John Adams to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, January 21, 1786

Gros r. sq r. 21 st. Jan y. 86—

Dear Sir

I am very glad to learn by your Kind favour of the 9 th. 1 that Boylston has sold his oil to sangrains Correspondent because this will both shew the Bostonians that a Markett may be found in france, much better than in England, & the Parrissians that this oil is much better & Cheaper than any other

M r. Barretts Contract bids fair to compleat the business & to introduce a regular Exchange of American for french productions— The french Nation cannot be interested in their Whaling Company so much, as they are in their general productions of agriculture and manufactures.— It is very pleasing to hear, that our naval stores & pot-ash have an undisputed Reputation and you may depend upon it that our timber, and masts will very soon, vindicate themselves from all the English slanders— I wish I had a Copy of M r. Jefferson’s Letter upon tobacco— Brant is come for half pay, as it is given out— I believe his hopes of scalps at present is lost in the fear of loosing his own—

I will look up the writings you desire against the slavery of negroes, & send them by the first good oppertunity— The Laws passed in America are not to be found here— M r. Howard is now, as I am told by my friend D r. Price, at Marsailles—

there is not a possibility of forming an adequate Idea, of what is passing in the News papers, in this town without taking 7— or 8— of them daily— You find yourself encumbered in the Course of a few Day’s with an enormous pile of waste paper—which contains nothing of any value, tho’ it Cost you a large sum of Money— 2

The morning Cronicle is the best for parliamentary debates, but is good for little else. The light Troops of the Ministry skirmish in the morning post—those of opposition in the Morning herald—but there is little in either but the battles of the sons of dulness—

tell Anastasia she must prepare herself to let papa go— there will not be time to wait for George to grow up—according to the latest advices— 3

M r. Hancock is president of Congress & in his absence M r. Ramsay of S o. Carolina fills the Chair— M r. Temples Commission was before Congress, but not determined on, at the date of my Letter from M r. Jay of the 26 th. of Nov r. 4

The ensuing season of parliament will be stormy opposition will have materials enough & ministry will be pressed from various quarters—

The taxes the last year have been very productive, and M r. Pitt is purse proud, but in the opinion of the deepest men he is too sanguine, in presuming that the next Year, will be equally prosperous—

If france—the Emperor & America persevere, he will be terribly disappointed— The British Empire is now in the power of its Rivals, who will be weak indeed, if they again contribute to build it up to a dangerous height—

It was very pleasant the other day to see at the drawing room, how all Nations were of one blood, dwelling together in Love— there was Colonel Smith, and his Royal Majesty King Brant, who had been so lately in action against each other in the Wilderness— 5 Brants Phisiognomy was much admired by the Ladies— They saw a remarkable goodness in his Countenance & I suppose were amused with that harmless play thing—his hatchett, in another part of the Room were seen the American Ambassador & King Pascall Paoli, in a familiar Conversation with each other— 6 Who can immagine a more striking scene of gratification for Philanthropy

The Ladies are very sensible of your politeness and desire me to convey their best respects to you & Madam Lafayette & their affectionate remembrance of the little family—

I am D r. sir

J. A.