 1785

But why, you will ask, do I send you old almanacs, which are proverbially useless? Because, in these publications have appeared, from time to time, some of the most precious things in astronomy.

Baltimore, MD - 18 July 1785

The favorable reception of my grammatical publication in the Northern States, has induced me to offer them for sale in the Southern

New York, NY - 25 July 1785

Congress are informed, by a letter from Mr. Adams, that he has been introduced to the King of Great Britain in due form, and received as a public Minister from the United States of America.

Orange, VA - 26 July 1785

I have a letter from the Marquis, but dated as far back as March. It was accompanied with a Copy of a French memorial to the Emperor, which seems to have stifled the War in its birth

Paris, FRA - 28 July 1785

Mr. Short sets out immediately. I have put into his hands a letter of instructions how to conduct himself, which I have signed, leaving a space above for your signature.

Paris, FRA - 29 July 1785

Congress, having made a very considerable purchase of land from the Indians, have established a land office, and settled the mode of selling the lands. Their plan is judicious.

Paris, FRA - 30 July 1785

Supposing that the funds, which are the object of your inquiry, are those which constitute what we call our domestic debt, it is my opinion that they are absolutely secure: I have no doubt at all but that they will be paid

Paris, FRA - 31 July 1785

When the first article of our instructions of May 7th, 1784, was under debate in Congress, it was proposed that neither party should make the other pay, in their ports, greater duties, than they paid in the ports of the other.

New York, NY - 3 August 1785

John Quincy Adams letter to father... The politicians here wait with great impatience to hear from you. Matters seem to be at a crisis.

Paris, FRA - 3 August 1785

The enclosed copy of a letter from Captain John Paul Jones, on the subject on which your Excellency did me the honor to write me, on the day of July, will inform you that there is still occasion to be troublesome to you.

Paris, FRA - 3 August 1785

Will you be so good as to make an inquiry into all the circumstances relative to Peyrouse's expedition, which seem to ascertain his destination.

Paris, FRA - 6 August 1785

I now enclose you a draught of a treaty for the Barbary States, together with the notes Benjamin Franklin left me.

Orange, VA - 7 August 1785

Much, indeed, is it to be wished, as I conceive, that no regulations of trade, that is to say, no restrictions on imposts whatever, were necessary.

Paris, FRA - 7 August 1785

The concern you therein express as to the effect of your pamphlet in America, induces me to trouble you with some observations on that subject.

Paris, FRA - 10 August 1785

The cause of the balance against this country in favor of England, as well as its amount, is not agreed on. No doubt, the rage for English manufactures must be a principal cause.

Paris, FRA - 10 August 1785

In your letter of June the 21st, you asked my opinion whether yourself or your son might venture to go to Virginia, to claim your possessions there?

New York, NY - 13 August 1785

Our men, for the most part, mind their business, and our women their families ; and if our wives succeed (as most of them do) in "making home man's best delight," gallantry seldom draws their husbands from them.

Paris, FRA - 13 August 1785

I write by Mr. Cairnes merely to inform you, that I have, as yet, received no answer from the Marechal de Castries. I am in daily expectation of one.

Paris, FRA - 13 August 1785

I wrote to you, acknowledging the receipt, and apprizing you, that between that date and the 1st of August, it would be impossible to procure, and get to your hands, the drafts you desired.

Paris, FRA - 14 August 1785

I took an opportunity of asking the Count de Vergennes, whether the Chevalier Luzerne proposed to return to America. He answered me that he did; and that he was here, for a time only, to arrange his private affairs.

London, ENG - 15 August 1785

It is one of the finest squares in London. The air is as pure as it can be so near a great city. It is but a small distance from Hyde Park, round which I sometimes walk, but oftener ride.

Paris, FRA - 15 August 1785

In the conversation which I had the honor of having with your Excellency, a few days ago, on the importance of placing, at this time, the commerce between France and America on the best footing possible

Paris, FRA - 17 August 1785

he has not been able to get an authentic roll of the crew of the Alliance, and that, in the probable case of there having been some French subjects among them, it will be just that you should give security to repay their portions.

Paris, FRA - 18 August 1785

I see with extreme satisfaction and gratitude, the friendly interposition of the court of Spain with the Emperor of Morocco, on the subject of the brig Betsy, and I am persuaded it will produce the happiest effects in America.

Orange, VA - 20 August 1785

The machinations of Great Britain, with regard to commerce, have produced much distress and noise in the Northern States, particularly in Boston, from whence the alarm has spread to New York and Philadelphia.

Paris, FRA - 20 August 1785

This correspondence is grateful to some of my warmest feelings, as the friendships of my youth are those which adhere closest to me, and in which I most confide. My principal happiness is now in the retrospect of life.

