John Adams to Abigail Adams, March 4, 1788

The Hague March 4. 1788

My dearest Friend

After a Passage of two days, against contrary Winds, and a terrible Jolt through the
Mud, from Helvoet, I arrived here this day, in good health and not bad Spirits. The
Princes Birth day is on Saturday: so that I shall not be able to take Leave before
Monday, and if I go to Amsterdam afterwards, I shall not be able to leave that City
before Wednesday or Thursday: so that I fear you cannot expect me, till the Week after
next.— Mr Dumas prays me to Send you his respects.

My Cockade is Splendid enough for a Lt. General.— Mr Dumas is large enough for a
Colonel, or for what I know for a Major General. I have not seen one Person without an
orange Ribbon. great Preparations are making for celebrating the Birth day: and all is
quiet. Tomorrow I make my first Visits.— Give my Love to Mr and Mrs Smith and to my dear
Boy.— and my Respects and Compliments to all Freinds.

yours forever

John Adams