Papers of John Adams, volume 12

From C. W. F. Dumas, 28 March 1782 Dumas, Charles William Frederic JA From C. W. F. Dumas, 28 March 1782 Dumas, Charles William Frederic Adams, John
From C. W. F. Dumas
La haie jeudi 28 Mars 82 Monsieur

La grande oeuvre est accomplie. Aujourd’hui les Etats d’Hollde ont résolu, que leurs Députés aux Etats Genx. seront instruits, de diriger les choses dans l’Assemblée de L. H. P. à telle fin, que Mr. 356 image 357Adams soit admis pour leur présenter ses Lettres de créance de la part des Etats unis; et les Etats ont chargé expressément Mr. le Grand Pensionaire de vous donner incessamment connoissance de cette Résolution.1 Le Corps des Nobles a déclaré, qu’il ne concouroit ni ne s’opposoit à cette résolution. Sigillum veri simplex.2 Je n’ajouterai donc rien à ce que dessus, qui vient de m’être communiqué par Mr. Zeberg avec ses complimens sinceres pour V. E. Je n’ai pu voir les autres qui sont actuellement à celebrer l’oeuvre en bonne compagnie, et le Verre en main, au sortir de l’assemblée, sans retourner chez eux, où je les ai cherché en vain.

Je suis d’avis qu’il est convenable, Monsieur, que vous témoigniez par une Lettre à Mr. le Duc de la Vauguyon, la part que vous prenez au facheux accident arrivé la nuit du mardi au mercredi.3

Je suis avec le plus respectueux attachement Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obeisst. servit Dumas
C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 28 March 1782 Dumas, Charles William Frederic JA C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 28 March 1782 Dumas, Charles William Frederic Adams, John
C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation
The Hague, Thursday 28 March 1782 Sir

The great work is done. Today, the States of Holland resolved that their deputies to the States General will be instructed to direct proceedings in the assembly of Their High Mightinesses, so that Mr. Adams will be admitted to present his credentials on behalf of the United States. The States expressly directed the grand pensionary to immediately inform you of this resolution.1 The corps of nobles has declared that it will neither concur with nor oppose this resolution. Sigillum veri simplex.2 I will therefore add nothing to the above, which was relayed to me by Mr. Zeberg with sincere regards for your Excellency. I have not been able to see the others, who are celebrating at present in good company with glass in hand, after leaving the assembly without returning home, where I looked for them in vain.

I believe it would be fitting, sir, if you could write a letter to the duc de la Vauguyon regarding the terrible accident on Tuesday night and Wednesday.3

I am with the most respectful attachment, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant Dumas

RC (Adams Papers).

1.

For an extract from the resolutions of the States of Holland and West Friesland, containing the resolution of 28 March, see the Descriptive List of Illustrations, No. 6, above. For English translations of the resolution, see Dumas to JA, 29 March, and JA to Robert R. Livingston, 19 April, both below.

2.

Simplicity is the seal of truth.

3.

On the night of 26–27 March fire destroyed the French embassy at The Hague. According to newspaper reports, La Vauguyon’s eldest son narrowly escaped with his life, but the ambassador managed to save his official papers and plate, as well as a portion 358of his jewels and wardrobe. He had since taken up residence at the Dutch East India House (Morning Herald and Daily Advertiser, 3 April). JA mentioned the fire in a letter to AA on 1 April. He hoped that it would not distract the attention of the ambassador, “my very good Friend,” at such a critical period in Dutch-American relations ( Adams Family Correspondence , 4:303). For the French embassy as it appeared before the fire, see same, 4:xii, facing 380.