Papers of John Adams, volume 11
1781-09-01
We had the pleasure to receive several letters from you before we left St. E– the contents of which were properly attended to, our answers have good reason to think did not reach you. Since that period our sufferings have been very great, but for prudential reasons must be silent thereon. Beg to refer you to Mr. Jno. Witherspoon,1 who take the liberty of introducing to you. With the greatest respect we are, Sir Your most obt. huml. serts.
The son of Rev. John Witherspoon, president of the College of New Jersey and a member of the Continental Congress, John Witherspoon Jr. had served as surgeon on the privateer De Graaf. The British captured him at St. Eustatius with Curson and Gouverneur, but released him soon after his arrival in England (Franklin, Papers
, 35:48, 439–440).