Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 10

To the President of Congress, No. 10

From Hendrik van Blomberg
From Hendrik van Blomberg, 25 September 1780 Blomberg, Hendrik van JA From Hendrik van Blomberg, 25 September 1780 Blomberg, Hendrik van Adams, John
From Hendrik van Blomberg
Sir Amstm. 25 Sept. 1780

Messrs. van Vollenhoven, not with standing all the credit they have for the United States of North America Cannot accept of the Commission, Which You have done them the honour to propose, for Reason that their Branch of Comerce being fixt to the Baltick, they Cannot Wel extend it so far as North America.1 I have the honour to be with great Your most h: Servt.

H V Blomberg

RC (Adams Papers); endorsed: “M. Van Blombergs Billet Septr. 25. 1780.”

1.

Writing in 1809, JA ascribed the rejection of his proposal to the van Vollenhovens to their being “too rich to hazard so dangerous an experiment” (JA, Corr. in the Boston Patriot , p. 171). For the reaction of Hendrik Bicker, who had recommended the van Vollenhovens, see his letter of 1 Oct. (below). For JA's apparent refusal to see the van Vollenhoven's initial rejection as final, see van Blomberg's note of 26 Sept. (below).