Papers of John Adams, volume 17

From the Marquis of Carmarthen

From Richard Henry Lee

To the Marquis of Carmarthen, 28 May 1785 Adams, John Carmarthen, the Marquis of
To the Marquis of Carmarthen
My Lord London May 28. 1785

I have received the Letter your Lordship did me the Honour to write me Yesterday, and have here inclosed a Copy of the Letter of Credence which I am directed by my Sovereign to present to his Majesty. I am So unfortunate as not to have any to the Queen: But I know the Sentiments of my Country and of Congress So well as to be Sure that this is not owing to any want of Respect to her Majesty. probably it was merely the Want of Information that there had ever been a Precident of it.1

I beg leave to propose to your Lordship, that the Superscription Should be “To his Majesty, George the third, King of Great Britain France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith &c.” if your Lordship Should not disapprove of this, I Should prefer it to the Address, of the United Provinces, as being more respectfull.

With great Respect, I have the Honour / to be, my Lord, your Lordships / most obedient and most / humble Servant

John Adams.—

RC (British Library, London:Leeds Papers); internal address: “The Right Honourable / The Marquis of Carmarthen / Secretary of State &c &c &c.”; endorsed “May. 28. 1785. / Mr. Adams.” LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 111.

1.

For more on the omission of a letter of credence to Queen Charlotte, see JA’s letters to John Jay of 29 May and 6 Sept., and Jay’s letter of 3 Aug., all below.