Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 6

From James Lovell

Vergennes to the Commissioners
Samuel Tucker to the Commissioners, 29 April 1778 Tucker, Samuel First Joint Commission at Paris JA Samuel Tucker to the Commissioners, 29 April 1778 Tucker, Samuel First Joint Commission at Paris Adams, John
Samuel Tucker to the Commissioners
Gentlemen Bourdeaux April 29th. 1778

I received yours of the 15th Instant by Capt. Palmes with my Orders from your Honours of on the 26th Instant.1 Am very uneasy that I cannot imediately per sue them; I would inform your Honours that it is not possible for me to get the Ship to Sea in less than 16 or 18 Days, as my Mainmast detains me and in Cariening my Ship, the Galley fell down, for which Reason I've a Iron Hearth makeing to stand under my Forecastle. I carried away my fore Yard on my Passage, but being securely fished,2 I am in hopes it will serve me the Cruze.

Gentlemen I will do my utmost to get the Ship out knowing it is very Expensive, I have Confined myself on Board to assist the Officers during my Enterance into this port. I Received your Recommendation of Mr. Livingston,3 he is to proceed as 2d Lieut, to his Choice, and I am under great Obligations to your Honours for my Officer. I shall take Care to obey such Orders as I have or ever may Receive from your Honours. I am with Respect, your Honours Obedient Humble Servt.

Saml Tucker

RC (PPAmP: Franklin Papers); addressed: “To the Honble: American Commissioners att Paris.”

1.

That is, Tucker had received the Commissioners' letter of 15 April that probably contained, as an enclosure, the Commissioners' orders to him of 13 April (both above).

 2.

That is, strengthened with wood called a fish ( OED ).

 3.

Probably a reference to the letter from the Commissioners to Tucker of 19 April (MH-H: Tucker Papers), but it may also refer to the recommendation contained in Tucker's orders of 13 April, mentioned in note 1.