John Adams to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, June 11, 1784

The Hague June 11. 1784 1

, Start deletion, Monsieur le , End, My dear Marquis

I received in Season, the Letter mentioned in yours of the Second of this Month, but as there was nothing in it which required an immediate Answer, I have not acknowledged the Recipt of it, untill now. 2

If an Express should be upon his Passage with any Arrangement of Congress, respecting their foreign Affairs I presume the Departure of M r Jay and M r Laurens for America, will disarrange it: So that I conclude to remain here, enjoying the Pleasures of the Prince of Orange’s Court and the Conversation of the Dutch Patriots, who are excellent Sons of Liberty, without budging, untill I know the final settlement of Congress, upon the Arrival of those Ministers.

, Start deletion, Whether Congress will recall Mr Franklin and me, and pursue a frugal system of foreign Affairs, whether they will join several in a Commission to treat with the maritime Powers, or whether they will Send a Minister to any other Courts, I am wholly at a Loss to conjecture, from all the Intelligence I have. after a good deal of Impatience under these Uncertitudes, I have at length become quite reconciled, to them and resigned, to such a degree that I am quite indifferent whether I stay here, go to France or England, or home to America. The last is a Part which I regret not to have taken a Year Ago. , End, 3

I will answer the Letters of my Friends by M r Reed and Coll Herman, as soon as I know what the Plan of Congress is and what is to be my Destination at present all is Such Uncertainty that I know not what to write to Congress or to Individuals.