Docno: ADMS-06-11-02-0236
Author: Adams, John
Recipient: Capellen tot den Pol, Joan Derk, Baron van der
Date: 1781-05-19
[dateline] Amsterdam May 19th. 1781
[salute] Sir
I have the honour of your Letter of the twenty ninth of April, and will look up the
Papers You mention as soon as possible, but I have been removing so often, that at
this moment I know not where to lay my hand on them.
I am very sorry to learn that You are to be excluded longer from the Regency, where
the Abilities and good Principles of the Baron Van der Capellan could not fail to
be eminently useful to the Cause of his Country and of all good Men: and I hope that
the Obstacles will be removed sooner than You imagine.
The political World furnishes much Vexation and little Satisfaction to a Man of Probity
and Delicacy, and nothing but a strong Sense of Duty, and an ardent Philanthropy can
ever prevail with such a Character, to endure the Mortification he meets at every
Step of his progress, in stemming the Torrents of Corruption, which roll every where.
But to such a Man, the Reflection that some Evils have been
{ 322 } warded off, and some Advantages obtained, will be a Consolation under many disappointments
and humiliations. I should be happy in the Continuance of your Friendship, being with
much Esteem and Respect, Sir, your most obedient Servant.