John Adams to Matthew Clarkson, August 18, 1784

Auteuil near Paris Aug. 18. 1784

Sir

I wish well enough to the University of New York, to give you every Letter of Recommendation to Gentlemen in Holland which I can give with Decency, if you should determine to go there: But I have already tryed Such an Experiment, in favour of D r Wheelock, the President of Dartmouth Colledge, with so little Success, that I cannot advise you to make an Attempt. It is unnecessary to enter into the Enquiry concerning the Causes, which have and will prevent the People of that Country as well as this from contributing any Thing considerable upon such Occasions. It is sufficient to say that the D r did not obtain more than enough to defrey his Expences, and I have reason to fear that you upon a Repetition of the Essay would obtain Still less. 1

with much Respect and Esteem I have / the Honour to be, Sir your most / obedient and most humble / Servant

John Adams