[dateline] Amsterdam 7 Apl. 1780 [i.e., 1781]
[salute] Dr Sir
Persuaded as I am that the mentioning the Observations I have lately heard made by
many respectable men of this place, will be taken in a proper light, I should think
it Treason to our States, to Conceal the most trifling Circumstance that the Communicating
of to you, could either benefit or prejudice. As besides things that are Matter of
Opinion, will never reflect on your private Character, whom all that are acquainted
with it as well as I am will and must ever hold in the highest respect.
The remarks I allude to, which is repeatedly made and lately in my
{ 251 } presence where a Member of this Regency happen'd to be—Was that your appearance, as
a publick Character here, from States, which already Commands the Admiration as well
as Attention of Europe; Was not Sufficiently Splendid or respectable, for to Support
with proper dignity the Character of an Ambassador so as to gain that respect and
Credit, which we want, from this Capital; and whose Confidence in the present Moment
is of essential Service to the Support of our Credit. Some supposed the Allowance
of our States was not Sufficient to enable you to sustain the Character of an Ambassador
or Envoy, with proper dignity, and that your own fortune added thereto could not Supply
the defficiency, whilst others said our Enemies, were base enough to assure our States
could not Support you properly, and that out of the Small Allowance they made you,
you Wished to save as much of it as you Could. Which Accounted, for the mean lodgings
You had put up with, which where no ways suited to receive or entertain (as must be
done in your Situation) those Members of the Regency as well as other respectable
Characters here, whose friendly Support in many instances we stand so much need of.
Though I am well persuaded the best Motives sways your Actions, and that you wou'd
even Sacrifice fortune and every thing that's dear to you to that first of all Considerations
the good of our dear, ever dear Country—and that there surmise in every particular
is ill founded, I cannot but wish as does every American, that those reasons, which
have determined you to keep in so retired a State may soon cease, and that we may
close the Mouth of Slander by seeing you have a decent House for your Residence, Carriage
and that requisite State as Dr. Fr. which though of more Expence to the States of
A. yet will be of Infinite advantage to Collect and connect the friends of our Cause
and make them be more known, which will be great Service In many Instances I know
of. I have gone farther than mentioning the remarks I have heard, since I have added
my own wishes, but I submit both to your Consideration as I am persuaded, you are
Nevertheless assured of that respect and Affection borne you by him, whom you know
without his Subscribing any otherways than