Docno: ADMS-06-12-02-0186
Author: Adams, John
Recipient: Franklin, Benjamin
Date: 1782-03-10
[dateline] Amsterdam March 10th. 1782
[salute] Sir
Should the British Forces now in New York and Charlestown evacuate those Places and
go to the West India Islands, they might give a good deal of Trouble to the French
and Spanish Possessions there. It would cost those Powers many Men and Ships and a
great deal of Money and Time perhaps to manage them: whereas a Fleet and a Sum of
Money now well directed would infallibly make Prisoners of the whole.
After the Address and Resolutions of the Commons, can it be thought they will be so
stupid as to keep those Armies inactive in New York and Charlestown? If they do it
will be merely to protect Commissioners whom they may send to propose Terms of a seperate
Peace to Congress. In this Case the short and easy Method with the Dissenters is to
take Warriors and Peacemakers altogether Prisoners in New York.
[salute] With Great Respect I have the Honour to be, sir, your most obedient and most humble
Servant