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C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation
Docno: PJA06d271
Recipient: First Joint Commission at Paris
Recipient: JA
Date: 1778-07-21
[dateline] The Hague, 21 July 1778
[salute] Gentlemen
My last was of the 17th. I have just received, translated, and delivered a German letter to the Grand Facteur. While waiting for him to return it after making a copy, I have the honor to inform you that the Dutch States General have adjourned and that the Prince is leaving for Los in Overyssel. No new instructions were given Count Welderen because: 1. after doing his duty in reclaiming the 2 vessels, he had not yet received a reply from the Minister when he wrote his letter to Their High Mightinesses; 2. the owners have not yet complained, and it may even be that those in Amsterdam will not do so since the tobacco aboard the vessel is for Messrs. Hope, who are on good terms with the British Ministry. Our friend supplied me with this information.
{p. 308}
The Grand Facteur told me that yesterday's rumor concerning the capture of a British frigate by the French fleet has been confirmed. It is the Dighby.
1 We are expecting any day now news of a naval battle. Yesterday I carried to Leyden a concerted article concerning the British capture of the 2 Dutch vessels, but since the journalist of Leyden2 dares not publish the article in all its vigor, I am sending it today to the Courier du Bas-Rhin. I am with the most genuine respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant
[signed] D
1. In regard to the name, at least, Dumas' report of the capture of a British frigate was almost certainly incorrect. The only such seizure reported during this period was that of the Lively by the French frigate Iphigénie on 9 July (London Chronicle, 21–23, [p. 79, 80], 23–25 July; see also Affaires de l'Angleterre et de l'Amérique, “Lettres,” vol. 14, cahier 56, p. cxxviii).
2. This was Jean Luzac, editor of the Gazette de Leyde . For a sketch of his later relationship with JA, see
Adams Family Correspondence
,
4:xiv–xv.
Muscoe Livingston to the Commissioners
Docno: PJA06d272
Recipient: First Joint Commission at Paris
Recipient: JA
Date: 1778-07-21
[dateline] Nantes 21 July. 1778
[salute] Gentlemen
I arrived here Last night, deliverd my letters to Capt. Whippie,1 and shall have his Instructions for Capt. Tucker and Sett out immediately for Lorient.
I will be Exceedingly Obligd you, to do me the Favour, to give me two, or three Lines, either to the President of congress or by way of Certificate, Mentioning, what Capt. Tucker Said of My Conduct,2 during my being on board the Boston; as it will be a very great Satisfaction to My Friends, and may be, Other wise Servicible to me; I for got to make this Request while in Paris, or would not now, have taken the Liberty to trouble you; I shall Return to Nantes, in five or Six days from whence I Expect to get a passage to America; So that If I am honourd with your Letters under cover to John Loyd Esqr. at this place, I shall, be Sure to get it. I have the Honour to be with Much Respect Gentln your most obet. H Ser.
[signed] M. Livingston
1. Livingston carried letters to Whipple, J. D. Schweighauser (both calendared above), and Thomas Simpson (see Simpson to the Commissioners, 27 July, below), all dated 16 July.
2. See Tucker's letter to JA, 4 July (above). The Commissioners recommended Livingston to the president of the congress in a letter of 29 July (LbC, Adams Papers).
Cite web page as: Founding Families: Digital Editions of the Papers of the Winthrops and the Adamses, ed.C. James Taylor. Boston: Massachusetts Historical Society, 2007.
http://www.masshist.org/ff/
http://www.masshist.org/ff/