John Adams to Charles William Frederick Dumas, March 1, 1781

Amsterdam March 1. 1781

Dear Sir

The Letters I received at Leyden, obliged me to leave you Sooner than I intended, 1 but < , Start deletion, I did not know , End, >, I shall soon See you again, at the Hague.

I have received, important Dispatches from Congress, upon which I want your Advice. I hope it is no bad News. You will Say nothing, reflect well upon the Times, and be prepared to answer me, serious Questions upon public Affairs—nothing personal—nor selfish—nor little. I shall See you, in the Course of next Week—if nothing turns up, to prevent it, which I dont foresee. Dont raise your Expectations too high—remember—Nil Admirari. 2

Adieu