Papers of John Adams, volume 14

To Richard Oswald, 14 February 1783 Adams, John Oswald, Richard

To Richard Oswald

Sir Paris Feby. 14th. 1783.

I hope You will excuse the Liberty I take of writing You a Line by Mr. Charles Storer, who has been for some time one of my Family, 261to enquire after your Health and Welfare, in which I interest myself very much.

We have expected You here every day for a long time, and begin to be apprehensive You dont design to return, which will be a disappointment to me, because I wish to have the pleasure of finishing the Work of Peace with a Gentleman, who has conducted it hitherto with so much Advantage. If this satisfaction is not be obtained, I wish the Service in the Hands of some one equally possessed of the only System, which can ever conduct it to a right Conclusion, for the Prosperity of your Country or mine— Of one thing I am well persuaded, that no Man will ever be found with better qualifications or dispositions.—

If You should not return here, it is not very probable we shall meet again— But whether together or assunder, I shall carry with me at all times the most entire Esteem and Respect for Mr. Oswald.

I have the honor to be, Sir, —

LbC in John Thaxter's hand (Adams Papers); internal address: “Richard Oswald Esqr.”; APM Reel 108.

To Benjamin Vaughan, 14 February 1783 Adams, John Vaughan, Benjamin

To Benjamin Vaughan

Sir Paris Feb. 14. 1783

Mr Charles Storer, of Boston who has for Sometime past made one of my Family, will have the Honour to deliver you this. On Account of his amiable Qualities and his Discretion, I have presumed to introduce him to you, relying at the Sametime on your Goodness to excuse me for taking Such a Freedom.

We expect every hour, and with not a little of Impatience, an Account of the Debates upon the Preliminary Treaties. Appearances intimate a formidable Opposition, and We are Sorry to See, a Richmond & a Keppell retiring.— if their Places Should be filled with Persons less benevolent to Us, or if you will, less convinced of the Importance of restoring as much as possible the old good Nature and good humour, the Change will not be for the better.1

Where is Mr Oswald? and Mr Laurens? Are We not to finish with the former?— I hope So, because, I am perswaded there is no Man, better qualified, in the head or the heart to do the Business well.—

If any Pamphlets have been published upon the Peace, I should be obliged to you to name them to Mr storer that he may bring them with him.

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With great Respect and Esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir your most obedient and humbl. sert

J. Adams.

RC (NjP:De Coppet Coll.); internal address: “Mr Benjamin Vaughan”; endorsed: “Paris. 14. Febr. 1783. / Mr. J. Adams / to / Mr Vaughan.”; notation: “expect a formidable / Opposition in Parliament / to the Prelimes: / Sorry to see Richmond & / Keppel retiring.” LbC (Adams Papers); APM Reel 108.

Charles Lennox, 3d Duke of Richmond and Lennox, served as master general of the ordnance in the Rockingham and Shelburne ministries, but by January he no longer participated in cabinet discussions. Refusing to join the Fox-North coalition, he resigned on 3 April but resumed his post later in the year under William Pitt ( DNB ).

Adm. Viscount Augustus Keppel served as first lord of the admiralty in Rockingham's ministry and also in Shelburne's until January. He returned to the admiralty in April with the formation of the Fox-North coalition (same).