rite the same myself. I wrote as much more than a
year ago, but know not whether the letter has been received, as a vast
number of my letters have been thrown overboard, and many taken.

If the dinner at Schiedam should be agreed on, there will be no
difficulties in finding a way for us three to go all together. All
that is before said about the negotiation for peace, you know must be
kept secret. But if I go to Paris, I shall break up my house here
entirely, and dismiss all my servants.

I have the honor to be, with compliments to the ladies, &c.

JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

VERBAL MESSAGE OF C. W. F. DUMAS TO THE CITY OF SCHIEDAM.

The following verbal message, on the part of Mr Adams to the Secretary
of the city of Schiedam, was given by M. Dumas, on the 8th of May,
1782.

Sir,

The diversity of sentiments which exists in this Republic, in relation
to the circumstances in which it stands to the United States of
America, having appeared to Mr Adams capable of causing some
embarrassment to the merchants of Schiedam, if he accepted their
polite invitation, he has thought that he could not better prove the
regard and affection which he has for those gentlemen, than by
declining their polite request. He has therefore charged me, Sir, to
assure you of his extreme sensibility, for the honor and friendship
they have manifested in his person to his Sovereign; and of his
intention, not only to make mention of it in his first despatches to
Congress, but also to show on all occasions how much he is disposed to
reciprocate this cordial civility, by every means in his power.

DUMAS.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

The Hague, May 10th, 1782.

Sir,

Since my last of the 4th of April, I have not had a moment of leisure,
by a succession of agreeable occupations, which have brought us
rapidly to the result which I predicted to you.

The voice of the people has made itself heard from all parts. The
Provinces having successively sent their resolutions here annexed to
the Generality, the 19th of April was the great day when the unanimous
resolution of their High Mightinesses was adopted to admit Mr Adams;
and on the 20th in the morning he went to present his let