John Adams to Charles William Frederick Dumas, June 13, 1785
Bath Hotel Westminster, June 13. 1785
Sir
I am honoured with yours of the 7. and 8 of June.
I have been introduced here, to Sir James Harris, who Seems to be a Sensible and agreable Man. 1 I Should think it most adviseable, for you and for myself if I were at the Hague, to behave Towards him as the Minister of a Sovereign in Amity with the United States, not discovering any Aversion or Jealousy, on one side more than common, nor more Confidence or Attachment on the other.
I have been received here by the King and Queen, with decided Marks of Respect, Such demonstrate the determination of their Majestys to treat the United States compleatly on a footing with other Souvereign Powers: but I am far from concluding from thence, that the Ministry will do what We think they ought to do. Time alone can discover, and perhaps not a Short time, neither.
I am much obliged to you, for communicating my Letters to M r Fagel and for your Care of the Passports. I have written fully to M r Fagel, 2 acording to the Advice of our Friend the Baron De Linden, whom I always esteemed and in whom I have found Since I have been here, more estimable Qualities than ever. Sensible, judicious and attentive, as a publick Minister, and friendly and obliging as a private Gentleman.
Do you think there ever was in any Country a Phænominon more rare, that I am in this. You will not wonder that the Telescopes of all the Astronomers are lifted up to make their Observations. You will See by the Gazettes that I have Still the Honour of meriting the Hatred of our old Boston Tories, whose Malice has constantly born Testimony in my Favour these five and twenty years. it is a comfort to me that it Still continues Steady. my Conscience would misgive me, if they Should become my Friends. I have never found in Life any other Men, So gifted in the Art of Lying, as they.
My Regards to Madam and Miss. / adieu
John Adams
P.S. Let me pray you, Sir, to make my most respectfull Compliments to M r Fagel and to render him my Thanks for his Kindness and obliging Politeness to me upon this and all other Occasions.