Orange, VA - 23 August 1785

I do not smile at the idea of transplanting myself into your wilderness. Such a change of my abode is not, indeed, probable, yet I have no local partialities which can keep me from any place which promises the greatest real advantages.

Paris, FRA - 23 August 1785

I shall sometimes ask your permission to write you letters, not official, but private. The present is of this kind, and is occasioned by the question proposed in yours of June the 14th; 'Whether it would be useful to us, to carry all our own producti

London, ENG - 27 August 1785

It is usual at a large entertainment, to bring the solid food in the first course. The second consists of lighter diet, kickshaws, trifles, whip syllabub, &c. ; the third is the dessert, consisting of the fruits of the season, and sometimes foreign s

New York, NY - 28 August 1785

I really believe, my dear, few parents can boast of children whose minds are so prone to virtue.

Paris, FRA - 28 August 1785

Every thing looks like peace here. The settlement between the Emperor and Dutch is not yet published, but it is believed to be agreed on.

New York, NY - 29 August 1785

Our little daughter's health has improved beyond my expectations.

Paris, FRA - 29 August 1785

I pray you to furnish me with all the evidence you can, as to what French subjects may be entitled to any part of the monies you will receive, and to how much, each of them

Paris, FRA - 30 August 1785

I enclose you a correspondence which has taken place between the Marechal de Castries, minister of the Marine, and myself. It is on the subject of the prize-money, due to the officers and crew of the Alliance

Paris, FRA - 0 September 1785

That the United States of America, heretofore connected in government with Great Britain, had found it necessary for their happiness to separate from her, and to assume an independent station.

Paris, FRA - 1 September 1785

All is quiet here. The Emperor and Dutch have certainly agreed, though they have not published their agreement. Most of his schemes in Germany must be postponed, if they are not prevented by the confederacy of many of the Germanic body

Paris, FRA - 1 September 1785

On a review of our letters to the Baron de Thulemeyer, I do not find that we had proposed that the treaty should be in two columns, the one English, and the other what he should think proper.

Vienna, AUT - 3 September 1785

This letter has been requested of me as an introduction for M. Andre Michaux, whom, for many reasons, I am happy to present.

Paris, FRA - 4 September 1785

Supposing that we should begin with the Emperor of Morocco, a letter to the Emperor and instructions to Mr. Barclay, seemed necessary. I have therefore sketched such outlines for these, as appear to me to be proper.

Paris, FRA - 5 September 1785

With respect to America, I will rather give you a general view of its situation, than merely relate recent events.

London, ENG - 6 September 1785

The chocolate grew cold, the top of the tea-pot was forgotten, and the bread and butter went down uneaten. Yet nobody felt the loss of breakfast. So near akin are joy and grief, that the effect is often similar.

New York, NY - 6 September 1785

The frequent solecisms, observable for some years past in the politics of the court of London, render it exceedingly difficult to divine how they will think and act under almost any given circumstances.

Paris, FRA - 6 September 1785

You are now too distant from America, to be much interested in what passes there. From the London gazettes, and the papers copying them, you are led to suppose that all there is anarchy, discontent, and civil war.

Paris, FRA - 11 September 1785

Your Captain Yeaton being here, furnishes me an opportunity of paying the tribute of my congratulations on your appointment to the government of your State, which I do sincerely.

Paris, FRA - 14 September 1785

Several of your letters have been received, and we have been occupied in endeavors to have you discharged: but these have been ineffectual. If our information be right, you are mistaken in supposing you are already condemned.

Paris, FRA - 19 September 1785

Lambe has arrived. He brings new full powers to us from Congress, to appoint persons to negotiate with the Barbary States; but we are to sign the treaties.

Paris, FRA - 20 September 1785

I received this summer a letter from Messrs. Buchanan and Hay, as Directors of the public buildings desiring I would have drawn for them plans of sundry buildings, and, in the first place, of a capital.

Paris, FRA - 20 September 1785

Being in your debt for ten volumes of Buffon, I have endeavored to find something that would be agreeable to you to receive, in return.

Paris, FRA - 24 September 1785

The sentiments you therein expressed, were such as were entertained in America till the commercial proclamation, and such as would again return, were a rational conduct to be adopted by Great Britain.

Paris, FRA - 24 September 1785

I transmit you herewith, copies of the papers he brought to us on the subject of the Barbary treaties. You will see by them, that Congress have adopted the very plan which we were proposing to pursue.

New York, NY - 25 September 1785

I was relieved, delighted, till the recollection of the storm you have since weathered took place.

