DAMS TO FRANCIS DANA.

Leyden, April 18th, 1781.

Dear Sir,

I am at no loss what advice to give you in answer to the questions in
your letter of this day, because they relate to a subject on which I
have long reflected, and have formed an opinion as fully as my
understanding is capable of. I think then it is necessary for you to
prepare for a journey to St Petersburg without loss of time, that you
travel in the character of a gentleman, without any distinction of
public or private, as far as the publication of your appointment
already made in France will permit.

I should think it altogether improper to communicate your design to
the Ambassador of travelling to St Petersburg as a private gentleman,
secreting from him at the same time your public character. It would
expose you to something very disagreeable. The Ambassador would ask
you, why you asked his advice when it is well known that private
gentlemen travel in every country in Europe without molestation.
Besides, the Ambassador I have reason to believe, would not give you
any advice without instructions from his Court, and this would require
so much time, that the most favorable opportunity which now presents
itself would be lost. And after applying to the Ambassador, and being
advised against the journey, or to postpone it for instructions from
his Court, it would be less respectful to go, than to go now, when the
circumstances of the times are very favorable.

The same reason applies equally against writing to the Court
beforehand. The best opportunity would be lost, and the Court would
never encourage you to come, until they had determined to receive you,
and you would have no opportunity to assist the deliberations upon the
subject, by throwing in any light, by answering objections, or
explaining the views of Congress.

After your arrival at St Petersburg, I should advise you, unless upon
the spot you discover reasons against it, unknown to us at present, to
communicate your character and mission to ---- or the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, in confidence, asking his advice, but at the same
time presenting him a memorial ready prepared for the ----. If he
informs you, if it is best for you to reside there as a private
gentleman, or to travel for a time into Sweden or Denmark, or to
return here to Holland, where I shall be happy to have your company
and counsels, take his advice.

The United States of Americ