Amsterdam, 12 June 1781. RC in John Thaxter's hand PCC, No. 84, III, f. 209–217. printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. , 4:495–498.

John Adams provided an English translation of a piece that originally appeared in a Dutch newspaper, probably the Gazette d'Amsterdam, but also was printed serially in the Gazette de Leyde of 15, 22, and 29 June. The article noted the accomplishments of the recently adjourned States of Holland, which included its consent to expand the army and approval of a loan to finance the arming and protection of the Dutch East India Company's vessels. The author then turned to a petition presented to the States on 6 June by merchants of Dordrecht, Haarlem, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam trading with Surinam. The petitioners, who also sought William V's support, requested that the strongest possible efforts be made to protect the remaining Dutch colonial commerce because of its importance to the nation's economy. The article noted that the petition had been referred to the colleges of the Admiralty for consideration.

At the receit of the two Letters you honoured us with,1 I went and laid before Dr. Franklin your observations, the first of which Letters he desired me to leave with him for his Consideration. Expecting to get it back every minute I put off answering you frum day to day, for which I beg your pardon, Dr. Franklin's enclosed answer2 stops my mouth respecting both the petit charges, and the method of settling with him. I shall only propose, in order to annull the article relating to Mr. Dana, that you dont like should stand in your account, to send you a fresh account, the ballance of which will be the same with that in your hands, and in which there will be no mention made of Mr. Dana, placing to your credit the 5/7 neat. If this meats with your approbation, you be pleased to return me the state of the account you have, which wont prevent your settling meantime with Dr. Franklin, the ballances of both accounts being the Same.

In your first you desire both your Cloath at Passy and Books in Town to be sent ye and in your last you only mention the Books. I shall endeavour to give you full Satisfaction in that point, but I should have liked to have your last Resolution, to know whether Cloaths and Books are to go, or the Books only. Be kind enough as to give me your Instructions about it.

I shall be very happy in rendering my services to Mr. Winston Warren3 and to evince you on all Occasions of the Sincere attachment with which I have the honour to be sir Your most obt. hble. st.