John Adams to Joseph Hardy, August 6, 1789

Richmond hill Aug t 6 1789

Sir

In 1779 at Bilbao I was solicited for releif by a number of
American seamen who had been captured by the English and turned adrift in Portugal.
These wandered to Spain with much difficulty and in great distress. I had no means of
supplying them: but M r Gardoqui very generously offered to
assist them upon my advice. 1 The article
in his account, ought to be allowed him with interest and thanks. I only regret, that
the multiplicity of other cares, prevented me from doing justice to my own feelings as
well as to the honor of this Country by remitting the money to Bilbao from Holland, when
I had money of the public in my hands— I am &

John Adams