John Adams to Charles William Frederick Dumas, April 16, 1783

Paris April 16. 1783

Sir

In Answer to the Inquiry of M r Fagel you will please to inform him that the Letters of Credence of M r Van Berckell should be addressed “To the United States of America in Congress assembled”

“Friends and Allies.”

The King of France indeed has added the Word “great.” “great Friends and Allies.”— But I think it would be much better to leave out the Word great and all other Epithets.— Congress have never assumed any other Style, and I hope they never will assume or receive any other. 1

I have the Honour to be sir your / respectfull and obedient servant

John Adams