Papers of John Adams, volume 21
26 May 1794]
You will be so good, as to let it be understood between
us, that the mention, which some time ago was made to you by me, of the
nomination of your son, was purely confidential
between us; and that on any occasion, which you may have to speak
of the time, when it was first known to you, you will refer to the
communication of this day only.
1
I am dear sir / with great truth / Yr. mo. ob. serv
RC (Adams Papers); notation by JA: “This Letter was
dated and recd, Monday May 26. 1794 / The
Day on which the Conversation alluded to, took place.”
JQA’s nomination as U.S. minister
resident to the Netherlands had long been under discussion, and
JA said as much in a letter of the same day to his
eldest son: “The President desired to know if I thought you would
accept. I answered that I had no Authority from you— But it was my
Opinion that you would And that it would be my Advice to you, that you
should.” JA informed him of the $4,500 annual salary,
instructed his son to exercise prudence, and, above all, to maintain
discretion until the Senate confirmed his appointment: “Be Secret. Dont
open your Mouth to any human Being on the Subject except your Mother. Go
and see with how little Wisdom this World is governed.” George
Washington nominated JQA on 29 May, and he was unanimously
confirmed by the Senate the next day. JQA’s commission,
dated 30 May, and signed by Washington and Randolph, is in the Adams
Papers. JQA hastened to Philadelphia to receive his
official instructions, for which see Randolph’s 8 Aug. letter, and note
1, below (
AFC
, 10:192, 199,
200).