Papers of John Adams, volume 16

Marquis de Lafayette to John Adams, 9 April 1784 Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Adams, John
From the Marquis de Lafayette
Dear Sir Paris April the 9th 1784

A friendly letter I wrote You, and the One I Receive is not so affectionate as usual.1 The Value I set By Your Esteem, the Consequent fear least my Conduct Be Misrepresented to You, Such were the Motives that Actuated me— As to the institutions Alluded to, I only Need Saying that My principles are known— if You Have writen Nothing, I did more, for whatever I thought Ought to Be Amended, I Submitted to the President of the Society— and I think, Every Man’s influence, so far as it Goes, must Be Exerted for the Good of the public— But it Has Been My principle, in foreign Countries, Not to Blame American Measures— I don’t Say You are in the least wrong, particularly as You tell me You Never Spoke Unasked— I Have only told you, what in Similar Cases I Used to do— and I don’t See the least Harm in doing otherwise— as to My Going to America, I first went for the Revolution, and not for the war, and warfaring Was Only A Secondary incident, which in Support of the Rights of Mankind Had Become Necessary— Now I am Going for the people, and My Motives are, that I love them, and they love me—that My Arrival will please them, and that I will Be pleased with the Sight of 130 those whom I Have Early joined in our Noble and Successfull Cause.— I may add, that Opinions of Honest men, When they Have some influence, do more or less prove Serviceable— and How Could I refrain from Visiting a Nation whose I am an Adoptive Son, and where, particularly Among Your fellow Citizens, I Have Experienced so Many Marks of Affection and Confidence

With Much Respect, and also with a Sincere Attachment I Have the Honour to Be / Dear Sir / Your obedient Humble / Servant

Lafayette

RC (Adams Papers); endorsed: “M. De la Fayette / 9. April. 1784.”

1.

Lafayette’s letter was of 8 March; JA’s reply was of the 28th, both above.

Baron von Thulemeier to John Adams, 9 April 1784 Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von Adams, John
From the Baron von Thulemeier
Monsieur, a la Haye le 9. Avril 1784.

J’ai l’honneur de Vous envoier ci joint en original le Projet du Traité de Commerce a conclure entre S. M. Prussienne et les Etats-Unis de l’Amerique, tel que le Roi vient de me l’envoier, Vous suppliant de me le faire passer de retour dès que Vous en aurés fait tirer Copie. Il me sera infinimint agreable de conduire de Conseil avec Vous, Monsieur, et a la Satisfaction reciproque de nos Maitres cette Negociation au bût desirable. Si Vous avés demain entre 7. h. et 8. du Soir un moment d’entretien a m’accorder, je m’empresserai a me rendre chés Vous pour apprendre Vôtre sentiment.1

Voici un liste, Monsieur, une designation des toiles de Silésie qui jusqu’a présent ont été le plûs recherchées pour Vos Compatriotes, si tant est cependant que le Negociant Silesien qui me l’a fournie ait été bien informé.

J’ai l’honneur d’ètre avec la Considération la plûs distinguée / Monsieur, / Vôtre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur

de Thulemeier
ENCLOSURE
Désignation des principaux articles des toiles de Silésie, qui ont été expédiés jusqu’ici aux Provinces Unies de l’Amérique Septentrionale par le Sieur Jean Godefroi Linckh, Négociant & Fabriquant à Hirschberg. 1, hambrow Lawns. 2, Lony Lawns. 131 3, Pistol Lawns. 4, Single Silesias. 5, Tandem double Silesias. 6, Tandem quadruple Silesias. 7, Brown quadruple Silesias. 8, Estopilles Unies.
TRANSLATION
Sir The Hague, 9 April 1784

I have the honor of sending to you herewith the original of the draft treaty of commerce to be concluded between His Prussian Majesty and the United States of America, as the king just sent it to me, begging you to return it to me as soon as you have made a copy. It will be infinitely agreeable to work in consultation with you, sir, and to bring these negotiations to the desired end to the mutual satisfaction of our masters. If you have a moment tomorrow between seven and eight in the evening to grant me an interview, I will hasten to your residence to learn your opinion.1

Here is a list, sir, designating the Silesian linens which until now have been most in demand by your countrymen, if the Silesian merchant who provided it to me is well informed.

I have the honor of being with the greatest consideration, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant

de Thulemeier
ENCLOSURE

A list of the principal articles of Silesian linens that until now have been shipped to the United Provinces of North America by Mr. Jean Godefroi Linckh, merchant and manufacturer at Hirschberg

1. Hamburg lawns 2. Long lawns 3. Pistol lawns 4. Single Silesias 5. Tandem double Silesias 6. Tandem quadruple Silesias 7. Brown quadruple Silesias 8. Plain estopilles

RC and enclosure (Adams Papers); endorsed: “M De Thuilemeier / 9. April.”

1.

JA replied later on the 9th, indicating that he would return Thulemeier’s draft as soon as a copy had been made and agreeing to meet with the Prussian diplomat on the evening of 10 April as requested (LbC, APM Reel 107). For the copy, in JA’s hand, see the draft Prussian-American treaty, immediately below.