1. Signed by JA, this is likely the copy of the letter he presented to van Bleiswyck, Grand Pensionary of Holland, on 4 May together with a copy of his memorial to the States General, below, both of which van Bleiswyck returned. For JA's meeting with van Bleiswyck on the 4th, see his letter of 7 May to the president of Congress, below. For the dating of this letter and the memorial, see JA's memorial to the States General, 19 April, note 1, below. JA wrote a virtually identical letter to Hendrik Fagel, secretary to the States General (Adams Papers), but after his conference with van Bleiswyck decided that a meeting with the secretary was pointless.

2. At this point in the Letterbook are the canceled passages: “<, which I had this day the Honour of presenting>, to <the President of>.”