Paris, FRA - 25 September 1785

I do not altogether despair of making something of your method of quilling, though, as yet, the prospect is not favorable. I applaud much your perseverance in improving this instrument

Paris, FRA - 26 September 1785

I now wait for the letter from your lawyer, as, till I know the real nature and state of your process, it is impossible for me to judge what can be done for you here.

Paris, FRA - 26 September 1785

I received, a few days ago, your favor of the 10th of June, and am to thank you for the trouble you have given yourself, to procure me information on the subject of the commerce of your State.

New York, NY - 27 September 1785

I have counted the hours till evening; since that, the minutes, and am still on the watch; the stage not arrived: it is a cruel delay. Your health, your tender frame, how are they supported!

New York, NY - 27 September 1785

That men should pray and fight for their own freedom, and yet keep others in slavery, is certainly acting a very inconsistent, as well as unjust and, perhaps, impious part ; but the history of mankind is filled with instances of human improprieties.

Mount Vernon, VA - 27 September 1785

It gave me great pleasure to hear of your appointment as secretary of the United States for the department of foreign affairs ; a happier choice in my opinion could not have been made

Paris, FRA - 29 September 1785

I have received your letter, and shall exert myself for you. Be assured of hearing from me soon

London, ENG - 30 September 1785

With these ideas, you may be sure my countenance will never wear that suppliant appearance, which begs for notice. Consequently, I never expect to be a Court favorite.

Paris, FRA - 30 September 1785

The truth of Voltaire's observation offers itself perpetually, that every man here must be either the hammer or the anvil.

London, ENG - 1 October 1785

You must know that yesterday the whole diplomatic corps dined here ; that is, his Lordship the Marquis of Carmarthen, and all the foreign ministers, fifteen in all, and to-day the newspapers proclaim it.

Paris, FRA - 2 October 1785

You therein speak of a new method of raising water by steam, which you suppose will come into general use. I know of no new method of that kind

New York, NY - 4 October 1785

It strikes me that you will find it somewhat difficult to manage the two parties in Pennsylvania. It is much to be wished that union and harmony may be established there, and if you accomplish it much honour and many blessings will result from it.

Paris, FRA - 5 October 1785

We have no public news worth communicating to you, but the signing of preliminaries between the Emperor and Dutch. The question is, then, with whom the Emperor will pick the next quarrel.

Paris, FRA - 5 October 1785

It was with very sincere pleasure I heard of your appointment to the board of treasury, as well from the hope that it might not be disagreeable to yourself, as from the confidence that your administration would be wise.

Paris, FRA - 6 October 1785

The Emperor and Dutch have signed preliminaries, which are now made public. You will see them in the papers which accompany this. They still leave a good deal to discussion.

New York, NY - 11 October 1785

Your letters, as yet, are silent respecting the evacuation of our frontier posts. I do not mean to press you either to do or say any thing unseasonably about it ; for there are times and tides in human affairs to be watched and observed.

Paris, FRA - 11 October 1785

I received, last night, the letter signed by yourself and the other gentlemen, delegates of Massachusetts and Virginia, recommending Mr. Sayre for the Barbary negotiations.

Paris, FRA - 11 October 1785

I have the honor of enclosing to your Excellency, a report of the voyage of an American ship, the first which has gone to China.

Paris, FRA - 12 October 1785

With respect to the expediency of the arrangement you propose to make with Mr. Parker, I must observe to you, that it would be altogether out of my province to give an official opinion, for your direction.

Paris, FRA - 12 October 1785

There are, in the prison of St. Pol de Lon, six or seven citizens of the United States of America, charged with having attempted a contraband of tobacco, but, as they say themselves, forced into that port by stress of weather.

Paris, FRA - 13 October 1785

The British government, as you may naturally suppose, have it much at heart to reconcile their nation to the loss of America. This is essential to the repose, perhaps even to the safety of the King and his ministers.

Paris, FRA - 15 October 1785

I should sooner have answered the paragraph in your letter, of September the 19th, respecting the best seminary for the education of youth, in Europe, but that it was necessary for me to make inquiries on the subject.

Paris, FRA - 18 October 1785

the constant expectation of the departure of the persons whom I formerly gave you reason to expect, has prevented my writing, as it has done yours.

Philadelphia, PA - 23 October 1785

During my stay at New York I had several conversations with the Virginia Delegates, but with few others, on the affairs of the confederacy.

Paris, FRA - 25 October 1785

In order to give you the information you desire, on the subject of the liquidated debts of the United States, and the comparative footing on which they stand, I must observe to you, that the first and great division of our federal debt, is...

Albany, NY - 30 October 1785

I have suffered myself to be engaged in two land causes (Van Hoesen and Van Rensselaer), which begin to-morrow, and will probably last the whole week.

New York, NY - 1 November 1785

We concur so perfectly in sentiment respecting public affairs, and what ought to be done, that I find no occasion to enlarge on those heads.

Albany, NY - 2 November 1785

Our trial, of which I wrote you on Sunday, goes on moderately. It will certainly last till twelve o'clock on Saturday night; longer it cannot, that being the last hour of court.

Paris, FRA - 4 November 1785

At length a confidential opportunity arrives for conveying to you a cipher; it will be handed you by the bearer, Mr, Lambe. Copies of it are in the hands of Mr. Adams, at London

Paris, FRA - 4 November 1785

Mr. Adams, the American minister at London, and myself, have agreed to authorize the bearer hereof, Mr. Lambe, to treat for your redemption, and that of your companions taken in American vessels

Richmond, VA - 11 November 1785

Your letter for the Assembly was laid before them yesterday. I have reason to believe that it was received with every sentiment which could correspond with yours.

Paris, FRA - 12 November 1785

The freedom of commerce between Ireland and America is undoubtedly very interesting to both countries. If fair play be given to the natural advantages of Ireland, she must come in for a distinguished share of that commerce.

Paris, FRA - 14 November 1785

I take the liberty of troubling your Excellency on behalf of six citizens of the United States, who have been for some time confined in the prison of St. Pol de Lon, and of referring for particulars to the enclosed state of their case. Some of the ma

Richmond, VA - 15 November 1785

Mr. Wythe desired me to present you with his most friendly regards. He mentioned the difficulty he experiences in using his pen as an apology for not giving these assurances himself.

Paris, FRA - 19 November 1785

This has led to discussions with the ministers, which give us a hope that we may get the duties taken off in perpetuum. This done, a most abundant market for our oil will be opened by this country

Paris, FRA - 20 November 1785

I am equally persuaded they will pay the most serious attention to that part of your Excellency's letter, which mentions the information you have received of certain acts or regulations of navigation and commerce, passed in some of the United States

unknown - 23 November 1785

The Society of this State met some short time since, and took into consideration the proposed alterations in the original frame of the Institution. Some were strenuous for adhering to the old Constitution, a few for adopting the new, and many for a m

Paris, FRA - 23 November 1785

I have sent to the Count de Vergennes a statement of your case, of which the enclosed is a copy. I wish you would read it over, and if there be any fact stated in it, which is wrong, let me know it

New York, NY - 24 November 1785

Mr. Temple presented to me this morning the commission which I have now the honour of transmitting to your excellency herewith enclosed. It appoints him consulgeneral of his Britannic majesty, throughout the United States of America.

Paris, FRA - 27 November 1785

I sincerely rejoice that Portugal is stepping forward in the business of treaty, and that there is a probability that we may at length do something under our commissions, which may produce a solid benefit to our constituents.

Paris, FRA - 4 December 1785

I enclose you a letter from Gatteaux, observing that there will be an anachronism, if, in making a medal to commemorate the victory of Saratoga, he puts on General Gates the insignia of the Cincinnati, which did not exist at that date.

Richmond, VA - 9 December 1785

No decisive vote has been yet taken on the assize bill. I conceive it to be in some danger, but that the chance is in its favour. The case of the British debts will be introduced in a day or two.

Paris, FRA - 10 December 1785

On the arrival of Mr. Boylston, I carried him to the Marquis De La Fayette, who received from him communications of his object. This was to get a remission of the duties on his cargo of oil

Paris, FRA - 11 December 1785

You know the immense amount of Beaumarchais' accounts with the United States, and that Mr. Barclay was authorized to settle them. Beaumarchais had pertinaciously insisted on settling them with Congress.

Paris, FRA - 21 December 1785

It is on the case of Asquith and others, citizens of the United States, in whose behalf I had taken the liberty of asking your interference.

Paris, FRA - 22 December 1785

The death of the late General Oglethorpe, who had considerable possessions in Georgia, has given rise, as we understand, to questions whether these possessions have become the property of the State, or have been transferred by his will to his widow

Paris, FRA - 22 December 1785

you will perceive that the claims of the Chevalier de Mezieres, nephew to the late General Oglethorpe, to his possessions within your State, have attracted the attention of the ministry here

Richmond, VA - 24 December 1785

The Bill for the payment of British debts is nearly a transcript of that which went through the two Houses last year, except that it leaves the periods of instalment blank, and gives the creditor an opportunity of taking immediate execution for the w

Paris, FRA - 27 December 1785

You have been consulted in the case of the Chevalier de Mezieres, nephew to General Oglethorpe, and are understood to have given an opinion derogatory of our treaty with France.

Richmond, VA - 30 December 1785

The past week has been rendered important by nothing but some discussions on the subject of British debts. The bill brought in varied from that which miscarried last year